Manila Standard Today - May 2, 2012 Issue

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TODAY
Standard
Manila
Vol. XXVI No. 64 16 Pages, 3 Sections
P18.00 WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2012
Landmark. The Asian Development Bank headquarters, an imposing landmark in Pasig City, hosts this years meeting of its board of governors.
P125 pay hike nixed;
workers get crumbs
Aquinomics cites dire results on economy of more benefits
US wont take sides
in Panatag standoff
Govt open
to alliance
with Reds
Welfare agency
assures Luisita
farmers of aid
Press freedom holds steady worldwide
4,000 delegates here for ADB confab
Customs chief
allays concerns
on sin tax bill
When allies meet. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton leads
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario (left), Defense Secre-
tary Voltaire Gazmin, and US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, to a
meeting.
Burning issue. Unionists and activists burn the efgy of President Aquino to protest what they describe as low wages, the contractualization of labor, and other
issues as they mark the international celebration of Labor Day. Left inset shows the President entering the Heroes Hall in Malacanang for a tripartite dialogue with
labor and management groups. Right inset shows thousands of job seekers crowding the booths at a job fair in Pasay City. DANNY PATA and EY ACASIO
Wet summer day. A man is caught in a downpour in
Benguet as rain brings quick relief from the soaring tem-
peratures in the country. DAVID CHAN
CUSTOMS Commissioner Ruffy Biazon
has said the argument that cigarette smug-
gling will thrive once again should not
derail the passage of a bill increasing the
taxes on cigarettes.
He dismissed suggestions that the higher
taxes on cigarettes will encourage smuggling
during Mondays breakfast forum at the Dia-
mond Hotel on Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
Sin taxes should be imposed to raise
revenues while providing deterrents to to-
bacco smoke that adversely affects ones
health, Biazon said.
This is something we can do. We can
control [smuggling]. So we just need to
double efforts.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona had ear-
lier said the sin tax bill being endorsed by
By Jonathan Fernandez
SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman
said Tuesday Hacienda Luisitas farmers
will not go hungry while waiting for their
land titles following the Supreme Courts
nal decision ordering the sugar estates dis-
tribution to them.
The high court ordered the 4,335-hect-
are estate owned by the family of Presi-
dent Benigno Aquino III distributed to
around 6,000 farmers on April 24.
By Elaine R. Alanguilan
THE annual meeting of the
Asian Development Banks
board of governors kicks off to-
day to discuss growing ination,
skyrocketing fuel prices, food
insufciency, the debt problem
in Europe, and the worsening
impact of climate change during
the four-day conference.
More than 4,300 political
leaders, nance ofcials and de-
velopment specialists are expect-
ed to converge at the Philippine
International Convention Center,
the main venue, to discuss those
crucial issues against the back-
drop of an Asia-Pacic region
that is seeing steady growth and
is leading the global recovery,
and yet remains vulnerable to
adverse global developments.
Pamela Cox, the World
Banks newly appointed vice
president for East Asia and the
Pacic, arrived Tuesday night
with her delegation to attend the
ADBs 45th meeting.
Customs Commissioner Ruffy
Biazon paid a surprise visit to
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and said he
NEW YORKAs decades-old
authoritarian regimes crumbled
or eased their grip in countries as
widespread as Myanmar, Egypt,
Libya and Tunisia, freedom of
the press gained precarious new
footholds last year, according to
a survey by a watchdog group
released Tuesday.
Freedom Houses annual
survey of freedom of the press
around the world found that
for the rst time in eight years,
global media freedom showed
no overall decline. The report
came out just before Thursdays
observance of the UN-declared
World Press Freedom Day.
As usual, Western democra-
cies ranked high in the Wash-
ington-based groups freedom of
the press report.
But Freedom House marked
down the United States slightly
for heavy-handed police crack-
downs on journalists covering
THE Aquino administration is open to forg-
ing an alliance with the communists, the
governments chief negotiator, Alexander
Padilla, said Tuesday.
He said the government was open to accept-
ing suggestions from a recommendatory body
created by the Communist Party of the Philip-
pines and the National Democratic Front.
Communist Party founding chairman Jose
Maria Sison on Monday renewed his offer of
an alliance and a truce with the government
through a special track in the negotiations,
but dropped a proposal for a coalition.
Sison made the offer in an online lecture
before the National Defense College of the
Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday,
a copy of which was e-mailed to the Manila
Standard.
Padilla described Sisons offer as doable.
It is possible that a recommendatory
By Christine Herrera, Maricel Cruz and Gigi David
THE United States said Monday it will help build the Philippines
sea patrol capability but will not take sides in that nations stand-
off with China at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reafrmed the US commit-
ment to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines and to free-
dom of navigation and regional security but also for diplomatic
resolution to territorial disputes.
Clinton said the United States opposed the use of force or
threats by any party in settling the territorial disputes in the South
China Sea or West Philippines Sea.
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ADB OPENS MEET AMID GLOBAL WOES
In a Labor Day speech, the
President also rejected a 125-
peso across-the-board legislated
wage increase being sought by
workers, saying that would cost
P1.4 trillion and force compa-
nies to close shop.
Workers said they were un-
impressed with the Presidents
Aquinomics and belittled his
announcements as mere bread
crumbs and loose change.
The Bagong Alyansang Maka-
bayan also accused President
Aquino of deliberately using the
wrong gures to justify his oppo-
sition to a legislated wage hike.
The President speaks as if he
is the spokesman of big business
elite and not as President of the
majority of Filipinos. He again
opposes the 125-peso across-the-
board wage hike based on an erro-
neous computation, Bayan secre-
tary general Renato Reyes said.
The President multiplies the
wage hike by 40 million workers
to come up with a bloated gure.
This is wrong since the gure he
cited represents the entire labor
force, including government em-
ployees and non-wage earners.
Reyes said the countrys wage
earners entitled to a 125-peso
daily wage hike numbered only
15.6 million.
Mr. Aquino should check his
math, he said.
He also betrays his bias for
big business when he defends
contractualization to keep labor
costs low and attract investors.
Aquinomics proves once more
that big business is more impor-
tant than labor.
Earlier, Federation of Free
Workers president Joseph Matula,
By Joyce Pangco Paares and
Christine F. Herrera
PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino
III on Tuesday expressed reser-
vations on a security tenure bill
that aims to end the contractual-
ization of labor.
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News
ManilaStandardToday mst.daydesk@gmail.com MAY 2, 2012 WEDNESDAY
A2
A Vivus Inc. pill that is supposed to
provide erections within 15 minutes,
about half the time or less than Pzer
Inc.s Viagra, won US regulatory
approval.
Viagra meets its match
The Food and Drug Admin-
istration has cleared the erectile
dysfunction treatment, called
Stendra, the agency said in a
statement. Erectile dysfunction
is the inability to get or keep an
erection rm enough for sexual
intercourse.
The drug, known chemically
as avanal, is the sole product on
the market for Mountain View,
California-based Vivus, which is
seeking a partner to sell the med-
icine in the US New York- based
Pzers Viagra, the top-selling
erectile dysfunction pill with $2
billion in sales last year, works in
30 minutes to an hour, according
to the drugs Web site.
I do think its a differentiated
product, said Michael King, an
analyst with Rodman & Ren-
shaw LLC in New York. Unlike
competitors such as Eli Lilly &
Co.s Cialis, Vivuss drug fea-
tures rapid onset; rapid off.
Avanal may have $68 million
in sales next year, according to
the average estimate of six ana-
lysts compiled by Bloomberg.
Revenue may peak at $459 mil-
lion in 2017, King said.
Sales may be slowed at rst by
Vivuss capacity to market the
drug. The company is discuss-
ing deals with potential partners
to sell the medicine, Vivus said
today in a statement.
In addition to avanal, Vivus
is awaiting a July 17 FDA deci-
sion on Qnexa, which potentially
would be the rst obesity pill ap-
proved in 13 years.
The erectile dysfunction drug
also will soon face generic com-
petition. Patents for Cialis and
Levitra expire in 2016 and 2018,
respectively, and generic Viagra
is expected to be available in
2019, King said.
Vivus will be rolling a rock up a
hill on the generic side, King said
today in a telephone interview.
The National Institutes of
Health estimates that erectile
dysfunction affects as many as
30 million men in the US.
This approval expands the
available treatment options to
men experiencing erectile dys-
function, and enables patients,
in consultation with their doctor,
to choose the most appropriate
treatment for their needs, Vic-
toria Kusiak, deputy director of
the Ofce of Drug Evaluation
III in the FDAs Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research, said in
the statement.
Vivus gained 3 percent to
$25.15 at the close of New York
trading. The shares have more
than doubled this year.
Stendra in some rare cases
may cause color vision changes
and sudden loss of vision in one
or both eyes, according to the
FDA. The most common side ef-
fects are headache, redness of the
face, nasal congestion, cold-like
symptoms and back pain. The
drug also shouldnt be used by
men who take nitrates, which are
used to treat chest pain, because
the combination may cause a
sudden drop in blood pressure,
the agency said.
The pills side effects are simi-
lar to other erectile dysfunction
drugs on the market, Barbara
Troupin, vice president of medi-
cal affairs for Vivus, said last
month at a conference.
Vivus made the Muse pe-
nile suppository before selling
the rights in November 2010 to
Meda AB, a specialty pharma-
ceutical company in Solna, Swe-
den, for about $23.5 million.
Bloomberg
4,000...
wanted to make sure the dele-
gates to the meeting would breeze
through the airport.
The Metro Manila Development
Authority said Tuesday it will eld
1,300 trafc aides in key areas of
Metro Manila to ensure unimpeded
travel for the delegates.
The SMX Convention Center at
the Mall of Asia in Pasay City will
host the Philippine Corporate and
Investment Pavilion, which will
showcase the countrys high-growth
sectors, products and cultural shows.
The PICC and the SMX, along
with the Bangko Sentral and a
number of hotels, will be hosting
seminars and other events during
the meeting.
Vice President Jejomar Binay
will be the guest of honor at todays
opening of the Philippine Corpo-
rate and Investment Pavilion at
the SMX at 9 a.m. ADB president
Haruhiko Kuroda will preside over
the opening press conference at the
PICC at 11:30 a.m.
Those who have conrmed their
attendance are the presidents of
the Inter-American Development
Bank and the Japan International
Cooperation Agency; the secretary
general of Association of South-
east Asian Nations; the secretary
general of the South Asian As-
sociation for Regional Coopera-
tion; the chief executive of Agence
Franaise Dvelopment; and the
chairman of the governing board
of the Europe Development Bank.
Senior ofcials of the Asean+3
(China, Japan and South Korea)
will also meet on the sidelines of
the ADB meeting.
This years Governors Seminar
will explore how Asia can respond
to the global economic downturn
and the eurozone crisis. The session
will feature economist Jeffrey Sachs
and nance ofcials from the Philip-
pines, Japan, India and China.
There will also be sessions on
urban disaster risk management;
Asias role in the global economic
recovery; green growth in Asia,
and regional food security.
At other seminars, delegates will
discuss the pros and cons of pursuing
service sector growth models; ways
to extend nancial services to the
nearly 3 billion poor people around
the world; and reforming nancial
safety nets such as the Chiang Mai
Initiative Multilateralization.
Bangko Sentral Governor Aman-
do Tetangco Jr. says the meeting
will be an opportunity for the Phil-
ippines to share knowledge with the
other members of the ADB.
For us, well also be able to
demonstrate the positive effects
of the reforms that we have im-
plemented over the years, Tet-
angco said.
It is important that the emerg-
ing markets in gatherings like this
also increase their participation
and their role given their increase
in importance in the global econ-
omy. With Eric B. Apolonio
and Rio N. Araja
Customs...
the Finance Department on ciga-
rettes and distilled spirits was in-
tended to generate an extra P60.7
billion for the Health Department
during the rst year of its imple-
mentation, and an extra P139.3 bil-
lion in 2016.
Ona said the extra revenue would
be used to buy medicines and vac-
cines for babies and to provide bet-
ter health services nationwide.
Internal Revenue Commission-
er Kim Henares has said the bill
is also aimed at helping smokers
kick the habit. She says President
Benigno Aquino III is also sup-
portive of the bill.
In Australia, the tobacco compa-
nies claims that Australia was ille-
gally seizing their trademarks with
a law requiring cigarettes to be sold
in plain packages was questioned
by judges who said companies
would still retain their brand names
on the new packs.
The name itself would be im-
portant for reputation and good-
will, said Justice Susan Crennan, a
member of the seven-judge panel of
the High Court of Australia in Can-
berra where the challenge to the law
is being heard.
You and your competitors will
all be in the same boat.
British American Tobacco Plc,
Europes biggest cigarette maker,
and Japan Tobacco Inc. were joined
by Philip Morris International Inc.,
the largest publicly traded tobacco
manufacturer, and Imperial Tobac-
co Group Plc, maker of Gauloises
Blondes, in a challenge to the Aus-
tralian ban on logos.
The Australian ban, the first of its
kind in the world, is being watched
by governments around the globe. A
High Court ruling upholding the law,
which is due to go into effect Dec. 1,
might prompt other countries to fol-
low suit, further eroding the value of
the tobacco companiesbrands.
What happens in Australia is
pivotal to the plain packaging issue
internationally, Rob Cunningham,
senior policy analyst at the Canadi-
an Cancer Society in Ottawa, said.
The industry knows that once
plain packaging is implemented in
one country, the dominoes will fall.
The government crossed a
line with the new rules, moving
from regulating tobacco sales by
requiring warning messages to
commandeering peoples property,
Bret Walker, a lawyer for Imperial
Tobacco, told the court. Macon
Ramos-Araneta, with Bloomberg
Press...
various Occupy Wall Street protests
in 2011.
In January, Reporters Without Bor-
ders dropped its ranking of the United
States to 47th in the world in its an-
nual Press Freedom Index, due to
the Occupy media suppression, from
20th in the world a year before.
Italy rose slightly in Freedom
Houses rankings as media mag-
nate Silvio Berlusconi resigned as
premier. Freedom House ranked
Italy as only partly free due to
Berlusconis far-reaching inu-
ence, a rare example in Western
Europe of a nation not rated as
having a free press.
Britain also was marked down
slightly for riot-related press restric-
tions, and legal super-injunctions
that bar the media from reporting
the very existence of an injunction
against coverage of celebrities and
wealthy individuals.
The Arab Spring unleashed the
media in nations such as Egypt,
Tunisia and Libya, according to the
report by Karin Deutsch Karlekar
and Jennifer Dunham.
The newly opened media envi-
ronments in countries like Tunisia
and Libya, while still tenuous and
far from perfect, are critical for the
future of democratic development
in the region and must be nurtured
and protected, Freedom Houses
president David J. Kramer said.
China and authoritarian nations
in Africa and the Middle East cen-
sored news of the Arab Spring,
Freedom House reported. In Ugan-
da, Angola and Djibouti, the au-
thorities cracked down, sometimes
violently, on journalists covering
the demonstrations.
China, Russia, Iran and Venezu-
ela are cited in Freedom Houses
report for detaining and jailing
critics, closing media outlets, and
bringing cases against journalists.
State control of television and ra-
dio is a key means of media control
in many nations. AP
US...
She said the United States
would not take sides in the sover-
eignty disputes in the area, but as a
Pacic power it was in its interest
to ensure freedom of navigation in
the sea lanes in the region.
Clinton together with US and
Philippine ofcials held a press
conference in Washington after a
high-level meeting known as Phil-
ippines-US 2+2 talks. Represent-
ing the Philippines in the meeting
were Foreign Affairs Secretary
Albert del Rosario and Defense
Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. On the
American side were Clinton and
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
The meeting was held in the
middle of a standoff between
the Philippines and China, with
both nations stationing vessels
at the Scarborough Shoal for
nearly three weeks now. The
Philippines and United States are
bound by a mutual defense treaty
in which America will come to
the aid of its ally in case of mili-
tary aggression.
In the reports culled from vari-
ous international news agencies,
Clinton said the United States
supported a collaborative, dip-
lomatic process by all those in-
volved to resolving the various
disputes that they encounter.
She said the US had been clear
and consistent that it would not
take sides on the competing sov-
ereignty claims in the South China
Sea, but as a Pacic power the
United States must ensure freedom
of navigation, maintain peace and
stability, respect for international
law and the unimpeded lawful
commerce across our sea lanes.
In an earlier media brieng,
Panetta said the United States
was preparing to deliver within
the year another Hamilton-class
cutter to the Philippine Navy to
boost its capability.
During the talks, the Philip-
pines sought American help in
building a minimum credible
defense because of the escalat-
ing dispute with China.
Del Rosario said the Philip-
pines Armed Forces was weak
and the US could not rely on the
Philippines as a regional partner
unless it could build up at the
very least a most minimal cred-
ible defense posture.
Developing a minimum cred-
ible defense posture may, how-
ever, be hastened mainly through
an enhancement of the activities
we do together with our singular
treaty and through a positive con-
sideration of increased assistance
that we seek at this time, he said.
Gazmin said the Philippines
needed to intensify mutual trust
[between the two countries] and
to uphold maritime security and
freedom of navigation.
We should be able to work to-
gether to build for the Philippines
a minimum credible defense
posture, especially in upholding
maritime security, Gazmin said.
Del Rosario and Gazmin
stressed diplomacy when asked
what aid they were seeking from
Washington to bolster Manilas
ability to patrol its waters and
deter what they called intrusions.
The assistance we have
sought is to help us bring the
case to international legal bodies
so that the approach is the legal
rules-based approach in resolv-
ing the issue in the South China
Sea, Gazmin said.
It was unclear whether Pa-
netta and Gazmin discussed the
possible rotation of about 9,000
marines that, according to wire
agency reports, will be displaced
by the dismantling of the US bas-
es in Okinawa.
Panetta seemed to open the
door when he talked about ex-
panding cross-training opportu-
nities and heightened exchanges
of intelligence information with
Filipino troops as part of the
minimum credible defense pos-
ture buildup for the Philippines.
Aside from the Hamilton-class
all-weather patrol ship, the Phil-
ippines hoped to acquire long-
range maritime planes and inter-
ceptor jets, the reports said.
At the House of Representa-
tives, Deputy Majority Leader
and Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo
said the Philippines had a big
Army, 80,000 under arms, but a
small Navy, 26,000 men, and a
smaller Air Force of 17,000 en-
listed personnel.
The Philippines is one of
the ve biggest archipelagos in
the world...yet we also have the
most poorly equipped navy in the
world, Romulo said.
Welfare...
Soliman said her department
would continue to provide sup-
port services to the estates
farmers to help them go through
the waiting period.
She made her statement even
as a spokesman of the House
prosecution panel in the im-
peachment of Chief Justice Re-
nato Corona said the Ombuds-
mans investigation of Coronas
alleged $10 million deposited in
banks was not retaliation for the
high courts order to distribute
Hacienda Luisita.
The Hacienda Luisita is of
no relevance to the impeachment
of Chief Justice Corona, Rep.
Romero Quimbo said.
The chief justice uses the Ha-
cienda Luisita case as a diverson-
ary tactic to make the public for-
get that it has been his refusal to
disclose his dollar accounts that is
the root of the peoples distrust.
Corona has said the claim that
he has $10 million deposited in
banks is part of the Palaces pro-
paganda following the Supreme
Courts nal ruling to distribute
the sugar estate.
It is obviously a clear retalia-
tion for our decision on Hacienda
Luisita, he told reporters on
Monday.
I do not own $10 million. It
simply does not exist.
Soliman said she had ordered
her departments ofcials in
Central Luzon to hold an inter-
agency meeting to come out with
programs to help Hacienda Luis-
itas farmers, including providing
them with capital to start liveli-
hood projects.
She said 703 households in one
village in Concepcion and seven
villages in Tarlac City were now
receiving cash grants of as much
as P1,400 a month to tide them
over. Fifty senior citizens in the
hacienda had also been receiv-
ing P500 every month, and 469
children were being given sup-
plemental feeding, Soliman said.
With Maricel Cruz
Govt...
body by them may be formed. If
they are pushing for this special
track, we are open to this. We nd
this more welcome than their ear-
lier proposal for a coalition, Pa-
dilla said.
But let me make it clear we are
only talking of an alliance here.
We are not talking of coalition or
power sharing or giving Cabinet
posts to the CPP-NDFP.
Sison expressed optimism that
the peace talks, which have been
stalled for 14 months, could still be
revived through the special track.
I urge no less than the Presi-
dent of the government of the
Philippines to muster the political
will to do his crucial part in mak-
ing the regular and special tracks
succeed, he said.
The NDFP is always willing
to meet his special representa-
tives on the special track so that
the conditions of peace negotia-
tions are greatly improved and ef-
forts are accelerated to address the
roots of the armed conict and lay
the ground for a just and lasting
peace. Joyce Pangco Paares
P125...
whose group represents 16 labor
groups that attended a tripartite
meeting hosted by Mr. Aquino at
the Palace, appealed to the Presi-
dent to certify as urgent House Bill
4853, which consolidates several
measures seeking to provide work-
ers with security of tenure.
Matula also asked the President
to consider using his residual pow-
ers to come up with a clear policy
that management prerogative
could not be used to justify con-
tractualization and outsourcing.
But Mr. Aquino said that while
the bill was expected to benet
some 1.8 million workers who
were employed on a contractual
basis, it could also result in the loss
of jobs of 10.3 million workers.
Is this really a solution, or is it an
additional problem for us? he said.
We are not closing our doors.
We will take a look if the bill can
be amended.
Mr. Aquino said said that in
2011, the wages increased by 5.44
percent, higher than the countrys
ination rate of 4.8 percent.
He said Philippine wages were
actually among the highest in Asia at
$9 to $10 a day, higher than those in
Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The President, however, urged the
regional tripartite wage boards to has-
ten their hearings on the various wage
hike petitions across the country.
As of Tuesday, six out of 17 wage
boards--- Cagayan Valley, Bicol,
SOCCKSARGEN, Davao, Western
Visayas, Southern Tagalog---had al-
ready issued new wage hike orders.
The President said the govern-
ment would also hire 372 more in-
spectors for the Labor Department
to ensure the strict implementation
of the rules aimed at ending abusive
contractualization practices. The
new inspectors would bring the de-
partments team to 596, he said.
Department rules prohibit the
renewal of contracts every ve
months, a practice companies
use to get around a provision of
the law that species contractual
workers must be made permanent
after their sixth month.
But Anakpawis party-list Rep.
Rafael Mariano said the depart-
ment rules actually legitimized
contractualization.
The Bukluran ng Manggaga-
wang Pilipino also criticized the
President for noynoyingor pro-
crastinating---on labor issues.
The groups president, Leody de
Guzman, said Mr. Aquino would
not give in to the demands of labor
not only because he was pro-capi-
tal but because he was anti-worker.
At the meeting, the President
also bared an P11.2-billion educa-
tional assistance fund that would
allow the members of the Govern-
ment Service Insurance System
and the Social Security System to
apply for education loans.
Budget Secretary Florencio
Abad said the fund would allow
200,000 SSS members and 1.4
million GSIS members to receive
funding assistance for four-year
degree programs and technical or
vocational courses.
The Aquino administration un-
derstands that higher education is
vital in strengthening the countrys
work force, Abad said.
The P11.2 billion should help
ease the nancial burden for SSS
and GSIS members who want to
obtain their degrees or nish ter-
tiary schooling.
Under the program, P4.2 billion
will go to GSIS members while P7
billion will be allotted to the SSS.
Protesting teachers, meanwhile,
described as loose change Presi-
dent Aquinos supposed surprise
to state workers because the in-
crease for Salary Grade 1 translat-
ed only to P23 a day, a far cry from
the 125-peso legislated across-the-
board wage hike being sought by
workers, ACT Teachers Rep. An-
tonio Tinio said Tuesday.
True to form, President Aquino
is treating the 125-peso wage hike
proposal as a dole and not as a just
payment for the cost of Filipino
labor, which is valued much much
more all over the world.
How insensitive and ignorant
for Aquino to reject labors call for
a wage hike, Bayan Muna Rep.
Teddy Casino said.
This is not a dole that is to be
taken from Aquinos pockets or
from capitalists. Our workers are
not begging for alms but demand-
ing the just fruits of their labors.
Tinio said the Presidents sup-
posed surprise elicited no cheers
from the various labor groups.
The fourth tranche of the salary
increase under the Salary Stan-
dardization Law is scheduled to
be implemented July of this year, a
month earlier than what was origi-
nally planned.
Workers under Salary Grade 1
will experience an increase of P713
a month or P23 a day, Tinio said.
Government nurses under Sal-
ary Grade 11 will have an additional
P1,450 increase in salary. Teachers
salaries under Salary Grade 11 will
increase from P17,099 to P18,549.
Although this is part of what Filipi-
no workers have been hoping for, this
is a far cry from the 125-peso wage
increase and the salary upgrading that
the public has been demanding from
the government, Tinio said.
This surprise for the la-
bor force amounts only to loose
change compared to the budget
spent on military spending and
debt servicing.
Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino
said the 125-peso wage hike was the
most humane, reasonable and re-
sponsive to the needs of the toiling
masses, burdened by the soaring
prices of goods and services.
Palatino made the statement fol-
lowing the various wage hike pro-
posals made by different workers
groups and sectors: P90 from the
Trade Union Congress of the Philip-
pines, P8 by the Employers Confed-
eration of the Philippines, and P13 to
P21 according to Labor Department.
Palatino echoed the call of the
left-leaning Kilusang Mayo Uno,
which has been calling for a legis-
lated wage hike in the private sec-
tor for more than a decade.
About 20,000 workers joined
Labor Day protests Tuesday, labor
groups said.
The protests started early Tues-
day, with the various groups gath-
ering in several parts of Metro
Manila and marching to Mendiola
near Malacanang, where President
Aquino met with representatives
from several labor groups.
Most of the protesters came
from Nagkaisa, a new umbrella
organization comprising 40 labor
groups. With Rio N. Araja
MAY 2, 2012 WEDNESDAY
A3 News
ManilaStandardToday mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Free technical training
offered to 7,000 youth
Unit commander axed
for Camarines ambush
IN BRIEF
2 key measures left out
of House priority agenda
House wants more incentives for bank buy-outs
Politics
delays
Customs
revamp
Court urged to re-open
civil case vs Ver, family
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.
said the Lower House will focus
on the approval of several pending
measures to review existing laws that
promote human development and the
environment.
Even as we continue to focus on
reforms for good governance and
other concerns, we will never deviate
from reinvigorating our national
policies on human development,
promoting investments and protecting
the environment, Belmonte said in a
statement.
Belmonte said the House has already
transmitted to the Senate some 179 bills
of national scope and some 446 local
measures. Likewise, some nine national
and 58 local bills are expected to be
passed on nal reading this month.
Directly and indirectly, Congress
is determined to propose more new
statutes or update existing laws
to promote human development,
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should
enhance the incentives being offered to
banks that will acquire troubled rural
banks in a bid to encourage mergers and
prevent more closures in the countryside.
House Resolution 2222, authored by
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez,
urges the central bank to strengthen and
enhance the incentives in order to encourage
big banks to acquire capital-decient rural
and cooperative banks and prevent closures,
which are costly for the government,
particularly to state-owned Philippine
Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC).
The BSP is currently implementing
the Strengthening Program for Rural
Banks (SPRB), a milestone project jointly
conceptualized by the BSP and the PDIC
to encourage mergers, consolidations and
acquisitions via the grant of nancial
assistance to eligible third-party investors.
The SPRB recognizes the vital role of
rural banks in providing nancial services
to the community, particularly to their
specialized or niche markets and intends
to promote the merger, consolidation and
acquisition between or among eligible
[investors] and eligible rural banks, to
create a stronger rural banking system that
can more effectively serve the countryside
and better contribute in ensuring balanced
and sustainable economic growth in our
country, the resolution read.
While the intention of the BSP in
implementing the SPRB is very laudable,
there seems to be a lack of takers
considering the perceived insufcient
incentives to be provided, it added.
The resolution said the existing
incentives package at present under the
SPRB allows the state-run PDIC and the
central bank to extend loan support and
to grant regulatory relief to banks that
will acquire rural banks suffering from
capitalization problems.
Industry players believed that banks did
not nd the incentives attractive enough
to agree to take on the burden of acquiring
a troubled rural bank, including all its
debts and other liabilities, it said.
Although the BSP considers the countrys
overall banking sector in good shape,
driven by the strong nancial performance
of universal, commercial and thrift banks,
some rural and cooperative banks are facing
capitalization and management problems
which make the SPRB more important in
order to strengthen the overall rural and
cooperative banking sectors.
Maricel V. Cruz
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE planned revamp of
district collectors and other
key ofcials that Customs
Commissioner Ruffy Biazon
had wanted to implement
last March would have to
wait a little longer because
of the move attracts the
interests of so many political
personalities.
In principle, the revamp
of key ofcials is already
a go. But there are still
requisites that have to be
observed, explained Biazon,
adding that ofcials from the
Department of Finance, heads
of the executive departments,
congressmen and even senators
want their two cents worth in
the reorganizations.
The long-awaited revamp
will cover the agencys 17
revenue generating ports
and affect about 34 key
ofcials and Biazon said he
needs to have consensus if
he hopes to accomplish his
aim of improving collection
performance and meet this
years P347 billion revenue
goal.
We have to get their
acceptance [on the revamp]
because they likewise play an
integral part in our agency. Their
support would help the agency
attain its objectives, he said.
Its not easy to implement
change. I can resist in some
areas and I can manage in some
others. Its a good thing that I
am a politician, said Biazon,
who served as Muntinlupa
Representaive before his stint
in Customs.
Biazon said among those
who will be reshufed are the
ve Customs district collectors
in the major ports, but the
shakeup should not be deemed
as a punishment but a change of
strategy in revenue collections.
Since he assumed ofce in
September, replacing Angelito
Alvarez, Biazon already
implemented at least two
major waves of reorganization
but these involved rank-and-
le ofcials of the Customs
Intelligence and Investigation
Service (CIIS).
The CIIS is tasked with
pinning down smugglers and
ensure that the government gets
its revenues from importation
activities.
Some ofcials in the BoC
believe that the delay in
the implementation of the
reshufe is already affecting
the performance of some
collectors as the ofcials will
not work as hard if they will be
replaced anytime soon.
As of March, the BoC has
already incurred P13.02 billion
shortfall collection versus its
target.
Bendiyan festival. Village menfolk scramble to catch hogs that will communally slaughtered and
shared as part of the Bendiyan festival of thanksgiving in Kabayan, Benguet. DAVID CHAN
particularly for the countrys labor
force, he said.
Based on the list of priority bills,
those lined up for nal approval include
HB 6050, which establishes rural farm
schools as alternative delivery mode
of secondary education in the country,
and HB 6048, which provides for
universal health care to all Filipinos,
amending R.A. 7875 or the National
Health Insurance Act of 1995.
Also awaiting nal approval are HB
6022, which rationalizes the taxes on
international air carriers operating in the
Philippines, amending some provisions
of the National Internal Revenue code
of 1997, and HB 6023, which aims to
prevent and control pollution from ships,
providing penalties for violations.
Likewise in the pipeline are HB
6040, which sets a three-year validity
for security guard licenses, amending
R.A. 5487 or the Private Security
Agency Law, and HB 6044, which
aims to institute reforms in real
property valuation and assessment
in the Philippines, reorganizing the
Bureau of Local Government Finance.
The local bills include, among others:
the upgrade and modernization of the
J.R. Borja City Memorial Hospital as
an extension hospital of the Northern
Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan
de Oro City; the grant of franchises to
broadcast entities in Luzon; franchise
for the construction and operation of a
distribution system for electric power
in Nueva Ecija; and the establishment
of national high schools.
Furthermore, the local bills propose
to establish multi-purpose sh breeding
farms and hatcheries in Surigao del Sur
and in Cagayan (Luzon), a sh port and
cold storage facility in Cagayan and
Pangasinan, and a sheries research
center, also in Cagayan.
All these would mean benets for
the workers and their families, jobs
and income for their respective areas,
Belmonte said.
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE leadership of the House of Representatives
has left out the controversial Reproductive
Health and the Freedom of Information bills
even as it listed bills to promote human resource
development and environment protection
policies as among its priority measures when
Congress resumes session on May 7.
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
GOVERNMENT lawyers
have asked the Sandiganbayan
to reinstate Civil Case No.
0017 which seeks to recover
the alleged ill-gotten wealth
amassed by former Armed
Forces chief of staff Fabian
C. Ver, his children and other
defendants through the so-
called Binondo Central Bank
in 1984.
The Presidential Commission
on Good Government (PCGG)
and the Ofce of the Solicitor
General asked the anti-graft
courts Special Second Division
to overturn its January 19
dismissal of the case due to the
states failure to cite the basis
for legal action against Ver and
his co-defendants.
In a 69-page decision, penned
by Associate Justice Samuel
R. Martires, the graft court
declared government lawyers
failed to support their allegation
that the defendants received
sums from eight Chinese and
Filipino-Chinese businessmen-
members of the Binondo central
bank in exchange for protecting
their black market dollar trading
operations.
There is no evidence to
prove that these defendants
received money by way of
kickbacks, commission, gifts or
percentage from the capitalists
of the Binondo Central Bank.
Indeed, plaintiff Republic failed
to present evidence to prove its
claims, said Martires.
Associate Justices Napoleon
E. Inoturan and Teresita V. Diaz-
Baldos, division chairperson,
concurred with the decision.
THE Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority will offer
free technical-vocational trainings to
around 7,000 out-of-school youths
across the country.
TESDA Director General Joel
Villanueva said the agency has partnered
with the Department of Labor and
Employment in providing educational
opportunities to out-of-school youths
who will be selected from the 300 to 400
poorest municipalities in the country.
This is giving second chance to the
young people who are not in education.
We want to offer them an alternative
education so they would have the skills
they need to get ready for work, the
TESDA chief said, adding the program
was launched in time for the Labor Day
commemoration.
TESDA has linked up its Training for
Work Scholarship Program with DOLEs
Special Program for the Employment of
Students, according to Villanueva.
To qualify, an out-of-school youth must
be between 15 to 25 years of age, who
has reached at least high school level and
received an average passing grade during
the last school term attended.
An applicant should also be a rst-
time applicant of the TESDA scholarship
program and his or her familys income
must not exceed the latest annual regional
poverty threshold level for a family of six
as determined by the National Economic
Development Authority.
Villanueva said the TWSP-SPES
program is also open to occupationally-
disabled workers, persons with disabilities,
displaced workers or victims of trafcking,
illegal recruitment or child labor.
Training duration will be for a
minimum of 20 days (160 hours) and a
maximum of 52 days (416 hours).
Under their agreement, both TESDA
and DOLE will identify the training
programs that would be suited to
the beneciaries based on the skills
requirement of the locality.
Ferdinand Fabella
ARMY Lt. Col. Epimaco Macalisang,
commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion
commander, was relieved after four
soldiers of his unit and a civilian were
killed in an ambush by communist rebels
in Camarines Norte on Sunday
Maj. Gen. Josue Gaverza of the Armys
9th Infantry Division said Macalisang
was sacked for his lapses in securing
his men while they were organizing a
friendly basketball game in Labo town.
Gaverza said the Armys leadership
is still determining whether higher unit
commanders should also be relieved due
to the incident, but nancial assistance
was already extended to families of the
fatalities.
So far, so good. A maintenance engineer of Maynilad Water checks on the water level of the La Mesa Dam and it is still a long
way off the critical level as is usually the case during the summer season when the dam occassionally experiences low water levels
and threaten the water supply to Metro Manila. MANNY PALMERO
Opinion Adelle Chua, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
mst.lettertotheeditor@gmail.com MAY 2, 2012 WEDNESDAY
A4
WE HAVE all seen scavengers roaming
our city, rummaging through our garbage.
Many of us instinctively turn away,
disturbed by the notion that other human
beings must eke out a living by making
use of what we throw away.
This week, as part of its Eye on the
Philippines feature, the international
news organization CNN trained its
cameras on the hidden food system for
the urban poor known by the Filipino
word pagpag.
The word means to dust off dirt, as
from clothing, but to the urban poor in
Manila, it means scraps of leftover food
pulled from trash.
The CNN piece follows a pagpag
merchant who hunts through garbage
at night for leftovers from fast food
restaurants, washes out the meat
and boneseven though they are
sometimes rankand repacks them
in plastic to sell the next morning
in Tondo. A bag of such leftovers,
she says, can sell for P20.
At dawn, a 27-year-old mother of
two buys a bag, washes the chicken,
heats the pot and adds vegetables to
the pagpag. She hands her toddler
a half-eaten chicken wing, while
telling CNN that she knows that it
comes from garbage.
A social worker explains that the poor
who live in Tondos slums have little
choice but to buy such food, even though
it exposes them to diseases, because they
can afford little else.
While most of us would retch at
the thought of eating someone elses
discarded food, the 27-year-old mother
says the pagpag is better than nothing.
By the mercy of God, this is enough,
she says.
In an earlier segment on the
reproductive health bill and the religious
opposition to it, a Catholic priest
cheerfully explained to a CNN reporter
that overpopulation was not the reason for
poverty, and that population control was
no solution to the countrys problems.
Rather, he said, it was the deterioration
of morality that we as a people must
address.
It was a familiar message, but one
that sounded all the more ludicrous
in juxtaposition with images of a
toddler eating meat from somebody
elses garbage bin. That we as a
society allow this to happen is no
less immoral than the loosening
of sexual mores with which the
Catholic Church is so obsessed.
Some might argue defensively that the
CNN Eye on the Philippines series holds
up an imperfect mirror of our society,
but the images we see through it are no
less disturbing because they are viewed
through an outsiders eyes.
Food for thought
Abandoned
DIPLOMATIC noynoying is a variety
of ofcial incompetence that makes
enemies for us where there were none
before and encourages us to pin our
hopes on partners who will not come
to our aid when we need them most.
Nowhere is the fallout of this pernicious
practice more evident than in our
current relationships with both China
and the United States.
This should come as a surprise to
those Filipinos who like to believe that
good old Uncle Sam will (and must)
rush to our aid against China over
the Scarborough Shoal dispute. But
right now, the fate of a blind lawyer
in the American
Embassy in Beijing
is more important
to the leaders in
both superpowers
than the territorial
dispute in the South
China Sea.
Sure, US
Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton and
Defense Secretary
Leon Panetta met
with their Filipino
counterparts this
week in Washington.
There, the Filipino
ofcials made a
clear pitch for US support against the
Chinese, including beggarly entreaties
for more military hardware to enable
Manila to maintain a minimum
defensive capability.
But Hillarys mindand that of her
boss, Barack Obamawas probably
already ying off to Beijing. Clinton is to
arrive today in the Chinese capital for the
Strategic Economic Dialogue between
the two powers and the problems of the
Philippines are something that she did
not pack in her suitcases.
As the New York Times reported on
the eve of Clintons visit, ofcials in
both countries are more concerned with
what to do with a blind dissident, Chen
Guangcheng, who dramatically escaped
house arrest last week and ed to the
American Embassy. China and the
United States both appear to be under
enormous pressure to nd a resolution
[to the Chen situation] that does not
overshadow the talks, known as the
Strategic Economic Dialogue, or derail
the broader relationship, NYT said.
So fearful are American ofcials of
how the Chinese would react to calls to
free Chen that Obama would not even
mention the dissidents name, even if
he did gently urge Beijing to respect the
rights of its citizens because that not
only is that the right thing to do, [it also]
it comports with our belief in freedom
and human rights. However, according
to Obama, the bottom line is we want
China to be strong, and we want it to be
prosperous.
Those certainly arent the words that
Manila wants to hear from the Great
Black Leader in Washington. But the
Philippines is not in the radar of Obama
or Clinton because the Scarborough
business is only going to rile the Chinese
even more than they already are over a
blind anti-abortion activist.
Even Obamas softball pitch for
human rights has been interpreted as a
limp-wristed gesture to American voters
who may think that the US President
has gone easy on China just months
before he seeks reelection to a second
term. [The Obama] administration
has made a calculated decision not to
challenge the Chinese regime on its
dismal human-rights record [on an
election year], House committee on
foreign affairs chairman Rep. Ileana
Ros-Lehtinen of Florida said.
And all-important US-China
economic cooperation aside, Washington
feels that Beijing is now a vital factor in
regional security, as well. As the Times
noted, the United States is now far more
reluctant to alienate a rising economic
p o w e r h o u s e
whose diplomatic
heft makes its
cooperation crucial
on many security
matters, including
North Korea and
Iran.
And the weeks-
long standoff west
of Manila over
territories being
grabbed by the
Chinese from the
Philippines? No one
even mentions it in
Washington.
Its hard to accept
that a blind Chinese dissident rates
higher than a longtime ally and former
colony in the American scheme of
things. But thats just something we have
to live with, now that we have become
an economic pygmy with little strategic
importance to the US since we kicked
out the Americans from bases in Clark
and Subic.
* * *
Ever since the Chinese lost all
respect for the administration of
President Noynoy Aquino over the
bungling of the Rizal hostage crisis two
years ago, Manila has struggled to nd
any negotiating leverage with Beijing.
And Aquinos slavish (and ultimately
self-defeating) attempts to curry favor
with the Americans, supposedly as a
counter-balance to Chinese inuence,
have only made improving ties with
Beijing less likely.
(The Philippines failure to name
a regular ambassador to Beijing may
not be an attempt by Manila to engage
in diplomatic brinkmanship with the
Chinese. Unfortunately for us, China
seems to think otherwise.)
Meanwhile, our neighbors in
the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations still play deaf to Manilas
requests to join us in protesting Chinese
incursions. And now that Washington
has basically told Filipinos to paddle
their own canoe, as well, we are left
with no one to turn to.
Its something to think about,
whenever we hear Malacaang acting
like it wants to go to war with China
because the Americans have got our
back, as they say. And the laughter we
hear comes from across the sea, to the
northeast.
EDITORIAL
A surreal scene
ITS World Press Freedom Day
tomorrow, May 3 and the National Press
Club will hold its elections on May 6.
The scene at the Press Club on
Sunday will be surreal as it has been the
past decade. It would seem to the outside
observer that the NPC elections mirror
the vibrancy of press freedom in this
country. Yet, the Philippines is listed as
one of the most dangerous places in the
world for working journalists. Justice
still has to be served in the Maguindanao
massacre which included 32 journalists,
the murder of Doc Jerry Ortega in
Palawan and other assassinations of the
working press.
While the six major dailies can still feel
safe because they are Manila-based, their
false sense of security was shattered the
other day when Inquirer columnist and
University of the Philippines professor
Randy Davids house was strafed by
still unidentied gunmen. David, who
lives within the UP compound, initially
thought it was a case of mistaken identity
until witnesses said the van-riding
gunmen even returned to wait for people
to come out of the gate. It was then David
realized he was the real target. What was
it he wrote to incur someones ire?
The atmosphere at the Press Club on
Sunday will be festive. There will be
the usual banners/ streamers and leaets
proclaiming the virtues of this and that
candidate. The NPC election, however,
is but a mirror image of the awed
political process of the countrys local
and national elections.
Some NPC candidates are funded by
politicians and businessmen. Win or lose,
these candidates who are mostly running
for the funds of it will come out richer
from collected donations .
One particular candidate for NPC
president with questionable qualications
is Percy Lapid, who press club insiders
concede is the probable winner. Lapid
writes a murky column in a tabloid and is
a block time radio commentator who gets
away with maligning decent people with
impunity because we have a moribund
Press Council and a useless Kapisanan
ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas who
should be policing media ranks.
Lapids credentials? Sixteen libel
cases still pending for which he is out
on bail. If elected and then found guilty
by the court, the NPC would have a
convicted criminal as president.
Freelance journalist Alex Allan
sums it up: Percy Lapids election is a
foregone conclusion because of simple
arithmetic. There are no longer any
newsmen belonging to the respected
national dailies who are members of
the press club. He is being put up by a
group of radio block timers and tabloid
reporters who sewed up the membership
a few years ago by registering every
Tom, Dick and Juan in the NPC with
funds collected from corrupt customs and
immigration ofcials and the countrys
top smugglers.
Its practically rigged because the well-
funded candidate pays for the registration
of many provincial correspondents who
make up the majority of the NPC roster.
In some instances, the billeting of a
big group of correspondents from the
provinces are paid for by the moneyed
candidate, courtesy of his businessman
or politician patron.
How can the responsible sector of
the press recapture the NPC from the
clutches of the entrenched group? We
cant, no matter how we shake up the
poisoned tree. The usual suspects will
prevail and then take their oath before the
President of the Republic, through the
Ofce of the Press Secretary. Why do
elected NPC ofcials want to take their
oath before the President when the press
traditionally should have an adversarial
role vis-a-vis government? The reason
is to give legitimacy to a awed election
process..
The alternative is to organize
a parallel press club composed of
publishers, editors, and reputable
columnists. So it will not look like an
elite club, reporters can be members but
their application for membership should
be subject to screening and vetting by a
publisher-editorial board. If the reporter
is eligible, the newspaper which the
applicant is afliated with should pay for
his membership so as not to add to his
nancial burden. Hopefully, such a press
club could then regain the respect of the
public.
Such a club was tried by Inquirer
columnist Neal Cruz and the late
Adrian Cristobal and Max Soliven.
But somehow, Samahang Plaridel, the
alternate press club, was a work in
progress that seemed to have stalled.
ALEJANDRO
DEL ROSARIO
BACK CHANNEL
Washington
has basically told
Filipinos to paddle
their own canoe
and we are left
with no one to turn
to.
JOJO
A. ROBLES
LOWDOWN
ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher
RAMONCHITO L. TOMELDAN Managing Editor
CHIN WONG/ RAY S. EANO Associate Editors
RALEIGH J. JALECO News Editor
JOEL P. PALACIOS City Editor
ROMEL J. MENDEZ Art Director
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A5 Opinion Adelle Chua, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
mst.lettertotheeditor@gmail.com
ANTI-MINING groups were elated
to hear the news that a priest from
Mindoro, a certain Father Edwin
Gariguez, had received the Goldman
award. His own peers gave him
the award, so its like tapping each
others back for a job well done.
Those opposed to mining then
went all over the country to replicate
Gariguezs feat. This could mean
bad news to
the already-
battered mining
industry which
can otherwise
help alleviate
poverty and
unempl oyment
in the poorest
of rural
communities.
But what has
Gariguez done
to deserve such
r e c o g n i t i o n ?
In 2009 he
led a group
of Mangyans and other local
government ofcials in an 11-day
hunger strike against Norway-based
Intex Resources ASA in front of
the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources. Then-
Secretary Lito Atienza withheld the
environment clearance certicate of
Intex.
The company had not even started
with what the anti-mining groups
had been warning Mindoro residents.
Before this, the priest had been saying
a mouthful against this mining rm in
public gatherings.
In short, Gariguez has demonized
a well-respected and professionally
managed multinational mining
company by feeding the locals with
false information about the supposed
dangers of mining.
When an anti-mining advocate was
killed in 2010, the priest was quick to
insinuate that Intex had something to
do with the killings. His comments
had no evidentiary basis whatsoever,
yet they were carried by the Catholic
Bishops Conference of the Philippines
in its online newspaper.
Intex complained to the CBCP
through Bishop Nereo Odchimar:
Considering the gravity of the
innuendoes, the least the CBCP News
could have done was to balance the
reportage. As a company the majority
of whose employees are Roman
Catholics, we nd the reportage
morally and ethically wanting. As a
priest and shepherd of the Roman
Catholic Church, it behooves Fr.
Gariguez to be the paragon of
Charity by refraining- the absence
of convertible proof from casting the
rst stone.
The CBCP ignored the letter.
Despite this, the Goldman award
was given to Gariguez for supposedly
leading a grassroots movement
against a large-scale nickel mine to
protect Mindoro Islands biodiversity
and its indigenous people. But is this
really the case?
I have with me a letter written
in the vernacular by groups of
Mangyans (Samahang Apo Diya
Alangan Kisluyan Inc. and Kabilogan
ng mga Mangyan Inc.) who are
directly affected by Intex Mining
operations. The letter, sent to the
CBCP, complained about Gariguezs
interference on how to run their
daily lives. It appears that the real
Mangyans to be affected by mining
operations have not objected at all to
the presence of Intex. In fact, they
have given their full support of the
companys green mining method that
leaves zero carbon footprint on the
environment.
T h e
signatories of the
letter, headed by
Daniel Cabo and
Ramil Baldo,
said Gariguez
was meddling
in their affairs.
The Mangyans
s t r o n g l y
c o n d e m n e d
the priest for
making false
r epr esent at i on
that he had been
authorized by
the Mangyans to
speak on their behalf. They appealed
that they be given the chance to
decide for themselves in charting
their own future and development as
indigenous people.
Again, the CBCP refused to listen
and rein in the activities of Gariguez.
This can only prove that anti-
mining groups and self-styled
environmentalists are forcing their
own agenda into the throats of
indigenous people in the name of
helping the poor.
I blame the government for lack
of political will to enforce the law.
How can a provincial ordinance
banning mining be superior to the
law that allows responsible mining?
In Mindoro, there is a moratorium
on mining, but not illegal logging,
kaingin that burns and destroys
forests, and irresponsible garbage
disposal. The DENR frequently
intercepts trucks full of illegally cut
logs, which often are traced to high
local ofcials.
Anti-mining groups just cant
accept the cold fact that the world
cant do without mining, and that
today, responsible mining is the main
driver of economic growth.
All the conveniences we enjoy in
life are all because of how we have
harnessed minerals extracted from
the soil. When you ride a bike, theres
iron and aluminum. When you brush
your teeth, theres limestone and
uoride. When you use a computer,
theres gold and some other 34 metals
that comprise it. When you build a
house, you use cement, gypsum, iron.
When you cook a meal, theres iron,
aluminum, nickel and steel. When
you set the table, theres silver, nickel
and steel. When you wear makeup,
theres mica. When you charge a
cellphone, theres nickel, cobalt and
lithium.
When a priest drinks wine from
a cup, theres bronze, copper and
silver.
Protect
responsible mining
Tripartism at work
YESTERDAYS celebration of Labor
Day was noteworthy for a number of
reasons.
Labor groups still took to the streets
to press for certain advocacies, but the
number of those who joined the mass
actions was considerably less than in
previous years. I dont necessarily think
that this is a reection of the state of the
labor movement in the country although
there are those who insist that the
number of organized labor groups has
been on a steady decline. Its just that
advocacies are now fought in the halls of
Congress, in high-level meetings, and in
cyberspace. There has been a major shift
towards more collaborative approaches
in addressing labor and industrial
concerns and this was clearly evident
yesterday.
In fact, it is signicant to point
out that most labor groups, including
those considered left-leaning, sent
representatives to the breakfast meeting
with the President held at Malacaang
yesterday morning. This was something
that was unheard of a decade or so ago
when militant groups tended to snub, due
to ideological reasons, ofcial functions
held at the Palace. In the past, the rallyists
took over Mendiola and tried to get inside
the Palace in a symbolic attempt to bring
their concerns to the President. But there
they were at Palace yesterday although
some of them walked into the Heroes
Hall straight from the mass actions, and
they were wearing rallyists attire.
The governments ofcial Labor
Day event yesterday was a tripartite
gathering attended by representatives
of the labor sector, employers groups,
and government. The ofcial program
consisted of the presentation of labor
issues by lawyer Jose Sonny Matula,
President of the Federation of Free
Workers, the ofcial response of
Mr. Edgardo Lacson, President of
the Employers Confederation of the
Philippines, and the Labor Day Message
of President Benigno Aquino.
As a member of the national Tripartite
Industrial Peace Council, I have stood
witness and been an active participant
in a number of very contentious, very
passionate, and often extremely vigorous
discussions on seemingly irreconcilable
labor issues. Some measures such as
an ordinary resolution, or a seemingly
simple set of guidelines, would often
take months to craft because of the
need to listen to all stakeholders and
to consider as many inputs as possible.
For example, the landmark Department
of Labor Order 18-A took more than
ve months to hammer out. And even
then, despite the exhaustive discussion,
the employers and the labor groups
still failed to arrive at a consensus on a
number of issues. The good news was
that in the end both groups agreed to
defer to the wisdom of the Secretary of
Labor and allowed her to decide on the
contentious issues. There is also wisdom
in agreeing to disagree and allowing
government to have the nal say.
The Presidents Labor Day message
yesterday deviated from tradition
in a major way. For once, a sitting
President did not use the occasion to
score temporary brownie points by
delivering a gift-wrapped package of
benets to workers. The President
chose to focus on strategic issues. I
am sure that certain members of the
labor sector will accuse the President
of siding with employers because he
rejected the proposed P125/day across-
the-board wage hike being pushed
by workers groups. But then again,
everyone already knows that mandated
wage hikes are counterproductive. As
the President pointed out in his message,
the Philippines already has one of the
highest minimum wages in Southeast
Asia; implementing an across-the-board
increase would severely jettison hopes of
increasing our national competitiveness.
(I couldnt make heads or tails of the
Presidents explanation on the Philippine
Airlines issue, but I will ignore it for now.)
Truly, the solution to perceived
problems in job security and the growing
unemployment is job generation, the
way to guarantee higher wages is to
increase national productivity and
competitiveness, the most effective
way to address contentious issues is to
build more collaboration between all the
stakeholders.
I am critical of certain programs of
this administration, but I am prepared to
give credit where it is due. The Labor
Department, under Secretary Rosalinda
Baldoz, has been making headway in
getting employers and workers to work
collaboratively together in pursuit of
a larger, more strategic labor agenda.
The recent appointment of Rebecca
Chato as undersecretary for labor
relations has provided a major boost in
getting everyone focused on points of
consensus rather than on the issues that
are contentious and divisive.
Yesterdays celebration of Labor
Day at Malacaang, a showcase of real
tripartism, was the result of the hard
work of Baldoz and Chato.
Personal space
MY KIDS and I left our two-bedroom
apartment earlier this year and settled into
a three-bedroom townhouse in the same
city. The primary consideration for the
transfer was space.
In our previous home, there was one
big room and one small room. The bigger
room was where everyone stayed. It
contained one single bed and one double
bed, put right next to each other.
Also in the room were four wooden
study desks, one for each of the four
children, as well as the family desktop
and the speakers that were connected to
the computer. There was always a clutter
of papers, books, bags, coffee mugs and a
crazy jungle of electrical wires.
There was also always a cacophony
of sounds. My older son plays bass and
classical guitar, my younger son plays the
violin, my girls sing and act and write.
Everybody is a chatterbox.
My home ofce was downstairs,
adjacent to the living room. I had no
problems staying there at nightI do my
best work when everybody else is asleep
except when its insanely hot. Or when
there are cockroaches.
Now this new crib is bigger. The
best part is having three bedrooms. The
biggest, the one that spans the entire
width of the house and that has its own
bathroom, I gave to the girls Bea, 18 and
Sophie, 11. They can now invite all the
friends they wanted, stay up late talking,
playing music, watching movies.
The smallest room, I gave to my
16-year-old son Josh. It is just big enough
for his mattress, a built-in closet, his
desk, a chest of drawers and his guitars.
I took the middle room, adjacent to
both the bigger and smaller ones. (Okay,
my ten-year-old son Elmo rooms with
me, but hes a kid and the bunso so
its okay.) The aircon is in my room, with
only exhaust fans for the two other rooms.
It was the rst time I ever had a room
of my own. I was overjoyed that I could
freely move about xing, cleaning,
writing, planning, making lists. If one is
more organized, one is more productive.
But that was in January.
Fast forward to one of the most
scorching summers we have ever known.
I wake up and I nd everybody sprawled
sleeping in the room with me. I think it
began when Joshs exhaust fan broke
down. He found an excuse to drag his
mattress into my room every night so
he could sleep there. Lately, however, I
noticed he does not anymore drag it out
in the morning. He has found a place for it
under my beda pullout!
Of course, Elmo is my roommate,
but his robots scattered about are not
part of the deal! He also encroaches into
my laptop because the PC downstairs
hangs when he plays games there. And of
course you cannot tell him to stop when
he does his violin exercises. How else
is he going to come closer to the 10,000
hours (according to Malcolm Gladwells
book Outliers) he is supposed to put in to
become really good?
And because the boys are with me, the
girls decide they want to join the party, as
well. One of them climbs into my single
bed, and the other sleeps on the oor beside
my desk (yet another mattress would not
t.) These summer nights, when the young
ones have no school and the older ones
summer schedules are not that tight, the
chatter is endless. We tell each other what
we did, and did not do. They talk about
the most popular videos on the Internet. We
elevate knock-knock jokes to an art form.
Sometimes I wake up in the middle of
the night and lament that my room still
looks like the old one we left behind. I
then transfer downstairs, but nd am not
able to do much, or read much, or watch
much, because it is just so hot. I often
crawl back to bed cranky, disoriented and
less ready for the day aheadjust because
I have not had my me-time x.
And then I remember that I may not
have this problem for long. Kids grow
up and become less available for their
parents as they age. Ten, twenty years
from now, I may be that old lady awaiting
their Sunday visit or the sound of their
voices on the phone.
A cramped, cluttered bedroom is a
small price to pay to freeze these happy
moments.
Personal space is priceless. It enables
us to reect on the past day, organize our
many concerns, plan, reward ourselves
for working hard. It is respite from the
crazy schedules, the myriad of concerns,
the up-to-the-neck responsibilities, the
many hats we wear.
Personal space, however, is more
important for what it enables us to do. It
is going up for air. We then become better
parents, professionals, students, partners,
friends. Personal space should thus not be
sought out for its own sake, but for what
it makes of usfor ourselves and the
people around us.
adellechua@gmail.com
Autumn in Sydney
By Cynthia Pedrosa
SIMPLY delicious. Pleasantly warm days.
Brilliant blue skies. Cool, crisp evenings.
Sweetly seductive like Royal Gala apples
that peak in March. Unlike the glorious
foliage of an American fall, Sydneys
eucalypts remain evergreen, with the
soothing whiff of the occasional lemon-
scented gum tree. Summer has given way
to more tempered days. Sydney autumn
ofcially starts on March 1 and ends on
May 31. School is in full swing, having
started the last week of January. Those
little angels-when-they-are-asleep skip
and hop past my house on their way home
from school. I retreat to the back garden in
the late afternoon sun, moggy in lap, and
plan my autumn calendar.
What better way to kickstart the season
than lose oneself in the naughty and
wicked Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi
Gras, once deemed glaringly outrageous?
This unmissable and lavish expression of
gay pride takes place on Saturday, March
3. I, the closet voyeur, brave a ne drizzle
of rain to stickybeak from the sidelines.
Gays and lesbians march down Oxford
Street in a glittering procession of oats,
chanting political slogans, dancing and
gyrating in the skimpiest of clothes. Id
probably be cavorting too, had I not been
born straight.
On Sunday, March 18, I go Kermit-
green, along with Irish Australians in a St.
Patricks Day parade in the city. I don a
green shirt and, with some mates, mingle
in a sea of green at Hyde Park where the
parade ends. Guinness is the order of
the day to toast the beloved saint of the
Irish. We sit on the soft grass to marvel at
frenetic Irish music and dancing. Bagpipe-
toting, kilted men surround us. I could not
help wondering what indeed lies under
those kilts. The windless day was no help
for an answer. For a bite to eat, we tuck
into Turkish gozleme. Hardly Irish.
And I must not forget , March 31 is
Earth Hour Day. We participate in a one-
hour Lights-Off. There! Ive done my bit
to reduce my carbon footprint. Have you?
Have you Did you know that this concept
was conceived by Antipodeans?
Daylight saving ends on Sunday, April
1, and we turn the clock back one hour at
2am, saving one hour of sleep. To sleep
(more), perchance to dream
Happily, the two-week school break
coincides with Easter. Quality time to
recharge with daily walks and bike rides.
April showers nourish botanical delights
of tibouchinas in their magnicent purple
explosion. Autumn roses are deeper
toned and intoxicating. As I walk past,
my head swirls with words to the music
Ive been practising for our church choir
for marathon Holy Week masses. Ive
joined the choir as speech therapy for my
husband. It works. For the pious, Easter
is a time of reection and deep Christian
sorrow expressed in quiet devotion and
prayer. For the happy heathens, the four-
day weekend spells family outdoor fun,
wallowing in chocolates and hot cross
buns and sharing Easter Sunday lunch.
The child in me screams out, I wanna
go to the Easter Show! This is a two-
week annual event showcasing Australias
agricultural livestock and produce. Not
as holy as one would expect. Holey
perhaps, as the show burns a hole in
the family pocket. Thrill rides and the
obligatory showbags take a toll. I still
gape in awe, wide-eyed, at the biggest
pumpkins. the thickest Merino eece and
the meticulously groomed dogs and cats.
The essence of rural Australia comes to
life in visual and tactile feasting.
OMG, its mid-April and its chestnut
time! Supermarkets spruik the arrival of
these tantalizingly sweet and nutty gems.
A visit to a chestnut farm is on the cards
but my busy schedule is unforgiving. I
make do with store-bought, albeit plump,
ones for roasting. Oops, there goes my
manicure. Wild mushrooms come to the
fore in the last week of April. There is a
tour led by a naturalist to forage for these
edible fungi in a pine forest somewhere.
The fresh scent of pine alone is alluring.
But I have to fork out $55? Maybe next
year. And allow me to wax lyrical about
the abundant harvests of luscious guavas
from my faithful 25-year-old tree. Takes
me back to my childhood when stolen fruit
were sweetest.
The one day in the year when
Australians unite in solemn reverence
i s Apri l 25, ANZAC Day, whi ch
commemorates the sacrice of fallen
Australian diggers in Gallipoli, Turkey
in 1915, as well as soldiers in all wars.
The sound of the bugle call on TV sends
shivers down my spine as I watch the
dawn service unfold in the city. Red
poppies adorn the service sites and
rosemary worn on lapels, both plants
symbolic of immeasurable sacrice and
remembrance. I pick a sprig of rosemary
from my herb garden to mark the day.
Alas, no more breakfast-in-bed or
hand-made cards for me come Mothers
Day on Sunday, May 13. My little boy
has grown up and pampers me instead with
lunch and a bunch of chrysanthemums, in
timely abundance. Ever wondered why
they are the Aussie owers for Mothers
Day? On this day, my thoughts are with my
dearly missed mother and mother-in-law.
I know they are frolicking in an eternal
garden paradise somewhere.
The autumn chill has set in and Im
wearing a jacket. I cap off autumn with
a visit to my mothers grave for her May
30 birthday and I lay a bouquet on her
resting place. She would have been 89.
For my lial shortcomings, I say a little
prayer for forgiveness. But my litany of
sins is kilometric. No wonder she hasnt
given me a sign.
May 31 is a buffer day before the
onslaught of the new season. I line up my
winter boots and rie through my drawers.
I lay out all the scarves Ive hoarded
through my travels . Voila! A splash of
red to add spark to a predictably cold and
grey day. Hello, Winter
Ms. Pedrosa works for Navitas English,
Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia,
teaching English to newly-arrived
migrants.
Manila Standard Today is accepting
essays from Filipinos working, living
or studying abroad. Contributions are
ideally between 600 and 800 words long
and must contain information about the
author including name and location.
Essays may be sent t o mst .
l et t ert ot heedi t or@gmai l . com or
adellechua@gmail.com.
EMIL
P. JURADO
TO THE POINT
BONG C.
AUSTERO
ARE WE THERE YET?
ADELLE
CHUA
CHASING HAPPY
DIASPORA
The Mangyans
have complained
about this priests
meddling in their
affairs.
News
ManilaStandardToday
mst.daydesk@gmail.com MAY 2, 2012 WEDNESDAY
A6
Isko leaves party
as Erap starts up
Manila residence
No truck ban for bakers
Suspect in Ecija mayors slay arrested
De Lima vows to help enslaved Filipina
THE deliveries of bread in Metro
Manila will continue unhampered
during the 45th Asian Development
Bank annual meeting in Manila after
the Metro Manila Development
Authority exempted delivery vehicles
carrying bread from the truck ban
during the four-day event this week.
[MMDA] Chairman [Francis]
Tolentino issued last [Monday] night
an exemption for bread deliveries
from the temporary modied truck
ban during the ADB annual meeting,
Simplicio Umali Jr., president of the
Philippine Baking Industry Group
(Philbaking), told Manila Standard in
a text message.
Bread deliveries will now continue,
Umali, who is also the general manager
of Laguna-based Gardenia Bakeries
Philippines Inc., said.
On Monday, bakers appealed to
Tolentino to allow bakery deliveries
to and passing through Metro Manila
during the ADB Annual Meeting to
ensure consumers, including ADB
delegates, of a steady supply of fresh
bakery products.
The MMDA earlier announced a total
truck ban affecting six-wheeled vehicles
from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., temporarily
replacing the current 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. ban.
Bakers contended that bread,
being a perishable product, should
be delivered fresh to stores,
supermarkets and groceries daily,
just like other agricultural and shery
produce which are already exempted
from the truck ban.
Bakers said supermarkets, groceries
and most retail stores are closed during
the allowed time of delivery, which
is 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., thus nobody will
taking delivery of the bread.
Julito G. Rada
By Florante S. Solmerin
THE suspected gunman in
the February 4 assassination
of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija
Mayor Restituto Abad was
arrested by the police as he was
preparing to kill another target
in Novaliches district in Quezon
City last Saturday, National
Police spokesman Senior
Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said
Tuesday.
Cerbo identied the suspect
as Jonathan Carpio, 31, whom
he described as a professional
gun-for-hire with a P1.1 million
bounty for his arrest.
Judge Seran Cruz of the
Cabanatuan City Regional Trial
Court Branch 86 had issued a
warrant of arrest against Carpio
for murder and frustrated
murder, but the suspect was also
wanted for 12 separate counts of
electricity pilferage led in 2007
and 2008 by the Cabanatuan
Electric Corp.
Chief Supt. Charles Calima
Jr., chief of the PNP Intelligence
Group, said a bounty had earlier
been offered by Nueva Ecija
Governor Aurelio Umali for
information leading to the arrest
of Abads killers in addition to
the P100,000 reward offered by
the Abad family.
Our men arrested him at
the corner of Florentino and
Nitang Streets in Barangay
Gulod. He yielded a Armscor
cal. 45 pistol and a picture
of a man we believe to be his
next target for assassination,
including a location sketch
of the targets workplace and
a description of the targets
vehicles, Calima said.
He said Carpio admitted
he was paid an initial P20,000
by a certain Pete to carry out
the assassination of his next
target, but the police ofcial
did not identify the object of the
assassination plan.
Last February 4, Carpio is
believed to have shot Abads
driver-bodyguard, Army Private
First Class Satty Duclayan in
Barangay Saranay in Guimba,
Nueva Ecija.
The critically wounded Abad
then was transferred to the
St. Lukes Medical Center in
Taguig City for further medical
treatment but he died ve days
later.
The police were able to arrest
Jose Bernalin Pascual, Carpios
driver, after he crashed the
getaway motorbike, but Carpio
was able to escape. Pascual,
however, pointed to Carpio as
the gunman.
Also arrested in the series
of operations were four most
wanted persons identied as
Romy Vidal for murder in
Dasol, Pangasinan; Henry Olais
for rape in Paracale, Camaraines
Norte; Romeo Isipan for murder
in San Nicolas, Batangas; and
Doroteo Mirrales for murder in
San Jose, Romblon.
Moreno, incumbent member of the
Nacionalista Party headed by Senator
Manny Villar, will ofcially take
his oath as the member of UNA at 9
a.m. of May 3 at the Club Filipino in
Greenhills, San Juan.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will
induct the vice mayor along with former
Senator Miguel Zubiri who is hoping to
run as a PMP senatorial candidate.
The group is offering a better
program of governance than what is
existing right now, Moreno said when
asked why he decided to join the UNA,
but he did not reveal if he had discussed
political plans with the former president
who had publicly said that he is mulling
over running for Manila mayor.
Estrada also earlier revealed that he
had already persuaded Moreno to run as
his running mate in March, but Moreno
purportedly agreed only on the condition
that Estrada would give way to Morenos
mayoral candidacy in 2016.
Estrada also revealed that he is
already moving to a new residence in the
area of Altura Street in Sta. Mesa district
to satisfy residency requirements in the
election law. Estrada is still a registered
voter of San Juan City.
Moreno, for his part, said leaders of
their local party, Asenso Manileno, the
party of most incumbent Manila ofcials,
are now holding consultation meetings
regarding this new development, but he
did not say if other local city ofcials,
including city council members, would
jump to UNA.
These are the effects of the acts of
the national leadership. In a few days
or in a weeks time, there will be other
political movements. I believe this is
happening not only in Manila, but also
in other parts of the country as elections
draw nearer, said Moreno, who recently
took a short leadership course at the
John F. Kennedy School of Government
in Harvard.
There is no elections yet. And for now,
Im focusing my efforts in developing a
vision for Manila that will contribute to
national development because Manila is
our capital. Im consulting my constituent
and leaders to join me in these efforts and
help our ka-Manileo, Moreno said.
The former actor-turned politician
was also one of the 13 from all over
the world chosen by the US State
Department to take up governance and
transparency studies in Washington,
Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Seattle.
Right now, Moreno said he remains
focussed on his job as vice mayor and
presiding ofcer of the city council. He
is also the current president of the Vice
Mayors League of the Philippines.
Morenos induction to the PMP
appeared to observers as a political slap
on Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim whos
seeking a re-election and would likely
be Estradas opponent if the former
president indeed runs.
Lim bolted Estradas PMP after a
falling out and ran for mayor in the 2010
elections under the ruling Liberal Party.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
Regional Offce No. IV-A
Batangas 3rd District Engineering Offce
Tanauan City
I NVI TATI ON TO BI D
(MST-May 2, 2012)
The Department of Public Works and Highways - Batangas 3
rd
District Engineering
Offce, Tanauan City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors
to bid for the following contract(s):
1. Contract ID : 12DC0052
Contract Name : Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road, Maugat,
Tanauan City
Contract Location : Tanauan City, Batangas
Scope of Work : Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road, L = 0.664
km
Approved Budget
for the Contract (ABC) : Php5,000,000.00
Contract Duration : 90 cd
Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance
with the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184.

To bid for the contract, a contractor must submit two (2) copies of Letter of Intent (LOI)
and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino
citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture
with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of the contract, (c) completion of a
similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of ten (10) years, and (d)
Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment
for at least equal to 10% of the ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail
criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids.
The signifcant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:
Procurement Activities Dates/Deadlines
1. Receipt of LOIs from Prospective Bidders April 30, 2012 May 15, 2012
2. Issuance of Bidding Documents to Registered
Contractors
April 30, 2012 May 22, 2012
3. Pre-Bid Conference May 9, 2012 @ 10:00AM
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline: May 22, 2012 until 2:00PM
5. Opening of Bids May 22, 2012 after 2:00PM
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration
to the DPWH-Procurement Offce for Civil Works (DPWH-POCW) Central Offce
before the deadline set for receipt of LOIs. The DPWH-POCW Central Offce will
only process contractors applications, with complete requirements, for registration
and to be issued the Contractors Certifcate of Registration (CRC).
Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specifed in the
Bidding Documents (BDS) in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC
Chairman, DPWH-Batangas 3
rd
District Engineering Offce. The frst envelope shall
contain the technical component of the bid, including the eligibility requirements.
The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the bid. Contract
will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid
evaluation and post-qualifcation.
Prospective bidders may download the Registration Form from the DPWH website
www.dpwh.gov.ph. The BAC will issue hard copies of Bid Documents at DPWH-
Batangas 3
rd
District Engineering Offce, Tanauan City upon payment of non-
refundable fees per D.O. 52 Series of 2011:
Contract Reference Number Cost of Bid Documents (Php)
12DC0052 5,000.00
Interested contractors are also required to present the originals of their PCAB License
and Contractors Registration Certifcate to the BAC for authentication.
The DPWH-Batangas 3
rd
District Engineering Offce reserves the right to accept of
reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before the Contract Award,
without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

(Sgd.) FERNANDO A. LANDICHO
Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee
Tel. No. (043)7785134, Fax No. (043)7780738
Noted:
(Sgd.) EUGENE M. BATALAO
District Engineer
(MST-May 2, 2012)
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
DIVISION OF City SCHOOLS
City of Malolos
The Department of Education, Malolos City Division through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites
contractors registered with and classifed by the Philippines Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to bid for
the following project at DepEd Malolos City
Cluster
7
Cong.
Teodulo
Natividad
High School
Construction of two
Storey Four Classroom
Building 120 C.D.
ABC:
P5,027,220.00
Cost of Bid
Docs:
P4,000.00
BAC Activities Schedule
1. Advertisement/ Receipt from prospective bidders of Letters of
Intent (LOI)
May 2-9, 2012
2. Issuance of Bidding Documents May 2-23, 2012
3. Pre-bid Conference May 8, 2012
4. Receipt and Opening of Bids May 23, 2012

(Sgd.) FATIMA M. PUNONGBAYAN
Division BAC Chairperson (044) 662-3034
HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD
Expanded National Capital Region Field Offce
2nd Floor, HLURB Building, Kalayaan Avenue,
Diliman,Quezon City

NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that WILFREDO L. SEGOVIA
married to MARIETTA B. SEGOVIA (Owners) and
METROHEART PROPERTIES, INC. (Developer)
has fled with this Board a sworn registration
statement for the sale of Condominium Unit/s at M
SUITES located at Metropolitan Avenue, Brgy. Sta.
Cruz, Makati City specifcally described as A Parcel
of Land Lot No. 21, Block No. 6 of the subd Plan
Psd-19532, (TCT No. 187707).
All papers relative thereto shall upon request
and payment of processing fee, be available for
inspection during business hours by any person
having legal interest thereon.
Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project
is deemed registered and a certifcate in evidence
thereof shall forthwith be issued after fve (5) days from
the last day of publication.
Quezon City, Metro Manila, MAR 30 2012
(Sgd.) ALFREDO GIL M. TAN II
Regional Director
(MST-Apr. 25 & May 2, 2012)
Department of Public Works and Highways
Regional Offce No. IV-A
Batangas 3rd District Engineering Offce
Tanauan City
(MST-May 2, 2012)
The Department of Public Works and Highways - Batangas 3
rd
District Engineering
Offce, Tanauan City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors
to bid for the following contract(s):
1. Contract ID : 12DC0052
Contract Name : Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road, Maugat,
Tanauan City
Contract Location : Tanauan City, Batangas
Scope of Work : Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road, L = 0.664
km
Approved Budget
for the Contract (ABC) : Php5,000,000.00
Contract Duration : 90 cd
Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance
with the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184.

To bid for the contract, a contractor must submit two (2) copies of Letter of Intent (LOI)
and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino
citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture
with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of the contract, (c) completion of a
similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of ten (10) years, and (d)
Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment
for at least equal to 10% of the ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail
criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids.
The signifcant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:
Procurement Activities Dates/Deadlines
1. Receipt of LOIs from Prospective Bidders April 30, 2012 May 15, 2012
2. Issuance of Bidding Documents to Registered
Contractors
April 30, 2012 May 22, 2012
3. Pre-Bid Conference May 9, 2012 @ 10:00AM
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline: May 22, 2012 until 2:00PM
5. Opening of Bids May 22, 2012 after 2:00PM
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration
to the DPWH-Procurement Offce for Civil Works (DPWH-POCW) Central Offce
before the deadline set for receipt of LOIs. The DPWH-POCW Central Offce will
only process contractors applications, with complete requirements, for registration
and to be issued the Contractors Certifcate of Registration (CRC).
Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specifed in the
Bidding Documents (BDS) in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC
Chairman, DPWH-Batangas 3
rd
District Engineering Offce. The frst envelope shall
contain the technical component of the bid, including the eligibility requirements.
The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the bid. Contract
will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid
evaluation and post-qualifcation.
Prospective bidders may download the Registration Form from the DPWH website
www.dpwh.gov.ph. The BAC will issue hard copies of Bid Documents at DPWH-
Batangas 3
rd
District Engineering Offce, Tanauan City upon payment of non-
refundable fees per D.O. 52 Series of 2011:
Contract Reference Number Cost of Bid Documents (Php)
12DC0052 5,000.00
Interested contractors are also required to present the originals of their PCAB License
and Contractors Registration Certifcate to the BAC for authentication.
The DPWH-Batangas 3
rd
District Engineering Offce reserves the right to accept of
reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before the Contract Award,
without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

(Sgd.) FERNANDO A. LANDICHO
Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee
Tel. No. (043)7785134, Fax No. (043)7780738
Noted:
(Sgd.) EUGENE M. BATALAO
District Engineer
(MST-May 2, 2012)
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
DIVISION OF City SCHOOLS
City of Malolos
The Department of Education, Malolos City Division through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites
contractors registered with and classifed by the Philippines Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to bid for
the following project at DepEd Malolos City
Cluster
7
Cong.
Teodulo
Natividad
High School
Construction of two
Storey Four Classroom
Building 120 C.D.
ABC:
P5,027,220.00
Cost of Bid
Docs:
P4,000.00
BAC Activities Schedule
1. Advertisement/ Receipt from prospective bidders of Letters of
Intent (LOI)
May 2-9, 2012
2. Issuance of Bidding Documents May 2-23, 2012
3. Pre-bid Conference May 8, 2012
4. Receipt and Opening of Bids May 23, 2012

(Sgd.) FATIMA M. PUNONGBAYAN
Division BAC Chairperson (044) 662-3034
HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD
Expanded National Capital Region Field Offce
2nd Floor, HLURB Building, Kalayaan Avenue,
Diliman,Quezon City

NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that WILFREDO L. SEGOVIA
married to MARIETTA B. SEGOVIA (Owners) and
METROHEART PROPERTIES, INC. (Developer)
has fled with this Board a sworn registration
statement for the sale of Condominium Unit/s at M
SUITES located at Metropolitan Avenue, Brgy. Sta.
Cruz, Makati City specifcally described as A Parcel
of Land Lot No. 21, Block No. 6 of the subd Plan
Psd-19532, (TCT No. 187707).
All papers relative thereto shall upon request
and payment of processing fee, be available for
inspection during business hours by any person
having legal interest thereon.
Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project
is deemed registered and a certifcate in evidence
thereof shall forthwith be issued after fve (5) days from
the last day of publication.
Quezon City, Metro Manila, MAR 30 2012
(Sgd.) ALFREDO GIL M. TAN II
Regional Director
(MST-Apr. 25 & May 2, 2012)
Human trafcking. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima vows to help Agusan native Jona (right)
who was repatriated from Hong Kong after more than two years of virtual enslavement in that
territory. At left is the mother of Jona (not her real name) who fetched her daughter in Hong
Kong along with DOJ agents. ERIC APOLONIO
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
MANILA Vice Mayor Isko Moreno (Francisco Domagoso, in real life) will
join the United Nationalist Alliance, a coalition of former President Joseph
Estradas Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) and Vice President Jejomar
Binays Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
By Eric B. Apolonio
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) stepped
up her agencys drive against international
human trafcking as she vowed to help a
Filipina worker who was virtually enslaved
in Hong Kong for two years.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima made
the vow in a press conference at Terminal
2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport
where she welcomed home Jona (real name
withheld) who was repatriated on board
Philippine Airlines ight PR 307 from Hong
Kong.
De Lima said she will provide legal
assistance and support to Jona, a native of
Agusan province, who was misled into going
to Hong Kong in 2008 in the belief that she
would be a caregiver for an elderly woman.
But she later found out that she only had a
tourist visa and she was made to work as a
maid for a Chinese couple.
We are mobilizing the resources of the
government and our private sector partners
to make sure there will be no repeat cases
similar to this, De Lima said, adding that
she will help Jona le a complaint before the
Shatin Court in Hong Kong.
[I want] to highlight once more the
resolve of the government to punish and
eradicate elements engaged in human
trafcking in the country, the secretary said,
beside a weeping Jona.
The Secretary said the DOJ initially
pursued the case of Jona before the Shatin
Court in Hong Kong where she faced charges
of overstaying and working without necessary
permits. She quoted
According to Undersecretary Jose Vicente
Salazar, head of the Inter-agency Council
Against Trafcking (IACAT), Jona went to
Hong Kong in 2008 in the belief that she
would be work
According to Salazars report, Jona was
made to work for a Chinese couple, who
engaged her services for more than two
years without pay. The couple kept her
passport and refused Jonas pleas to be
allowed to return to the Philippines despite
repeated requests.
She was allowed to leave only after her
father died. Her employer warned her not to
disclose her employment with them and gave
her HK$5,000 to pay for her ticket and other
travel expenses.
Upon learning of the case, De Lima
assigned Salazar and other ofcials to assist
Jona in returning to the country and fetched
her in Hong Kong along with her mother.
The NBI recommended the ling of a case
against the local recruiter and is now with the
DOJ.
Instead of ling a complaint against her
employer, Hong Kong ofcials instead
charged her with overstaying and working
without the proper permit, Salazar said.
Estrada Moreno
A7 Sports Riera U. Mallari, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
Making matters worse for
the Knicks: center Amare
Stoudemire cut his left hand in a
postgame incident.
I am so mad at myself right now,
I want to apologize to the fans and
my team, not proud of my actions,
headed home for a new start,
Stoudemire wrote on Twitter after
the Knicks left the arena.
Stoudemire left the building
with his arm in a sling and what
appeared to be a bulky wrap over
his left hand.
LeBron James nished with
19 points, nine assists and seven
rebounds for the Heat, who lead
the Eastern Conference rst-
round series 2-0.
Carmelo Anthony scored 30
Zappiness
Heat crush Knicks again
MIAMIDwyane Wade scored 25
points, Chris Bosh added 21 and Miami
beat New York 104-94 on Monday night,
sending the Knicks to an NBA-record-
tying 12th straight postseason loss.
WAUKEE, IowaIm in a small town
close to West Des Moines, spending
a couple days of my annual vacation
here with friendsphysicians Amerlon
and Eva Enriquezand musing on
horseracing in the Midwest.
Filipinos in general tend to not know
much about this part of the United States
we are more familiar with states that
have a large Pinoy population, such as
California, New Jersey, and Florida.
Similarly, I know more about West
Coast and East Coast racing and had to
look up horseracing in the area.
Theres Prairie Meadows Racetrack
and Casino in Altoona, very near Des
Moines, the rst and only racetrack
in Iowa. The rst race was held there
on March 1, 1989. Thoroughbred and
quarter-horse racing are held Thursday
to Sunday during their racing season
which runs from April to October.
Apart from their own races, they also
offer simulcast racing from Churchill
Downs (Kentucky), Arlington Park
(Illinois), Del Mar (California), and
Saratoga (New York).
Among the famous jockeys (as in
Triple Crown-winning) whove ridden at
Prairie Meadows are Pat Day (who won
the 2001 Iowa Oaks on Unbridled Elaine
and Iowa Distaff on Royal Fair), Calvin
Borel (won 2010 Iowa Oaks on Seeking
the Title), Chris Antley, Jerry Bailey,
Eddie Delahoussaye, Kent Desormeaux,
and my personal favorite Julie Krone.
Despite being a relatively new
racetrack, theres a lot of rich history at
Prairie Meadows, and more to be made
in the years to come.
Lets now mosey down South now and
meet horseowner Mike Danapas, who
JENNY
ORTUOSTE
THE HOARSE WHISPERER
points on 12-for-26 shooting
for New York, which got 18
points from Stoudemire and 13
apiece from Tyson Chandler
and J.R. Smith. The only
other team to lose 12 straight
playoff games is the Memphis
Grizzlies, who dropped their
rst dozen postseason contests
from 2004 through 2006.
New Yorks last postseason
win came April 29, 2001. The
Knicks get another chance to
snap the drought Thursday when
they host Game 3.
THUNDER 102,
MAVERICKS 99
OKLAHOMA CITYRussell
Westbrook scored 29 points
and Kevin Durant added 26 as
Oklahoma City took a 2-0 lead in
the rst-round playoff series.
Durant hit two free throws
with 50.4 seconds left to give
Oklahoma City a 98-97 lead,
and James Harden hit four more
foul shots to close it out for the
Thunder.
Jason Terry missed two
3-point attempts from the left
wing in the nal 5 seconds that
could have tied it.
Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with
31 points and Shawn Marion
scored 15. The Mavericks led in
the closing minutes of both road
games but couldnt even manage
a split. AP
IN BRIEF
PBA Youngstars tourney set
A TALENT-SEARCH and value-
formation basketball spectacle
dubbed as the Coca-Coca-Philippine
Basketball Association Youngstars
comes off the stage in various venues
this May, with 12 teams participating.
Merging the worlds top softdrink
and the countrys No. 1 sports
entertainment, the tournament calls
for six teams from each group to play
a single-round elimination.
Bracketed in Group A are Cainta,
Las Pinas, Manila, San Juan, Taguig
and Taytay. In Group B are Caloocan,
Marikina, Muntinlupa, Quezon City,
Pasig and Rizal Province.
We aim to develop talent and
instill values important to our
society, putting emphasis on healthy
and active lifestyle, self-discipline,
sportsmanship, and a competitive
spirit based on honesty, humility and
integrity, said PBA Commissioner
Chito Salud.
Kensei IX,
Army stay
in the lead
KENSEI-BRUNEI and Philip-
pine Army posted hard-earned
victories to remain at the top of the
Mens Open division in the Ce-
buana Lhuillier Summer Grand-
slam National Softball Open at the
Parade Grounds inside the Clark
Freeport in Pampanga.
A elding error by Jonas Ponce
of JK.com Zamboanga led to the
winning run by Kenseis Manuel
Bacarisas for a 3-2 victory by the
visiting Brunei team that imported
nine Filipinos for this tournament.
Philippine Army made it a
bleak day for the two Mindanao-
based teams as it beat Zamboanga
City, 4-2, to share the lead with
Kensei on similar 3-0 records.
Zamboanga fell to second with
a 3-1 record, while JK.com Zam-
boanga totes a 2-2 slate as it earlier
won, 3-0, over West Java-Indonesia.
Philippine Air Force nipped
Philippine Navy, 4-3, for its sec-
ond win in three starts. The Na-
vymen still have to post a win in
three games.
Rizal Technological University
finally barged into the win column
by beating West Java 9-2. West Java
suffered back-to-back losses, earlier
bowing to Zamboanga, 3-6.
The loss sent the Indonesian
team to the bottom with four
straight losses in the tournament
hosted by the Clark Develop-
ment Corporation and sponsored
by Cebuana Pera Padala, Phiten,
Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, Just Jew-
els, Cebuana Insurance Solutions,
Le Soleil de Boracay, TJ Hotdogs,
Purefoods Chicken Nuggets,
Smokeys Sausages, Hungry Juan
and DOT Region 3.
Hodges: Filipino player will suit up in NBA
IN FOUR or ve more years, a Filipino
will denitely see action in the National
Basketball Association, predicted three-
time NBA 3-point shootout champion
Craig Hodges yesterday.
Mark my word, its going to happen
that in four to ve years youll see a
Filipino player suiting up for an NBA
team, Hodges said in the Philippine
Sportswriters Association forum at the
Shakeys, UN Avenue branch in Manila.
Also a member of the 1991-1992
NBA champion Chicago Bulls starring
Michael Jordan, the 63 deadshot based
his assessment after conducting clinics
since last mid-March among young
Filipinos under the long-running BEST
Center program of coach Nic Jorge.
You Filipinos have a passion for
basketball, and Im certain that someone
out there right now is giving his all to be a
good player because he dreams of making
it to the NBA, added Hodges, who was
also the shooting guru of Los Angeles
Laker superstar Kobe Bryant. But it has
to be a united effort, like sending a player
to the US and play in top-level collegiate
programs before nally being drafted in
the NBA. Denitely, you Filipinos have
the skills to make it.
Craig has been a great instructor because
he really involves himself with our kids, going
out of his way in giving them tips and pointers
on the right way to shoot the ball, noted Jorge,
who was also a guest in the session sponsored
by Shakeys, Smart and the Philippine
Amusements and Gaming Corp.
Brought over to the country by the
Upper Echelon Collective events and
talents management team of Kevin
Gray, Jaacleen Gupilan and Sal Gupilan,
Hodges noted the excellent footwork of
the BEST Center participants which I
did not expect when I came over here.
While Filipinos were not as tall as
Americans, he said he himself proved that
the lack of height was not an obstacle in
entering the NBA, and players with good
shooting skills like JJ Barea of the Minnesota
Timberwolves and Steve Nash of the Phoenix
Suns showed that they could be in the pros.
Upcycled footwear, anyone?
THIS summer, Tribu will add new picks to its product
line with the launching of Tribu Sole Initiative Upcycled
Footwear.
Upcycling is the process of transforming or re-purposing
discarded or waste materials, without downgrading
or destructing their composition, into new products of
enhanced quality or higher environmental value.
In the Philippines, it is reported that trash rubber tires
is now over 11 million lling up landlls, dump sites,
private properties and backyards. This poses a huge
problem since rubber tires never decompose, yet are
highly ammable creating signicant environmental
and health risks. Burning tires emit toxic chemicals and
air pollutants which can cause cardiac and respiratory
diseases, while stockpiled rubber tires become breeding
sites for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying animals.
Since Tribu has been actively supporting environmental
awareness and conservation for years now, the upcycling
approach became the premise of the latest product
creations, as the brand ventured on using used and
discarded rubber tires to produce trendy footwear.
Tribu Upcycled sandals (for his and hers) come
in various designs and colors t for outgoing and
adventurous fashionistas. And while each pair of
sandals is carefully handmade, the added-value extends
to the fact that disposed rubber tires were saved for re-
use, thus, the reduction in tire dumping practices, and
decrease in the consumption of fresh raw materials in
developing new footwear. Likewise, no fuel-powered
industrial equipment was incorporated in the production
stage hence, the absence of greenhouse gas emission.
Grab the latest summer fab-nds by Tribu Upcycled
available in Tribu outlets nationwide. For inquiries, you may
call (02) 553-4444 or log on to www.tribuoutdoors.com.
Marasigan-Oliva tops golf
JOHN Marasigan and partner Clifford
John Oliva combined for a 121 to beat
Clyde Cabreros and Frank Eduardo by
six and capture the Class A crown in
the eighth Camp John Hay Invitatioinal
Golf Tour at the John Hay course in
Baguio City recently.
Marasigan, a 9-handicapper, and
Oliva (16) shot 45 points under the
best-ball format in the first day, then
pooled 76 points in aggregate format
in the final round to clinch the crown
in the 36-hole event, Camp John
Hays premier member-guest team
championship.
Cabreros and Eduardo had 45
and 70 for a 115, nipping Bong
Mandapat and Earle Farrel, who had
a 114 from rounds of 45 and 69, in
the countback for runner-up honors
in the event sponsored by FMMI,
Asia Pacific Golf Corp., Poblador,
Bautista & Reyes Law Office, Univ.
of Baguio, Bishop Carlito Cenzon
Foundation, Chevrolet, Camp John
Hay DevCo and Camp john Hay
Manor.
Palaro bets to be screened
THE Department of Education ensured that fairness and honesty
will prevail in the coming 2012 Palarong Pambansa as the National
Screening and Accreditation will conduct the screening and
certication of athletes for the annual multi-sport games.
The screening, which started on April 28, is conducted by a
committee composed of 25 memberseight from DepEd Central
Ofce and one representative from 17 participating regions.
We are strictly following the rules and guidelines for the
screening and accreditation to make sure that the Palaro will be free
from any controversy, DepEd assistant secretary Tonisito Umali,
secretary general of Palaro said.
NSAC has the duty to evaluate and verify the authenticity of the
documents of athletes, coaches and chaperons. Also, it is tasked
to accredit qualied participants and formulate ground rules not
covered by the guidelines on eligibility, as stated in Enclosure 3 of
DepEd Memorandum 75, series 2012.
To qualify for the Palarong Pambansa, athletes must be Filipino
citizens, from elementary or secondary public or private schools,
who have participated in Division and Regional Meets.
Athletes who have been declared overage will not be allowed to play
in the competition. However, elementary athletes who have been declared
overage in elementary level may be allowed to play in the secondary level.
Acquiring failing grades in more than two core subjects in the second
grading period is also a ground for disqualication. Gigi David
Melindo faces ex-champ
UNDEFEATED Milan Melindo
fights former World Boxing
Organization light flyweight
champion Jesus Geles of Colombia
for the vacant WBO Intercontinental
flyweight title at the Resorts Hotel
and Casino in Manila on June 2 to
be telecast by ABS-CBN on its top-
rated series Pinoy Pride.
The 24-year-old Melindo, ranked
No. 1 by the WBO, No. 7 by the World
Boxing Council, No. 9 by the World
Boxing Association and No. 12 by
the International Boxing Federation,
is the reigning WBO Intercontinental
champion with a record of 26-0
including 10 knockouts.
In his last fight, Melindo scored
a seventh-round technical knockout
over Juan Esquer in a successful
defense of the title on Jan. 28, after
winning the vacant crown when
Francisco Rosas retired in the 10th
round on Sept. 10, 2011.
The 24-year-old Geles has a
record of 13-2 with 5 knockouts
and in his last fight won a six round
unanimous decision over Wilfrido
Lans on March 30.
Geles had previously won the WBO
Interim light flyweight title with a
12-round split decision over Ramon
Garcia Hirales on Feb. 5, 2011, but
lost the title when he suffered a
fourth-round knockout in a rematch
on April 30, 2011.
Ronnie Nathanielsz
sent me this message a few weeks ago:
Howdy from Texas! My 3YO named
Zaptitude broke his maiden [recently] in a
$25,000 maiden claimer at Lone Star Park
here. [He did] 7-1/2 furlongs on the turf. I
think he has found his groove and gave us
a very exciting race coming from 14-1/2
lengths off the lead to win by two lengths.
He has consistently shown that he
prefers the turf and coming from way
behind to nish strong. He now leads Zaps
progeny in earnings and so far for the year
Zap is ranked #3 in The Bloodhorse Top
Sires List for Texas. Zap nished 2011 as
number three as well here in Texas. Pretty
good for having sired only 16 foals before
he was moved to your neck of the woods
as we say!
Mikes horse, Zaptitude, was sired by
Zap (AP Indy - Ziggys Act), who was
acquired in 2009 by horseowner-breeder
mayor Leonardo Sandy Javier Jr. Since
then, Zap has been standing stud at Javiers
Royal Maverick Ranch in Batangas.
Mayor Sandy said that Zaps rst crop
of Philippine-breds are now 2YO and
some may be hitting the track later this
year under his banner, while others may
be sold in auctions or private sales later.
Its great to know that we have this
sort of excellent bloodstock in the
country. Lets see if Zaps progeny here
will do as well as Zaptitude is doing in
Texas. Yeehaw!
* * *
Happy birthday to PCSO general
manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II! As
former chairman of the Philippine Racing
Commission from February 2008 to July
2010, he guided the industry through a
rough transitional time and spearheaded
the establishment of the Philracom
laboratory, shepherded the racing taxes
bill through the House of Representatives
until it got passed, and more.
In PCSO, he is now immersed in
agency operations ensuring the delivery
of its mandated medical- and health-
related services.
With best wishes to you, Attorney
Joy, today and always!
* * *
Email: jennyo@live.com, Blog: http://
jennyo.net, Twitter: @gogirlracing
La Union hosts slalom invitational meet
Entries for the 2012 Shell Helix Invitational Slalom@ San Fernando, La Union are
shown here.
RACE Motorsports Club invites all car
enthusiasts to join the rst out of a three-
leg slalom invitational on Saturday at
the Francisco Ortega Highway, San
Fernando La Union.
Registration will start at 7 a.m. and
will continue for the whole day. Drivers
may do their practice runs until 11 a.m.,
before the start of the ofcial runs at
11:30 a.m.
Expected to participate are the
different clubs/teams, headed by Baguio
Auto Forum, Baguio Auto Club, Team
Special Stage, Barfetch, Corolla Auto
Club Baguio, VW Club Baguio, Team
La Union, and privateers from Dagupan,
Pangasinan, Tarlac and Metro Manila.
Participants will learn to make a
perfect 180- and 360-degree turns.
The Shell Helix Slalom Invitational is
presented by Shell Helix Motor Oils and
sponsored by Federal Tyres, Dubshop
Magwheels Inc., Outlast Battery,
Federal Tyres, Auto Transporter,
Starbright Body Kits and the City of San
Fernando, Mayor Pablo Ortega, Ed and
Rica Regala, Pacoy Ortega and media
partners Stoplight TV, Inside Motoring,
Since Tribu has been actively supporting
environmental awareness and conservation, the
upcycling approach became the premise of the
latest product creations, as the brand ventured on
using used and discarded rubber tires to produce
trendy footwear.
Wave 89.1, C! Magazine, Wheel to
Wheel Magazine, Auto Industriya, kotse.
com and SunStar Baguio.
The second event for the Slalom
Invitational will be on Aug. 18, also at
San Fernando, La Union.
There will be a free slalom clinic
from 9 to 10 a.m. For details, contact
Bing Bang Dulce at tel. nos. 928-6951,
0922-8165344 or 0917-8119337; e-mail:
racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com or
Web site www.racemotorsports.com.
Sports
Manila Standard TODAY
WEDNESDAY
A8
NBA RESULTS
Rivera scores double win in karting
ROSARIOYoung junior ace
Estefano Rivera of FERN-C
Racing displayed brilliant
defense and determination
to sweep all three races and
capture two titles recently in the
second leg of the 2012 Petron
Karting Super Series at the
Batangas Racing Circuit here.
The 15-year-old Rivera
bagged both the ROK Overall
and ROK Junior crowns as he
also steered FERN-C Racing
Team to a 1-2-3 nish together
with runner-up VJ Suba and
third placer Matthew Chan
in this event sanctioned by
the Automobile Association
Philippines and sponsored
by Petron Blaze, San Miguel
Corporation, Motorstar and
Aeromed.
It was a big comeback for
Rivera after a dismal stint
triggered by disappointing
consequences in the kickoff leg.
The double-title feat made
up for the accident he suffered
during Saturdays practice
session, where a slight collision
with another karter sent him
and his kart slamming to the
tire barrier.
His kart almost in total
wreck, Rivera was immediately
brought to the hospital.
Good thing, he only suffered
contusions on his back and was
given the go-signal to race.
The pain only made him more
determined as he topped the
qualifying round and ruled the
Pre-Final race. Rivera and Suba
diced for the lead throughout
the Final Race, but Estefanos
brilliant defense blocked Suba
in the last 50 meters to secure
his victory. He wrapped up the
10-lap Final Race in 12 minutes
and 53.933 seconds, just 0.633
of a second ahead of Suba.
Chan, last years Clubman
Karter of the Year, also held
sway against Archim Lagman
in the last 20 meters to claim
third place. Lagman settled for
fourth, while Sacha Feliciano
of Marcelo Racing ended fth
as she also went on to win the
ROK Clubman title.
sports@manilastandardtoday.com sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
LOTTO RESULTS
6/49 000000000000
6/42 000000000000
6 DIGITS 000000000000
3 DIGITS 000000
2 EZ2 0000
P0.0M+
P0.0M+
Lady Tams
back into
the groove
Pea headed back
to Petron Boosters
Unlikely seminalists
steal volleyball show
LINGAYEN A pair from the
College of St. Benilde and two
standouts from the University
of Luzon in Dagupan emerged
as unlikely seminalists in the
second leg of the 2012 Petron
Ladies Beach Volleyball
Tournament here.
CSB Lady Blazers Cindy
Valencia and Rossan Fajardo
took the rst semis berth
in Group A Monday after
they swept their four-game
elimination-round assignment
at the sand courts of the wind-
strewn provincial capitol
beachfront grounds here.
University of Luzons Mela-
nie Carrera and Cassandra
Lleda bagged the second semis
slot in Group B after they came
away with a 21-13 stopping of
hometown favorites, the Viray
twins Geziela and Nieza.
Mangaldan bets Jennifer
Manzano and Cindy Benitez
also claimed a sweep in Group
B to complete the semis cast
with Group A aspirants Rizal
Technological Universitys Jessa
Aranda and Julienne Abat.
The two-day spikefest
is supported by Mikasa,
Molten Ball, the ofce of
Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil and
the province of Pangasinan
through Gov. Amado Espino.
The last day of competitions
will coincide with the
provinces annual celebration
of the Pistay Dayat Festival, a
thanksgiving festivity observed
every April in Lingayen to
celebrate the bountiful harvest
and abundant shing in the
province.
Fajardo, who is partnering
with Valencia for the rst
time, found the momentum to
come up with four consecutive
victories, jump-started by
a 15-8 win over La Salle-
Dasmarias Cherry Nunag
and Jennifer Zarate, who hurt
her left elbow during the game.
The two went on to waylay
RTUs Aranda and Abat,
21-11, and then followed
it up with a 21-16 edging
of University of the Easts
Maureen Martinez and Pia
Sarmiento. They then capped
their streak of wins with a
21-8 beating of Perpetual
Help-GMAs Evarlene de
Vera and Carmina Vegas.
By Rey Joble
A WEEK after seeing his brother
Rabeh Al-Hussiani being dealt to
Powerade, Carlo Sharma is headed
back to the team he rst played
forthe Barako Bull Energy.
Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi
conrmed the latest transaction
involving his team and Petron to
told Manila Standard, sending
Sharma and newly acquired
Petron guard Celino Cruz to the
Energy in exchange for veteran
center Dorian Pena.
There were negotiations
agreed upon, but its still
subject to the approval of the
commissioner, said Baculi.
PBA commissioner Chito
Salud did conrm that the trade
papers have already reached his
ofce, although he has yet to
make action regarding the said
negotiations involving the two
teams.
I havent evaluated it yet,
but I hope I can make a decision
within the day, Salud said in a
telephone interview.
The trade would send Pena, a
bruising 69 center, back to San
Miguels mother team, Petron.
He was a member of the Beer-
mens multi-titled champion
squads, but was traded to the
Air21 Express, along with two
other old-timers Danny Seigle
and Dondon Hobntiveros, and
spitre guard Paul Artadi when
San Miguel acquired Noy Ba-
clao, Al-Hussaini and Rey Gue-
varra, then the leagues top three
picks in the rookie draft.
Games tomorrow
2 p.m. NU vs SWU
4 p.m. Letran vs USLS
6 p.m. Ateneo vs
Perpetual
FAR Eastern University put on
a virtual volley clinic against
a struggling Southwestern
University side, cruising to a
25-9, 25-8, 25-15 victory to get
back into the thick of things in
the ninth Shakeys V-League
Presented by Smart at The
Arena in San Juan yesterday.
The Lady Tams stamped
their class early with Thai
guest player Eve Sanorseang,
Rosemarie Vargas, Wenneth
Eulalio and Marie Basas
combining for 44 hits to
completely outplay the Lady
Cobras and fashion out the
64-minute romp.
It was a big comeback for
FEU, which dropped its opening
game match to defending
champion Ateneo in Group A,
although the Lady Tams need
to hurdle at least one its last two
games to clinch a berth in the
quarternal round of the season-
opening tournament of the
league sponsored by Shakeys
Pizza and backed by Mikasa and
Accel.
Sanorseang converted 11
spikes from 26 attempts marred
by three faults, while Vargas
delivered 12 kills from 32 tries
against four faults. Sanorseang
also had three blocks and made
one service ace.
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
WORLD Boxing Council
president Jose Sulaiman has
cautioned pound-for-pound
king Manny Pacquiao to
be wary of undefeated light
welterweight champion
Timothy Desert Storm
Bradley, when he defends his
World Boxing Organization
welterweight title at the MGM
Grand Garden Arena on June 9.
Sulaiman told the Manila
Standard that while he is
very pleased with Pacquiaos
change in lifestyle and his
Bible studies, he wishes to
warn him to be well prepared
for Bradley, whom he
described as a hungry young
fighter.
Sulaiman said besides his
advantage in age, Bradley is
quick, hits hard and is a smart
ghter, and these
may pose problems
for the 33-year-old
Pacquiao, unless
he is in perfect
condition for the
ght.
The latest
reports out of
Pacquiaos training
camp at the Shape
Up Gym in Baguio
City indicate the eight-
division world champion and
Fighter of the Decade is in good
shape and has shown remarkable
hand-speed and punching power
in sparring sessions with Russian
welterweight Ruslan Providknov,
who has an impressive record of
21-1, with 14 knockouts.
Pacquiaos adviser Michael
Koncz agreed with Sulaiman.
Bradley is a young fighter,
whos got an opportunity to
prove to the world
that he is a hungry
fighter like Manny
was, although he
is still hungry. Im
sure that Bradley
is going to come
prepared in the
best shape he can
be in and give it
all he has, said
Koncz. I expect
a very exciting fight
because of the styles and
there are going to be lots of
punches thrown.
Pacquiaos adviser pointed
out that Manny knows
that because of the last
performance against Juan
Manuel Marquez, we need to
have an exclamation mark
in this ght. I think Manny is
going to go out there and try
to end it early.
Pacman told to be wary of foe
B-MEG, TNT seek 3
rd
win
Expect the Llamados and the
Tropang Texters to go all out to
take the vital Game 5 today and
post a 3-2 series lead.
The question is who will rise to
the occasion to take that pivotal
advantage? That will be answered
today when the protagonists hit
the oor once more at 6:45 p.m. at
the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes
knows that the team, which
can focus and get past all the
distractions will have the huge
FIDE Master Haridas Pascua
and Woman National Master Je-
dara Docena topped their respec-
tive divisions to earn the right to
represent the country in the 2012
World Junior Chess Champion-
ships in Athens, Greece.
Pascua, a sophomore from
University of Baguio, clinched the
title when he beat Chester Jason
Coquilla of Cagayan De Oro in
the penultimate round. He nished
with 29 points on nine wins, two
draws and one defeat.
It was the fth title in a
row for the in-form 18-year-
old Pangasinense. He won
three straight local titles in
Pangasinan and an open
tournament just before the start
of the 2012 National Age Group
and National Juniors Chess
Championships at the Event
Center in Tanauan, Batangas.
Docena, who hails from
Bohol, tallied 23 points to edge
last years champion WNM
Janelle Mae Frayna of Legaspi
in the womens junior by a
single point.
National Chess Federation
of the Philippines chairman/
president Prospero Butch
Pichay lauded the performance
of Pascua and Docena.
Both players were on top of
their games, Pichay noted. They
deserve to don the countrys colors
in the world juniors.
Other winners of the age
group competitions are Mc
Dominique Lagula of Nueva
Vizcaya (boys under-20); Austin
Jacob Literatus of Davao (BU-
16); Daryl Unix Samantila of
Tonsuya, Malabon (BU-14);
Daniel John Lemi of Vigan,
Ilocos Sur (BU-12); Stephen
Rome Pangilinan of Manila
(BU-10); Justin Mordido of Las
Pinas (BU-8); Woman FIDE
Master Marie Antoinette San
Diego of Cavite (girls under-20);
Shania Mae Mendoza of Sta.
Rosa (GU-14); Bernadette Galas
of Makati (GU-16); Vic Glysen
Derotas of Cebu (GU-12) and
Methusellah Ramos of Cebu
(GU-8).
Docena,
Pascua top
chessfest
By Jeric Lopez

INTEREST in the 2012 Philippine
Basketball Association Commissioners
Cup Finals between the B-MEG
Llamados and the Talk N Text Tropang
Texters is at an all-time high with the
series knotted at two victories apiece.
advantage in the championship
chase.
Everybodys on edge. Its the
nals. The emotions are running
really high and it will all depend on
which team stays
focused. The team
which keeps its
composure at this
point will have the
advantage, said
Reyes.
The Tropang Texters unleashed
their fury in Game 4 to post a domi-
nant 100-85 beat-down of the Llama-
dos to tie the series.
Putting all the frustrations of
Game 4 behind them, B-MEG
coach Tim Cone said his team will
bounce back in Game 5.
We will come back with a
vengeance, said Cone. We
had two days off and that helped.
They came out
and played with
a high level of
desperation in
Game 4 that we
didnt match. We
will make up for
that poor performance.
Meanwhile, after the melee
in the last two minutes of Game
4 involving TNTs Pamboy
Raymundo and B-MEGs Josh
Urbiztondo and Joe Devance, the
Commissioners ofce handed
out suspensions and nes on the
players involved.
Raymundo, who elbowed
Urbiztondo in the cheek and
smacked Devance at the back of
the head, was ned P40,000 for two
agrant fouls and was suspended
for one game. His agrant foul one
on Urbiztondo was upgraded to
agrant foul penalty two.
Devance, who was assessed
his own agrant foul penalty two,
which he received after he threw
the ball at Raymundos face,
was ned P20,000. He escaped a
suspension, while Urbiztondo was
ned P2,400 for his technical foul.
Estefano Rivera ashes the No.1 sign right after claiming the checkered
ag in the Batangas leg of the 2012 Petron Karting Super Series.
HEAT 104, KNICKS 94
THUNDER 102, MAVERICKS 99
PACERS 93, MAGIC 78
Game Today
(Finals Game 5
Smart Araneta Coliseum)
6:45 p.m. B-Meg vs.
Talk N Text
Rivera also copped the ROK
Junior title over Chan and third
placer Daniel Miranda of Cebuana
Lhuillier-Marcelo Racing.
VJ Suba eventually clinched
the ROK Senior crown over
Lagman and Feliciano. Milo
Rivera also of FERN-C Racing
made it fourth, while CJ Tsui
wound up fth.
Riera U. Mallari, Editor
MAY 2, 2012
Mangaldans Jennifer Manzano
(right) blocks the smash of University
of Luzons Cassandra Lleda.
Pacquiao
Business
B1
Ray S. Eano, Editor extrastory2000@gmail.com
Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor
IN BRIEF
Trading gains boost
BPIs profit to P5.8b
PSE COMPOSITE INDEX
Closing April 30, 2012
5,202.70
33.65
OIL
PRICES
TODAY
P780-P895.00
LPG/11-kg tank
P54.55-P61.02
Unleaded Gasoline
P46.10-P49.90
Diesel
P52.34-P57.85
Kerosene
P38.50-P39.20
Auto LPG
FOREI GN EXCHANGE RATE
Currency Unit US Dollar Peso
United States Dollar 1.000000 42.4360
Japan Yen 0.012446 0.52820
UK Pound 1.62600 69.00090
Hong Kong Dollar 0.128881 5.469200
Switzerland Franc 1.102536 46.78720
Canada Dollar 1.019888 43.28000
Singapore Dollar 0.808407 34.30560
Australia Dollar 1.044059 44.30570
Bahrain Dinar 2.652661 112.5683
Saudi Arabia Rial 0.266645 11.31530
Brunei Dollar 0.805153 34.16750
Indonesia Rupiah 0.032541 0.004600
Thailand Baht 0.032541 1.380900
UAE Dirham 0.272264 11.55380
Euro Euro 1.324500 56.20650
Korea Won 0.000881 0.03740
China Yuan 0.158579 7.557200
India Rupee 0.019062 0.80890
Malaysia Ringgit 0.328785 13.95230
NewZealand Dollar 0.818532 34.73520
Taiwan Dollar 0.034235 1.452600
Source: PDS Bridge
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Monday, April 30, 2012
PESO-DOLLAR RATE
40
42
44
46
48
P42.205
CLOSE
Closing APRIL 30, 2012
5200
4460
3720
2980
2240
1500
1200
VOLUME 934.650M
HIGH P42.200 LOW P42.300 AVERAGE P42.229
Balance Sheet
As of MARCH 31, 2012
PRI NCI PAL OFFI CERS
HENRY T. PELAEZ
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT-
COUNTRY MANAGER
MARY ROSE S. TIAMSON
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT-
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
MA. RITA K. DE LA VEGA
COUNTRY COMPLIANCE MANAGER
ASSETS AMOUNT

Cash and Cash Items 13,734,941.48
Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 6,756,245,027.24
Due from Other Banks 4,216,780,942.04
Financial Assets at Fair Value through Proft or Loss 20,289,742.73
Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net -
Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net -
Unquoted Debt Securities Classifed as Loans-Net -
Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net 4,712,600.00
Loans and Receivables-Net 3,944,442,437.77
Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas -
Interbank Loans Receivable -
Loans and Receivables - Others 85,942,441.77
Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB 3,864,000,000.00
General Loan Loss Provision 5,500,004.00
Other Financial Assets 16,761,939.36
Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures-Net -
Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net 10,347,851.64
Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net -
Non-Current Assets Held for Sale -
Other Assets-Net 20,267,647.31
Net Due from Head Offce/Branches/Agencies Abroad -

TOTAL ASSETS 15,003,583,129.58

LIABILITIES

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Proft or Loss 19,244,716.03
Deposit Liabilities 11,935,161,012.06
Due to Other Banks -
Bills Payable -
a) BSP - (Rediscounting and Other Advances) -
b) Interbank Loans Payable -
c) Other Deposit Substitute -
d) Others -
Bonds Payable - Net -
Unsecured Subordinated Debt - Net -
Redeemable Preferred Shares -
Special Time Deposit -
Due to BSP 2,048,752.35
Other Financial Liabilities 162,213,378.04
Other Liabilities 93,879,127.69
Net Due to Head Offce/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) 2,194,089,438.21

TOTAL LIABILITIES 14,406,636,424.38

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

Capital Stock -
Other Capital Accounts -
Retained Earnings -
Assigned Capital 596,946,705.20

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY 596,946,705.20

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STACKHOLDERS EQUITY 15,003,583,129.58

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

Guarantees Issued -
Financial Standby Letters of Credit -
Performance Standby Letters of Credit 297,399,298.11
Commercial Letters of Credit 7,920,660.67
Trade Related Guarantees -
Commitments -
Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts 339,640,428.76
Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper -
Trust Department Accounts -
a) Trust and Agency Accounts -
b) Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) -
c) Other Trust and Fiduciary Accounts -
Derivatives 3,693,711,981.72
Others 2,575,548,555.25

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS 6,914,220,924.51

HEAD OFFICE OF FOREIGN BANKS
(BANKAMERICA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES)
As of December 31, 2011
(In Millions)

PAID-IN CAPITAL $ 156,621
SURPLUS AND PROFITS $ 60,520
TOTAL DEPOSITS $ 1,033,041
TOTAL RESOURCES $ 2,129,046

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) -
Ratio of Non-Performing Loans to Total Loan Portfolio (NPL to TLP) -
Classifed Loans and Other Risk Assets 6,655,115.17
Specifc Provision for Loan Losses -
Return on Equity (ROE) -15.34
DOSRI Loans and Receivables 29,171,452.32
Ratio of DOSRI Loans and Receivables to TLP 33.94
Past Due DOSRI Loans and receivables -
Ratio of Past Due DOSRI Loans and receivables to TLP -
Compliance with Magna Carta -
a. 8% Small Enterprises 0.00
b. 2% for Medium Enterprises 0.00
Capital Adequacy Ratio ( CAR for Solo Basis) under Circular No. 538 -
or Circular No. 280, as applicable -
a. Tier 1 (Solo Basis) 48.63
b. Total ( Solo Basis) 48.73
Deferred Charges Not yet Written Down -
Unbooked Allowance for Probable Losses on Financial Instruments Received -
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
)S.S.

I/We HENRY T. PELAEZ and MA. CHRISTINA J. DEL CARMEN of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in
the above statement of condition are true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

_______________________________ _______________________________

(Sgd) HENRY T. PELAEZ (Sgd) MA. CHRISTINA J. DEL CARMEN
SVP - Country Manager VP - Manager
Finance-Philippines

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this April 30, 2012 at affants exhibiting to their Residence Certifcate No. 14239314 issued in
Manila on January 07, 2012 and Residence Certifcate No. 03278362 issued in Quezon City on January 20, 2012 respectively.The affants also
exhibited their Passport Numbers XX5027665 dated November 23, 2009 and XX2924640 dated February 03, 2009.

(Sgd) ATTY. EMMANUEL C. PARAS
Notary Public for Makati City
Appointment No. M-251 until Dec. 31, 2012
Doc. No. 249 Roll of Attorney No. 27192
Book No. 51 PTR NO. 3178236MA; 01/04/12; Makati City
Page No. 279 IBP No. 869717; 01/02/12; Makati Chapter
Series of 2012 SyCipLaw Centre, 105 Paseo de Roxas
Makati City,1226,Metro Manila, Philippines

MEMBER: PDIC
Tourist arrivals jumped
13.5% to 361,925 in Feb.
Court stops confiscation
of P1.47-b EIB properties
Property sales lift Filinvests
net prot by 3% to P3.68b
INTERNATIONAL visitor
arrivals increased 13.5 percent
year-on-year in February,
following the 17.5-percent
gain achieved in the previous
month.
Data from the Tourism
Department showed arrivals
from abroad reached 361,925
in February, up from 318,912
recorded during the same
period last year, led by the
inux of Korean and Chinese
tourists.
This followed the record-
breaking 411,064 arrivals
reported in January, which
represented a 17.5-percent
increase from a year ago.
Investors in hotels and
tourism facilities are banking
on the continuous growth of
the countrys tourism industry,
which is a priority sector under
the Aquino administration.
Roland Jegge, vice president
of German hotel operator
Worldhotels, said the countrys
travel sector has room for
further growth, given its
limited number of hotels. He
said the resort island of Bali in
Indonesia alone has more hotels
than the whole Philippines.
Worldhotels has signed an
agreement with H2O Ventures
Inc. to manage at least ve
luxury hotels that they agreed
to build in the Philippines over
the next ve years, including a
P2-billion, 40-story, 401-room,
ve-star facility in Makati City.
Data showed that excluding
Filipinos overseas, arrivals
from abroad jumped 13.7
percent to 349,168 in February.
South Korea remained the top
source of foreign tourists with
89,758 in February alone, up
by 21.9 percent year-on-year.
Total arrivals in the rst
two months of 2012 reached
772,989, up by 15.6 percent
from 668,625 in the same
months last year.
Roderick T. dela Cruz
By Elaine Ramos Alanguilan
THE Bank of the Philippine Islands, the countrys most
protable lender, said Tuesday net income doubled to P5.8
billion in the rst quarter from P2.8 billion a year ago, on
the back of P3.7-billion trading gains.
The bank said core income was on track
with projections as operating results were
enhanced by opportunistic securities trading
gains.
BPI president Aurelio Montinola III said
the bank reaped securities trading gains early
in the year, which may not be sustained in the
succeeding quarters.
We strongly believe in organic growth,
and our hard work is paying off. While
our rst-quarter results were excellent, this
should not be construed as an indication of
the succeeding quarters in view of the one-
off securities trading gains, Montinola said
in a statement.
The banks core businesses remained
strong, with deposits growing 7 percent year-
on-year. Loans increased by 20 percent, as
lending to all segments continued to be
vibrant. Assets under management went up
15 percent to P716 billion.
BPI said that as interest rates showed
some volatility in the rst few months of the
year while the equity markets continued its
uptrend, it sold down some of its securities
inventory and realized around P3.7 billion in
trading gains.
Net interest income improved by 8 percent
and was 12 basis points ahead of the previous
year. Other income was also better mainly
due to higher insurance income and trust
fees.
The bank said with the extraordinary level
of revenues contributed by one-off trading
gains, it took the opportunity to accelerate its
contribution to retirement fund to earn more
and compensate for the estimated lower
investment yield for the rest of the year.
Operating expenses were up 17
percent largely on increases in
manpower cost, premises, technology
and variable costs.
Impairment losses were also higher due to
additional provisions for non-credit related
items like actuarial reserves for the pre-need
insurance business.
Asset quality improved further as
reected in its net 30-day non-performing
loan ratio of 2.0 percent, down from last
years 2.4 percent. Reserve cover was 130
percent.
BPIs market capitalization stood at P263
billion as of end-March. The Basel 2 capital
adequacy ratio was 15.5 percent.
The Bangko Sentral has approved
the banks declaration of a special cash
dividend of P0.50 per share in addition
to its regular cash dividend of P0.90 per
share in the rst half of the year. These are
payable on May 12.
We will continue to focus on growing our
core income guided
by our goals of quality
sustainable growth,
customer experience
innovation and team-
oriented employee
e n g a g e m e n t ,
Montinola said.
By Rey E. Requejo
THE now shuttered Export and Industry
Bank has obtained a reprieve from the
Court of Appeals, which stopped the
garnishment of P1.47 billion worth of
DMCI shares managed by the banks
stock trading unit.
The appellate court issued a
permanent injunction on April 26
stopping the Makati City regional trial
court from enforcing the latters two
orders holding the beleaguered bank
liable for unauthorized sale of 32.18
million DMCI shares by brokerage
rm EIB Securities.
It arose from the legal action
initiated by Pacic Rehouse Corp.,
Pacic Concorde Corp., Mizpah
Holdings Inc., Forum Holdings Corp.,
and East Asia Oil Co. Inc. for alleged
unauthorized sale of the DMCI shares
by EIB Securities.
The lower court, on Aug. 26, 2011,
directed the garnishment of P1.47
billion, representing 32.18 million
DMCI shares at P45.55 per share
against EIB Securities. It authorized
the sheriff to acquire the said amount
of shares of stock from the Philippine
Stock Exchange at the cost of EIB
Securities Inc. and Exportbank.
The supposed garnishment covered
all holding money, properties, and
personal belongings owned by
Exportbank and EIB Securities.
The RTC also ruled that EIB
Securities was a mere business conduit
or alter ego of Exportbank. It said the
bank, as 99-percent owner of EIB
Securities has absolute control of the
affairs of the brokerage rm.
In a decision penned by Associate
Justice Mario Lopez, the Court of
Appeals special 14th division resolved
to nullify the regional trial courts
orders and said Makati Judge Joselito
Villarosa has no authority to declare
the invalidity of the previous orders or
resolutions of a higher court.
The disquisition of the RTC, which
is a declaration against the validity
of a high courts order, is a blatant
disregard of the principle of hierarchy
of courts, the CA ruling stressed.
The Bangko Sentral last week
ordered the closure of Exportbank
and placed it under the receivership of
state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance
Corp., after the bank stopped servicing
the claims of depositors.
The bank has more than 50,000
depositors, with total claims of over
P15 billion.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
FILINVEST Development Corp., the
listed holding company of tycoon
Andrew Gotianun, reported a P3.68-
billion net income in 2011, up by 3.3
percent from P3.56 billion recorded
the previous year.
FDC said in a nancial report led
with the stock exchange consolidated
revenues increased 10 percent to
P24.13 billion in 2011 from P21.91
billion in 2010. The conglomerate has
investments in banking, real estate,
sugar and power generation.
The groups real estate operations
contributed P12.1 billion to total
revenues last year, which was 17.5
percent higher than a year ago. Real
estate operations receive a boost from
higher sales of lots, condominium
units and residential units as well as
increased mall and rental revenues.
The companys nancial and
banking services unit, East West
Banking Corp., also posted revenues
of P9.1 billion in 2011, slightly higher
than the 2010 level of P8.98 billion
while sales from sugar operations
declined 6.0 percent to P2.2 billion
from P2.4 billion.
The company, in a bid to take
advantage of the growth in Philippine
tourism, has recently ventured into
hotel properties. The companys
maiden hotel investment is the 290-
room Crimson Resort and Spa in
Mactan, Cebu.
Govt subsidies fall
SUBSIDIES extended
to government-owned and
-controlled corporations in the
rst quarter declined 28 percent
from a year earlier. Subsidies are
granted to GOCCs to fund their
projects and operations.
Latest data from the Treasury
showed the government granted
P5.078 billion to nance
operations of the GOCCs in the
rst three months, lower than the
P7.073 billion in state subsidies
granted during the same period
last year.
Data, however, showed that
in March, monetary aid to
government entities rose by
nearly 50 percent year-on-year to
P4.1 billion from P2.8 billion.
The top five recipients of
state subsidies in the first
quarter were the Philippine
Health Insurance Corp., with
P2.092 billion; National
Housing Authority with
P1.099 billion; National
Irrigation Administration
with P516 million; National
Livelihood Development
Corp. with P370 million; and
Philippine Coconut Authority
with P296 million.
PhilHealth and NHA received
the bulk of government grant in
March, with P2.042 billion and
P1.099 billion, respectively.
Maria Bernadette Lunas
PSE delists rm
THE Philippine Stock
Exchange has approved the
voluntary delisting of PLDT
Communications and Energy
Ventures Inc.
The bourse said in a
memorandum the delisting of
the company from the ofcial
registry of the exchange should
take effect on May 18.
Subject to the payment of
required voluntary delisting fee,
the companys shares shall no
longer be tradable effective May
18, 2012, PSE said.
PCEV is a 99.51-percent
owned subsidiary of Smart
Communications, which is a
wholly-owned unit of Philippine
Long Distance Telephone Co.
Smart Communications
completed the conduct of the
tender offer for the remaining 57
million shares in PCEV owned
by the public last month. The
shares were acquired at P4.50
per share.
PCEVs delisting was
decided on Dec. 2 last year,
as its public float level stood
at 0.49 percent, below the
bourses minimum requirement
of 10 percent.
PCEVs income was derived
mainly from its direct equity
share in the net income of Manila
Electric Co. and its holdings in
Beacon Electric Asset Holdings
Inc. Jenniffer B. Austria
PH may give up rice protectionAlcala
Business
ManilaStandardToday
extrastory2000@gmail.com
B2
Enrique Cheng: mover
behind the scenes
Chamber promotes copyright
HIS name or face may not be as recognizable to the public as
Lucio Tan, Henr y Sy or John Gokongwei, but Enr ique Cheng
is denitely in the league of taipans. Unknown to many, this
low-key but powerful businessman was the man who worked
behind the scenes to nally convince Lucio Tan into sealing
the $500-million deal that gave San Miguel Corp. a 49-percent
stake in PAL.
The Cotabato-born Cheng is a self-made businessman who
earned the ire of his father for refusing to take over the familys
copra business. He turned out to be an investments whiz,
eventually becoming one of the
biggest shareholders in PLDT during
the time of Tonyboy Cojuangco.
Those in the know said it was
Cheng who advised Tonyboy to take
over PAL, eventually relinquishing
control to Kapitan who had the
billions necessary to turn the ailing
ag carrier around. But as everyone
knows, the countrys rst and
sunniest recently suffered setback
after setback, compounded by the
global crisis that put a lot of other
airlines down on their knees.
Happy Hour habitues disclosed
that disagreements within the Tan family over the terms of the
sale to the San Miguel group of Ramon Ang almost scuttled
the deal, but it was Cheng who reportedly helped Tan see the
advantages of the deal with Ang not to mention that it would
help the taipan save face since it was becoming apparent that the
airline needed more capital and creativityto be revved up.
Happy Hour nibbler : And theyre off and polling!
The heat is denitely on, with the sweltering summer made
even more blistering by the frenzied jockeying and jostling of
candidates and wannabes for the May 2013 election. Talk is rife
in local Happy Hour haunts about sightings of politicians getting
ready in battle grounds like Mindanao, Cebu, the Visayas and
the powerful Northern block region, with hopefuls testing the
waters by meeting political clans, grassroots leaders and other
perceived king makers.
Celebrity couple Aga Muhlach
and Char lene Gonzales (who
incidentally was said to have
been an anesthesiology intern
at St. Lukes), have reportedly
changed their residence from
the posh Alabang Village to San
Jose in Camarines Sur for every
imaginable reason except for
running for an elective position.
Perhaps the couple just wants
to make sure that they dont do
another Richar d and Lucy song
and dance number, Happy Hour
regulars noted, lest Aga end up becoming chief of staff and
showbiz history repeats itself.
But the real talk, however, is that of a former legislator who
happens to be the scion of a beer and coconut boss. The former
lawmaker has been included among the list of winnables in
recent (credible) surveys. Word has it that the potential candidate
has been consulting friends and associates in both houses, ying
around Mindanao (in his King Air jet) for speaking engagements,
quietly drafting in his camp both seasoned and young political
strategists and media handlers. His advocacy: the all-important
energy issue.
The question is: does he have nuclear power to do it, and
will his father and his fathers business heir apparenta
tycoonthrow in their support to his candidacy for a national
position? Happy Hour talk is that both father and the tycoon
will support him all the way. Rumor is now on overdrive that
the young former legislator may even be suited up as talent in a
TV ad for a brand known for having sport endorsers who have
that edge. This potential candidate may just prove himself to be
a dark horse in May 2013.
Tanker hijacker s looking like lawmen
Consumers may have heaved a sigh of relief at news that
LPG gas prices have been rolled back by P5 per kilo, but highly
organized criminals targeting fuel tanker trucks could trigger
articial price hikes in many areas in Metro Manila, Bulacan,
Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces. According to
LPG Marketers Association party list representative Ar nel Ty,
hijackers have been stealing all kinds of high-value petroleum
products, including diesel, unleaded gasoline, and aviation fuel.
These hijackers usually get away with anywhere from 20,000 to
40,000 liters of fuel from every truck they seize, Ty disclosed,
with trucks agged down and forcibly taken by armed men
wearing jackets and caps that make them look like lawmen, he
added.
What is even more alarming are reports that these criminals
use what appear to be law enforcement vehicles, complete
with blinkers and bullhorns. In some cases, they even re
warning shots to force truck drivers to stop, the lawmaker said.
Unfortunately, none of the stolen trucks have been recovered, and
calls are mounting for the PNP and the Criminal Investigation
and Detection Group to step up operations to apprehend these
criminals. The CIDG theorizes that a single band of thugs may be
behind most, if not all of the hijackings, with raw intelligence
reports pointing to a Bulacan-based syndicate believed to be
led by a vice mayors son and a retired police chief inspector.
###
For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related
concerns, readers may e-mail to happyhourtoday2012@
yahoo.com.
TRADI NG SUMMARY
SHARES VALUE
FINANCIAL 9,195,963 698,889,020.50
INDUSTRIAL 160,780,540 897,047,492.97
HOLDING FIRMS 125,352,518 1,454,815,046.45
PROPERTY 254,119,322 1,011,196,686.91
SERVICES 286,985,866 699,936,439.00
MINING & OIL 2,242,079,707 829,490,047.81
GRAND TOTAL 3,078,513,916 5,591,374,733.64
FINANCIAL 1,287.42 (UP) 4.27
INDUSTRIAL 7,866.46 (UP) 52.66
HOLDING FIRMS 4,459.46 (UP) 30.01
PROPERTY 1,932.39 (UP) 22.38
SERVICES 1,723.19 (UP) 7.40
MINING & OIL 27,009.51 (DOWN) 2.70
PSEI 5,202.70 (UP) 33.65
All Shares Index 3,469.52 (UP) 13.17
Gainers: 87; Losers: 69; Unchanged: 47; Total: 203
STOCKS Close
(P)
Change
(%)
C. Azuc De Tarlac 20.00 43.06
Federal Chemicals 11.80 30.24
Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 40.00 14.29
Cebu Prop. À' 5.30 12.53
Cebu Holdings 8.35 11.33
Globalports 24.25 10.23
Oriental Pet. `B' 0.0250 8.70
Touch Solutions 3.79 8.29
Araneta Prop À' 0.740 7.25
Keppel Properties 1.97 7.07
STOCKS Close
(P)
Change
(%)
PhilexPetroleum 23.80 (16.49)
Easy Call "Common" 3.45 (13.75)
Mariwasa MFG. Inc. 3.90 (12.36)
IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 0.088 (12.00)
Omico Corp. Warrant 0.0900 (9.09)
Asia Amalgamated A 4.40 (8.33)
Alcorn Gold Res. 0.0160 (5.88)
Lorenzo Shipping 1.78 (5.82)
Highlands Prime 1.84 (5.64)
Atok-Big Wedge À' 32.70 (5.49)
TOP GAI NERS TOP LOSERS
By Othel V. Campos
THE Agriculture Department said
Tuesday it may give up the protectionist
policy on rice, if the stakes are too high.
If it will cost us an arm
and a leg, we might have to
let it go. Were praying that
these countries asking for
concessions will be considerate
enough to allow us to breathe
and get our acts together to
support the local rice sector. We
just hope they will not impose
rigid requirements, Agriculture
Secretary Proceso Alcala said in
an interview.
The quantitative restriction
on rice imports has allowed the
Philippines to limit the volume
of rice that enters the country,
preventing a possible inux of
cheap rice imports and protecting
the prices of local harvests.
Alcala said the Philippine
negotiating team co-chaired
by Assistant Secretary Romeo
Recide had already left for China
to determine the specic demands
of the Chinese government
in exchange with Manilas
request for an extension of the
protectionist policy.
There are countries with
specic demands like China,
the US and Australia. But there
are also countries who are not
asking for any concession like the
European countries, said Alcala.
The US, Canada, Thailand,
Vietnam, Pakistan, India, China,
El Salvador and Australia are
keen to review Manilas request to
extend the quantitative restriction
on rice.
Of the nine countries, Pakistan,
India, Vietnam, Thailand and
China have formally relayed
their intention to the Philippine
government to negotiate its
bid for the extension of the rice
protection.
The Philippines seeks to extend
the quantitative restriction on rice
imports for another three years
or until 2015, once it expired by
June 2012.
Manila formally led its request
with the World Trade Organization
for another extension of the
quantitative restriction on Nov.
18, 2011.
Manila actually agreed to increase
the minimum access volume for
rice to 350,000 metric tons as a
concession. The minimum access
volume refers to the minimum
volume of farm produce which it
will allow to enter the Philippines
at reduced tariffs.
The government feared that
this time, trading partners may
have to ask concessions on wine
and dairy sectors.
The government wanted to extend
the protectionist policy, citing the
need to prepare Filipino farmers for
international trade and to achieve
rice self-sufciency by 2013.
GSIS helps PTV4.
The Government
Service Insurance
System and Peoples
Television Network
Inc. have signed an
agreement that settled
the latters past due
obligation on premium
contributions,
condoned 20 percent
of the interest of
premium arrearages
and lifted the
suspension of loan
privileges of PTNI
employees. Shown
are GSIS president
and general manager
Robert Vergara (left)
and PTNI ofcer-
in-charge George
Syliangco as they seal
the agreement with a
handshake.
Abaca
exports
fall 8.7%
First Gen wants stake in Pagbilao plant
By Alena Mae S. Flores
FIRST Gen Corp. has revived
its interest for a minority stake
in the 400-megawatt expansion
of the Pagbilao coal-red power
project.
First Gen president Francis
Giles Puno told reporters at the
sidelines of the companys analyst
brieng for its preferred shares
issuance that the company had a
previous agreement with TeaM
Energy Corp. for the Pagbilao
plant expansion.
First Gen was supposed to be the
original partner of the TeaM Energy,
the joint venture of Japanese rm
Tokyo Electric Power Corp. and
Marubeni Corp. for the purchase of
Mirant Philippines assets several
years ago.
The company, however,
abandoned its plan, saying it
was focusing on greeneld
projects and other acquisition
opportunities.
When we are part of TeaM
Energy, part of our agreement, was
that although at that time we could
not bid with them, at that time, we
did not have the capability, they
agreed to give us rights if they
decide to expand, Puno said.
At that time, it [Pagbilao] was
all potential growth and its since
been announced and with the
announcement, it triggers certain
rights for us to be able to buy into
the Pagbilao expansion, he said.
Puno said First Gen was
now considering its right to the
Pagbilao expansion and was in
talks with TeaM Energy because
of the need for new capacity.
TeaM Energy is set to award
the project to an engineering,
procurement and construction
contractor this year and expects
to begin operations by December
2015.
Puno said the companys rights
originally covered 30 percent, but
because TeaM Energy has agreed
to pursue the expansion with
Aboitiz Power Corp., First Gen
could now only take 30 percent
of TeaM Energys 50-percent
stake in the project or equivalent
to about 15 percent.
Aboitiz Power administers
the contracted capacity of the
existing 735-MW Pagbilao coal
project,
We have the right to 1/3 so
its 30 percent but in the case of
TeaM Energy, theyre looking
at a 50-50 [partnership with
Aboitiz] so it will be 30 percent
of the TeaM, he said.
Puno said the company was
pursuing the project even if it
does not fall under renewable
portfolio. First Gen has no coal
project to date and has focused
itself on geothermal, wind and
hydropower development.
Its a little bit of going against
our religion but at the same time,
we realize that the market is less
interested with the cleaner RE side
than cheaper. In other countries,
you have carbon equalization
so coal will be equalized with
gas, so gas becomes more cost
competitive, but here its not yet
happening. In the future, that will
happen, he said.
Puno, meanwhile, said the
company would use the P10-
billion proceeds from its preferred
shares issuance to acquire British
Gas 40-percent stake in the Sta.
Rita and San Lorenzo natural
gas-red power projects with a
combined capacity of 1,500 MW.
By Julito G. Rada
The Philippine Chamber of
Commerce and Industry has
partnered with the Intellectual
Property Office to conduct
trainings nationwide to assist
small and medium enterprises
in applying for trademarks or
copyright.
PCCI president Miguel
Varela said the initiative was
aligned with the declaration of
commitment that the two groups
earlier signed to enhance the
competitiveness of small and
medium enterprises through
the use of the IP system.
The chamber has committed
to support awareness promotion
and appreciation of the use of
the IP system as an important
business tool in achieving
competitiveness of SMEs.
It is important to empower
our SMEs which comprise
99 percent of the countrys
registered enterprises to enable
them to compete in both the
local and global market. SMEs
can be more competitive using
the IP System, Varela said.
Varela said that as the largest
business organization in the
country, PCCI was in the best
position to help the Intellectual
Property Office reach out to
SMEs in the countryside.
Through this partnership, we
hope to increase the number of
resident and non-resident lings
and grants/registrations and
trademark registrations in the
country. Patented and trademark
not only protect business from
unfair competition, it can
likewise add signicant value to
corporate brands, Varela said.
IPOPHL issued 18,611
resident and non-resident filings
and grants/registrations and
13,486 trademark registrations
in 2011. PCCI was hoping
IPOPHL would be able to
increase these numbers.
PCCI said the first training
would be held on May 2 and 3
at the IPOPHL Multipurpose
Hall at McKinley Hill in Fort
Bonifacio, Taguig City.
LACKLUSTER demand for
abaca products cut export
earnings by 8.7 percent to
$19.95 million in the rst two
months of 2012, the Fiber
Industry Development Authority
announced Tuesday.
Government data showed
abaca ber suffered the biggest
drop in revenues at 48.3
percent. Earnings from raw
ber shipments in January and
February reached only $1.1
million.
Abaca ber exports to Japan
plunged 77.1 percent to 180
metric tons or 1,480 bales of 125
kilograms. Shipments of abaca
ber to the United Kingdom
also went down by 4.8 percent
to 472.5 MT or 3,780 bales.
The United Kingdom and
Japan are the two largest
buyers of abaca ber from the
Philippines.
Meanwhile, shipments of
abaca pulp declined 4 percent
to $15.4 million from $16.04
million last year.
Revenues from abaca cordage
were down by 20 percent to $1.94
million in the same period.
Despite the drop in earnings,
abaca production in the rst
quarter of the year went up by
17.6 percent to 14,167.94 MT or
113,343.5 bales.
Bicol Region, however,
suffered a 10-percent drop in
output to 4,607.2 MT or 36,857.6
bales. The region is the biggest
producer of abaca, accounting
for 32.5 percent of the rst-
quarter production.
Eastern Visayas, the second-
biggest producer of abaca,
generated as much as 3,330 MT
of abaca during the period, or 56.7
percent higher than the regions
output during the same period
last year. Othel V. Campos
ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION
FOR APPROVAL OF THE POWER SUPPLY
AGREEMENT (PSA) BETWEEN MANILA
ELECTRIC COMPANY (MERALCO) AND
SEM-CALACA POWER CORPORATION
(SCPC), WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL
AUTHORITY
ERC CASE NO. 2012-037 RC
MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY (MERALCO), Docketed; April 18, 2012
Applicant.
x-----------------------------------------------------------x
NOTI CE OF PUBLI C HEARI NG
TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
Notice is hereby given that on March 12, 2012, the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) fled an
application for approval of the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) it entered into with Sem-Calaca Power
Corporation (SCPC), with prayer for provisional authority.
In the said application, MERALCO alleged, among others, the following:
1. It is a private corporation existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with principal
offce located at Lopez Building, MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.
2. It has a legislative franchise to operate and maintain a distribution system in the cities/
municipalities of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal and certain cities/municipalities/
barangays in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Pampanga, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9209,
and is authorized to charge all its customers for their electric consumption at the rates approved
by the Commission.
3. On December 20, 2011, it executed a PSA with SCPC for the purchase from the Calaca Power
Plant, a coal-fred power generating facility in Brgy. San Rafael, Calaca, Batangas, of the capacity
indicated in Appendix E, Schedule 2 of the PSA and replicated below:
Year Contract Capacity
From December 26, 2011 until the commercial
operation of Unit 1 of the Plant 210 MW
From the commercial operation of Unit 1 of the Plant
to the end of the Term 420 MW
If Power Supplier has additional capacity available from the Plant either from expiration of any
other existing power supply contracts of its customers or increase in the Dependable Capacity of
the Plant, the Parties may agree in writing to increase the Contract Capacity.
4. SCPC is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the
Philippines, engaged in the generation of power and is the owner and operator of the Calaca
Coal-Fired Power Plant;
5. The PSA it executed with SCPC, a copy of which was attached to the Application as Annex "B
and made an integral part thereof, contains the following salient features:
"2.2 Term of Agreement
2.2.1 Subject to Article 3, this Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date.
2.2.2 The term of this Agreement (the "Term) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall
expire on the date falling seven (7) years after the Effective Date, unless terminated earlier
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or extended by the application of Section
2.2.3.
2.2.3 After the ffth (5
th
) anniversary, but no later than the sixth (6
th
) anniversary, of the Effective
Date, the Parties shall enter into good faith negotiations to decide on whether to extend
the Term; provided that any extension of the Term shall be for an additional three (3) years;
provided further that, except for the Term, the same terms and conditions of this Agreement
shall govern the extension. The duration of the negotiations for extension shall not exceed
ninety (90) Days from the start thereof. f the Parties fail to agree to an extension within the
ninety (90) Day period, this Agreement will be non-extendible and expire on December 25,
2018.
Article 3 Conditions Precedent and Effective Date
xxx
3.2 Effective Date
Subject to Section 4.1.2, the date of effectiveness of this Agreement shall be on December
26, 2011, or such later date as may be agreed upon by the Parties in accordance with
Sectoin 16.6.1 (the "Effective Date).
Article 4 Sale and Purchase of Contract Capacity and Associated Energy
4.1 Supply of Power
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement:
4.1.1 From the Effective Date until the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, Power
Supplier shall:
(a) make available to MERALCO, and MERALCO shall purchase from Power Supplier,
at the Price determined in accordance with Appendix E, the Contract Capacity of the
Plant; and
(b) sell to MERALCO, and MERALCO shall purchase from Power Supplier, at the Price
determined in accordance with Appendix E, the Associated Energy, to the extent of
MERALCOs relevant day-ahead nominations.
4.1.2 Notwithstanding that the ERC Provisional Authority has not been issued by December 26,
2011, and provided that the ERC Provisional Authority is the only condition to Effective Date
that has not been satisfed on December 26, 2011, the Effective Date shall nevertheless
occur on December 26, 2011. Until the ERC Provisional Authority is issued, MERALCO
shall purchase from the Power Supplier the Contract Capacity and Associated Energy at
the TSC Rate (regardless of whether the TSC is still in effect) or the Price, both computed
as the load weighted average during the applicable Billing Period, whichever is lower.
xxx
Article 7 Outages
7.1 Outage Allowances
7.1.1 Power Supplier is allowed Scheduled and Forced Outages not to exceed an aggregate
of sixty (60) Days for each Contract Year (Full Load Equivalent Outage Allowance
Days) during the Term, during which times reduced or no supply of Contract Capacity or
Associated Energy will be available to MERALCO. Unutilized Full Load Equivalent Outage
Allowance Days shall not be carried forward to any subsequent Contract Year.
7.1.2 Any reduction in capacity from the Plant, whether due to Scheduled Outages, Forced
Outages, Events of Force Majeure or otherwise, shall be allocated pro rata among the
customers of Power Supplier, based on their respective nominated capacity at the time of
such reduction.
7.1.3 Power Supplier shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, utilize and take
advantage of any downtime (including any downtime during an Event of Force Majeure) to
perform maintenance or other work that would otherwise be performed during a Scheduled
Outage, and such downtimes shall count towards the Outage Allowance.
7.2 Replacement Electrical Output During Outages
7.2.1 During outages within the Full Load Equivalent Outage Allowance Days, Power Supplier
shall not be required to supply MERALCO with replacement capacity and electrical output.
In such circumstances, MERALCO, at its own cost, shall source the replacement capacity
and energy from the WESM. Power Supplier shall not invoice MERALCO for such portion
of Contract Capacity and Associated Energy that is not made available or supplied for the
duration of Scheduled Outages within the Full Load Equivalent Outage Allowance Days. If
during any Contract Year, the outages exceed the Full Load Equivalent Outage Allowance
Days, Power Supplier shall procure at Power Supplier's own cost, such replacement
capacity and electrical output from third parties (including the WESM) to satisfy the relevant
day-ahead nominations of MERALCO. During such period, MERALCO shall pay Power
Supplier the Price. In the event Power Supplier fails to procure such quantities of electrical
energy for MERALCO, Power Supplier shall indemnify and hold MERALCO harmless from
any loss, cost, expense or penalty incurred or paid by MERALCO.
xxx
Article 8 Implementation of Open Access and Retail Competition
8.1 Commencement of Open Access and Retail Competition
The Parties acknowledge that Open Access and Retail Competition will be implemented
in phases in accordance with the guidelines to be issued by the ERC, and upon
implementation, the amount of Contract Capacity may be adjusted in accordance with the
terms hereof.
xxx
8.2 Assignment or Transfer of Contract Capacity Due to Open Access and Retail
Competition
In connection with the implementation by the ERC of Open Access and Retail Competition,
MERALCO shall also be entitled to assign, transfer, designate, delegate or allocate (as
determined by MERALCO) to any Affliate or any of its business segments to the extent
allowed by Law, or to any party subject to the consent of Power Supplier (which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld), its right to purchase a portion of Contract Capacity that
is no longer required by MERALCO as a result of Open Access and Retail Competition.
MERALCO shall be relieved from paying for, and from any liablity pertaining to, such
portion of the Contract Capacity assigned, transferred, designated, delegated or allocated
under this Section 8.3.
Upon such assignment, transfer, designation, delegation or allocation, the Parties will
make such changes to this Agreement as are necessary to refect the remaining Contract
Capacity.
8.4 MERALCO shall have a right of frst offer to purchase any portion of the capacity that has
been reduced under Section 8.3 but not taken by any party, or Affliate or business segment
of MERALCO, or taken by any of them but subsequently assigned, transferred, designated,
delegated or allocated to Power Supplier ("Excess Capacity"). If MERALCO accepts the
Excess Capacity, such capacity shall be taken by MERALCO under the same Price, terms
and conditions as contained in this Agreement for the unexpired portion of the Term.
Power Supplier shall provide MERALCO notice of such Excess Capacity that will become
available within fve (5) Days prior to such availability. MERALCO shall have fve (5) Days
after receipt of the notice to inform Power Supplier that it will purchase all such Excess
Capacity for the unexpired portion of the Term. The Parties shall thereafter refer the
completion of the purchase to the Coordinating Committee.
The purchase of the Excess Capacity shall be documented as a supplement or addendum
to this Agreement within fve (5) Days after notice is served. The Portion of Excess Capacity
that MERALCO purchases shall be added to, and treated as, "Contract Capacity" for all
purposes of this Agreement.
Article 9 Billing and Payment
xxx
9.2 Payments
9.2.1 MERALCO shall pay the entire amount indicated in the Final nvoice (subject to
Appendix H) when due and payable, provided that MERALCO shall not be required
to make payment on any Invoice that is manifestly in error, apparently invalid or not
in the form or substance contemplated by this Agreement.
9.2.2 f MERALCO disputes all or any portion of an Invoice for a reason other than a
manifest error in, or the apparent invalidity or incorrect form or substance of, such
Final Invoice, MERALCO shall nonetheless pay the full amount of such Invoice
(subject to Appendix H). Any payment by MERALCO under this Section 9.2.2 is
without prejudice to MERALCO's right at a later date to dispute, protest or question
any amount so paid.
9.2.3 f applicable, MERALCO will endeavor to dispute, protest or question a Final Invoice
within ffteen (15) Days from the date of its receipt. n such a case, the dispute,
protest or question shall be resolved within thirty (30) Days from the date of fling
thereof. If the dispute, protest or question is not resolved, MERALCO may at any
time refer such dispute, protest or question for resolution in accordance with Article
18.
Malaya - April 25 & May 2, 2012
xxx
12.2 ERC Approval
12.2.1 The Parties agree to use reasonable best efforts to secure ERC Provisional
Authority in form and substance satisfactory to the Parties on or before the Effective
Date and to secure ERC Final Approval thereafter.
12.2.2 For the avoidance of doubt, for any positive difference between the Price under
the ERC Final Approval and rate previously paid by or invoiced to MERALCO,
MERALCO shall pay such difference to Power Supplier. Corollarily, for any negative
difference between the Price under the ERC Final Approval and the rate previously
paid by or invoiced to MERALCO, Power Supplier shall refund such difference to
MERALCO. The paying Party shall indemnify the other Party against any penalty or
other costs imposed by the ERC, and the reimbursement or other adjustment shall
be on such terms and conditions required by the ERC; provided that if the ERC
does not specify such terms and conditions, then the reimbursement or adjustment
shall be amortized over such period equivalent to the number of Billing Periods
from Effective Date to the date the ERC Final Approval was implemented, or on
other terms as reasonably determined by the Parties.
12.2.3 If the ERCs Final Approval requires an amendment of any provision herein,
including provisions on amounts payable under this Agreement, or subjects such
approval to any material term or condition that is not acceptable to either Party,
acting reasonably ("ERC Conditional Approval), the Parties shall cooperate in
good faith to resolve the required ERC amendment(s) or to address the material
term or condition. The Parties shall agree to:
(a) Within ffteen (15) Days after the receipt by the Parties of the ERC Conditional
Approval, seek a reconsideration of the ERC Conditional Approval. During
the period that the motion for reconsideration is pending, Power Supplier
must continue to supply under the same rate stipulated in this Agreement
or the TSC Rate, whichever is lower, or the Rate in the ERC Provisional
Authority, if issued; and/or
(b) Within sixty (60) Days after receipt by the Parties of the ERC Conditional
Approval, revise and fle an amended Agreement for approval by the ERC, or
if the Parties fail to agree on the amendment of this Agreement after sixty (60)
Day period prescribed in this Section 12.2.3(b), terminate this Agreement;
provided that if the motion for reconsideration is denied by the ERC, or if the motion
for reconsideration is not resolved by the ERC within a reasonable period of time,
or if the Parties fail to agree on the amendment of this Agreement within the period
prescribed in Section 12.2.3(b), or the amended Agreement is disapproved by the
ERC, or approved by the ERC but still with any material term or condition that is not
acceptable to either Party, acting reasonably, the Agreement can be terminated by
any Party by giving a sixty (60) Day prior written notice of such termination to the
other Party.
12.2.4 In the event of the MERALCO fails to secure ERC Final Approval within one (1) year
from the issuance of the ERC Provisional Authority, either Party may terminate this
Agreement by serving a thirty (30) Day written notice to the other.
12.2.5 n the event of a fnal decision of the ERC under Article 12.2.3 (a) and (b) requiring
all or any portion of the Price that has been paid to Power Supplier from Effectivity
Date up to termination date of this Agreement by reason of the denial of the motion
for reconsideration or the amendment under Article 12.2.3 (a) and (b), respectively,
to be refunded to MERALCO or MERALCOs customers, Power Supplier shall be
liable for any such amounts paid and shall repay such amounts in accordance with
the direction of the ERC.
6. The Payment Structure, as provided in Appendix E of the PSA, shall be as follows:
2 PAYMENT STRUCTURE
The payment to be made in each Billing Period during the Term for Contract
Capacity and Associated Energy shall consist of a Capacity Payment, Energy
Payment, Additional Reimbursable Costs and applicable value added tax. The
Capacity Payment consists of Component A (MCP) and Component B (MFOM), the
Energy Payment consists of Component C (FP) and Component D (MVOM), the
Additional Reimbursable Costs consists of Component E (ARC), and Component
F (VAT). All payments to Power Supplier under this Agreement will be made in
Philippine Pesos (PhP). All computations for payments to Power Supplier shall not
be rounded off, except for the fnal PHP amount, which shall be rounded off to the
nearest centavo.
A sample calculation of the payment is set forth in Schedule 4 of this Appendix E.
3 PAYMENT FOR CAPACITY AND ENERGY
For every Blling Period, the total payment to Power Supplier for Contract Capacity
and Associated Energy shall equal the sum of Components A, B, C, D, E, and F."
7. Pursuant to Appendix E of the PSA, its payments to SCPC shall be the sum of Capacity Payment,
which consists of Capacity Payment (MCP) and Fixed O&M (MFOM), Energy Payment, which
consists of Fuel Payment (FP) and Variable O&M (MVOM), Additional Reimbursable Costs, and
applicable Value-Added Tax;
8. A sample calculation of the contract price under the PSA, under given assumptions, is shown
below:
Sample Calculation of Contract Price per kWh under the PSA between MERALCO and SCPC
(February 2012 Supply Month)
BILLING COMPONENT UNIT BILLING RATE CPI Adj Factor BILLING DETERMINANT AMOUNT (PHP)
A. Capacity Payment (PhP/kW-yr) 9,684.02 210,000 (kW) 206,022,778.43
B. Fixed O&M Fees (PhP/kW-yr) 4,977.45 1.0023 210,000 (kW) 87,309,847.71
C. Energy Payment (PhP/kWh) 2.1572 124,992,000 (kWh) 269,632,554.04
D. Variable O&M Payment
Variable O&M (PhP/kWh) 0.01620 1.0023 124,992,000 (kWh) 2,029,623.62
Market Fees (PhP/kWh) 0.01440 124,992,000 (kWh) 1,799,884.80
FBHC (PhP/kWh) 0.01000 124,992,000 (kWh) 1,249,920.00
TOTAL PAYMENT (PhP) 568,044,608.60
Effective Rate at Plant Gate (PhP/kWh) 4.5446
Effective Line Rental Rate (Php/kWh) 0.1178
Effective Delivered Rate (PhP/kWh) 4.6624
Effective Rate at NPC TSC* (PhP/kWh) 5.3909
Savings over NPC TSC (PhP/kWh) 0.7285
Savings / (Increase) In Generation Cost, PhP 91,053,503.08
Meralco Energy Requirement, kWh 2,844,643,192.10
Generation Cost Reduction, PHP/kWh 0.0320

Assumptions:
(1) Average Nov 2011 - Jan 2012 Newcastle index = USD114.69/Mton ; Jan 2012 MOPS index = USD129.33/bbl, Minimum Wage rate = PHP 426.0/day
(2) Contract Capacity of 210 MW
(3) Effective Line Rental rates based on actual Feb 2012 WESM Preliminary Bill
(4) *NPC TOU rates inclusive of DAA, FPPCA, FxA and FBHC Adjustments based on Feb 2012
(5) 80% Plant Capacity Factor
(6) CPI Adj Factor based in PH CPI (2006=100) for Jan 2012 = 128.1
(7) Forex rate at PHP43.0/USD
9. The resulting average rate under PSA is PhP4.5446 per kWh;
10. For the simulated month of February 2012, under the same assumptions, the effective rate under
the TSC was PhP5.3909 per kWh. With the implementation of the PSA with SCPC, its generation
charge for said simulated month was calculated to be lower by about PhP0.0320 per kWh;
ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE
PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
11. In view of the failure of NPC and SCPC to reach an agreement on the one-year extension from
December 25, 2011 of the portion of the Transition Supply Contract (TSC) volume allocated to
SCPC, and in order to avoid the possible detrimental impact on consumers of the exposure to
WESM price volatility if it is to take the energy requirements of its consumers from the WESM,
to the extent of the 210 MW capacity under the PSA, it was constrained to implement the PSA
starting December 26, 2011;
12. Consistent with the policy of the Commission of capping the recovery of generation costs
associated with unapproved bilateral supply contracts at whichever is lower between the TSC or
actual rate, the implementation of this PSA ultimately redounds to the beneft of end-users as it is
provided therein that purchase of contract capacity and associated energy from SCPC is pegged
at the lower between the TSC rate and the contract price under the PSA
1
.
13. Clearly, therefore, public interest compels it to immediately implement the subject PSA, subject
to any provisional or fnal authority that may be subsequently issued by the Commission;
14. There is a paramount relevance and urgent need for the immediate issuance of a provisional
authority to implement the subject PSA to allow its consumers to continue enjoying the benefts
of the PSA from the time it was implemented in December 2011. The immediate and continued
implementation of the subject PSA will clearly redound to the beneft of the end-users as it will
shield them from the detrimental impact of sourcing the same capacity from WESM;
15. n support of the instant application and the prayer for provisional authority, the Judicial Affdavit
of Mr. Ciprinilo C. Meneses, Senior Manager and Head of its Energy Sourcing Offce, is attached
as Annex "C, and
16. It prays that:
a. Upon fling of the instant application, and pending hearing thereon, a provisional authority
be immediately issued authorizing the implementation of its PSA with SCPC; and.
b. After hearing on the merits, a decision be rendered approving the said PSA.
The Commission has set the application for initial hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial
conference and evidentiary hearing on May 14, 2012 (Monday) at two oclock in the afternoon (2:00
P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15
th
FIoor, Pacic Center BuiIding, San MigueI Avenue, Pasig City.
All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by
fling, at least fve (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC's Rules
of Practice and Procedure, a verifed petition with the Commission giving the docket number and title of
the proceeding and stating: (1.) the petitioners name and address; (2.) the nature of petitioners interest
in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the
issues involved in the proceeding; and (3.) a statement of the relief desired.
All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject
matter of the proceeding may fle their opposition to the application or comment thereon at any stage
of the proceeding before the applicant concludes the presentation of its evidence. No particular form
of opposition or comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and
address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied
upon.
All such person who may wish to have a copy of the application may request the applicant, prior
to the date of the initial hearing, that they be furnished with a copy of the application. The applicant is
hereby directed to furnish all those making a request with copies of the application and its attachments,
subject to reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Likewise, any such person may examine the
application and other pertinent records fled with the Commission during the usual offce hours.
WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson, ZENAIDA G. CRUZ-DUCUT, and the Honorable
Commissioners, MARIA TERESA A. R. CASTAEDA, JOSE C. REYES, ALFREDO J. NON and
GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 12th day of April, 2012 at
Pasig City.
ATTY. FRANCIS SATURNINO C. JUAN
Executive Director III
1 Cf: Section 4.1.2 of the PSA, as afore-quoted
MST - April 25 & May 2, 2012
Miners ask
CA to honor
mining deal
in Palawan
Congestion
causes delayed
flightsCEB
Business
ManilaStandardToday
B3
By Rey E. Requejo
THREE mining companies
have asked the Court of
Appeals to nullify the
action of the Ofce of the
President, which revoked
the permit granted to
them and their Canadian
partner by the previous
administration for mining
operation in Palawan.
Narra Nickel Mining and Development
Corp., Tesoro Mining and Development, and
McArthur Mining Inc., through their lawyer
Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, led a 34-page
motion asking the appellate court to reconsider
the decision it rendered last month.
The companies wanted to conduct
large-scale exploration, development and
utilization of minerals in the municipalities
of Rizal, Bataraz and Narra in Palawan.
The court earlier upheld the Palaces
revocation of the miners permit because of
alleged violation of the terms of the nancial
or technical assistance agreement they
signed with the previous administration.
The Ofce of the President had no
jurisdiction to unilaterally cancel, revoke or
terminate the FTAA in violation of the clear
terms of the FTAA, including the latters
arbitration clause. The FTAA is a valid,
binding contract between the government and
the petitioners which deserves respect and
breach of which by the government exposes
it to signicant liability, the petitioners said.
Observers warned the afrmation of the
Palaces decision would discourage foreign
investors from putting their money into
the exploration of the countrys mineral
resources through the FTAA mechanism.
This has a debilitating impact on the
countrys bid to attract foreign investors in the
exploration, utilization and development of
our mineral resources, industry sources said.
The petitioners asked the CA to issue a
temporary restraining order enjoining the
Ofce of the President from implementing
the revocation order issued on April 6, 2011.
The mining rms also sought the TRO to
prohibit the Mines and Geosciences Bureau
from acting on the application for exploration
permit by their rival, Redmont Consolidated
Mining Corp., over the same areas.
Last year, President Benigno Aquino
nullied the mining rms FTAA approved
by former President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo based on the complaint led by
Redmont, which alleged that the FTAA was
issued with grave abuse of discretion.
By Lailany P. Gomez
BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacic said Tuesday
it is ready to help the government decongest
the Ninoy Aquino International Airport
runway, as air trafc congestion has resulted
in delayed ights.
The airline said it was working with the Civil
Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Civil
Aeronautics Board and the Manila International
Airport Authority for the appointment of an
independent slot coordinator.
The traveling public has been
experiencing air trafc congestion in Manila,
and both the government and airlines have
been taking several proactive steps to
minimize this. As the airline industry grows,
it is very important to plan ahead to be at
par with other international airports, said
Cebu Pacic vice president for marketing
and distribution Candice Iyog.
CEB remains consistent in pushing
tourism for the benet of the Philippine
economy. We have to increase ights in
order to meet the governments tourism
targets, she added.
The airline, which saw its on-time
performance go from an average of 88
percent in 2010 to 77 percent in 2011, said
it supported government plans to phase the
transfer of aviation schools and general
aviation aircraft such as corporate jets and
small planes.
These smaller aircraft use up to 17 percent
of Naias capacity annually. Transfer of
these operations may be expedited further,
according to Cebu Pacic.
The budget carrier said it also supported
the upgrading of more airports outside Metro
Manila to allow night ights. This will
decongest the Naia runway and allow airlines
to spread out their ights throughout the day.
Provinces
Edited by Leo A. Estonilo www.manilastandardtoday.com mst@manilastandardtoday.com
B4
Pipeline re-opening pushed
Santiago
has a word
for unity
State-run agency to follow
Palace on John Hay ruling
Batangas-Manila oil link vital
Lobregat unveils
city museum
Baldoz gives high marks to two Taiwanese locators in Cavite
By Jessica M. Bacud
ISABELASantiago Mayor
Amelita Navarro led on
Tuesday the Pattaradday
festivities culminating in the
citys charter day on May 5.
According to her, Isabela
province in a way comes
together here at the crossroads,
serving as a hub for agro-
industry and commerce of the
northeastern ank of Luzon.
Pattaradday unies the citys
ethno-linguistic groups and
focuses on the unity despite the
artistic and cultural diversity of
the people, said Navarro, who
launched the festival in 2000.
Among the highlights are
La Gran Batalla a dance
presentation celebrating the
conquest of the Moors by St.
James the Apostle. The stage
production was conceptualized
and performed by the Ramon
Obusan Folkloric Group,
winning acclaim in Moscow.
Pattaradday is an Ibanag
word to denote a single entity
made of many parts, which
Navarro says, aptly describes
the citys indigenous groups
getting along with Muslim,
Chinese and Indian settlers.
The merry mix is topped by
the participation in Pattaradday
by dance groups from Aurora,
Pampanga, La Union, Baguio
City and Benguet.
City Engineer Benedict
Panganiban said Pattaradday
was awarded oustanding event
from 2006 to 2008 by the
Association of Tourism Ofcers
of the Philippines before being
elevated to its Hall of Fame.
Magnificent mangifira. Mutya ng Guimaras 2012 May Anne Salve Thornt is
crowned by Miss Universe runner-up Venus Raj (inset) in one of the highlights of
the Manggahan festivities. Lower photo shows winner Hubon Banagtong of Nueva
Valencia town in the cultural competition, besting six other entries. The festival
is a joint project of capitol under Gov. Felipe Hilan Nava MD and the Guimaras
Manggahan Foundation led by Henry Babiera, concurrent consultant of the
Provincial Trade and Tourism Office of Guimaras.
By Sheila Covarrubias
ZAMBOANGA CITYMayor Celso Lobregat and fellow
executives led the opening of the city museum at Jardin Maria
Clara in Pasonanca.
Archbishop Romulo Valles blessed the El Museo de
Zamboanga, coinciding with Dia de Maam Caling to mark the
91st birth anniversary of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat.
The museum is intended to enhance the interest of the
people, specically the young generation, for them to appreciate
the past and diverse cultural personality of the Zamobanguenos
and educate, enlighten and immerse them on how the City
came to be by representing the old settings to the future,
stated Ordinance 378 principally authored by Councilors Rudy
Lim and Rogelio Valesco Jr. and approved by the Sanggunian
Panlalawigan presided over the Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde.
Built for P11 million, the museum has a souvenir shop for
memorable keepsakes and function areas for tourism, cultural
and trade activities.
The City Museum staff which is under the Ofce of the
Mayor will will serve as manager and administrator, assisted
by the Council of Culture and Arts together with a technical
working group.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
The Court of Appeals will
appoint an amicus curiae or a
friend of the court to determine
the merits of reopening the
First Philippine Industrial
Corp.s 117-kilometer Batangas
to Manila pipeline.
Energy Undersectary Jay Layug told reporters
that the court would also look into pertinent aspects
of the case such as damages and entitlement.
The Court of Appeals (will appoint the amicus
curiae), they will seek experts, he said, adding that
no denite time has been set to make an appointment
in the course of the hearings.
The Supreme Court last year remanded the Writ
of Kalikasan case led by residents of West Tower
Condominum in Makati City, who were displaced
by the pipeline leak, to the Court of Appeals to allow
the entry, hearing and evaluation of evidence.
The pipeline has been unused for more than a
year since it was ordered closed on October 27,
2010, after it was found to have sprang a leak that
seeped into the the basement of West Tower in
Barangay Bangkal.
Layug had earlier renewed his call to restart
the pipeline after the completion of repairs by the
operator.
We already submitted results of borehole test,
segmented pressure test and leak test on FPIC
pipeline to the Court of Appeals and led motion to
reopen the pipeline, he said.
Layug said the Energy department wants to stop
the use of oil tanker trucks in the major roads in
Metro Manila to avoid accidents.
He reiterated the report of consultants SGS and
the UP National Institute of Sciences, there is no
reason to be afraid in the resumption of pipeline
operations.
Both experts conrmed that the pipeline can be
operated safely. We are awaiting decision on our
manifestation, Layog said.
The department made a three-day pressure
controlled test in December and found no leaks.
Prior to closure, the 117-km Batangas to Manila
white oil pipeline supplied more than 50 percent of
the petroleum products for Pandacan, considered
as the largest and most important depot in the
country.
The terminal supplies fuel to 459 stations in
Metro Manila and about 1,800 gas stations in
Regions 1 to 4.
The Pandacan depot also supplies 70 percent of
the shipping industrys needs; 90 percent of lubricant
requirements; 75 percent of all aviation fuel needs;
and 25 percent of the demand for chemicals.
The reopening of the pipeline is expected to help
the oil companies reduce the cost of transporting
fuel products to Manila as it is still considered
the safest and most cost-efcient way of shipping
products to Manila.
AMBASSADOR Raymond L. S.
Wang, representative of the Taipei
Economic and Cultural Ofce in
the Philippines, along with Labor
Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz recently
visited two Taiwanese companies in
Cavite to check on working conditions
of employees.
The spot inspection showed that
Hocheng Corp. and Tong Hsing
Electronics Inc. were compliant with
requirements set by the government.
Founded in 1996, Hocheng
Philippines is a world-renowned
sanitary xtures company, recognized
for the high quality of its products.
Through hard work and overcoming
nancial crisis, HCG now occupies
the highest market share in the
domestic market.
Tong Hsing Philippines was formed
a year earlier to make electronic
products which have been certied
Excellent by the United States,
European Union states and other
advanced economies.
After visiting these two factories,
Baldoz commended the two companies
on their efforts in providing a safe
and suitable working environment for
their workers.
Hocheng puts emphasis on proper
training and the overall welfare of
each employee. Turnover rate is
below 5 percent with the company
receiving a satisfaction rating of 94%
from its 800 employees.
Tong Hsing, whose investment in
the country has reached P2.8 billion,
likewise puts priority on training,
work attitude, good English and
communication skills, to match its
strict product quality standard.
Having a workforce of about
1,600, turnover is place at 1% which
impressed Baldoz as she viewed photos
of company outings and activities
on the bulletin board before joining
employees to a meal at the canteen.
Ambassador Wang expressed
condence in government over its
continuing support to Taiwanese
investors and companies like HCG
and Tong Hsing, in further expanding
investments and employment.
By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY-The Bases
Conversion and Development
Authority will respect the decision of
Malacanang to intervene in resolving
the controversy with Camp John Hay
Development Corp.
Since CJDevCo initiated the ling
of cases against BCDA, including
the arbitration it led before the
Philippine Dispute Resolution
Center, lawyer Arnel Paciano
Casanova, BCDA president and
chief executive ofcer, said the
developer of the former American
rest and recreation center must
also show good faith like paying a
substantial portion of their P3 billion
accumulated lease rentals.
We will respect President Aquinos
decision on whether or not to intervene
in the current John Hay impasse,
Casanova told Manila Standard.
BCDA will still insist on its
hardline position to require CJHDevCo
to rst settle its obligations to the
government before discussing other
issues and concerns arising from the
development of the 247-hectare John
Hay Special Economic Zone.
According to him, Malacanang
Palace had been advocating good
governance and transparency in the
bureaucracy.
We will explore all other
possibilities on how are we able to
collect CJhDevCos arrears while we
are answering the cases led against
us, Casanova said.
Felicito Payumo, BCDA chairman,
said communities hosting former
American bases must directly benet
from the development not deprived of
the share from the lease rentals.
Thirst quencher. Wawa Dam in Rodriguez town, Rizal, affords a comfort zone during summer. Built in 1909,
it was the only source of water Manila and its suburbs until Angat dam opened in 1967 and Wawa was
abandoned. MANNY PALMERO
UNMASKED
Gianna Maniego, Editor standardlifestyle@gmail.com
home work relationship
sha.re/
WEDNESDAY
C1 Manila Standard TODAY
Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor
YOUR PET ON THE COVER
If you think your dog should
be on the cover of Bow & Wow
Times, check out the Bow &
Wow Next Pet Model contest,
which is ongoing until May 31,
2012. A participant may post
only one entry of a pet cat or
dog.
I CANT say its the novelty of the
place because it has been around
for a few years, nor its attractive
neon signs, because there are other
places in the metropolis that offer a
more impressive kaleidoscope of
colors. But, somehow, I nd the
lure of Newport City so strong that,
every time I receive an Invitation to
an event in that part of the world,
I make it a point to brave the
perennial trafc gridlocks along the
way and show up. Here are three of
those events, which I endeavored to
attend recently.
Changing of the guard at
Marriott
Marriott Manila rolled out its
red for carpet for the hotels new
general manager, Scott Sibley, an
industry veteran, coming straight
from Marriott Guam and who is
happily married to a lovely Filipina.
It was an evening of merrymaking
which showcased the dazzling
performance of Resorts World
Manilas Lights! Camera! Action!,
the world-renowned group of
European entertainers who swept
the guests off their feet with their
sexy dance numbers, mixed with
impressive vocal performances
from gifted Filipino singers.
While the stellar list of guests
feasted on the lavish cocktail buffet
prepared by executive chef Meik
Brammer, popular celebrity
hostess Issa Litton handled the
program. This later intensied
into a big dance party as
the Draybers Band, regular
performer at Bar 360 of Resorts
World Manila, dished out hit
songs of the 80s and 90s, which
made the guests take to the
dance oor in wild abandon.
The event also marked the
hotels market share leadership,
BOB
ZOZOBRADO
For Party
Animals Only
MAY 2, 2012
At Newport City
Filipinos are avid coffee drinkers. The
landscape has changed in the last
decade with coffee houses at almost
every corner. But imagine having a
sophisticated coffee machine at home
and think of all the money that youll
save. This is the premise behind Nescafe
Dolce Gusto personal coffee vendor.
THE COFFEE LIFESTYLE
W
H
A
T
S
I
N
S
I
D
E
History
Words by Leo Marvin Balante
Images by Pranz Kaeno Billones
and smooth blend, as pointed out
by Michael Lacy, president of
Digital Paradise Inc., the brands
local distributor.
Republiq diners now have
access to a wide selection of
quality coffee blends, espresso
selections, iced-blend coffees,
non-coffee freezes, chocolate-
based drinks and fruit teas. More
information about Highlands
Coffee is available at www.
highlandscoffee.com.vn
Replay at Opus
Stores Specialists, Inc. got
Manilas party people grooving
and singing at a rock-eoke event
at Opus Lounge, in celebration of
their latest denim wear, Replay.
Actress/producer G Tongi, the
evenings program hostess,
pumped up the crowd with
her energy, as models wearing
Replays Spring Summer 2012
Collection sashayed on the ramp,
showing off the brands latest
designs.
Guest jammers who sang
their hearts out were Divine
Lee and beau, Victor Basa, JM
Rodriguez, Rajo Laurel, Marc
Gueco, and Sha Supangan. Even
Tessa Prieto Valdes belted out a
popular tune and gamely danced
with some of the ramp models.
Replay is available at Greenbelt
5 and at the 4th oor of Rustans
Shangri-La Mall.
----------O----------
YOUR WEEKEND
CHUCKLE:
A newly married 80-year
old lady was interviewed by a
talk show host, who was plain
curious about this, her 4th time
as a bride. The host asked who
her previous husbands were. The
lady enumerated, At age 20, I
married a Banker. He died 10
years later. At age 40, I married
a Circus Ringmaster who died 5
years later. At age 60, I married
a Preacher who died 7 years
later. Now, at 80, Im married
to a Funeral Director. The host
was quite amused, so he asked
the lady what she could say
about such diverse professions
of her mates. The lady blurted
out, in tune, Well, I married---
One for the money, Two for the
show, Three to get ready, and
Four to go!
----------O----------
For feedback, Im at
bobzozobrado@gmail.com
for 15 straight months, among
the luxury hotels here in the
metropolis. Quite a feat for a
newbie in the local scene!
Coffee At Republiq
Highlands Coffee, a premium
Vietnamese brand, is now available
here in the country. This is the
brands rst international venture
and it chose the Philippines as the
site of its rst expansion because of
our countrymens love for coffee.
It was launched through a big
party---the Afrojack Concert Party
featuring Grammy Awardee DJ/
Producer, Afrojack.
Available at Republiq in Resorts
World Manila, the premium and
uniquely Vietnamese coffee is
known for its sweet, refreshing
From left: Marriott Manila director of sales and marketing Cristy Carreon Marriott Manila director of Finance
Rosanna Lee Resorts World Manila president Kingson Sian, Marriott Manila new general manager Scott Sibley
Resorts World Manila executive vice president Steve Riley and Marriott Manila HR director Nina Quinto
Highlands Coffee chief operating, Jose
Filemon Allid, and DPI president, Michael
Lacy, enjoying a cup of Highlands Coffee
in Caf Republiq.
Anna Amigo Antonio with
husband William Antonio
Charina Sarte, Anton Zamora
and Phoemela Baranda
Jhei Manzanero, MillieSibleyandMarriott
Manilas director of Communications
MichelleGarcia
Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
with husband Vince Hizon
Mayenne Carmona and
Cecil Infantado
Replay Visual Merchandising manager for
Asian Region Daniele Pederzoli, Stores Special-
ists, Inc. marketing communications manager
Malu Francisco and Replay sales manager for
Asian Region Vincent Law
Tessa Prieto Valdes, Heidi Ng and Miriam
Quiambao
Jason Sabio, Ruffa Gutierrez, Garlic Garcia and
Cristalle Henares
Dance of the
Tastoan
Demon
Mask
for Holy
Week
Santolo, Day of the Dead
HISTORY books would indicate that ancient Mexican cultures have
long regarded masks as an essential beacon of tradition even before the
arrival of the Spanish. Pre-Hispanic Mexico have explored the various
uses of masks on different special occasions like religious rites and
traditional dances and rituals.
In reliving this, the concerted efforts of
the embassy of Mexico in the Philippines,
in cooperation with the National Museum
of the Philippines, brought an alluring
glimpse to this incredibly woven history
in a recently unveiled month-long exhibit
named Mexican Masks: The Muyaes
Ogazon Collection at the Museum of the
Filipino People. The exhibit showcased
a remarkable collection numbering to 48
Mexican traditional masks representing
a multitude of cultural estas and
celebrations in different regions of Mexico.
Divided in clusters of demon, animals
and people, these masks were carefully
selected from decades-old collections of
Mexican anthropologist Estela Ogazon
and Chilean-native Jaled Uyaes that
were once used to heighten the level of
excitement and glee in each celebration.
These artifacts, ageing to almost over 50
years after the creation of local Mexican
craftsmen were brought to local shores
through the initiative of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of Mexico after its
successful showings in Indonesia and
Singapore.
More than representations of
festivities, masks were also essentially
seen as vessels of spiritual and
magical powers, which then on lead
to the formation and promulgation of
indigenous pagan beliefs. Wearers were
known to possess divine powers while
believers sought to own one in reverence
to their gods. True, these masks played a
valuable role in the development of the
indigenous North American Country,
with Mexico essentially being the
cradle to Mayan, Toltec and even Aztec
civilizations.
The signicance of these masks did
not wane as it survived the Spanish
conquest and is carried out to modern
times as these exhibited Mexican masks
typify the nations unbroken tradition
and artistry. Each creation was made out
of cork that are painted in loud, jovial
colors in exaggerated expressions and
exquisite ornamentation to add to the
carnivalesque atmosphere of festivals
and other celebrations it represents.
Through centuries, the formation of
masks showed the melding of two
contradictory religious beliefs: paganism
and Christianity.
Director Jeremy Barns expressed
honor to the Embassy of Mexico in
Manila for allowing the National
Museum to serve as shelter to these
historic representations of Mexican
traditional art in the country.
The anticipated unveiling of the Muyaes
Ogazon collection of Mexican masks was
a well attended gathering of historians
and the culturati including National
Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose,
former Tourism secretary, Gemma Cruz
Araneta, former central bank governor
and author, Dr. Jaime Laya. Also in
attendance were respected members of the
diplomatic corps, members of the Mexican
community, the academe and select non-
prot organizations.
C
Y
A
N

M
A
G
E
N
T
A

Y
E
L
L
O
W

B
L
A
C
K
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
ANSWER TOMORROW
62 Santa __ winds
63 One who often
doesnt pick up?
64 Some chickens
65 Craving
66 Show closers,
perhaps
67 Balmoral attraction
Down
1 Start of a tots song
2 1922 physics Nobelist
3 __, old chap!
4 Taj Mahal topper
5 Developmental stage
6 Prescott-to-Tempe dir.
7 Smith attendee
8 Round up
9 Hissy fit
10 Went underground
11 Attraction near U.S. 395
12 Go with the flow
13 Jenga and jacks
18 Remote letters
22 Broom alternative
24 Prefix with -pod
25 Pair
26 Challenge
27 Clarinet cousin
28 French vineyards
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE
Across
1 Stands
7 Load in a basket
11 Label
14 Busts
15 Potent introduction?
16 Nabokov novel
17 Source of mints, at
times
19 With on and
59-Across, a hint to the
theme hidden in three
LOS ANGELES
TIMES
CROSSWORD
places in this puzzle
20 7-Across destination,
eventually
21 New York Citys __
River
22 Chowderhead
23 They often accompany
stretches
25 I Loves You, Porgy
and others
26 House on TV, e.g.
30 Poker star Hansen
31 River from the
Cantabrian Mountains
32 Invasion leaders of
the 60s
39 It prohibits illegal
search and seizure
41 The recent past
42 Huit + trois
43 __-Aztecan languages
44 Buyer, in legal usage
46 Love
49 Roundup need
52 Zoom
53 Sub
54 Once and again
59 See 19-Across
60 Subject of a 1922
archaeological discovery
29 Agony
30 Blues and others
33 Its cut and dried
34 Morph ending
35 Emmy-winning
Arthur
36 Provided temporarily
37 Auto designer Ferrari
38 Prank ending
40 Head of Qubec
45 Lepidopterous
opponent of Godzilla
46 Orderly grouping
47 Tell It to My Heart
singer Taylor
48 Expanse with crests
49 Reveal
50 Most Syrians
51 Cain was the first
53 Dance with flowing
gestures
55 Distance
56 __ a man with
seven wives
57 Forearm exercise
58 Start of
Massachusettss motto
60 Medicine amt.
61 Original, crispy or
grilled? co.
standardlifestyle@gmail.com
home work relationships
C3
WEDNESDAY
C2
sha.re/
MAY 2, 2012
Gianna Maniego, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
CSR files
HSBC ARFU Coaching Tour inspires a new
generation of Filipino rugby players
WEARING brand new training shirts, caps and broad smiles across
their faces, the street children beneciaries of Childhope Asia ran
eagerly across the Rizal Stadium eld to meet the burly players that
were waiting to teach them a sport they have never even heard of. They
examined the rugby ball as if it were a foreign objectnot knowing
whether to kick or dribble it. Some stood in awe at the sheer size of
the stadium while the others turned their wide eyes towards the local
and foreign rugby players that gathered around them.
HSBC, title sponsor of the Asian 5 Nations, and the Asian Rugby
Football Union (ARFU) aim to bring rugby to the grassroots level
around the Asian 5 Nations tournaments each year through the HSBC
ARFU Coaching Tour. Last April 19, members of the Philippine Vol-
canoes along with other representatives of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations
(A5N) Division 1 teams introduced the basics of rugby to 30 street
children under the care of Childhope Asia Philippines--an organiza-
tion currently being supported by HSBCs Future First program that
aims to support disadvantaged children.
This coaching tour reects the commitment of the bank to work
with local communities not only to develop and grow the sport but also
to engage the youth to live by the values exemplied by HSBC and
the sport of rugbysportsmanship, fairness, courage and integrity,"
said Tony Cripps, HSBC president and chief executive.
Participating in the HSBC ARFU Coaching Tour is always one
of the highlights of tournament week for our players, coaches and
referees who uniformly have a desire to give something back to the
game we all love," said Sean Moore, tournament operations manager
for the HSBC Asian 5 Nations.
For the Asian Rugby Football Union, having the platform of the
HSBC A5N is an ideal opportunity to ensure future growth in the
game across the region and we thank HSBC for their shared com-
mitment to this vision.
After the clinic, the children were invited to watch the Philippines
play against Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The Volcanoes
did not disappoint the children and the rest of the fans, beating top
seed Sri Lanka, 28-18. The Philippine team started out as one of the
lowest ranked team but shot up the ranks remarkably by defeating
Singapore and Chinese Taipei in the earlier rounds. Last Saturdays
victory catapulted the Philippine team into the Premier division, plac-
ing them among the top ve rugby unions in Asia. The Volcanoes are
the second most successful Asian team behind Japan, having lost only
once in four years (in last years Division I semi-nal versus Korea).
This is a rst for Philippine rugby and we are very proud of the
Volcanoes for their determination, courage and passion. As new role
models for the youth, their victory today will surely inspire the next
generation of players," said Cripps.
THE New San Jose Builders Inc. has recently pre-
sented to the public Victoria de Manila 2, located
at Taft Avenue, Manila and Victoria Station 2 inn
Quezon City. Both residential condominiums were
part of NSJBI's belief in providing Filipino families
with residential developments that encourage active
lifestyles.
Both the Victoria de Manila 2 and the Victoria
station 2 house a sports complex which accommo-
dates sports such as bowling, swimming, basketball,
badminton, and billiards. It also includes profes-
sionally-manned gyms, open activity members and
a members-only spa.
According to Manny Estrella, sales head of
NSJBI's residential developments, the sports com-
plex is in line with the mandate of Jose Acuzar,
NSJBI's chairman and chief executive, to strengthen
the Filipino family by creating developments that
encourage wellness and healthy living.
"We are pushing for wellness and close family
ties. Helping Filipinos embrace an active lifestyle
is an integral part of NSJBI's vision," explains
Estrella. "Our string of family and sports centerred
residential projects is a step towards that vision."
In an age where everything is done in an in-
stant and where everyone seems to be always on
the go, personal downtime with the family seems
to be often neglected. But not for the Patrimo-
nios. Legendary cager and team manager Alvin
Patrimonio makes sure that he always has time
for his family. "As a social unit, families need
more opportunities to work together," explains
Patrimonio. "Playing sports together has helped
us bond. It's great when children feel that truly,
we are on the same team."
The Patrimonios' family bonding through sports
have contributed to their daughters' competitiveness
as they start to make their own mark in sports. Both
Christine and Clarice Patrimonio
have competed in international ten-
nis tournaments. Clarice currently
holds the top spot in national rank-
ings and was part of the Philippine
team during the 2011 South East
Asian Games.
The Patrimonios embody NSJBI's
dream for contemporary Filipino families.
Their athleticism and close family ties were
their aces when they signed an endorsement deal
with NSJBI.
With the constant strenuous demands of every-
day life, most people would prefer to have a nice,
quiet evening in, have dinner and watch television.
Health and tness are less prioritized because of
the enormous workload and people would rather
cherish every minute of sleep than go out and strain
themselves more with exercising.
Victoria de Manila 2 and Victoria Station 2 has
made keeping in shape easier for everyone with
their in-house sports complex. Staying in t will
be a breeze because commuting to the gym will no
longer be necessary.
Prospective homeowners will be delighted to
nd that units at Victoria de Manila 2 and Victoria
Station 2 come within friendly price ranges and
exible terms. The condominiums are also strate-
gically located and are convenient to commuters
because of its proximity to schools, shopping cen-
ters, hospitals, as well as churches. This is an ideal
location not just for families, but to students and
young couples as well.
For more information, please call 5279614 and
5279679 or 4154053 and 4161389 to reach the
sales offices of Victoria de Manila 2 and Victoria
Station 2, respectively. You can also log on to
www.nsjbi.net. Arian Vina L. Sarmiento
LOOKING beyond equi-
ties, bonds and derivatives
to invest your wealth? The
countrys leading foreign
bank suggests you consider
passion investments.
Citibank recently invited
clients of Citigold, its wealth
management service, to a
lecture which presented Phil-
ippine Art as an investment
option. The talk entitled Bid-
ding on the Future: Investing
in Philippine Art, was held
at Salcedo Auctions, the rst
and only auction house in the
Philippines specializing in ne
art, decorative arts, jewelry and
collectibles.
We see a growing ap-
petite among our clients to
invest their wealth in medium
and long-term instruments.
Some have started invest-
ing on these finite sources
that grow in value over time
including jewelries, vintage
cars, cases of the nest wines
and most commonly, on art
pieces, related Judith Go,
branch banking director.
The lecture was held in rela-
tion to an auction held later in
the week, which boasted of a
collection of the best of Philip-
pine art with pieces by classic
and modern Filipino masters,
plus a selection of rising talents.
These monetary endeav-
ors which are also called pas-
sion investment allow people
to put their money in some-
thing they have always wanted,
and to be part of something
they passionately care about.
Through this lecture, our Citi-
gold clients gain knowledge
that will enhance their invest-
ment in art and help them make
informed decisions, said Go.
Citigold guests had a pre-
view of the collection before
the day of the actual auction.
They also had a chance to raise
their questions to the guest
speaker Ramon E.S. Lerma,
director and chief curator of the
Ateneo Art Gallery in Manila.
iced tea or art?
COFFEE,
Do it your way
with Globe Load
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GLOBE Load Tipid Combo is a budget-friendly
postpaid plan that lets you set your monthly load,
choose the gadget you want, and use your load for
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Even better, unused load carries over to the next
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Next, use your monthly load to avail of pre-
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P599, SuperTxt for P349, BlackBerry Social for
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complete list of prepaid promos, just dial *143#,
the ever-reliable quick-service menu exclusively
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Finally, choose the perfect device for your
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Globe My Super Plan Load Tipid Combo
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exible postpaid plans that cater to a very diverse
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comes to your postpaid plan, including immortal
load and a free device of your choice. You get
the benet of choosing your plan and the amount
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can change daily depending in your needs, said
Martha Sazon, head of Globe Postpaid.
Know more about the Globe My Super Plan Load
Tipid Combo, visit www.globe.com.ph/postpaid, call
730-1010, or visit any Globe Store nationwide.
The art and science of investing
If you think your dog should be on
the cover of Bow & Wow Times,
check out the Bow & Wow Next Pet
Model contest, which is ongoing until
May 31.
A participant may post only one
entry of a pet cat or dog. Aside from
the winning pet as cover model for
Bow & Wow Times, the benefits
that may be reaped from uploading
a valid photo entry showcasing your
pets natural charm and lovable trait is
a years supply of chow and treats from
Bow & Wow, the Philippines premier
all-natural pet store for dogs and cats.
The pet winner also gets to be the brand
spokesperson for the Philippine Ani-
mal Welfare Society (PAWS)
GMA Network honors outstanding graduates
GMA Network recognizes outstanding graduates of broadcast-related
courses from select universities to develop a culture of excellence among
future broadcast practitioners.
Since the launch of its CSR program called the GMA Network
Excellence Award in 2001, the Kapuso Network has honored more
than 30 awardees from partner universities, namely, University of the
Philippines (Diliman and Cebu), Don Bosco Technical College (Man-
daluyong) and Angeles University Foundation (Pampanga).
According to GMA Network assistant vice president for Corporate
Affairs Teresa Pacis, the awardees hold denite promise to shine in
select elds that contribute to the growth and development of mass
media and communications engineering in the Philippines .
This year, six awardees, all with Latin honors, receive the GMA
Network Excellence Plaque and a cash prize worth P10,000 each.
The 2012 GMA Network Excellence awardees are Ma. Jorica
Pamintuan (magna cum laude), Princess Ubogen (cum laude)
and Ranel Ram Cheng (magna cum laude) from UP- Diliman, Don
Bosco Electronics and Communications Engineering Jhames Patrick
Yabot (cum laude), AUF Mass Communication graduate Ryan James
Marimla (cum laude), and UP-Cebu's Marriam Jaustin Reyes Sol-
lano (cum laude) .
The awardees were screened by a panel of topnotch broadcast
practitioners from GMA Network and selected based on scholastic
UP Diliman Journalism magna cum laude Ma. Jorica Pamintuan
(center) receives her plaque and cash prize from GMA Network
Filipinos love dancing as much as singing.
And in the same manner that there are many
singing contests all around the country, dance
competitions also sprout almost everywhere.
While singing is about hitting the right
notes, dancing is all about visual impact,
the beauty and synchronicity of movements
with the dance beat and the energy felt by
those who see it.
In the last two years, Magnolia has el-
evated the dance battle or dance-off to the
status of a spectator sport with Magnolia
Sayaw Barangay. It is much awaited by
the young people who take time to prepare
for it and immerse themselves in the latest
dance styles like swag, krumping, pop and lock, and whacking.
A little ingenuity helps, too, in the case of the Next Level Oltomix
Group that jumped rope in their unique dance routine on the way to
winning the opening leg of the Magnolia Sayaw Barangay at Barangay
Holy Spirit in Novaliches, Quezon City recently.
Its a fact that Filipinos love to dance. When we launched this
project a year ago for Magnolia Beverages, specically Magnolia
Healthtea Powdered Drink Mix, we also saw this as a program that
would help motivate the youth to adopt healthier lifestyles and veer
away from bad vices, says Magnolia
Healthtea Powdered Drink Mix assistant
brand manager Giselle Villanueva.
This year, hundreds of groups from
30 barangays in Metro Manila and other
nearby provincial cities vie for the crown
and the grand prize of P25,000 in the
grand finals slated on May 25 at the
Market! Market! Activity Center, Fort
Bonifacio, Taguig.
It is so overwhelming to see a big
company like Magnolia supporting a pro-
gram that provides a lot of opportunities
for the passionate Filipino youth dancers.
Hopefully more companies take the same
initiative in supporting local talents, said Deo Bantillo, event judge and
member of internationally acclaimed Philippine All Stars dance group.
To join, a group of at least ve members will only need to buy P300
worth of Magnolia Healthtea powdered drink mix. Upcoming Magnolia
Sayaw Barangay legs are at Baesa, Caloocan (May 2); Sta. Rosa, Laguna
(May 3); Tondo, Manila (May 4); Baguio (May 8); Urdaneta, Pangasinan
(May 9); Dasmarias, Cavite (May 11); Lipa, Batangas (May 12); Tibagan,
Makati (May 14); Karangalan, Cainta (May 15) and Sta. Mesa, Manila for
seminals on May 18.
achievement, relevance and depth of related work, and personal
interviews.
More often than not, the awardees and nalists end up working
in different departments in GMA. Among them are GMA News re-
porters Dano Tingcungco, Jam Sesante, and Micaela Papa, GMA
News Online reporter Kimberly Jane Tan, Saksi segment producer
Sophia Balod and GMA Cebu sales producer Rachel Sindo.
Magnolia promotes a healthy lifestyle through dance
By Ed Biado
THERE is no divorce law in the
Philippines. We are the
only sovereign state in
the whole world
other than the Vati-
canthat does not
(by choice, obviously)
recognize divorce as
a viable and legal op-
tion to dissolve a marriage.
From an international point
of view, that can be considered
weird. However, recent reports are
indicative that, on the scale of one
to OMG-are-you-freaking-insane,
thats as vanilla as it gets.
Of course,
Im talking about
news items about
Egypt s sup-
posed farewell
intercourse law,
which, if legal-
ized, would allow husbands to
have sex with their deceased wives
corpses until six hours after time
of death. (Shortly after the news
spread, several outlets began to
question the truthfulness of the
original story, suggesting that it
could be a hoax planted into the
media. As of this writing, no conr-
mation has been published.)
Meanwhile, in the United
Kingdom (and this ones true,
even if it isnt as weird as spousal
necrophilia), wedding venues are
prescribed by law. Well, sort of.
You can get married anywhere
you want as long as the place
has a xed roof. That means that
outdoor weddings are merely
ceremonial. The bride and groom
still have to go through a civil
induction for the sake of legality.
Since each state has its own
laws in the United States, theres
bound to be some quirky ones.
For example, in Kentucky, wom-
en are prohibited from marrying
the same man four times and, in
South Carolina, its illegal for
men 16 years and above to pro-
pose marriage and not mean it.
In Saudi Arabia, the government
reviews applications for marriage
between Saudis and foreigners out-
side the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Grounds for denial include serious
diseases, drug use and an age gap
of more than 25 years.
Finally, in the Indian state of Bi-
har, groom kidnappingresulting
in shotgun marriagesis a com-
mon practice. Its not exactly legal,
but the phenomenon is so prevalent
that its generally accepted in their
society. Additionally, annulment
of such marriages is rare due to the
belief in the sanctity of marriage.
Weird
marriage
laws around
the world
Patrimonios endorse family-friendly
sports condominiums
FILIPINOS are avid coffee drinkers. The landscape has changed in
the last decade with coffee houses at almost every corner.
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
But imagine having a sophisticated coffee
machine at home and think of all the money
that you' ll save. This is the premise behind
Nescafe Dolce Gusto personal coffee vendor,
which employs a simple "pop, lock and drop"
operation so that you can make a frothy latte
Macchiato, brewed coffee or even iced tea in
your home or office.
During a recent event at Beso Cucina Vinoteka,
Dolce Gusto brand manager Jiggy Cruz person-
ally showed guests how to operate the Piccolo
machine, which, by the way, is the entry level
for Nescafe coffee pods and is priced at less than
P5,000.
Beso's chef Carlo Miguel prepared several
courses for pairing with different Dolce Gusto
avors. He rst came out with a starter plate
consisting of Spinach, Mushroom and Feta Flat
Bread; Jamon, Chicken and Manchego Croquetas;
Bellota Grade and Jamon Serrano with a steaming
cup of Nescafe Dolce Gusto Lungo. Lungo has a
dark, strong avor.
The entree plate had Chorizo Chocolate on
Toast; Chicken Pintxos; Beef Pintxos; Lamb Kofta
Pintxos and Crispy Skin Pork Belly with Prunes
in Lungo. This was served with Nescafe Dolce
Gusto Cappucino.
Dessert was Churros and Spanish Rice Pud-
ding with Vanilla and Almonds served with a
cup of Choccocino, which is described as "hot
chocolate heaven."
The event also showcased the works of contem-
porary visual artist Sunshine Plata who uses coffee
as her mdeium because she wanted a material that
is more accessible.
She wants to share the coffee experience with
everyone with her works depicting whimsical
scenes and rural landscapes.
Initially working with oil as a medium, Plata
switched to powdered coffee after seeing a paint-
ing with a signature signed in coffee.
"I started painting with coffee because I wanted
a cheaper medium that was accessible to me,"
she shares.
She conducts coffee painting workshops for
school children and aspiring artists. She says
her work is proof that anyone, regardless of
age or background, can paint with anything.
Her coffee paintings have been featured on US
television shows and also exhibited abroad.
Jiggy Cruz and Yayin Bangcoro with coffee artist Sunshine Plata and event host RJ Ledesma unveil the
Nescafe Dolce Gusto Circolo
Chef Carlo Miguel shares
his specially prepared
Dolce Gustazione- A little
bit of everything and in
good taste- to the guests
The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Chococino paired
with desserts like Spanish Rice Pudding with
Vanilla and Almonds and Churro
Investing in Filipino art
will prot you not only in
wealth, but also lets you en-
joy the life you worked hard
to attain, Lerma said. The
true value of the artwork will
be appreciated in time. Do
not be too romantic and ide-
alistic; be prudent and trust
your judgment in selecting a
piece that you like.
The art auction included the
masterpieces of Filipino artists
Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo,
Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente
Manansala, Arturo Luz,
J. Elizalde Navarro, Galo
Ocampo, Nena Saguil, Fed-
erico Aguilar Alcuaz, Rob-
ert Chabet, Danilo Dalena,
Ronald Ventura, and Rodel
Tapaya, among others.
Ramon E.S. Lerma, member of the advisory board of Salcedo
Auctions, gives a lecture on Investing in Philippine Art to
Citigold clients and guests
Participants simply need to log on to
the Bow & Wow Facebook page, click
like, go to the Bow & Wow Next
Top Model application, allow access
to their Facebook prole, and input
contact details & address and also a
valid contest code that can be obtained
with a P300.00 single receipt purchase
at any Bow & Wow store. Only one dog
or cat, with no humans or other kinds of
animals, must be visible in the photo.
Every valid entry will feed a dog
or cat under the care of PAWS, which
advocates the prevention of cruelty and
alleviation of pain, fear and suffering
in animals. Bow & Wow will donate
100 grams of pet food for every quali-
ed entry to the Bow & Wow Next Pet
Model uploaded through Facebook.
All qualied entries will be posted
in the Bow & Wow Next Pet Model
Gallery, where they will be eligible for
participants to gather votes or "likes".
Only Facebook users who have "liked"
the Bow & Wow Facebook Page shall
be eligible to "like" entries within the
Bow & Wow Next Pet Model applica-
tion. Users may like as many entries as
they want for an elimination round, but
each entry may only be "liked" once
and cannot be "unliked" after.
The top 12 semi-nalists will be asked
to pose in front of the camera of a profes-
sional pet photographer who will conduct
creative themed photo shoots.
Judges/authorized Bow & Wow
representatives (whose decision will
comprise 80 percent of an entrys total
score) will base their top choices on facial
expression, originality and creativity.
Wanted:
Dog or cat
on the cover
Alvin with
daughters
Christine
and Clarice
C
Y
A
N

M
A
G
E
N
T
A

Y
E
L
L
O
W

B
L
A
C
K
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
ANSWER TOMORROW
62 Santa __ winds
63 One who often
doesnt pick up?
64 Some chickens
65 Craving
66 Show closers,
perhaps
67 Balmoral attraction
Down
1 Start of a tots song
2 1922 physics Nobelist
3 __, old chap!
4 Taj Mahal topper
5 Developmental stage
6 Prescott-to-Tempe dir.
7 Smith attendee
8 Round up
9 Hissy fit
10 Went underground
11 Attraction near U.S. 395
12 Go with the flow
13 Jenga and jacks
18 Remote letters
22 Broom alternative
24 Prefix with -pod
25 Pair
26 Challenge
27 Clarinet cousin
28 French vineyards
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE
Across
1 Stands
7 Load in a basket
11 Label
14 Busts
15 Potent introduction?
16 Nabokov novel
17 Source of mints, at
times
19 With on and
59-Across, a hint to the
theme hidden in three
LOS ANGELES
TIMES
CROSSWORD
places in this puzzle
20 7-Across destination,
eventually
21 New York Citys __
River
22 Chowderhead
23 They often accompany
stretches
25 I Loves You, Porgy
and others
26 House on TV, e.g.
30 Poker star Hansen
31 River from the
Cantabrian Mountains
32 Invasion leaders of
the 60s
39 It prohibits illegal
search and seizure
41 The recent past
42 Huit + trois
43 __-Aztecan languages
44 Buyer, in legal usage
46 Love
49 Roundup need
52 Zoom
53 Sub
54 Once and again
59 See 19-Across
60 Subject of a 1922
archaeological discovery
29 Agony
30 Blues and others
33 Its cut and dried
34 Morph ending
35 Emmy-winning
Arthur
36 Provided temporarily
37 Auto designer Ferrari
38 Prank ending
40 Head of Qubec
45 Lepidopterous
opponent of Godzilla
46 Orderly grouping
47 Tell It to My Heart
singer Taylor
48 Expanse with crests
49 Reveal
50 Most Syrians
51 Cain was the first
53 Dance with flowing
gestures
55 Distance
56 __ a man with
seven wives
57 Forearm exercise
58 Start of
Massachusettss motto
60 Medicine amt.
61 Original, crispy or
grilled? co.
standardlifestyle@gmail.com
home work relationships
C3
WEDNESDAY
C2
sha.re/
MAY 2, 2012
Gianna Maniego, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
CSR files
HSBC ARFU Coaching Tour inspires a new
generation of Filipino rugby players
WEARING brand new training shirts, caps and broad smiles across
their faces, the street children beneciaries of Childhope Asia ran
eagerly across the Rizal Stadium eld to meet the burly players that
were waiting to teach them a sport they have never even heard of. They
examined the rugby ball as if it were a foreign objectnot knowing
whether to kick or dribble it. Some stood in awe at the sheer size of
the stadium while the others turned their wide eyes towards the local
and foreign rugby players that gathered around them.
HSBC, title sponsor of the Asian 5 Nations, and the Asian Rugby
Football Union (ARFU) aim to bring rugby to the grassroots level
around the Asian 5 Nations tournaments each year through the HSBC
ARFU Coaching Tour. Last April 19, members of the Philippine Vol-
canoes along with other representatives of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations
(A5N) Division 1 teams introduced the basics of rugby to 30 street
children under the care of Childhope Asia Philippines--an organiza-
tion currently being supported by HSBCs Future First program that
aims to support disadvantaged children.
This coaching tour reects the commitment of the bank to work
with local communities not only to develop and grow the sport but also
to engage the youth to live by the values exemplied by HSBC and
the sport of rugbysportsmanship, fairness, courage and integrity,"
said Tony Cripps, HSBC president and chief executive.
Participating in the HSBC ARFU Coaching Tour is always one
of the highlights of tournament week for our players, coaches and
referees who uniformly have a desire to give something back to the
game we all love," said Sean Moore, tournament operations manager
for the HSBC Asian 5 Nations.
For the Asian Rugby Football Union, having the platform of the
HSBC A5N is an ideal opportunity to ensure future growth in the
game across the region and we thank HSBC for their shared com-
mitment to this vision.
After the clinic, the children were invited to watch the Philippines
play against Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The Volcanoes
did not disappoint the children and the rest of the fans, beating top
seed Sri Lanka, 28-18. The Philippine team started out as one of the
lowest ranked team but shot up the ranks remarkably by defeating
Singapore and Chinese Taipei in the earlier rounds. Last Saturdays
victory catapulted the Philippine team into the Premier division, plac-
ing them among the top ve rugby unions in Asia. The Volcanoes are
the second most successful Asian team behind Japan, having lost only
once in four years (in last years Division I semi-nal versus Korea).
This is a rst for Philippine rugby and we are very proud of the
Volcanoes for their determination, courage and passion. As new role
models for the youth, their victory today will surely inspire the next
generation of players," said Cripps.
THE New San Jose Builders Inc. has recently pre-
sented to the public Victoria de Manila 2, located
at Taft Avenue, Manila and Victoria Station 2 inn
Quezon City. Both residential condominiums were
part of NSJBI's belief in providing Filipino families
with residential developments that encourage active
lifestyles.
Both the Victoria de Manila 2 and the Victoria
station 2 house a sports complex which accommo-
dates sports such as bowling, swimming, basketball,
badminton, and billiards. It also includes profes-
sionally-manned gyms, open activity members and
a members-only spa.
According to Manny Estrella, sales head of
NSJBI's residential developments, the sports com-
plex is in line with the mandate of Jose Acuzar,
NSJBI's chairman and chief executive, to strengthen
the Filipino family by creating developments that
encourage wellness and healthy living.
"We are pushing for wellness and close family
ties. Helping Filipinos embrace an active lifestyle
is an integral part of NSJBI's vision," explains
Estrella. "Our string of family and sports centerred
residential projects is a step towards that vision."
In an age where everything is done in an in-
stant and where everyone seems to be always on
the go, personal downtime with the family seems
to be often neglected. But not for the Patrimo-
nios. Legendary cager and team manager Alvin
Patrimonio makes sure that he always has time
for his family. "As a social unit, families need
more opportunities to work together," explains
Patrimonio. "Playing sports together has helped
us bond. It's great when children feel that truly,
we are on the same team."
The Patrimonios' family bonding through sports
have contributed to their daughters' competitiveness
as they start to make their own mark in sports. Both
Christine and Clarice Patrimonio
have competed in international ten-
nis tournaments. Clarice currently
holds the top spot in national rank-
ings and was part of the Philippine
team during the 2011 South East
Asian Games.
The Patrimonios embody NSJBI's
dream for contemporary Filipino families.
Their athleticism and close family ties were
their aces when they signed an endorsement deal
with NSJBI.
With the constant strenuous demands of every-
day life, most people would prefer to have a nice,
quiet evening in, have dinner and watch television.
Health and tness are less prioritized because of
the enormous workload and people would rather
cherish every minute of sleep than go out and strain
themselves more with exercising.
Victoria de Manila 2 and Victoria Station 2 has
made keeping in shape easier for everyone with
their in-house sports complex. Staying in t will
be a breeze because commuting to the gym will no
longer be necessary.
Prospective homeowners will be delighted to
nd that units at Victoria de Manila 2 and Victoria
Station 2 come within friendly price ranges and
exible terms. The condominiums are also strate-
gically located and are convenient to commuters
because of its proximity to schools, shopping cen-
ters, hospitals, as well as churches. This is an ideal
location not just for families, but to students and
young couples as well.
For more information, please call 5279614 and
5279679 or 4154053 and 4161389 to reach the
sales offices of Victoria de Manila 2 and Victoria
Station 2, respectively. You can also log on to
www.nsjbi.net. Arian Vina L. Sarmiento
LOOKING beyond equi-
ties, bonds and derivatives
to invest your wealth? The
countrys leading foreign
bank suggests you consider
passion investments.
Citibank recently invited
clients of Citigold, its wealth
management service, to a
lecture which presented Phil-
ippine Art as an investment
option. The talk entitled Bid-
ding on the Future: Investing
in Philippine Art, was held
at Salcedo Auctions, the rst
and only auction house in the
Philippines specializing in ne
art, decorative arts, jewelry and
collectibles.
We see a growing ap-
petite among our clients to
invest their wealth in medium
and long-term instruments.
Some have started invest-
ing on these finite sources
that grow in value over time
including jewelries, vintage
cars, cases of the nest wines
and most commonly, on art
pieces, related Judith Go,
branch banking director.
The lecture was held in rela-
tion to an auction held later in
the week, which boasted of a
collection of the best of Philip-
pine art with pieces by classic
and modern Filipino masters,
plus a selection of rising talents.
These monetary endeav-
ors which are also called pas-
sion investment allow people
to put their money in some-
thing they have always wanted,
and to be part of something
they passionately care about.
Through this lecture, our Citi-
gold clients gain knowledge
that will enhance their invest-
ment in art and help them make
informed decisions, said Go.
Citigold guests had a pre-
view of the collection before
the day of the actual auction.
They also had a chance to raise
their questions to the guest
speaker Ramon E.S. Lerma,
director and chief curator of the
Ateneo Art Gallery in Manila.
iced tea or art?
COFFEE,
Do it your way
with Globe Load
Tipid Combo
GLOBE Load Tipid Combo is a budget-friendly
postpaid plan that lets you set your monthly load,
choose the gadget you want, and use your load for
prepaid promos. If you need more load after you
use up your plan, you can just reload like prepaid.
Even better, unused load carries over to the next
month - and the next and the next - making it good
as immortal.
First, you choose the amount to be automatically
loaded to your account every month: Theres Plan
300 with 35 free texts to all networks, Plan 500
with 85 free texts to all networks, Plan 800 with
170 free texts to all networks, and Plan 1500 with
375 free texts to all networks.
Next, use your monthly load to avail of pre-
paid promos. Offers available in daily variants
include SuperUnliAllTxt25 for P25, Super-
AllTxt20 for P20, SuperTxt SuperUnli for P25,
SuperSurf for P50, BlackBerry Max for P50, and
many more. You can even subscribe to monthly
promos such as Duo for P450, SuperDuo for
P599, SuperTxt for P349, BlackBerry Social for
P299, and BlackBerry Messaging for P299. For a
complete list of prepaid promos, just dial *143#,
the ever-reliable quick-service menu exclusively
available for Globe subscribers.
Finally, choose the perfect device for your
choice of plan. Get top of the line phones for free
or with a huge discount from the worlds biggest
device brands such as Samsung, MyPhone, Nokia,
CloudFone, LG, BlackBerry, and Apple.
Globe My Super Plan Load Tipid Combo
joins our innovative suite of personalized and
exible postpaid plans that cater to a very diverse
postpaid market. With Load Tipid Combo, you
have full control of your monthly spend when it
comes to your postpaid plan, including immortal
load and a free device of your choice. You get
the benet of choosing your plan and the amount
of load you can use to avail of promos that you
can change daily depending in your needs, said
Martha Sazon, head of Globe Postpaid.
Know more about the Globe My Super Plan Load
Tipid Combo, visit www.globe.com.ph/postpaid, call
730-1010, or visit any Globe Store nationwide.
The art and science of investing
If you think your dog should be on
the cover of Bow & Wow Times,
check out the Bow & Wow Next Pet
Model contest, which is ongoing until
May 31.
A participant may post only one
entry of a pet cat or dog. Aside from
the winning pet as cover model for
Bow & Wow Times, the benefits
that may be reaped from uploading
a valid photo entry showcasing your
pets natural charm and lovable trait is
a years supply of chow and treats from
Bow & Wow, the Philippines premier
all-natural pet store for dogs and cats.
The pet winner also gets to be the brand
spokesperson for the Philippine Ani-
mal Welfare Society (PAWS)
GMA Network honors outstanding graduates
GMA Network recognizes outstanding graduates of broadcast-related
courses from select universities to develop a culture of excellence among
future broadcast practitioners.
Since the launch of its CSR program called the GMA Network
Excellence Award in 2001, the Kapuso Network has honored more
than 30 awardees from partner universities, namely, University of the
Philippines (Diliman and Cebu), Don Bosco Technical College (Man-
daluyong) and Angeles University Foundation (Pampanga).
According to GMA Network assistant vice president for Corporate
Affairs Teresa Pacis, the awardees hold denite promise to shine in
select elds that contribute to the growth and development of mass
media and communications engineering in the Philippines .
This year, six awardees, all with Latin honors, receive the GMA
Network Excellence Plaque and a cash prize worth P10,000 each.
The 2012 GMA Network Excellence awardees are Ma. Jorica
Pamintuan (magna cum laude), Princess Ubogen (cum laude)
and Ranel Ram Cheng (magna cum laude) from UP- Diliman, Don
Bosco Electronics and Communications Engineering Jhames Patrick
Yabot (cum laude), AUF Mass Communication graduate Ryan James
Marimla (cum laude), and UP-Cebu's Marriam Jaustin Reyes Sol-
lano (cum laude) .
The awardees were screened by a panel of topnotch broadcast
practitioners from GMA Network and selected based on scholastic
UP Diliman Journalism magna cum laude Ma. Jorica Pamintuan
(center) receives her plaque and cash prize from GMA Network
Filipinos love dancing as much as singing.
And in the same manner that there are many
singing contests all around the country, dance
competitions also sprout almost everywhere.
While singing is about hitting the right
notes, dancing is all about visual impact,
the beauty and synchronicity of movements
with the dance beat and the energy felt by
those who see it.
In the last two years, Magnolia has el-
evated the dance battle or dance-off to the
status of a spectator sport with Magnolia
Sayaw Barangay. It is much awaited by
the young people who take time to prepare
for it and immerse themselves in the latest
dance styles like swag, krumping, pop and lock, and whacking.
A little ingenuity helps, too, in the case of the Next Level Oltomix
Group that jumped rope in their unique dance routine on the way to
winning the opening leg of the Magnolia Sayaw Barangay at Barangay
Holy Spirit in Novaliches, Quezon City recently.
Its a fact that Filipinos love to dance. When we launched this
project a year ago for Magnolia Beverages, specically Magnolia
Healthtea Powdered Drink Mix, we also saw this as a program that
would help motivate the youth to adopt healthier lifestyles and veer
away from bad vices, says Magnolia
Healthtea Powdered Drink Mix assistant
brand manager Giselle Villanueva.
This year, hundreds of groups from
30 barangays in Metro Manila and other
nearby provincial cities vie for the crown
and the grand prize of P25,000 in the
grand finals slated on May 25 at the
Market! Market! Activity Center, Fort
Bonifacio, Taguig.
It is so overwhelming to see a big
company like Magnolia supporting a pro-
gram that provides a lot of opportunities
for the passionate Filipino youth dancers.
Hopefully more companies take the same
initiative in supporting local talents, said Deo Bantillo, event judge and
member of internationally acclaimed Philippine All Stars dance group.
To join, a group of at least ve members will only need to buy P300
worth of Magnolia Healthtea powdered drink mix. Upcoming Magnolia
Sayaw Barangay legs are at Baesa, Caloocan (May 2); Sta. Rosa, Laguna
(May 3); Tondo, Manila (May 4); Baguio (May 8); Urdaneta, Pangasinan
(May 9); Dasmarias, Cavite (May 11); Lipa, Batangas (May 12); Tibagan,
Makati (May 14); Karangalan, Cainta (May 15) and Sta. Mesa, Manila for
seminals on May 18.
achievement, relevance and depth of related work, and personal
interviews.
More often than not, the awardees and nalists end up working
in different departments in GMA. Among them are GMA News re-
porters Dano Tingcungco, Jam Sesante, and Micaela Papa, GMA
News Online reporter Kimberly Jane Tan, Saksi segment producer
Sophia Balod and GMA Cebu sales producer Rachel Sindo.
Magnolia promotes a healthy lifestyle through dance
By Ed Biado
THERE is no divorce law in the
Philippines. We are the
only sovereign state in
the whole world
other than the Vati-
canthat does not
(by choice, obviously)
recognize divorce as
a viable and legal op-
tion to dissolve a marriage.
From an international point
of view, that can be considered
weird. However, recent reports are
indicative that, on the scale of one
to OMG-are-you-freaking-insane,
thats as vanilla as it gets.
Of course,
Im talking about
news items about
Egypt s sup-
posed farewell
intercourse law,
which, if legal-
ized, would allow husbands to
have sex with their deceased wives
corpses until six hours after time
of death. (Shortly after the news
spread, several outlets began to
question the truthfulness of the
original story, suggesting that it
could be a hoax planted into the
media. As of this writing, no conr-
mation has been published.)
Meanwhile, in the United
Kingdom (and this ones true,
even if it isnt as weird as spousal
necrophilia), wedding venues are
prescribed by law. Well, sort of.
You can get married anywhere
you want as long as the place
has a xed roof. That means that
outdoor weddings are merely
ceremonial. The bride and groom
still have to go through a civil
induction for the sake of legality.
Since each state has its own
laws in the United States, theres
bound to be some quirky ones.
For example, in Kentucky, wom-
en are prohibited from marrying
the same man four times and, in
South Carolina, its illegal for
men 16 years and above to pro-
pose marriage and not mean it.
In Saudi Arabia, the government
reviews applications for marriage
between Saudis and foreigners out-
side the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Grounds for denial include serious
diseases, drug use and an age gap
of more than 25 years.
Finally, in the Indian state of Bi-
har, groom kidnappingresulting
in shotgun marriagesis a com-
mon practice. Its not exactly legal,
but the phenomenon is so prevalent
that its generally accepted in their
society. Additionally, annulment
of such marriages is rare due to the
belief in the sanctity of marriage.
Weird
marriage
laws around
the world
Patrimonios endorse family-friendly
sports condominiums
FILIPINOS are avid coffee drinkers. The landscape has changed in
the last decade with coffee houses at almost every corner.
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
But imagine having a sophisticated coffee
machine at home and think of all the money
that you' ll save. This is the premise behind
Nescafe Dolce Gusto personal coffee vendor,
which employs a simple "pop, lock and drop"
operation so that you can make a frothy latte
Macchiato, brewed coffee or even iced tea in
your home or office.
During a recent event at Beso Cucina Vinoteka,
Dolce Gusto brand manager Jiggy Cruz person-
ally showed guests how to operate the Piccolo
machine, which, by the way, is the entry level
for Nescafe coffee pods and is priced at less than
P5,000.
Beso's chef Carlo Miguel prepared several
courses for pairing with different Dolce Gusto
avors. He rst came out with a starter plate
consisting of Spinach, Mushroom and Feta Flat
Bread; Jamon, Chicken and Manchego Croquetas;
Bellota Grade and Jamon Serrano with a steaming
cup of Nescafe Dolce Gusto Lungo. Lungo has a
dark, strong avor.
The entree plate had Chorizo Chocolate on
Toast; Chicken Pintxos; Beef Pintxos; Lamb Kofta
Pintxos and Crispy Skin Pork Belly with Prunes
in Lungo. This was served with Nescafe Dolce
Gusto Cappucino.
Dessert was Churros and Spanish Rice Pud-
ding with Vanilla and Almonds served with a
cup of Choccocino, which is described as "hot
chocolate heaven."
The event also showcased the works of contem-
porary visual artist Sunshine Plata who uses coffee
as her mdeium because she wanted a material that
is more accessible.
She wants to share the coffee experience with
everyone with her works depicting whimsical
scenes and rural landscapes.
Initially working with oil as a medium, Plata
switched to powdered coffee after seeing a paint-
ing with a signature signed in coffee.
"I started painting with coffee because I wanted
a cheaper medium that was accessible to me,"
she shares.
She conducts coffee painting workshops for
school children and aspiring artists. She says
her work is proof that anyone, regardless of
age or background, can paint with anything.
Her coffee paintings have been featured on US
television shows and also exhibited abroad.
Jiggy Cruz and Yayin Bangcoro with coffee artist Sunshine Plata and event host RJ Ledesma unveil the
Nescafe Dolce Gusto Circolo
Chef Carlo Miguel shares
his specially prepared
Dolce Gustazione- A little
bit of everything and in
good taste- to the guests
The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Chococino paired
with desserts like Spanish Rice Pudding with
Vanilla and Almonds and Churro
Investing in Filipino art
will prot you not only in
wealth, but also lets you en-
joy the life you worked hard
to attain, Lerma said. The
true value of the artwork will
be appreciated in time. Do
not be too romantic and ide-
alistic; be prudent and trust
your judgment in selecting a
piece that you like.
The art auction included the
masterpieces of Filipino artists
Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo,
Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente
Manansala, Arturo Luz,
J. Elizalde Navarro, Galo
Ocampo, Nena Saguil, Fed-
erico Aguilar Alcuaz, Rob-
ert Chabet, Danilo Dalena,
Ronald Ventura, and Rodel
Tapaya, among others.
Ramon E.S. Lerma, member of the advisory board of Salcedo
Auctions, gives a lecture on Investing in Philippine Art to
Citigold clients and guests
Participants simply need to log on to
the Bow & Wow Facebook page, click
like, go to the Bow & Wow Next
Top Model application, allow access
to their Facebook prole, and input
contact details & address and also a
valid contest code that can be obtained
with a P300.00 single receipt purchase
at any Bow & Wow store. Only one dog
or cat, with no humans or other kinds of
animals, must be visible in the photo.
Every valid entry will feed a dog
or cat under the care of PAWS, which
advocates the prevention of cruelty and
alleviation of pain, fear and suffering
in animals. Bow & Wow will donate
100 grams of pet food for every quali-
ed entry to the Bow & Wow Next Pet
Model uploaded through Facebook.
All qualied entries will be posted
in the Bow & Wow Next Pet Model
Gallery, where they will be eligible for
participants to gather votes or "likes".
Only Facebook users who have "liked"
the Bow & Wow Facebook Page shall
be eligible to "like" entries within the
Bow & Wow Next Pet Model applica-
tion. Users may like as many entries as
they want for an elimination round, but
each entry may only be "liked" once
and cannot be "unliked" after.
The top 12 semi-nalists will be asked
to pose in front of the camera of a profes-
sional pet photographer who will conduct
creative themed photo shoots.
Judges/authorized Bow & Wow
representatives (whose decision will
comprise 80 percent of an entrys total
score) will base their top choices on facial
expression, originality and creativity.
Wanted:
Dog or cat
on the cover
Alvin with
daughters
Christine
and Clarice
C4
ISAH V.
RED
SIMPLY RED
NICKIE
WANG
WITHOUT WANG
2
On Sunday, she also makes
irregular appearances on the
noontime show Party Pilipinas,
with offscreen beau Dingdong
Dantes.
Tweets for my Sweet is the
much awaited comeback of Rivera
to comedy after Show Me Da
Manny.
The highly-anticipated
dramedy tells a story of a young
lady Meg (Marian Rivera) who
grew up in the province and will
take chances in realizing her dream
of owning a cafe into reality.
Marian expresses her gratitude
for this milestone in her career.
Sobra akong natutuwa dahil
ibibigay sa akin ang programang
ito at magkakaroon ako ng
pagkakataon upang makatrabaho
ang ilan sa mga taong hinahangaan
ko sa industriya. Kaya dapat
nilang abangan ang Tweets for my
Sweet dahil pasasayahin nito ang
weekend ng bawat Kapuso.
After so many years of absence
in the comedy scene, one of the
most sought-after comedians in the
country, Roderick Paulate (as JB
Mercado) returns to comedy in this
exciting project.
Joining the stellar cast are
Kapuso actress Sheena Halili
(as Lily), Kusina Masters Chef
Boy Logro (as Lolo Boy), most
promising Tween stars Elmo
Magalona (as Dino Mercado),
Barbie Forteza (as Adele),
YouTube sensation Mikey Bustos
(as Dexter Matibag).
Playing an important role in
the series is Prime Comedienne-
Actress Nova Villa as Domina
delos Santos.
Impeachment tr ial
cover age
Barely two weeks are left
before the resumption of the
Senate impeachment trial for
Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Credit is due to news
organizations who have been
covering the trial since it started on
Jan. 16. They have kept the Filipino
public informed and up-to-date
with the trials proceedings.
Included among those news
organizations is Solar News,
which injects a new breed of news
broadcasting t for the Filipino
audience.
The impeachment trial coverage
of Solar News features a blow-by-
blow account of the proceedings,
coupled with a conscientious and
detailed analysis of the trials daily
grind from the networks pool of
competent resource persons.
Solar News showcases
a pioneering philosophy of
storytelling, which maximizes the
potential of a digital le-based
newsgathering system, state-of-
the-art graphics, and an end-to-end
high denition system that narrates
the story to the entire archipelago.
The latest broadcast organization
in the country is streamlined by
a perfect balance of experienced
news personalities and a team of
young dedicated journalists.
Televised on TalkTV, Solar
News has set its sight on becoming
the number one source of relevant
and up-to-date information from
the Chief Justices impeachment
trial. The goal is for the news
network to deliver its broadcast
with a local avor and at the
same time keep their viewers
well-informed and as engaged as
possible. It is signicant to note
that the special news coverage of
the trial has been airing alongside
the most respected programs in the
world such as Inside Edition, NBC
Nightly News, Anderson and The
Today Show.
As part of their commitment
in keeping their viewers informed
and up-to-date, a one hour special
on the highlights of the Solar News
coverage of the impeachment trail
will be hosted by chief political
correspondent Pia Hontiveros-
Pagkalinawan on May 4, Friday
at exactly 2 p.m. The hour-long
show will feature interviews from
President Benigno Aquino III
himself, and former President
Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
Soundbytes from Sen. Miriam
Defensor-Santiago, Ret. Justice
Seran Cuevas, Representatives
Neil Tupas and Rudolf Farinas,
Customs Commissioner Kim
Henares and other impeachment
personalities will be highlighted as
well.
Hontiveros-Pagkalinawan
will be joined by the trials main
protagonists themselves, including
Senate President Juan Ponce
Enrile, House Chief Prosecutor
Tupas, and Defense Chief Counsel
Cuevas. A nancial analyst has also
been invited to discuss the effect
of the trial to the economy. While
other political analysts are also
expected to take part on the show
to tackle the quasi-legal, quasi-
political exercise which might
also affect the 2013 elections. It
is expected, if not ideal, that the
votes of the senator-judges will
not be dictated by party afliations
and political plans. But will this
actually hold true?
It is really best to leave
the educated speculations and
scenarios to the political minds of
our guest analysts.
From the hour long-special to
the resumption of the proceedings,
up until the senator-judges vote
on the fate of the chief magistrate,
make sure you are tuned-in to
Solar News!
The Solar News Special will
have replays on May 5 (Saturday)
10 p.m.; May 6 (Sunday) 8 p.m;
and, May 7 (Monday) 11a.m.
The Corona Impeachment trial
will air Monday to Thursday from
1 to 6 p.m.
TalkTV is on Ch. 16 on
SkyCable, Ch.28 on Destiny and
Ch. 21 on Cignal and Ch. 12 on
Cable Link.
Star s pitch for Visit
Daet Year
Stars in the countrys
entertainment and art world made
a common pitch in promoting
Daet, capital town of Camarines
Norte, during the road show for
recent launch of the Visit Daet
Year 2012.
The variety show, hosted by
Bing Pimentel and Bobby Yan,
featured celebrities which trace
their roots to the town such as prized
scriptwriter Ricky Lee, former
basketball hotshot Fortunato
Atoy Co, and award-winning
actor-director Jun Urbano.
Using his alter ego Mr. Shooli
Marian Rivera
in Tweets
for my Sweet
Isah V. Red, Editor standard.showbiz@gmail.com
showbitz
ON May 6, Mar ian River a effectively
becomes a seven-days-star as Tweets for
my Sweet pilots on Saturday, May 6 on
primetime, after 24 Oras Weekend.
BECAUSE the entire original cast
wanted to come back, populating the lm
was easy. Says Jon Hur witz: Whats
been exciting about the entire cast is that
everyone came here motivated to kick
ass. They care about their characters,
and it was fun getting input from the
actors. We were writing it as fans, and
we were writing it as lmmakers. But
talking to each of these actors to shape
the character and where they are now
with them has been amazing.
J ason Biggs returns to star as the
perpetually horny Jim, and he now
tackles the additional role of executive
producer.
Alyson Hannigan returns as sexy
band geek Michelle, now a mother of a
young son. She is married to Jim and
taking on the role of the quintessential
mom/wife, while ghting to keep her
sex drive alive.
Seann William Scott returns as the
culture-dening Stier and also earns
his stripes as an executive producer on
the lm.
Chr is Klein is back as Oz, now
a sportscaster and celebrity dance
contestant on the lms ctitious dance
show. Chris trained for a couple of
months just prepping for this, relates
Hurwitz. One of our favorite days of
the shoot was when we had a whole
studio audience, and it felt like we were
doing Dancing With the Stars. Chris
was performing the dance he worked so
hard on in front of everybody.
Welcome to the reunion of the Class
of 1999 from East Great Falls High. In
the original comedy American Reunion,
all the American Pie characters we met
a little more than a decade ago return for
their high-school reunion. In one long-
overdue weekend, they will discover
what has changed, who hasnt and that
time and distance cant break the bonds
of friendship.
Amerian Pie: Reunion is a Universal
Pictures Presentation directed by Jon
Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossber g
and is distributed locally by United
International Pictures through Solar
Entertainment Corporation now
showing in your favorite theaters.
FANTASY series Game of Thrones is
now on its third season.
The HBO adaptation of Geor ge
R.R. Mar tins books had a rousing
end in its rst season making
the viewers crave for a second
installment. Now back in the game,
the series shows an even more
promising plot anchored by brilliant
writing and direction.
This epic drama is set in the
world of Westeros, where ambitious
men and women of both honor
and ill-repute live in a land whose
summers and winters can last years.
Created and executive produced by
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss,
Game of Thrones new 10-episode
second season plays out against
the backdrop of a fast-approaching
winter dubbed as the season of the
white raven.
The second installment, which has
an amazing budget (its obvious
in its production set and costumes),
premiered with an episode entitled
The North Remembers. In this
episode, the director is able to satisfy
the audiences craving after the last
seasons cliffhanger ending.
Game of Thrones is a global
phenomenon and a controversial
series at the same time, HBO
Communication Manager Angela
Poh told Standar dTODAY, I think
you have heard in the news that it was
pulled out in the UAE because some of
its scenes are deemed offensive to the
countrys conservative audience.
Poh visited the country in
April to meet the local media who
attended the press screening of the
critically-acclaimed series. She
announced the exciting revelations
in the second season and how the
network works hard to meet the
expectation of its audience.
The television executive told
the press that HBO is exhausting all
its effort to close the gap between
the US airing and the Asian
premiere of the show. According to
her, the Asian broadcast of Game
of Thrones is just three episodes
behind (compared to an almost a
year gap for the rst season).
We are trying to close the gap.
Most of the shows we import from the
US have to be edited or censored rst
to match the preference and values of
our audience, also it takes time to do
the subtitle, Poh explained.
Game of Thrones airs every
Saturday at 9 p.m. exclusively on
HBO (8 p.m. on HBO HD), encore
is every Friday at 9 p.m.
THIS ght should have happened a long time ago.
Cotto was a monster at 140. He won all his ghts clearly,
most by dominant fashion so when he moved up to 147
pounds and starting defeating quality ghters such as Car los
Qunitna, Zab Judah, and Shane Mosley, everyone though
it will only be a matter of time before he gets the chance to
ght Mayweather .
However, the American chose to ght Oscar de la Hoya,
then Ricky Hatton, and then he retired. After his two year
hiatus from the sport, Mayweather fought Juan Manuel
Marquez, Mosley, and Victor Or tiz. Then the legal problems
caught up with Mayweather. He was sentenced to stay in jail
for three months. The sentence was supposed to start last
January but Mayweathers team was able to wiggle out of it
and proceed with their plans to promote a ght in May.
In this ght Mayweather will climb up to the super
welterweight division for only the second time in his career
where he will challenge for Cottos WBA crown. The last
time Mayweather fought in the super welterweight division,
Mayweather eked out a split decision victory over de la Hoya
for the WBCs version of the belt.
Mayweather selected Cotto his next opponent because the
Puerto Rican has been on a tear as of late. He has a loyal
fanbase and he is still considered one of the best ghters in
the world even though he already has two losses in his record.
While a welterweight ght between the two ghters ve or
six years ago would have been really good, the ght this May
6 will denitely not pale in comparison.
Mayweather and Cotto are two extremely proud warriors
who will do everything they can to get the victory.
On May 6, the much awaited super welterweight
showdown featuring Mayweather and Cotto will be aired on
Solar Sports.
Catch Solar Sports on Ch. 70 on Sky Cable (40 if with
Digibox), Global Destiny on Ch. 35, Cignal on Ch. 45, and
Cablelink on Ch. 31.
Game of Thrones returns
Looking forward to the Reunion
Mayweather versus Cotto, May 6 on Solar Sports
of the Mongolian Barbecue TV
fame, Urbano relived the wit of
his political satire, while Marissa
Sanchez, adopted daughter of
the town tickled the crowd with
her impersonation and singing
prowess.
Theater actor-singer John Arcilla
rendered special numbers from well-
loved Broadway musicals.
The show also included a
sketching session of the tourist
icons and landmarks of the area
featuring noted visual artist
Hermes Alegre.
The road show also
featured an investment forum
on potential business ventures
in the municipality which
includes a multi-million dollar
submarine ber optic project by
telecommunications giant PLDT.
Gawad Kalinga founding
president Tony Meloto also
revealed that GK will build its
second Enchanted Village in the
town which will feature integrated
social enterprises and micro-
businesses for the communities.
Mayor Tito Sarion said the
Visit Daet Year is an opportunity
to showcase the town as a tourism
and investment haven because of
its natural charm and business-
friendly environment.
He said that the year-round
celebration will feature cultural,
sports, business and socio-civic
events to highlight the towns
stride to progress. Celebrities with
roots to Daet and Camarines Norte
will also be gracing entertainment
and musical shows.
A major event in the
homecoming year is the weeklong
Pinyasan Festival set in June to
mark the founding day of Daet and
the Feast of St. John the Baptist.
The festivity, a brainchild of
Sarion who was then a Municipal
Councilor, is inspired by the
Formosa or queen variety of the
pineapple, the smallest yet sweetest
of its kind.
Situated some 300 kilometers
south of Manila, Daet is known
for Bagasbas Beach, birthplace of
the sport of surng in the country,
and now regarded as one of the
best areas for kiteboarding having
hosted the prestigious Kiteboard
Tour Asia tournament.
It is also home to Rizals
Bantayog, the First Monument of
Dr. Jose Rizal which was built on
Dec. 30, 1898, two years after his
execution at Bagumbayan.
Daet is also the gateway and
hub to the various tourist magnets
of Camarines Norte such as the
island beaches of Calaguas and
Siete Pecados, waterfalls, spring
resorts, Spanish colonial churches,
and the Bicol National Park.
The launch was a joint
undertaking of the Municipal
Government of Daet, the
Department of Tourism-Region V,
and the Metro Daet Development
Foundation Inc., the Metro Manila
association of Camarines Norte
residents.
Hermes Alegre paints Daet First Lady Connie Sarion
Marian Rivera
as Meg
Chef Boy Logro

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