A C E S H G I H 11:02 pm | Sunday, May 19th, 2013 35 254 208

ALASKA is back in a familiar place on the winners podium but under some very different circumstances. The Aces got really going as the game progressed, resulting in a 104-80 victory over the Barangay Ginebra Kings Sunday to complete a sweep of their PBA Commissioners Cup championship series before an all-time record crowd of 23,436 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Rob Dozier validated his being adjudged the Best Import earlier with gamehighs of 27 points and 20 rebounds while Calvin Abueva, Jayvee Casio and Sonny Thoss also came up with big performances in the game they wanted most to win. In the end, the Aces took just the first three games in the best-of-five duel to nab their 14th franchise title in all and the first one without former coach Tim Cone. We were a bit lucky, said Luigi Trillo, assistant for 14 years before assuming the helm, initially in an interim capacity, only three conferences ago. They have injuries over there and this is a different Ginebra team we played. I think they were a bit tired, added Trillo. But we have built a good foundation for this team and our new additions were the pieces we needed. These are good guys, character guys. The 36-year-old also admitted he didnt imagine it would take this quick for him to win one. Sa totoo lang hindi, he said. If anybody had asked me kung tatalunin namin ang Ginebra in just three games, I would have said no. If we are better than Ginebra by 30 points coming into the series, I would have said no. The victory also made owner Uytengsu feel like he was when the team won its first championship in 1991, five years after joining the league. This makes me feel like Im 24 again, said Uytengsu, before giving Ginebra praise. Theyre worthy opponents, he stated.

The loss is not as bitter for Ginebra as some may think. Classic iyung dinaanan namin, said Kings coach Alfrancis Chua, whose team got off to a 0-4 start before hurdling second-seed Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals and powerhouse Talk N Text in the semifinals, both with twice-to-win handicaps. Masarap pa rin ang feeling, added Chua. Hindi ko inakalang makakapasok kami sa championship. I know its 3-0, pero sa dami ng injuries, siguro nga para sa kanila (Alaska). When the Uytengsu franchise won its last four titles under Cone, the last the 2010 Fiesta Conference. Diamon Simpson was the Best Import then and Dozier showed he is a worthy recipient of the first-ever Bobby Parks Trophy. Dozier also had gamehighs of seven assists and six blocked shots, leading a balanced charge that had Abueva notching 22 points and 10 rebounds, Casio 18 points, including eight points in the fourth, and Thoss 13 points and 14 rebounds. In all, Thoss averaged 13.7 points and 10 rebounds for the series. But more than those numbers it was his excellent defense on Vernon Macklin throughout the series that made him the unanimous choice as the Papa Johns-PBA Press Corps Finals MVP. Even Ginebras best effort in the series, coming off 70-87 and 90-104 losses in the first two games, was not enough. It was just the eighth sweep in a best-of-five since the format was first adopted in 1993 and all because of a determined crew not wanting another game. It showed in the way Alaska held Ginebra to just eight points in the fourth period while scattering 33 of its own. The Aces defense was at its stingiest in the final 6:15, when it held the Kings to just two free throws and broke them away for good from an 84-79 count. Ginebra was a sorry sight then, going 0-for-4 from the field and committing the last of its 13 turnovers, with the split charities by Kerby Raymundo and Jayjay Helterbrand the only ones that prevented them from a complete shutout. Seemingly running on fumes, Best Player of the Conference awardee LA Tenorio still managed 18 points with Chris Ellis, Mark Caguioa and Helterbrand leading Ginebras

one last fight. Hobbled by a badly bruised right thigh, Macklin was held to only 12 points although he did finish with 14 rebounds. The scores: ALASKA 104 Dozier 27, Abueva 22, Casio 18, Thoss 13, Baguio 7, Jazul 6, Hontiveros 5, Reys 3, Espinas 2, Belasco 1, Ramos 0, Eman 0, Bugia 0, Laure 0, Dela Cruz 0. GINEBRA 80 Tenorio 18, Ellis 14, Macklin 12, Caguioa 12, Helterbrand 11, Baracael 5, Raymundo 4, Urbiztondo 2, Mamaril 2, Taha 0, Labagala 0, Espiritu 0, Hatfield 0. Quarters: 23-20, 44-48, 71-72, 104-80 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A C E S S T O R M T O B R N I K O F C R O W N 11:19 pm | Friday, May 17th, 2013 36 240 193

Alaska Milk stayed perfect at the MOA Arena, kept a clean mark versus Barangay Ginebra in the tourney, and stormed the threshold of a first championship in three years. The Aces shook off the Kings strong start and raced ahead then pulled away in the second quarter en route to a 104-90 win pushing Alaska 2-0 up in the PBA Commissioners Cup best-of-five titular playoff before a crowd of nearly 18,000 at the Pasay playing venue Friday. Rob Dozier and Sonny Thoss again imposed their presence at the paint, and the Alaska backcourt and wingmen again outsmarted and outplayed their Ginebra counterparts as the Aces kept their mastery of the Kings to move within a win of the coveted crown. The Aces dominated the Kings practically on all fronts as they did in their 87-70 rout in Game One. And as the series returns to the Big Dome Sunday, coach Luigi Trillo and his troops have a chance to score the first 3-0 finals victory in the league in 26 years.

The battered, worn-out Kings need to win three in a row to salvage the series. Alas, Ginebra has yet to beat Alaska even once in the tourney. We have a firm game plan working. Until they figure it out, well keep doing the same, said Trillo. Only two teams in league history has come back from 0-2 down to win a best-of-five titular series. Crispa and Purefoods did the feat in 1976 and 1990 both under legendary coach Baby Dalupan. Ginawa na namin lahat, pero wala pa rin, said LA Tenorio. Trillo felt the Kings would already be tired and frustrated going to Game Three. Nonetheless, the youthful Alaska mentor said would not take anything to chance. Sunday will be a big test for them but well give them the same respect, said Trillo. Dozier outperformed Vernon Macklin yet again with the Alaska import hauling down 20 rebounds and scoring 15 points as against his counterparts 13 boards and eight markers. Thoss was a big help as the Aces first line of defense against Macklin, and so did Calvin Abueva, Cyrus Baguio, Dondon Hontiveros and Jayvee Casio with their offensive contributions, firing away at least 13 points each. Tenorio and Jayjay Helterbrand combined for 23 points, leading some spurts by the Kings in the first and in the final quarters. The Aces, however, proved to have more than enough to scuttle the Kings challenges. We have to weather their first-quarter storm. We knew theyre gonna come out with a lot of energy. Theres a lot of pride on that side. But its hard to do it 48 minutes playing only eight to nine guys, said Trillo. The Aces stormed away in the second quarter, led by as many as 24 in the third period and easily fended off the Kings chase at endgame. Alaska started to clamp down on Ginebra in the second quarter, holding the Kings to 6of-21 field shooting to open a 54-37 margin at the half. With big stops translating to key baskets, the Aces cut loose from a 31-29 count, pulling away at 49-33.

The Kings showed some promise early on with Tenorio, Mac Baracael and Josh Urbiztondo getting the team to an 11-4 start. (SB) The scores: ALASKA 104 Thoss 16, Dozier 15, Abueva 15, Baguio 15, Hontiveros 15, Casio 13, Espinas 8, Jazul 4, Belasco 3, Dela Cruz 0. GINEBRA 90 Helterbrand 17, Tenorio 16, Baracael 11, Raymundo 10, Macklin 8, Ellis 8, Labgala 5, Urbiztondo 5, Mamaril 4, Hatfield 4, Caguioa 2, Maierhofer 0. Quarters: 25-23, 54-37, 74-56, 104-90 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------H O T S T A R T C A R R E I S A L A S K A T O G A M E 1 W N I 10:19 pm | Wednesday, May 15th, 2013 35 363 282

ALASKA needed any opening it could get and was inadvertently given one by Barangay Ginebra itself. The Aces were quick in pouncing on the opportunity for an 87-70 victory Wednesday and the headstart in their PBA Commissioners Cup championship duel before a boisterous crowd of 19,678 paying fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Ginebra had a listless start and Alaska used it to control the majority of the contest, post as much as a 54-24 lead and take the opener of the best-of-five series sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier. This is huge, said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo of the confidence-boost gained from the win that is his teams third straight over Ginebra in the mid-season tourney. When you look at it, the games are set every other day, he added. We took care of business today. This is a short series. They have to figure (things) out for Friday and turn around and do it again Sunday. Theres little tinkering to be done on Alaskas game, which is anchored on making stops. Ginebra felt it right away in the first quarter, when it scored just six points that still made it to the record books and from which Alaska built on.

The six points in the first quarter is the lowest in any opening period and equals the third lowest all-time score in any canto in PBA finals history. We need to play to our identity. They run-and-gun, get a lot of energy from the crowd when they do certain things, said Trillo. (But) we gave them six points in the first quarter. I think thats our identity, defense. RJ Jazul scored 16 points to lead Alaska and spearhead the 37-28 difference in bench scoring while Rob Dozier had 14 points on top of 22 rebounds. Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, Jayvee Casio and Cyrus Baguio each scored at least 10 points for the Aces, who try to make it a more daunting 2-0 lead through Game 2 set Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ginebra needs to do a better job on the offensive end. The Kings went 26-for-84 from the field to the Aces 32-for-70 clip. In fact, the perennial crowd favorites did not shoot better than 38 percent from the floor, although they did manage to trim the deficit to just 68-79. By then, however, there were only 2:51 left and Alaska had little trouble fending off the threat. Vernon Macklins 16 points and 14 rebounds paced Ginebra, which drew only 14 points from LA Tenorio after the playmaker, steady in the thrilling 3-2 semifinals duel with Talk N Text, missed his first eight attempts. Tenorio did come alive in the fourth period with nine of his points as he joined hands with Macklin in whittling what stood as a 48-70 hole. I thought we did a fairly good job on Vernon. We were able to control him, said Trillo. You cant stop him but you can control him. I also thought LA struggled a little bit. We knew hed come out aggressive, try and take over the game. The uprising, plainly put, was too little too late and Alaska had the comfortable cushion when Thoss charities capped the Aces 8-0 surge and pegged a 54-24 count, barely two minutes into the second half. The difference got down to 48-64, but Abueva strung up four straight points to make it a 67-48 count going to the fourth.

Ginebra started the game poorly before finding its touch in the second period. But Alaska has gained enough of a momentum by then to erect as much as a 38-13 lead before settling for a 46-24 cushion at the turn. Jazul had 10 points at the half to lead all scorers while Dozier only had seven but was already sitting on 11 boards. So seemingly desperate has the situation become for Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua that he was forced to field Mark Caguioa for five minutes starting at the 10:34 mark of the second before going deeper in his bench. That move paid some as the deficit was whittled to 24-42, off Rico Maierhofers two charities, but that was the closest the Kings would come. The Kings dug themselves the deep hole by missing their first 12 shots from the field and going just 2-for-24 in the opening period to trail 28-6. Alaska helped Ginebra along with a balanced offensive that saw its relievers scoring as many as their starters. (NC) The scores: ALASKA 87 Jazul 16, Dozier 14, Thoss 12, Abueva 10, Casio 10, Baguio 10, Espinas 9, Dela Cruz 4, Hontiveros 2, Belasco 0. GINEBRA 70 Macklin 16, Tenorio 14, Raymundo 9, Helterbrand 7, Espiritu 6, Labagala 4, Urbiztondo 4, Maierhofer 4, Mamaril 2, Caguioa 2, Ellis 1, Baracael 1, Wilson 0, Hatfield 0. Quarters: 28-6, 46-24, 67-48, 87-70 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------ial collateral ligament injury, celebrated his return by sinking two charities off Ali Peeks foul and was holding up the ball when the final buzzer sounded. Tony Mitchell had 42 points, but his 16 fourth quarter points hardly mattered as Ginebra even stretched the difference to 103-89, only 1:33 left. Jayson Castro scored 15 points, the bulk coming in TNTs fightback from a 41-61 halftime deficit, while Ali Peek and Ryan Reyes each had at least 10 points. But their manpower problems mostly did the Tropang Texters in. Sorely missed by TNT was the services of Ranidel de Ocampo, who suited up but did not play due to a right calf muscle injury he sustained in Game 4.

Sidelined two games by his own calf muscle injury, Jimmy Alapag saw action but only in the first quarter. The Texters were already without Kelly Williams, due to a recurring blood disorder, and Jared Dillinger, who suffered a fractured hip due to a car accident following the series opener. Still, TNT refused to let its manpower problems and a 20-point halftime deficit put its hopes down, threatening first at 66-72 and then again at 81-87, the last with still 7:07 to go. Ginebra would prove to be too tough, however. Macklin wound up with 22 points and 20 rebounds, Baracael had his highest output in a Ginebra uniform with 21 while Helterbrand and Raymundo each notched 15 and 13 points, respectively. There were still some dicey moments for Ginebra. The Kings seemed well on their way after outscoring TNT 34-23 in the second period to take a 61-41 at the turn. The Texters would not be so easily daunted, however. With Castro and Mitchell leading the way they would chip away the deficit to within 66-72, but Macklin, Helterbrand and Baracael each came up with the points that extended the lead back to 78-69. (NC) The scores: BARANGAY GINEBRA 111 Tenorio 28, Macklin 22, Baracael 21, Helterbrand 15, Raymundo 13, Hatfield 6, Urbiztondo 3, Caguioa 2, Ellis 1, Mamaril 0. TALK N TEXT 103 Mitchell 42, Castro 15, Peek 11, Reyes 10, Ferriols 9, Aban 8, Fonacier 3, Al-Hussaini 2, Carey 2, Raymundo 1, Gamalinda 0, Alvarez 0, Alapag 0. Quarterscores: 27-18, 61-41, 78-69, 111-103 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A L A S K A E N T E R S F R I S T P B A F N I A L S N I P O S T T M I C O N E E R A 9:16 pm | Saturday, May 11th, 2013 211 539 261

This ones so sweet for Alaska Milk a first breakthrough in its post-Tim Cone era against their former coach himself. Eric Dozier and Calvin Abueva struggled almost throughout but delivered in the crunch as the Aces outfought the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 83-78, to nail the first berth in the 2013 PBA Commissioners Cup Finals before another mammoth crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday night Without a single field goal through the games first 46 minutes, Dozier came through with two giant ones in the last two minutes. Held to two points in the first three quarters, Abueva, on the other hand, erupted for 12 in the payoff period, including two treys in a mighty run Alaska unleashed to get back into the game. Collectively, the Aces made a giant effort to overcome a long scoreless spell in the second quarter and go on to gain a first finals appearance since their 2010 Fiesta Conference title conquest. In their fifth conference after their breakup with Cone, the Aces do the Last Dance versus the winner of the Ginebra-Talk n Text duel Sunday. The best-of-five title playoff starts Wednesday also at the Big Dome. A new champion will be crowned with the Aces dethroning the Mixers. Its a grueling series. Its a grind. And we really had to focus on this one, said coach Luigi Trillo, prevailing in a his student-teacher showdown with Cone. This is huge but were not yet done. We look forward to playing in the finals, said Trillo, making the finals in only his third conference as PBA head coach. Trillo and Cone gave each other a warm embrace after the well-fought game and wellfought series. Not taking anything away from our team, James (Yap) got injured and hes a big loss to them, said Trillo as they finished off San Mig in four games in their best -of-five series. Before the series, Alaska had lost all previous eight matchups with its former coach.

Struggling with a sore back from the late stage of the elimination round, Yap sat down Game Four. Still, the Mixers made a good run, leading by a comfortable 14-point margin at the half, 48-34, after keeping the Aces scoreless in the last 8:25 of the second quarter. But the Aces would show their toughness and resiliency. Abueva was a real beast, starring in a decisive 16-6 tear in the fourth quarter that shoved the Aces ahead at 76-73. At winning time, Dozier would take over, making a three-pointer, a layup and a steal, and the Aces went on to end their pursuit of a return trip to the finals. Dozier canned his first field goal on a heave from beyond the arc with the shot clock winding down, giving Alaska a four-point lead at 80-76 with time down to 2:02. The hard-working Alaska reinforcement himself sealed their win as he finished on a layup a three-on-one transition play, making it 82-78 with a minute left to play. San Mig Coffee sat on a 48-34 cushion at the half after holding Alaska to 0-of-14 field shooting and forced the Aces to six turnovers in the last 8:25 of the second quarter. The Mixers went on a 19-0 roll on that Alaska slump, tying the franchises second alltime longest unanswered run. The teams best run ever was 20 -0 registered in its 102100 win over Rain or Shine in Nov. 25, 2011. Alaska broke its silence as Cyrus Baguio scored the first basket in the second half. (SB) The scores: ALASKA 83 Baguio 16, Casio 15, Abueva 14, Thoss 9, Dela Cruz 9, Espinas 7, Dozier 6, Hontiveros 5, Jazul 2, Belasco 0. SAN MIG COFFEE 78 Bowles 23, Devance 18, Barroca 14, Simon 10, Pingris 5, Mallari 3, Reavis 3, Najorda 2, Gonzales 0, De Ocampo 0. Quarterscores: 25-24, 34-48, 60-64, 83-78 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------K N I G S F O R C E D E C D I E R

10:53 pm | Friday, May 10th, 2013 44 303 226

THERE would be no Barangay Ginebra collapse this time and Vernon Macklin made sure of that. Rising above what coach Alfrancis Chua said were cheap shots from some Talk N Text players, Macklin scored a career-high 37 points in the fourth quarter and lifted the Kings to a pulsating 104-101 victory Friday that forced a decider in their PBA Commissioners Cup semifinals duel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. LA Tenorio and Kerby Raymundo provided some endgame points of their own but it was his teams defense and Macklin atoning for losing his cool early on that Chua largely credited for the win that tied the best-of-five series at two games apiece. Game 5 is set 6:15 p.m., also at the Big Dome. Vernon was really the biggest factor for us in this game, said Chua of Macklin, who also finished with 12 rebounds and four assists despite sitting out three minutes of the third period due to a flagrant foul 1 slapped on him. The call was made after Macklin pushed Ranidel de Ocampo to the floor at the 6:44 mark of the quarter, but Chua said that was precipitated by the Tropang Texter trying to get their imports goat. He was hit in the groin and then binigyan ng head butt, related Chua. I told Vernon, Your composure and he said: He cant hit my nut. Tapos inulo pa. Chua added Ryan Reyes gave Macklin a couple of punches that went unseen by the referees. Those are cheap shots, the coach fumed. Were gonna play hard, but were not gonna hurt like that, putting the career of another player in jeopardy. Tony Mitchell was also the recipient of some physical plays but still came up with 45 points in a big followup to his 29-point debut in a 98-80 victory in Game 3. But he missed six of his last seven shots, including all four in the stretch, and also wound up with eight turnovers. It was Macklin himself who broke the tie and, following misses by Jayson Castro and Mitchell, Tenorio practically iced the game with two charities, only 14.3 seconds left.

Reyes made it a two-point game, but Raymundo capped his 12-point output with a charity that put the game to bed, only 2.1 ticks left, to the delight of the predominantly pro-Ginebra crowd of 14,411 paying fans. Unlike in Game 3, when three local players scored at least 15 points for TNT and helped turn the game around starting in the third period, only De Ocampo scored in double digits this time with 12. The reverse was true of Ginebra as Jayjay Helterbrand, Tenorio and Chris Ellis scored at least 12 points. The Kings also managed to whittle their rebounding deficit to just 42-44 from the 19board difference in Game 3 and they also had 23 assists to just 10 the last time. The fact his team shot 33-for-72 from the field, including 7-for-20 from beyond the arc, also pleased Chua. Last game we made some adjustments but we cant make the outside shots. Dun kami nahirapan. This time, we made our outside shots and we moved the ball better, said Chua. For a long while, the specter of the Game 3 loss hovered over Ginebra as it saw TNT steadily chip away at a deficit of as much as 63-74 prior to Macklins forced sidelining. Mitchell was at the forefront of that Texters charge as he scattered 11 of his own 15 fourth quarter points during a 13-9 exchange that gave them a 94-90 lead, still 5:15 to go. Ginebra would not wilt this time, however. Twice Macklin strung up four points, the last two off a fastbreak dunk, to tie the count at 99 and, after Mitchells free throws, defied two defenders with his sohrt stab off a spin. (NC) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------N E W T N T M I P O R T P O W E R S T E X T E R S T O T H R E S H O L D O F F N I A L E 10:44 pm | Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 216 1227 506

The gamble paid off for Talk n Text at least in this particular game. Tony Mitchell, the player who could be the yardstick for imports in the third conference, churned out a sterling effort carrying Talk n Text to the threshold of the PBA Commissioners Cup finale. Mitchell lived up to his NBA D-League reputation as a scorer, exploding for 29 points as the Texters took the decisive 2-1 lead over the Barangay Ginebra Kings in their best-offive semifinals showdown with an emphatic 98-80 victory before a record crowd of over 23,000 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night. The surprise sub to seven-foot import Jerome Jordan, the 6-foot-5 Mitchell showcased great quickness and flair, making an impact as the Texters scored a follow-up on their 85-79 win in Game Two. The Texters take their first shot at clinching a finals berth in Game Four set Friday in the same venue. Were in a very interesting situation. We really didnt know what to expect going to this game as we brought in Tony Mitchell. Fortunately, he played well, said TnT coach Norman Black. But the series is far from over. Theyd (the Kings had) not seen Tony before and had no idea how to prepare against him. But theyve seen him once and they will surely be ready in the next game, Black added. On the other side, I take my hats off to our local players. They face much adversity. Most of our key guys play for the national team, and weve lost not just regular guys to injuries. But they continue to fight and win games, Black also said. Black and his players worked well as a team in this game, breaking away with a key run in the third quarter and never relenting to the finish. Larry Fonacier played his best game in a while, rifling in three triples and finishing with 20 points. Then there were Jayson Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo doing their jobs. Black rotated his men well and methodically defended against Vernon Macklin whom they held to 17 points. Despite a small frontline, the Texters lorded it over the boards, 65-46. Black said Mitchell was a big key.

Hes no idea how the game is played in the PBA. But he came out and he reminds me of Tony Harris. He played well and he can be a lot better as the series goes on, said Black of their new import, the second leading scorer and slam dunk champ in the last NBA D-League season. Mitchell showed his stuffs right in the opening quarter, firing nine points and grabbing three rebounds. By the half, Mitchell had 14 markers and seven boards, but the Kings dished out a more balanced game, carrying a 48-43 lead into the third quarter. But the Texters returned from the halftime huddle smoking and blazed to victory. (SB) The scores: TALK N TEXT 98 Mitchell 29, Fonacier 20, Castro 15, De Ocampo 15, Peek 6, Raymundo 5, Reyes 4, Ferriols 3, Aban 1, Gamalinda 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Alvarez 0, Carey 0. BARANGAY GINEBRA 80 Macklin 17, Raymundo 17, Tenorio 10, Ellis 9, Helterbrand 9, Baracael 6, Labagala 4, Wilson 4, Urbiztondo 2, Maierhofer 2, Taha 0, Espiritu 0, Mamaril 0. Quarterscores: 23-21, 43-48, 71-59, 98-80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------TOSSUP FOR 2014 FIBA WORLD CUP TICKETS 5:59 pm | Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 Proliferation of naturalized players and foreign coaches has raised the level of Asian basketball and put parity at least among the major contenders in the region. Asian basketball officials said thats the very case in the 27th FIBA Asia Championship that unfolds at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay and Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila Thursday. During the press launch at the MOA Arena Tuesday, the consensus was that China, Iran, the Philippines, Jordan, Qatar, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei and Japan are the teams with solid chances for the three 2014 FIBA World Cup berths to be disputed in the 2013 Asian meet.

The host team is mentioned as a strong title contender being a good team to get extra boost from the home crowd. In 2011 in Wuhan, China, Team Philippines narrowly missed the Top Three, beaten by Jordan in the semifinals then by South Korea in the fight for third. Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, a returning Phl team bench chieftain, is confident they can make the Final Four. And he said anything can happen from there. Reyes, however, sees no one easy challenge to faced in the 10-day competition featuring eight teams with a naturalized player and eight teams under a foreign coach. Representatives from China, Iran, Jordan and Kazakhstan feel the same. Theres a bunch of strong teams in this competition. The key is to get off strong in the elimination round and prepare yourself for the knockout phase, said Iran coach Memed Becirovic, a Slovenian. Seven to eight teams are really strong. All the games will be tough, and the quarterfinals is the most important, said Jordan team manager Zuhair Fuad Nassar. Its clear. I will wish you what you wish our team, said Kazakhstan coach Mattero Boniciolli, an Italian. Boniciolli, whose team had faced Gilas Pilipinas in a friendly at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday, specifically mentioned the host squad as the team to watch. Its a quality team with good preparation. And the countrys passion for the game is a great plus. Basketball here is unbelievable. They would have 15,000 people pushing them, and that would be a great energy, he said. Reyes, however, insisted the challenge would be tough for everyone. It would really be difficult. Sa Tagalog, walang itulak kabigin. There wont be one game easy because this tourney features not just quality teams but also quality coaching, he pointed out. As for our team, everybody knows what weve gone through. Weve made the most of the time given us. This team would come out fighting tooth and nail, he also said.

While lacking height and heft, Reyes said they would bank on skills, desire and crowd support as they seek to bring the country back in the world championship for the first time since 1978. As for the tremendous pressure they would face playing on home soil, Reyes said: We acknowledge the pressure and so we embrace it. Reyes and his troops have gotten words of wisdom from Philippine basketball living legend Robert Jaworski about it. He said lets us embrace the privilege, go out have fun and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thats gonna be our mindset, said Reyes. We know its very tough, but well find a way to enjoy the experience, he added. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------APPROVED RULE CHANGES IN EFFECT FOR GOVERNORS CUP 3:38 pm | Monday, July 29th, 2013 64 2281 2169 There should be less confusion on flagrant fouls while floppers pockets may become lighter when PBA action resumes in the Governors Cup two weeks from now. In its regular meeting last week, the PBA Board of Governors approved the following rule changes proposed by the Competition Committee: The original definition of flagrant fouls will now serve as the guideline in the calling of the infraction. Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 unnecessary contact Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 unnecessary and excessive contact The league has decided to discard the 5-year-old memo categorizing specific acts as FFP1 and FFP2. Basket made simultaneously with the expiration of the 24-second shot clock shall be reviewed during the last 2 minutes of regulation and overtime period(s). Flopping will be subject to review by the Office of the Commissioner.

Upon review, a player who was found to be flopping will be summoned by the Commissioner. After the conference, if said player is found to have indeed committed a flopping violation, he will be fined P5,000.00 for the first infraction. Each succeeding flopping offense will merit a P10,000.00 fine. Double lane violation on the last of multiple free throws or bonus shot if basket is successful, the free throw shall be counted. Two (2) warnings shall be given for interfering with the ball after a basket before a technical foul shot is given. Flagrant foul on a 3-point shooter number of free throws to be awarded is 3 plus possession. Departing from usual practice, the rule changes will be in effect in the coming Governors Cup instead of the usual start of the season. The longer conference break because of the FIBA Asia championship will give both the teams and the game officials enough time to be familiar with the changes. (JL) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------G I L A ST E S T S M E T T L EO F K A Z A K H S T A N 7:57 pm | Thursday, July 25th, 2013 1 278 16

Exactly a week before the start of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship, Gilas Pilipinas plays a final warm-up game, tangling with Central Asian power Kazakhstan at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight (Friday night). Coach Chot Reyes welcomes this opportunity to test the mettle of the Kazakh team, an old rival which is likely to stand on Gilas Pilipinas path in the knockout stage of the Asian world qualifier slated Aug. 1-11. The 7 p.m. My Phone-sponsored tune-up also provides Gilas Pilipinas the opportunity to build momentum going to the FIBA Asia tournament proper. Gilas Pilipinas takes on Saudi Arabia to start its campaign in the Asian joust at the MOA Arena Thursday.

Our performance Wednesday (against the PBA Stars) was a step back. I hope things would be different Friday, said Reyes. Gilas Pilipinas played flat in its first outing after its 10-day New Zealand training, needing a decisive fourth-quarter charge to repulse the PBA Stars, 99-87, Wednesday at the MOA Arena. Hindi namin maintindihan kung ano ang nangyari. Iyun yata ang pinakamasama namin laro. Hindi kami naguusap at hindi kami nagkakaamuyan sa loob ng court, said LA Tenorio. The Nationals look to regroup and regenerate positive vibes in their faceoff with the Kazakhs led by star center Anton Ponomarev. We know little of Kazakhstan but we know that they have a player by the name Anton Ponomarev who is NBA material and they also have a naturalized player in Jerry Johnson, said Reyes. Kazakhstan, one time bronze medalist in the Asian Games, is returning to Asian play after a three-year hiatus. Ponomarev averaged a tournament third-best 9.6 rebounds as Kazakhstan finished ninth in the 25thFIBA Asia Championship in Tianjin in 2009. Two years earlier in Tokushima, Ponomarev powered the Kazakhs to a fourth-place finish while putting in 17.6 points and 7.1 rebounds a game. Starting his career with the Astana Tigers in the Kazakh league, the 6-foot-11 behemoth later brought his act to the Serbian league, playing for KK FMP Zeleznik. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A G U S T I N T A K E SO V E R G I N E B R A C O A C H I N GR E I N S 3:51 pm | Friday, July 26th, 2013 15 94 49

Ato Agustin, among a few coaches with championships won in the collegiate, semi-pro and in the PBA, has been tapped as the interim bench chieftain at Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Agustin, the 1992 PBA MVP awardee, has assumed the position left vacant by Alfrancis Chuas surprise resignation in the teams first practice session last week. Chua, however, has been prevailed upon to just take a leave. Hes reportedly set to become the new team manager of the Ginebra team. Agustin was chosen by the SMC bosses to be Ginebras interim coach over Art de la Cruz, George Gallent, Freddie Abuda and Boycie Zamar. These coaches found themselves together at Ginebra after the coaching revamp the SMC management effected on its three ball clubs Ginebra, Petron Blaze and San Mig Coffee recently. This was followed by a multi-trade deal sending Japeth Aguilar over to Ginebra from GlobalPort. Chua reportedly stepped down because of disappointment on these management moves made without his knowledge. Nonetheless, the Kings are left in the hands of an able basketball mind. Agustin, then taking over from Siot Tanquingcen, engineered Petron Blazes epic seven-game conquest of Talk n Text in the 2011 Governors Cup Finals. Before graduating to the pros, Agustin steered the San Sebastian Stags to title runs in the NCAA and in the PBL. (SB) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------G I L A SP I L I P I N A SS P A N K SK A Z A K H S T A N 10:24 pm | Friday, July 26th, 2013 5 305 56

Gilas Pilipinas made a big turnaround from its showing against the PBA Stars Wednesday and concluded its warm-up matches for the 27th FIBA Asia Championship with a 92-89 decision over Kazakhstan at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night. Jeff Chan and Jason Castro erupted for 20 points each with Larry Fonacier and Jimmy Alapag chipping in 14 and 12, respectively, as the Nationals eked out the moraleboosting triumph six days before the start of the Asian world qualifier.

We still have something to work on especially on defense. Today, its not as good as we wanted. Aayusin namin yan in the few remaining days before the start of FIBA Asia, said Gilas coach Chot Reyes. The Nationals showed big improvement from their Wednesday game offensively, shooting 49 percent from the field to repulse the Kazakh team which is a potential FIBA Asia quarterfinal round match-up for the host team. Before a good Friday crowd at the Big Dome including Filipino basketball great Caloy Loyzaga and son Chito, Gilas ran its patterns well even with coach Reyes obviously still experimenting different combinations. May mga sinusubukan tayo at the same time, meron tayong itinago, said Reyes. At the finish, Reyes went to Douthit, Castro, Chan, Gabe Norwood and Marc Pingris who teamed up to give Gilas a steady windup. We go back to practice tomorrow and off Sunday. From hereon, its mostly mental and sharpening, said Reyes. The Nationals open their FIBA Asia campaign versus Saudi Arabia on Aug. 1, then Jordan on the next day and Chinese Taipei at the close of the first round of the preliminaries on Aug. 3. Gilas Pilipinas and Kazakhstan may cross paths in the knockout stage. In my books, Kazakhstan is one of the stronger teams. We always have a tough time with them thats why we chose not to group with them in the preliminary round, said Reyes. Im always worried about them, especially (shooting center Anton) Ponomarev, Reyes added. The Nationals shackled down Ponomarev in the second half and leaned on clutch baskets by Alapag, Chan and Douthit at endgame as Gilas pulled through and wound up with a 12-5 win-loss record in tune-up matches played in a two-month buildup for the Asian war. A downside in last nights friendly was the ankle sprains suffered by Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo.

Yun ang hirap kapag pumukpok ka sa larong ganito, prone ka sa injury. Were hoping its nothing serious, said Reyes. Alapag subbed for Castro in taking crucial free throws as the latter grimaced in pain after a bad fall on a mid-air collision with barrel-chested forward Mikhail Yevstigneyev. Alapag made both charities as Gilas surged ahead to stay at 88-87 with 1:36 left to play. The Nationals made it a four-point spread after forcing Kazakh naturalized point guard Jerry Johnson to a turnover then Douthit set up Chan for a three-pointer. Ponomarev knocked in four of five three-pointers and went 5-of-6 in all in an impressive shooting as the Kazakhs took the half at 53-51. The Kazakh star center, however, was limited to two points in the final half. Trailing most of the first two quarters, the Kazakhs surged ahead, 51-46, on an 11-tonothing attack highlighted by two treys from Ponomarev. Chan banged in a triple with the clock winding down as the Filipinos trimmed the gap to two at the turn. Gilas Pilipinas came out strong and led by as many as nine at 26-17 behind the starting unit of Chan, Larry Fonacier, LA Tenorio, Pingris and Douthit. Then Castro took over, striking on the drive and on perimeter shooting as the Nationals stayed in control, 42-35, through the first five minutes of the second quarter. The Kazakhs, however, came through with a key run coming off a timeout and seized control going into the final half. The scores: GILAS PILIPINAS 92 Castro 20, Chan 20, Fonacier 14, Alapag 12, Douthit 9, Tenorio 5, Fajardo 5, Aguilar 5, David 2, Norwood 0, Pingris 0, De Ocampo 0, Belga 0. KAZAKHSTAN 89 Johnson 17, Ponomarev 16, Kilmov 13, Murzagaliyev 12, Yevstigneyev V. 9, Dvirnyy 7, Zhigulin 7, Bondarovich 6, Yargaliyev 2, Sultanov 0, Yevstigneyev M. 0, Bazhin 0. Quarters: 26-22, 51-53, 76-70, 92-89 -------------------------------

R O O K I E D R A F TA P P L I C A T I O N D E A D L I N E S : F I L F O R E I G N P L A Y E R SS E P T . 1 2 , L O C A L SO C T . 1 8 2:45 pm | Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 20 472 405

Applicants for the coming PBA Rookie Draft both local and Fil-foreign hopefuls are being given enough time to complete their respective papers and become eligible for the Nov. 3 event. Fil-foreign players looking to join the Draft proceedings are given until Sept. 12 to submit their application and requirements. The league will have five days to review the documents, after which it will issue the preliminary list of prospective draftees for submission to member teams. A month-long contestability period will then commence and will end Oct. 17. Local born applicants, meanwhile, have until Oct. 18 to submit their papers. On that day, the league will likewise issue the final list of eligible Fil-foreign hopefuls. Six days prior to the Draft (Oct. 28), all rookie applicants undergo the traditional biometrics where their physical features and strengths will be measured individually. On Oct. 30, the final list of candidates for the 2013 Rookie Draft will be issued by the Commissioners Office. With the season-ending Governors Cup still to reel off on August 14, none among the biggest names in the collegiate and amateur ranks have yet to declare themselves available for the Draft, although there are already those being anticipated to turn pro by next year such as Greg Slaughter, Ian Sangalang, Nico Salva, Justine Chua, RR Garcia, Jeron Teng and Jett Vidal. Big man JuneMar Fajardo of Petron emerged as the top rookie pick in last years Draft followed by Calvin Abueva (Alaska), Alex Mallari (Petron now with San Mig Coffee), Cliff Hodge (Meralco), and Aldrich Ramos (Barako Bull now with Alaska). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------F I N E T U N I N G G A M EG N A W SA T G I L A S 10:01 pm | Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

5 80 18

GOOD thing Wednesdays game was merely an exhibition and not an actual FIBA Asia game. If not, according to Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, his team would have been in a lot of trouble notwithstanding a 99-87 win over a PBA Selection in the MyPhone-sponsored match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Seemingly sleepwalking for majority of the game, the Nationals woke up only in the fourth quarter to flash the fiery form expected of them and into the cruising win that still failed to please Reyes. With one week to go before FIBA Asia theres absolutely no excuse for the way we played in the first half. It was a terrible, terrible game, said Reyes, whose charges are in the last stages of their preparations for the continental championship set Aug. 1 to 11. If we were up against Chinese Taipei or Jordan, we would have been down 20 at the half, added Reyes. Reyes specifically pointed an accusing finger at starting point guard Jayson Castro and first reliever LA Tenorio, who got Gilas off to a bad start. If you noticed I benched Castro in the second half, he pointed out. Jayson already had five turnovers in the first half. I mean, the way he was playing he shouldnt have been in this team. Our point guards, Jayson and LA, were terrible tonight. if not for Jimmy (Alapag) we would have been in big trouble. Alapag did put some semblance of order for Gilas and it started to hum more smoothly at about the same time Gabe Norwood, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gary David and June Mar Fajardo finally got their flow. As a result, the Nationals easily broke off from a 67-66 count through a decisive 27-4 exchange that gave them their biggest lead at 94-70, going into the games last four minutes. De Ocampo wound up with 16 points, while the likes of David, Norwood, Jeff Chan and Marcus Douthit had at least 11 points each for Gilas, which committed a total 21 turnovers.

Reyes can only hope his charges play much better in a similar tuneup game against Kazakhstan Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. I hope its different Friday, said Reyes. Its only two ways. Either this will get them down or this will get them fired up for Friday. Im banking on the latter. Arwind Santos led all scorers with 21 points, but he was the lone bright spot for the Selection, which hardly had a practice and had Cyrus Baguio, Jayvee Casio and Calvin Abueva of Alaska arriving only from abroad Tuesday morning. Joe Devance also did not play due to a groin injury he suffered in a San Mig Coffee practice and he was replaced by teammate Rafi Reavis. In contrast, Gilas has been together as a team since May and is coming off a 10-day stint in New Zealand and those facts only tend to heat Reyes up even more. I thought we were making good progress in practice, said Reyes. After New Zealand I thought we were in the 80 to 85 (percent) level but we took a huge step backward with tonights performance. You can probably chalk it up to them being too tired or too excited since this is their first game on home soil since June. Maybe theyre too excited, too careful playing against their former teammates. Lets see Friday if it gets any better. There are indeed lots of room for improvement as the Selection more than battled Gilas on more than even terms through the first three quarters, even taking a 56-50 lead and keeping within 61-65 going to the last period. Chris Tiu added 14 points for the Selection with Nino Canaleta and Paul Lee chipping in 13 points apiece. The scores: Gilas Pilipinas 99 De Ocampo 16, David 14, Chan 13, Norwood 13, Douthit 11, Fajardo 8, Aguilar 6, Fonacier 5, Alapag 4, Castro 4, Tenorio 3, Pingris 2, Belga 0. PBA All Stars 87 Santos 21, Tiu 14, Canaleta 13, Lee 13, Ellis 9, Reavis 6, Abueva 5, Casio 3, Baguio 2, Cabagnot 1, Simon 0, Barroca 0, Washington 0. Quarters: 16-13, 38-41, 65-61, 99-87. -------------------------------------------------------------

I N T E R E S T I N GS I D E L I N EB A T T L E S A SW E L L I N F I B A A S I A M E E T 3:55 pm | Thursday, July 25th, 2013 5 53 8 CHOT Reyes, head coach of Gilas Pilipinas, will be in distinguished company during the 27th FIBA Asia Championship from Aug. 1-11 at the Mall of Asia Arena, the main battleground, and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the secondary venue. A multi-titled PBA mentor and a veteran national coach, Reyes will be swapping bench strategies with 14 of the most sought after international tacticians in the FIBA community, with two coming from Serbia, two from Greece, two from the States, one each from Italy and Slovenia, and the rest homegrown, including another Filipino coach. An amalgam of coaching philosophies will be in full display for the whole world to see once the ceremonial ball goes up in the qualifying tournament to the 2014 FIBA World Cup, from the shake-and-bake American brand and the bruising, multiple screen European style of play to the unique torch-you-from-afar Asian method perfected by the South Koreans. When Gilas Pilipinas opens its Group A preliminary round campaign against Saudi Arabia, calling the shots from the opposing bench is Serbian Nenad Krdzic, a 55-yearold veteran of the Gulf Championship and WABA skirmishes and a compatriot of former PHL coach Rajko Toroman. Next up for the national team is Jordan and its Greek guru Vangelis Aleksandris, a 63year-old former professional player and an experienced coach in a big number of club teams in Greece. Gilas wraps up the first round against Chinese-Taipei and coach Hsu Chin-Tse, a rising 37-year-old tactician who led the Pure Youth team to the playoffs of the Super Basketball League, a prestigious tournament in Taiwan. Should Gilas Pilipinas make it safely to the six-nation second round, the Nationals will be joined by Group B qualifiers Japan, Qatar and Hong Kong, all three of which made it to the next phase of the preliminaries following the four-year FIBA suspension slapped on Lebanon just weeks before the tournament. Japan will be handled by 52-year-old Kimikazu Suzuki, who returns to steer the team he handled during the 2006 Doha Asian Games and the 24th FIBA Asia Championship in Tokushima in 2007 where Japan finished 8th and the Philippines at 9th place.

American Tom Wisman, 63, who previously coached the national teams of England, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Japan, will be pulling the strings for Qatar, whlle Hong Kong has 53-year-old Kwong Wai Cheung. Some teams the Philippines may not run into in the race to the match-up quarterfinals, like India (USAs Scott Fleming), Malaysia (Filipino Paul Advincula), Bahrain (Serbian Sasa Nikitovic), and Thailand (Thai Manu Niyomy Indee), but the rest will have Reyes hands full. A quarterfinal appearance could set the Nationals up for any of the following teams: Kazahstan (Italian Maetteo Boniciolli), South Korea (Yoo Jae-Hak), Iran (Slovenian Memi Becirovic), and defending champion China (Greek Panagiotis Giannakis). Boniciollis club team Air Avellino won the Italian Cup in 2008 and he was recently named All-Kazakstan League Coach of the Year. Yoo, of the Ulsan Mobis squad, is the current champion in the Korean Basketball League, while Becirovic, among his many credentials, was a second round draft pick by the Denver Nuggets (46th overall) during the 2003 NBA Draft. Giannakis, tasked to craft Chinas overall defensive strategy, may be most impressive of all, having led the Greek national team to the gold medal in Eurobasket 2005 and a silver medal finish in the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan where Spain, starring eventual MVP Pau Gasol, routed them, 70-47, in the championship. So it wont be just the opposing 7-footers that Gilas Pilipinas will have to deal with; there too are the men who crack the whip to think about. Yet top guns as these Asian coaches already are, the bigger howitzers, including a man named Mike Krzyzewski, are still out there. And it is in Spain during the World Championship next year where FIBA coaching royalty will gather and bask in greatness. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------G O V SC U P O P E N S W I T H C L A S H O F 2 0 1 2F I N A L I S T S 4:37 pm | Thursday, July 25th, 2013 29 195 115

What better way to open the 2013 PBA Governors Cup than to have the two teams which battled to a seven-game Finals classic last year go at each other again?

Rain or Shine starts its title defense on opening night August 14, Wednesday, at the Mall of Asia Arena when it takes on archrival San Mig Coffee at 7:30 p.m. Arizona Reid, a former Best Import awardee, will lead the Elasto Painters charge against the Mixers, who will have the high-leaping Marqus Blakely back for another tour of duty. This highly-anticipated grudge match will dome after the 5:15 p.m. encounter between the Air21 Express and GlobalPort Batang Pier. On August 16,Friday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Talk n Text goes up against Barako Bull in the 5:15 p.m. curtainraiser, while Meralco tests new head coach Gee Abanilla and his Petron Blaze Boosters at 7:30 p.m. The league motors up to the Ynares Center in Antipolo City for the doubleheader featuring GlobalPort Rain or Shine at 3:45 p.m. and San Mig Coffee vs Air21 at 6:00 p.m. Crowd darling Barangay Ginebra San Miguel debuts against Petron Blaze at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, August 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum after the 4:15 p.m. battle between Barako Bull and Meralco. Commissioners Cup champion Alaska gets its first taste of Governors Cup action when it tangles with the Tropang Texters on August 21, Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. The 10 teams play a single-round eliminations, after which the two teams at the bottom of the standings are eliminated. In the quarterfinals, the No. 1 team in the eliminations will play the No. 8 team, No. 2 vs No. 7, No. 3 vs No. 6 and No. 4 vs No. 5, with the top four seeds having the twice-tobeat advantage. The winners then meet in a best-of-five semifinals. The last two survivors then clash in a best-of-seven Finals. (JL) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SONA [English version] President Aquino's SONA 2013: Full text ABS-CBNnews.com Posted at 07/22/2013 6:38 PM | Updated as of 07/22/2013 6:38 PM

State of the Nation Address of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the Congress of the Philippines, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, July 22, 2013 [This is an English translation of the SONA delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, on July 22, 2013] Vice President Jejomar Binay; Senate President Franklin M. Drilon; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and the eminent Justices of the Supreme Court; former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; honorable members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate; our leaders in local government; members of the Cabinet; members of the military and police in uniform; my fellow public servants; and, of course, to my Bosses, the Filipino people, a pleasant afternoon to all. This is my fourth SONA; only two remain. Almost four years have passed since I was approached by various camps to urge me to run for the presidency. They said: We know that our countrys problems cannot be solved in the blink of an eye, in one year, or even within the six-year term of a President. But just begin, and we will be one with you in nurturing change. Even then, I was aware of the significant problems that I would have to face. From being a candidate, to being President, or even after I step down from office, the difficulties I will have to face are no joke. Widespread transformation of society is my objective, and I am aware that there are many things and many people I would have to confront in order to achieve this. But I was not raised by my parents to back down in the face of challenges. I would not be able to live with myself if I had refused the chance to alleviate the suffering the Filipino should not have to endure.

We have answered the call, and those who have been with us from the start have only grown in number. I believe that if what I have been doing is right, then our allies will only grow. Just this May, I asked you, Boss, are we going in the right direction? Your reply: Yes, and let us accelerate the transformation of society. I asked for allies that would help steer the country in one direction, and you delivered. The truth is, not only the majority, not even nine of twelve, but nine of the top ten senators are individuals that I recommended to you. The message of the past election is clear: Yes, let us keep going, let us add to the 8,581 sitios that we have electrified; let us add to the 28,398 families who were once informal settlers but who finally have, or will soon have, decent homes; let us increase the not less than 40 billion pesos in additional funds that go to education, health, social services, and many others because of the right and more efficient collection of taxes; we feel all the other tangible signs that society is truly changing. I have become even more optimistic because of your message; it is clear that I am not alone in carrying these responsibilities. How can I not be encouraged, when even the likes of Mr. Nio Aguirre are helping shape our future? Just think: Though unable to walk, he climbed all the way to his fourth-floor precinct, just so that he could vote and contribute to true social transformation. Thank you, Mr. Aguirre. There is no shortage of Filipinos who are ready to pitch in, and this is the source of the change we now experience. The strategymaximize opportunities for all, especially for those most in need. We are not content to wait for the trickle-down effect; we cannot leave their fatetheir receiving the benefits of progressto chance. What we call inclusive growththis all-encompassing progressis the principle that drives every initiative, every action, and every decision of your government. The only ones who will

be left behind are those who chose not to venture onwards with us, simply because they did not seize the opportunity. The basis for this principle: Widespread opportunity is the key to comprehensive and sustained progress. Let us not forget that these opportunities are but seeds. We must water them with diligence, nourish them with determination, and cultivate them with dedication. Let us take a look at our TESDA-DOLE scholars. Of the 503,521 people who have graduated from their programs, an estimated six out of ten have found jobs. Before this, according to studies conducted by DBM, from 2006 to 2008, only 28.5 percent of TESDA graduates found jobs. Last year, under TESDAs IT -BPO program, 70.9 percent of the graduates found employment. Under the electronics and semiconductor program, the percentage of employed graduates reached 85 percent. It is clear: You are the ones who will shape this growth, you are the ones who will determine whether the fruits of our labors become sweet and ripe for the picking, or if you will let them rot away and waste the chances that this new chapter in our history has given us. Let us go through everything one by one. Our objective to expand the reach of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: achieved. The over 700,000 household beneficiaries we found upon coming into office in 2010 have now grown to almost 4 million households in the three years of our administration. There is more: According to research conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, compared with those who only finished the elementary level, the income of high school graduates is 40 percent higher. Is it not right that we maximize the help we give these families, so that our young beneficiaries can finish high school,

thereby helping them make the most out of the benefits of this program? That is why next year, families with children up to 18 years old will be included in this program so that their children will be able to finish high school. Let us move on to education. Our goal is to raise the quality of learning that our children undertake, so that once they finish their schooling, they can seize the opportunities now opening up in society: accomplished. We have finally erased the backlog we inherited in books and chairs, and if Secretary Armin Luistro continues to demonstrate true grit, even the backlog we inherited in classrooms will also be erased this year. And there is even more good news: Now, we also have the ability to prepare for the additional needs that the implementation of the K to 12 program will require. The problems that plagued Brother Armin in the DepEd are no laughing matter. Just think: one textbook used to be priced at 58 pesos; since he assumed office, the price of the exact same textbook has gone down to 30 pesos. What would have happened if we had been paying the proper price from the beginning? If we had saved the difference of 28 pesos for all the books bought, at five textbooks for each of the estimated 20.7 million students in our public school system, the equivalent would amount to almost 2.9 billion pesos. These savings alone could have funded our plans to repair and rehabilitate around 9,502 classrooms. If Brother Armin didnt have strength of will, he could have just left this culture of negligence in his agency for his successor to deal with. He could have also left the backlog, as well as the growing gap of needs because of the rising number of enrollees each year. But instead of being content, instead of saying, This will do. My job is done,

Brother Armin will build even more chairs and classrooms, and will buy even more books, to ensure that even the needs in future years will also be met. Regarding the strengthening of our agricultural sector, this has also been achieved. Just think: According to the NFA, in 2010, the country imported more than 2 million metric tons of rice. In 2011, this fell to 855,000 metric tons. In 2012: 500,000 metric tons. And now in 2013, the maximum we will import, including the private sector, will be the minimum access volume of 350,000 metric tons. This includes the 187,000 metric tons of reserve buffer stock in case typhoons arrive one after the other; in all likelihood, even the private sector will no longer have to import rice because we are still on track to becoming self-sufficient in rice. In addition to that, we have begun exporting premium quality rice. We have truly come so far from those days when it was said that we could not even feed ourselves. The proof is in the data: This sector grew 3.3 percent in the first three months of 2013. This is triple the 1.1 percent growth it recorded in the same time period in 2012. That is why we continue to sow initiatives that will certainly bear the fruits of even greater progress for our farmers. For example, the coconut sector. According to research conducted in 2009, coconut farmers make up one of the poorest sectors in the country. Let us look at the process of growing coconuts: Once planted, farmers wait seven years for the coconut tree to bear fruit; but after this, two generations will be able to benefit without doing anything else apart from harvesting the fruit. We have the potential to vastly increase the income of this sector if we can foster a culture that truly encourages hard work and productivity. The solution: intercropping.

The government will help you to strengthen your coconut farms; but in exchange, you will be required to sow different kinds of seeds in between the rows of coconut trees. Doing so will raise the frequency of crop harvests, and depending on what they plant, their income will also increase. If they grow only coconuts, the farmers would earn about 20,000 pesos a year per hectare. But if they add coffee, they could reach about 172,400 pesos a year; if they add bananas, they could earn 102,325 pesos, while adding cacao would give them 89,000 pesos. Isnt that such a huge difference? We have already begun laying down initiatives for this: In 2012, we were able to use 5,500 hectares of land for intercropping in 90 different locations throughout the country. This program covered 10,000 farmers. Our target for 2013: an additional 434 sites for coconut intercropping. We are also now steering our fishermen towards more productive waters. Think about it: our fishing industry contributed 193.65 billion pesos to our economy in 2012. In spite of this, based on a study last conducted in 2009, 41 percent of our fisherfolk still live below the poverty line. They are the ones who catch the fish, but all they have on their dinner tables are fish bones. That is why various government initiatives are in place to help free our fisherfolk from the broad net cast by poverty. An example would be our initiative for Bataraza in Palawan. The waters here brim with fish. But because the fish cannot be brought to the merchants on time, still fresh, the fishermen end up having to dry the fish and sell tuyo instead. It is such a waste, because every three kilos of lapu-lapu is only equivalent to one kilo of tuyo. What if the freshness of the fish could be preserved in a cold storage facility? You could go to the merchant and still sell your catch at full price. You would

exert the same amount of effort, but you would receive the right compensation for it. That is why the cold storage facility in Bataraza has already been built. In addition, we are also constructing new piers in strategic areas to raise productivity and income. We are constructing and adding new roads, bridges, and other kinds of infrastructure, including various services, for our fisherfolk. The DILG, BFAR, and Coast Guard are also tightly monitoring irresponsible and unrestrained forms of fishing; this I ask of our fishermen: allow our fish to repopulate. I ask for your solidarity in caring for your own livelihood. As you no doubt see, the state has already opened up opportunities for you, but the result is in your hands. If there is one topic my name is often associated with, that would have to be Hacienda Luisita. I would like to inform you that back in February, in compliance with the decision of the Supreme Court, the Department of Agrarian Reform has completed the list of qualified beneficiaries for the land in Luisita. According to Secretary Gil de los Reyes, the process to determine the beneficiaries lots began last week, and the turnover of these lots will begin in September of this year. As for other large tracts of land: We have long tasked the DAR, DENR, LRA, and Land Bank to develop a framework for speeding up the parceling out of land. I would like to remind everyone: Correct data is the first step to the orderly implementation of CARPER. But we inherited a land records system that is problematic and defective. This is why, from the start, the DOJ, LRA, DENR, and DAR have worked to fix this system, and now we are at a point where we can guarantee that in the next year, all notices of coverage will have been served for lands covered by comprehensive agrarian reform.

It is clear: The state was established to serve you. If you have health problems, the government must care for you; in times of illness, it should be there to give aid and support. What has our government done in this regard? Our goal to extend PhilHealth coverage to more of our countrymen has been achieved. When we began, 62 percent of Filipinos were enrolled; now, that number stands at 81 percent. The remaining number still not on our lists are those we are seeking to identify, including those in the informal settlers and indigenous peoples sectors. We are counting on the cooperation of our local governments to ensure that all of our countrymen are enrolled in the system. It is not just PhilHealths roster of enrollees that is growing: so is its scope of services. The past year saw the launch of the Z Benefit Package. This past February, this was upgraded with the Expanded Z Benefit Package. The poorest of the poor can now get free medical care at public hospitals for more medical conditions than ever before. Last year, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and acute leukemia were included on the list of covered conditions; today, coronary bypass, and corrective surgery for holes and defective blood vessels in the heart, are also included in the package. All these health benefits would go to waste if our health care facilities are substandard, or inaccessible to our countrymen in the provinces. This is why we have gone all-out in funding health care infrastructure projects: These past three years, we have budgeted a total of 33 billion pesos for the improvement and modernization of 4,518 hospitals, rural health units, and barangay health stations nationwide. Among these are Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City, which has successfully completed five kidney transplants in the last year; the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in

Legazpi; the Vicente Sotto Medical Center in Cebu; and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro, which, according to Secretary Ike Ona of the DOH, now have the capacity to perform open heart surgery due to upgraded facilities and equipment. There is also the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, the first cancer center outside Metro Manila. Regarding disaster preparedness: Our goal to develop mechanisms to protect the Filipino people from natural calamities, we have also achieved. Among these are the effective services brought about by the joint forces of the Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program and Project NOAH of the DOST. This past year, we completed a multihazard mapping of the 28 most vulnerable locations in the country. A similar endeavor for the Greater Metro Manila Area will be completed by 2014. Geohazard maps for 496 cities and municipalities have also been completed. The remaining 1,138 covering every last corner of the country will be finished before the end of 2015. Not only have these maps increased in number, they are also more detailed and refined, which is why we will be able to more accurately identify high-risk areas. From the time Project NOAH was launched, a total of 525 automated water level monitoring stations and automated rain gauges have been installed in 18 major river basins throughout the country. We also continue to modernize our weather detection technology, with Doppler radars, tsunami detectors, and alerting sirens. But simply distributing high-tech equipment and new technology is not enough. We also need to train the end-users of this equipment in understanding, using, and disseminating the information gained. When the weather is bad, they no longer rely solely on wind speed for their forecasts; they can also predict the volume of rainfall, and

they can provide correct and timely warnings so our communities can prepare accordingly. We are also remedying the problem of flooding in Metro Manila. Imagine: When Ondoy hit, an estimated 3,600 cubic meters per second of rainfall flowed down from the Sierra Madre. But the capacity of the channels through which these flowed can only support 1,000 cubic meters per second. Where would the difference of 2,600 cubic meters per second go? These are the sudden torrents of water that overflow into low-lying areas and become flash floods. Havent we all heard before that waterways are inalienable? What this means is that the channels through which water passes should be for that purpose alone. The problem is, in addition to the lack of adequate drainage, certain structures are built, obstructing these drainage systems, a situation compounded by the trash of those living around it. To solve this problem, we are coordinating with our LGUs to safely and successfully relocate our informal settlers. In addition, a legal team led by Secretary Leila de Lima is preparing to file cases against those who have closed or obstructed our waterways. We are not content with simply passing the blame and pointing fingers. Our action: an allocation of 6.2 billion pesos to prevent flooding throughout Metro Manila. This includes the construction of the Blumentritt Interceptor Catchment area. The entire project is 3.3 kilometers in length; and once it is completed, it will be able to catch the equivalent of 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water. When the rains hit, the rainwater now has somewhere to go, and will no longer accumulate on our streets. This project was started in March, and we aim to complete it by next year.

Government has been fulfilling its obligation to the people, but let us ask ourselves: How have I contributed to the solution? If someone dumps trash into a river, confront them; if you see a building being built above a creek, report it to the correct authorities. We will only drown in our problems if we do nothing. Even after the storms have passed, our work to restore normalcy to the lives of calamity-struck families does not end. Through the cooperation of the government, and the private sector, 9,377 houses have been erected for the victims of typhoon Sendong. An additional 4,374 homes will be built before the end of the following year. We ask for patience and understanding, the process has been delayed because of the complex process of land acquisition; in truth, if discussions on other tracts of land go well, we will be able to construct an additional 2,719 houses. We also aim to turn over a total of 53,106 homes to our countrymen who were left homeless by the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. We began to hand over houses in May; and we will complete another 17,609 homes by the end of the year. And by the time we finish the 35,447 homes still to be completed by 2014, all the families who felt natures wrath will once again find shelter under their own roofs. Still on the subject of housing, this time for our men and women in uniform: More than a year ago, we had already built 21,800 housing units for our police force and soldiers. For Phase II of this project, we have already built an additional 26,050 homes out of our target of 31,200, and the rest will be completed by next month. Apart from housing, livelihood projects are being implemented for the benefit of our troops. Several thousand hectares of land in three of our military camps namely, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Camp Kibaritan in Bukidnon, and Camp Peralta in Capiz

will be the venues for these livelihood projects, which will give our soldiers additional income through plantations of bamboo, coffee, cacao, and palm oil. If before, soldiers were concerned solely with defending us, now, even military retirees can participate in improving our economy. But our quest to find solutions to all the other problems we inherited regarding national defense does not stop here. Consider this: In 1986, there were an estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers protecting a total of 55 million Filipinos. Today, we still have an estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers, who protect 95 million Filipinos. Our population has almost doubled, while the number of our protectors has not changed. We are sure to have critics who will say Is this really a problem? Just add more policemen and soldiers. You can even reduce unemployment that way. If only it were that simple. Let us look at the situation. The common pension scheme works like this: both members and employers contribute to the pension. Their contributions serve as capital for reinvestment, and the gains of these investments will in turn fund the retiring members pensions. But what is the true situation of the AFP and PNP pensions? No contributions have been made, but there are payments to make. Apart from this, the pensions of retirees have been indexed to the salaries of active personnel. This means that if the salaries of those in the service increase, so too will the pensions received by retirees or qualified families. Yearly, there are more and more men and women retiring, so, naturally, the obligations that must be paid out also increase. What is worse is that funds from the national budget are being used for these growing obligations: In 2012, 54.48 billion pesos were spent on soldiers and policemens pensions. This year, that figure will rise to 61.29 billion. By 2016, it will be at 80.64 billion. Our pension deficit will

keep growing and growing and growing, eating into the budget allocation for other social services. How then do we add more servicemen, given such a context? We need a system that fulfills our civic obligations to our policemen and armed forces; and it is likely that we will request the assistance of the GSIS in this regard. We are currently studying the feasibility of using reclaimed land to generate funds that will form part of the solution. After all, we cannot surprise the GSIS and ask them to account for the entirety of our needs, which is why an even more thorough study will be conducted to create a fair, sustainable, and clear mechanism for the pensions of PNP and AFP personnel. I call on Congress today: Let us review PD 1638 and RA 8551 to ensure that these pensions are timely, and balanced against national needs. We see an equivalent solution for the problems that the SSS pensions will soon face. Consider that, since 1980, across-the-board pension increases occurred 21 times, but actual pension contribution increases only occurred twice. As a result, the SSS has accumulated an estimated 1.1 trillion pesos in unfunded liability. According to a study done in 2011, this shortfall will increase by 8 percent per annum, eventually resulting in the complete consumption of the fund 28 years from now. If this happens, the next generation is certain to suffer. We believe that it is time to amend the SSS Pension Scheme. We must establish measures that remedy the outflow of funds. If we add 0.6 percent to the contribution rate, it will immediately deduct 141 billion pesos from the unfunded liability of the SSS. If we begin to invest in our future today, no further problems will be handed down to the next generation of Filipinos.

When it comes to our national police, our goal to strengthen their capabilities so that they may better fulfill their mandate: accomplished. Beginning this 2013, 30,000 policemen will finally be able go back to doing police work because we will be hiring civilian personnel who will focus on administrative work. After all, the skills and abilities of our police would be put to waste if we keep them imprisoned in the four corners of an office. At the start of July 2013, we began distributing new units of 9mm Glock 17 pistols to our police. This is just the beginning: We are slated to distribute a total of 74,879 firearms among our police force, in keeping with our goal of a one-is-to-one police-to-pistol ratio. These investments in our national police will yield abundant benefits, especially since this redounds to more efficient and reliable public service. Is it not true that we have gotten used to news of violence during elections? Oplan Katok directly addresses this. The goal of the program: track down loose firearms, which ensures that the guns we have licensed are in the possession of those authorized to do so. The police have knocked on a total of 491,929 front doors for the renewal of licenses. This contributed greatly to our campaign for Secure and Fair Elections, which yielded a 63 percent reduction among private armed groupsfrom the 112 during the 2010 elections, to just 41 this 2013. And from the 189 incidents of violence recorded in 2010, we have recorded only 77 confirmed incidents for the recently concluded election. Let us use ARMM as an example. Governor Mujiv Hataman has said that he could not remember a time in his life when Lanao del Sur did not suffer a failure of elections. We should note that this was the first time that the ARMM elections were synchronized with the national elections. This means that, in the past, the full force of the State was

focused on just one region, and yet it still had to call for a failure of elections. This 2013, because our uniformed forces had to safeguard elections across the entire country, there were those who thought the situation in ARMM would only get worse. But we have seen how vastly it has improved: ARMM successfully held a clean, safe, and fair election; votes were counted, and those whom the people charged with new mandates were proclaimed. Because of the diligence of our police force and of our soldiers, and the coming together of the nation, the 2013 elections were more peaceful. But there are still incidents that sully our police forces honor. We know of what happened to the members of the Ozamiz GangRicky Cadavero and Wilfredo Panogalingawho were caught, only to be killed. As with our investigation of the Atimonan incident, we will ensure that those at fault will be held accountable regardless of their rank. Whoever masterminded all of this: prepare yourselves. I am close to learning who you are. Despite these incidents, my confidence in and hope for our police remain high. They have never wanted for exemplars like PO3 Edlyn Arbo, who, despite being off-duty and unarmed, bravely confronted a mugger who embarked on the jeep she was on, and pursued him. There are also those like PO3 Felipe Moncatar, who has received countless commendations because of the growing list of criminals he has put in jailI heard youve just apprehended another member of a syndicateincluding members of carjacking syndicates and some of the most wanted in Bacolod. You may have also heard about PO2 Dondon Sultan. A car broke down along Quezon Boulevard, and PO2 Sultan stopped and offered his assistance. He did not just change a tire; he also helped bring the car to a mechanic. As thanks for his service, PO2 Sultan was offered 1,000 pesosan offer he declined. He said, and I quote, Our job is to help our countrymen.

We salute those of you who truly serve the public. You are proof that honest and capable policemen are not an endangered species. I have already instructed Secretary Mar Roxas of the DILG and Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the DND to ensure that those like you in our uniformed services reap the appropriate rewards. Add to these our disaster relief workers from many branches of government, as well as volunteers from the private sector. I know that it is not easy to battle floods, dig through mud, and confront calamities. I will not tire of recognizing your contributions to our society; I salute the way you have offered yourselves to help in lessening the suffering of our countrymen. Peace is also within reach in a region that has long been torn apart by conflict. In October of the previous year, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed. In truth, just nine days have passed since the signing of the second annex of the agreement. We are confident that we will not have to wait long before hearing more good news on the development of the peace process. I am sure everyone is aware that the building of consensus is not an easy task; fortunately, both sides are ready to listen, willing to compromise, and willing to reach a meeting of the minds. We know, too, the consequences of impatience and haste. What is clear to me: Every word we utter must result in an action that would benefit all. Every line that we craft in the agreement we are forging must be set in stone and not merely written on water, only to be forgotten by history. My father raised me to be true to my word, and I can tell our brothers and sisters of the Bangsamoro: Whatever agreements we come to will be fulfilled by the national government.

Trust is vital to the peace process. It does not come automatically, perhaps because of the long history of conflict. Now, the desire of both sides to reach an agreement is palpable, and we are truly proving ourselves trustworthy. To those seeking to sow discord and doubt: Can you really say that you are a Filipino that has compassion for his fellow Filipinos? I am hopeful that every Filipino will contribute towards our goals for the Bangsamoro. We will prove that they did not make a mistake in choosing the path of peace; we are ready to lend the strength of the entire nation to lift up the provinces of Muslim Mindanao, who are among our poorest. What we aim for is the triumph of all; we will not allow any of our countrymen to be left behind, while others surpass them. Once again, I call on Congress: The Transition Commission that will craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law has already been created. Once their task is completed in keeping with the principles of the peace process, I ask you to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of 2014. This way, we will have ample time to prepare for the election of a new Bangsamoro government come 2016. We have accomplished whatever change we are experiencing today because we refused to be satisfied with the status quo in the government we inherited. Let me ask: How many of you have used what they call the Telepono sa Barangay? I wouldnt be surprised if no one has. According to the DOTC, more than 5 billion pesos would have been earmarked for a program that would distribute landline phones to far-flung areas. Would this not have been a grave waste of funds, because in such a short time after its implementation, the number of Filipinos with cellphones just grew and grew? Who would take notice of the 6,000 landlines they would have installed, when we have 100 million cellphones in the Philippines?

Here is another example of the kind of thinking weve had to eradicate from government. Eight combat utility helicopters were bought for what they claimed to be the more efficient deployment of our soldiers. The problem: The guns the helicopters were equipped with were mounted at the door; requiring their removal in order to enable people to pass. If you are a soldier entering the fray at the height of battle, what use is a machine gun that is set aside and unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the contracts were signed? Why was this even approved in the first place? We have to be more discriminating buyers. We cannot rely on the sales talk of suppliers alone. We have tasked the DOST to assemble a body of experts who can critically assess suppliers pitches, especially on big-ticket items. Our operating principles: the right identification of the root of the problem; the careful study and deliberation, grounded on correct methodology, to arrive at the best solution. This was also the rationale and the driving force behind our response to the issue of informal settlers in Metro Manila. This is why we are already fulfilling our goal to remove from harms way those who crammed themselves into high-risk areas of the city. After all, I do not think anyone will disagree with us when we say the current situation cannot be allowed to persist. In the general welfare clause of our Constitution Article 2, Section 5it says, The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy. Here we have proven that the Filipino listens to reason. If it is clear that compassion is your bedrock principle, then we will be more eager to work with you. Before roofs were dismantled, before walls were demolished, we explained how we came to our decision:

better housing, access to public transport, and, for the diligent, no shortage of opportunities to earn. We made it clear that we wanted to provide a refuge to those who were high-risk and most in needand not to syndicates. We are aware that whenever the aid given by the state is abused, the lives of other Filipinos are also put in jeopardy. After a batch of informal settlers was moved to the relocation site, they urged their former neighbors: Join us. It is safer here. This year, our priority is to relocate more than 19,400 families living along Metro Manilas major waterways. The convergence of DILG, NHA, DSWD, MMDA, and DPWH has resulted in a much clearer solution to one of our most long-standing problems. Another example of transformation in government: havent vital bills languished in Congress? In the previous year, the Sin Tax Reform Law and the Responsible Parenthood Law were finally signed into law. We thank our partners in Congress and in the Senate who helped us push for the passage of these laws. We persevered through the long process of debate and consultation; we were not cowed by those who tried to sow doubt in the attempt to obstruct our meaningful agenda. We have fought for what benefits the people, and we are advancing true public service for the Filipino. I would also like to propose to Congress several laws that will help us sustain and improve on the reforms we have established. Let us amend the Cabotage Law in order to foster greater competition and to lower the cost of transportation for our agricultural sector and other industries. Let us likewise enact the Fiscal Incentives Rationalization Bill, so that the incentives we provide to businesses become even clearer and more accountable. We also have to focus on the Land Administration Reform Bill, given the

need for convergence among agencies tasked to oversee our land holdings, and thus ensuring that they can fulfill their collective mandate with increased efficiency. Tomorrow, we are submitting to Congress our proposed 2.268 trillion-peso National Budget for 2014. I am confident of your support and advocacy for the allocation of funds which was arrived at after careful consideration. This budget is not only a continuation of our reforms, but it will also accelerate our momentum towards long-lasting inclusive progress. There are those who insist on upgrading our Armed Forces. I agree with this, but some of them act as if they want us to invest every centavo of our country into fighter jets, tanks, and other equipment for warfare. They may not know that one fighter jet costs 1.58 billion pesosequivalent to 6,580 houses for our soldiers and our police force, or nearly 2,000 classrooms for our children. And what can one jet do? To be truly effective, we would need a squadronand one squadron is composed of twenty-four fighter jets. At 1.58 billion pesos per jet, we would have to devote 37.92 billion pesos of the nations coffers just to assemble one squadron. And what about practice missiles? And it is not as if jet fuel, a radar system, ground bases, and ground intercept controls are free. Building a minimum credible defense posture is not something we can take lightly. Do we follow others who prioritize the possession of a nuclear option at the expense of everything else? I do not think anyone would agree. We will balance our needs. We are committed to meeting the needs of our society, while remaining a good and upstanding member of the community of nations. We are well aware that, in the past, decisions were made based on politics. Leaders did everything they could just to keep a firm hold on their powerat the expense of the

suffering of present and future generations of Filipinos. Let us look, for example, at the consequences of refusing to raise passenger fares for the LRT and MRT. Each trip that one passenger makes on the LRT is estimated to cost 40 pesos. What does each passenger pay? 15 pesos. This means that the government subsidizes the remaining 25 pesos. As for the MRT, the true cost of one trip is 60 pesos: 15 pesos paid by passengers, 45 pesos by the governmentin the end, each and every Filipino pays a share of the subsidy. Whether you live in Mindanao or Visayas, and not once have you ever stepped onto the LRT or MRT, you help to fund this. Whats worse: because past leaders gave away our commercial development rights , each peso that we can earn from the posters and billboards in the stations goes to private companies, instead of going to the government. What we could have used to subsidize the cost of maintenance and operations was given away. Perhaps it is only reasonable for us to move the fares of the MRT and LRT closer to the fares of air-conditioned buses, so that the government subsidy for the MRT and LRT can be used for other social services. You are my witnesses: We have no plans to hand down problems to our successors. In truth, projects that were left to decay in the past are now truly benefiting the people. Let us look at the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. This road, connecting Cavite, Batangas, and Metro Manila, is only six kilometers long, but it still took almost 20 years to finish. We already opened one part of this road, and when the sections requiring slope protection are completed, the benefit this road will bring to motorists will be complete.

We also have the Aluling Bridge in Ilocos Sur. The plans for its construction were first laid down on paper in 1978. And we made certain that our successors would not merely inherit sheets of paper. The bridge was finally completed in March. Last month, we also began the operation of the Laguindingan Airporta project that took one generation to make the leap from idea to implementation. There is also the semiconductor industry, which waited decades for a laboratory that could compete with facilities of other countries. We did not allow them to wait much longer. In May of this year, under the leadership of DOST, we inaugurated the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL). Before, products manufactured here had to be sent to other countries to undergo testing. We were unable to maximize profits in this industry; we were unable to maximize the potential of our semiconductor industry to attract even more investments. Because of ADMATEL, products will now be manufactured and tested here, and we will be able to take even greater advantage of the skills of Filipino workers in the electronics sector. And we have every expectation that this industryone that contributed almost 44 percent to our exports in 2012will grow even stronger. With the help of our Big Man in the Senate, Senator Franklin Drilon, the more than fiftyyear wait of Ilonggos has come to an end; the implementation of the Jalaur River MultiPurpose Project II in Iloilo has started. How will this help us? First, an estimated 24,000 farmers across Iloilo will benefit from year-round irrigation. As a result, the harvests of rice farmers may double. Let me make it clear: The 31,840 hectares of land that will be irrigated will yield an additional 146,013 metric tons of rice.

This amount is equal to almost 80 percent of the buffer stock of rice that we will import for 2013. This does not include the other benefits that this project will bring. For instance, preventing widespread flooding in Iloilo, and adding 6.6 megawatts in hydropower to the energy requirements of the province. This project will also contribute to the supply of water for some parts of the province, and to the development of its ecotourism industry. Apart from all these, the Jalaur River Project will create around 17,000 jobs; and once it becomes fully operational, an estimated 32,000 Filipinos will be given decent livelihoods. This project was first conceived in 1960we share the same birthday. We are aware that many of our countrymen are excited to see the fruits of our PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) projects. We likewise know that there are those who have grown impatient waiting for them. Let us put things into context. Back in 2010, when our administration came into office, we were left with only 6.5 percent of the programmable budget for the year, or just around 100 billion pesos; 93.5 percent of the budget had already been allotted by my predecessor. This is precisely why we approached the private sector. We told them: We do not have the funds, let us partner with one another to build the necessary infrastructure. Apart from this, we faced other difficulties when PPP began. The studies on which the projects were based were outdated; and the bureaucracy lacked the sufficient knowledge to implement them. Not to mention the public, who seemed to have lost confidence in the contracts the government undertook.

Nevertheless, whatever the situation may be, our principle is that anything worth doing is worth doing right. We have no plans of entering into questionable contracts today just to bequeath problems to the next administration. Each project has to go through the correct process to ensure that our taxpayers hard-earned money will be spent the right way. As early as now, we are seeing the effects of the honest, transparent, and clear way we have been going about our PPP projects. Previously, even just the construction of a single airport already made headlines. Let us compare this to what we are seeing today: Apart from the Laguindingan Airport, which is already being utilized, we are upgrading and modernizing the Tacloban Airport, the Bicol International Airport, the New Bohol Airport, the Mactan Airport, and the Puerto Princesa Airport all at the same time. The Daang Hari-NLEX link road is the fastest PPP project that has been awarded in any administration, with no shortcuts in the processes. All these, and all the other infrastructure projects that are being and will be constructed, will give rise to a society teeming with opportunity. The problems that we have inheritedand are currently solvingmake up a long list; for example, the recurring, rotating blackouts in Mindanao. From the very beginning, we have been working on a solution for thisbut we are also aware that a problem that has been ignored for an entire decade cannot be solved overnight. Right now, we continue to take steps to address the shortages as well as provide for immediate needs. We have helped electric cooperatives bring in generator sets that will reduce brownouts; and this will continue until the plants that will supply the region with more electricity are completed.

But the critics will never fully disappear. Some are complaining that the price of electricity will increase with the usage of diesel-fueled generator sets. Hydropower is abundant now because of the rainy season, so we hear objections to the generator sets. But come summer, many will once again complain about eight-hour brownouts. We also want more power plants built in other parts of the Philippines. As our economy grows, so will our consumption of electricity, which means we must likewise increase supply. Do we really want to wait until our plants are at full capacity before more plants are built? Power plants do not sprout like mushroomsa power plant takes two to three years to construct. If anyone has a good suggestion, we are ready to listen. But I also hope that the kibitzers put the situation in the proper context. The plant in Redondo, Zambales, is a good example. A TRO was issued against the plant because of the argument that renewable energy is better. Did they happen to mention that renewable energy is also more expensivefrom the cost of building the plants to the eventual price of energy? Did they mention that it cannot provide the baseloadthe capacity required to make sure brownouts do not occur? If you put up a wind-powered plant, what do you do when there is no wind? If you put up a solar plant, what do you when the sky is cloudy? Let me be clear: I believe in renewable energy and we support its use, but there should also be baseload plants that can ensure a steady supply of electricity for our homes and industries. I wonder if those who are critical of the plants we want put up will be as noisy when they are busy fanning themselves during brownouts. All I am really saying is this: Let us help each other find a solution.

Since we are being frank with each other, let us talk about the renovation of NAIA 3. This is a complex issue, which has already undergone two arbitrations. We would have won both of them, but one of the decisions was reversed due to a technicality. This is why we are now preparing for our case to be heard once more. And there are added complications because of the issue of warranties for the completion of NAIA 3 it is not acceptable for us to find defects after renovations, and then have to spend even more money to fix them. This is why when we were told that the original contractor was willing to give a proper warranty, we agreed to the deal. But we want to be certain; we want to fully and correctly go through the process. So I must ask for your understanding on this issue. Today, it is clear: A single goal is behind each square meter of cement we pour in building the foundations of a more progressive country; gain for alland not politics. Whereas before, roads were constructed based on whims, and bridges were built where the Mayor enjoyed the friendship of Madam, now, we follow a nationwide plan. No favorites, no transactionalism, no patronage; each peso is spent to accelerate our goal of broad-based growth. What we can expect in the years to come: airports and ports to facilitate commerce and tourism; roads to ensure that we all reap the maximum benefit from these big-ticket projects; power plants that will generate enough energy and fuel the development of industry. This is the framework from which other initiatives will branch out, creating even greater opportunities for Juan and Juana dela Cruzfrom the farmer who will have access to adequate irrigation and who will be able to sell his harvest more quickly, to the construction workers erecting new buildings; from the continued development of call centers across the country, to the rise of even more businessmen ready to invest in the

Philippines. We implemented the right projects for the right price; we completed these projects with the right quality; and we finished, or we will finish, these projects right on time, because the right people worked on them. Let us talk about traffic: Isnt it estimated that our economy loses an estimated 2.4 billion pesos every day because of Metro Manila traffic? Among the projects targeted to decongest Manila is the Integrated Transport System. For the buses that force themselves onto already-crowded roads, we will construct terminals in areas with less traffic. Our countrymen can already make use of the terminal in Paraaque, and the ones in Quezon City and Muntinlupa are already lined up. Provincial buses will be permitted only up to these terminals, so they do not add to the congestion. There is also the two connector roads that will join the North and South Luzon Expressways. To tell you the truth, there were already plans to construct what they called the Metro Manila Highway in the seventies. This would have connected the two expressways, so that traveling from one point to another need not consume the hours it takes to pass through the entire length of EDSA. The problem: Mr. Marcos issued laws that favored one of his cronies. And unfortunately, we are required to follow them: Whoever constructs infrastructure in those areas must be in partnership with the corporation of Mr. Marcos friend. Even worse: every time they add even just another short section to the original road, their franchise is extended by thirty years. That is not the end of it: Once the company profited, the development of infrastructure in the area was left unfinished. Remember that these roads were supposed to traverse Pangasinan to Quezon But when the company operated at a loss, they had the audacity to pass on to the government a multitude of debts. I ask our Congress today: Let us take another look at Presidential Decrees 1113 and 1894.

Despite this, our projects continue. We have an eight-kilometer, four-lane elevated expressway that will connect C3 road to Caloocan, crossing Espaa, up to PUP in Sta. Mesa. There is also a more than fourteen-kilometer six-lane elevated tollway extending from Balintawak to Buendia in Makati. The Common Alignment of these two roads: a five-and-a-half kilometer, six-lane elevated expressway from PUP in Sta. Mesa, crossing Osmea and Quirino Avenue, to Buendia in Makati. Once this road is opened to the public, what once took two hours from SLEX to NLEX will now take only fifteen minutes. What once was a three-hour drive from Clark to Calamba will be reduced by almost half to an hour and forty minutes. Every day, an estimated 55,000 motorists will benefit from this project. Motorists will save time and gas, pollution will be decreased, and commerce and tourism will flourish. Is this not a win-win situation? In the space of only three years, we have proven that agencies that were once cesspools of corruption can be transformed into examples of honest and efficient service. Some of the simple, but effective, reforms that Secretary Singson implemented in DPWH: no more letters of intent, which bidders once used in conspiring with each other to inflate costs and gain more profit; simplified bidding processes, so even more contractors can compete for projects; and reasonable costs of doing projects. Government also now pays on time, attracting even more skilled contractors to do their part in raising the quality of public infrastructure. This kind of honest leadership has allowed the DPWH to save 18.4 billion pesos, which has been allotted to other meaningful projects. As an example of the dividends of good governance, let us look at the Tagumbao Bridge in Gerona, Tarlac. In truth, I was an advocate of its construction back when I was just a Congressman. Back then, some of my constituents had to circle around two

towns just to cross a river that overflowed during the rainy season. I even told past administrations: you can have my entire PDAF, just complete the bridge, in installments if possible. But nothing happened and time passed. The gap separating the banks of the riverand thus, the length of the bridge that was requiredonly widened further. Right now, we are constructing the Tagumbao Bridge. Now that we are the ones implementing it, this is the story: Approved funds for the project stand at around 334 million pesos; but because of good management and prudent spending, the cost was lowered to 226 million pesos. In the end, we saved a total of over 108 million pesos without sacrificing the quality of the completed bridge. And even better: The funds that we saved can be used in the construction of a dike and river training projects for Phase II. Let us move on to tourism. According to the Oriental Morning Post, we are the Best Tourism Destination of 2012. And it seems the Shanghai Morning Post fell in love with our country when they named us the Most Romantic Destination of 2012. Scuba Diving Magazine says that the Philippines is the Best Diving Destination. And Palawan is the Best Island if you ask Travel + Leisure Magazine. It seems they just stopped short of calling us paradise. Given such resounding praise, it comes as no surprise that in 2012, we registered 4.3 million tourist arrivals in our countryanother new record high. This figure is a 21.4 percent increase from when we assumed office in 2010, when only an estimated 3.1 million tourists visited our country. When it comes to our domestic travelers, our previous target for 2016 was 35.5 million tourists. But we have surpassed this as early as 2011, with 37.5 million domestic tourists. With the momentum that we are now

experiencing, we have full confidence that we will achieve our new domestic target of 56.1 million before the end of 2016. A stronger tourism sector will generate more job opportunities. The DOT estimates that tourism created 3.8 million jobs in 2011. The truth is, it is not just our scenic and most famed destinations that will profit from the arrival of tourists, but also the nearby towns that can be considered tourism support communities; the places from which resorts and hotels source the food that they serve, the souvenirs that they sell, as well as other products and services that provide a source of income for our provinces. And I am certain that you have also heard the good news that has recently landed in our country. Last March, the International Civil Aviation Organization removed the significant safety concerns they had previously imposed on the Philippines. This was a fruit of our reforms in the aviation industry, to ensure that aviation safety in the Philippines meets international standards. And because of this, just last July 10, the European Union has once again permitted our flag carrier to resume direct flights to Europe. Think about it: What if our aviation industry had already been improved and strengthened before? Was it not a waste to miss out on tourists whose lack of enthusiasm for visiting the country can be attributed to this? Missed jobs, funds, and opportunitiesthese are the results of the previous system of governance. This is why, from the very onset, we have fought against corruption in all levels of government and pushed for the transformation of our institutions. The result: public service that truly benefits our countrymen.

Let us just look at the depth of transformation taking place in our GOCCs. Governmentowned corporations whose losses were previously subsidized by the national government are now turning over dividends. Let us take the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) as an example. In the thirteen years prior to our term, from 1996 to 2009, the dividends of the PRA amounted to a sum total of 676.82 million pesos. Along the straight path: in 2012 alone, their dividends1 billion pesos. Is this not a complete transformation? The Local Water Utilities Administration is another good example. In 2011, the said GOCC recorded a net loss of 950 million pesos. But because of prudent management, they did more than just balance their books; based on their report, their gross income amounted to 870 million pesos in 2012. Because of this, they were able to remit 365 million pesos to government for that same year. Yet another example: In my first SONA, we exposed the questionable practices of the MWSS, whose officials were giving themselves excessive bonuses and allowances, even as their company failed to address the needs of our citizens. This agency itself reported: The MWSS registered losses amounting to 34 million pesos in 2010. This was completely unacceptable. That is why in 2011, we signed the GOCC Governance Act, which serves as the standard for integrity, credibility, and accountability in the management of our GOCCs. Its results: In 2011, the MWSS earned 333 million pesos, from the 34-million-peso loss of 2010. In 2012, their earnings totaled almost 2 billion pesos. Consequently, their dividends have also increased: from 150 million in 2011, these increased to 345 million pesos for 2012. It is saddening though, that the depth of the reforms planted by the MWSS leadership is tarnished by the mudslinging of those who want to cling to the old system.

In tandem with the increased confidence in our good governance is the continued resurgence of our economy. The results: two consecutive ten-place jumps in the global competitiveness index of the World Economic Forum. For the first time in history, we attained investment-grade status from two of the three most respected credit ratings agencies in the world, and it is quite possible that the third will soon follow suit. We have maintained the stability of our consumer goods prices, and we continue to reduce the portion of our budget allotted to paying our debts, while increasing the funds allotted to social services. In a period of lethargic global economic activity, we registered an astounding 6.8 percent GDP growth in 2012. We surpassed this in the first quarter of 2013, when we reported growth of 7.8 percentthe highest recorded GDP in East and Southeast Asia. Special mention must be made of the 28.5 percent contributed by the manufacturing sector to the growth of our economy. And we anticipate that manufacturing will gain even more traction in the coming years. We are now considered a rising tiger by the World Bank; the brightest spark, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, among other accolades that allude to the transformation that is sweeping our nation. From the prudent expenditure of funds to the effective collection of taxes; from infrastructure development to the transparent conduct of business that generates jobs, our message to the world could not be clearer: The Philippines is ready to ride the tides of progress. The transformation of our society is not just evident in the economy or in statistics. Now, Filipinos know: Rich or poor, with or without political connections, when you do wrong, you will pay the consequences. Now, justice is truly blind. We will not undermine the orders of our Bosses to hold the corrupt accountable, and to right the wrongs of a system that has long beggared our country.

In fact, we are already holding the former leadership of TESDA accountable for his part in the outrageous overpricing of purchases by the agency. For example: one incubator jar is priced at 149 pesos. But Mr. Syjuco priced the same jar at 15,375 pesos. The normal price of a dough cutter, 120 pesos. The price according to Mr. Syjuco: 48,507 pesos. Lets be clear: This is a dough cutter, not a Hamilton Class Cutter. Perhaps when he finally has his day in court to face the cases filed by the Ombudsman, Mr. Syjuco will finally learn to count. We have also indicted the former PAGCOR officials who embezzled 26.7 million pesos just to produce a movie; burned through funds amounting to 186 million pesos to finance a party-list; and had the gall to use the rice donations allotted to calamity victims for campaign sorties. Former leaders of the PNP are also being made to answer allegations regarding the 131.6 million pesos wasted on seventy-five defective rubber boats, and the 104.99 million pesos spent on the anomalous purchase of secondhand helicopters from 2009 to 2010. It would actually be better if they are able to properly answer questions regarding this, so we may discover if there are others who must also be held accountable. On the topics of Cadavero, PDAF, MRT 3, and others: Just because the critics are not aware of what we are doing, they assume that we are doing nothing about these issues. If government possesses no data and yet announces who it will investigate, does that not send a message to the suspects to just hide the evidence? This is why we go where the truth takes us. The evidence decides our path.

When we denounced the wang-wang culture, we did not just dismantle the sirens of those who lord it over the streets; we also uprooted the culture of corruption that seemed firmly entrenched in our public institutions. But let us be honest: Even today, there are still those in government who seemingly refuse to change. It is disheartening to discover the depth and breadth to which they have branched out in the bureaucracy; the moment we look away, someone is sure to be taken advantage of and victimized. The time has come to name names: we have repeatedly admonished the Bureau of Immigration to improve their watch over our ports and airports. How then was it possible for the brothers Joel and Mario Reyes, the principal suspects in the slaying of Gerry Ortega, to leave the country? How could the escape of the Korean Park Sungjunas blatantly seen in CCTV footagehave taken place? He is wanted in (South) Korea, and their government asked for our assistance in securing his arrest. How can we face them now, when our own government employees are the ones who enabled his escape? The make-do culture at the NIA has also tested our patience. Instead of laying out plans for new irrigation systems, they are merely content with the continued rehabilitation of existing irrigation. For them, shoddy repairs are enough to say they have already done a good job. During their anniversary, I asked them why only 60 percent of their target was accomplished in 2012, when they had reached 80 percent in 2011. The next day, I met with their head during the NEDA Board Meeting. His excuse: 40 percent of the target areas were located in Mindanao and were devastated by Typhoon Pablo, thus the delay. When were we hit by Typhoon Pablo? In the first week of December. Which means that he meant to complete the remaining 40 percent of his

tasks in the span of just three weeks. This is the kind of leadership we no longer need in the bureaucracy. And here we have the Bureau of Customs, whose personnel are trying to outdo each others incompetence. Instead of collecting the proper taxes and preventing contraband from entering the country, they are heedlessly permitting the smuggling of goods, and even drugs, arms, and other items of a similar nature into our territory. The Department of Finance estimates that more than 200 billion pesos in revenue slips through our borders without going into public coffers. Where do these people get the gall? One can almost hear these public officials say, I dont care if the weapons go to criminal elements; I dont care how many lives are ruined by drugs; I dont care if our fields remain barren forever; What matters is that I am rich; its every man for himself. Such practices have no place in government. If you cannot do your job, you do not deserve to remain in office. If you are a good, conscientious employee of the BI, NIA, Customs, or any other government agency, I hope that you do even more. It is not enough to lie low and hide inside your cubicle; to prevent wrongdoing is part of your duty. You are in the right, so there is no need to hide; please make it easy for me to find people like you; I will raise you up as praiseworthy examples, that we may fully transform the flawed culture of your agencies. And for those employees who refuse to turn their backs on the culture of wang-wang: my patience has run out. You were given three years to demonstrate your readiness to change; now, I shall pursue all of you and hold you accountable. No hard feelings.

And let us include in these reforms corrupt members of our Civil Service. It was during my mothers time when I heard someone say, So what if Malacaang ordered this? You will only be there for six years. It is time to rectify this way of thinking. I call on our Congress to examine our Civil Service Code and PD1, so that we can revise these at the earliest possible time. I support the development of mechanisms that will restore the integrity of public service; that will ensure that only honest, capable, and principled civil servants will be allowed to enter and remain in government service. And now, lets allow our countrymen to share the transformations taking place in their lives: [Video starts] My name is Violeta S. Abuque. We didnt have [the Conditional Cash Transfer Program] before. Life was hard, you didnt have any money, and you couldnt approach anyone to ask for help because they didnt have anything either. We were very happy that when DSWD launched their program, it covered even those of us living in the mountains. This program will help me put my children to school. Weve realized how important it is to invest in your childrens education; theyll have a different life from our ancestors who couldnt even write their own names. I am very thankful for the [Conditional Cash Transfer] program, and to everyone who has supported this. Violeta S. Abuque [CCT beneficiary]

Before, my children couldnt even bring food to eat in schoolbut now they can, and they even have breakfast. You really have to fulfill the conditions that come with the program. And, of course, you have to find a way to complement and augment the help theyve given you. So every week, my child and I make some peanut butter and sell it. I am very grateful that Im part of the [Conditional Cash Transfer] program, because it has been a really big help to my family. Dulce Panaligan [CCT beneficiary] I went back to selling balut [fertilized duck eggs] while I was looking for a job. And then I heard that TESDA was holding trainings. I read up on these, and I registered. Im very happy with how the TESDA program has helped me with my job-seeking. Ive used what Ive learned, so I can get a better life, so I can learn more thingsespecially applying what Ive learned to my job. Emerson Paguia, TESDA scholar, IT Web Developer On 6:45 in the morning of April 2, I was on my way to the PCCR review center. A mugger entered the jeep, and on the Nagtahan flyover, declared a robbery. He held me at knifepoint, and when I struggled, he stabbed me on the thigh, but I got the knife from him. Before he got off the jeep, I stuck the knife in his back. I chased after him, and we were both bleeding. This was probably what got the peoples attention, which eventually led to the muggers arrest.

Im always aware of the oath I took, to serve our citizens. To my fellow police officers: Let us always do what is right, and what is for the good of the countryat the same time, what will reflect well on what were doing as PNP. PO3 Edlyn Arbo, Philippine National Police. I was assigned to Police Station 4 from 2006 to 2012. I was given a spot meritorious promotion by the President, probably because of my apprehension of some of Bacolod Citys most wanted criminals. Last Saturday, I used the new gun the President had given me recently, to apprehend notorious car burglars here in Bacolod City. We do our jobs even if its difficult, even if we have to put our lives on the linewe do it so we can serve our fellowmen and our country. PO3 Felipe Moncatar, Philippine National Police. My car broke down along Quezon Avenue, just after the tunnel. A policeman arrived after fifteen minutes, and he really helped me outhe even tried to lift the car with his bare hands. So I was thinking that, eventually, he would ask for a reward. Then the towing vehicle arrived, and they were about to tow my car. But this policeman said: No, help first before you haul. Out of gratitude, I tried to hand him 1,000 pesos for his help. But he refused it. He told me: Our job is to help the citizens. There has been positive change among our police force. To PO Sultan, I salute you. Armin Punzalan, businessman

The Navys modernization program is not just about equipmentits all about the welfare of our ranks. Everyone can see thisnot just me, but all of my colleagues in the Philippine Navy; we are all very happy with the reforms weve seen. Were experiencing the returns of the Presidents straight and righteous path. Were happy now, we do not want of anything. I tell my colleagues: The government has been giving us so much, and we just need to do our jobs well in returnto give back to the country, to give back to the people. Lt. Commander Desuasido, Philippine Navy [Video ends] Our country has never lacked for people prepared to take a stand and fight for our country regardless of the enormity of the challenges before them. There is the courage of Commodore Ramon Alcaraz during the Second World War. In a small wooden QBoat, he took on nine Japanese Zero fightersthen considered among the most modern planes; three of these, he shot down. In fact, he would have continued fighting had he not received an order from his superiors to surrender. This type of bravery is what our soldiers display every day as they patrol our most remote mountains and our farthest islands; soldiers who continuously bear the distance from their families, who proudly stand their ground against anyone who challenges our sovereignty. It is no exaggeration either when I say that the triumphs we have achieved along the straight path might still be distant aspirations had it not been for the members of our Cabinet. When I asked them to join the government, they knew their jobs were not going to be easy. That they accepted the challenges was a blessing. They took an oath to help in

transforming the country, and from the beginning, they have made sacrifices every day so that the privilege of serving you does not go to waste. There are those like Secretary Albert del Rosario. Going by tradition, a Secretarys first official travel outside the Philippines would be to a country with whom we enjoy strong and peaceful relations. But only a few hours after taking his oath as Foreign Affairs Secretary, Secretary del Rosario only took the time to possibly pack a change of clothes before immediately flying to Libya. He went through more than twenty checkpoints in the middle of crossfire and led the evacuation of more than 20,000 Filipinos who were caught in the conflict in Libya. You might also be surprised to hear the nationalities of the men and women we also ended up evacuating. Truly, the Philippines is different today: From a country that was always just the recipient of help, we have become a country capable of providing help. All things considered, Secretary Albert could have said no to working in government. He is a successful and respected businessman, and, certainly, he would be much more comfortable living a private life. He had also already served as ambassador to America. He could have become disillusioned after being removed from his position, because he opposed the past administrations declaration of a State of Emergency back in 2006. But we asked him to return to government, and he did. Now, he is contributing even more as Secretary. He is ready to put himself in harms way, because he knows that no one else will save Filipinos but fellow Filipinos. For continuing to stand up for our rights, I salute you, Secretary Albert del Rosario. We also know that excellent public servants do not just transform a society; they inspire. Millions of Filipinos grieved when Jesse Robredo passed. For almost two decades, he

served and led Naga with skill, compassion, and humility. These principles of his are the exact reasons we borrowed him from Congresswoman Leni and their three children, and from the Nagueos, so that he could become part of our Cabinet. This is why one of the hardest things I ever had to do as President was to deliver the news to Leni and their daughters, after the tragedy. Apart from grieving, I could not avoid blaming myself for what happened to Jesse. Maybe if I had not asked him to join my Cabinet, he would still be alive today. Maybe if he had remained in Naga, he would still be with us. Maybe there would still be a Jesse Robredo in public service today. But I also know that Jesse would not allow the transformation and righting of society to end with him. Jesse and I were only given opportunities to serve the country because of all of you. We cannot have just one face for transformation and change. We should not have to wait another hundred years before the next good citizen is born, before the next good Filipino rises to the occasion. There are those who always ask: What will happen in 2016? What will happen when you step down? Will that be the end of good, honest governance? Will we have reached the end of the straight and righteous path? My Bosses, let us remember: where did we begin? If you have doubts now, compare them with the doubts we all carried in 2010. Were we not happy enough then just to see the darkness end? Was it not enough for us to be able to replace those in power?

Now, we are experiencing change. Change that has sprung from the seeds of kindness, solidarity, and good will; change that was brought about by the million of Filipinos who have, in their own ways, big and small, pitched in and transformed the country. And just look at where working together as one people has brought us: Did anyone imagine that peace would be within reach for a region that has, for the past 40 years, been torn apart by conflict? Who else could be responsible for this but the Moros who laid down their arms and said: Come. Lets talk. I trust you. Who else but the common Filipino citizen who said: Brother, we are all Filipinos. Let us put an end to this conflict. When the Pantawid Pamilya program was initially proposed, there were some who asked: How could we possibly achieve the programs desired effects; where are the funds to cover all poor Filipinos? Did anyone imagine that in just three years, we will have expanded the scope of our project to cover four million household beneficiaries? And isnt it they themselves who continue to help this program succeed? Each mother who wakes up early to send her child off to school? Each child that studies hard? Did anyone imagine that from importing millions of tons of rice, we would be 94 percent rice self-sufficient by the end of 2012? Did anyone imagine that a country known as the Sick Man of Asia would, within three years of good governance, reach investment grade status? Who would have thought that all the social interventions the government is providing right now would be doable without raising taxes, apart from the Sin Tax? And did they not have a part in thiseach accountant, each doctor, each lawyer who now pays the right taxes? Didnt we all have a part in this?

Is there any space left for doubt? Especially now that we are achieving things we never thought we could achieve; especially now that we have made progress that our shared goals are within reach? My Bosses: Is this really the time for doubt? For every Filipino who believes in the strength of small acts of kindness: You made this transformation possible. This is your SONA. For every teacher who wakes at dawn just to teach children in far-flung areas: This is your SONA. For every policeman who serves and asks for nothing in return: This is your SONA. For every Filipino who, unhappy with the list of candidates in an election, chose to knock on the doors of your neighbors to say: We cant be content. Let us find a rightful leader together, this is your SONA. For every student who strives to be aware of social issues, and does not just complain on Facebook but actually proposes solutions: This is your SONA. For Brigadier General Ramon Mateo Dizon, the soon-to-retire head of the PSG, who stood alongside me even in facing coup dtats during my mothers term: Up until my presidency, you have protected me, and my first and official family. I am able to go to different countries and to far corners of the Philippines with full confidence. Chito, you have done your part in changing our country. You are truly loyal to your flag, to the Constitution, and to the Filipino people. Of course, you could not have accomplished all this without your wife Jo-ann by your side. This SONA is for both of you as well. And to all who roused their fellow citizens from apathy, those who challenged the cynics in our midst, and those who made the stubborn see reason: This is your SONA.

The road ahead of us is long; and we never said it would be easyor that we could tread this path free of challenge. But I do not doubt our capacity to overcome any obstacle. We did not achieve our current success by chance. Let us not allow this transformation to be temporary; let us seize this opportunity to make the change permanent. This is our fourth SONA. When I was a congressman, the people of Tarlac were my strength. When I became a senator and until now, in my Presidency, the people of our country have been there. You are my strength. As we continue doing our partand as we continue placing faith in our fellowmen and in GodI tell you: It will still be you who will make certain that what we have begun here will continue; you will be the ones who will make sure that we will completely eradicate corruption; you will be the ones who will make sure that we will never again stray from the straight and righteous path. Once, I was told: Noynoy, just begin the change. So we did, and we can all see how far we have come. Now, my countrymen, let us continue to stand arm-in-arm. Together, let us foster, accelerate, and expand the transformation of society. I am Noynoy Aquino, and I proudly say to the world: I am a Filipino. How wonderful it is to be a Filipino in these times. Thank you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------L Pb a c k so p p o s i t i o n sm o v et op r o b eP 1 0 Bp o r ks c a m By Christian V. Esguerra Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:20 am | Friday, August 2nd, 2013 12 64 24

President Benigno Aquino IIIs Liberal Party (LP) on Thursday threw its support behind the opposition congressmens move to investigate the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam. But the ruling party distanced itself from Davao Rep. Isidro Ungab, chair of the powerful House committee on appropriations who was implicated in the scandal involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). In a statement, Western Samar Rep. Mel Sarmiento, LP secretary general, vowed that the party will also support all investigations pertaining to allegations that Janet Lim Napoles has pocketed billions in government funds by diverting lawmakers pork barrel to bogus NGOs. An LP district chair, Ungab will be at the forefront of the chambers deliberations on the proposed P2.268-trillion national budget for next year that begin next Wednesday. Sarmiento insisted that neither the President nor the party had a hand in Ungabs appointment to the committee chairmanship. The position is usually reserved for a senior congressman close to the administration. Sarmiento said the party had someone else in mind, but Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., an LP member, picked Ungab. How can Representative Ungab be the instrument of the LP in the House of Representatives? He would not even be the appropriations chair if claims are true that the LP really had a say in his appointment, Sarmiento said. Probe resolution The House minority will file a resolution on Monday for a congressional inquiry into the alleged scam. If the resolution pertains to the same investigation now being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Belmonte said he prefers to wait for the results. I have already talked to (Justice Secretary) Leila de Lima (and asked her) to continue (the) investigation to its conclusion and to send us (a) copy of her report, he said in a text message yesterday. Then well decide if further action is necessary. Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora on Wednesday appealed for support for his colleagues, including those in the majority, for the planned inquiry. We want to get to the bottom of this. We are prepared to go to extraordi nary lengths to find out the truth. We are going to ask the NBI to present whatever case they can present to us. Well ask the help of the Department of Justice, Zamora told reporters. Malicious We will go to the agencies and we will ask the Speaker to give us in this investigation the kind of power that is needed for a true and meaningful investigation, he said. Sarmiento described as malicious allegations linking Mr. Aquino and his party to the pork barrel scam. It was under this administration that this dubious practice of allocating PDAF to bogus NGOs was stopped, Sarmiento said. It is also inaccurate to claim that the LP is responsible for the appointment of Representative Ungab as chair of the appropriations committee. He was elected to that position by his peers upon the endorsement of the Speaker on the basis of his credentials and track record, he said.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/457135/lp-backs-oppositions-move-to-probep10-b-pork-scam#ixzz2apEdmiYn Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------------------- D e m o r a l i z e d c u s t o m sm e n w e a rb l a c ka r m b a n d s Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:19 am | Friday, August 2nd, 2013 5 174 124 Wearing black armbands was the response of a number of Bureau of Customs (BOC) employees to what they call sweeping generalizations made by President Benigno Aquino III in his recent State of the Nation Address in which he referred to customs personnel as corrupt and inefficient. In a news conference at the BOC headquarters in Manilas South Harbor, some 20 members of Bureau of Customs Employees Association (Bocea) wore the armbands to express their disappointment over the Presidents remarks and to oppose alleged government plans to privatize the agency. In a statement, Romulo Pagulayan, head of the 3,000-member Bocea, described the Presidents pronouncements as very disgraceful and humiliating. Due process disregarded Mr. Aquinos accusations also demoralized all officers and employees of the BOC, Pagulayan said. (They were) in complete disregard of their rights to dignity and due process as provided for in the Constitution. The Bocea president said the Department of Finance-attached agency cannot be totally blamed for not meeting its revenue collection targets, Factors like globalization, trade liberalization, a sluggish international trade and a strong peso should be faulted for the problem, he said. Lack of personnel BOC personnel should not be faulted for the perceived smuggling problem in the bureau, which the Bocea head claimed was beyond the control of the BOCs 17 collection districts. At present, the total personnel complement of the bureau is just 3,000 distributed in 17 districts nationwide compared to 7,000 in 1980. With this lack of personnel, the bureau cannot cover and effectively carry out its mandate, Pagulayan. He added that despite this handicap, the BOC has proven its capability in apprehending smuggled goods. In his Sona, Mr. Aquino lambasted the BOC for allowing smuggled items, weapons and even illegal drugs into the country, and for not properly taxing imported goods. The President said: Instead of collecting the proper taxes and preventing contraband from entering the country, they are heedlessly permitting the smuggling of goods, even drugs, arms and other items of similar nature into our territory. The Department of Finance estimates that more than P200 billion in revenues slip through our borders instead of going to our public coffers Where do these people get the gall? He also said he was dismayed with the performance of the agency and its personnel.

Padrino system Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon has complained that efforts to curb shenanigans in the agency have been stymied by people entrenched in the BOC padrino (patron) system. Biazon and his deputy commissioner for intelligence, Danilo Lim, were quoted as saying that backers of corrupt BOC officials include senators, congressmen and relatives of high government officials. There will be no more sacred cows at the Bureau of Customs, Biazon said on Thursday. He said the agencys antismuggling drive, just like before, would be aggressive and wide-ranging. However, this time, with President Aquinos call to clean the bureau of corrupt officials no matter who their protectors are, there will be no more sacred cows at the BOC, Biazon said. He said all those caught doing illicit trade in the bureau will be prosecuted, in accordance with law. [I]f, for so many reasons, we encountered setbacks in our antismuggling campaign before despite our all-out drive against smuggling, we dont expect this to happen now after the Presidents resounding call for reforms in the Bureau of Customs in his fourth State of the Nation Address, Biazon said. Smuggled rice He made the remarks upon his return from an official trip to Cebu City, where he inspected 312 container vans of smuggled Vietnamese rice at the Port of Cebu. The shipment, which is part of more than 1,160 container vans of illegally imported rice seized by the BOC in late April, is scheduled for auction next week. The government expects to raise at least P245 million in revenue from the Aug. 7 auction of the 312 container vans of smuggled rice, Biazon said. The agency earlier raised P14.5 million when it auctioned off 50 container vans from the same shipment of smuggled rice. Mother lode Lim earlier called the shipment the agencys biggest haul of smuggled rice. We hit the mother lode of rice smuggling, he told reporters as he led the formal seizure of the illegal rice shipment, said to be worth over P1.2 billion. Deputy Customs Commissioner Danilo Lim pointed out the smuggled rice was bigger in volume and value than the haul confiscated last year at the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales. The Cebu rice shipment was misdeclared as stone and granite slabs and cooling insulators, among other items. The container vans arrived on separate occasions between March 22 and April 13. The BOC named the consignees of the illegally imported rice as JJM Global Trading, JM-ARS Trading, Neon Gateway Trading, Custans Enterprises, Melma Enterprises, NMW Enterprises, Ocean Park Enterprises, and MMSM Trading. Other smuggled items In Cebu, Biazon also inspected more than P10 million worth of smuggled items from China, Japan and Australia, including three used Mitsubishi Colt vehicles, a Mazada Elf truck, seven motorcycles and five used speedboats.

He said the latest seizure of smuggled goods was the result of the bureaus enhanced antismuggling and anticorruption campaign. He said it was in response to the Presidents rebuke on the extent of corruption in the agency.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/457131/demoralized-customs-men-wear-blackarmbands#ixzz2apEtAirE Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook ----------------------------------------------------------------------------D o c t o r e dt a xr e t u r n s ?N o ,o n l y a m n e s i a cd o c s By Philip C. Tubeza Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:17 am | Friday, August 2nd, 2013 41 172 114

Some doctors are forgetful or are just poor in math when preparing their income tax returns. Either way, they are not intentionally paying miniscule taxes, the head of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) on Thursday said. Dr. Leo Olarte, the PMA president, said some doctors might be paying lesser taxes than those paid public school teachers, but he said this was unintentional. Olarte said the physicians may have forgotten to pay the right taxes or made mistakes in computing the taxes that they should pay the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). That could be true since that came from the BIR, Olarte said in an interview, referring to the BIR report that one doctor in Makati City paid only P10 in annual income taxes last year while another physician paid P82.50, less than the price of a cup of coffee in some shops.

However, there is no intention to evade paying taxes. There are some who do not know the computation on how to pay the right taxes, Olarte said. The computation is somewhat complicated. Or sometimes, they get so busy that they forget, he added. In an ad published in newspapers on Wednesday, the Department of Finance (DOF) said public school teachers were making more money than half of the lawyers and doctors in Makati City as shown by their tax returns. The ad showed 54 percent of all self-employed doctors, lawyers and accountants in the countrys financial district paid less than P35,000 in taxes in 2012. The amount was less than the P35,952 that the government collected every year from a public school teacher earning P21,500 a month. The ad showed that there were 318 accountants who paid taxes last year in Makati. The top taxpaying accountant paid P4 million. The one at the bottom of the list paid just P120. One lawyer out of the 534 in Makati paid just P200 in taxes. Another paid P475, a small amount compared to what lawyers usually charge their clients. BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said professionals who were not paying proper taxes should be ashamed of themselves. The ad is part of the DOF and BIRs weekly shame campaign against professionals who make millions annually but contribute the least to government coffers. Olarte declined to comment on Henares claim that 90 percent of Filipino professionals, including doctors, were tax evaders. I cannot verify that allegation, whether it is true or not. But what is certain is that doctors are trying to pay their taxes, he said. Doctors also conduct free medical missions and sometimes distribute free medicines to the poor, Olarte said. Sometimes, our patients also do not pay us. He said the PMA was continuing its joint efforts with the BIR to educate doctors on how to pay the right taxes. We are closely working with the BIR and we will intensify our campaign to inform our doctors about taxes. We started these joint efforts in 2010, Olarte said. Our doctors support the government in this. We want it to succeed. We supported President Aquino during the campaign, he added.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/457127/doctored-tax-returns-no-only-amnesiacdocs#ixzz2apEzL8U5 Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook ---------------------------------------------------------------------------W H A TW E N TB E F O R E :F e r t i lz e rF u n dS c a m Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:16 am | Friday, August 2nd, 2013 16 78 43

Ophelia Agawin was among the officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) charged with graft in July 2004 for the alleged juggling of funds and overpricing in the purchase of P432-million worth of fertilizers. Agawin was then DA chief accountant when the complaint was filed in the Office of the Ombudsman by Marlene Garcia-Esperat, then the DAs resident Ombudsman in Central Mindanao. The accused included incoming Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante and seven other officials. In her four-page complaint, Esperat said the accused allegedly colluded in the purchase of P432 million worth of fertilizers from Philphos, a reported favored supplier, for the May to October 2003 rice planting season. She said funds from the National Food Authority were used to buy the fertilizers when DA funds should have been used for such purchases, calling it a clear case of juggling of funds, amounting to technical malversation. Esperat also alleged that fertilizers were overpriced, noting that the price of fertilizer was only P400 per bag before the P432 million procurement, but this shot up to P500 per bag. Esperat later left the government service and became a crusading journalist in Central Mindanaos Midland Review. On March 24, 2005, Maundy Thursday, gunmen barged into Esperats home in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and shot her dead while she was having dinner with her daughters. Estanislao Bismanos (alias Jun Brown), Gerry Cabayag and Randy Grecia confessed to the murder and were sentenced to life imprisonment. They said they had been hired to kill Esperat because of her exposs. The case against the alleged masterminds of the killingOsmea Montaner, DA finance officer for Central Mindanao, and Estrella Sabay, his chief accountant has yet to conclude. In September 2008, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed for insufficiency of evidence the graft case filed by Esperat, clearing Bolante, Yap, Agawin and their coaccused. In February 2012, President Aquino swore Agawin into office as acting assistant agriculture secretary. Lawrence de Guzman, Inquirer Research

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/457123/what-went-before-fertilizer-fundscam#ixzz2apF5joYx Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook ---------------------------------------------------------------------------W H A TW E N TB E F O R E :D B P sP 6 6 0 Mg r a n ti n a le g e db e h e s tl o a n s Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:13 am | Friday, August 2nd, 2013 16 243 42

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) filed in August 2011 a criminal complaint of graft and violation of banking laws against 25 past and current officers, and three private persons in connection with the grant of P660 million in alleged behest loans during the Arroyos administration. The complaint filed in the Office of the Ombudsman was signed by Jose Nuez and Francisco del Rosario Jr., DBP chair and president, respectively. Among those named in the complaint were businessmen Roberto Ongpin; former DBP president Reynaldo David; former DBP chief operating officer Edgardo Garcia; and former DBP directors Patricia Sto. Tomas, Ramon Durano IV, Alexander Magno, Floro Oliveros, Joseph Pangilinan, Miguel Romero, Franklin Velarde and Renato Velasco. The case stemmed from DBPs grant of P510-million and P150-million loans to Delta Ventures Resources Inc. (DVRI), allegedly with undue haste, and in violation of its own lending policies and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas regulations. DVRI was formerly led by Ongpin, trade minister of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. David headed DBP during the Arroyo years. In the complaint, DBP questioned the grant of P510-million loan to a puny company that had a paid-up capital of only P625,000. Moreover, the fact that it was approved by the RMC credit committee, the executive credit committee and the board of directors of DBP all in one day makes it doubly suspicious, DBP said. Ongpin used the loan to buy Philex Mining Corp. shares at P12.75 per share, which he then sold a month later to Manuel V. Pangilinans Metro Pacific Group as part of a bloc at P21 per share. Ongpin and Pangilinan were both sitting on the Philex board when the DVRI purchased the DBPs Philex shares. In essence, Ongpin had obtained a loan from the DBP and used it to buy the banks Philex shares. The transaction deprived the government bank of an opportunity trading gain of P412.4 million, DBP said in the complaint. Ongpin denied the allegations, adding that the DBP actually profited with the interest from the loan, which he said, was repaid way ahead of its maturity and was fully backed by collateral. David maintained that the transactions were done completely in good faith. The inquiry into DBP transactions was led by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima on the directive of President Aquino. The investigation allegedly spurred a DBP documentation lawyer, Benjamin Pinpin, 43, to take his own life on Aug. 2, 2011. It also prompted a Senate inquiry into the matter. In September 2012, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of criminal charges against 22 former DBP officers and executives and three private individuals for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The charges against Benilda Tejada, Josephine Jaurique and Justice Lady Flores were dismissed for insufficient evidence. Two months later, Morales ordered the dismissal from service of 13 DBP officials, saying they were administratively liable for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service punishable by removal from the service. Inquirer Research

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/457119/what-went-before-dbps-p660m-grant-inalleged-behest-loans#ixzz2apFBqiqs Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook