Manila Standard Today - Wednesday (November 28, 2012) Issue

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Off to Las Vegas.

The sponsors of the Miss Philippines pageant gave their Miss Universe 2012 bet Janine Tugonon, who will be competing in Las Vegas, Nevada, a rousing send-off in Quezon City. Lino Santos

FOI bill gets nod of House info panel By Maricel V. Cruz VOTING 17-3-1, the House committee on public information on Tuesday adopted the consolidated version of the longstalled freedom of information bill, minus the controversial right-of-reply provision pushed by opposition lawmakers. Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, who had pushed to include the right-of-reply provision, drew flak from his colleagues for delaying the vote on the measure by lecturing them on how the media should do their job. Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chairman of the panel, expressed relief over the bill’s approval at the committee level, saying the measures to bring about transparency in government was in line with the Aquino administration’s “straight path” policy. Antonino, Mindoro Occidental Rep. Amelita Villarosa

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Vol. XXVI No. 242 20 Pages, 4 Sections P18.00 Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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Church goes all out against RH Bishops to issue Pastoral Letter to set off campaign By Vito Barcelo

THE Catholic Church is going all out against the Reproductive Health bill and the bishops say they are getting ready to issue a Pastoral Letter setting the tone against it and the candidates supporting its passage.

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Aggressive ways win for Japan By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan A CHINESE Embassy official admitted on Tuesday that Japan’s “provocative and aggressive stance” in their dispute in the East China Sea has forced Beijing to bring the issue before the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea or Unclos, which he said does not apply with China’s separate territorial dispute with the Philippines. Beijing and Tokyo had clashed over ownership of the Daioyu Island, which the Japanese calls Senkaku over the past several months, which has sparked deep anti-Japanese sentiments in China. The official, who asked not to be identified, said Japan’s actions left “no room” for bilateral negotiations. The official said the situation with the Philippines was Next page

Birthday mass. President Benigno Aquino III sprinkles holy water on the tomb of his father, Benigno Aquino Jr., at the Manila Memorial Park on the late senator’s birthday on Tuesday as his sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and Kris Aquino watch.

Peso climbs in longest winning streak By Joyce PangcoPanares, Bloomberg THE Philippine peso climbed for a seventh day, the longest winning streak in 16 months, on speculation Filipinos working overseas will send more money home as the year-end holidays approach. Bonds fell. Funds repatriated reached a record in September, helping drive a 0.9 percent gain in the peso that month. A government report tomor-

row (Wednesday) may show gross domestic product increased 5.4 percent in the third quarter, a Bloomberg survey of economists showed, while Budget Secretary Butch Abad said on Tuesday that growth was likely 5 percent to 6 percent. The central bank remains watchful of the market as the peso has appreciated faster than its peers, Governor Amando Tetangco said today. “We’re getting reports that remittances are very strong as some

overseas workers could be sending more dollars now, anticipating that the peso will be stronger a month from now,” said Roland Avante, president of Philippine Business Bank in Manila. “Investors are upbeat on prospects in the Philippines and you have an external environment that’s improving.” The peso strengthened 0.4 percent to 40.85 per dollar as of 4 p.m. local time, the strongest level since March 2008, according to Tullett Next page Prebon Plc.

Azkals stun Vietnamese to boost bid THE Philippine Azkals continued to haunt the Vietnam Red Warriors, pulling off a 1-0 victory late Tuesday night in th ASEAN Football FederationSuzuki Cup 2012 at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. Story on A8

Court clears Reyeses in Ortega case By Rey E. Requejo THE Court of Appeals has cleared former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, of involvement in the killing of broadcaster Gerry Ortega on Jan. 24, 2011. In clearing the brothers, the court’s Special Fifth Division nullified the findings of Justice Department prosecutors, who approved their indictment on technical grounds. The justices also nullified an order issued by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima in September 2011 creating a second panel of prosecutors to accept new evidence on charges against the brothers, which were already dismissed by an earlier panel. The court said the Justice Department committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to a lack or excess of jurisdiction. It also said the manner in which the Justice Department reinvestigated the case, which led to the filing of murder charge Next page

Aquino’s health still a hot topic

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines made its move as the House debated the new verison of the bill and the Senate hoped the measure could be put to a vote before it adjourned in December for its Christmas break. The RH bill aims to guarantee universal access to the methods of contraception, fertility control, sexual education and maternal health care, but the bishops maintain it will remain unacceptable to the Church whether or not it is revised. “We would like to reiterate that our aim in objecting against HB4244 is to protect not only the good of Catholics but the good of all, Catholics and non-Catholics,” Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes said in a statement. He made his statement even as presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said they hoped a substitute version of the RH bill would move it forward. She said the adoption of the new version of the RH bill for debate in the House of Representatives was “a good development,” although she could

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III’s health on Tuesday remained a hot topic polarizing his believers and detractors who continued to provide him with unsolicited advice. Opposition member and Siquijor Rep. Orlando Fua said the President’s health should not be an issue at all because there was nothing wrong with it. “I don’t think he should take regular vacations,” Fua told the Manila Standard. While he acknowledged Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano’s suggestion for the President to see a doctor, “we should not press on it.” “It is important that we have a healthy President, but it is not for us to decide,” Fua said. “If we perceive he is sick, then it should be his doctor and his family who should and could really tell...if he needs to

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Mexican ‘Ms. Bala’ Kasambahay killed in gun battle benefit from bill’s passage CULIACAN, Mexico — A 20-year-old state beauty queen died in a gun battle between soldiers and the alleged gang of drug traffickers she was traveling with in a scene befitting the hit movie “Miss Bala,” or “Miss Bullet,” about Mexico’s not uncommon ties between narcos and beautiful pageant contestants. The body of Maria Susana Flores Gamez was found Saturday lying near an assault rifle on a rural road in a mountainous area of the drug-plagued state of Sinaloa, the chief state prosecutor said Monday. It was unclear if she had used the weapon. “She was with the gang of criminals, but we cannot say whether she participated in the shootout,” state prosecutor Marco Antonio Higuera said. “That’s Next page

By Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

CONGRESS has approved a bill seeking to protect domestic helpers from abuse, providing them good wages and benefits and access to social security and housing programs of the government, officials said on Tuesday. Monthly salaries for house helpers in the countryside was set at a minimum of P1,500, P2000 in chartered cities, and P2,500 in the National Capital Region and mandatory social security, Philhealth and Pagibig coverage, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said. “I look forward to witnessing the moment when President Aquino finally signs this landmark legislation into law. Next page

Lightning rally.

Security guards of the Health Department in Manila try to stop people protesting the privatization of public hospitals from entering the compound. Below, a security guard tries to stop a colleague from drawing his pistol following the protesters’ attack. Danny Pata

Oil prices raised anew

By Alena Mae Flores

OIL companies raised pump prices of diesel, premium gasoline and kerosene for the second time in as many weeks as a result of oil movements in the international market, company officials said. Petron, Pilipinas Shell, Total Philippines and Phoenix Petroleum said the following amount of increases will take effect at six in the morning on Tuesday: P0.70 per Next page

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WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Church... not say if President Benigno Aquino III would ask his allies there to push for it. “We have always said that at one point or another, whichever way the vote will go, at least there will be a definitive yes or no, and and there will be progress when it comes to tackling the Responsible Parenthood Bill,” Valte said. On Aug. 5, Mr. Aquino called for a Liberal Party caucus to push for the passage of the bill. The United Nations has also called on Congress to pass the bill.

Court... es against the Reyes brothers, was “procedurally flawed.” The court said the Justice Department violated the rules of court and its own rules when it created a new panel to reinvestigate the complaint when a petition for review of the resolution of the original panel dismissing the charges against the Reyes brothers was still pending with De Lima’s office. De Lima “simply shied away from discharging her power to review, modify, alter or nullify” the original resolution clearing the Reyes brothers without conducting another investigation, Associate Justice Leoncia RealDimagiba said in her decision. “When she created the DO710 panel, she blatantly disregarded Rule 112 of the Rules of Court and the 2000 National Prosecution Service Rule on Appeal which are the DOJ’s bibles in the conduct of preliminary investigation,” the court said. Associate Justice Myra Garcia-Fernandez concurred while Associate Justice Ramon Cruz submitted a separate concurring opinion. The justices noted that under the rules, a reinvestigation on a complaint should be held by the same prosecutor that conducted the preliminary investigation. The Justice Department can only assign new prosecutors to handle the reinvestigation if there is compelling reason, which the appellate court said was not present in this case. It also pointed out that that the second panel did not have the power to reverse or modify the resolution of the earlier, co-equal panel, which the CA held should be vested solely on the Justice secretary. The court also said the Justice Department’s “liberal interpretation of the rules” should not be done in resolving capital offens-

Aggressive... different, and that Beijing would still want to maintain “friendly relations” with Manila and try to convince them to settle the issue through bilateral negotiations. “It is our basic line… we wanted to put it into bilateral ways. We didn’t do that (bringing the issue before the Unclos) with the Philippines because we want to talk [in a] more kind of friendly way in this kind of issue,” the official told a select group of reporters. “We want cooperation with the Philippines,” the official added. The Chinese official said that bringing China’s dispute with the Philippines before the Unclos or resolving it through an international body would only “complicate” matters. The official insisted that the only way to resolve the dispute

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Senator Miriam Santiago, reacting to the Catholic Church’s threat to campaign against the candidates supporting the RH bill, said there was no such thing as a Catholic vote. “We’ve never had it in our electoral experience, and to talk about it as if it were a fait accompli is to mislead the public,” Defensor said. She cited the case of former Senator Juan Flavier who went against the Church and distributed condoms but still won a Senate seat. She recalled that when she started campaigning, her first stop was always a bishop’s palace or the residence of a parish priest.

es such as murder. It added that the department also “exercised its executive power in an arbitrary and despotic manner by reason of passion and personal hostility.” The CA suggested that the Justice Department should have used the findings of the new panel to resolve the petition for review filed by the complainant, Ortega’s widow Patria Gloria, before De Lima’s office. A counsel of the Reyes brothers, Ferdinand Topacio, welcomed the decision, saying they would submit the court’s ruling to the Puerto Princesa regional trial court handling the murder case and seek a withdrawal of charges and a lifting of arrest warrants against them. “We would like to ask the Ortega family to respect the decision of the court. We have always submitted ourselves to the legal processes, as have they. So they must respect it,” he said. Topacio said he has no idea when his clients, who had gone into hiding since the issuance of arrest warrants against them earlier this year, would surface. De Lima ordered the Office of the Solicitor General to appeal the court ruling. The Ortega family said they would issue a statement upon reading the appeals court decision. Last March, the Justice Department ordered the indictment of the Reyes brothers, former provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias, close-in aide Arturo Regalado and Valentin Lecias after a reinvestigation by a second panel of state prosecutors on the complaint filed by Mrs. Ortega. The panel, composed of Asst. State Prosecutors Stewart Allan Mariano, Vimar Barcellano and Gerard Gaerlan junked Reyes’ denial and instead upheld the testimony of Rodolfo Edrad Jr., another suspect who tagged the former and his brother as the masterminds behind the killing.

between Beijing and Manila was through bilateral negotiations. The Aquino government, however, had firmly stood on its position to bring the dispute before an international body, or through a multilateral approach. Opposition lawmaker Rep. Orlando Fua of Siquijor that the Philippines should not follow Japan’s example in dealing with the Chinese on the sea dispute. “Japan is better equipped than us. I don’t think we should provoke China,” Fua said. The Chinese official also reiterated a Chinese Embassy’s statement that the Unclos provides a mechanism only for the resolution of maritime dispute and not on the issue of sovereignty. Aside from its territorial conflict with the Philippines, China is also embroiled in separate disputes over the West Philippine Sea with Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Kasambahay ... This is an indication of the Congress’ resolve and commitment to put an end to the plight of the marginalized and unsung heroes of our households,” said Estrada, who was one of the principal authors of the bill. The House of Representatives ratifed on Monday what is now known as the Kasambay Bill, a consolidated version of Senate Bill 78 and House Bill 6144. It awaits the signature of President Aquino into law. It took 16 years for Congress to pass the measure since former senator Francisco Tatad first filed the original Batas Kasambay in 1996. An estimated 1.9 million domestic helpers will benefit from the new law. Estrada said the plight of household helpers was never considered since the Labor

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“I thought that it was strange and an aberration because elections are a political exercise,” Santiago said. “The clerics are free to discipline their own constituents or parishioners...but they cannot ask...for preferential treatment as against all the other churches in the Philippines.” Senator Pia Cayetano, one of the authors of the RH bill in the Senate, said she supported Santiago’s statement on the so-called Catholic vote. “The Catholic vote is a yes to the RH bill,” she said. Siquijor Rep. Rolando Fua, a member of the opposition, said

FOI... and Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado voted against the bill. Alagad party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta abstained. During the hearing, Antonino opposed the adoption of the committee report prepared by the technical working group headed by House Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tanada III, the bill’s principal author. Antonino insisted that the report should not be considered because it was the product of “only one person and not the entire group.” He again complained that the working group ignored his rightof-reply provision – which would compel news organizations to

Peso... AS this developed, Malacanang remained hopeful that the Philippines’ ranking in the Forbes’ Best Countries for Business List will improve further after inching past China and India this year. “We are satisfied for the time being but moving forward, we hope to see improvement in the ranking. Our ranking went up in terms of monetary freedom, innovation, and investor protection,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said yesterday.

Aquino’s... seek vacation leaves.” But Zambales Rep. Jun Omar Ebdane said the President should consider visiting his doctor. “In lieu of all that is happening right now...I believe it’s only right for him to have that consultation,” Ebdane said. Still, Malacañang on Tuesday said Mr. Aquino continued to reject the suggestions that he take a vacation to relieve his stress and to recharge. Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said Health Secretary Enrique Ona had previously brought up up the idea of quick breaks for Mr. Aquino. “He has mentioned that several times in the past to the President: that he should take a vacation--not a working vacation but a real vacation--but the President usually says that he has a lot of work to do,” Valte said. Ona on Monday said he would recommend a week-long break every three months to Mr. Aquino, who had suffered from flu, allergic rhinitis and a bum stomach in a span of two months. Valte acknowledged that a quarterly vacation might be used by the President’s critics to question his work ethics. “Even Presidents in other countries do take vacations that

Code took effect in 1974 and it took 19 years to amend one provision that provided an increase in their minimum wage. “It took us a separate 19 years from 1993 to this day to grant more benefits and provide protection to our kasambahays,” Estrada said. Under the bill, the kasambahays’ SSS and Pag-ibig contributions will be shouldered by the employers, but they will share the premiums if the salary is P5,000 and above. After one year of service, the kasambahays will be entitled to five days leave with pay on top of their 13th month pay. After one year from effectivity, the bill requires the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to review and adjusst the kasambay minimum wage rates as needed, the bill said. The bill bans hiring of minors below 15 years old and placing them under bondage of debt and allow them to get basic education

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the Catholic Church should not be faulted if it campaigned hard against the passage of the RH bill. “I don’t think we will be able to convince the Catholic Church to [support this measure],” he said. Rep. Sherwin Tugna agreed, while Bohol Rep. Erico Aumentado said the RH bill needed to be debated thoroughly as the substitute bill “ is still unconstitutional, a source of graft, immoral and redundant.” Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said Catholic campaign against the RH bill would include informing the faithful about the candidates and their positions on the bill.

“I already told my priests about it. This is an important issue and this is a very good test whether the Philippines is a Catholic country or not,” Bastes said in a statement. “I hope even those who are not Catholics who believe in the sacredness of life will not vote the politicians pushing for the RH bill,” he said. Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles warned politicians against the Catholic backlash as he called on the faithful to use the “Catholic vote” against the pro-RH bill candidates. With Joyce Pangco Pañares and Macon Ramos Araneta

grant equal time or space to politicians to counter negative reports about them. Antonino also asked the panel that he be allowed to speak on why the media should not fear his right-of-reply provision, then spent an hour talking about media corruption. Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casino said, however, that the issue was not abuses committed by the media but “the right of the public to information.” “If we feel the media has committed abuses, we all have the kinds of statutes to remedy the situation,” Casino said. Casino said what was important was that the public be guaranteed access to information on how the government spends their taxes.

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara agreed, saying that the approval of the FOI bill was a welcome development. “The media is just a medium. It’s every citizen’s right to know, so we ask the media to be fair at all times. The FOI bill is a double-edged sword: it can destroy but it can be also used to reform and rebuild the institution,” Angara said. The FOI bill is the implementing measure on the right of the people to information on matters of public concern and the state policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest. The measure also provides access to information being used for decision making or project management as well as transcripts and minutes of official meetings.

“These are the things that concern the President when it comes to doing business in the Philippines. The President has always been pushing that we level the playing field when it comes to not just foreign investors but to domestic investors as well,” she added. The Philippines placed 87th among 141 countries, besting China (96th) and India (97th) but still behind most of its Southeast Asian neighbors. The Forbes’ list ranks countries based on different factors such as trade freedom, monetary freedom, property rights, innovation,

technology, red tape, investor protection, corruption, personal freedom, tax burden and market performance. The Philippine ranking was the same as last year during which 130 countries were in the list. The 10 best countries for business this year were New Zealand, Denmark, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland and United Kingdom. The countries at the bottom of this year’s list were Cote d’Ivoire, Yemen, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Haiti, Cameroon, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Chad and Guinea. With Bloomberg

are really non-working vacations. But they have been met with criticisms,” Valte said. “It’s funny that the President has been criticized for working only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Now some might raise questions on the proposal for him to take a vacation. If I were the President, I probably wouldn’t know what to tell my critics.” Ona has said Mr. Aquino may take week-long breaks at his family’s Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac. Earlier, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano advised the President to see a doctor because his health already was “a cause for concern.” Mr. Aquino, a smoker, said the allergic rhinitis he suffered during his visit to New Zealand and Australia were due to the spring pollen and the cold weather. He was also fighting a bum stomach during the Australia leg of his state visits. In Cambodia last week, Mr. Aquino had the flu and was even caught on camera taking lozenges during the Leaders’ Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Before the Asean Summit, Mr. Aquino had canceled an appointment with International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Legarde because he had the flu, cough and colds. Maricel V. Cruz and Joyce Pangco Pañares

Mexican...

and pursue higher learning, or undergo technical and vocational training and other alternative education systems. Vice President Jejomar Binay said household workers may sign up as members of Pagibig Fund and avail of multi-purpose, calamity and housing loans because of an existing law that requires employers to register their househelps as members of Pag-ibig and to pay counterpart contribution. “Under the law, domestic workers earning P1,500 and below shall contribute 1% of their salary, while those earning P1,500 and above, shall contribute 2% of their salary. Their employers are required to contribute 2% as counterpart,” Binay said. He said a kasambahay can avail of a house loan of up to P400,000 if they can pay the P2,000 monthly amortization, or a house loan of P100,000 with a monthly amortization of P500.

we’re going to have to investigate.” The slender, 5-foot-7-inch brunette was voted the 2012 Woman of Sinaloa in a beauty pageant in February. In June, the model competed with other seven contestants for the more prestigious state beauty contest, Our Beauty Sinaloa, but didn’t win. The Our Beauty state winners compete for the Miss Mexico title, whose holder represents the country in the international Miss Universe. Higuera said Flores Gamez was traveling in one of the vehicles that engaged soldiers in an hours-long chase and running gun battle on Saturday near her native city of Guamuchil in the state of Sinaloa, home to Mexico’s most powerful drug cartel. Higuera said two other members of the drug gang were killed and four were detained. The shootout began when the gunmen opened fire on a Mexican army patrol. Soldiers gave chase and cornered the gang at a safe house in the town of Mocorito. The other men escaped, and the gunbattle continued along a nearby roadway, where the gang’s vehicles were eventually stopped. Six vehicles, drugs and weapons were seized following the confrontation. It was at least the third instance in which a beauty queen or pageant contestants have been linked to Mexico’s violent drug gangs, a theme so common it was the subject of a criti-

Oil prices... liter for diesel, P0.60 per liter for premium gasoline and P0.50 per liter for kerosene. “Notwithstanding the ceasefire, there is continued tension in the Middle East in addition to the fact that the US economy is showing signs of recovery,” Phoenix Petroleum Assistant Vice President Raymond Zorilla said. Zorilla was referring to the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement controlling Gaza. After days

Farming, mining can co-exist, says expert A SOIL, agriculture and land-use expert who has worked in agroforestry and environmental impact assessment projects in the Philippines, Asia and South Africa says training farmers is the key to sustaining mining and agriculture in Tampakan, South Cotabato. “We need to train the farmers in Tampakan and apply modern technology for both farming and mining for the two to go together,” said Perfecto Evangelista who has had an extensive stint with the Bureau of Soil and Water Management and the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines. Tampakan is the site of a $5.9-billion copper-gold mining project being developed by government contractor Sagittarius Mines Inc. The Agriculture Department last year said South Cotabato aimed to help the country reach its rice sufficiency target “through the distribution of farming assistance and facilities and making training available to local farmers in [Central Mindanao or Region 12].” Region 12 Director Amalia Jayag Datukan said “they are encouraging farmers to be involved in government programs and work together with the government.” On the other hand, Evangelista said that, “in terms of additional training and use of technology, a mining company can help as part of its corporate social responsibility. “Mitigating measures will allow a mining company to employ the best available mining technology that can enhance agricultural activities in Tampakan,” Evangelista said. He says a mining company is “directed to employ technologies such as slope stabilization, siltation control and erosion control measures in their mining area.’’

cally acclaimed 2011 movie. In Miss Bala, Mexico’s official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category of this year’s Academy Awards, a young woman competing for Miss Baja California becomes an unwilling participant in a drugrunning ring, finally getting arrested for deeds she was forced into performing. In real life, former Miss Sinaloa Laura Zuniga was stripped of her 2008 crown in the Hispanoamerican Queen pageant after she was detained on suspicion of drug and weapons violations. She was later released without charges. Zuniga was detained in western Mexico in late 2010 along with seven men, some of them suspected drug traffickers. Authorities found a large stash of weapons, ammunition and $53,300 with them inside a vehicle. In 2011, a Colombian former model and pageant contestant was detained along with Jose Jorge Balderas, an accused drug trafficker and suspect in the 2010 bar shooting of Salvador Cabanas, a former star for Paraguay’s national football team and Mexico’s Club America. She was also later released. Higuera said Flores Gamez’s body had been turned over to relatives for burial. “This is a sad situation,” Higuera told a local radio station. She had been enrolled in media courses at a local university, and had been modeling and in pageants since at least 2009. of fighting, both sides agreed to a ceasefire in the area. Last November 20, oil companies, citing tight supply because of the tension in the Middle East, increased pump prices of premium and unleaded gasoline by P1.15 per liter, regular gasoline by P0.70 per liter and kerosene by P0.25 per liter. Premium, unleaded and regular gasoline currently sells from P49 to P58.45 per liter, diesel from P40.65 to P44.95 per liter and kerosene from P49.50 to P55.58 per liter. The prices vary depending on the location of the station, the brand and other market forces.

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WEDNESDAY

NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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Miriam hits Congress, Cabinet By Macon Araneta

SENATOR Miriam Defensor Santiago warned of a “rubber stamp” Congress after observing that the budgets separately issued by Malacanang, Senate and the House of Representatives are exact copies of each other.

Deception. Members of a militant group of state employees dramatize the alleged deception on the grant of performance-based bonus, demanding instead a collective negotiation agreement. LINO SANTOS

Party-list purge: seven more groups disqualified By Joel E. Zurbano THE Elections Commission on Tuesday disqualified seven more party-list organizations from taking part in next year’s mid-term polls after they failed to prove that they belonged to the marginalized sectors. Disqualified were Fitness Pinoy Association Inc., Pinoy Aasenso Ka, Ahente, Ang Sandigan ng mga Batang Lansangan (Asabala), Bantay Overseas Contractual Workers, Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Daang Tuwid (Sandama), and 1 Abante Na Pinoy Inc.

Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said the commission is hastening the process of screening applications and nominees of more than 200 new and old party-list groups. He said the strict policy is part of the poll body’s efforts to cleanse the party-list system, which has been criticized for being dominated by bogus organizations or by groups whose nominees are either multimillionaires, former government officials or members of political clans. “We will finish all by the end of this week,” said Brillantes. “More or less maybe 100 or a

maximum of 120 groups can participate, both new and old, in the party-list system.” The commission has already disqualified over 80 groups, including some incumbent groups like 2010’s party-list frontrunner, Ako Bicol. But Ako Bicol and five other party-list groups have been given a reprieve by the Supreme Court which stopped the implementation of a Comelec resolution disqualifying them. The commission had also disqualified Ang Galing Pinoy (AGP), whose incumbent representative is Juan Miguel

“Mikey” Arroyo, eldest son of former President Arroyo. Election watchdog Kontradaya called on the public to be vigilant as the Comelec was set to release the final list of accredited party-list organizations. “There are still many more questionable and unqualified groups that remain in the partylist system. A thorough cleansing is necessary. There are still those party list groups made up of the rich and powerful, of relatives from a political clan, of nominees who do not belong to any marginalized sector,” said Kontradaya convenor Fr. Joe Dizon.

Graft raps against Braganza Con game.

Five suspects in the Aman Futures pyramiding scam testify before the Department of Justice’s special panel of prosecutors during the preliminary hearing on Tuesday. DANNY PATA

Scam suspects sued for syndicated estafa By Rey Requejo THE Department of Justice on Tuesday filed its first syndicated estafa complaint against former Public Works Undersecretary Bashir Rasuman, his son Jahcob “Coco” Rasuman and nine other officers of Nad Auto Options who were linked to the P300-million ponzi scam in Cagayan De Oro. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima disclosed that the syndicated estafa complaint against the Rasumans was filed before the sala of Judge Bonifacio Macabaya of the Cagayan De Oro City Regional Trial Court. She also ordered the Immigration bureau to issue a lookout bulletin against Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co and 11 others who were tagged as the brains behind the Rasuman group pyramiding scam. The Rasumans and

Co were linked to the Aman Futures Group headed by Manuel Amalilio, who had fled to Malaysia leaving investors with P12-billion in “pyramiding” funds, authorities said. De Lima said that the panel handling the Rasuman ponzi case did not recommend bail for all the accused. “As we speak, the NBI, Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army are about to implement the warrant of arrest against Coco and his brother Jerome Amer Rasuman who was said to be with him,” De Lima said in a press conference. The National Bureau of Investigation on Monday also swooped down on the suspects safehouse in Barangay Panggao Saduc, Marawi City. A team from NBI-Northern Mindanao Regional Office carried out the arrest of Coco at around 2:00 pm,

Tuesday after warrants of arrest were issued by Judge Bonifacio Macabaya of the Cagayan De Oro City RTC Branch 20, according to NBI director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas. However, Rojas could not confirm as of press time whether one of Coco’s brother, Jerome Amer, was likewise arrested by the bureau agents. The case against the respondents stemmed from various complainants filed by individuals led by Abumar D. Sambitory in his own behalf and that of 24 other co-complainants, who claimed that the accused, who represented themselves as directors of Nad Auto Option Corporation, enticed them “to invest with the respondents because of the grant of high-interest schemes and guarantee of extraordinary return in investments.” With Macon Araneta and Vito Barcelo

Bidding for P8-b land transport IT deal forges ahead THE Department of Transportation and Communications says that the bidding for the Road Transportation IT Infrastructure Project has pushed through with five out of the nine companies that purchased bid documents taking part in the process. With a budget contract of P8.2 billion, the bidding was won by Digitext Asia Corp., which offered P3.8 billion, the lowest bid among

propaganda campaign on the internet against her during the impeachment trial of the chief justice. “The same character assassin who was hired against me in the 1992 presidential elections, was again hired this year to resurrect the same lies against my character. That gunslinger was disbarred in California for fraud. Who paid him to attack me while the trial was ongoing?” she asked. Later, Santiago asked why the Supreme Court has not done more to hasten the trial of the Maguindanao massacre case. For the DepEd, Santiago said that the cost of P1.1 million for every classroom is too high. She proposed that the schoolbuilding program should be transferred from PPP private contractors to the DPWH. “I understand that DPWH can build classrooms at only half the cost demanded by private contractors,” she said. With regards to the SEC, she said the SEC should have issued a cease-and-desist order against the fraudulent pyramiding operations of AMAN Futures as early as August this year, and not only last October. For the DSWD, Santiago strongly demanded why there is a huge increase of 32.3 percent in salaries and wages of employees who will distribute money among the poor for the CCT program.

IN BRIEF

UK allows nine-year residency for OFWs Highly skilled Filipinos working in the United Kingdom as intra-company transfers can prolong their stay up to nine years, the British Embassy in Manila said on Tuesday. The new UK immigration rules,published last November 26, said that the British government was extending the customary fiveyear residency to nine years. Immigration Minister Mark Harper said that “UK is open for business to the brightest and best migrants and today’s changes will ensure we remain an attractive destination for global talent.” The new immigration rules stated that highly skilled workers entering the UK as IntraCompany Transfers and who are currently able to stay in the UK for five years, will now be able to stay for nine years if they earn £150,000 or more. “The government remains committed to supporting a private sector led economic recovery. At the same time we continue to cut out abuse of the immigration system and remain focused on bringing net migration down from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands,” he said. Sara Fabunan

She called for a more careful and more energetic scrutiny of the provisions in the proposed 2013 budget. “We in Congress should use a ‘laser’ approach to the fine lines in the budget. The power of the purse belongs Santiago to Congress, and should not be surrendered to Malacañang,” Santiago said. She attacked the extensive use in the 2013 budget of the practice of augmenting the agency appropriations through special provisions. She cited as example the use of special provisions to augment the budget of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Insurance Commission, as well as the Privatization and Management Office. She showed off her “laser” approach to the budget during the Senate plenary debates last Monday and Tuesday, demanding clear answers to her tough questions from every Cabinet member present. For the Office of the Vice-President, Santiago pushed for an anti-dynasty ethic from candidates, and warned: “Not all that is legal is moral.” For the Presidential Communications Operations Office, she cautioned of the arrogance among the Malacañang press office. She directly confronted Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. on whether it was the latter’s office which allegedly launched a black

the five companies, a DOTC statement said. The bidding process pushed through after the Court of Appeals set aside the temporary restraining order issued by a Quezon City court against the project, it said. Besides Digitext, the other bidders were Fritz and Macziol Asia, Eurolink Network, International Corp., Kaisa Consulting and Cer-

agon Network, it said. Fritz and Macziol Asia submitted the second lowest bid at P5.3 billion, while Eurolink was third lowest with at P5.8 billion. The financial bids of Kaisa and Ceragon were not opened because of lack of technical requirements, it said. Kaisa was considered as non-complying for lack of schedule of requirements, while Ceragon also lacked

schedule of requirement and certificate of reciprocity for a foreign consortium to qualify for the bid, it said. The four other companies which purchased bidding documents but did not participate in the bidding were Stradcom Corporation, which is the current system provider of the LTO IT system, Smartmatic, Oberthur Technologies and Indra Sistemas, S.A.

ALAMINOS City Mayor Hernani Braganza is facing two charges, one for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and two, for alleged abuse of authority in connection with the alleged non-release of barangay funds and confiscation of barangay patrol vehicles. Eleven village chiefs in Alaminos town of Pangasinan filed the two cases before the Office of the Ombudsman. Apart from Braganza, also included as respondents in the complaint are city administration Wilmer Panabang, budget officer Rowena Ruiz, city treasurer Shirley dela Cruz, and city planning development officer Roel Anonuevo. The complainants alleged that since 2010, Braganza had withheld the share of the barangays in village aid funds. Each of the barangays was supposed to receive P30,000 annually. The complainants also accused him of confiscating 11 patrol cars. Gigi Munoz David

Bulacan town mayor sacked OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales suspended Mayor Feliciano Legaspi of Norzagaray, Bulacan for six months for grave abuse of authority last May. The suspension order stemmed from the complaint filed b municipal budget officer Yolanda Ervas, who accused Legaspi of demoting her by reassigning her as the manager of the Norzagaray public market. “Complainant’s reassignment from Municipal Budget Officer to Administrator of the Norzagaray Public Market is tainted with malice and bad faith, in view of the disparity in the status, qualifications and functions between the two positions,” the Ombudsman said in her ruling. Ervas claimed that in May 2011, she informed Legaspi about her observations regarding the overspending and realignment of funds done by certain offices prior to the approval by the Bulacan provincial council Norzagaray’s 2011 town budget. She was then reassigned, and her new position resulted in reductioin of her salary, from P52,000 to P31,000 a month. Merck Maguddayao

Cabral bucks hospitals sale FORMER health secretary Esperanza Cabral on Tuesday opposed the privatization of government hospitals and asked the Aquino administration to study its plan “very well.” In a news conference at Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City, said the government must identify the “danger areas” of the proposed privatization. She said that privatization will only increase the burden of the people. “When government hospitals are privatized, the people will have to pay more for their health-care,” she said. Cabral urged Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman to ensure the provisions of the conditional cash transfers are fully implemented on pregnant women. “We should ensure that pregnant mothers have their prenatal check-up and children have their complete immunization,” she said. Rio Araja

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WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

EDITORIAL

ManilaStandardToday Adelle Chua, Editor

Opinion

[email protected]

The Binay dynasty

WE can understand why Vice President Jejomar Binay is defensive these days. The moves to pass a law prohibiting political dynasties would certainly put a damper on the vice president’s own empire building. Already, Binay—who has made no secret of his presidential ambitions—has one daughter serving as a congresswoman representing the city of Makati, where his son is also mayor. Next year, another Binay daughter will be running for the Senate. Some time ago, Binay’s wife also

served as Makati mayor. All this would not be a matter of concern if it weren’t for a constitutional ban on political dynasties. In no uncertain terms, Section 26 of the Declaration of Principles and State Policies states: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” To the eternal shame of the Congresses that followed the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, nobody has actually passed a law to define what a

political dynasty is, giving every well-connected clan in politics an excuse and legal cover to do what the Mafia did so well—keep it all in the family. The vice president says he is against the constitutional ban because it would deprive the nation of talented people who happened to come from the same family. This may well be so, but Mr. Binay needs to be reminded that as a constitutionally elected official, he has an obligation to uphold and defend the Constitution—not only the parts that he believes in, but the basic

law of the land, in its entirety. That there is no law as yet is no excuse for flouting the clear intent of the Constitution, particularly by someone who aspires to the highest office in the land. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, the author of an antipolitical dynasty bill, put it succinctly when she said: “No less than the Constitution prohibits political dynasty, and yet the vice president’s family continues to contravene the highest law of the land.” Of course, Binay is not alone in his dynastic ambitions. Many

influential families continue to flout the constitutional ban on political dynasties by placing their family members in key government positions. There is already a brother and sister in the Senate; next year, there may be fathers and sons, as well. But even schoolchildren learn early in life that it is not all right to do something simply because everybody else is doing it. Perhaps Vice President Binay, who failed to show true leadership and statesmanship in this regard, missed that particular lesson.

Waiting on Malacañang JOJO A. ROBLES

LOWDOWN THE House of Representatives acted on two controversial proposed laws this week, after three weeks of not being able to muster a quorum. Guess which bill—the “substitute” measure on reproductive health or the promised Freedom of Information law—is going to be approved in the remaining 10 or so session days of the chamber. Here are the possibilities: the House passes both measures, it passes either one, or passes neither. Given the lack of time, my own bet would be on the last: neither measure would be approved. Then, after Congress resumes its sessions next year, there will no longer be any time to pass either bill either, because all our congressmen will be so busy campaigning for themselves or the family members who will replace them. I could be wrong, of course; but I’ve got practically the entire history of Congress backing me up. Coming to think of it, if the House were a regular private company, the absenteeism of its members that has resulted in not getting any plenary work done would have caused the mass firing of its members. The lack of a quorum, after all, only means that there are not enough House members present so the chamber cannot act on anything in a plenary (or full) session. Of course, nobody ever attempted to impose private-sector—or even civil service—rules on such a simple matter as getting congressmen to attend sessions. In the same manner, no one—especially not any congressman —has proposed that House members shorten their vacation breaks, like the one which will allow them to adjourn “sine die” even before the middle of December. But let’s not kid ourselves here: the House often does not have a quorum not only because our lawmakers are habitually lazy, which, for the most part, they probably are. The lack of a quorum is also a time-honored way of preventing the passage of legislation, like the RH bill that is causing so much division amongst Filipinos. It has gotten so bad that Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has had to make a personal appeal to congressmen to show up during last Monday’s session so that they may get some plenary work done. Fully 174 congressmen (grudgingly, it can be imagined) turned up last Monday and approved the substitute RH measure. Meanwhile, the House committee on public information also approved the proposed FOI measure, which doesn’t need a plenary session to get it to the whole chamber for consideration. In the end, the committee of Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, which has been rightly accused of sitting on the

bill despite the repeated promise to approve it made by President Noynoy Aquino, gave its go-ahead to the measure. But it was close. *** Of course, the House has been known to act quickly and decisively, especially when a proposed measure or legislative action—like the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona—has the unequivocal backing of Malacañang. The Palace’s support comes in the form of the largesse of pork that makes congressmen attend sessions like they’re supposed to, something that former lawmaker and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad knows only too well. The House’s dilly-dallying on both RH and FOI, after all, has been blamed by many congressmen on the fact that it has not gotten “clear signals” from Malacañang on the urgency of both measures. Shorn of congressional euphemismmaking, those signals are clearly those emitted by Butch Abad. And so, ultimately, the fate of both measures in the House plenary will largely depend on the push from Malacañang, in the unmistakeable promise of pork and its timely delivery by Abad. It’s really that simple. (The Senate is not so enamored with the Palace’s lard that Abad so liberally—pun intended—applies to the House. But that certainly doesn’t mean that our senators are not subject to other enticements, of course; see the aforementioned conviction of Corona, for more details.) Is this any way for a House whose members are elected by the people and who are supposed to protect their interest to act? Of course not—but perhaps before we get into the subject of the way our congressmen vote, with both eyes on the Palace’s purse, we should first ask why they can’t even come to work when they should, to begin with. It would be unfair to say that all members of the House are just waiting on the Palace to give them money before they even show up at the office. But the exceptions are so few (the porkless-yet-somehow-surviving Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay is one of them) that they merely prove the rule. It’s truly sad, the way our congressmen would not work unless their pork is assured. But that’s the way the House has always been operating; and this administration (which is supposed to be reformist) cravenly uses the no-vote, no-pork policy as if that is an integral part of the policy of “daang matuwid.” So, if you really want to know if either (or both) the RH and FOI bills would pass in the House, it’s useless to look to the Batasan. Everyone there, after all, is just waiting to see what Aquino and his errand boy Abad would do.

This administration cravenly uses the no-vote, no-pork policy as if that is part of ‘daang matuwid.’

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO RAMONCHITO L. TOMELDAN CHIN WONG/ RAY S. EÑANO JOEL P. PALACIOS MARLON C. MAGTIRA

Welcoming the Chinese with splayed legs ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO

IF THIS government cannot do anything about China’s effrontery to include Philippine territory in their newly designed passports, we might as well welcome Chinese visitors with splayed legs. Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said the new Chinese e-passport design which shows the West Philippine Sea as part of China is still valid when applied for visa at Philippine embassies and consulates. Hernandez’s statement is an admission the government is helpless except to file the usual diplomatic protest. That is short of saying the Philippines is ready to host an invasion complete with brass band and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez greeting the visitors with his inane “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” But of course, it’s more fun in the Philippines. Where else can visitors be welcome even if they insult the host? What the Philippines can do is follow the lead of India, stamp the Philippine map on every visa issued to a Chinese. India which has a long running border dispute with China knows it’s useless to talk to China and took action to rile the Chinese. Indian consular and immigration authorities simply stamp every visa issued to Chinese nationals with the Indian map showing Arunachal Pradesh and the Himalayan region of Aksai Chin as its own We could do the same—stamp Chinese passports with a map showing the West Philippine Sea within our jurisdiction.

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The latest Chinese duplicity came soon after assuring the international community at the Asean Plus Summit in Phnom Penh that it wants a diplomatic solution to the South China Sea territorial dispute. Vietnam is also protesting the inclusion of the Paracels and the Spratlys in the Chinese passport with the map following the nine-dash line of Beijing’s claim over the entire South China Sea. Because the Chinese who have mastered the art of doublespeak cannot be trusted, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei will meet in Manila next month after Chinese lackey Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s misleading statement that there was an Asean consensus NOT to internationalize the South China Sea issue. The Philippines insisted there was no such consensus reached and reserved the right to bring the issue to an international court. Internationalizing the issue is the only way to shame the Chinese who prefer a bilateral to multilateral approach purportedly because China does not want to invite foreign power meddling. Why not just the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei without outside observers? Beijing does not want that either because it can’t do under-the table and backroom deals when all the parties are present at the negotiating table. The honorable thing to do is not to accept Chinese visa applicants with the controversial passports. It may affect tourist arrivals but it would at least keep out Chinese drug manufacturers, illegal Chinese merchants and counterfeiters. A more draconian measure would be to downsize our diplomatic mission in Beijing and not replace the stricken Ambassador Sonia Brady. This diplomatic action would earn us

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international respect by standing up to the world’s second superpower. The Chinese will no doubt do the same in a tit for tat move. Let them, we have suffered enough in-your-face humiliation. We should seriously consider economist Joey Salceda’s call for a boycott of Chinese products. China can dump its toxic products and fake designer goods elsewhere. The question is: Can we live without the Chinese? Of course we can. Akbayan’s Walden Bello suggested the government deny entry to Chinese visitors with the new passport. But the same Bello last week filed a joint resolution with Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago to terminate the 14-year old PHL-US Visiting Forces Agreement after the alleged dumping of toxic waste from visiting US ships at Subic. Since the Senate is conducting an inquiry into the toxic dumping incident, why not let it come up with amendments to the VFA? Why throw out the baby with the bathwater? It boggles the mind why Defensor and Bello want to abolish the VFA, the only deterrent to Chinese bullying amid security concerns in the region. Wasn’t it Santiago who once said “the Chinese invented corruption” at the height of the Chinese- funded ZTE national broadband scandal? In another act of intimidation, China landed a fighter jet on the Liaoning, its first aircraft carrier To further assert its sovereignty, China published an official map of Sansha, its newly established city to administer the whole South China Sea. Meanwhile, three Chinese surveillance ships are still in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, which is less than 200 miles off Bajo Masinloc in Zambales.

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Opinion

Customs personnel are still waiting EMIL P. JURADO

TO THE POINT SOMETIME in September last year, the Supreme Court came out with a ruling, penned by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, that the CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) personnel numbering over a thousand, specifically the more than 400 Customs personnel, should be paid their overtime, transportation and meal allowances when they render service outside of the mandated working hours. In the government, employees are expected to work from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon. That decision overruled the Court of Appeals, which said that payment of overtime, transportation and meals of Customs people would constitute double compensation and thus would be against the law. Unfortunately, until today, Customs people do not know whether they would get their overtime pay or not. The payment of such was stopped five years ago. This despite the standard practice in other countries where foreign and domestic airlines pay for overtime and other charges. Early this year, the 400 Customs personnel were promised that they would soon get this extra compensation, over the resistance of the airlines. It’s almost December— what happened? The problem is that Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon tend to side with the Board of Airline Representatives. In fact, they approved the proposal to have three shifts working the airport. This required a budget of over P1 million. Now Customs people are again being told that they would get their money before Christmas—but only in tranches, depending on the agreement that Purisima and Biazon would be able to forge with the airlines. Who are these two working for, anyway? In the meantime, Immigration and Quarantine people have been paid. *** Speaking of Naia and its lone runway, flights arriving and departing continue to be delayed for as long as one and a half hours. It becomes worse during typhoons, when some 12 to 17 flights are diverted to Clark. Former Transportation and Communication Secretary Manuel Roxas II tried to solve the problem. But all he offered were band-aid solutions. It’s like resorting to a “hilot” when the patient is already terminally ill! Now that Jun Abaya is already DOTC Secretary, will things even improve at the airport? It is very obvious to me that Naia has outlived

its usefulness and that Clark should be made into the next gateway to the Philippines. So long as Aquino and his bright boys do not recognize the problem even if it is staring at them in the face, tourism and travel will suffer. More fun in the Philippines, my foot! Philippine Airlines, under the management of San Miguel top honcho Ramon Ang, sees the need for a new airport. This is why PAL is thinking of building an airport in Kawit, Cavite. Then again, this has to have the approval of Aquino and Abaya. *** The Legal Education Board, in partnership with the Philippine Association of Law Schools and the Ateneo Law School, recognized 10 outstanding s e n i o r professors of law and honored 10 deceased law professors. The event was held on November 19 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. One of those given a posthumous award was my eldest brother, Court of Appeals Justice Desiderio Jurado. He was a civil law reviewer of Ateneo College of Law, San Beda College of Law and University of the Philippines College of Law. All those who had the occasion to review Civil Law for the Bar under my brother would know that out of the 30 questions he gave, at least half would be asked. And my brother was never wrong. Until now, his book on Civil Law review is the Bible of bar reviewers. It is being updated by his children who are also lawyers—one a Sandiganbayan justice; another one chief of the legal division of Bank of Philippine Islands; and another one a practicing lawyer. Indeed it is with pride that I write about my late brother, an acknowledged hero of the Bessang Pass which led to the surrender of General Yamashita of the Japanese Occupation Forces. He had medals to attest to it. In his studies, he was consistently first in his class from grade school to high school. In 1935, he graduated summa cum laude from Ateneo de Manila. His classmates were Manuel Manahan, the late senator, Bert Avellana, the late legendary movie director; Felix Marasigan, a wellknown Batangueño, and the late Ernesto Escaler, also a summa cum laude. Desi was also former Dean of Philippine Law School. *** Kicking the nicotine habit is a matter of self-discipline and will. Before my marriage, I used to smoke two packs a day. In my generation, smoking and drinking was a fad. During my honeymoon, my wife challenged me to quit smoking, and I did it cold turkey. It’s more of a psychological affliction.

Who are Purisima and Biazon working for, anyway?

ADELLE CHUA

CHASING HAPPY WHETHER you were in Tagaytay or in Mendiola last weekend, or simply hunched in front of the computer absorbed in your newsroom’s daily grind, you would agree that these are significant times for journalists in the Philippines. In Tagaytay, dozens of representatives of various media organizations looked inwards and tackled the issue of corruption in the industry during Media Nation 9. President Benigno Aquino III was guest of honor in the conference, where he urged media organizations to adopt consistent standards. He said he remembered the harmful effects of state-controlled media which turned a noble profession into a propaganda machine. (This of course is our same President who admonishes media to refrain from too much “negative” reporting and concentrate on the good news, and who instead of reiterating his commitment to putting in place a Freedom of Information Law, did not mention it altogether. He did, however, talk about enabling aggrieved parties to seek redress when they feel they

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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It’s about time FRANCISCO S. TATAD

FIRST THINGS FIRST ARCHBISHOP Ramon Arguelles of Lipa City has called upon Catholic Filipino voters to reject candidates in the 2013 elections who support the foreign-dictated reproductive health bill. Those who find the bill antiCatholic, unnecessary, divisive and unconstitutional sincerely welcome this. It is about time somebody in the Church hierarchy did it; it is about time Catholic Filipino voters began reacting to what politicians of the worst kind are doing to their faith. Paradoxically, the newspapers have mistakenly attributed the Arguelles statement to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. But no one should be confused. The CBCP did not issue the statement, only the Archbishop did. Whenever the CBCP speaks, it usually does so through its President or in some cases through its Permanent Council. But bishops speak freely as part of their rights and duties as shepherds. Their statements do not carry less weight just because they do not come under the letterhead of the episcopal conference. In the 2004 US elections, thenArchbishop (now Cardinal) Raymond Leo Burke of the Archdiocese of St. Louis publicly declared that John Kerry and other Catholic politicians who openly supported legalized abortion should not be given or allowed to receive communion. This was not adopted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the United States, but it was sufficient to call attention to the Church’s position against those who were publicly harming the Catholic faith. The response from the US liberal circles and the secular press was predictable: not a few worried about the

EVERYMAN By Nelson Forte Flores THE failure of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to push for the passage of the freedom of information bill despite his impassioned campaign promise in 2010 to do so is indicative of his fright of an informed citizenry. This is unfortunate. The democratic space that we, President B.S. Aquino and his minions enjoy today is the product of the struggle to expose every lies during the Marcos dictatorship. This struggle to bring out the truth was led by the courageous members of the “mosquito press,” as the free press was known then. Despite the threat of bodily harm and loss of personal freedom, these principled media practitioners labored for the freedom of information. Their sacrifice later made it possible for the Filipino people to be informed of the true state of the nation that led them to rise up and peacefully overthrow the dictatorship. I was told by someone close to President B.S. Aquino that this is precisely why he is lukewarm in supporting the FOI bill. It is that inherent fear about a strong media in the Philippines, a fear shared by most politically and economically entrenched families in the country, that is preventing the president from going all out in favor of the passage of the FOI. The president, whose family owns a huge tract of land in Central Luzon, was quoted as saying “masyado ng malakas ang media” as he defends his lukewarm stance on the FOI. For the landed and economically well-off families, the FOI would just curtail their power and privilege. It would unnecessarily empower the Liliputians (the common folks) by giving them access to information

young archbishop’s future in the Church. But in obvious appreciation of his courage and fidelity to the Magisterium, Pope Benedict XVI made him Cardinal and prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the highest ecclesiastical court in the Church. Today the new bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, Most Reverend James D. Conley, is attracting a lot of attention for his open defiance of US President Obama’s health and human services mandate, which compels businesses and religious groups to pay for drugs that may cause abortion. “The Catholic Church is not going to back down,” he says. “We are never going to compromise our principles. We will defy it and face the consequences.” This is exactly the kind of position we hope our Church leaders will take on the most important human life and family issues. No politician should dare to do to Filipino Catholics what they would not dare do to the Muslims or to members of Iglesia ni Cristo or any other sect, without having to be made to pay for it. During the time of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin as Archbishop of Manila, I had a colleague in the Senate who openly ridiculed priests and bishops for their opposition to the government’s distribution of condoms and contraceptives. (Yes, long before there was an RH bill, the RH program has been in place since the 70s) Despite all that, he claimed he was a Catholic and showed no compunction in receiving the Eucharist. In one private mass, however, he was refused communion by the priest. This incident was never publicized, but it did have some effect on the official concerned. There is a case to be made for doing this to RH proponents who claim they are still “Catholic”. It should be given the widest possible publicity during the campaign period. A negative campaign against these pro-RH ”Catholics” should

be preferred to campaigning for those who merely say, without proof, that they are against RH. We should learn from our mistakes. In the last senatorial election, some prolife and pro-family groups campaigned for a re-electionist senator who said he was pro-life. After the election was over and he was safely ensconced in his seat of power, together with his pro-RH president, he renounced all links to the pro-life groups. He is one of the strongest RH proponents in the Senate. Catholics have a duty to make sure that the men and women they choose for public office do not harm their faith. They have no right to choose apostates, practical or self-confessed atheists, population controllers, abortion supporters in disguise, public adulterers or plain moral wrecks for public office. But embedded in our system are the powerful anti-life and anti-family forces determined to control the nation’s economy and politics by installing their own stooges and proxies. Their first agenda is to corrupt and control the electoral process. Thus far, they have gotten away with it. At a CBCP forum yesterday, several IT groups who had monitored the 2010 presidential elections concluded that the electronic voting in 2010, which was hailed by many as a great success, was really fundamentally flawed, and that its results, which the silent majority had uncritically accepted, could not be technically validated. It now appears that the machines, which the Commission on Elections used in 2010 and has purchased for use again in 2013, will be operating without the technology which, for all its defects and imperfections, was used in 2010, but which its owner, Dominion, has now taken away from Smartmatic. This is a prescription for chaos. [email protected]

The fear of Freedom of Information that is currently exclusive only to the rich and powerful. If passed into law, the FOI would make all government officials, elected or otherwise, and even the powerful families accountable for the way they use political and economic power in governing. Ignorance allows the culture of impunity to flourish, especially in the countryside. It led to the Ampatuan massacre in 2009, it is the reason why politicians were able to regularly manipulate election results and it is the reason, among others, that most of our people still rely on superstition in deciding matters that affect their lives. The veil of ignorance could only be pierced with the right information and the passage of the FOI would ensure the beginning of the piercing of that veil. The right information is an integral component of democracy and responsible governance. The FOI ensures ready access to public documents and other government information affecting public interest because under this proposed law, all information pertaining to governance and public officials are public property The people’s right to information and of the press are so vital in society that Thomas Jefferson, one of the fathers of the American nation, said “the basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. Jefferson also said that “…liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” The FOI will also give substance to Section 7, Article III (Bill of Rights) of the

1987 Constitution which states: “The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.” *** In an attempt to make the FOI palatable to conservative and elitist families, President B.S. Aquino is trying to legislate the freedom of the press by insisting on the inclusion of the Right of Reply on the pending FOI. Lawyer Nepo Malaluan, a co-convenor of the Right to Know Right Now Coalition and a trustee of the Action for Economic Reforms, correctly observed that “it is one thing for the President to express his views on how he thinks the press should be doing its reporting; it is another thing altogether to propose to enforce it by legislation.” “The notion that fairness, positive slant, and accuracy in reporting can be made a legal requirement, as the President seems to suggest by making these the context for his mention of the Right of Reply, is repugnant to both our Constitutional guarantee and international human rights standards on freedoms of speech, expression, opinion, and the press,” he said. He further explained that “Section 4 of our Bill of Rights provides that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press. A right of reply to enforce fairness is an abridgement.” Nelson Flores is senior associate editor of Fil-Am Press. He is based in Houston, Texas.

Gatekeepers have been wronged by the media.) Mr. Aquino also reminded those present that mainstream media are no longer the sole gatekeepers of information; the emergence of social media and citizen journalism has changed the landscape, thus compounding the challenges. Former Polish President Lech Walesa, in closing the conference, told Philippine journalists to “provoke discussions on how this new era will evolve.” The present picture that emerges is not at all pretty. In fact, it is quite shocking. In a post-Media Nation piece entitled “Media Secrets” published by Rappler, Maritess Danguilan Vitug writes that journalists themselves estimate that at least 85 percent of us are corrupt. The number comes up to as high as 90 percent during election season. “They culled this figure from computations of PR people and media operatives, those who work below the radar screen to bribe us, and anecdotes from the field,” she adds. And as technology has evolved, so have the methods of corrupting members of the media: cash-stuffed envelopes are outmoded and obvious. The offers have included real property, mutual

fund investments, large amounts of cash deposited to a bank account. Danguilan-Vitug says that while some organizations have come up with codes of ethical conduct and sanctioned their erring members, the complaint and the action are not shared with the public. And since there is no accountability, the dismissed journalists then just transfer to other organizations. Indeed, even if one belonged to the 15 percent, a shadow remains over the profession. This is a concern of 100 percent of media members. *** But not everybody decided to go up to breezy Tagaytay for industry introspection. Some equally passionate journalists decided instead to march to Mediola and carry cardboard coffins (154 in all, representing the number of media members killed in the country since 1986) to demand justice for victims of impunity. November 23, after all, was the third anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre. It was also the second commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity. Red Batario, executive director of the Center for Community Journalism

and Development, wrote an essay called “Why We Chose Mendiola Over Tagaytay” which was shared many times on Facebook—and on other sites as well, I imagine. The Maguindanao Massacre claimed 58 lives—32 of which were from the media, most of them part of the community press. Batario says that community journalists are often “portrayed as easy prey for blandishments of many kinds or willing participants in rent-seeking and rent-giving. Or that they are paid hacks of politicians and are bereft of any ethical norm or standard. This may be partly true but realities on the ground present a different picture and context of the vulnerabilities [they] face.” The discussion on media corruption would have given community journalists the opportunity “to tell their story and provide fresh insight” in addressing the challenges posed by what has been called the elephant in the room. But many of these journalists—in no way part of Big Media—could not participate because of logistical shortcomings. “This puts into question the meeting’s priorities

in terms of hearing a plurality of media voices especially from the community press, members of whom are often targets of violence. Because of corruption? Who knows? Only they can tell.” Batario hopes that the complex issues of impunity and corruption would be better understood, just as he hopes for justice for all victims of the massacre. He shows us a side that our Manila- (or urban-) centric mindsets do not easily give us. We are expected to advance causes, dissect issues and propose sweeping solutions during infrequent events like the Media Nation conference or the anniversary of an infamous massacre. But we are also called to acknowledge that how we do our jobs from day to day, how we deal with our principals and colleagues and sources and audiences and the public in general, and how we make our work our ambassador, are what shape us as individuals and as an industry. Forget about how things have always been done. Focus on why things are the way they are, and how we could make them into what they should be. [email protected]

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NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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Alcala backs local raisers By Christine F. Herrera

President Aquino reads story about healing By Joyce Pangco Pañares PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III played Lola Basyang to gradeschoolers Tuesday as he read a book--Halu-Halo Espesyal-on the healing power of love. The storytelling session at the Teodora Alonzo Elementary School marked the National Reading Day set by the Department of Education. In the tale writen by Yvette Fereol, a young girl named Jackie, who has been sick for a week, was not responding to treatment until her Lola Itang came to visit and prepared a delicious halu-halo. Mr. Aquino was joined by three pupils from Cotabato who also read short stories in Magindanawan, Filipino, and English to push for DepEd’s Every Child a Reader Program.

AGRICULTURE Secretary Proceso Alcala on Tuesday joined the clamor of hog and poultry raisers to withhold concessions or tax breaks granted to a Thai firm pending public consulations. He said the Swine Development Council, National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc., Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines and the United Broilers Association claimed their side must be heard over the entry of Charoen Pokphand Foods Corp. “I have formed a technical working group to find out how the DA could help in at least leveling the playing field,” Alcala told Manila Standard. “I admit the magnitude of investments will have

adverse impact on the backyard industry considering Charoen’s being highly advanced and developed.” He saw the need for “similar concessions and tax breaks for the local producers considering the steep competition in the industry.” Charoen was granted “pioneer status” due to the magnitude of its investments. It was putting up P2-billion farms for hogs, poultry, aqua-feed, and other agricultural products such as corn, vegetable and fruits.

It was also given a 7-year incometax holiday and duty-free importation of raw materials. In a November 8 letter to Trade Secretary and Board of Investment Chairman Gregory Domingo, Alcala said: “I am writing in behalf of the stakeholders in the poultry and livestock industries on the matter of the request of Charoen Pokphand Foods Corp for tax holidays and incentives.” Swine Development Council director and Abono chairman Rosendo So said the BOI disqualified them from availing of the incentives because of the required capitalization of P250 million. UBRA president Gregorio San Diego said local producers could be edged out of competion. The Thai hog farms were put up in Pampanga and Tarlac, the poultry farms in various towns in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan and the aqua-feed farm in Bataan.

San Juan chairman moving forward

Envoy: End worker ban ISRAELI Ambassador Menashe Bar-on said Tuesday that he will ask his government to lift a ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Israel following the end of heavy fighting between Israeli and Hamas forces. He said the restriction was no longer necessary because the situation was returning to normal after a cease-fire agreement last week. Bar-on says there are more than 40,000 Filipinos in Israel, mostly employed as caregivers, who have access to bunker-like protection against rocket attacks. Overseas workers provide one of the largest sources of foreign revenue for the Philippines. AP

Grenade blast rocks Cubao AT least five people were injured when a grenade exploded in front of an apartelle in Cubao, Quezon City Monday night. Quezon City Police chief Mario dela Vega identified the victims as Manuel Melaño, 24; Niño Espina, 24; Catherine Esquivel, 36; Felicidad Orencio, 21; and Rommel Simporios, 26. Melaño, Espina and Esquivel were hit by broken glass windows of a passenger bus they were on while passing by. Two other were hit by shrapnel. Dela Vega said four suspects—Romeo Modula, Romnick Incha, William Balasbas, and one Anwari—have been arrested and are being interrogated. Police said Modula, Incha and an unidentified man checked in at the apartelle with three women companions. Jonathan Fernandez, Florante S. Solmerin

Tribes meet in Bulacan

By Brenda Jocson Gaudia CORDON, Isabela—-Chairman Cresencio Pascual Jr. of Barangay San Juan is running for councilor next year to reaffirm his mission in uplifting the lives of townsfolk. “I want to serve my municipality again to create more jobs, because if people have work, they earn money to feed their families,” he told Manila Standard. Before devoting his time to the village, Pascual served for three terms as Vice Mayor of Cordon and is acknowledged as a stalwart of the Nationalist People’s Coalition. At 53, he has been tapped for support in the campaigns of then Governor Grace Padaca, former solicitor general and erstwhile Justice Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and Mayor Laurencio Zuniega when Board Member lawyer Amado Vallejo ran against him in 2004. “If people have jobs, they can fight poverty and send their children to school,” Pascual said. “Then, if that is the case, crimes become minimal and people won’t steal.” At present, he is expanding community-based industries in San Juan started by Governor Faustino Dy III along with the National Greening Program of the Aquino administration and the Department of Einvironment and Natural Resources in opening the barangay nursery. Recognizing the youths as the major stakeholders in the advocacy to nurture nature, he enlisted them in planting seedlings in vacant lots, backyards and idle lands in Cordon. For infrastructure, he gave priority to building San Juan’s Day Care Center, Barangay Hall, Rural Health Clinic and 75 percent of concreting barangay and farm-to-market roads.

IN BRIEF

Monorail set. The Department of Science and Technology and University of the Philippines are putting the finishing touches to the automated guideway transit system to be piloted at the Diliman campus. LINO SANTOS

Judge: Ampatuan case decided by 2016 By Rio N. Araja and Eric B. Apolonio QUEZON City Regional Trial Court wants resolve the charges of 58 counts of murder filed against the Ampatuan patriarch, former governor Andal Sr., and 195 others under the Aquino administration. Judge Jocelyn Reyes of Branch 221 said it could take her until 2016 to come up with a decision. “Hopefully, before the President’s term ends,” she said. “By then, we can

say the cases are closed. We have already arraigned at least 81 accused.” On Tuesday, the driver of the backhoe used allegedly in to bury the victims of the Nov. 23, 2009 killings arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 3 on board Cebu Pacific flight 5J 888 from Cotobato at 3:15 p.m. Following his arrest in a remote village in North Cotobato last Nov. 24. Reyes directed Supt. Leo Estavilo Quevedo, regional chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Crim-

inal Investigation and Detection Unit, to transfer suspect Bong Andal to the Quezon City Jail annex in Taguig City. Aspirant party-list Alam ng Mamamahayag, led by former National Press Club president Jerry Yap, lauded Reyes for her “gallantry” to hear the cases despite threats risks to her life and freedom. “This is Alam’s expression of profound gratitude for her for firmly standing on her duty amidst death threats,” he told reporters in presenting a plaque of appreciation to Reyes at her sala.

MALOLOS CITY—Tribal folk from 40 different ethnic groups kicked off a three-day celebration on Tuesday at the Bulacan provincial capitol. Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado sponsored “Dayaw 2012: Indigenous People’s Festival” to promote the rich cultural heritage of mountain communities. “Dayaw Festival gathers native groups from diverse location but are united to remind us to look back to our origins,” he said in Filipino. Felipe de Leon Jr., chairman of the National Commission for Culture and Arts, said the event formed part of National Indigenous Peoples Month. Orlan L. Mauricio

DMMHS-QC party THE Don Mariano Marcos High School (Quezon City) Batch 1989 Alumni Association Inc. will hold its family day and pr-Christmas celebration on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City. All DMMHS Batch 1989 graduates are invited. For details, contact Ed Santos at 09055546986, Edwin Adier at 09298191471 or Vangie Arana at 09228350891.

3D mapping of rivers starts By Marlon C. Magtira

Cordillera citrus. Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association president Louie

Sarmiento (2nd from right), together with (from left to right) Monark Equipment vice president for Mining Eric Visaya, Ka Benny Sokkong and Ka Delfin Sallidao of the indigenous community at Barangay Twin Peaks, leads the Kalinga orange tree planting rite in Tuba, Benguet during PMSEA’s 59th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference. Hosted by Monark to mark its 25th year, the project aims to plant 25,000 Kalinga Orange trees in 25 months starting January.

Nestlé turns factory by-product into compost, organic fertilizer TAGUM CITY—Agronomists of Nestlé Philippines Inc are turning ash and sludge into compost or organic fertilizer for coffee farms. “Utilizing factory by-product as compost is an idea that we have long been conceptualizing to help our factories with its zero-waste policy,” said Arthur Baria, NPI Agricultural Services head. “This will also help us provide a technology component to promote an integrated approach to nutrient management for farmers and contribute to our goal of making coffee production more sustainable.” Trials were undertaken at the Nestlé Demonstration Farm in Tagum City,

Davao del Sur and at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Research Center of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 in Dalwangan, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Nestlé’s advocates Better Farming Practices under the Common Code for the Coffee Community, aiming to have all Farmer Connect volumes 100 percent 4C-verified by 2015. “Demand for coffee continues to grow and as the biggest buyer of green [Robusta] coffee beans, Nestlé explores every possible means to help farmers improve the quality and quantity of their yield,” Baria said.

THE country’s first three-dimensional mapping of river basins has started in Pampanga with two aircraft with Light Detection and Ranging instruments took off Clark Airport. The project is part of the Department of Science and Technology’s Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Project Noah on disaster mitigation covering 18 major river systems and watersheds along with flood-prone areas. DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said the maps will be used to model flood patterns to warn communities of the rise of water level particularly during inclement weather. “Along with other components of Project Noah, such as the deployment of locally made hydromel sensors and rainfall forecast modeling, we are slowly building the infrastructure of how we will

be able issue at least a six-hour warning to vulnerable communities against floods and other rain induced hazards for the entire country,” he said. Dr. Enrico Paringit, program head, said Filipino engineers and scientists composed the team. “This is one of the most, if not the most, extensive three dimensional mappings in South East Asia,” he said. Paringit said Noah would have a better planning tool that those provided on the Internet. “This is what Google maps or Google Earth lacks: a 3D coordinate. It has a few 3D maps but only for select cities, like New York in the US,” he said. “Lidar maps also have vertical accuracy of plus and minus 20 centimeters. Philippine base maps and 2D Google Maps, on the other hand, have plus and minus 10 and 20 meters, respectively, and cannot be used for effective flood modeling.”

Quality certified. Skyway O&M

Corp., operator of the Skyway System, has received ISO 22301:2012 certification after it passed the audit of its operations and maintenance systems by TUV Rheinland (India) Pvt. Ltd. SOMCO is the first organization in Southeast Asia to be granted ISO 22301:2012. At the presentation are TUV Rheinland Philippines chief operating officer Tristan Loveres (third from left) joined by (from left) Alec Cruz, director; Jose Melford Fuentes, chief finance officer; Ramon Borromeo, president and chief executive; Eduardo Nepomuceno, head of operations; and Joel Rayos, Human |Relations head. SOMCO operates the 16.2-kilometer elevated tollway from Buendia to Alabang and the 13.5-km at-grade toll road from Magallanes to Alabang.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

ManilaStandardToday Riera U. Mallari, Editor

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Sports

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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Lopez: Go must be allowed to run By Peter Atencio

THE group of Manny Lopez wants embattled athletics chief Go Teng Kok to be allowed to run in the coming election of the Philippine Olympic Committee this Friday. Lopez, who appeared at the weekly Philippine Sports Association Forum on Tuesday, said this on the day Go received a letter from the POC elections committee, informing him that he is disqualified to run for the president. The elections committee, headed by Victorico Chavez has officially informed Go of the POC’s decision not to let him run opposite incumbent president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco. “The position of president will be put under protest kung hindi siya (Go) papayagang tumakbo,” said Lopez during the gathering held at the Shakey’s Pizza Restaurant in Malate, Manila. Members of Lopez’s bloc believe that Go has been deprived of due process when he was declared persona non grata and expelled last year by the POC General Assembly. Lawyer Nicanor Sering, who is Go’s legal counsel, is set to file an urgent motion for a restraining order before the Pasig Regional Trial Court today, after consulting with his client.

But Lopez, who represents handball and was with fencing chief Victor Africa and squash head Romeo Ribano at the forum, admonished Go not to include them in his legal action since the eight other candidates under his wing understand his issues. He added that on the day of the polls, his group may opt not vote for a president. Cojuangco needs a majority vote of 50 percent plus one in order to occupy the seat of president for a third straight term. “Bakit hindi po? Puwede naming i-blank. Why not? It does not follow na porke’t wala kaming president sa lineup namin, ay iboboto na namin siya,” added Lopez. Lopez said that the group has been indignant over the unresolved leadership crises, which have been going on with many national sports associations as among the reasons why Cojuangco does not have their support. “Napakaraming sigalot na nangyayari sa Philippine sports. Unprecedented ito. This should never happen and should never have happened. And it is happening at the time of Mr. Cojuangco,” said Lopez.

The athletes that topped the National Students Beach Volleyball qualifying tournament and their coaches are shown here with FESSAP officials before their departure for Thailand for the second Asian University Beach Volleyball Championship. They are (from left) FESSAP Executive Vice President and PSVA President Prof. Robert Milton Calo, UST Coach Emiliano Lontoc, UST athlete’s Judy Ann Caballejo, FESSAP consultant Graham Lim, Jennifer Manzano and Monique Tiangco of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas City and coach Darwin Campaña.

FESSAP sends bets to Asian volley DE LA Salle University of Dasmariñas’ Jennifer Manzano, Monique Tiangco and coach Darwin Campaña, together with University of Santo Tomas’ Judy Ann Caballejo and Maruja Banaticla are being sent by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines to Thailand for the second Asian University Beach Volleyball Championship, which begins today. The Philippine Schools Volleyball Association, an affiliated member of FESSAP, organized the qualifying volleyball tournament, topped by the UST bets. Earlier, the De La Salle University tandem of 2011 Shenzhen Universiade

veteran Jennifer Manzano and Cindy Benitez won the fiinal leg of Petron Beach Volleyball Circuit held in Lingayen, Pangasinan Province to also clinch berths to the Thailand tourney. But Benitez was replaced by Tiangco after suffering from fever. Manzano and Tiangco also earned the right to represent the country in the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia in July 2013. In partnership with AgriNurture Inc., Healthy Options, San Miguel Corporation and Cobra Energy Drink, the FESSAP will send athletes in 10 international University Sports Federation biennially to the Universiade.

Prof. Robert Milton Calo, the FESSAP Executive Vice President, will be the head of delegation for the Philippine contingent to the volleyball meet in Thailand. Prof. Calo will be assisted by Gerardo Sergio, the athletic director of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas City in the Asian University Sports Federation General Assembly. The first Asian University Beach Volleyball Championship was held in Shandong Province, China in July last year with the AgriNurture Inc.– Philippine team represented by University of Southern Philippines Foundation women’s team of Cebu City.

PH Road Race Championship at SM Sucat on Sunday THE Philippine Road Race Championship, the culminating event of the 2012 NAMSSA Street Racing Development Program, gets underway at the SM City Sucat in Parañaque City on Sunday. The event is supported by SM City Sucat, Gold Rush Global Distribution Corporation, Piaggio, Honda Philippines Inc. and recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee. Top road racers from Metro Manila and

the neighboring provinces are expected to troop to the SM Sucat Parking Lot A on race day promising exciting racing action for motorsports enthusiasts. Trophies and incentives await the top finishers in different competition categories namely: 115 Superstock Underbone, 115 Superstock Automatic, 125 Superstock Underbone, Automatic 160, 115 Sports Production, Open 4-stroke, 150 Superstock, Piaggio Club Race, 137 Workshop, Janamarie

Racing Club Race and Pocket Bikes. The races will also decide the 2012 Philippine National Road Race Champion and Rider of the Year, who along with the national series champions of other motorcycle sports disciplines will be honored in the 2012 NAMSSA Gala Awards Ceremony set on Dec. 19. Perennial traffic woes and the rising cost of fuel have made scooters and underbone bikes a viable mode of transport

across the country in recent years. This brought forth a corresponding increase in motorcycle-related road accidents. As the PSC and the POC’s duly recognized national sporting association for motorcycle sports in the county, the NAMSSA above its mandate to develop motorcycle sports athletes from the grassroots, has continuously sought ways to address the problem through its advocacy for motorcycling road safety.

Lim hangs tough; Capadocia falls

Confident tossers. Members of the National University women’s volleyball team, which is aiming for a better finish in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines volleyball competition opening on Dec. 1 at the San Juan Arena. Coach Francis Vicente is confident he has formed a team competitive enough to land a strong finish for the 75th season. The NU Lady Bulldogs are led by team captain Cai Nepomuceno, Dindin Santiago, Jen Reyes,Myla Pablo, Ivy Perez and several topnotch rookies.

ALBERTO Lim Jr. battled back from a set down to frustrate Russian Alexander Yarkov, hacking out a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, victory yesterday to set in motion his bid for a second straight championship in the Phinma International Juniors Tennis Championships at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Coming off a sensational triumph in Week One of the ranking tournament, capped by a 6-3, 6-3 romp over Yusuke Takahashi of Japan in the final, the unseeded Lim

struggled in the early going but found his rhythm in time to turn back the taller, power-hitting Yarkov en route to victory. “I was a little impatient in the first set so I made some adjustments and tried to change some of my approaches, which worked,” said Lim, the youngest participant in the event at 13. The Letran mainstay, who is expected to improve his 873rd ranking in the world by the ITF, next faces sixth seed Congsup Congcar of

Thailand, a 6-3, 6-0 winner over Victor Gurevich of the US. But while Lim advanced, Marian Capadocia, winner of last week’s girls plum, fell by the wayside early, bowing to unheralded Nozomi Ohya of Japan, 3-6, 3-6, in the event backed by Technifibre (official ball), Viva (official mineral water) and Powerade (official energy drink) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, which provides free use of the RMTC.

Ace drivers step up as PH Touring Car stages 2nd leg at Clark AFTER testing the waters in the kickoff races, the country’s biggest names in circuit racing are set to show their more serious side of pushing their title quests in the next three races as the second leg of the 2012 Philippine Touring Car Championship Series unfolds this weekend at the Clark Inter-

national Speedway. Top favorites William Tan and Leo San Juan seek a repeat of their dominating feats in their respective divisions to preserve their hold on solo leadership this event organized by Automobile Association Philippines and promoted by Philippine Race Car Driver’s Inc.

MARHO Daisy-siete a success JENNY ORTUOSTE

THE HOARSE WHISPERER ONE of the most-awaited racing festivals of the year—the San Miguel BeerMARHO Cup Championships—culminated in a successful night of racing last Sunday at Santa Ana Park. This year marked the 17th running of the event, titled “MARHO Daisy-siete: Racing is Blooming,” and is the longest sustained racing festival of the sport. Founded and organized by the Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners, the event is always held at the Philippine Racing Club’s track. This year, a new batch of MARHO champions were crowned, most of them longshots trained by veteran trainer Ruben Tupas. In the Santa Ana Park-MARHO Cup Sprint (1,000 meters), favorite Fierce and Fiery won by a length-and-a-half with a time of 1:01.6 (12’-22-27). The 4YO bay filly owned by Leandro Naval was ridden by Daniel Camañero and trained by Tupas. Tupas scored again in the Philippine Racing Commission – MARHO Cup Juvenile Fillies with longshot Five Star, who flashed past another dark horse, Congre-

gation, to stun racing fans and participants alike. Owned by Antonio Tan and steered by Jesse Guce, the filly posted a time of 1:46.6 for the mile (26’-25’-26-28’). Another lightly-regarded horse, Spinning Ridge, grabbed the win in the Philracom—MARHO Cup Juvenile Colts. This one is trained by Nestor Manalang and owned by Sta. Clara Stockfarm (also the breeder of the colt). Spinning Ridge posted 1:45 for the mile (27’-26-25-26’). The rain of longshots and the Tupas winning streak was extended by Sea Princess in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office- MARHO Cup Filly Mile. Guided by Patricio Dilema, the Herminio Esguerra-owned-andbred filly beat Cheese Blanca, favorite Cat’s Diamond, and Jahan, in that order, clocking 1:45.8 (27’-26-24’-27’). In the San Miguel Beer-MARHO Cup Colt Mile, Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos’s Hagdang Bato, the outstanding favorite, won wire to wire with Jonathan Hernandez aboard. The duo beat Penrith, Purple Ribbon, Golden Empire, and Yes I’m The One in that order. Last year’s juvenile champion and this year’s 3YO star, Hagdang Bato, bred by Abalos, posted a time of 1:43.6 (26’-25-24’-27). And yet again, this one’s trained by Tupas. It was longshot time again the million-

and co-presented by Tiarra Commercial (Kumho Tires), in partnership with Seaoil Extreme 97, 2GO Travel, Speedlab, Forex, Promethium, Velocity Motors, Honda Cars Kaloocan and Aeromed Ambulance Transport. Tan guns for a second straight sweep in Division 1 (for 200hp cars), while peso San Miguel Beer-MARHO Cup Classic, with Lucban Mayor Marvin Loui Villaseñor’s Gastambide taking top honors. Ridden by John Paolo Guce, the 5YO horse is trained by Dave de la Cruz and was bred by Esguerra on his Herma Farm & Stud facility in Batangas. Prime Rate came in second, Barkley took third, and the favorite Lord of War fourth. A touching moment occurred when MARHO president emeritus Aristeo Puyat’s Paris Melody won the Andok’s Litson Corporation- MARHO Trophy race. Puyat received his award from Andok’s owner and MARHO chairman, Mayor Leonardo Javier. The two horseowners and breeders founded the MARHO Cup championships seventeen years ago and still contribute their efforts every year to ensure the success of the event. Among the visitors that day were two Australians—Mark Dodemaid from William Inglis & Son, thoroughbred auctioneers, and racecaller Peter Morrison, who has been invited to call championship races in the Philippines many times over the past four decades. MARHO Vice-President Antonio de Ubago thanked the sponsors and racing fans for supporting the festival, making special mention of San Miguel Corporation, PCSO, Philracom, PRCI, Andok’s, Solaire Resort and Casino, Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Resorts World, Casino Filipino, ESICOR Inc., Ciara Marie Abalos Foundation, Crys-

San Juan hopes to steer his trusty Nissan Sentra to victories over his rivals in Division 2 (for 150hp cars). Also hoping to firm up his title bid is novice driver Alan Arguelles, who’s eyeing another triumph over Allen Macaraig in Division 3 (for 100hp cars). tal Shipping, Jade Bros. Freight, FR Sevilla Industrial and Development Corp., and Norkis Trading. MARHO Vice-President and Corporate Secretary lawyer Ramon S. Bagatsing Jr. added that success of the event shows the sustainability of the sport in the face of global economic challenges. “Our group will certainly do its best,” Bagatsing said, “to continue staging the MARHO Cup every year, to promote the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry and bring exciting action to racing fans.” *** Speaking of sustainability, a new chapter in Philippine racing begins next year with the formal entry of Metro Manila Turf Club, Inc.’s into the fray with the opening of its track in Batangas. Philracom sent me a copy of the racing calendar and stakes race calendar for 2013. Raceweeks are still six days, Monday the day off. What’s interesting is that there will be days on which two tracks will be conducting races, with twenty minutes’ interval between their races—in effect, it’s simulcasting. The technical difficulty this involves is staggering and I wish the best of luck to the broadcast teams that will have to deal with this. *** Email: [email protected], Blog: http://jennyo.net, Facebook: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @jennyortuoste

Over the years, the NAMSSA has never wavered in reminding motorcyclists with a passion for speed to do their racing under a safe and controlled environment. With its affiliation with the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, the world governing body for motorcycle sports, the Philippine Road Race Championship like all NAMSSA-sanctioned events will be conducted with strict compliance to the technical and safety standards of the FIM.

IN BRIEF Aussie Open slots at stake THE MEN’S and women’s champions in the coming Philippine Columbian Association Open tennis championships will get automatic slots in the 2012 Australian Open tune up events. PCA Open chair and national Davis Cup non-playing captain Roland Kraut announced the extra incentive Tuesday when he appeared as guest during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate along with Fil-Am Cupper Ruben Gonzales and junior hotshot Jurence Zosimo Mendoza. Kraut said the Open champions earn slots in the Kia Amateur Australian Open in the run-up for the first Grand Slam event of the tennis season. But the slots would be for amateurs 18-years-old and above, meaning if the winners happen to have pro circuit rankings, the next best players based on the results will earn the berths.

All set for UAAP volleyball VOLLEYBALL competitions kick off the second semester of University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 75, highlighted by the explosive match-up between defending women’s champion De La Salle and fancied University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at The Arena in San Juan. The Lady Archers and Lady Tigresses battle each other at 3:30 p.m., just after the first game between University of the East and University of the Philippines right on the second day of the tournament. Action formally kicks off on Saturday also at the same venue in San Juan, with host National University taking on Adamson at 2 p.m., followed by Far Eastern University-Ateneo tussle at 4 p.m. Reigning Most Valuable Player Abigail Marano of La Salle admitted all eyes will be on the defending champion as it seeks to retain the title without last year’s team captain Cha Cruz.

UAAP football opens Sunday SIX of the seven teams, including newcomer National University will begin their campaign in the 75th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s football event on Sunday at the Erechun field in Ateneo De Manila University. Host NU, under coach Lem Laranas, starts its first-ever campaign in the football event against University of Santo Tomas at 3 p.m., while Ateneo De Manila University battles University of the East at 9:30 a.m. in the first game. De La Salle University and Far Eastern University clash in second game at 1 p.m., while reigning men’s champion University of the Philippines has no match in the opening day. In the women’s event at the Ocampo field, UP collides against Ateneo in the first game at 1 p.m., followed by the 3 p.m. match between FEU and De La Salle University of coach Hans Smit.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NBA (HOME TEAM IN CAPS) BROOKLYN 96 NY Knicks 89 (OT) San Antonio 118 WASHINGTON 92 DETROIT 108 Portland 101 Milwaukee 93 CHICAGO 92 MEMPHIS 84 Cleveland 78 OKLAHOMA CITY 114 Charlotte 69 UTAH 105 Denver 103 New Orleans 105 LA CLIPPERS 98

A8

Sports

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Manila Standard TODAY [email protected] [email protected] Riera U. Mallari, Editor

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Rising Suns show no signs of rust in victory THE Cagayan Valley Ris- ics on the brink of elimination ing Suns had not played in two with a 78-66 victory in the other weeks but showed no signs of game. rust in their 86-82 victory against Michael Parala tallied 20 Cebuana Lhuillier yesterday in points on 9 of 10 shooting, Grythe Philippine Basketball Asso- ann Mendoza chipped in 11, ciation D-League Aspirants’ Cup while Jens Knuttel and Marion at the JCSGO gym. Magat had 10 apiece for the BakChristopher Eximiniano ers, who outscored the Icons, scored 24 points and the Rising 29-19, in the fourth quarter to Suns made crucial stops in the improve to 3-2 record. closing minute to secure their Bryan Cruz led Informatics second straight win with 23 points. and fourth overall in The Icons were Games Tomorrow (Ynares Sports Arena) five games. just two down after 2p.m. • Fruitas The Gems held three quarters, but vs Erase Xfoliant an 82-81 lead with 4p.m. • NLEX vs Big Chill committed eight 1:36 remaining, turnovers while gobut James Forresting 8-of-16 from the er, who had nine points in the field in the fourth to stay winless fourth quarter, answered with in five games. an eight-foot jumper 13 secDespite their success, coach onds later as Cagayan Valley Alvin Pua said he’s disappointed regained the lead. with his team’s attitude. After that, the Rising Suns “Maganda ang umpisa namin. forced the Gems to two turn- Pero tulad ng dati, kapag medyo overs before Cebuana Lhuillier malaki na ang lamang nagreforward Raymund Aguilar threw relax ang mga bata,” Pua noted. away their chance to tie the game Pua said their momentary loss by missing two free throws with of focus allowed the Gems to 9.6 seconds left. pick up their rhythm and nearly Café France pushed Informat- cost them the game.

Players from Cafe France and Informatics battle for the rebound in a PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup game won by the Bakers, 78-66, the JCSGO gym.

Azkals stun Vietnam, boost bid By Peter Atencio

EMILIO “Chieffy” Caligdong slipped

past his defenders in the 85th minute and carried the Philippine Azkals to a 1-0 win over the Vietnam Red Warriors in the ASEAN Football FederationSuzuki Cup 2012 at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday night.

“Nu’ng ipinasok ako sa last 20 minutes, siyempre kung ano iyung maibibigay kong 100 percent or 101percent sa loob ng field, gagawin ko para sa team na ito,” said Caligdong during a post-game TV interview. He came in for James Younghusband in the 75th minute. Le Cong Vinh, one of the the players to watch from the Vietnamese side, was kept at bay by the defense before he left the pitch in the 69th minute. Coach Hans Michael Weiss, who served a one-game suspension following an incident during the game with Thailand, calmly watched the action while sitting on a chair in

the gallery. Weiss was doing a throw-in when the ball hit scorer Anucha Kitpongsri, who was down on the ground following a collision with an Azkals’ player during the last portion of their game with Thailand. The Azkals, whose springboard to fame and fortune came via the same tournament two years ago when they stunned the same Vietnamese team, 2-0, continued to haunt the Red Warriors with the stunning win. Prior to the game, Red Warriors’ team manager Ngo Le Bang said his team won’t have an easy time against the Azkals. “The Philippines is very

strong. They have tall players, who are always active with good technique. It will not be an easy game, even though the Philippines lost its first match to Thailand,” said Ngo, three days after the Azkals took a 1-2 setback from Thailand, and Vietnam played Myanmar to a 1-all draw. The Azkals had their first memorable game with Vietnam in 2010 when they beat the Red Warriors, 2-0, at the My Dinh National Stadium. “We will overcome, we have 10 players from 2010 and I am sure they will be eager to change things around,” added Ngo.

The Azkals’ first win in two games after taking a 1-2 setback to Thailand last Saturday boosted their chances of reaching the semifinal round. They need two wins to advance. Caligdong’s goal came after

he got a long pass from Angel Guirado. He then slipped past two defenders, who were closing in on him, before he rightfooted a 10-meter blast from the left corner, just above the box.

Bolts face skidding Alaska five

Champion of the Decade belt at stake

By Jeric Lopez WITH the playoffs fast approaching, teams in the middle of the pack are all looking to finish strong for them to have a better placing as the homestretch of the 2013 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup elimination round intensifies. Meralco (6-5) tries to regain sole possession of fourth place when it takes on skidding Alaska (5-6) at 5:15 p.m. The main event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum will feature secured front-running Talk ‘N Text (10-2) against its nemesis Petron Blaze (6-6), a team finally getting into its groove with three straight wins coming in, at 7:30 p.m. in the main attraction. The motivation for the Bolts in their final three assignments is quite obvious. A win today will move them half-a-game ahead of idle Barangay Ginebra (6-5). “We want to solidify our spot at No. 4. If we want to keep our place, we need to finish stronger in our last games,’’ said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio. ‘’We win games because we play good tough defense and solid basketball. That’s what we intend to do again versus Alaska.’’ The Aces aren’t exactly a hot commodity right now having lost their last four games, causing them to sink at seventh place after once reaching No. 2. They will have to work hard in their last three games to assure themselves a spot in the top eight.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz THERE may be no recognized world titles on the line when Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao battles Juan Manuel Marquez for a fourth time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 9 (Manila time). But the World Boxing Organization, headed by its president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, has decided to create a unique belt for the winner, who will be crowned the WBO Champion of the Decade. Sartonk Designs, which claims to be the premier designer and fabricator of championship boxing belts in the world, was commissioned to create a belt for this

one-and-only title. “I am looking forward with great expectations to the extraordinary design created by the WBO’s Master Craftsmen, Ardash Sahaghian and Edward Majian, for the WBO Champion of the Decade belt,” WBO President Valcarcel said. “It will be an outstanding work of art.” The WBO chief said the Champion of the Decade Belt is slated to be “a luxurious rendition of the now classic world title belt. While true to the iconic WBO motif, some of its features include over 170 hand-set Swarovski crystals imported from Austria. The eagle that sits atop the center plate has been overhauled and made richer,

with crisp detail and an assortment of jewels. A mirror-finished and crystal-studded parameter elegantly completes the composition.” Edward Majian, President of Sartonk Designs said: “We have surprises on the belt, which we won’t unveil just yet. The opportunity to create a belt at the level of fine art is a privilege. Every crevice, curve and corner has been detailed, and the belt shines brilliantly, symbolizing two men that have given our sport many brilliant moments.” Majian’s grandfather, Ardash Sahaghian, the 91-year-old New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee added: “We’re proud of everything that leaves Sartonk, but this is not just a championship

belt. Is a piece that will be awarded once every 10 years, this project is of a different character.” The Champion of the Decade belt is set to be revealed in Las Vegas by the WBO before the Pacquiao-Marquez match. Pacquiao has the distinction of winning the very first coveted World Boxing Council Diamond Belt when he scored a 12th-round technical knockout over Miguel Cotto. Meanwhile, Pacquiao, fresh from a great performance over 12 rounds of sparring at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles on Saturday and working the punch-mitts in his regular routine on Monday, prepares for another tough round of sparring on Tuesday (LA time).

Ariza not leaving Pacquiao MANNY Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning guru Alex Ariza has made it clear he has only agreed to serve as the strength and conditioning coach for undefeated Mikey Garcia, younger brother of trainer Robert Garcia and no other fighter. Ariza told the Manila Standard that he didn’t move to the Garcia camp. “I will continue to train Pacquiao. Right now, my focus after Manny will just solely be on Mikey,” said Ariza, who added he had met with Mikey Garcia and his father “with Manny’s blessings, of course. In fact, I told Manny first and he said he was happy and said ‘I’m glad for you both. You know they got you because you’re good.’” “I’m excited because its been a long time since I felt like this,” Ariza continued. The fitness guru said Pacquiao spent Sunday attending church services and relaxing in his Palazzo apartment. The strength and conditioning coach also told Manila Standard he had “big expectations for Michael Farenas and I hope everything works out for the fight against undefeated Cuban featherweight Yuriorkis Gamboa.” Ronnie Nathanielsz

2 Golf F Teams lead Fil-Am tourney

A participant of the 63rd Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament reacts after a missed putt. RICK REYES

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BAGUIO CITY—Despite losing four precious points as play shifted at the shorter and trickier Baguio Country Club golf course, Golf F Team remains on track for the Fil B Seniors’ crown even as the first hole-in-one was registered in the 63rd Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament on Tuesday. Flor Fajilan and Connie Uy had 22 piece each to lead the team to a 78-point production and a three-day total of 264, a nine-point lead going into the final round over Club Intramuros, which shot an 82 for 255. Pines Golf Club of California South is a distant third with 237 after a 79. Fajilan is also in strong contention for the individual title with 71 leading two others as his team takes a rest tomorrow and complete the fourth round on Thursday.

But this was overshadowed by the first ace of the tournament when Summer Capital-East player Eric Espadero made the first ace and at one of the designated holes of the BCC, that earned him a ticket for two to Phuket, Thailand. The bakeshop owner Espadero, who made the Guinness Book of Record’s biggest strawberry cake in 2005 at the nearby town of La Trinidad, Benguet, used a Titleist 7-iron and a Titleist Pro-V at the 152-yard hole for his first-ever ace in playing golf and it happened during the Fil-Am at a designated hole. “I’m really happy and I did it during a Fil-Am,” said Espadero. Golf F Team is headed towards a double whammy after its Am B team retained its lead with a round left.

Jun Bucago scored 24 points and led Golf F Team to a 74 and 236 total for a nine point lead in Am B Seniors. That is nine shots lead on Aloha Golf Team which shot a 75 for 227, while Club Intramuros had a similar 75 and 219. Olivo Ramos shot a 26 and lead NBI Golf Team 157-II to 99 for a three-day total of 289 as it moved past two-day leader Square & Compass Golf of Nueva Ecija 2, which faltered with 79 and 257 total. Cesar Valencirina and Tannie Joson had 25 each, while Jose Justo Yap added 23 for the team’s total that overhauled Square & Compass’s eightpoint lead as players shifted to the BCC course from the longer par-69 Camp John Hay layout. It stares now at a 12-shot lead with a round a to go.

Business

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila Standard TODAY

Ray S. Eñano, Editor [email protected] Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor [email protected]

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Smuggling charges vs. Phoenix dropped By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Justice Department dismissed all charges of smuggling and other alleged violations of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines filed by the Customs Bureau against Dennis Uy, president and chief executive of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., and customs broker Jorlan Cabanes for lack of merit. Phoenix Petroleum reported the dismissal of the charges in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday. “We are ecstatic that the case has been dismissed knowing fully well that we have complete documents to prove our position and appreciate that the Department of Justice had given more weight to these documents. We look forward to supporting the collection efforts of the government by paying more taxes as our business grow in the future,” Phoenix assistant vice president

Raymond Zorilla said when asked for comment. Phoenix cited a Justice resolution dated Nov. 16 that found no unlawful importations under the Tariff and Customs Code. The resolution said the shipments under investigation regularly passed through the customs house according to the standard procedure. “Significantly, in the said resolution, DOJ declared that respondents could not be held criminally liable for violation of 3602 of the [Tariff Customs Code of the Philippines] as the BoC failed to show that the subject importations were fraudulently made,” Phoenix said in statement. Phoenix said the documents submitted by Uy and Cabanes mostly emanated from the Customs, “which clearly showed that the payment of duties, taxes and fees covering the importations in question and its subsequent release were regular and above board.”

Peso advances, closes at 40.87 versus dollar By Anna Leah G. Estrada

THE peso rose Tuesday, crossing the 40-per-dollar level for the first time in more than four years, on the back of strong remittance inflows ahead of the Christmas season. The peso gained 13 centavos, or 0.3 percent, to close at 40.87 against the greenback, its strongest level since March 2008. The local currency climbed for a seventh day, the longest-winning streak in 16 months. Some $900 million worth of currencies were traded Tuesday, up from just $655 million on Monday. Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. confirmed that “the peso has indeed appreciated faster that regional currencies but the volatility has been

maintained at the mid of the range.” “There are several factors that have caused the peso appreciation, including seasonal remittances and positive news out of EU on the Greek deal,” Tetangco said. An agreement between the Eurozone and the International Monetary Fund to extend another $40 billion worth of bailout money to highly indebted Greece boosted regional financial markets, including the Philippine stocks. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at a new record high of 5,586.45 on Tuesday. Expectation that the gross domestic product grew by more than 5 percent in the third quarter, supported by increased remittances, provided a favorable outlook for the economy. A government report may show gross domestic product increased 5.4 percent in the third quarter, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said growth was likely in the range of 5 percent to 6 percent.

Rockwell notes ROCKWELL Land Corp. said Tuesday it will issue up to P10 billion in corporate notes to refinance loans and fund land acquisitions and capital expenditures. Rockwell Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it appointed First Metro Investments Corp. and PNB Capital and Investments Corp. as joint lead arrangers for the note issue. “About P4 billion of the proceeds of the facility will be used to refinance Rockwell Land’s existing loans while the balance of up to P6 billion will be for various land acquisitions and capital expenditures,” the property company said. Rockwell Land president Nestor Padilla earlier said the company was on an expansion mode and planned to acquire more properties for future development. It plans to expand its commercial development to enhance leasing income and venture into “broader market segment” to boost real estate sales. Rockwell Land said it would launch before the end of the year two low-rise development projects in Quezon City that will target the broader market segment. Jenniffer B. Austria

IMPORTS increased 3.6 percent in September from a year ago, as the country bought more fuel and cereals amid increased demand. The National Statistics Office said merchandise imports reached $5.3 billion in September, up from $5.1 billion a year ago. They were also up 4.1 percent from $5.1 billion in August. “The increment in imports payments resulted mainly from the higher purchases of goods such as mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, cereals and cereal preparations, telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery, and industrial machinery and equipment,” the NSO said. Orders for electronic products, mainly inputs for the export-oriented electronics industry, contracted 5.8 percent to $1.4 billion in September. Electronics remained the country’s top imports. Payments for mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials ranked second with 24.2percent share. These increased 44.2 percent to $1.3 billion in September. Imports in the first nine months grew 0.5 percent to $46 billion from $45.8 billion a year ago while exports rose 7.2 percent to $40 billion from $37.4 billion during the same period. This resulted in a trade deficit of $6 billion in the JanuarySeptember period this year, although this was lower than last year’s $8.4-billion trade gap. China was the biggest source of imports in September with a share of 12.3 percent, followed by the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Imports from East Asia accounted for 40.5 percent of total imports, with total payments rising 14.6 percent to $2.1 billion in September. Anna Leah G. Estrada

Boracay link Trans-Asia rights. Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. concluded its P1.6-billion stock rights offering with a bell-ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange. Shown during the ceremony are (from left) Trans-Asia directors David Balangue and Raymundo Feliciano; Trans-Asia president and chief executive Francisco Viray; Trans-Asia chairman Oscar Hilado; PSE president and chief executive Hans Sicat; PSE director Alejandro Yu; and Trans-Asia director Ricardo Camua.

Paje warns Philex cannot resume mining By Othel V. Campos ENVIRONMENT Secretary Ramon Paje said Tuesday Philex Mining Corp. will not be allowed to resume its mining operations until it settles the P1-billion fine imposed following the mine waste spill incident in Padcal, Benguet in August. “It is their right to exhaust all remedies, but if they will not pay the fine they cannot resume operations,” Paje told reporters in an interview Tuesday. Philex was slapped with the P1-billion fine, after some 20.7 million metric tons

of waste escaped from one of its tailings pond in August. Philex vice president for corporate affairs Michael Toledo said Monday the company would exhaust all means to resolve the issue through administrative measures. The miner said it was hoping to resume operations at its Padcal mine by the second quarter of 2013, when a spillway would have been completed. “We cannot pay the fine. It was an accident, force majeure as what was admitted by the MGB [Mines and

THE economy likely grew 5.5 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, despite a weak global environment as “foreign investment and government spending are offsetting weakness in foreign demand,” Moody’s Analytics said Tuesday. Moody’s Analytics is the research

arm of international credit rating firm Moody’s Investors Service. “The Philippine economy continued to grow through the September quarter, despite a weak global environment. The country’s GDP increased an estimated 5.5 percent year-on-year,” Moody’s Analytics associate anaBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tuesday, November 27, 2012

United States

Dollar

1.000000

41.0100

5200

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000104

0.0043

Japan

Yen

0.012191

0.5000

Thailand

Baht

0.032605

1.3371

4460

UK

Pound

1.602600

65.7226

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

11.1655

3720

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129042

5.2920

Euro

Euro

1.297000

53.1900

2980

Switzerland

Franc

1.077702

44.1966

Korea

Won

0.000921

0.0378

2240

Canada

Dollar

1.006644

41.2825

China

Yuan

0.160630

6.5874

1500

Singapore

Dollar

0.818867

33.5817

India

Rupee

0.017977

0.7372

42.8124

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.327439

13.4283

Dollar

0.821490

33.6893

Dollar

0.034388

Australia

5,586.45

7.03

Geosciences Bureau] in their latest findings. In the general principle of law, this kind of accident is not punishable by penalty,” Toledo said. Paje said the mining company has a right to appeal within 15 days upon receipt of the findings of the MGB and 45 days to start paying the P1.034-billion penalty. Philex, however, said the government should not obligate the company to pay the penalties for an accident that a government investigation showed was force majeure.

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Tuesday it completed the interconnection of Boracay Island through fiber optics by means of a twokilometer submarine cable system originating from Caticlan in Malay, Aklan. Robert Tan, Globe chief technical adviser, said the Boracay fiber optic network would power up cell sites with third generation, or 3G, and Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, or HSPA+, connectivity, and was readily scalable to support Long Term Evolution (LTE) services. “This allows transmission at higher bandwidths, translating into a sharp improvement in service quality in terms of call clarity, SMS delivery and data transmission through pervasive third generation or 3G connectivity with HSPA+,” Tan said. He added in terms of capacity, the fiber-based Dense Wavelength division multiflexing system could transmit 80 wavelengths and supports 40 gigabytes per second (Gbps) per wavelength, expandable to 100 Gbps. “Our Globe subscribers in the area can now share their vacation experiences through voice, text and high-speed data,” Tan said. Lailany P. Gomez

GDP likely grew 5.5% in 3rd quarter, says Moody’s Analytics

OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE PSE COMPOSITE INDEX FCurrency Unit US Dollar Peso

1200

Tetangco said the Bangko Sentral remained watchful of the market as the peso appreciated faster than its peers. “We’re getting reports that remittances are very strong as some overseas workers could be sending more dollars now, anticipating that the peso will be stronger a month from now,” said Roland Avante, president of Philippine Business Bank. “Investors are upbeat on prospects in the Philippines and you have an external environment that’s improving.” One-month implied volatility, a measure of expected moves in the exchange rate used to price options, fell 10 basis points to 4.5 percent. Imports rose 3.6 percent in September from a year earlier, halting two months of declines. The trade deficit narrowed to $483 million in September from $1.26 billion in August. The yield on the 5.375-percent government bonds due March 2027 climbed three basis points, or 0.03 percentage point, to 5.18 percent, according to prices from Tradition Financial Services. With Bloomberg

IN BRIEF

Imports up 3.6% to $5.3b

Closing November 27, 2012

B1

Dollar

1.043950

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

108.7943

New Zealand

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

10.9357

Taiwan

Brunei

Dollar

0.815528

33.4448

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

1.4103 Source: PDS Bridge

lyst Katrina Ell said. “The Philippines is expanding above its long-run potential rate, thanks to strong government spending and foreign direct investment, which have offset weakness in exports,” Ell said. The gross domestic product grew 6 percent year-on-year in

P584-P695 LPG/11-kg tank P47.15-P53.07 Unleaded Gasoline

P38.40-P41.05 Diesel P40.30-P52.20 Kerosene P27.20-P31.00 Auto LPG

OPRICES IL TODAY

the second quarter, with the services sector as the main driver of growth supported by the sustained growth of manufacturing and the rebound of construction. The National Statistical Coordination Board will release the official third-quarter GDP growth on Wednesday.

PESO-DOLLAR RATE Closing NOVEMBER 27, 2012 40 42 44 46 48

P40.870 CLOSE

HIGH P40.850 LOW P41.000 AVERAGE P40.911 VOLUME 899.515M

Ell said the services sector, which account for just more than half of GDP, has been growing at an average of 6 percent annually for the past 10 years. “Business process outsourcing has been a recent driver, boosted by the government’s active encouragement of foreign investment,” Ell said. Ell said the agriculture sector was largely affected by bad weather which caused significant damage to crops in the third quarter. “On the upside, remittances strengthened a little as foreign demand for Filipino labor remained resilient through global headwinds. Remittances were up 5.9 percent year to date in September over the same period in 2011. This was better than expectations, as remittances barely rose during the global downturn,” said Ell. Anna Leah G. Estrada

Business Market tops 5,600; MST BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW Puregold, PLDT up

B2 WEDNESDAY

ManilaStandardToday

NOVEMBER 28, 2012

[email protected] [email protected]

M S T TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012

52 Weeks

High

STOCKS rose for the third day Tuesday,

sending the benchmark index past the 5,600-point mark in intraday trading for the first time. The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30company benchmark index, hit an intra-day high of 5,615.62, before closing at 5,586.45, which is also a new all-time high. It was up 7 points, or 0.1 percent, from the previous day’s record finish. The index has hit 30 peaks since the start of the year. The heavier index, representing all shares, also gained 2 points, or 0.1 percent, to settle at a record 3,620.58, even as losers outnumbered gainers, 79 to 68, with 50 issues unchanged. Value turnover amounted to P6.2 billion. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the third most actively traded stock Tuesday, rose 1.6 percent to P2,550. SM Prime Holdings Inc. and BDO Unibank Inc., the two most active stocks, traded slightly lower. Puregold Price Club Inc. emerged as the biggest gainer among 20 most active stocks. It climbed 5 percent to P1.55. Bank of the Philippine Islands was flat at P95.95 while Philippine National Bank added 1.2 percent to P86.90. The two

banks are in talks for a merge r that could create the country’s largest lender. Meanwhile, Asian stock markets rose Tuesday after talks over Greece’s financial crisis ended with an agreement on how to reduce its debt load, paving the way for the cashstrapped country to receive the next installment of a bailout loan. Finance ministers of the 17 countries that use the euro and representatives of the International Monetary Fund reached an agreement late Monday that will enable Athens to receive €34.4 billion ($40.8 billion) immediately and three additional payments in early 2013. “This is quite positive. It definitely gives support to the local stock market,” said Dickie Wong, executive director of research at Kingston Securities Ltd. in Hong Kong. Greece has endured five years of recession and a 25percent unemployment rate. It has been locked out of the international long-term debt market by exceptionally high interest rates demanded for its

bonds since 2010, and has been relying on funds from rescue loans by other euro countries and the IMF. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose 0.4 percent to 9,429.44. South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.9 percent to 1,925.94. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.1 percent to 21,890.71. Australia’s S&P/ ASX 200 gained 0.7 percent to 4,453.10. Benchmarks in Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand also rose. Indonesia and New Zealand fell. In mainland China, the Shanghai composite index fell 1 percent to 1,998.20. The index has not closed below 2,000 in nearly four years. The smaller Shenzhen composite index plummeted 2.3 percent to 771.28. Wong said investors are taking a “wait and see” stance ahead of the national economic work conference in early December, a forum for leaders involved in economic policy. “Before this meeting, the sentiment of the Chinese stock market will remain sluggish,” he said. Wall Street stocks were mixed on the first full day of trading after the Thanksgiving holiday, with no resolution on the immediate horizon to the “fiscal cliff” of automatic tax increases and steep spending cuts that take effect in January unless President Barack Obama and Congress reach a budget agreement. With AP

Responsible mining. Philex

Mining Corp. senior vice president for corporate affairs Michael Toledo speaks before the Philippine Mining Luncheon at the Manila Polo Club. Toledo explains how responsible mining enhances the life of host-communities and helps in the nation’s economic development. Philex Mining has restored forest cover on over 2,000 hectares of barren land at its mine site in Padcal, Benguet, and rehabilitated project sites in Bulawan (Negros Occidental) and Sibutad (Zamboanga del Norte) into ecotourism parks.

D&L fixes offering price at P4.30 apiece By Jenniffer B. Austria D&L Industries Inc. pegged the final offering price for a planned initial public offering at P4.30 per share, the company’s underwriter told the stock exchange. The company, which produces food ingredients and specialty plastic colorants and additives, said it stood to raise as much as P5.28 billion from the sale of 1.23 billion in shares, which include 1.071 billion primary shares and 160.7 million secondary shares to be issued to cover overallotments. “We would like to inform you that the offer price for the D&L IPO has been set at P4.30 per share,” Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners

Inc. managing director Roberto Benares said in a letter to the stock exchange. The P4.30 final offer price is in the middle of the P3.85 to P4.80 per share price range earlier provided by the company. The price was determined through a book building process after the company conducted roadshows in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. “The onshore and regional demand that resulted from the roadshow was strong. The book was two times covered at the set price of P4.30 per share,” Benares said. The offering period will start on Nov. 28 and end Dec. 6 while the shares are scheduled for listing on the first board of the PSE on Dec. 12.

T OP G AINERS

The company will use proceeds from the offering for investments and acquisitions, payment of financial obligations and general corporate purposes. The company expects a fullyear net income of P1.15 billion in 2012, up 18 percent from P977 million posted in 2011. The company aims to maintain market leadership, capitalize on growing domestic market, enhance production and business processes and focus on international expansion. D&L will be the fifth company to conduct an IPO this year. The four others were Calata Corp., East West Banking Corp., GT Capital Corp. and Coal Asia Holdings Inc.

T OP L OSERS

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Touch Solutions

6.00

47.78

Calapan Venture

4.05

(11.96)

Liberty Flour

46.00

15.00

Seacem

1.65

(7.30)

Prime Media Hldg

1.300

6.56

Highlands Prime

1.80

(5.26)

ATN Holdings A

1.09

5.83

ISM Communications

2.4200

(3.97)

IP Converge

2.59

5.71

First Abacus

0.73

(3.95)

Puregold

32.45

5.02

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

0.99

(3.88)

Asian Terminals Inc.

9.50

4.97

Apex `B'

4.52

(3.83)

Ginebra San Miguel Inc.

18.00

4.65

Geograce Res. Phil. Inc.

0.52

(3.70)

Ever Gotesco

0.365

4.29

Megaworld Corp. Warrants

1.40

(3.45)

Alliance Tuna Intl Inc.

2.19

4.29

Swift Pref

1.34

(2.90)

T RADING S UMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY SERVICES MINING & OIL GRAND TOTAL

SHARES 14,480,908 238,782,631 666,624,442 139,511,359 223,752,184 1,179,616,326 2,462,767,850

VALUE 1,135,776,984.9829 1,290,235,706.92 1,377,117,108.25 911,551,178.47 1,339,500,995 112,444,408.36 6,166,626,381.9829

FINANCIAL 1,505.63 (UP) 1.01 INDUSTRIAL 8,797.48 (UP) 9.97 HOLDING FIRMS 4,873.78 (DOWN) 23.8 PROPERTY 2,092.18 (UP) 6.84 SERVICES 1,721.2 (UP) 20.7 MINING & OIL 18,575.95 (DOWN) 145.02 PSEI 5,586.45 (UP) 7.03 All Shares Index 3,620.58 (UP) 2.92 Gainers: 68; Losers: 79; Unchanged: 50; Total: 197

Low

STOCKS

Previous

Close

High

Low

%

Close Change Volume

Net Foreign

Trade/Buying

70.50 77.45 595.00 2.20 23.90 20.70 0.95 650.00 39.20 102.50 77.80 95.00 500.00 45.50 155.20 1100.00 140.00 2.06

46.00 50.00 370.00 1.42 13.80 18.50 0.62 420.00 3.00 60.00 41.00 69.00 210.00 29.45 77.00 879.00 58.00 1.43

Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. COL Financial Eastwest Bank First Abacus Manulife Fin. Corp. Maybank ATR KE Metrobank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

69.90 96.00 54.70 1.98 20.00 27.60 0.76 475.00 21.00 98.00 85.90 85.20 388.00 55.30 162.00 1020.00 112.00 2.20

FINANCIAL 70.05 97.50 54.70 2.04 20.00 27.85 0.73 490.00 21.50 99.00 87.40 85.20 388.00 55.20 163.90 1015.00 112.60 2.24

35.50 13.58 1.70 1.62

26.50 8.00 0.97 1.08

2.96 2.75 9.74 6.41 7.77 3.80 19.40 79.30 27.00 0.02 6.00 120.00

2.12 2.30 7.41 4.83 2.80 1.00 12.50 51.50 17.50 0.0110 3.80 80.00

91.25

25.00

3.20 3.19 27.45 18.10 280.60 3.65 16.00 13.70 14.94 4.42 3.90 6.50 34.60 129.20 3000.00 2.62 2.44 0.196 2.88 1.41 69.20 5.50 0.77 18.00 1.22

1.32 1.08 18.10 8.12 215.00 1.96 9.70 10.20 8.05 1.01 2.01 2.90 26.50 110.20 800.00 1.25 1.73 0.112 1.99 0.90 37.00 1.05 0.320 2.55 0.77

Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons. Asiabest Group Calapan Venture Chemrez Technologies Inc. Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab. First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Integ. Micro-Electronics Jollibee Foods Corp. Lafarge Rep Liberty Flour LT Group Manchester Intl. “A” Manchester Intl. “B” Manila Water Co. Inc. Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils. RFM Corporation Roxas Holdings Salcon Power Corp. San Miguel Brewery Inc. San Miguel Corp `A’ San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Seacem Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vivant Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

34.90 6.89 2.10 1.33 18.78 4.60 3.02 11.98 7.08 8.80 1.79 23.55 94.40 17.20 0.0240 3.95 105.00 9.45 40.00 13.26 5.69 5.41 32.05 15.300 255.00 5.43 10.60 10.80 8.90 4.10 2.60 4.80 34.00 109.20 244.60 1.78 1.77 0.156 1.99 1.12 78.00 1.25 1.13 8.10 1.71

INDUSTRIAL 35.50 6.99 2.23 1.35 23.95 4.05 3.07 11.98 7.12 9.10 1.80 23.60 94.50 18.00 0.0240 3.95 107.00 9.45 46.00 13.28 5.69 5.99 32.25 15.420 257.80 5.45 10.62 11.00 9.15 4.18 2.60 4.80 34.00 109.20 244.80 1.65 1.75 0.156 2.00 1.12 79.50 1.25 1.17 7.90 1.78

1.18 59.90 0.019 13.70 2.60 6.98 2.98 4.16 485.20 64.80 4.19 5.20 0.98 556.00 5.22 36.20 6.21 1.54 0.91 3.82 4.65 6.24 9.66 0.0770 2.20 2.40 760.00 2.71 1.57 0.420 0.620 0.980

0.65 35.50 0.014 8.00 1.80 0.260 1.49 2.30 272.00 30.50 1.03 3.30 0.10 455.40 2.94 19.00 4.00 0.61 0.300 1.800 2.56 3.40 1.22 0.045 1.20 1.01 450.00 1.08 1.14 0.101 0.082 0.380

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alcorn Gold Res. Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Asia Amalgamated A ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp. Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Minerales Industrias Corp. MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.68 48.85 0.1300 16.26 2.03 4.22 1.03 1.10 484.00 55.15 2.70 4.60 0.238 596.00 5.75 37.00 6.60 1.03 0.400 1.88 4.31 5.81 5.62 0.0460 1.220 1.80 837.50 1.92 1.12 0.2600 0.3150 0.360

HOLDING FIRMS 0.70 0.67 49.00 48.65 0.1360 0.1300 16.38 16.06 2.06 2.06 4.21 4.20 1.10 1.00 1.20 1.05 488.00 480.00 55.05 53.90 2.75 2.75 4.68 4.60 0.238 0.255 608.00 590.00 6.00 5.85 37.00 36.25 6.60 6.46 1.04 0.99 0.400 0.400 1.86 1.84 4.36 4.31 6.00 5.80 5.70 5.70 0.0450 0.0450 1.300 1.300 1.80 1.80 849.50 837.00 1.92 1.88 1.12 1.12 0.2600 0.2600 0.3200 0.3050 0.350 0.350

0.68 48.65 0.1350 16.08 2.06 4.21 1.09 1.11 480.00 54.00 2.75 4.61 0.238 605.00 5.95 36.30 6.54 0.99 0.400 1.85 4.33 6.00 5.70 0.0450 1.300 1.80 841.50 1.92 1.12 0.2600 0.3150 0.350

0.00 (0.41) 3.85 (1.11) 1.48 (0.24) 5.83 0.91 (0.83) (2.09) 1.85 0.22 0.00 1.51 3.48 (1.89) (0.91) (3.88) 0.00 (1.60) 0.46 3.27 1.42 (2.17) 6.56 0.00 0.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 (2.78)

2,594,000 1,380,900 589,110,000 10,160,800 221,000 28,000 107,000 183,000 339,790 2,686,010 20,000 1,119,000 350,000 255,540 253,700 2,725,300 5,395,100 15,329,000 100,000 822,000 19,726,000 1,903,000 9,000 4,000,000 1,000 10,000 354,420 938,000 350,000 210,000 1,790,000 870,000

3.34 0.83 24.15 5.62 5.20 2.85 1.50 0.092 1.11 0.94 3.80 0.310 2.74 1.44 3.80 2.14 2.34 0.36 0.990 4.33 19.94 7.71 2.85 8.95 18.20 0.91 4.55 4.66

1.70 0.42 13.36 3.08 2.20 1.35 1.05 0.060 0.67 0.54 2.90 0.10 1.63 0.98 1.21 0.65 1.51 0.150 0.089 2.10 10.00 2.51 1.81 6.00 10.94 0.64 1.80 2.60

A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Prop. `B’ Century Property Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. Empire East Land Eton Properties Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Highlands Prime Interport `A’ Megaworld Corp. MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp. Primex Corp. Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Development `A’ SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Vista Land & Lifescapes

3.06 0.710 22.95 5.05 5.10 1.44 1.08 0.068 0.82 0.980 2.90 0.350 1.84 1.62 1.90 1.14 2.45 0.1640 0.7900 2.90 18.90 2.92 2.82 5.89 14.52 0.65 3.67 5.130

PROPERTY 3.10 3.00 0.750 0.710 23.20 22.95 5.15 5.07 5.10 5.10 1.44 1.43 1.09 1.09 0.073 0.067 0.83 0.80 0.990 0.960 2.95 2.82 0.375 0.350 1.86 1.82 1.62 1.59 1.80 1.80 1.17 1.12 2.48 2.44 0.1640 0.1590 0.8000 0.7800 2.90 2.90 19.02 18.76 3.00 2.92 2.82 2.82 5.92 5.84 14.60 14.48 0.67 0.65 3.67 3.67 5.140 5.100

3.06 0.710 23.15 5.11 5.10 1.44 1.09 0.067 0.81 0.960 2.92 0.365 1.83 1.60 1.80 1.12 2.44 0.1600 0.7900 2.90 19.00 2.94 2.82 5.92 14.50 0.67 3.67 5.120

0.00 0.00 0.87 1.19 0.00 0.00 0.93 (1.47) (1.22) (2.04) 0.69 4.29 (0.54) (1.23) (5.26) (1.75) (0.41) (2.44) 0.00 0.00 0.53 0.68 0.00 0.51 (0.14) 3.08 0.00 (0.19)

276,000 191,000 3,046,000 2,404,100 45,000 1,203,000 2,000 4,420,000 390,000 13,387,000 55,000 8,000,000 2,382,000 7,717,000 5,000 35,000 30,240,000 5,530,000 6,008,000 1,000 1,053,800 364,000 2,100 1,844,300 44,861,700 152,000 41,000 5,818,700

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. I.C.T.S.I. Information Capital Tech. IPeople Inc. `A’ IP Converge IP E-Game Ventures Inc. IPVG Corp. ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Macroasia Corp. Manila Jockey Metro Pacific Tollways Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Puregold STI Holdings Touch Solutions Yehey

1.92 32.30 1.32 0.620 9.05 13.98 0.1580 7.20 62.00 10.76 5.28 1060.00 1135.00 8.50 70.00 0.405 7.60 2.45 0.026 0.82 2.5200 8.50 2.71 2.70 6.00 13.88 5.10 3.14 82.00 13.94 2510.00 0.315 30.90 1.09 4.06 1.150

SERVICES 1.92 1.90 32.80 31.70 1.33 1.28 0.620 0.610 9.50 9.50 14.26 13.96 0.1600 0.1530 7.70 7.10 63.40 62.00 10.76 10.76 5.28 5.15 1070.00 1060.00 1140.00 1128.00 8.60 8.45 70.05 69.95 0.405 0.400 7.70 7.60 2.60 2.21 0.027 0.025 0.91 0.80 2.4200 2.4000 8.67 8.48 2.71 2.71 2.85 2.70 6.00 6.00 13.90 13.88 5.10 5.00 3.22 3.06 82.00 82.00 13.98 13.44 2580.00 2510.00 0.325 0.310 32.65 31.00 1.14 1.08 6.00 6.00 1.150 1.140

1.92 31.70 1.30 0.620 9.50 13.96 0.1550 7.10 63.00 10.76 5.28 1070.00 1128.00 8.60 70.00 0.405 7.70 2.59 0.026 0.81 2.4200 8.64 2.71 2.75 6.00 13.90 5.02 3.13 82.00 13.98 2550.00 0.310 32.45 1.08 6.00 1.140

0.00 (1.86) (1.52) 0.00 4.97 (0.14) (1.90) (1.39) 1.61 0.00 0.00 0.94 (0.62) 1.18 0.00 0.00 1.32 5.71 0.00 (1.22) (3.97) 1.65 0.00 1.85 0.00 0.14 (1.57) (0.32) 0.00 0.29 1.59 (1.59) 5.02 (0.92) 47.78 (0.87)

84,000 360,600 124,000 2,050,000 2,700 3,988,400 35,060,000 1,201,900 418,430 2,000 75,900 80 92,550 525,100 3,007,780 110,000 9,000 44,000 26,500,000 3,752,000 19,000 494,800 56,000 741,000 4,000 10,700 46,300 2,666,000 5,250 9,300,100 139,210 1,510,000 4,965,900 121,755,000 1,000 42,000

Abra Mining Apex `B’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Basic Energy Corp. Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp. United Paragon

0.0059 4.70 17.40 24.85 0.275 20.20 20.00 1.00 1.07 16.44 0.54 0.980 1.060 0.0630 0.0620 16.68 5.35 0.6100 3.580 0.0190 0.0190 5.90 13.40 26.90 0.040 220.00 0.0180

MINING & OIL 0.0059 0.0058 4.60 4.52 17.40 17.32 24.95 24.80 0.280 0.275 20.80 20.00 20.00 20.00 1.00 1.00 1.08 1.06 17.50 15.98 0.59 0.52 0.990 0.960 1.050 1.020 0.0630 0.0610 0.0620 0.0620 16.70 16.56 6.00 5.30 0.6100 0.6000 3.590 3.450 0.0190 0.0180 0.0200 0.0190 5.92 5.80 13.34 13.22 27.00 26.00 0.042 0.040 220.00 219.60 0.0190 0.0180

0.0058 4.52 17.36 24.95 0.275 20.80 20.00 1.00 1.07 16.80 0.52 0.960 1.040 0.0620 0.0620 16.56 5.49 0.6100 3.480 0.0190 0.0190 5.80 13.28 27.00 0.040 219.80 0.0180

(1.69) (3.83) (0.23) 0.40 0.00 2.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.19 (3.70) (2.04) (1.89) (1.59) 0.00 (0.72) 2.62 0.00 (2.79) 0.00 0.00 (1.69) (0.90) 0.37 0.00 (0.09) 0.00

256,000,000 60,000 243,600 500 1,410,000 16,500 10,000 2,823,000 2,005,000 50,500 8,502,000 19,987,000 5,798,000 236,500,000 19,120,000 383,600 29,000 543,000 345,000 59,600,000 20,300,000 11,100 1,451,300 91,600 401,800,000 18,670 142,500,000

259,600.00

31.25 522.00 101.60 8.70 107.90 75.00 75.50 75.40 1013.00 1.34

(2.34) 0.38 0.00 1.16 1.79 0.00 0.33 0.07 0.30 (2.90)

3,147,900 20 10,000 1,439,500 133,560 290,490 7,350 17,370 19,600 412,000

(59,383,595.00)

1.40

(3.45)

9,000

(1,610.00)

4.72 42.00 18.98 0.78 10.92 102.80 0.5300 24.00 82.50 10.60 9.70 1750.00 1270.00 11.00 77.00 0.98 6.80 4.70 34.50 3.87 5.1900 10.30 3.96 4.08 9.60 22.95 8.58 3.39 71.00 17.88 2886.00 0.39 30.15

1.20 24.80 1.05 0.45 7.30 4.45 0.1010 5.20 60.80 8.20 5.44 800.00 831.00 6.18 43.40 0.36 4.30 1.75 0.036 1.00 2.550 5.90 2.70 1.21 6.50 13.80 5.35 1.05 18.00 12.10 2096.00 0.25 10.68

4.75

3.30

0.0083 6.22 20.80 48.00 0.345 29.00 34.00 2.23

0.0038 3.00 14.50 20.00 0.170 19.98 21.20 1.05

61.80 1.21 1.81 2.070 0.085 0.840 36.50 12.84 1.100 8.40 0.032 0.033 7.05 28.25 48.00 0.062 257.80 0.029

6.96 0.50 1.0600 1.0900 0.042 0.570 15.04 2.91 0.008 2.99 0.014 0.014 5.10 18.40 3.00 0.017 161.10 0.015

50.00 580.00 109.80 11.02 116.70

23.05 535.00 101.50 6.00 108.90

1050.00 6.00

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `A’ First Phil. Hldgs.-Pref. GMA Holdings Inc. PCOR-Preferred SMC Preferred A 74.50 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C 1000.00 SMPFC Preferred 0.87 Swift Pref

32.00 520.00 101.60 8.60 106.00 75.00 75.25 75.35 1010.00 1.38

1.31

0.62

1.45

80.00

Megaworld Corp. Warrants

PREFERRED 31.95 522.00 101.60 8.75 107.90 75.00 75.50 75.40 1013.00 1.39

69.90 94.00 54.00 2.04 19.70 27.50 0.73 480.00 21.50 98.00 85.95 85.20 385.00 54.50 160.80 1010.00 111.90 2.18

69.90 95.95 54.25 2.04 19.80 27.60 0.73 480.00 21.50 98.15 86.90 85.20 386.00 55.00 163.60 1010.00 111.90 2.18

0.00 (0.05) (0.82) 3.03 (1.00) 0.00 (3.95) 1.05 2.38 0.15 1.16 0.00 (0.52) (0.54) 0.99 (0.98) (0.09) (0.91)

5,640,100 1,543,540 131,050 5,000 231,800 668,100 1,000 100 5,700 1,030,950 1,721,340 630 13,870 556,640.00 541,730 300 426,410 354,000

79,920,216.00 67,184,726.00 41,939.00

34.73 6.80 2.11 1.32 18.10 4.05 3.02 11.96 7.03 8.81 1.80 23.40 94.00 18.00 0.0230 3.90 104.60 9.30 44.10 13.20 5.20 5.35 31.80 15.280 254.80 5.38 10.50 10.80 8.88 4.10 2.60 4.80 34.00 108.90 243.00 1.55 1.73 0.154 1.89 1.08 78.00 1.18 1.11 7.90 1.70

35.00 6.80 2.19 1.35 19.50 4.05 3.07 11.98 7.07 8.98 1.80 23.45 94.40 18.00 0.0240 3.90 106.80 9.40 46.00 13.24 5.69 5.60 32.00 15.280 255.20 5.40 10.50 10.80 9.10 4.11 2.60 4.80 34.00 109.10 244.80 1.65 1.73 0.154 2.00 1.10 78.00 1.22 1.11 7.90 1.70

0.29 (1.31) 4.29 1.50 3.83 (11.96) 1.66 0.00 (0.14) 2.05 0.56 (0.42) 0.00 4.65 0.00 (1.27) 1.71 (0.53) 15.00 (0.15) 0.00 3.51 (0.16) (0.13) 0.08 (0.55) (0.94) 0.00 2.25 0.24 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.09) 0.08 (7.30) (2.26) (1.28) 0.50 (1.79) 0.00 (2.40) (1.77) (2.47) (0.58)

3,477,800 48,900 13,634,000 549,000 30,100 15,000 512,000 4,300 19,821,900 3,595,400 24,000 1,146,400 808,300 1,000 143,100,000 59,000 702,060 358,600 900 2,274,700 63,500 9,300 3,663,500 436,600 1,313,050 2,158,900 2,271,900 22,500 461,500 603,000 8,000 5,000 44,100 320,510 8,010 13,000 36,000 1,890,000 65,000 17,050,000 945,440 4,818,000 2,547,000 200 3,215,000

21,359,505.00

31.20 522.00 101.60 8.45 104.10 74.95 75.50 75.35 1012.00 1.34

WARRANTS & BONDS 1.47 1.40

(198,000.00) 884,200.00

19,612,543.50 38,452,035.00

386,800.00 (5,669,880.50) 42,850,907.00 (18,775,655.00) (66,600.00)

8,691,050.00

(459,364.00) 1,257,770.00

62,202,547.00 3,616,060.00

11,367,780.00 8,741,221.00

2,400.00 (132,880.00) (4,838,453.00) 186,200.00

4,521,790.00 4,724,640.00

(248,299,354.00) (7,610,698.00) (9,558.00) 43,200.00 860,010.00 611,480.00

4,897,900.00 (1,520,968.00) (21,700.00) 198,800.00 (10,383,094.50) 33,900.00

28,810,060.00 18,326,690.00 (42,463,798.00)

(22,000.00) 40,617,550.00 51,532,057.50 (3,732,860.00)

1,278,870.00

(64,286,345.00) (3,293,451.00) 1,707,100.00 (40,000.00) (29,386,520.00) (121,144.00)

134,020,675.00 (286,000.00)

(31,000.00)

(14,910.00) (9,445,855.00) 5,026,006.00

(439,040.00) 400,640.00 (7,265,050.00)

(5,850.00) (3,361,410.00)

(3,319,464.00) (30,000.00)

2,588,183.00 (12,283,756.00) 3,370,135.00

13,000.00

(11,733,378.00) 78,000.00 (188,250.00) 882,885.50

(23,178,795.00)

87,486.50

12,900.00 15,610.00 259,600.00

(1,157,350.00)

6,096.00 395,200.00 33,620.00 (60,526,914.00) (45,371,770.00)

88,185,960.00 (5,039,940.00)

599,588.00

(200,000.00) (1,300,000.00)

(1,299,320.00)

(142,600.00) 1,016,024.00 (6,000.00)

521,904.00 681,870.00 220,000.00 (719,650.00) (50,400.00)

352,450.00

(13,491,750.00)

[email protected] [email protected]

Business

ManilaStandardToday Manila

New policy reduces sales of meat traders By Othel V. Campos

MEAT traders said Tuesday the implementation of a new meat import policy that imposes double standards on frozen and fresh meats affected their profit margins in 2012. “We continue to hope for good returns for our investment. The government is imposing double standards on fresh and frozen meats which we find unfair and this has greatly affected sales in the past months,” Meat

Importers and Traders Association president Jesus Cham said. Cham said the government refused to allow the sale of poor man’s meat like offal, pig’s mask [face], ear parts and innards like liver and intestines at wet markets if they were not stored inside chillers. He said this might lead smaller imported meat traders to close shop. “Never mind the premium meat cuts, they have a niche market, but a portion of imported meat goes to the lower segment, to low-end consumers. The government is depriving them of cheaper protein choices,” said Cham. The Agriculture Department earlier issued Administrative Order No. 6, which prohibits the display of imported frozen meat on meat stands in the wet markets. Sellers of imported

frozen meat are required to have a chiller where the frozen products should be kept for hygienic purposes. Meanwhile, Administrative Order No. 5 regulates the conduct of sale of fresh meats in the wet markets. The measure allows for the display of freshly slaughtered meat products for up to eight hours. Meat traders and importers said the new rules governing the sale of frozen and fresh meat products in the wet markets discriminated against frozen meat. “While Administrative Order No. 6 series of 2012 is an improvement over AO 22 affecting frozen meat, AO 5 that was concurrently issued by the government is not consumer-oriented and tend to be more favorable to local hog producers,” said Cham.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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Cirtek’s net profit rises 25% to $2.9m By Alena Mae S. Flores L A G U N A - B A S E D semiconductor manufacturer Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. said net income in the first nine months grew 25 percent year-onyear to $2.9 million. The company said it achieved the growth despite a challenging global environment and flat growth for global semiconductor billings in the last three quarters. Consolidated revenue in the nine-month period improved 9 percent to $29.8 million from the same period last year. Cirtek said in a statement the January-September period this year was difficult for the global semiconductor industry as weak economic conditions in

major markets reduced demand for electronic products using semiconductor device. The company is cautious about the industry outlook for the next two quarters, as it expects demand to be “weighed down by macroeconomic weakness.” Cirtek noted that the wireless communication and smaller industry segments registered growth in 2012. However, depressed demand in PC and peripherals pulled down the overall semiconductor market. Cirtek said growth over the last nine months was driven mainly by customer- and application-specific packages, the company’s core expertise. At least 65 percent of Cirtek’s output was attributed to customer-specific packages.

BCDA accolade.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority chairman Felicito Payumo (fourth from left) shows off the trophy as finalist in the search for the most admired board of the Asia CEO Awards held recently at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre. The BCDA is the lone government firm cited by the award-giving body in a group of finalists which belong to the private sector. Shown (from left) are BCDA corporate secretary Peter Paul Andrew Flores, BCDA vice chairman, president and chief executive Arnel Paciano Casanova and BCDA director Aurora Geotina-Garcia, Teresita Desierto, Elmar Gomez, Zorayda Amelia Alonzo and Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez (Ret). The BCDA board has the mandate of accelerating the conversion of former US military bases in Clark and Subic, and their extensions in Camp John Hay and Poro Point, into productive economic uses.

Politics first IT WILL probably take a miracle for the controversial RH bill to see the light of day, seeing that our honorable congressmen have become busy with their pre-campaign activities, Happy Hour regulars commented. Not farfetched, considering that Speaker Sonny Belmonte, by his own admission, had to “appeal” to his colleagues just so they would have a quorum to tackle the proposed measure. Happily though, some 174 congressmen showed up, so at least that’s one minor “miracle.” No wonder Pangasinan Rep. Kimi Cojuangco lost her cool, tweeting her frustration over the delay. Speculations are also strong that the vaunted “Catholic vote” is probably the reason why some Reps are afraid to show their support for something that is long overdue and definitely necessary considering the growing number of children that keep getting added to our burgeoning population. Surveys have also shown that majority of Catholic Filipinos want more population management options, especially the mothers who are dying due to childbirth, and parents who have no clear means to feed their growing brood. Besides, hasn’t Doc/DOH chief/Senator Johnny Flavier proven that there is no such thing as a “Catholic command vote?” Those old enough can still recall how the Catholic Church campaigned against senatoriable Johnny who was pushing strongly for condoms and population control. Result? He came out number two. So there. Let’s hope that this time, legislators will stop the practice of “politics first.” Firm wins Frustrated Banco Filipino depositors are hoping that the Court of Appeals’ Nov. 21 decision by Associate Justice Noel Tijam overturning an earlier decision that ordered the Bangko Sentral to reopen the Aguirre bank would see the end of their woes. The legal imbroglio involving Banco Filipino has been on for over two decades, with the bank ordered closed in 1985, then opened again in 1994 on the strength of a 1991 Supreme Court order annulling a closure order by the BSP, only to be issued a closure order again in 2010 after examination teams found the bank unable to pay its liabilities plus the failure of management to restore the bank back to financial health. The Tijam ruling is certainly another feather in the cap of CVC Law, known by its moniker “The Firm.” The bank had earlier accused the BSP of spreading false rumors, and an alleged “smear campaign” by the regulator, as a reason why it has been unable to get back on its feet. Additionally, Banco Filipino also claimed it was denied due process, imputing that there was undue haste on the part of BSP in issuing the closure order. The Court of Appeals, however, thought otherwise, saying that on the contrary, the bank’s directors and officials were present in both the pre-exit and exit conferences held by the BSP, making it clear that due process was observed, and that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the BSP. Happy Hour observers said the new CA ruling is rather clear as to what the ponente thought of the bank and its majority shareholders—that they were only after the “selfish” recovery of their investments, and that none of them were willing to put their money where their mouth are, simply relying on government dole to fund the bank’s rehabilitation proposal worth P45 billion. From head to tush That is how bad, as some Happy Hour quarters describe, would be this great mogul’s position if and when the rumored acquisition by a mestizo-owned entity of the mogul’s long established corporation pushes through. From being the majority owner (close to 90 percent, sources say), Mr. Mogul will become a minority shareholder (less than a quarter) of the fattened, newly-merged business entity. Whoever Mr. Mogul has trusted to broker this deal—which has reportedly been brewing for a lengthy period—may not have had the business honcho’s best interest in mind. According to insiders, his so-called trusted lieutenants had allegedly agreed that the boss will not sit on the board, nor will he be given positions in any committee at all. The quid pro quo, the same sources claim, is that Mr. Mogul’s minority shareholdings will be valued at over $1.5 billion before the year ends, plus an annual dividend of P1.5 billion. But then, is it really just about the money? From being the head, the mogul could end up at the tush of an elephant, the sympathetic sources commented. However, the supposedly trusted (and trustworthy) brokers seem to feel it’s worth it all. Well, the business tycoon might just spring a surprise that could make his people put their heads between their—er… legs, just to make it clear he’s still in control. For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may e-mail to [email protected].

7-Eleven expands to food business CONVENIENCE store chain 7-Eleven’s new growth initiative takes franchise ownership to more profitable levels by maximizing the c-store’s earnings with its latest expansion to food service. The expansion aims to provide enhanced convenience, better services and wider choices among time-strapped shoppers and diners. Philippine Seven Corp.’s recent food expansion and fastfood dining format also allowed for additional revenue flows for operators, as they can earn more by having “two” viable business formats within one store, and for only the price of one franchise. It said through the adoption of these enhancements, franchisees could expect predictable cash flow from a variety of sources instead of just relying on traditional service or products offered. Philippine Seven said through its exclusive local licensee, the bigger push towards food expansion and fastfood concept positioned 7-Eleven into a more competitive and highly viable investment. It said besides bringing value-added convenience to customers, the initiative and the significant changes have made the brand fully attuned to changing consumer needs, as well as made it a more rewarding option for franchisees. The company said aside from better shopping ambiance through a revitalized open-dining layout and island food table, the “widened” food selection included the incorporation of local flavors such as popular street food fares, rice meals and green salads. It said in addition to these popular grab-and-go food and product offerings, 7-Eleven outlets also espoused the company’s “Store of the Future” energy-efficient functional design as part of its value-added shopping conveniences.

Eurozone, IMF reach agreement to cut Greek debt, extend $40.8b BRUSSELS—The 17 European Union nations that use the euro have struck an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a program to reduce Greek debt and put Athens on the way to get the next installment of its much-needed bailout loans. The first disbursement is set to take place Dec. 13, said JeanClaude Juncker, head of the eurogroup of finance ministers, after Tuesday’s decision. Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, said markets should pay heed. “It will certainly reduce the uncertainty and strengthen confidence in Europe and in Greece.” This was the third time in the last two weeks that finance ministers from the eurozone had tried to hammer out a deal on the next installment of bailout money—some €44.6

billion ($57.8 billion). In Athens, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras welcomed it as a great victory. “As Greeks, we fought together. And tomorrow a new day begins for all Greeks.” And the EU lauded all Greeks for holding their country back from the brink. “We strongly believe in the Greek capacity to recover. The Greek people are courageous people. They are willing to bring their country back on the path of growth,” Juncker said. The so-called troika of the European Central Bank, IMF and the European Commission, which is the 27-country EU’s executive arm, have twice agreed to bail out Greece, pledging a total of €240 billion ($310 billion) in rescue loans —of which the country has received about €150 billion ($195 billion) so far. In return

for its bailout loans, Greece has had to impose several rounds of austerity measures and submit its economy to scrutiny. Greece is predicted to enter its sixth year of recession shortly and has a quarter of its workforce out of a job, and there had been fears it might be forced to drop out of the eurozone, destabilizing other countries in the process. The main aim of the bailout program is to right Greece’s economy and get it to a point where it can independently raise money on the debt markets. It has been clear for months that the country is far from achieving that goal. The talks have centered on trying to get Greece back on the path to sustainability by reaching an agreement on how the country’s debt load can be reduced. AP

Robinsons tree lighting.

Robinsons Place Manila held the traditional ceremonial lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree at the Midtown Atrium, highlighted with the turnover of the gift of change donation cans to the residents of Jaime Cardinal Sin Village, which is under the auspices of the Serviam Foundation. Robinsons Land Corp. general manager for commercial centers division Arlene Magtibay (second from left) turned over the donation cans to Father Richard Babao, parochial vicar of Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila and the representative of Jaime Cardinal Sin Village. Shown during the ceremony are Robinsons Place Manila group property manager Dollie Jacinto-Bufi (left) and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim (right).

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Manila Standard TODAY

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Syrian rebels seize major dam in north By Bassem Mroue

BEIRUT—Syrian rebels on Monday captured a hydroelectric dam on the Euphrates River in the country’s north after days of heavy clashes, carting off boxes of ammunition from defeated regime forces in the latest in a string of recent strategic advances for opposition fighters, activists said. Also Monday, activists said rebels and pro-government Kurdish gunmen struck a truce to end days of fighting in the town of Ras al-Ayn near the border with

Turkey that opposition forces entered earlier this month. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said rebel fighters overran

regime defenses and captured the Tishrin Dam, near the town of Manbij, before dawn Monday. Observatory director Rami Abdul-Rahman said the dam supplies several areas of Syria with electricity. “This is a major blow to the regime,” said Abdul-Rahman by telephone, describing the dam as “strategic location” on the Euphrates, which flows from Turkey through Syria and into Iraq. The rebels have scored a series of hard-fought strategic advances recently, perhaps even seizing the momentum in their relentless battle of topple President Bashar Assad’s regime. On Sunday, they

captured a regime helicopter base outside Damascus before pulling back for fear of government airstrikes. Amateur videos posted online showed gunmen inside the dam’s operations room as an employee sat in front of five screens speaking by telephone about the level of water behind the dam. Another video showed gunman in front of dozens of green wooden boxes apparently full of munitions. A gunman opened one of the boxes showing that it contained hand grenades. “The Free Syrian Army has fully liberated the Tishrin Dam,” one of the rebels could be heard saying. AP

IN BRIEF

HK parking spots costly HONG KONG—Investors looking for new places to park their cash in Hong Kong are driving up prices for parking spaces, sparking fears of a bubble in the Asian financial center. Prices for parking spots in Hong Kong are nearing historic highs, the side effect of government curbs to cool the housing market amid worries of overheating. Over the weekend, a developer sold about 500 parking spots at a new suburban apartment complex at prices up to 1.3 million Hong Kong dollars ($167,000) per space. In a commercial building near the city’s financial district on Hong Kong Island, an investor has put 34 parking spaces on sale for HK$100 million ($1.3 million), according to a report last week in the Ming Pao newspaper. On Thursday, a single parking spot in a building in the popular Mid-Levels residential neighborhood will be auctioned off with the opening bid at HK$680,000 ($87,740). Second-hand parking spaces changed hands in the third quarter for an average of HK$640,000 ($82,580). That’s up 16.4 percent over the year before, according to research by property company Centaline.parking and that would help the car park investment go even more crazy,” he said. AP

BERLIN—Fourteen people were killed and eight injured Monday when a fire broke out at a workshop for disabled people in Germany’s Black Forest region, authorities said. Scores had to be rescued from the building as it quickly filled with smoke. More than 100 firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze, which began at the complex in

Wal-Mart disowns Bangladesh garments DHAKA—The garment factory in Bangladesh where a weekend fire killed at least 112 people had been making clothes for Wal-Mart without the giant US retailer’s knowledge, Wal-Mart said. Wal-Mart said the Tazreen Fashions Ltd. factory was no longer authorized to produce merchandise for Wal-Mart but that a supplier subcontracted

work to it “in direct violation of our policies.” “Today, we have terminated the relationship with that supplier,” America’s biggest retailer said in a statement Monday. “The fact that this occurred is extremely troubling to us, and we will continue to work across the apparel industry to improve fire safety education and training in Bangladesh.”

The blaze on Saturday was one of the deadliest fires at a garment factory in Bangladesh and highlighted how the country’s garment factories often ignore safety in the rush to supply major retailers in the US and Europe. More than 300 people have died over the past six years in garment factory fires in the South Asian country.

Titisee-Neustadt early in the afternoon, said Markus Straub, a spokesman for local firefighters. Ambulances raced to the scene as smoke poured from the windows of the modern, three-story center in one of the country’s deadliest blazes in recent memory. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is “shocked” about the loss of so many lives, her spokesman said on Twitter. AP

Firefighters try to extinguish flames in a workshop for disabled people in Titisee-Neustadt, southwestern Germany, Monday. AP

Syrian rebels (center) stand next to weapons that were captured from the 46th Regiment base which was a major pillar of the government’s force, near the northern city of Aleppo, Syria. Syrian rebels on Monday captured a hydroelectric dam on the Euphrates River in the country’s north after days of heavy clashes, carting off boxes of ammunition and notching the latest in a string of recent strategic advances for opposition fighters, activists said. AP

Cyber Monday sales to rise

NEW YORK—Americans clicked away on their computers and smartphones for deals on Cyber Monday, which is expected to be the biggest online shopping day in history. Shoppers are expected to spend $1.5 billion on Cyber Monday, up 20 percent from last year, according to research firm comScore. That would not only make it the biggest online shopping day of the year, but the biggest since comScore started tracking shoppers’ online buying habits in 2001. Online shopping was up 28.4 percent on Cyber Monday compared with the same time period a year ago, according to figures released late Monday by IBM Benchmark, which tracks online sales. Sales from mobile devices, which include tablets, rose 10.1 percent. The group does not track dollar amount sales. The strong start to Cyber Monday, a term coined in 2005 by a shopping trade group that noticed people were doing a lot of shopping on their work computers on the Monday following Thanksgiving, comes after overall online sales rose significantly during the four-day holiday shopping weekend that began on Thanksgiving. “Online’s piece of the holiday pie is growing every day, and all the key dates are growing with it,” said Forrester Research analyst Sucharita Mulpuru. AP

14 dead, eight injured in German center fire

Survivors of the weekend fire said an exit door was locked, fire extinguishers didn’t work and apparently were there just to impress inspectors, and that when the fire alarm went off, bosses told workers to return to their sewing machines. Victims were trapped or jumped to their deaths from the eightstory building, which had no emergency exits. AP

Experts exhume Arafat’s remains

RAMALLAH, West Bank— The remains of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat were exhumed from his grave on Tuesday so international forensic experts could search for additional clues to his death, Palestinian officials said. The remains were taken from the massive mausoleum in the West Bank city of Ramallah where Arafat was buried and moved to a nearby mosque so Palestinian doctors could take samples from his bones, the officials said. Under Islam, only Muslims can handle a Muslim’s remains. The samples will be handed over to French, Swiss and Russian experts who have flown in for the exhumation and who will examine them in their home countries, the officials said. Earlier, samples were also taken from Arafat’s bedroom, office and personal belongings, they said. The Palestinian officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media. AP

Sandy costs NY, New Jersey $32b in damage and loss US socialite to lose honorary consul title SEOUL—South Korea will revoke an honorary title given to an American socialite tied to a scandal involving former CIA director David Petraeus, officials said Tuesday. Jill Kelley, the Tampa, Florida, socialite, m i s u s e d her title as South Korean honorary consul by raising it in unspecified personal business dealings, a Foreign Ministry official in Seoul said. The official, who declined to be named because the matter is still being discussed, wouldn’t elaborate and said it’s not clear when the title will be revoked. Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Kyou-hyun told South Korean reporters during a visit to Washington that Kelley

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inappropriately used her title for personal gain. “It’s not suitable to the status of honorary consul that [she] sought to be involved in commercial projects and peddle influence,” Kim said, according to Yonhap news agency. Kelley, 37, unraveled the scandal involving Petraeus that emerged in early November. Kelley— who lives in a waterfront mansion along one of Tampa’s toniest streets— had complained to an FBI agent that she had received threatening emails telling her to stay away from Petraeus, who once commanded Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Petraeus got to know Kelley through parties and events around Tampa. AP

ALBANY, New York—Top political leaders in New York put their heads together Monday on big requests for federal disaster aid as Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that Superstorm Sandy ran up a bill of $32 billion in the state and the nation’s largest city. The cost is for repairs and restoration and does not include an additional accounting of over $9 billion to head off damage in the next disastrous storm, including steps to protect the power grid and cellphone network. “It’s common sense; it’s intelligent,” Cuomo said. “Why don’t you spend some money now to save money in the future?

And that’s what prevention and mitigation is.” New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg had announced earlier in the day that Sandy caused $19 billion in losses in New York City—part of the $32billion estimate Cuomo used. New York taxpayers, Cuomo said, can’t foot the bill. “It would incapacitate the state. ...Tax increases are always a last, last, last resort.” Cuomo met with New York’s congressional delegation to discuss the new figures and present “less than a wish list.” The delegation, Cuomo and Bloomberg will now draw up a

request for federal disaster aid. States typically get 75 percent reimbursement for the cost of governments to restore mass transit and other services after a disaster. Hard times were already facing the state and city governments that were staring at deficits of more than $1 billion before Sandy hit in late October. State tax receipts have also missed projections, showing a continued slow recovery from a recession that could hit taxpayers in the governments’ budgets this spring. And there’s the looming fiscal cliff, the combination of expiring federal tax cuts and major spending cuts that could rattle the economy. AP

Kidney transplant pioneer Murray dies BOSTON—Dr. Joseph E. Murray, who performed the world’s first successful kidney transplant and won a Nobel Prize for his pioneering work, has died at age 93. Murray suffered a stroke at his suburban Boston home on Thanksgiving and died at Brigham and Women’s Hospital on Monday, hospital spokesman Tom Langford said. Since the first kidney transplants on identical twins, hundreds of thousands of transplants on a variety of organs have been performed worldwide. Murray shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990 with Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, who

won for his work in bone marrow transplants. “Kidney transplants seem so routine now,” Murray told The New York Times after he won the Nobel. “But the first one was like Lindbergh’s flight across the ocean.” Murray’s breakthroughs did not come without criticism, from ethicists and religious leaders. Some people “felt that we were playing God and that we shouldn’t be doing all of these, quote, experiments on human beings,” he told The Associated Press in a 2004 interview in which he also spoke out in favor of stem cell research. AP

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Manila Standard TODAY

The Younghusband Football Academy (TYFA) Director Phil Younghusband at the newly-launched WoodGrove Park Football Field in San Fernando, Pampanga

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WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012 [email protected] Gianna Maniego, Editor Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor

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From Left: The Younghusband Football Academy (TYFA) Director James Younghusband, Central Weyland Properties, Inc. (CWPI) Executive VP Dely Fernandez, TYFA Director Phil Younghusband, Landco Pacific Corporation (LPC) VP for Sales Albert Villa-Real, CWPI President Dr. Leopoldo Lazatin

Kicking it off at

WOODGROVE

By Bernadette Lunas

PHIL and James Younghusband, without a doubt the country’s two most popular football players, were around to inaugurate the official size football field of Landco’s Woodgrove Park in San Fernando, Pampanga. The football field is less than an hour away from Metro Manila.

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IT WAS in the Singapore leg of the three-nation Wine Fiesta organized by The Straits Wine Company that I met the charismatic Francesco Ricasoli, the 32th generation of probably the oldest wine family (dating back to 1141) that still exists today. Inventor of the Chianti Blend Not only were the Ricasoli direct ancestors pioneering winegrowers, Francesco´s great grandfather, the first Prime Minister of a united Italy, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, was also the inventor of the Chianti formulation in the late 19th century. Baron Bettino Ricasoli created the Chianti blend using 70 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Canaiolo and 15 percent Malvasia, that eventually became the regional standard as decreed by the Italian government for its 1967 established Chianti DOC, with Chianti Classico being a subdenomination. Chianti as a wine region has fortunately or unfortunately been so associated with the fiasco – the short round bottle covered in straw basket (that we still see being displayed and hanging in the backdrop of pseudo-Italian restaurants in the country). Though the Chianti fiascos sold commercially huge volumes in the late 20th century partly because of price, many were often sadly not very good. Chianti Classico would eventually be segregated from the greater Chianti region, and in 1996, Chianti Classico DOCG got its own production code that further distinguished itself from the generic Chiantis. In 2002 the Chianti Classico region approved that their DOCG wine should contain minimum of 80% Sangiovese, with the balance coming from other varietals including

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popular French varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, as well as white varietals Malvasia and Trebbiano. More recently the rule was amended to exclude all white varietals in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Reviving the Ricasoli Heritage The Barone Ricasoli winery is experiencing an era of unprecedented growth and progress since returning to the fold of the rightful heir, the 32th generation Francesco Ricasoli. At one point in their history, the Ricasoli winery and brand name were sold to giant corporations Seagrams, then Hardys from the 1970s to early 1990s. The sale did not include the vineyards and the historical castle (the Castello di Brolio). It was in 1993 that Francesco Ricasoli bought back the winery and the rights to his own eponymous brand once more, and at a bargain at that, because those years under a different management, the Ricasoli wines were financially challenged. Francesco immediately put huge investments on the property, including vineyard replanting, restoration of the cellars and enhancement of the other structures. The validation of Francesco´s effort came very soon as the Gambero Rosso Wine Guide gave the prestigious Best Winery of Italy award in 2002 to Ricasoli, less than a decade since Francesco took over. Gambero Rosso is the most influential food & wine magazine in Italy.

Guests had fun during the event, which was called the Grand Kick-Off. They were also treated to a football game between Phil and James’ team and the Landco team. There was cheer dancing entertainment courtesy of the National University pep squad. The attendees surely had fun and exciting time with family and friends during the Grand Kick-off, as the day proved to be eventful for everyone of all ages. Kids enjoyed swimming and other outdoor activities, complete with snacks like hotdogs, fries, popcorn, candies and soda. The football field, according to Landco Pacific Corporation vice president for sales Albert Villa-Real, is the very first in Pampanga and aims to promote and further strengthen the current “in” sport in the country. “With this football field, we are planning to host tournaments to promote the development, and also to bring customers,” says Burgos. Phil and James, Younghusband Football Academy founders and football stars, also expressed their support for the company’s effort. “Since Landco has been very supportive of football, in anyway they support it, we’ll be there to support them as well,” says James.

The sport facility offers a great opportunity for young kids to get to know the sport. It is a place where they can practice and develop their skills to become the country’s next football star. “One thing about sport is we need facility. And we are grateful at Landco for providing facility that gives the young an opportunity to learn and mature and in the long run, the more facility for sport, the better we can compete as a country around the world,” says Phil. “Whenever I see greeneries like this [football field] I really feel refreshed and happy,” shares Phil. True enough, the place is where you can not only run around and play football with your family and friends, but also an oasis you can go to to reenergize and breathe fresh air that is almost a scarcity in the metro. Situated in a high-end community where families spend time together, the football field can also be a tool to nurture ties between parents and their children. The football field is exclusive for the Woodgrove Park residents and their guests. Other amenities of the Landco development include Grand Ballroom, central park, junior Olympic-sized pool and kiddie pool, basketball courts, jogging trails, play area and the central greens.

had an animated discussion with Francesco on the original formulation made by his great grandfather, Baron Bettino Ricasoli. I was saying that whether it was wrong for the DOCG to change the original recipe made by his great grandfather, that now stipulates Sangiovese at minimum 80 percent of the blend, and only red varietals as balance (unlike the 70 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Canaiolo, and 15 percent Malvasia original Ricasoli recipe). I was hinting that the Ricasoli family´s proud ownership of the Chianti blend was being usurped. But Francesco was quick to respond. ¨They should have changed it even much earlier. People have to understand that times then were different, and we all have to adapt to these changes. The Chianti DOCG is right to change the blend and do this!¨ And this kind of wisdom is why Barone Ricasoli is back in the driver´s seat among the Chianti Classico elites! Tasting notes I tasted the three main wines of Barone Ricasoli The Castello di Brolio Francesco Ricasoli, 32th generation owner of and below are my notes: Chianti Classico: highest Barone Ricasoli at Wine Fiesta Singapore Barone Ricasoli Chianrated Chianti Classico ti 2011—`I have to confess Casual Chat with Francesco Classicos since the region´s incep- that this is my first basic Chianti Ricasoli tion, and its 96 point rating from wine in close to eight years now; First, I was elated that Franc- the highly revered Wine Spectator I see it in menus, but just never esco Ricasoli was in Singapore for its 2006 vintage is the highest orders it, because my experience when I was also participating in score given to a Chianti Classico has not been good; my impresThe Straits Wine Company Wine wine ever. When asked why he sion of Chianti is not only light Fiesta. This allowed me the op- made this wine, Francesco proudly but a diluted taste that can be too portunity to meet the man behind declared ¨I want Castello di Brolio grassy; so tasting this wine as Barone Ricasoli´s renewed vigor. to deliver the best Chianti Clas- Francesco insisted before I go to Francesco Ricasoli is proudest of sico terroir wine, as well as show the Chianti Classicos was a good his most premium wine, the Cas- elegance and a contemporary feel decision; the wine has very nice tello di Brolio. This wine was cre- to this region.¨ Francesco also re- fresh sour cherry nose, while still ated by Francesco in 2000, with called that the label of Castello di light, but has nice juicy elements the 1997 vintage as its initial of- Brolio was already made in 1934, to it, tannins are so approachfering. The Castello di Brolio is but was only rediscovered when he able and ends in a very pleasant one of the most acclaimed Chianti retook the winery in 1993. I also quaffable fruity finish; this is one

unpretentious wine that can be drunk alone … chilling the wine a bit can make it even better´ Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2010—`Brolio is one of Barone Ricasoli´s top selling labels due to its very friendly price and exceptional value for money; the nose is far more complex than the Chianti with racy raspberry, cinnamon, peppercorn and even coffee liqueur flavors, alcohol is a bit noticeable, it is nicely textured with a flinty finish´ Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico 2008 —`the flagship wine of Barone Ricasoli; it is by process already a Chianti Classico Riserva (the 24 months before release rule, among others), but as Francesco told me, this is more than a Riserva wine, it is a Castello di Brolio; the nose is dense and meaty, with stewed tomato, red cherry, medium-full bodied, some eucalyptus, sage and a long silky finish; this is definitely as good as advertised´ Chianti and Chianti Classicos are on an ambitious comeback trail, and it takes an old familiar name and winery, Barone Ricasoli, to lead the charge. Barone Ricasoli wines are locally distributed by The Straits Wine Company, with shop at the UPRC III Building, #2289 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City. You can reach them at (02)7571180, or visit their website at www. thestraitswinecompany.com. For comments, inquiries, wine event coverage, wine consultancy and other wine related concerns, please e-mail me at [email protected] . I am a proud member of the Federation Internationale des Journalists et Ecrivains du Vin et des Spiritueux or FIJEV since 2010. You can also follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/sherwinlao.

IDE INS

S AT’ WH

MAKE YOUR HOME COME TO LIFE

JUGGLING LIFE LIKE A SUPERMOM

Transform your living space to a new place with furnitures that won’t break the bank

TV personality Suzi Entrada-Abrera talks about how she juggles family, work and self.

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ManilaStandardToday Gianna Maniego, Editor Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor

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WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

sha.re/

home work relationships [email protected]

Watch out for unsafe toys By Ed Biado

ID LIVING: HOME MAKE YOUR

COME TO LIFE

A BLANK wall and an empty space: a call to transform living areas into unique and personal spaces. However exciting and fun this endeavor may sound, people are often intimidated when faced with the task of redecoration. Making sure that each element matches the overall dream design while staying within budget may seem daunting to the uninitiated. Housed inside a warehouse structure with a brightly designed and inviting façade, ID Living, which is located in Makati, is a new destination for everyone who seeks the best modern and stylish furniture and home accessories at affordable prices. “When our customers enter our store, we would like them to experience ease in visualizing the design ideas they have

in mind or giving them the best options of the furniture pieces they are looking for,” explains owner, Bertrand Ng. ID Living’s mission to provide “ideas for living” is best seen and felt at the second floor. The second floor has sample living spaces like a 2-sqm area with the bedroom, living room, and even the dining room all set in place. Its model displays and various sets feature contempo-

Of family, work, and self CELEBRITY mom Suzi Entrata-Abrera sure know how difficult it is to juggle work and family.. Suzi’s typical day starts at around three in the morning, as she has to prepare and rush for work. Being a celebrity mom, her calendar is full mostly of TV appearances and studio tapings. For Suzi, however, her family is her top priority. When she is done with work for the day, she picks up her daughters Leona, Jade and Nela from school. She also spends some quality time with them by hanging out in the school’s playground or in a park nearby. From time to time, she also cooks for Paolo, her husband for 11 years now. Aside from balancing her work and her family, Suzi also has to attend to her personal needs. This is why she tries to squeeze in working out into her busy schedule. “I do Barre 3, a combination of yoga, pilates and ballet. However, I’m not able to do this as often as I want to because of my schedule,” she said, adding that all these activities vary depending on her work load. Although Suzi considers her family as her primary source of happiness and takes pride in her job, the stress of her busy lifestyle also catches up with her at times. Her escape, she said, is spending some “metime” every once in a while. “What I consider as my metime is going to the salon. Believe it or not, I only go there once every two months and I spend almost half a day there to pamper myself. I have my hair colored and get my manipedi done. Sometimes, I also get a facial,” she said. Like most moms, Suzi sometimes feels a little guilty when indulging in her well-

rary takes on different areas of living spaces, designed to continuously inspire customers in their modern home design. The store also offers a wide selection of furniture. And if that’s not enough, ID Living is even further subdivided according to need such as the Flea Market section where customers can revel and choose from the multitude of decorative accesso-

ries sourced from around the world. Downstairs, you can find the Housewares, Storage, Kitchen, and Bath sec-

tions. Even your kids will be happy as there is a section devoted entirely to kidfriendly furniture.

The restaurateur who can’t cook

Supermom Suzi Abrera juggles time for family, work and self

deserved me-time. “There are times when, right in the middle of my mani-pedi, I would think about things that need to be done in the house like what to cook and when to do the laundry. I think it’s just the mother in us that makes us want to give the best to our families.” One way for moms to enjoy me-time at home is to do the laundry with Surf Aromatherapy Fabric Conditioner. It has 100% essential oils that not only give moms soft and great-smelling clothes, but also make them experience the relaxing and energizing effects of aromatherapy in every wash. Sometimes, with so many chores and errands to do, multitasking moms find it impossible to have their me-time. Another valuable tip Suzi shares is to ask for help. “Personally, I ask help from my husband with simple errands. Also, I know most moms feel embarrassed about hiring a yaya, but it’s okay. It doesn’t make us less of a mom,” she said. Suzi’s secret really is to give herself a much needed break from her responsibilities through different forms of relaxation. More importantly, these also make her feel recharged and give her renewed energy that she needs to become better as a career woman, a wife, and a mom.

CLOSE friends, colleagues and business partners of Manila’s iconic and perhaps most celebrated restaurateur Larry J Cruz recently gathered together to launch “Larry Can’t Cook,” the famed von vivant’s biography at Lorenzo’s Way, in Bonifacio Global City. Larry J Cruz, or LJC as he was fondly called by those close to him, was the brains behind revered local restaurants such as Café Adriatico, Café Havana, Fely J, Bollywood, Mojito Bay and Abe. Long before the advent of imported restaurant brands, LJC successfully created restaurant “brands” that offered not just great food, but establishments with a distinct ambiance and a palpable sense of the past or heritage as he himself was known to say. Unfortunately, LJC could not be around to witness the launch of the book he was very excited about as he wanted it to be useful to the young. LJC passed away in February 2008 in the US where he was undergoing medical treatment. The book “Larry Can’t Cook,” published by Anvil, chronicles the journey of LJC as he blazed the trails for the local restaurant industry, opening a total of 35 restaurants, majority of which paid tribute to Philippine cuisine; the many challenges that he encountered along the way; and how he helped shape the taste of a generation of Filipino diners who come to his restaurants not just to enjoy good food, but to bask in the distinct ambiance of each of his establishments. For those who would like to get a hold of the book, LJC-RCBC Bankard Mastercard is giving away a complimentary copy to whoever will apply and get approved for a new card from now until Dec. 31. This credit card is the only dining card developed for patrons of LJC restaurants, because

LJC Restaurant Group VP and treasurer Merle dela Peña, Bankard president and CEO Oscar Biason, LJC Restaurant Group president Lorna Ambas, LJC Restaurant Group SVP for finance and administration Eugene Billones and MasterCard VP for market development Ailea Zialcita.

they get rebates every time they use it at any of their favorite dining place. In his foreword to the book, Bankard president and chief executive Oscar Biason said that the LJC Group of Restaurants has always stood for excellence and this is the common ground from which the LJC-RCBC Bankard MasterCard was born. Biason was among those who joined close friends in remembering their last encounters with “the restaurateur who can’t cook”, recalling his endless passion for good food and fine dining and his enduring affair with the written word. All in all, it was a celebration put together the way the great LJC would have it -- great food enjoyed in a rich and comforting ambiance, peppered with intimate conversations among friends.

TOYS and games provide kids with hours upon hours of fun and excitement. This holiday season, your young ones might be receiving presents in the form of playthings from family, relatives and friends. But are all these toys safe for them to use? T h e common misconception is that items bought at major retailers and those that are manufactured by known brands are generally hazard-free. Besides, most of them come with warnings and whatnot to help parents decide if they’re suitable for their children to play with. We immediately assume that every toy has been reviewed and approved by whoever is in charge of toy safety. However, that’s not always the case. The United Statesbased Public Interest Research Group, an independent review board, recently released “Trouble in Toyland 2012,” the 27th edition of its annual toy safety report. The firm analyzed 200 toys from big merchants and dollar stores to determine which ones don’t follow regulations and pose potential dangers to the user. The Dora Tunes Guitar from Fisher Price, which is rated 4.5 stars (out of five) on the Toys R’ Us website, is named in the list for emitting sound five decibels beyond the recommended safefor-kids limit. Experts say that children exposed to frequencies higher than 80 decibels negatively impact their auditory sense, possibly resulting in some form of premature hearing loss. The CAT Honk & Rumble Wheel is similarly found to produce 85-decibel sounds. One of the most dangerous features of toys are choking hazards. As such, the PIRG cautions against products with small components that small children can easily put in their mouths. Other things to consider when buying toys include lead content (should not exceed 110 parts per million, per US federal regulations), plastic-softening phthalate level (1,000 ppm) and highpowered magnets that, if ingested, can damage and seriously injure the digestive tract. In the Philippines, toys like these are widely available at thrift stores, bazaars and street vendors—places that are extremely popular shopping destinations during the Christmas season because of their affordable goods. But because said products are mostly unregulated, poorly crafted and made with lowquality materials, they are not without risks. The environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition, in September, tested 150 toys purchased at Divisoria and found toxic metals in 74 of them, some with lead content as high as 14,100 ppm. All 150 were either fully unlabeled or provided incomplete product information while only two had a license to operate from the health department.

Megaworld brings Hansgrohe to its high-rise projects PREMIER property developer Megaworld Corporation is bringing in the Hansgrohe brand to the residential units of two of its upscale urban residential projects, One Central and Eight Forbes Town Road. Hansgrohe, one of the world’s leading names in bathroom fittings, is manufactured by the Germany-based Hansgrohe Group. Established in 1901, Hansgrohe carries a wide range of faucet, lavatory and shower set offerings that consistently pass the highest quality standards in Germany, the US and and Asia. Hansgrohe products also have an impressive aesthetic, which make them desirable to customers. “Stylish definitely describes Hansgrohe’s product line, thanks to the work of some of the world’s best designers, including

Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio,” said Jensen Go, president of Kuysen Enterprises Inc., the exclusive distributor of Hansgrohe products since 1992. Meanwhile, the resource-saving sanitation technologies employed by Hansgrohe are a result of the company’s innovative culture. The brand makes use of EcoSmart technology in its showers and mixers, which use less water than their counterparts in the market. “Our mixers use 60 percent less water than the conventional ones,” said Go. Water conservation is not the only benefit associated with Hansgrohe products. The company’s manufacturing procedures also assure clients that each item is made in an environment-friendly manner.

From left: Megaworld SAVP for Procurement Nanette Selva, Megaworld VP for Contracts and Procurement Dina Sy, President of Kuysen Enterprises Inc., Jensen Go, and Hansgrohe Regional Sales Manager Evelyn Ler.

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Tech

Marlon Magtira, Editor

ManilaStandardToday

email: [email protected]

LAUNCHED this year in Japan as the “WristableGPS”, tech giant Epson has rolled out a GPS running monitor that allows runners to accurately measure and record their speed and the distances they have run.

The new product, which can be strapped into the wrists of runners, combines high GPS accuracy with a light, compact design, and long-battery life. With the number of leisure runners increasing worldwide, many companies have introduced GPS-based wristwatchtype devices that allow athletes to record their distances, routes, and speed. However, products that are light and compact often sacrifice GPS positioning accuracy, and products with accurate GPS often have poor battery life. It has to date been difficult for manufacturers to come up with a product that combines all the key factors of GPS positioning accuracy, compact design, and long battery life. Epson engineers began work on designing the new GPS running monitor with the aim of solving all these issues. The first challenge was to reduce energy consumption to a level that would allow the battery to operate for 14 hours or more while the GPS function was in operation. To achieve this, the Epson team used an accurate, energy-efficient GPS module that the company had designed for mobile devices. Generally speaking, GPS modules use a high proportion of the energy consumed by mobile devices. This means that an efficient module can contribute significantly to the

ManilaStandardTODAY

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Epson hits the road with GPS watches By Marlon C. Magtira

New GPS-based wristwatch-type devices from Epson

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energy consumption of the product overall. Epson leveraged its many years of experience of designing and marketing GPS devices to create a module that achieved the aims of the design team. The next step was to create an algorithm to improve the accuracy of the distance data. GPS positioning data accuracy can be adversely affected by a wide variety of factors, including the reflection of electronic waves from high-rise buildings. The diagram on the left above shows how positioning data recorded in a high-rise urban environment can be recorded as 60-percent greater than the actual distance run. However, Epson managed to greatly reduce discrepancies by employing a specially-designed algorithm. The third point was to make the product light and compact. Diagram 2 below shows the shape and mounting layout of conventional GPS running devices. The antenna is mounted in such a way that it points to the sky when you attach the device to your wrist and start to run. However, the angle of the mounting requires the device to be a certain thickness. Epson therefore designed an antenna with a new shape and a wider reception angle, and achieved a thin design by mounting the antenna alongside the battery. Epson also took care to make the thin design water resistant and minimize the number of components used. These efforts combined to enable the creation of a running monitor whose compactness, thinness and lightness makes it possible for runners to wear unobtrusively. By combining its compact, energysaving, and high precision technologies, Epson has been able to develop a unique GPS running monitor designed to meet the needs of runners.

D-Link launches 802.11ac cloud router D-LINK International Pte Ltd, one of the world’s biggest suppliers of networking products announced Wednesday the availability of the DIR-865L, a ground breaking router which merges the high bandwidth and efficiency of the brand-new 802.11ac wireless standard with the versatility of D-Link’s industry-leading cloud services. “As D-Link’s first cloud router powered by 802.11ac, the DIR-865L is poised to quench the thirst of bandwidthhungry customers with its unparalleled speed, range, and versatility,” said Christopher Neo, D-Link International sales director. “802.11ac is the perfect platform to support users that want to stream HD multimedia to multiple wireless devices throughout the home. As more resources shift to the cloud and our customers’ needs continue to grow, D-Link 802.11ac routers will provide the power and flexibility to cope with the ballooning demand for bandwidt,” Neo said. The DIR-865L Wireless AC1750 Dual Band Gigabit Router, powered by Broadcom’s 5G Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11ac chipset, makes use of the 5GHz frequency band to deliver speeds up to three times faster than that of Wireless N. Using multiple channels, this router serves wireless speeds of up to 1750 Mbps (1300 Mbps over the 5GHz band plus 450 Mbps over the 2.4GHz band). Backwards compatible with existing wireless devices operating on earlier standards such as 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.11ac provides improved coverage using a beam-forming system that sends a targeted stream of data directly from the

router to the device, thus increasing range home and go online. Parents can also and overcoming obstructions for monitor which sites are being visited full-home coverage. and block dangerous websites at the D - L i n k touch of a screen. Alert notifications Cloud warn users in the event that intrusion attempts are detected and blocked, or whenever important security updates are available. The SharePort Mobile app for iOS or Android provides access to files and multimedia stored on a USB drive. Music, video, and photos can be streamed or transferred from the connected USB drive to multiple mobile devices. SharePort Web File Access offers a convenient web interface to retrieve files and multimedia shared via SharePort Plus. D-Link SharePort Plus technology makes it easy to share files and multimedia to computers and mobile devices. Using USB, users can connect a multi-function printer (MFP), scanner, or storage device to the router sharing access to these devices to multiple computers. The DIR-865L includes a fullyfunctional DLNA server for streaming multimedia files including photos, music, and videos to any compatible DLNA media player. Like all new D-Link Routers, the Router DIR-865L includes support for IPv6, owners have making it forward compatible with the the option to forthcoming changes to the protocol manage and control system that powers the Internet. their 802.11ac wireless networks from “Parents concerned about what their the mydlink Cloud Services portal or children view online can get peace of via an iPhone, iPad or Android device mind after configuring parental controls with the mydlink Lite app installed. The with award-winning web contentment app makes it easy to check the status of filtering powered by OpenDNS,” Neo family members whenever they arrive said. tech.mst.ph

PH has new 5-m mobile subscribers in Q3 THE latest Ericsson Mobility Report has revealed that approximately 40 percent of all phones sold in Q3 were smartphones. Data traffic doubled between Q3 2011 and Q3 2012, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 50 percent between 2012 and 2018, driven mainly by video. Application mobile data traffic volumes by device type The research showed that online video is the biggest contributor to mobile traffic volumes, constituting 25 percent of total smartphone traffic and 40 percent of total tablet traffic. Total mobile subscriptions are expected to reach 6.6 billion by the end of 2012 and 9.3 billion by the end of 2018. These figures do not include machine-to-machine (M2M) subscriptions. China alone accounted for about 35 percent of net additions during Q3, with about 40 million additional subscriptions. Brazil (9 million), Indonesia (7 million), and the Philippines (5 million) followed in terms of net additions.

Overall, global mobile penetration reached 91 percent in Q3 2012, and mobile subscriptions now total around 6.4 billion. Mobile subscriptions have grown by around 9 percent year-on-year and 2 percent quarter-on-quarter. By mid-2012, LTE coverage was provided for an estimated 455 million people globally. Within five years, more than half the world’s population is expected to benefit from to LTE coverage. LTE is the fastest-developing system in the history of mobile communications in terms of build-out and uptake, the report noted. LTE is currently being deployed and built out in all regions, and total subscriptions will increase from around 55 million at the end of 2012 to an estimated 1.6 billion in 2018. WCDMA/HSPA networks currently provide coverage to more than half the world’s population and continue to grow faster than LTE in terms of absolute numbers, adding 65 million subscriptions in Q3 2012 compared with 13 million for LTE.

FOR A COMMON GOAL. Krisel Lagman-Luistro, mayor of Tabaco City in Albay, signs a mock version of a mobile phone as other stakeholders look on during a press briefing in Makati City on Thursday for the formal launch of “Tingog 2015”.

Telcos cut SMS fee for citizen feedback LOCAL mobile operators companies have agreed to reduce the rate of its special SMS fee for Tingog 2015, an SMS-based citizen feedback initiative that aims to promote the delivery of basic services for the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Globe, Smart Communications, and Sun Cellular, agreed to charge a reduced rate of P1.00 per SMS report sent to the special number 2015, instead of the standard P2.50 per text. ‘Tingog’ is a Bicolano and Cebuano word for ‘voice.’ Tingog 2015 has been piloted in Tabaco City, Albay, enabling citizens to make their voices heard on issues such as maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition services using the short code 2015. “Achieving the MDGs not only requires strong leadership and political will; more importantly, it requires citizen commitment and action. When people are involved, we empower them to use their collective voices for development and progress, and build a community united toward a shared goal,” said Tabaco City mayor Krisel LagmanLuistro. Using the Tingog 2015 platform, citizens of Tabaco can now report on, monitor, and send feedback on public health services, including the expanded program on immunization,

maternal health, reproductive health, medical consultation, tuberculosis, and nutrition. In the Philippines, the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel remains short of the 100-percent target, achieving slow progress from 58.8 in 1990 to 74.3 in 2009. Data from the National Statistical Coordination Board show that national maternal mortality ratio (MMR) per 100,000 live births increased to 221 from 95 in 2010 and 97 in 2011. Data from Tabaco City’s community-based monitoring system (CBMS) indicate a decrease in the proportion of children aged 0-5 who died and proportion of women who died due to pregnancy related causes, from 0.4 in 2008 to 0.3 and 0.2 in 2010, respectively. “We must bear in mind that MDG commitments can be fulfilled only when they reach the poorest and those most in need,” said Minar Pimple, regional director for Asia and Pacific of the United Nations Millennium Campaign, the organization supporting Tingog 2015. “This citizen feedback initiative is key to ensuring transparency and accountability in the achievement of the MDGs. It empowers citizens to hold their governments to account for the delivery of basic social services.

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showbitz

Manila Standard TODAY

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Isah V. Red, Editor [email protected]

QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista’s political career is likened to that of Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.

Bistek back in new

ISAH V. RED

‘Shake, Rattle, and Roll’

SIMPLY RED In their positions in government service, the two consistently get the admiration of their constituents; still, both remain in-demand in the movies as well. Herbert, or Bistek to his loyal admirers and fans, is back in the movies after five years of hiatus. At the press conference Regal Films threw just for him recently, he admitted to grabbing the offer he got from Lily Monteverde and daughter Roselle Monteverde Teo to play the lead part in the “Pamana” episode of Regal Entertainment’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Shake, Rattle and Roll XIV. He had no second thoughts. Apart from the fact that the movie will reunite him with longtime friend Janice de Belen, the successful horror franchise has a soft spot in Mayor Herbert’s heart. The actor-politician starred in the “Manananggal” episode of the movie franchise first installment. The role won for

him a best actor award. From then on, he became a soughtafter young comic star. His performance in the youth-oriented movie, Bagets, is one for the books. Apart from films, Herbert went on to become an effective TV host. He shared screen time with Sharon Cuneta in The Sharon Cuneta Show. He also hosted other programs. He, however, has to concentrate on a political career, taking show business on the sidelights, and accepting offers that can’t get in the way of his duties and responsibilities as an elected public official. From councilor, was elected Vice

Mayor and then Mayor of Quezon City. Another factor that convinced Herbert to go back to acting in the movies is the chance to work with Chito Rono who is directing Shake, Rattle, and Roll XIV. He said he and Janice felt like they were shooting a full-length movie. No wonder, Herbert is inspired to be back at Regal Films and in its highly successful horror franchise.

Celebrate with Bonggo

All celebrations in the Philippines are not complete without music. Birthdays, anniversaries reunions, graduation, weddings, Christmas, New Year, name it, and all are celebrated with special theme

songs to boot. This is the concept behind the newest album of Bonggo (the Singing Mayor of Olongapo), entitled Let’s Celebrate! Let’s Celebrate is Bonggo’s third album distributed by Viva Records. It is a double CD album with 24 cuts all to celebrate life, love, success and more. Easily, it can be called, the “album for all seasons” or “album of the year” for there is a song for every occasion all throughout the year. Like for Christmas, the album boasts “Pasko Sa Pilipinas,” a bouncy “rock and roll” Christmas song. OFWs all over the globe will definitely want to come home and celebrate Christmas with their

families, “Pilipinas style.” There’s also the song “Happy New Year,” which marks a new beginning that is full of hope and happiness. It’s a song that will make you want to start the year literally with a “bang!” For reunions and get together, no better song could have perfectly captured how one truly feels upon seeing friends and relatives after a long time, than the song, “It’s good to see You Again.” Tailor-made as a reunion song, it’s a perfect anthem for get together and special gatherings of friends and families. But the hopeless romantics can very well relate to the lyrics too. “Always With You,” a song that can easily become a top pick as a love or wedding theme, is another great song in the album. A potential big hit among the many Pinoy romantics, this song is a collaboration among Bonggo, award winning writer, Edith Gallardo,and musical arranger Nino Regalado. Other “surprise” songs in the album are, “Happy Birthday” (this is not “the” happy birthday we all know), “Happy Anniversary to Us,” “Graduation Day and You,” “Let’s Celebrate” and “Thank You, Salamat.” There are socially relevant songs in the album as well, promoting “the Olongapo spirit” of hope, unity, service and excellence like: “Children of Olongapo,” “Himno ng Olongapo,” “Basura Jingle,” “Subik,” “Maganda Ka Pa Rin,” “Anne Dito Lang Ako,” “Its More Fun in the Philippines,” “San Marcelino,” “Castillejos’’ and so much more. Bonggo’s Let’s Celebrate, produced by top notch producer, Margot Gallardo is now out in all record stores nationwide as well as on iTunes.

Aspiring pop singer is Miss Casino Filipino 2012

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) crowned 25-year-old aspiring pop singer Marie Loraine De Guzman as Miss Casino Filipino 2012 during the pageant’s Grand Coronation Night last Nov. 16 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Airport Casino Filipino, Parañaque City. De Guzman who represented Casino Filipino Hyatt bested 24 other equally beautiful grand finalists who were selected in the regional semi-finals of the nationwide beauty search. De Guzman also received the “Best in Evening

Philippines where she was chosen as one of the 12 semi-finalists. De Guzman cited that her experiences in joining pageants helped her develop her character and confidence. “I cannot say that I have an advantage but I think the judges have seen something special in me. But the fact that we stood here tonight as intelligent and confident individuals make us all winners,” she added. The new Miss Casino Filipino added that beauty pageants are not all about glamour but about responsibility as well.

The Miss Casino Filipino 2012 are (from left) 4th runner-up Syril Dane Mendoza; 2nd runner-up Kimberly Pajares; Miss Casino Filipino 2012 Marie Loraine De Guzman; 1st runner-up Theresa Marie Fenger; and 3rd runner-up Carinne Adrianne Ramos

Gown” special award. “I didn’t expect to win. This is an overwhelming experience. I am so lucky to be chosen as PAGCOR’s next ambassadress of goodwill,” De Guzman shared. Born in Marikina and raised in Makati, De Guzman grew up to be a woman of many talents. Prior to her winning the Miss Casino Filipino 2012, De Guzman was signed by Viva Artist Agency as one of its performers. She was also a former member of Viva’s Pop Girl group Eurasia. Among other beauty pageants that she competed in were the Binibining Pilipinas and Mutya ng Piiipinas in 2009; the Ms. Friendship International in China where she received the Best in Talent and 1st runner up awards; the Miss PhilippinesEarth 2010 and the 2012 Miss World

“This is a task which I am willing to do because I am willing serve others. With the help of PAGCOR, I can also pursue my advocacy to reach out to children with special needs especially those who are less privileged,” she said. De Guzman took home a cash prize of P500,000. PAGCOR will also be donating P200,000 in cash to her chosen charity, the Chosen Children Village Foundation in Silang, Cavite which takes care of mentally or physically challenged children. Joining De Guzman in the final five were 1st runner-up and Best in Swimsuit awardee Theresa Marie Fenger of Airport Casino Filipino; 2nd runner-up Kimberly Pajares of Casino Filipino Hyatt; 3rd runner-up Carinne Adrianne Ramos of Casino Filipino Pavilion and

4th runner-up Syril Dane Mendoza of Casino Filipino Angeles. The runners-up received P400,000 (1st); P300,000 (2nd); P200.000 (3rd) and P100,000 (4th). PAGCOR’s AVP for Entertainment Bong Quintana congratulated the winners and thanked all those who helped make the second season of the Miss Casino Filipino beauty pageant a resounding success. “We are very happy with the outcome of this nationwide search. Marami tayong nadiskubreng magagandang Pilipina na may angking talento at puso para sa paglilingkod. They will be given employment opportunities in PAGCOR and Casino Filipino,” he added. Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras Almendras, who was the Chairman of the Board of judges during the coronation night, lauded PAGCOR for the success of its Miss Casino Filipino project. “I’d like to congratulate PAGCOR for the success of Miss Casino Filipino 2012. It was very challenging for the Board of Judges to choose a winner because the quality of the candidates this year is exceptionally good. I think the beauty of the project like this is on the primary purpose or objective of promoting PAGCOR’s thrust of being relevant to the community. So congratulations and job well done to PAGCOR,” said Almendras. The panel of judges include the wife of PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Bong Naguiat, Maria Theresa Socorro Naguiat Naguiat; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Joel Villanueva; Director of Home Guaranty Corporation Mel Adriano; fashion icon JC Buendia; Miss World 2012 Queenie Rehman; and TV host-model Divine Lee. “This is a wonderful event. It’s truly a great honor having me here and I’m very happy for the winners especially for the grand winner. I hope she will continue the advocacy of being Miss Casino Filipino,” said Miss World 2012 Queenie Rehman. The Miss Casino Filipino 2012 Coronation Night was hosted by Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup and model-actor Brent Javier. Among the celebrity performers were Prince of Pop Erik Santos, Sessionistas crooner Richard Poon, Bayang Barrios and the Whiplash Dancers. The stateowned gaming firm’s award-winning choral group PAGCOR Voice Symphony also performed during the event.

SciQ: Underwater from Canada

Film Festival at Science Discovery Center WITH water as its theme, the annual Science Film Festival had kids of all ages having fun at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center (NFSDC) in the SM Mall of Asia from Nov. 21 to 25. The Science Film Festival, initiated in 2005 in Thailand, and began in 2008 in the Philippines, was conceptualized to present films that communicate technological and scientific issues accessibly and entertainingly to a broad audience. A joint project of the GoetheInstut Philippines and the NFSDC, in partnership with the Embassy of Germany, Embassy of France, UNESCO Philippines, the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, ABS-CBN Foundation, the Department of Education, and the Department of Science and Technology, the festival will showcase eight documentaries during its run. All screenings were free and open to the public. These included Light the Ocean from The United Kingdom, Nine and a Half – Empty Oceans: Johannes is Fishing Fresh Fish from Germany, Science NERD – Geyser from Denmark, SciQ: Underwater from Canada, The Programme with the Mouse – What Happens When You Wash Your Hands? from Germany, The Silent Ocean from Indonesia; and two films, I Got It – the Lighthouse Episode and Matanglawin: Pasig River Earth Day Special from The Philippines. Water had been chosen as

he theme for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Science Film Festival 2012. It is, after all, in all three states of matter – as liquid, solid and gas – and is vital for nearly all life forms. Almost 70 percent of our body is composed of water, and water also covers about 70 percent of the world’s surface. And yet water, as one of our most significant natural resources, poses one of the most critical ecological tests with rising limitations on the accessibility and quality. With two third of the world’s population subject to water problems, and latest events such as the dreadful drought in the Horn of Africa or the devastating floods in the country, it has become intensely apparent what harsh impact water has amidst our shifting worldwide climate patterns. It is therefore of apt significance to underline water as an essential natural resource. The NFSDC is the first technology-based, highly interactive Science center in the country, and provides the perfect venue for the festival. With hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to be immersed in an interactive learning experience, it utilizes state-of-the-art equipment using the latest in engineering, computers and digital technology to make learning more interesting for all ages. The Science Film Festival was one of the many exciting events at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center in the SM Mall of Asia.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Classifieds ManilaStandardToday

Page Compositor: Diana Keyser Punzalan

For fast ad results, please call 659-48-30 local 303 or 659-4803

PHILIPPINE POSTAL CORPORATION INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO SUBMIT COMPARATIVE PROPOSALS The Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) is inviting interested private sector entities to participate in its Disposition Program involving the joint venture development and privatization of the approximately 1.41 hectare- Quezon City Post Office Lot located at NIA Road, Quezon City, with a Minimum Value of Pesos: Fifty Thousand (PhP 50,000.00) per square-meter. PPC has received an unsolicited proposal for subject joint venture development of Quezon City Central Post Office Lot from Empire East Land Holdings, Inc. and it now wishes to subject the same to a competitive challenge pursuant to the “Detailed Guidelines for Competitive Challenge Procedure for Public-Private Joint Ventures” (Annex C) of the “Guidelines and Procedures for Entering Into Joint Venture (JV) Agreements Between Government and Private Entities” issued by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan Tel. No. (075) 542-6918 [email protected] address: [email protected]

INVITATION to BID The Province of Pangasinan, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites suppliers/ manufacturers/distributors/contractors to bid for the project/s described hereunder: Project No. 1 Name of Project : Delivery of 634 M.T. Asphalt Pre-Mix and 21 Drums Emulsified Asphalt (refer to bid documents) Location : PGO, Lingayen, Pangasinan (for use in the Asphalting/Blocktopping/ Patching of Road Dike at Brgy. Maniboc, Lingayen, Pangasinan) Source of Fund : Asphalting of Roads (PR# 2012-11-9579) Approved Budget for the Contract : P 3,789,400.00 Project No. 2 Name of Project : Delivery of 340 M.T. Asphalt Pre-Mix and 14 Drums Emulsified Asphalt (refer to bid documents) Location : PGO, Lingayen, Pangasinan (for use in the Blocktopping along Malimpuec Brgy. Road to Cemetery, Lingayen, Pangasinan) Source of Fund : Asphalting of Roads (PR# 2012-11-9291) Approved Budget for the Contract : P 2,071,600.00 Project No. 3 Name of Project : Delivery of 353 M.T. Asphalt Pre-Mix and 15 Drums Emulsified Asphalt (refer to bid documents) Location : PGO, Lingayen, Pangasinan (for use in the Asphalting of Aplaya Main Road, Brgy. Pangapisan North, Lingayen, Pangasinan) Source of Fund : Asphalting of Roads (PR# 2012-11-9580) Approved Budget for the Contract : P 2,157,500.00 Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, organizations with at least sixty (60%) of the interest belongs to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizen/organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. The bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. All particulars relative to the Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluating of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (as amended). The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Schedule November 24, 2012 – December 14, 2012 November 29; 10:00am December 14, 2012; 10:00 am December 17, 2012 December 18, 2012 December 20, 2012

A Pre-Selection Conference among interested private sector participants relative to this disposition is tentatively set on December 10, 2012, 1:30 pm at the PPC Business Operations Center, 3rd Floor Central Office Building, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila. Only those who purchased the TOR shall be allowed to join the Pre-Selection Conference. The objective of the Conference is to discuss the Property, the TOR and other clarifications from interested private sector participants. Interested private sector participants can direct their inquiries to: THE SECRETARIAT Attention: Ms. Elizabeth M. Guballa Joint Venture Selection Committee for the 1.41-ha. Quezon City Post Office Lot Philippine Postal Corporation 3rd Floor Central Office Building Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila Email Address: [email protected] Telephone No.: +(63) 2 5279615 The Philippine Postal Corporation reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, to annul the competitive selection process, and to reject all proposals at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected participant or participants. Philippine Postal Corporation, Manila.

NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION Scout Reyes Street, corner Panay Avenue, Quezon City Tel. No. (02) 374-3987 Fax No. (02) 374-2505

Invitation to Bid

1. The NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION (NTA), through its Agency Plan and Budget for CY 2013, intends to apply the sum of PhP6,600,000.00, more or less (at Php600.00, per square meter), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Project: Acquisition of a Parcel of Land for the NTA AgriPinoy Milling Complex. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

2. The NTA now invites bids from eligible Bidders to sell to the NTA a parcel of land to be used, purposely, for the NTA AgriPinoy Milling Complex. 3. The required parcel of land to suit the abovementioned purpose should conform with the following specifications:

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

INVITATION TO BID The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project:

3.7

Supply of services thru outsourcing of the following above-minimum wage personnel:

Contract Duration

Lot 1 – Six (6) Programmers and Four (4) Electrical Engineer Lot 2 – Three (3) Data Analysts, Four (4) Financial Analysts, Four (4) Database Systems Analysts and Sixteen (16) Financial Reports Analysts Per BSP Terms of Reference Lot 1 - P 4,424,309.76 Lot 2 - P 7,451,484.00 One (1) year to commence on the date stipulated in the Notice to Deploy to be issued by the Human Resource Development Department

3.8

Land area of 9,000 to 11,000 square meters, more or less; Land Classification is “Industrial”; Situated along the National Highway; Not tenanted; No peace and order problem within the vicinity; Situated strategically near the center of commerce, accessible to all types of vehicles; and preferably at the approximate center of the province; Site must have access to basic facilities like electricity, water and communication; and Preferably situated in the Municipality of Narvacan, Province of Ilocos Sur, and other neighboring Municipalities.

4. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Bidders should have undertaken a similar requirement awarded and completed from Y2007 to present amounting to at least 50% of the ABC. The Eligibility Check/ Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the lowest calculated bid shall be conducted.

5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the NTA and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., beginning November 28 to December 19, 2012.

All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post-qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

6. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00).

The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows:

7. The NTA will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 07, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., Training Room, 3rd Floor of the NTA Building, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Activities 1. Issuance of Bid Documents

2. Pre-bid Conference 3. Opening of Bids 4. Bid Evaluation 5. Post-qualification 6. Notice of Award

Schedule Starting 28 November 2012 (from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 and 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P. M. only) Procurement Office Room 212, 2nd Floor, Five-Storey Building A. Mabini corner P. Ocampo Sr. Streets, Malate, Manila Tel. No. 708-7701 loc. 2229/Fax No. 7087117 14 December 2012, 11:30 A.M., MR2A 07 January 2013, 2:00 P.M., MR2A These shall be in accordance with the prescribed periods allowed in the revised IRR of R.A. No. 9184.

The ITB and Checklist of Requirements for Bidders may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the BSP Website (www.bsp. gov.ph). The complete set of the Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested bidders from the address stated above upon presentation of the PhilGEPS Supplier’s Order Form and payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of P5,000.00 (Lot 1) and P10,000.00 (Lot 2). Only bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to raise or submit written queries or clarifications during the pre-bid conference. The BSP assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid. The BSP reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to declare the bidding a failure, not to award the contract, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidders. Furthermore, the BSP reserves the right to waive any minor defects or formality and to accept the proposal most advantageous to the agency. (MST-NOV. 28, 2012)

(Sgd.) ANTONIO A. GRAGEDA Acting Chairman

November 26, 2012

Invitation to Bid 1.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Mindoro Occidental I District Engineering Office, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, through the CY-2013Regular School Building Program (RSBP) intends to apply the sum of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract/s for the hereunder project/s. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.1a.

Contract ID

:

b.

Contract Name

:

c.

Contract Location

:

d.

Scope of Work

:

e.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) Source of Fund Contract Duration

:

P 8,074,000.00

: :

CY 2013 Regular School Building Program (RSBP) 97 C.D. 12EB0279 Cluster 2013SB-02 : Construction of various Elementary School Buildings at San Jose and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro San Jose and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro 2a.1) Construction of 2 CL @ BagongSikat E/S, 2a.2) Construction of 2 CL @ Inasakan E/S, 2a.3) Construction of 2 CL @ Ipil E/S, 2a.4) Construction of 1 CL @ Kalinisan M/S, 2a.5) Construction of 2 CL @ NaibuanM/S, 2a.6) Construction of 2 CL @ Ambulong E/S, 2a.7) Construction of 2 CL @ MangaE/S, 2a.8) Construction of 2 CL @ PawicanE/S Annex-Pitogo P/S, 2b.1) Construction of 2 CL @ Sta. RosaP/S, 2b.2) Construction of 1 CL @ Burgos E/S, 2b.3) Construction of 2 CL @ BalaniM/S, 2b.4) Construction of 2 CL @ CebuP/S,and 2b.5) Construction of 2 CL @ CulasisiM/S.

f. g.

8. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before December 20, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Training Room at NTA Building, Cors. Scout Reyes Street and Panay Avenue, Quezon City. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

1.2a.

Contract ID

:

Contract Name

:

c.

Contract Location

:

d.

Scope of Work

:

e.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) Source of Fund Contract Duration

:

P 18,188,000.00

: :

CY 2013 Regular School Building Program (RSBP) 218 C.D. 12EB0280 Cluster 2013SB-03 : Construction of various Elementary School Buildings at Sta. Cruz, Abra de Ilog, Mamburao, and Paluan, Occidental Mindoro Sta. Cruz, Abra de Ilog, Mamburao, and Paluan, Occ. Mindoro 3a.1) Construction of 1 CL @ KabanabahanM/S, 3a.2) Construction of 2 CL @ UlanguanM/S, 3b.1) Construction of 2 CL @ Matabang-Urilan M/S, 3b.2) Construction of 1 CL @ HinugasanM/S, 3b.3) Construction of 2 CL @ AluyanP/S, 3b.4) Construction of 2 CL @ HebronM/S, 3b.5) Construction of 2 CL @ Kadilawan M/S, 3b.6) Construction of 2 CL @ AgdilawM/S Annex-Pitogo P/S, 3b.7) Construction of 2 CL @ UdaloP/S, 3b.8) Construction of 2 CL @ PandananM/S, 3c.1) Construction of 2 CL @ KaryandanganE/S, 3d.1) Construction of 2 CL @ Apis M/S, 3d.2) Construction of 2 CL @ KalingiganE/S, 3d.3) Construction of 2 CL @ Ignonok E/S,and 3d.4) Construction of 1 CL @ MarikitE/S.

f. g. 1.3a.

Contract ID

:

b.

Contract Name

:

c.

Contract Location

:

d.

Scope of Work

:

e.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) Source of Fund Contract Duration

:

P 16,510,000.00

: :

CY 2013 Regular School Building Program (RSBP) 198 C.D. 12EB0281 Cluster 2013SB-04 : Construction of various Secondary School Buildings at Sablayan, Calintaan, and Rizal, Occidental Mindoro Sablayan, Calintaan, and Rizal, Occidental Mindoro 4a.1) Construction of 2 Storey/6 CL @ Sablayan NCHS, 4a.2) Construction of 2 CL @ Ligaya NHS, 4a.3) Construction of 2 CL @ Sablayan NCHS-Pag-asa Annex, 4b.1) Construction of 2 CL @ Calintaan NHS, and 4c.1) Construction of 2 CL @ Magsikap NHS.

f. g. 1.4a.

Contract ID

:

b.

Contract Name

:

c.

Contract Location

:

d.

Scope of Work

:

e.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) Source of Fund Contract Duration

:

P 11,330,560.00

: :

CY 2013 Regular School Building Program (RSBP) 138 C.D. 12EB0282 Cluster 2013SB-05 : Construction of various Secondary School Buildings at San Jose and Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro San Jose and Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro 5a.1) Construction of 2 Storey/6 CL @ Central NHS (San Jose NHSAnnex), 5a.2) Construction of 2 CL @ San Jose NHS, 5a.3) Construction of 1 CL @ Iling NHS-Pawican Annex, 5a.4) Construction of 2 CL @ Iling NHS, 5b.1) Construction of 2 CL @ Magsaysay NHS, and 5b.2) Construction of 1 CL @ Magsaysay NHS-Mapaya Annex.

f. g. 1.5a.

Contract ID

:

b.

Contract Name

:

c.

Contract Location

:

d.

Scope of Work

:

e.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) Source of Fund Contract Duration

:

P 11,488,560.00

: :

CY 2013 Regular School Building Program (RSBP) 140 C.D. 12EB0283 Cluster 2013SB-06 : Construction of various Secondary School Buildings at Mamburao, Sta. Cruz, and Paluan, Occidental Mindoro Mamburao, Sta. Cruz, and Paluan, Occidental Mindoro 6a.1) Construction of 2 Storey/4 CL @ Occidental MindoroNHS, 6b.1) Construction of 2 Storey/6CL @ Sta. Cruz NHS, 6b.2) Construction of 2 CL @ Sta. Cruz NHS-Pinagturilan Annex, and 6c.1) Construction of 2 CL @ Paluan NHS.

f. g. 1.6a.

Contract ID

:

b.

Contract Name

:

c.

Contract Location

:

d.

Scope of Work

:

e.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) Source of Fund Contract Duration

:

P 13,713,560.00

: :

CY 2013 Regular School Building Program (RSBP) 166 C.D.

f. g. 2.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Mindoro Occidental I District Engineering Office, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, through the CY-2013Regular School Building Program (RSBP)now invites bids for above projects. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/ fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Department of Public Works and Highways, Mindoro Occidental I District Engineering Office, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 – 12:00 AM to 1:00 - 5:00 PM.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders fromNovember 28– December 17, 2012 from the address below from and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of P 10,000.00 each. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective Bidder or his authorized representative. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Mindoro Occidental I District Engineering Office, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 10:00 A.M. on December 05, 2012 at BAC Office, MQC Building, DPWH, Mindoro Occidental I DEO, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, which shall beopen to all interested parties.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 10:00 A.M. on December 17, 2012 at BAC Office, DPWH, Mindoro Occidental I DEO, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount (a) Cash or cashier’s/ manager’s check issued by a Universal or Commercial Bank., two percent (2%) of the ABC; (b) Bank draft/guarantee or irrevocable letter of credit issued by a Universal or Commercial Bank: Provided, however, that it shall be confirmed or authenticated by a Universal or Commercial Bank, if issued by a foreign bank, two percent (2%) of the ABC; (c) Surety bond callable upon demand issued by a surety or insurance company duly certified by the Insurance Commission as authorized to issue such security, five percent (5%) of the ABC; (d) Any combination of the foregoing, proportionate to share of form with respect to total amount of security; and (e) Bid-Securing Declaration.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9. The NTA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. 8.

Bid opening shall be on 2:00 P.M. on December 17, 2012 at BAC Office, MQC Bldg., DPWH, Mindoro Occidental I DEO, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.

9.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Mindoro Occidental I District Engineering Office, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10.

For further information, please refer to:

10. For further information, please refer to:

CRISTINA C. LOPEZ, DBA National Tobacco Administration Cors. Scout Reyes Street and Panay Avenue, Quezon City Tel No. 372 3188; [email protected] Fax No. 373 2095 Website Address:nta.da.gov.ph

(Sgd.) CRISTINA C. LOPEZ, DBA Chairman, NTA-BAC (MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

12EB0278 Cluster 2013SB-01 : Construction of various Elementary School Buildings at Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro 1.1) Construction of 1 CL @ Nalwak E/S, 1.2) Construction of 2 CL @ BagongSilang E/S, 1.3) Construction of 2 CL @ Bambanay E/S, 1.4) Construction of 2 CL @ Canabang E/S, 1.5) Construction of 1 CL @ Garza P/S, 1.6) Construction of 2 CL @ Bukal E/S, 1.7) Construction of 1 CL @ Magarang P/S, and 1.8) Construction of 1 CL @ Tadlok E/S.

b.

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ACQUISITION OF A PARCEL OF LAND FOR THE NTA AGRIPINOY MILLING COMPLEX

(Sgd.) RAFAEL F. BARAAN Provincial Administrator BAC Chairman

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS Region IV-B, MIMAROPA Mindoro Occidental District Engineering Office OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

MAURA M. BAGHARI-REGIS JV-SC Chairman

Approved by:

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

D1

MST Classified Ads section requires a Two (2) day CUT-OFF PERIOD on all ITBs, BID BULLETIN, NOTICES and REOIs prior to publication date(s).

Interested private sector entities may participate in the Competitive Challenge procedure for PPC’s joint venture partner by submitting their Letters of Interest to PPC and purchasing the Terms of Reference (TOR) therefore, for a non-refundable fee of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00) which outlines, among others, the requirements that will enable private sector entities to apply for eligibility to participate in the Competitive Challenge and be allowed to submit Technical and Financial Proposals for the JV development of subject Property and the Technical and Financial Proposal requirements. The fees for the TOR may be payable to the Philippine Postal Corporation in Cash or Manager’s Check. The TOR will be ready for distribution to interested private sector participants starting November 28, 2012 at the Office of the Postmaster General, 3rd Floor Central Office Building, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.

The bidders shall drop their duly accomplished eligibility requirements, technical and financial proposals in two separate sealed envelopes at the abovementioned address. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms. Late Bids shall not be accepted. Bid Documents can be availed at the BAC Office, 2/F Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan upon payment to the Provincial Treasurer’s Office the amount of P1,000.00 Accreditation Fee for new bidders, and a non-refundable amount of P4,000.00/bidder/project for Project No. 1 and P2,500.00/bidder/project for project no. 2 & 3 to the Provincial Treasurer’s Office. Prospective bidders shall submit their Bid Documents to the BAC Office at the same address. The Province of Pangasinan assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation for their bids. Moreover, the Province of Pangasinan reserves the right to reject any or all bid proposals, or declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract, and makes no assurance that contract shall be entered into as a result of this invitation without thereby incurring any liability in accordance with RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Name of Project/Brief Description

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

REMINDER

PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC)

BAC Activities 1. Issuance of Bid Documents 2. Pre-Bid Conference 3. Opening of Bids 4. Bid Evaluation 5. Post Qualification 6. Notice of Award

[email protected]

GERARDO D. CLEMENTE Engineer III DPWH, Mindoro Occidental I DEO Km. 407 Airport Road Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro Tel. & Fax No. (043)-711-1012 Email Address: [email protected] (Sgd.) GERARDO D. CLEMENTE BAC CHAIRMAN (MST-NOV. 28, 2012)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

D2

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

ManilaStandardToday

Classifieds Republic of the Philippines

Republic of the Philippines

Region IX OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER Zamboanga Del Norte, 1 Engineering District Sta. Isabel, Dipolog City

Series of 2012

ATTENTION : TO ALL PROSPECTIVE CONTRACTORS / BIDDERS

The DPWH, Negros Oriental 1st District Engineering Office, through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors to apply to bid for the contract(s);

: DROPPING AND OPENING OF BIDS : NOVEMBER 26, 2012

This Bid Bulletin is issued to notify the participating contractors for the Dropping and Opening of Bids for the Contract ID’s 12JB0021 to 12JB0024 .

1.) Contract ID Contract Name Contract Location Scope of Works

012HJ00025 Reconstruction of Martilo Bridge La Libertad, Negros Oriental A.1 Construction of Detour 102(4) Surplus unclassified Excavation, 103(3) Foundation Fill, 104(1) Embankment, 201 Aggregate Base Course, 505(a) Grouted Riprap, Class “A” , 500(1) c 910mm f RCPC



A.2 Construction of Bridge Structure 101(2) Removal of Damage Existing Bridge, 103(2) Bridge Excavation, 400(22a) Reinforced Concrete Test Pile (F & D), 400(22b), Reinforced Concrete Pile (F & D), 401 Bridge Railings, 404(1) Reinforcing Steel Grade 40 (FCHB & P), 405(1) Structural Concrete Class “A”, 405(1a) Structural Concrete Class “A” (fc=28 mpcs), 406 Pre-stressed Structural Concrete Girder, SPL-1 Mobilization and Demobilization and SPL-3 Provide Project Sign Board

For Contract ID 12JB0021 – Preventive Maintenance ( Intermittent Section) along Dipolog-Sindangan- Liloy Road ( Cluster ) 1) Km. 1902+000 - Km. 1904 + 000 ; 2) Km. 1906 + 863 – km 1908 + 000 . Opening of Bids :

November 29, 2012 at 10:00AM



Dropping of Bids

Approved Budget for the Contract P 10,290,000.00 Duration 162 Calendar Days

November 29, 2012 at 10:30 AM

FOR CONTRACT ID 12JB0022 ; CONTRACT ID12JB0023 CONTRACT ID 12JB0024

&

Opening of Bids :

December 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM

December 4, 2012 at 10:30 AM

For guidance and information of all concerned.

Procurement will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance with R.A. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. To bid for the contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), purchased bid documents and must meet the following major criteria; (a) prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino Citizen owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or venture (c) with PCAB License applicable to the type and the cost of this contract, (d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC, or credit line commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fill criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids. Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to the DPWH-POCW Central Office will only process contractor’s applications for the registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractors Certificate of Registration (CCR). Registration forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website. www.dpwh.gov.ph

(Sgd.) FEDERICO M. MOBO, JR. OIC-Asst. District Engineer BAC Chairperson

The significant time and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS Cordillera Administrative Region

OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR Engineer’s Hill, Baguio City

Invitation to Bid The Department of Public Works and Highways - Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH-CAR, through the General Appropriations Act intends to apply the amount of the Approved Budget Cost to payments under the contracts and now invites bids for the contracts: 1. Contract ID No: Contract Name:

Contract Location: Fund: Approved Budget Cost : Scope of work: Contract Duration: Cost of Bidding Documents: 2. Contract ID No: Contract Name:

Contract Location: Fund: Approved Budget Cost: Scope of work: Contract Duration: Cost of Bidding Documents: 3. Contract ID No: Contract Name:

Contract Location: Fund: Approved Budget Cost : Scope of work: Contract Duration: Cost of Bidding Documents: 4. Contract ID No: Contract Name: Contract Location: Fund: Approved Budget Cost : Scope of work: Contract Duration: Cost of Bidding Documents:

12PO0051 Road Upgrading (Gravel to paved) of Banaue – Mayoyao- A.Lista – Isabela Boundary Road, K0345+169 – K0345+300, K0347+527 – K0347+880, K0348+718 – K0349+000, K0350+752 – K0351+829.11, and K0353+153 – K0354+640 Banaue, Ifugao FY 2013: Regular Infrastructure Program Php 109,821,460.00 Roadway excavation (Solid Rock) Surplus, PCCP, Concrete Curb and Gutter, etc. 240 Calendar Days Php 40,000.00 12PO0052 Road Upgrading (Gravel to paved) of Banaue – Mayoyao- A.Lista – Isabela Boundary Road, K0359+215 – K0360+192, K0364+000 – K0364+470, K0364+531 – K0364+960, and K0365+435 – K0367+957 Banaue & Mayoyao, Ifugao FY 2013: Regular Infrastructure Program Php 144,874,350.00 Roadway excavation (Solid Rock), PCCP, Stone Masonry, etc. 269 Calendar Days Php 40,000.00

1. Receipt of LOI from Prospective Bidders Deadline: November 29, 2012 2. Issuance of Bidding Documents November 29, 2012 to December 17, 2012 3. Pre-Bid Conference December 4, 2012 @ 10:00 A.M. 4. Receipt of Bids December 17, 2012 (12:00 Noon) 5. Opening of Bids December 17, 2012 @ 1:30 P.M. The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BD’s) upon payment of a non-refundable fee of P 10,000.00. Prospective bidders may also download the BD’s from the DPWH website, if available. Prospective bidders that will download form the DPWH website shall pay the said fees on or before the submission of their documents. Bids must be accomplished by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as started in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the lowest calculated responsive bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post-qualification. The DPWH, Negros Oriental 1st District Engineering District Office reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid and annul the bidding process anytime before contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders. Approved: For and In-the-Absence of the BAC Chairman

12PO0054 Rehabilitation/Improvement of Dalican-Batad Road – Declared Strategic Tourist Destination (DSTD) Dalican-Batad, Banaue, Ifugao FY 2013: Regular Infrastructure Program Php 97,000,000.00 Roadway excavation (Solid Rock), PCCP, Stone Masonry, etc. 225 Calendar Days Php 30,000.00

Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget Cost shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Completion of the Works is required within the contract duration. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Document particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a single contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC.

(MST-Nov. 22 & 28, 2012)

Contractors/applicants who are interested in the DPWH civil works are required to register prior to the set schedule of submission of bid while those already registered shall keep their records current and updated. Contractor’s eligibility to bid on the project will be determined using the DPWH Contract Profile Eligibility Process (CPEP) and subject to further post-qualification. Information on registration can be obtained at DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the cost of Bidding Documents. Interested bidders can also make payments for the purchase of the Bidding Documents at any DPWH Field Offices.

The Department of Public Works and Highways – Cordillera Administrative Region will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 4, 2012, 11:00 AM at Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Office, 2nd Floor Department of Public Works and Highways – Cordillera Administrative Region - Regional Office, Engineer’s Hill, Baguio City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Department of Public Works and Highways- Cordillera Administrative Region, Engineers Hill, Baguio City and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Bids must be delivered on December 18, 2012, not later than 10:00 a.m. at Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Office, 2nd Floor Department of Public Works and Highways – Cordillera Administrative Region - Regional Office, Engineer’s Hill, Baguio City. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.1.

CLIFTON D. VALENCERINA OIC - Chief, Construction Division HEAD, BAC Secretariat (074) 300-6027

Completion of the Works is Ninety (90) calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/ sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. 4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Department of Public Works and Highways La Union First Engineering District and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. In the case of National Government Agencies, the General Appropriations Act and/or continuing appropriations; in the case of GOCCs, GFls, and SUCs, the Corporate Budget for the contract approved by the governing Boards; in the case of LGUs, the Budget for the contract approved by the respective Sanggunian. (Section 5(a), RA 9184) A brief description of the scope of Works should be provided, including quantities, location of project, and other information necessary to enable potential bidders to decide whether or not to respond to the invitation. The Department of Public Works and Highways La Union First Engineering District will hold a Pre-Bid Conference at 10:A.M. on December 4, 2012. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 12:00 Noon, December 18, 2012 at the DPWH La Union First Engineering District, Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Department of Public Works and Highways La Union First Engineering District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: Approved by: (Sgd.) ISABELO V. LOPEZ, JR. BAC Chairman DPWH La Union First Engineering District Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union Fax. No./ Tel. No. 072-700-2938

(Sgd.) ELPIDIO C. PARAGAS District Engineer (MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

CONTRACT NO. 12AF0112

CONSTRUCTION OF FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURE (SOUTHERN PART OF PUGO RIVER) PUGO, LA UNION 1.

The DPWH-LUSDEO, through the PDAF (UPPER HOUSE) FY 2013 intends to apply the sum of PHP 14,399,137.39 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for 12AF0112. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The DPWH-LUSDEO now invites bids for FLOOD CONTROL. Completion of the Works is required 216 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, Particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS Rizal II District Engineering Office Brgy. Rosario, Pasig City

INVITATION TO BID The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Rizal II District Engineering Office, through the REGULAR INFRA FY 2013 intends to apply the sum of Forty Two Million Eight Hundred Eighty Nine Thousand Nine Pesos and 71/100 (P 42,889,009.71) to payments under the contract for various infrastructure projects listed below. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. 1. Contract ID Contract Name

: 12 DO 0100 : I. Preventive Maintenance of Manila East Road (K0041+000 to K0042+116) II. Preventive Maintenance of Manila East Road (K0046+653 to K0047+000) III. Preventive Maintenance of Manila East Road (K0048+000 to K0050+002) Contract Location : Cardona to Baras, Rizal Scope of Works : Asphalt Overlay and Application of Pavement Markings Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): P 42,889,009.71 Contract Duration : 60 Cal. Days

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Rizal II District Engineering Office now invites bids for the above stated projects. Bidders must have an experience of having completed at least one (1) contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.



Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships or organization with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH-LUSDEO and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00am – 5:00pm starting November 23, 2012 to December 13, 2012.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and/or any DPWH Field Offices upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of PHP 25,000.00.



It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that the bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

6.

The DPWH-LUSDEO will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 29, 2012 - 2:00pm at DPWH-LUSDEO, Natividad, Naguilian, La Union – BAC Office which shall be open to all interested parties.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before December 13, 2012 – 10:00am at DPWH-LUSDEO, Natividad, Naguilian, La Union – BAC Office. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.



Bids will be opened at 2:00pm on December 13, 2012 in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The DPWH-LUSDEO reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to:

CECILIA L. AQUINO BAC Secretariat DPWH-LUSDEO BRGY. NATIVIDAD, NAGUILIAN, LU (072) 6091716 (Sgd.) VIRGILIO T. DACANAY Asst. District Engineer BAC Chairman

(Sgd.) CONSTANTE R. SARMIENTO Chief, Maintenance Division BAC Chairman (MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

The Department of Public Works and Highways La Union First Engineering District now invites bids for the Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Upgrading of Damaged Paved National Secondary Road along San Fernando- Bagulin Road, KO285+000 to KO285+370.

Invitation to Bid

Bids will be opened in the presence of the owner or the bidders’ authorized representatives who choose to attend at the above. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Department of Public Works and Highways – Cordillera Administrative Region reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, La Union First Engineering District, through the CY 2013 Regular Infra intends to apply the sum of Seven Million One Hundred Sixty Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty Pesos (P7,164,780.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Upgrading of Damaged Paved National Secondary Road along San Fernando- Bagulin Road, KO285+000 to KO285+370. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Natividad, Naguilian, La Union

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of bids. Letters of Intent and/or applications for eligibility and latest Class “A” documents are to be accepted by the BAC together with the Bids and other relevant documents on or before the deadline for submission of bids.

Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Upgrading of Damaged Paved National Secondary Road along San Fernando- Bagulin Road, KO285+000 to KO285+370

Republic of the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways Region I La Union 2nd District Engineering Office OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Invitation to Bid for

Noted: (Sgd.) SALOME C. GRAVADOR (BAC – Vice Chairman)

12PO0053 Road Upgrading (Gravel to paved) of Ibulao – Julongan Road – Declared Strategic Tourist Destination (DSTD), Sta 000+000 – Sta 013+100 (I.S.) Kiangan, Ifugao FY 2013: Regular Infrastructure Program Php 135,800,000.00 PCCP, Stone Masonry, etc. 269 Calendar Days Php 40,000.00

For further information, please refer to:

November 22, 2012

INVITATION TO BID

BID BULLETIN NO. 30

Dropping of Bids :

Office of the District Engineer LA UNION FIRST ENGINEERING DISTRICT Lingsat, San Fernando City

Telepono: 0917-7079668 Negros Oriental 1st District Engineering District Office Bindoy, Negros Oriental, Rehiyon VII

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Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

Kagawaran ng Pagawain at Lansangang Pambayan Tanggapan ng Distrito Inhenyero

Department of Public Works and Highways

SUBJECT DATE

[email protected] Page Compositor: Diana Keyser Punzalan

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH, Rizal II District Engineering Office, BAC Secretariat Office, Brgy. Rosario, Pasig City, and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Twenty Thousand Pesos Only (P 20,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the DPWH, if available, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The DPWH, Rizal II District Engineering Office will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 6, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. in the DPWH Rizal II District Engineering Office BAC Secretariat Office, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on December 18, 2012 until 10:00 A.M. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below on December 18, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. Late bids shall not be accepted. The DPWH reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: FRANCISCO F. CRUZ BAC Chairman Attention: Head, BAC Secretariat DPWH, Rizal II DEO Brgy. Rosario, Pasig City Tel. No. 900-1928 Approved by: Noted by: (Sgd.) ERIC A. AYAPANA Engineer IV OIC, District Engineer (MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

(Sgd.) FRANCISCO F. CRUZ Asst. District Engineer Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

[email protected]

ManilaStandardToday

Page Compositor: Diana Keyser Punzalan

Classifieds Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT-Metro Manila

For

VALENZUELA MEDICAL HOSPITAL

BULLETIN OF VACANT POSITIONS



A. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH



1. CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT FOR METRO MANILA; 2. VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER, VALENZUELA CITY; 3. MEDICAL OFFICER III (1) SG-18, ITEM NO. OSECDOHB-MDOF3-30001-2010; 4. DOCTOR OF MEDICINE; 5. ELIGIBILITY: RA 1080

ad

(Sgd.) MARIO C. PANAY, MD, MHA, CESE District Health Officer II

results,

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT-Metro Manila

VALENZUELA MEDICAL HOSPITAL Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Tel. No 294-6711 to 16, Telefax 294-5090

please

BULLETIN OF VACANT POSITIONS I. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

call



A. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 1. CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT FOR METRO MANILA; 2. VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER, VALENZUELA CITY; 3. ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE VI (1) SG-6, ITEM NO. OSEC-DOHB-ADA6-30077-2004; 4. COMPLETION OF TWO YEARS STUDIES IN COLLEGE; 5. ELIGIBILITY: CAREER SERVICE (SUB-PROFESSIONAL)

659-48-30

2. CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT FOR METRO MANILA; 2. VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER, VALENZUELA CITY; 3. ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE IV (1) SG-4, ITEM NO. OSEC-DOHB-ADA4-30146-2004; 4. COMPLETION OF TWO YEARS STUDIES IN COLLEGE; 5. ELIGIBILITY: CAREER SERVICE (SUB-PROFESSIONAL)

local

303

3. CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT FOR METRO MANILA; 2. VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER, VALENZUELA CITY; 3. ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE IV (1) SG-4, ITEM NO. OSEC-DOHB-ADA4-30151-2004; 4. COMPLETION OF TWO YEARS STUDIES IN COLLEGE; 5. ELIGIBILITY: CAREER SERV ICE (SUB-PROFESSIONAL)

or

(Sgd.) MARIO C. PANAY, MD, MHA, CESE District Health Officer II

659-48-03

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

ERRORS & OMISSIONS In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Catanduanes Engineering District, invites contractors to bid for the aforementioned projects: Contract ID Contract Name

1.

The DPWH­-NE2ndDEO, intends to apply the sum of the amount stated below being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the following:

a. CONTRACT ID: b. Contract Name:



c. Contract Location:



d. Fee for Bid Documents: e. Scope of Work: f. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): g. Conctract Duration C.D.: h. Source of Fund:



c. Contract Location:



d. Fee for Bid Documents: e. Scope of Work: f. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): P9,813,651.07 g. Conctract Duration C.D.: 28 CD h. Source of Fund: SR 2012-­10­-008191 dtd. 10/15/12

a. CONTRACT ID: b. Contract Name:

12FH0055 1.REPAIR OF ROAD SLIP/WIDENING OF ROADS ALONG CATANDUANES CIRCUMFERENTIAL ROAD @ INTERMITTENT SECTION, PANDAN-CARAMOANSAN ANDRES-VIRAC @ INT. SECT. ROAD, CATANDUANES PANDAN-CARAMORAN-SAN ANDRESVIRAC, CATANDUANES REPAIR OF SLOPE PROTECTION AND WIDENING OF ROADS AS PER PLAN & SPECS. P 14,223,226.00

Contract Location Scope of Work

Approved Budget For the Contract (ABC) 167 CD Contract Duration Source of Fund & Year SARO # A 12-00769 DTD 9/27/12 Amount of Bid Documents/ Amount of Letter of Intent (LOI) P 25,000.00 Contract ID Contract Name

12FH0056 2. REPAIR OF ROAD SLIP ALONG CATANDUANES CIRCUMFERENTIAL ROAD @ INTERMITTENT SECTION, SAN MIGUEL-VIGA-PAYO-BAGAMOC ROAD SECTION @ INT. SECT. ROAD, CATANDUANES SAN MIGUEL-VIGA-PAYO-BAGAMOC, CATANDUANES REPAIR OF SLOPE PROTECTION AND PCCP SHOULDER (015 M THK.) AS PER PLAN & SPECS P 14,240,070.00

Contract Location Scope of Work

Approved Budget For the Contract (ABC) 167 CD Contract Duration Source of Fund & Year SARO # A 12-00769 DTD 9/27/12 Amount of Bid Documents/ Amount of Letter of Intent (LOI) P 25,000.00

The BAC will conduct the procurement process in accordance with the Revised IRR of R.A. 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of bid. To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), purchase bid documents 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, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids. Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to the DPWH-POCW Central Office before the deadline for the receipt of LOI. The DPWH POCW-Central Office will only process contractors’ applications for registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractor’s Certificate of Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:

1. Issuance of Bidding Documents

From: NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 19, 2012

2. Pre-Bid Conference

DECEMBER 7, 2012

3. Receipt of Bids

Deadline: UP TO 2:00 P.M., DECEMBER 19, 2012

5. Opening of Bids

2:00 P.M., DECEMBER 19, 2012

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BD’s) at DPWH, Catanduanes Engineering District, Virac, Catanduanes, upon payment of a non-refundable fee stated above. Prospective bidders may also download the BDs from the DPWH web site, if available. Prospective bidders that will download the BDs from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees at DPWH, Catanduanes Engineering District, Virac, Catanduanes on or before the submission of their bids Documents. The Pre-Bid Conference shall be open only to interested parties who have purchased the BD’s. Bids must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post-qualification. The Department of Public Works and Highways, Catanduanes Engineering District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders. Approved by: (SGD.) GIL AUGUSTUS A. BALMADRID Asst. District Engineer BAC –Chairman (MST-NOV. 28, 2011)

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS Region III Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER San Isidro, Cabanatuan City INVITATION TO BID

1. Contract ID Contract Name/Location

12­CF­0125 Asphalt Overlay/Repair & Rehab. of Maharlika Road, Cabanatuan City Km. 121+623 to Km. 123+345 w/ exception 615.38 LM (Roadway); 642.80 LM (Shoulder) P10,000.00 Asphalt Overlay/ Repair & Rehab.

The DPWH­NE2ndDEO now invites bids for bids for projects stated above with required completion date stated thereof. Bidders should have completed, within (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a single contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC.

: :

Scope of Work

:

Source of funds Estimated Contract Cost

: :

2. Contract ID

:

12L0-0057 Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete)/ Reconstruction of Damaged Paved Road, including Widening of Existing Concrete Pavement of Lacson-Lamanan-Inayangan-Megkawayan Road, Davao City Reconstruction of Existing dilapidated PCCP Intermittent sections; Concreting of road; Excavation works: Widening of existing 4.0-5.0 m. concrete pavement; Widening/Improvement of shoulder along existing PCCP; Extension of Box Culvert; Construction of CHB lined Canal and other drainage structures, Provision of Metal Guardrails; Provision of thermoplastic Pavement Markings CY 2013 (GAA) DPWH Regular Infra P 172,735,000.00

Source of funds

:

12L0-0058 Road Upgrading (Gravel to Concrete) of CompostelaCateel Road (Brgy. Malibago-District Boundary, Davao Oriental Side) Davao Oriental C o n c r e t i n g o f R o a d , E x c a v a t i o n Wo r k s ; Construction and Extension of Box Culvert; Construction of CHB Lined Canal and other drainage structures; Provision of coco-net/cocologs; Provision of Metal Guardrails; Provision of thermoplastic Pavement Markings CY 2013 (GAA) DPWH Regular Infra

Estimated Contract Cost

:

P 163,581,975.00

Contract Name/Location

:

Scope of Work

:

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.



Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Contractors/applicants who are interested in the DPWH civil works are required to register prior to the set schedule of submission of bid while those already registered shall keep their records current and updated. Contractor Profile Eligibility Process (CPEP) and subject to further post­ qualification. Information on registration can be obtained at DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph or Central Procurement Office (CPO), 5th Floor, DPWH Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the IRR of RA 9184, otherwise known as “ The Government Procurement Act”.

5.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH­- NE2ndDEO and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.. Monday to Friday.

6.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of non­refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of as indicated above.

4. Interested Bidders may obtain further information from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Regional Office XI, Davao City, and inspect at the address given below from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm.



It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the DPWH Website www.dpwh.gov.ph, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.



Payments can be made at any DPWH field office. The submission of the Original Receipt (OR) for payments of bidding documents issued by any DPWH field office is sufficient for the BAC of this District Office to process the electronic eligibility evaluation of contractors.

2. The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office XI, Davao City, now invites bids for the above-mentioned contracts. Bidders should have completed at least a single project from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a similar contract of the project to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in section II, Instructions to Bidders.



Bidding is restricted to Filipino Citizens/sole proprietorships, partnership or organizations with at least seventy-five (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

5. A complete set of Bidding documents maybe purchased by interested bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents the amount of P 50,000.00/project from November 28, 2012 to December 27, 2012, until 12:00 noon.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the www.dpwh.gov.ph and Philgeps websites, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the bidding documents not later than the submission of bids.

7.

The DPWH-NE2ndDEO will hold a Pre­Bid Conference on December 05, 2012, 10:00 A.M. at the BAC ROOM,DPWH, Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office, Brgy. San Isidro, Cabanatuan City which shall be opened only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

6. The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office XI, Davao City, thru the Bids and Awards Committee will hold a Pre-bid conference on December 11, 2012 at the DPWH Conference Room, DPWH XI Compound, R. Magsaysay Street, Davao City at 10:00 a.m., which shall be open only to all interested Parties who have purchased the bidding documents.

8.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before December 17, 2012, 10:00 A.M. at the BAC ROOM, this office. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.1.

7. Bids must be delivered on or before 2:00 p.m. of December 27, 2012 at the Office of the BAC Chairman, DPWH XI, R. Magsaysay Street, Davao City. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.



Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.



9.

The DPWH – NE2ndDEO reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

8. The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office XI, Davao City, reserves the right to accept or reject any bid to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidders or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: LEOPOLDO T. VICTORIO Chief Construction Section BAC­Chairman, DPWH NE2ndDEO San Isidro, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija (044) 600­3281; (044)600­1481 Noted :

(Sgd.) ULYSSES C. LLADO District Engineer

(MST-NOV. 28, 2012)

Name of Project

9.

Bids will be opened at 2:00 P.M. of the same day in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids will not be accepted.

For further information, please refer to: Charito Tinio-Mertens Engineer III- Head, BAC Secretariat Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office XI R. Magsaysay Street, Davao City Telefax : (082) 226-9310 Email : [email protected] [email protected]

(MST-NOV. 28, 2012)

(Sgd.) TOMAS M. RODRIGUEZ Assistant Regional Director BAC Chairman

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

1. Supply and Delivery of Canned Goods & Other Food Items, Sando Bag & Woven Bags for 2012 Tulong Mula sa Pamahalaan of the Provincial Government of Bataan =P= 13,903,855.50 The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Procurement. Completion of works is required on or before the maturity date stipulated on contract. Bidders should have completed, within Ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Office of Bataan Bids & Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the same office. Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable amount of =P= 1,000.00 for ABC amounting from =P= 499,999.99 and below, =P= 2,000.00 for ABC amounting =P= 500,000.00-=P= 1,499,999.99 =P= 3,000.00 for ABC amounting from =P= 1,500,000.00 =P=2,499,999.99; =P= 4,000.00 for ABC amounting from=P= 2,500,000.00 =P= 3,499,999.99; =P=5,000.00 for ABC amounting from =P= 3,500,000.00 =P= 4,499,999.99; =P= 6,000.00 for ABC amounting from =P= 4,500,000.00 =P= 5,499,999.99,=P= 10,000.00 for ABC amounting from =P= 5,500,000.00 and above to the Office of the Provincial Treasurer. The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 5, 2012 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Bids must be delivered on or before Dec. 19, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted. In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days. Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan

Activities

Schedule

1. Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid 2. Eligibility Check 3. Issuance and availability of bidding Documents 4. Request for Clarification 5. Opening of Bids

Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2012 Refer to date of Opening of Bids Nov. 28-Dec.19, 2012 Dec. 10, 2012 December 19, 2012

The Provincial Government of Bataan reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: Engr. Fernando E. Tanciongco Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan 047-237-9316 [email protected]

(Sgd.) CORAZON A. ATIENZA BAC CHAIRMAN

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER ZardonyxStreet, Taculing, Bacolod City Telefax: 034-707-7188 -0-

INVITATION TO BID 1. The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office XI, Davao City through the CY 2013 Regular Infra Program intends to apply the following sum to payments of the corresponding contracts listed hereunder. Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget for the Contracts (ABC) shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

P9,813,150.43 28 CD SR 2012-­10­-008165 dtd. 10/13/12

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund Projects intends to apply the below listed projects w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Tel. No. (082) 226-9302 Fax. No. (082) 226-9372

P10,000.00 Repair/ Rehabilitation/ Improvement

2.

Invitation to Bid

Republic of the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR Region XI, Davao City

12­CF­0124 Repair/Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Maharlika Road, Cabanatuan City Km. 121+845 to Km. 123+345 w/ exception (1,106.62 LM)



BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE No. Goods-014-2012

INVITATION TO BID

I. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

D3

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga

CATANDUANES ENGINEERING DISTRICT Virac, Catanduanes

Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Tel. No 294-6711 to 16, Telefax 294-5090

fast

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Invitation to Bid The DPWH, Bacolod City District Engineering Office, through the CY 2013 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Regular Infrastructure Projects intends to apply the following sum or ABC to payment under the contract for the project: Contract ID No. Project Name:

12GC0078 Construction/Widening/Upgrading/Rehabilitation of Access Roads to declared Tourism Destinations along Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod City

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): P48,500,000.00 Source of Funds: CY 2013 GAA for regular Infrastructure Projects. Works to be Procured: Removal of existing concrete pavement, roadway excavation, aggregate sub base course, bituminous tack coat, bituminous concrete surface course, portland cement concrete pavement (0.23 and 0.28 thk.), reflective thermoplastic stripping material (white and yellow), chevron sign, health and safety program, provide and maintain traffic control and barricades, project sign board. Contract Duration: 180 calendar days x-x-x-x-x The DPWH, Bacolod City District Engineering Office now invites bids for the above works to be procured. Completion of the works is required within the contract duration. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The Bidder should have completed, within ten(10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II of the Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizen/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Letter Of Intent (LOI) and/or applications for eligibility and latest Class “A” documents are to be accepted by the BAC together with the bids and other relevant documents on or before the deadline for submission of bids which is 9:00AM of December 17, 2012, in compliance with the memorandum dated November 15, 2012 of Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH, Bacolod City District Engineering Office and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from November 27, 2012 starting at 8:00AM until 9:00AM of December 17, 2012.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of P25,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of DPWH (www.dpwh.gov.ph), provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before December 17, 2012 at 9:00 AM at Zardonyx Street, City Heights Subdivision, Brgy Taculing, Bacolod City. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened on December 17, 2012 at 2:00PM in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The DPWH, Bacolod City District Engineering Office reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to the BAC Secretariat at DPWH, Bacolod City District Engineering Office, Zardonyx Street, City Heights, Brgy Taculing, Bacolod City at telefax number (034) 707-7188.

(Sgd.) RAMON S. BELLEZA, JR BAC Chairman (MST-NOV. 28, 2012)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

D4

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2012

ManilaStandardToday

Classifieds Republic of the Philippines

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS BILIRAN DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

Request for Expression of Interest for CONSULTING SERVICE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CURRICULUM FOR THE DOF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THROUGH A CUSTOMIZED MASTERAL DEGREE WITH SPECIALIZATION IN PUBLIC FINANCE 1. The Department of Finance (DOF), through the General Appropriations Act for CY 2012 under Republic Act No. 10155, intends to apply the sum of Twelve Million Six Hundred Thousand Pesos (P12,600,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Consulting Service for the Design, Development and Implementation of a Curriculum for the DOF Professional Development Program through a Customized Masteral Degree with Specialization in Public Finance (“Project”). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposals. 2. The DOF now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the procurement of consulting services of an academic institution with an international accreditation that will provide world class education to selected personnel of the DOF, Bureaus, Attached Agencies and Government Financial Institutions under the DOF supervision with the end view of producing future leaders and managers in the public service. Interested consultants must submit their eligibility documents on or before December 4, 2012, 9:00 a.m. at the DFG Conference Room, 4th Floor DOF Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion. 3. The BAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted eligibility documents and Expression of Interest and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The short list shall consist of at least one (1) prospective bidder who will be entitled to submit bids. The criteria and rating system for short listing are: I. Applicable Experience 30% II. Quality of Personnel to be Assigned - 50% III. Capacity to Execute the Project 20% Total 100% 4. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of RA 9184.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

5. The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality Based Evaluation/Selection (QBE/QBS) procedure. The Procuring Entity shall indicate the weights to be allocated for the Technical and Financial Proposals]. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders. 6. The contract shall be completed within a period of eighteen (18) months but not to exceed twenty-four (24) months upon Issuance of Notice to Proceed. 7. The DOF reserves the right to reject any and all bids, annul the bidding process, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. 8. For further information, please refer to:

Director Lourdes Z. Santiago Central Administration Office 7th Floor – EDPC Building BSP Complex Roxas Blvd. cor. P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila Tel. No. 526-12-65 (Sgd.) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and DOF – BAC Chairman

Naval, Province of Biliran (6543) (053) 500-9099 [email protected] (053) 500-9097

November 21, 2012 Invitation to Bid for: Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Biliran Circumferential Road, Km. 1104+000 to Km. 1104+520 (Esperanza – Looc Road Section) Province of Biliran. Contract ID Number : ABC: Contract Location : Brief Description : Cost of Bid Docs : Contract Duration : Required equipment :

12IA0074 P9,637,274.44 Province of Biliran Removal of Damaged Pavement and Concrete Paving of the same. P10,000.00 65 Calendar Days 1 Backhoe .50cu.m. 101HP; 1 Roadgrader, 210HP; Roadroller, 12.3MT, 199HP 1 Bulldozer (D65A-8/155HP); 1 Batching Plant; 1 Payloader 2.29cu.m., 150HP; 4 Transit Mixer 6.5 -7.5cu.m.; 3 Dump Truck 15-20cu.m.380HP; 2 Concrete Vibrator, gasoline, 5 hp; 1 Concrete Screeder; 1 Concrete Saw, gasoline,12” ø Manual, 5HP; Bar Cutter, electric, Grade 40 25mm single phase; Bar Bender, 25mm, 3 phase; 1 Water Truck, 500 – 1000 gal, 360HP, 1 Trailer.

The DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office, Naval, Biliran, through the SARO No. A-12-00885 dated October 3, 2012 as intends to apply the sum above stated being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the abovementioned contracts. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion in the Eligibility Check and Preliminary examination of Bids as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, organizations or joint venture with at least Seventy-five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office, Naval, Biliran and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount stated above. Issuance of Bidding Documents will be on November 22, 2012 to December 13, 2012. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The DPWH-Biliran district Engineering Office, Naval, Biliran will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 3, 2012 at 9:00 A.M. at the BAC Office, DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office, Naval, Biliran which shall be open to all interested parties.

For further information, please refer to: BONIFACIO G. SANTANA OIC-Assistant District Engineer (BAC Chairman) Attention: Head, BAC Secretariat BAC Office, DPWH Biliran District Engineering Office Brgy. Calumpang, Naval, Biliran Telefax No. : (053) 500-9097 Email Address: [email protected]

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Upon submission of Letter of Intent dated November 27-December 13, 2012. Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH, Quezon II District Engineering Office, and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M – 5:00 P.M A complete set of bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Ten thousand (10,000) for above 5M to 20M Projects. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the DPWH, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The DPWH, Quezon II District Engineering Office will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 3, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at the DPWH Quezon II DEO Conference Room, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must have delivered to the address below on December 18, 2012 until 2:00 P.M. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representative who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The DPWH reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to:

Asepto Syringes and other medical supplies for the use of Ospital ng Makati A1C-2 (Hemoglobin A1c Gen 2) test cassettes for the use of Ospital ng Makati

6

ACTIVITIES 1. Pre-Bidding Conference at BAC Conference Room, 9th Floor 2. Opening of Bids at BAC Conference Room, 9th Floor

P4,064,769.60

OSMAK

P3,288,247.20

SCHEDULE December 06, 2012 (2:00 P.M.) December 20, 2012 (2:00 P.M.)

Approved by: (Sgd.) ATTY. ELENO M. MENDOZA, JR. Chairperson

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

NOTICE OF MERGER OF ATLAS AGRICULTURAL AND MERCANTILE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND MANOLO REALTY, INC. Notice is hereby given that the Articles and Plan of Merger of ATLAS AGRICULTURAL AND MERCANTILE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (the "Surviving Corporation") and MANOLO REALTY, INC. (the "Absorbed Corporation") have been approved in meetings duly called for the purpose, by majority vote of the respective Board of Directors and by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock of said Surviving Corporation and Absorbed Corporation.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways OFFICE OF THE DPWH District Engineer Leyte 1 District Engineering Office Pawing, Palo, Leyte INVITATION TO BID November 23, 2012 No.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Quezon 4th District Engineering Office, Lucena City, through it’s Bids & Awards Committee (BAC) invites contractors to bid for the following contract(s): 1. Contract ID : 12-DL-0103 Contract Name : Rehabilitation/Improvement of MSR including Drainage, Daang Maharlika, Poblacion, Gumaca Contract Location : Gumaca, Quezon Scope of Work : improvement of road, and drainage Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): P 14,700,000.00 Source of Fund : FY 2012 RA 10155 Contract Duration : 132 CD Cost of Bidding Documents : P25,000.00 Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance with the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act. No. 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of bid. To bid for the contract, a contractor must submit Original Receipt (OR) for payment of bidding documents issued by the Procuring Entity together with their eligibility documents on or before the date and time stated hereunder 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 this 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 10% of the ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fall criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids. Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to the DPWH-POCW Central Office before the deadline set herein. The DPWH POCWCentral Office will only process contractor’s applications, with complete requirements, for registration and to be issued the Contractor’s Certificate of Registration (CRC). The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:

1

4. Receipt of Bids : December 18, 2012 until 2:00 P.M. 5. Opening of Bids : December 18, 2012 after 2:00 P.M. The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents at DPWH-Quezon 4th Engineering District, Lucena City, upon payment. Prospective bidders may download the BD’s from the DPWH Website, if available. Bidders that will download the BD’s from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees on or before the submission of bids. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any acceptable forms in the amount stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Interested contractors are also required to present the originals of their Contractor’s Registration Certificate (CRC) to the BAC for authentication, together with the printed copy of the Philgeps Order Form (Documents Request List – DRL).

(Sgd.) RICARDO V. DE GUIÑO Chairman, BAC Tel. and Fax No. (042) 373-5626

Contract ID No.

Contract Name

12IC0098

Concreting of 1.786 Kms. Brgy. Bairan to Sitio Busay, Guinciaman FMR, San Miguel, Leyte

ABC

Road Conc., Const. of 2-Barrel BC, 9,700,000.00 Installation of 2 Rows RCPC

Contract Duration

Bid Document Fee

60 CD

10,000.00

2. DPWH, Leyte 1 District Engineering Office, Pawing, Palo, Leyte now invites bids for the aforementioned description of works. Completion of the work is required for the above-stated contract duration. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders. 3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion in the Eligibility Check and Preliminary Examination of Bids as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, organization or joint venture with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. 4. Contractors/applicants who are interested in the DPWH civil works are required to register prior to the schedule of submission of bid while those already registered shall keep their records current and updated. Contractor’s eligibility to bid on the project will be determined using the DPWH Contract Profile Eligibility Process (CPEP) and subject to further post-qualification. Information on registration can be obtained at DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH, Leyte 1 District engineering Office, Pawing, Palo, Leyte and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m.

Date and time of Procurement Activities are shown below: 1. 2. 3. 4.

PROCUREMENT ACTIVITY Issuance of Bidding Documents Pre-Bid Conference Receipt of Bids Opening of Bids

DATE November 28 – December 18, 2012 December 06, 2012 On or before: December 18, 2012; 9:00 a.m. December 18, 2012; 2:00 p.m.

5. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. 6. Pre- Bid Conference shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. 7. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representative who chooses to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted. 8. To bid for this contract/s, a contractor must submit a Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to the ABC or Credit Line Commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC before dropping the bids. Bidders shall likewise submit their bids through their duly Authorized Liaison Officers only as specified in the Contractor’s Information (CI). Submission of Letter of Intent (LOI) is no longer required to participate in the bidding, per D.O. 64, series of 2012. 9. The DPWH, Leyte 1 District Engineering Office, Pawing, Palo, Leyte reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability or obligation to the affected bidder or bidders. 10. For further information, please refer to:

Lesma B. Tingoy BAC Chairman Tel. No.: (053) 323-5701 Fax No.: (053) 323-8801 e-mail address: [email protected]

N O T E D: (Sgd.) JOSE E. ALMERO OIC – District Engineer

Scope of Work

1. The DPWH, Leyte 1 District Engineering Office, Pawing, Palo, Leyte, through the CY 2012 PDAF intends to apply the sum above-stated being the Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the aforementioned contracts. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1. Issuance of Bidding Documents to : November 28 – December 18, 2012 Registered contractors 2. Deadline for Submission of : December 13, 2012 Eligibility Documents 3. Pre-Bid Conference : December 05, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.

N O T E D: (Sgd.) ANGEL A. SIA, JR. OIC-District Engineer

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

P5,267,500.00

Bidding Documents will be available only to Prospective Bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of ______________________ to the City Government of Makati Cashier. (fee for Bid Documents) (Procuring Entity) The City Government of Makati assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders (Procuring Entity) for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid. The City of Makati reserves the right to disqualify any or all proposal, to waive any defects or informalities therein and to accept such proposal as may be considered most advantageous to the Government.

INVITATION TO BID



OM OSMAK

Prospective Bidders should have experience in undertaking a similar project with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project for bidding. The Eligibility Check/Screening as well as the Preliminary Examinations of Bids shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-Qualification of the Lowest Calculated Bid shall be conducted. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows:

ITB No. 12-22

Approved by:

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

Aerial Fireworks (Pyromusicals) Display for New Year's Eve Countdown

5

P15,201,935.03

(MST-Nov. 28 & Dec. 5, 2012)

The DPWH-Quezon 4th District Engineering Office, Lucena City reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

(Sgd.) CELESTIAL S. FLANCIA District Engineer

4

P5,744,400.00

OM

Corporate Secretary ATLAS AGRICULTURAL AND MERCANTILE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MANOLO REALTY, INC.

Head, BAC Secretariat DPWH,Quezon II District Engineering Office Dalahican Road, Lucena City Tel. No. (042) 373- 4252

Noted by:

Production and staging of New Year's Eve Countdown Celebration

ALICE C. GOHOC

Attention:

(Sgd.) JEREMIAS B. LICAS JR. Chief, Construction Section Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

3

APPROVED BUDGET P8,679,358.00

This announcement shall serve as notice to all parties concerned of the legal effects of the Plan of Merger between the abovementioned corporations and the legal dissolution of the Absorbed Corporation.

Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the Bidding Documents (BD’s) in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The First envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, including the eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post qualification.

JEREMIAS B. LICAS JR. BAC Chairman

NO. NAME OF PROJECT AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LOCATION 1 Various materials for replacement of defective parts and accessories of DEPW chillers for New Makati City Hall Building 2 Christmas Decors for installation at various Parks and Center Island Post OM of Makati City

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS Quezon 4th District Engineering Office Lucena City

1. 12DJ096 - Repair/Rehab./Improvement of MSR Tiaong Section Road KO091+475KO092+400 Tiaong,Quezon (w/exception) Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : P 9,900,028.47

Bidders must have an experience of having completed at least One (1) contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

INVITATION TO BID The City Government of Makati, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites suppliers/manufacturers/ distributors/contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder projects:

(Sgd.) DAVID P. ADONGAY, JR. D. Pub. Admin. District Engineer

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Quezon II District Engineering Office now invites bids for the following Contract ID Nos. :

2. 12DJ097 - Repair/Rehab./Improvement of MSR Tiaong Section Tiaong,Quezon KO101+000-KO102+000 (w/exception) Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : P 9,900,027.07

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

J.P. Rizal St. corner F. Zobel St., Makati City Tel. No. 870-1000 Fax No. 899-8988 www.makati.gov.ph

NOTED: FOR & IN THE ABSENCE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER (Sgd.) ROMEO B. SOLITE-ENGINEER III

INVITATION TO BID The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Quezon II District Engineering Office through the intends to apply the sum of Ninety million eight hundred thousand fifty five pesos and 54/100 (P 19,800,055.54) to payments under the contract for Contract ID Nos. 12DJ096 to 12DJ097: Repair/Rehab./Improvement of MSR Tiaong Section Road KO091+475-KO092+400 Tiaong,Quezon et;al. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

ERRATUM In re: Invitation to Bid (3-Way Stopcock and other supplies for the use of Ospital ng Makati), Schedule Pre Bidding Conference on November 29, 2012 and Opening of Bids on December 13, 2012, 10:00 a.m. with Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) amounting to P13,571,167.40 instead of Pre Bidding Conference on November 27, 2012 and Opening of Bids on December 11, 2012, which was publisehd in this newspaper on its issue of November 16, 2012

Notice is likewise hereby given that the aforesaid Articles and Plan of Merger shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for approval.

(Sgd.) BONIFACIO G. SANTANA OIC-Assistant District Engineer (BAC Chairman)

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS Quezon II District Engineering Office Dalahican Road, Lucena City

J.P. Rizal St. corner F. Zobel St., Makati City Tel. No. 870-1000 Fax No. 899-8988 www.makati.gov.ph

REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS

Bids will be opened on December 13, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The DPWH-Biliran district Engineering Office, Naval, Biliran reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability or obligation to the affected bidder or bidders.

LUNGSOD NG MAKATI BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

LUNGSOD NG MAKATI Bids and Awards Committee

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before December 13, 2012 at 9:00 A.M. at the BAC Office, DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office, Naval, Biliran. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

To bid for this contract, a contractor must purchase bidding documents and meet the following major criteria: a) prior registration with DPWH BAC-CPO, Manila; b) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract; c) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within period of 10 years, and d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or Credit Line Commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. Bidders shall submit their bids through their duly Authorized Liaison Officers only as specified in the Contractor’s Information (CI). Submission of Letter of Intent (LOI) is no longer required to participate in the bidding, per D.O. No. 64, series of 2012.

REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS

For fast ad results, please call 659-48-30 local 303 or 659-4803

The DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office, Naval, Biliran now invites bids for the above mentioned description of works. Completion of the Works is required for the above stated contract duration. Bidders should have completed, within ten (100 days from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

(MST-NOV. 28, 2012)

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

[email protected] Page Compositor: Diana Keyser Punzalan

(MST-Nov. 28, 2012)

(Sgd.) LESMA B. TINGOY Chief, Materials Quality Control Section BAC Chairman