ANALYSIS

WEATHER
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Next page
Ofcial guest. US President Barack Obama and Thai Prime Minister Yin-
gluck Shinawatra posed for photographers after Obama signed the guest
book at the Government House in Bangkok on Sunday. AP
Group shot. President BenignoAquinoandother leadersholdhandsduringagroupphotosessionfor the21st AseanSummit inPhnomPenhonSunday. AP
Unied champ. Brian Viloria (left) hammers Mexican foe Hernan Tyson Marquez with a left hook in a unication bout won by the Fil-Hawaiian via a
10th-round knockout. Viloria, the World Boxing Organization yweight king, added Marquezs World Boxing Association belt to his collection. (Story on A8)
Next page
Next page
End game on sin tax up
www.manilastandardtoday.com mst@mstandardtoday.com
Vol. XXVI No. 234 16 Pages, 3 Sections
P18.00 Monday, November 19, 2012
TODAY
Standard
Manila
Asian bloc adopts rights pact amid criticism
Senate vote
for the bill
seen today
PNoy in good spirits despite flu
House presses PDEA
on narco-politics list
Aquino
to Asean:
Uphold
centrality
Key reforms may not be achieved
Solon files
measure to
drop VFA
Obama touts Asias
role in US security
By Joyce Pangco Paares
PHNOM PENHPresident
Benigno Aquino III on Sun-
day called on his counter-
parts from the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations to
uphold the blocs centrality in
addressing the territorial dis-
putes in the West Philippine
Sea.
Following the Aseans un-
precedented non-issuance
of a statement in July on the
maritime conicts in the area,
the Philippines is now being
backed by Cambodia, Indo-
nesia, Singapore and Vietnam
in calling for maximum re-
straint on the countries claim-
ing jurisdiction over parts of
the area.
Asean secretary-general
Surin Pitsuwan also proposed
setting up a South China Sea
hotline to resolve and contain
future tensions in the region.
We can give it a sense of
urgency that if there is anything
developing, then we all will
be phoned, trying to consult,
trying to coordinate, trying to
contain any possible spillover
of any incident, accident, mis-
calculation, misunderstand-
ing, Surin said.
A Cambodian ofcial said
the Asean would not be push-
ing to internationalize the dis-
putes over the South China Sea
because it did not want to com-
plicate the issue.
By Christine F. Herrera
THE Joint Foreign Chambers
and local business groups have
warned that the administration
might not be able to achieve its
targeted reforms before Presi-
dent Benigno Aquino III steps
down from ofce in 2016 if
Congress does not move swiftly
to pass priority bills.
Legislation is usually a multi-
year and even multi-Congress
process, but elections work like a
reset button, said John D. Forbes,
American Chamber of Commerce
of the Philippines senior adviser
during a dialogue with the House
leaders Thursday.
The business executives ex-
pressed fears that while nine of the
30 priority measures have been en-
acted into law, 16 still remained
with the Senate.
With just a few months and a
few session days left in the 15th
Congress, the business executives
said the same bills would have to
be reled in the next Congress,
with the process of approval start-
ing again from scratch.
If there are difculties main-
taining momentum across leg-
islative terms, this administra-
tion is at risk of not completing
By Francisco S. Tatad
IN AN unprecedented move to
inuence Philippine laws on
human life, the family and mar-
riage, the British government,
together with the United Nations
Fund for Population Activities
and the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, hosted a family
planning summit in Manila on
November 15.
The summit, held at the
By Christine F. Herrera
A COUNTERPART measure
has been led in the House de-
manding the abrogation of the
Visiting Forces Agreement af-
ter lawmakers from both hous-
es of Congress started calling
for an end to it following the
alleged dumping of toxic waste
in Subic.
Bayan Muna Rep. and
Makabayan senatorial candi-
date Teddy Casio said House
Joint Resolution 7 was led
a week after Senator Miriam
Defensor Santiago led Senate
Joint Resolution 3.
The two measures are seeking
to terminate the defense treaty
between the Philippines and the
United States. Those were led
one week apart in August, but no
By Maricel V. Cruz
HOUSE Minority Leader Danilo
Suarez on Friday led a resolu-
tion asking the Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency to name
the big shes behind the illegal
drug operations in the country.
Narco-politics is a very seri-
ous issue, so I led a resolution for
PDEA to name those behind it,
Suarez told the Manila Standard.
Suarezs resolution was led
before the House committee on
dangerous drugs led by Iligan
City Rep. Vincete Belmonte Jr.
It also seeks an explanation from
I am condent that our col-
leagues have seen and realized
the importance of the reform
measure to a great majority both
as a health measure and as a -
nance bill, said Drilon Sunday.
Drilon said he expects to n-
ish the debates on the individuals
amendments proposed by those
who oppose the bill before it is
sent to the Senate oor for a vote.
Drilon said his bill, which
faced a thorough scrutiny during
the ve extended session days,
will face individual amend-
ments on Monday before its
ratication.
Drilons committee report
targets an additional P40 billion
revenues from increased taxes on
tobacco and alcohol products.
This is P20 billion lower
than the target proposed by the
Finance Department.
Earlier, Senator Ralph Recto
had resigned as committee chair-
man after he drew ak from the
Palace for proposing a bill with
a much lower P15 billion collec-
tion goal.
BANGKOKPresident Barack
Obama says it is no accident
that he planned his rst foreign
trip to Asia after winning re-
election.
Speaking at a news confer-
ence Sunday in Bangkok, Obama
emphasized that the United
States is a Pacic nation. And
he says the Asia-Pacic region
will be crucial for creating jobs
in the U.S. and shaping its secu-
rity and prosperity.
Thailand is Obamas rst stop
on a three-day tour of Asia that
will also take him to Myanmar
and Cambodia.
Obamas praised Thailand for
being a supporter of democracy
in Myanmar, the once-pariah state
that is rapidly reforming. He says
he appreciated the Thai prime
ministers insights into Myanmar
during their meetings Sunday.
For Obama, expanding U.S.
inuence in Asia is more than
just countering China or open-
ing up new markets to American
businesses. Its also about build-
ing his legacy.
Fresh off re-election, Obama
will make a signicant invest-
ment in that effort during a quick
run through Southeast Asia that
begins Sunday. In addition to
stops in Thailand and Cambo-
dia, the president will make a
PHNOM PENHSoutheast Asian
leaders on Sunday adopted a human
rights declaration despite last-minute
calls for a postponement by critics,
including Washington, who said the
pact contains loopholes that could allow
atrocities to continue.
The 10 leaders of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations, an unwieldy
bloc of liberal democracies and authori-
tarian states, signed a document adopting
the Asean Human Rights Declaration in
the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh,
where the heads of state were holding an
Foreign meddling will kill
the RH bill, not save it
Philippine International Con-
ference Center, tried to mo-
bilize public support for the
reproductive health bill, which
is facing possible sudden death
in Congress as its members, es-
pecially those in the House of
Representatives, prepare for the
May 2013 elections.
Led by Philippine-based
foreign pharmaceutical firms
engaged in the manufacture
and sale of contraceptives,
and responding to the foreign
groups initiative, the coun-
trys biggest business groups
were reported to have signed
a Manifesto of Support for
family planning.
Continued on page A5
Next page Next page
Next page
By Macon R. Araneta
and Maricel V. Cruz
SENATOR Franklin
Drilon, the acting
chairman of the Sen-
ate ways and means
committee, said he
expected senators
to vote for the pas-
sage of the sin tax
bill when sessions
resume today.
Next page
PHNOM PENHPresident Benigno Aquino III
is attending the 21st Leaders Summit of the As-
sociation of Southeast Asian Nations in good
spirits here despite having the flu, an official
said on Sunday.
The President is in good spirits. He is very en-
ergetic, Presidential Communications Operations
Ofce Secretary Herminio Coloma said.
He is animated by the signicance of his partici-
pation in this vital forum. Joyce Pangco Paares
annual summit.
The nonbinding declaration calls for
an end to torture, arbitrary arrests and oth-
er rights violations that have been long-
time concerns in Southeast Asia, which
rights activists once derisively described as
being ruled by a club of dictators.
Asean diplomats have called the
declaration a milestone in the region
despite its imperfections, saying it will
help cement democratic reforms in
countries such as Myanmar, which un-
til recently has been widely condemned
for its human rights record.
News
ManilaStandardToday mst.daydesk@gmail.com NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
A2
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
AN OFFICIAL of the munici-
pality of Hagonoy in Davao del
Sur has expressed alarm over the
entry of illegal small-scale min-
ers to the large and still untapped
Tampakan mine site straddling
the boundaries of South Cota-
bato and Davao del Sur.
Municipal councilor Dante
Aznar said the threat of crude
and illegal small-scale mining
destroying their mountains was
becoming real with the contin-
uing delay in the operation of
the proposed Tampakan mine.
If Sagittarius Mines is not
given a permit to operate, un-
regulated small-scale miners
will penetrate the area in the
mountains, Aznar said.
Sagittarius Mines Inc. is the
government contractor for the
proposed $5.9-billion Tam-
pakan copper-gold mine. The
project has been stalled by
by an environmental code in
South Cotabato banning open-
pit mining in the province.
Aznar said they were deeply
concerned about crude mining
operations that could affect the
Mal and Padada river system,
the main source of irrigation for
farmers in Davao del Sur.
We will have bigger prob-
lems with illegal small-scale
miners because they use tools
that are destructive to the envi-
ronment and destroy our river,
Aznar said.
A recent report said there
had been a significant increase
in the mercury levels in Pula-
bato river in South Cotabato,
and that provincial authorities
had attributed that to the illegal
small scale-mining in the area.
The South Cotabato pro-
vincial government recently
formed a task force to address
the illegal small-scale mining
in their area.
We have farmland and ag-
ricultural activities that depend
on irrigation, so we need to
protect our river system from
unregulated and crude mining
activities, Aznar said.
Illegal
mining
criticized
Obama...
historic visit to Myanmar, where
his administration has led efforts
to ease the once pariah nation
out of international isolation.
The trip marks Obamas fourth
visit to Asia in as many years. He
kicks off his schedule in Bangkok.
With a second term now guaran-
teed, aides say Obama will be a
regular visitor to the region over
the next four years as well.
Continuing to fill in our pivot
to Asia will be a critical part of
the presidents second term and
ultimately his foreign policy leg-
acy, said Ben Rhodes, Obamas
deputy national security adviser.
The presidents motivations in
Asia are both personal and stra-
tegic.
Obama, who was born in Hawaii
and lived in Indonesia as a child, has
called himself Americas first Pa-
cific president. The region gives
him an opportunity to open up new
markets for U.S. companies, pro-
mote democracy and ease fears of
Chinas rise by boosting U.S. mili-
tary presence in area.
The president, like many of
his predecessors, had hoped to
cement his foreign policy legacy
in the Middle East. He visited
two major allies in the region,
Egypt and Saudi Arabia, on one
of his first overseas trips as pres-
ident and attempted to revive
peace talks between Israel and
the Palestinians. AP
House...
the drug agency of the report by
the Dangerous Drugs Board that
1.7 million Filipinos were into
drugs.
We want to know what the
drugs agencies are doing with
the problem or if there are leg-
islative remedies to it, Suarez
said, adding he was also asking
PDEA chief Arturo Cacdac to
point to a proper forum where
he could name the politicians in-
volved in the illegal drug trade.
Suarez was prompted to file
the resolution after the National
Bureau of Investigation filed
charges against two former
PDEA chiefs, Dionisio Santiago
and Jose Gutierrez, over the sale
of chemicals seized during an
anti-narcotics operation.
I will ask the House commit-
tee on dangerous drugs to con-
duct a hearing soonest, Suarez
said.
This is a very serious issue,
and more so because of the near-
ing elections.
On Friday, lawmakers chal-
lenged Cacdac to name the 53
politicians that he claimed were
involved in the illicit drug trade
and welcomed the charges filed
against two former heads of the
agency.
Senator Francisco Escudero
said Cacdac should stop doing a
political striptease act.
The PDEA should immedi-
ately name names, said Escu-
dero, chairman of the Senates
justice committee.
If they have evidence, they
should file the cases ASAP. What
are they waiting for? Making
blanket statements is plainly ir-
responsible.
Cacdac earlier linked 53 politi-
cians to the illegal drug trade but
did not give details.
He said those officials in-
cluded a former congressman, a
former mayor, a mayoralty can-
didate and a candidate for the
provincial board.
Also on his list were 13 village
chairmen, 30 village council-
men, two municipal councilors, a
vice mayor, two municipal may-
ors and a city councilor.
Cacdac said cases had been
filed against those people but he
declined to name them.
House Minority Leader Danilo
Suarez called for a congressional
probe and also challenged Cac-
dac to name names.
We call him [Cacdac] out to
name these narco-politicians,
Suarez said.
We will file a resolution so
that he will have a proper forum
where he can name these politi-
cians.
On Friday, some congressmen
praised the National Bureau of
Investigation for filing charges
against two former heads of the
PDEADionisio Santiago and
Jose Gutierrezover the sale of
the chemicals seized during an
anti-narcotics operation.
NBI Director Nonnatus Ceasar
Roxas said they were now inves-
tigating allegations that former
PDEA deputy director general
Carlos Gadapan and other of-
ficials of the agency had been
planting evidence on people that
they would later blackmail.
There is an affidavit linking
them to some irregularities com-
mitted in PDEA, Rojas said.
Key...
key reforms before the Aquino
presidency ends in 2016, said
Forbes, also main author of the
Arangkada Philippines report, a
Joint Foreign Chambers-backed
business advocacy launched in
December 2010.
The country should continue
to strive to move at least twice as
fast to realize its full economic
potential, Forbes said.
Lawmakers attributed the de-
lay in the passage of important
bills to a recurring lack of quo-
rum.
For this reason, Citizens Bat-
tle Against Corruption Rep. Sher-
win Tugna prodded the House
leadership to compel members to
attend sessions, especially since
most congressmen were already
preparing for next years mid-
term elections.
The election season may be
upon us but that is not a valid ex-
cuse to be remiss in our duties as
lawmakers, Tugna said.
He said some House members
have been missing plenary ses-
sions for almost the entirety of
the week, resulting in the lack of
a quorum and making the pas-
sage of important laws impos-
sible.
The bills that the business ex-
ecutives wanted passed those
supporting reproductive health,
freedom of information and sin
taxes, as well as amendments to
the central bank charter and the
law on airline taxes.
The dialogue was aimed at
discussing reforms to bolster
growth and competitiveness.
House Speaker Feliciano
Belmonte, for his part, said the
House has passed all 30 business
and economic reform measures
in the 15th Congress.
Also discussed in last weeks
dialogue were economic reform
bills, such as the creation of a
Department of Information and
Communications Technology,
an anti-trust act, and measures
aimed at enabling local govern-
ments to more quickly receive
their share of national taxes.
We trust governments com-
mitment in undertaking legisla-
tive reform to ensure that our
strong growth is sustainable and
inclusive, said Miguel Vare-
la, president of the Philippine
Chamber of Commerce and In-
dustry.
Good laws attract investors
and encourage businesses by cre-
ating a secure, predictable, and
level playing field where firms
can thrive and provide employ-
ment for the long term, Varela
said.
The meeting came as the
countrys economic expansion
and solid fiscal position led to
a ratings upgrade to just below
investment grade by Moodys In-
vestors Service and other rating
agencies, Belmonte said.
Forbes said the original Arang-
kada Philippines report enumer-
ated 471 recommendations, tar-
geted $75 billion in new foreign
investment, 10 million jobs, and
over a trillion pesos in revenue
for the national economy within
the decade.
The full list of suggested re-
forms included 105 legislative
measures to be undertaken by the
Aquino administration, building
on the 22 economic and business
laws already passed in the 14th
Congress, Forbes said.
Accomplishment of these rec-
ommendations is tracked annu-
ally in the Arangkada Philippines
Assessment, which will be re-
leased at the Second Arangkada
Philippines Forum in late Febru-
ary 2013, he said.
The Joint Foreign Chambers
is composed of the American
Chamber of Commerce of the
Philippines, Australian-New
Zealand Chamber of Commerce
of the Philippines, Canadian
Chamber of Commerce, Euro-
pean Chamber of Commerce of
the Philippines, Japanese Cham-
ber of Commerce and Industry of
the Philippines, Korean Chamber
of Commerce of the Philippines,
and Philippine Association of
Multinational Regional Head-
quarters.
End...
Local tobacco companies and
farmers have warned that exor-
bitant taxes would kill the in-
dustry, a view shared by Recto,
Senate President Juan Ponce
Enrile, and Senator Ferdinand
Marcos Jr., who comes from the
tobacco-producing north.
Recto called the P40-billion
target unrealistic.
On Thursday night, President
Benigno Aquino III certified the
bill as urgent, allowing it to be
approved on second and third
reading on Monday without the
usual three-day interval.
As a rule, a bill must undergo
three readings on three separate
days except when the President
certifies a bill as urgent to meet
a public calamity or a national
emergency.
We are in the final stretch. We
are only one step [from] the pas-
sage of this bill, said Drilon.
Marcos last week vowed to
make amendments to the bill
when sessions resume today.
Enrile and Recto are also ex-
pected to propose their own
amendments.
Over the weekend, former
Health secretaries asked legisla-
tors to set aside P1 billion from
the extra revenue generated from
sin taxes for health promotion.
Alfredo Bengzon, Alberto
Romualdez Jr., Jaime Galvez-
Tan, Juan Flavier, Francisco Du-
que III, and Esperanza Cabral
said in a statement this would
help Filipinos make healthier
choices and adopt healthier life-
styles.
Tan, who served as Health
secretary under President Fi-
del V. Ramos, noted that the
health budget should not just
focus only on treating the sick
because most of the population
is healthy.
Health promotion ensures that
all Filipinos can benefit from...
funding [of] key programs such
as tobacco control, alcohol con-
trol, road safety and sports, he
said. The right to health is for
everyone and health promotion
ensures that all Filipinos have
access to it.
A study by the Health Depart-
ment showed that nine out of
every 10 Filipinos have at least
one risk factor that could lead to
non-communicable diseases.
These risk factors include to-
bacco use, hypertension, and
obesity and could lead to life-
threatening conditions that are
costly to treat.
Health promotion could ease
the burden of treating the ill by
reducing the number of people
getting sick and seeking medical
attention, the former Health sec-
retaries said.
The Philippine Medical Asso-
ciation, the umbrella organiza-
tion of all medical societies in
the country with a total member-
ship of 70,000, called for the pas-
sage of the sin tax bill before it is
too late.
We value the health of our
youth and we are confident that
the passage of this bill would not
just help smokers quit but also
ensure that our children would
not be able to afford the habit of
smoking and drinking too much
alcoholic beverages, said the
PMA in a statement issued Sun-
day.
The morbidity and mortality
due to diseases related to smok-
ing and drinking are tremendous,
the group said.
We can benefit from a health-
ier and cleaner air if there were
[fewer] Filipinos smoking. Sad-
ly, the poor are the ones mostly
affected by smoking-related dis-
eases, the PMA said.
As the Senate committee of
ways and means prepared to vote
today, members of the Northern
Alliance in the House of Repre-
sentatives warned those seeking
re-election that there would be a
price to pay in next years elec-
tion if they voted for higher ex-
cise taxes.
La Union Rep. Victor Ortega,
the alliance president, made the
statement, saying it is but natu-
ral for tobacco farmers to declare
who they will support during the
coming polls.
Of course they will support
those who have been considerate
of their plight in making a deci-
sion on the sin tax bill, Ortega
said.
It is but natural also for these
tobacco farmers to say they will
reject senatorial bets who will
support a sin tax bill version that
will adversely affect the farm-
ers plight. On the other hand,
you can expect these farmers to
support candidates who sym-
pathized with them in the fight
against hefty excise tax rates,
Ortega added.
Ortega said the voting power
of tobacco farmers should not be
underestimated, noting that the
eight major tobacco-producing
provinces form a vote-rich re-
gion with at least 4.5 million
voters during the last senatorial
election.
In the Ilocos Region, which
comprises the provinces of Ilo-
cos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasi-
nan and La Union, there are
about 300,000 tobacco farmers,
Ortega said. This could easily
translate to one million votes if
voting members of their families
are included, he said.
The eight major tobacco-
producing provinces were Pan-
gasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur,
Ilocos Norte, Abra, Cagayan,
Isabela and Mindoro. Other
provinces that produce tobacco
are Mountain Province, Ifugao,
Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Tar-
lac, Nueva Ecija, Capiz, Iloilo,
Leyte, Cebu, Misamis Oriental,
Bukidnon, Davao, Zamboanga
del Sur, Maguindanao, Cotabato
and Saranggani.
Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos
Padilla, one of the 21 congress-
men who voted against the
House version of the bill, said the
legislation is certainly an elec-
tion issue in tobacco-producing
provinces. The House-approved
version of the sin tax bill pro-
vides an estimated P31.28 billion
in new revenue mostly from to-
bacco products.
It is inevitable that these af-
fected sectors during the May
2013 elections will manifest their
unfavorable sentiment against
re-electionist senators who will
support a tax bill that imposes
drastic and immediate increases
in the rates, Padilla added.
A big workers group also
warned lawmakers of railroad-
ing the passage of the sin tax bill,
saying it could lead to mass lay-
offs and the loss of jobs.
The Bukluran ng Manggagawa
said lawmakers should prove
their independence, not only
from Malacanang, but also from
the International Monetary Fund,
which supports more new taxes,
including a levy on telecommu-
nication services.
With Vito Barcelo
Solon...
action was taken by the leader-
ship of either chamber.
On Monday, Santiago said
she would file a resolution
directing the secretary of For-
eign Affairs to give the United
States notice of the termination
of the Visiting Forces Agree-
ment.
She made the announcement
following the reported dump-
ing of toxic waste in Subic by
Glenn Defense Marine, a US
Navy contractor servicing US
vessels.
On Sunday, however, Armed
Forces chief Jessie Dellosa
said he favored the VFAs re-
tention as it had been benefit-
ing the Philippine military.
This [the alleged dumping
of toxic waste in Subic] will
not affect the ongoing consul-
tation and dialogue between
our military and US military
officials, Dellosa said.
Senator Edgardo Angara
said it was all right to demand a
cleanup of the toxic waste sup-
posedly dumped in Subic, but
he disagreed that the Visiting
Forces Agreement should be
abrogated.
Contrary to what Senator
Miriam is saying, we should
take care of our relations with
America, Angara said.
We cannot afford to lose the
United States as an ally.
But the youth group Ana-
kbayan on Sunday claimed
that two US soldiers mauled
a Filipino bouncer, Allen John
Gapulao, at a bar in Puerto
Princesa City.
Judging from the track
record of our government...in
prosecuting foreign soldiers,
we doubt that justice will be
given to Mr. Gapulao, group
national chairman Vencer
Crisostomo said.
Santiago said the joint reso-
lution calling for the scrapping
of the VFA would be treated as
a bill passed by the two cham-
bers of Congress.
She said neither the Philip-
pines nor the US needed to
cite a basis to comply with any
prerequisite to terminate the
agreement.
One party will simply no-
tify the other in writing that it
desires to terminate the agree-
ment, she said.
Casio said he welcomed
Santiagos renewed call for
the immediate dumping of the
VFA.
We have always been con-
sistent in our call to junk the
VFA since it was implemented
in 1999, he said.
In fact in the 15th Congress
alone we have at least four
House resolutions calling for
an investigation of the VFA
and its termination.
Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello
on Sunday said he was willing
to share with the Senate his
findings on the waste-dumping
incident.
He said he went on a fact-
finding mission to Subic on
Friday, where he spoke with
US Navy Captain Glenn Pen-
drick, commander of the USS
Emory Land. With Francisco
Tuyay and Macon Ramos-
Araneta
Aquino...
Mr. Aquino said maritime se-
curity and cooperation would
ensure freedom of navigation as
well as maintain peace and sta-
bility in the region.
My country supports its effec-
tive implementation, which will
highlight the fruits of collective
dialog, strengthen our resolve and
reaffirm our respect for interna-
tional law such as the United Na-
tions Convention on the Law of
the Seas, the President said.
Cambodian Prime Minister
Hun Sen said regional peace and
security would be indispensable
for Aseans inclusive growth.
We should continue to work
together to maintain Asean cen-
trality in the regional architec-
ture, Sen said.
Presidential Communica-
tions Operations Office Secre-
tary Herminio Coloma said Mr.
Aquinos statement was affirmed
by President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono, Vietnamese Prime
Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, and
Singapore Prime Minister Lee
Hsien Loong.
President Yudhoyono said we
should maintain calm and exer-
cise self-restraint, while Prime
Minister Nguyen reiterated the
significance of the Declaration
on the Code of Conduct and
the [future] Code of Conduct in
ensuring maritime security and
safety, Coloma said.
Prime Minister Lee called for
countries to exercise maximum
restraint and refrain from pro-
vocative actions and initiate dis-
cussions with China on the Code
of Conduct.
The disputes over South China
Sea territories were expected to
overshadow a summit of South-
east Asian countries that opened
Saturday, with host Cambodia
seeking damage control after
the previous regional meeting
it hosted collapsed over how to
handle the territorial conflicts in-
volving China.
Foreign ministers of the
10-member Association of
Southeast Asian Nations met at
a convention center in the Cam-
bodian capital of Phnom Penh,
where about 10,000 troops and
police were deployed to guard
the biggest international gather-
ing the country has hosted in re-
cent history. Army commandos,
armed with machine guns and
donning knee and elbow pads,
prowled around the venue.
With the AP and Bloomberg
Asian...
President Benigno Aquino III
said the declaration will be able
to provide more protection to
Filipino overseas workers in the
region from trafficking in per-
sons among other cross-border
violations.
Philippine diplomat Rosario
Manalo lauded the regions less
democratic governments for
signing the pact.
Founded in 1967 as an anti-
communist bloc in the Cold War
era, ASEAN has taken feeble
steps to address human rights
concerns in the vast region of
600 million people, adopting a
charter in 2007 where it commit-
ted to uphold international law
and human rights but retained a
bedrock principle of not inter-
fering in each others internal
affairs a loophole that critics
say helps member states commit
abuses without consequence.
In 2009, the group unveiled a
commission that was tasked to
promote human rights but de-
prived of power to investigate
violations or go after abusers.
Mr. Aquino said the agreement
looks forward to the implemen-
tation of instruments for the
protection and promotion of the
rights of migrant workers and
their families, and for combating
trafficking in persons.
Secretary Rene Almendras
said migrant workers deserve
better conditions in the ASEAN.
The main input of the Philip-
pines was along the lines of mi-
grant workers because, together
with Indonesia, we have the most
number of migrant workers.
He said. Whether you are in Sin-
gapore or youre in Bangkok, you
are assured that your rights will be
respected by the host country.
The text of the declaration was
amended on Satuday to include
the provision that Asean nations
would implement the declara-
tion in accordance to the interna-
tional human rights declarations
and standards.
Earlier, UN High Commis-
sioner for Human Rights Nav-
anethem Pillay said there was
inadequate involvement of the
public, including civil society
groups, and that the draft fell
short of universal values on hu-
man rights.
Pillay cited the clause on
the right to life, which she said
should not be contingent on do-
mestic laws that can be used to
justify state-sponsored violence
Critics of the declaration were
especially concerned over the
provisions on public morality
and national and regional par-
ticularity which they say depart
from fundamental human rights
principles.
Asean secretary-general Surin
Pitsuwan earlier admitted that the
declaration was not perfect but
it was a step in the right direction.
AP, with Joyce P. Paares
News
ManilaStandardToday
mst.daydesk@gmail.com NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
A3
Separate probes for scamsDOJ
Aquino tells Filipinos to leave the Gaza Strip
Bayan Muna protests comparison with Akbayan group
Travel agencies complain vs
ban on passport assistance
Caskets at the Senate. The Peoples Coalition against Regressive Taxation displayed three caskets out-
side the Senate to protest against increased taxes on cigarettes.
By Gigi Muoz David
THE government has launched an
P11 billion hydro-electric plant
and irrigation project in Cahag,
Leyte that would irrigate 9,000
hectares of rice elds and supply
electricity to at least 33,000 hous-
es, ofcials said on Sunday.
Agriculture Secretary Pro-
ceso Alcala said the Jalaur River
Multi-Purpose project, which
include construction of a hydro-
electric power plant, got under-
way last Thursday and was ex-
pected to be completed in 2015.
The river project currently
provides irrigation to 22,000
hectares of rice elds in the area.
The Jalaur Multi-purpose project
would supply water to an ad-
ditional 9,000 hectares of rice
elds, Alcala said.
Agriculture studies show that
the Philippines has 3.1 hectares
of irrigable areas, but only about
49 percent is fully irrigated. Ir-
rigation allows farmers to have
multiple harvests each year.
There are about 12 hydro-
electric plants in various prov-
inces in the country. In addition
to generating electricity, they
provide year-round irrgation to
farms and rice paddies in their
respective areas.
Alcala said the Cahag mini-
hydroelectric plant was expected
to supply electricy to 33,000
houses and it will not only sup-
ply water to Leytenos, it will also
help solve the power problems in
the area.
National Irrigation Adminis-
tration head Antonio Nangel said
the project would lead to savings
for the government because it
will extend service not only to
farmers but also to residents as
well.
One project providing water
and power to residents would
mean big savings for the govern-
ment, Nangel said.
NIA Region Six director Jer-
ry Corsiga said residents were
grateful to the national govern-
ment for launching the project
because it address a long-time
need in the area.
Govt opens Leyte irrigation project
Remembering Gat. Andres Bonifacio. The Komite Para sa Paggunita sa ika-150 Kaarawan ni Gat. Andres Boni-
facio launched on Staruday the Bahay Nakpil-Bautista museum at Quiapo, Manila. Shown in photo are ofcials of the
Komite. DANNY PATA
Sky lanterns. Intramuros Administration ofcials release sky lanterns to celebrate the opening of the Artist haven and Art Festival by the
National Commission on Culture and the Arts inside the walled city at the weekend. DANNY PATA
Prosecutor General Claro
Arellano said a special panel of
investigators would look into the
charges against Manuel Amalil-
io of Aman Futures Groups Phil
and Jachob Rasuman of BRD
Group of Companies.
We wont consolidate them.
We will treat them separately,
Arellano said, citing that Presi-
dent Aquino gave them a one-
week deadline to le charges in
court.
Amalilio was conrmed to
have ed to Kota Kinabalu, Ma-
laysia, but Rasuman has been
under police custody since last
week. Although most of their
victims are residents of Paga-
dian in Zamboanga del Sur, and
the cities of Marawi, Iligan, Ca-
gayan de Oro and Cebu, records
of the case have been forwarded
to investigators in Manila.
Amalilio and Rasuman prom-
ised their victims--- mostly low-
income earners --- a return of
up to 40 percent of their invest-
ments. Some victims committed
suicide and others took revenge
at the company agents when the
money stopped coming as the
scam collapsed.
Cagayan de Oro prosecutor
Fidel Macauyag said he deliv-
ered volumes of records to the
ofce of Arellano last Friday and
initial investigation showed that
the two groups used the same
double-your-money scheme to
attract investors.
He said Rasuman, son of a
former Public Works ofcial,
has denied the charges against
him in a counter-afdavit led
by his lawyers.
Sen. Edgardo Angara criti-
cized the manner investigators
handled the case and said investi-
gators should be discreet in their
actions because they jeopardize
their operations by announcing
their plans to the media.
Investigators announced, for
example, their plan to put the
suspects under hold-departure
and the result was one of the sus-
pects escaped to Malaysia.
They are bungling the whole
process. They are not helping
the victims, Angara said. My
call to the National Bureau of In-
vestigation, the police agencies
and the Department of Justice is:
Come out rst with results be-
fore any publicity.
He urged Justice Secretary
Leila de Lima to personally han-
dle the case and widen the infor-
mation drive of the Department
of Trade and Industry and the
Bangko Sentral to prevent the
scam from happening again.
He said the special task force
created by the Department of
Justice should hire nancial
experts and tap expertise of
the Finance Department and
the Bangko Sentral because the
case requires more just police
work.
They should think carefully
about this. The scam has a huge
impact on our nancial system.
This is hurting us because the
victims are ordinary people ---
teachers, farmers, sherman and
market vendors, Angara said.
By Rey Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta
THE Department of Justice will make
separate probes to speed up investiga-
tion of two groups that duped thousands
of people, mostly in Mindanao, in a P12
billion pyramiding scam, one of the big-
gest in the country ever, ofcials said on
Sunday.
By Jonathan Fernandez
A BAN by the Department of Foreign Affairs
against travel agencies providing assistance
to clients in securing passports would force
many of them to close down because a sub-
stantial portion of their incomes comes from
passport processing fees, said Robert Joseph
of the Travel Cooperative of the Philippines.
He said Foreign Affairs has issued a direc-
tive given travel agencies until December 31
to offer passport assistance services to their
clients and restrict travel agency representa-
tives from entering consular premises to as-
sist their clients.
The Foreign Affairs is killing the indus-
try, especially the micro enterprises, Joseph
said. What they are doing is not only dis-
criminatory, it is also against the law.
The Foreign Affairs ban followed opening
of consular ofces in malls to give people easy
access to services of the agency, including pro-
cessing and release of passports to applicants.
Joseph said travel agencies giving as-
sistance to clients was provided by law and
the agents will be responsible for presenting
authentic documents to meet requirements of
the Foreign Affairs.
He said the Foreign Affairs limited travel
agencies to ve percent of the daily demand for
passport service in each consular ofce, which
could result to tremendous backlog in their
business.
He called on President Aquino to lift the
ban and the ve percent cap, adding: We are
also asking small and micro travel agents to
bring the issue to their congressmen so that
proper action could be taken.
By Christine Herrera
and Gigi Muoz David
THE leftist Bayan Muna, facing a seri-
ous challenge to its party-list accredita-
tion, protested loudly to the Commis-
sion on Elections (Comelec) for being
compared to another leftist group with
strong links with Malacanang, ofcials
said on Sunday.
Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares
said his group represents the marginal-
ized sectors and should not be compared
to Akbayan, which is backed and is an
adjunct of the Aquino administration.
The Comelec is warned not to grant
the lobby of the military to disqualify
Bayan Muna, Colmenares said. Bayan
Muna has a long track record of expos-
ing abuses and corruption of government
ofcials and disqualifying it will surely
play into the hands of these military lob-
byists.
Bayan Muna is not partying in
Malacanang, Akbayan is, said Vencer
Crisostomo of Anakbayan, a mass orga-
nization of Filipino youths.
President Aquino has appointed some
Akbayan leaders to Cabinet posts. A promi-
nent Akbayan member is running for sena-
tor in next years mid-term elections under
President Aquinos Liberal Party.
Akbayan faced disqualication cases
in the Comelec, which has disqualied
18 of 50 party-list groups in the House
of Representatives. Complainants said
Akbayan no longer represents the mar-
ginalized because its members occupy
important government posts.
Crisostomo said the Comelec should
not lump Bayan Muna with Akbayan
and other multi-sectoral groups because
the complaint against Akbayan is not
due to its being a multisectoral party but
due to its being a party in power and its
obvious government connections.
He said Comelec Chairman Sixto
Brillantes echoed the Palace position on
the issue when he said that if Akbayan
goes, so should Bayan Muna.
By Joyce Pangco Paares
PHNOM PENHPresident Benigno Aqui-
no III has ordered the Philippine embassy in
Egypt to prepare to move out Filipinos from
Gaza Strip even as 31 other workers are beg-
ging for alms in Saudi Arabia.
Secretary Rene Almendras said even
while here Cambodia, Mr. Aquino has been
monitoring the clash between the Israeli gov-
ernment forces and Hamas militants.
I think the only open border is the Egypt-
Gaza border because the Gaza-Israel border
is effectively closed, he said. So if the
Filipinos decide to move out, the Philippine
Embassy in Egypt will be ready to handle
them.
Reports from Tel Aviv indicated that most
of the 100 Filipinos in Gaza Strip wanted to
stay put.
Everybodys calling for a ceasere--a
halt to try to defuse the situation, he said,
noting that the government backed a halt to
hostilities.
In Al Khobar, 31 Filipinos blamed their
sordid plight on Al-Hajri & Partners Con-
tracting Co. over alleged labor abuses by
their employer.
Hindi ganun kadali mamalimos (Its not
that easy to beg), advocate John Leonar
Monterona quoted a worker as saying.
We received written complaints signed
by the OFWs through our Migrante col-
leagues in Al-Khobar after the 31 OFWs
sought assistance from us, he said.
They claimed contract substitution, il-
legal salary deduction, salary down grading,
no sick leave, no medical and health insur-
ance, delayed salary.
Opinion Adelle Chua, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
mst.lettertotheeditor@gmail.com NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
A4
THE BLOOD of betrayal is
clearly on the Presidents hands,
no matter how hard his spokes-
men try to scrub off the stain.
This much was apparent after
President Benigno Aquino III
last week allowedsome say
conspired to bring about the
murder of the freedom of infor-
mation bill in the 15th Congress,
despite his promise to make it a
priority of his administration two
years ago.
While his apologists might
wish to deny such a promise was
ever made, the inconvenient truth
is that three weeks before his
inauguration as President of the
republic, then candidate Aquino
vowed to make such a bill a prior-
ity once he assumed ofce.
The documentary evidence of
Mr. Aquinos broken promise is
available to anyone with access
to the Internet. In the June 6,
2010 interview with GMA Net-
work, Mr. Aquino is unequivocal
in his support for a freedom of
information bill, which had just
been killed in the 14th Congress.
Mr. Aquino also said on camera
that such a law, which would
lift the shroud of secrecy over
government transactions and
data, would be a more com-
plete route than an executive
order that Quezon Rep. Lorenzo
Taada III had urged him to issue
at the time. Mr. Aquino added
that his rst two years in ofce
would be crucial in bringing
palpable change in the way the
government was run.
But what a difference two
years in power can make. Last
week, Mr. Aquino stood idly by
while his cohorts in the House
of Representatives killed the
bill in the committee on public
information.
The instrument of murder was
none other than the chairman of
the panel, Eastern Samar Rep.
Ben Evardone, who put the FOI
bill as the last of eight items on
the committees agenda. When
the committee nally got around
to discussing the bill, Evardone
then allowed Nueva Ecija Rep.
Rodolfo Antonino to chew up
the precious time remaining to
discuss his right-of-reply bill,
which had already been taken up
in an earlier hearing in March.
In the end, the committee ran
out of time to discuss any substan-
tive issues on the bill, and when
a motion was made to put it to a
vote, Antonino complained some
more about how his bill had been
ignored and moved to adjourn
the committee hearing. Evardone
agreed and the deed was done.
A statement by FOI advocates
puts the blame squarely on Mr.
Aquino for his mindless con-
cerns about the bill, followed
by eight months of silence during
which the President offered no se-
rious endorsement for the legisla-
tion. The House leadersSpeaker
Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Major-
ity Leader Neptali Gonzalez III
were willing accomplices by their
inaction, while Evardone found
the imsiest of excuses not to call
committee hearings.
The FOI bill is dead, actu-
ally murdered [in] its tracks. Its
butchers? The lackadaisical Evar-
done. The mindlessly perorating
Antonino. The President and
his accid support. Belmonte,
Gonzalez, and the Liberal Party
leaders of the House, by propping
and blessing Evardones duplic-
ity on the FOI bill, the statement
concluded.
It was a shameful perform-
ance all around that gave the lie
to this administrations promise
of transparency as a means to
weed out corruption and bring
about good governance. As we
review Mr. Aquinos many prom-
isesincluding that one on the
FOIwe recall the words of
George Orwell, who said po-
litical language... is designed
to make lies sound truthful and
murder respectable, and to give
an appearance of solidity to pure
wind. He might as well have
been writing about the Aquino
administration.
Murder most foul
They who taught
law grandly
First of two parts
THE Legal Education Board, chaired
by Justice Hilarion Aquino, estab-
lishes today a new institution -- the
Outstanding Professors of Law Hall
of Fame. Partnering with the Phil-
ippine Association of Law Schools
through its president, Dean Amado
Valdez and the Ateneo Law School,
with the amiable Sedfrey Candelaria
as dean, the Board honors in ceremo-
nies today at the
CCP Little Theater
ten living masters
of the law -- icons of
legal scholarship in
the Philippines. It
also posthumously
honors deceased
outstanding profes-
sors. Dean Antonio
Abad, a member of
the Legal Education
Board, describes
them as professors
who were never con-
tent with a straight-
forward commen-
tary on articles of
the law. They correlated articles,
raised critical questions, traced the
origins of provisions, expounded on
the jurisprudence that had arisen from
them and held no punches about ex-
posing paradoxes. That is what it is to
teach law in a grand manner, so far
removed from the execrable method
now so commonly adopted: memo-
rization of articles and the mindless,
uncritical parroting of jurisprudence
just to be able to slither through the
Bar Examination!
The selection committee was no less
distinguished. Chaired by retired Chief
Justice Reynato Puno, it had for its
members Justice Adolf Azcuna, Chan-
cellor Adolf Azcuna of the Philippine
Judicial Academy, Dean Amado Val-
dez, former Dean Antonio Abad, for-
mer Dean Alex Monteclar, Dean Perry
Pe, and Dean Sedfrey Candelaria. I was
honored to be a member of the commit-
tee. Rod Sagum and Rovick Relleve,
who work in the Board, served on the
secretariat. And now, for the honorees,
the magistri of the law.
Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ is synony-
mous with constitutional law in this
jurisdiction, in that almost every law
school of creditable standing recom-
mends his book on the 1987 Constitu-
tion as textbook on the subject. As an
active member of the Constitutional
Commission the records of which
attest to his fervent participation in
debate, his grasp of the intricacies of
the fundamental law has always been
beyond contest! Aside from author-
ing scholarly treatises on the constitu-
tion and advising the Supreme Court
in different cases involving the fun-
damental law as amicus curiae, Fr.
Bernas was dean of the Ateneo Law
School. When he is asked the classic
question that has no answer: What to
you is the best form of government?,
his reply is trademark Bernas: A
monarchy, as long as I am king!.
Justice Isagani Cruz is an expert
in political law, but is also an expert
on the English language. His col-
umns, that used to appear regularly
in Philippine Daily Inquirer, many
times dealt on grammar and the pov-
erty of expression that he rued about
not only among lawyers and judges,
but in those who should have known
better. He taught
law for 57 years --
which only means
that he devoted the
best years of his
life and the prime
of his youth to the
formation of future
lawyers. He was
not one to mince
words, neither did
he use them care-
lessly however!
Justice Os-
car Herrera was
a personal friend,
because he and
my father, Justice
Aquino, were close friends. He wrote
and lectured frequently and well on
remedial law, and for a long time,
his multi-volume work on the subject
was the authority for professors and
judges alike. I asked him once why he
refused to resume practice after retire-
ment from the Court of Appeals. He
told me candidly that he did not want
to point out to judges, before whom
he might appear, their errors in proce-
dure! He was however never bossy,
and he could always be relied on to
give a quick answer to some proce-
dural conundrum.
VV Mendoza was how ofcials of
the Supreme Court called him, but for
those who appeared in oral argument
before the Supreme Court, he was the
one unappable character who could
be moved neither by attery nor by
bluff. I remember him dressing down
a lawyer who had cited a case about
whose facts Justice Vicente Mendoza
inquired. Clearly, the lawyer had not
read the case, though he surely read an
excerpt he thought favorable to his cli-
ents case. Without emotion, but to the
obvious embarrassment of the lawyer,
VV Mendoza proceeded to summarize
the facts the lawyer had so carelessly
omitted that pointed to the inexorable
conclusion that the citation found no
application at all to the case argued. It
was Justice Vic who had very profound
insights on legal education, and the cur-
rent reform of the Bar Examination took
off from his proposals to the Supreme
Court. Continued tomorrow
EDITORIAL
Cigarette smuggling from the Philippines
FOR several years now, there has been a
lucrative but low-prole cigarette smug-
gling operation based in the Philippines.
We dont know if the operation is still
ongoing but until a couple of years ago,
the cigarette smuggling had been ourish-
ing from the Poro Point port in La Union
and in the SBMA port in Subic.
The cigarettes smuggled from these
Philippine ports are destined for the Peo-
ples Republic of China where the coun-
trys burgeoning middle class in a boom-
ing economy have developed a taste for
imported cigarettes other than their popu-
lar locally manufactured Chunghwa
and Double Happiness brands.
China is a lucrative cigarette market
with an estimated 350 million smok-
ers who smoke an estimated 1.7 trillion
cigarettes a year.
The cigarette brands smuggled to
China from the Philippines are the pop-
ular premium brands preferred by Chi-
nas smokers, principally State Express
555, Kool and Camel.
It is not known where these cigarettes
shipped from the Philippines come from,
whether they are brought in the coun-
try as transhipment or manufactured
in clandestine factories in the country.
What is certain is that these smuggling
operations are known and condoned by
Philippine government ofcials.
The smuggled cigarettes are brought to
China via medium-sized fast patrol crafts
powered by powerful engines. These fast
crafts, we are told, can outrun any and all
of Chinas coastal patrol boats. The fast
crafts make a couple of trips every week
to China, lled to the brim with thousands
of cartons of cigarettes.
It is interesting to mention these
Philippine-based cigarette smuggling
operations because soon we would see
similar operations with the Philippines
no longer an origin but a destination once
the sin tax bill, imposing as much as a
1,000-percent increase in taxes, is imple-
mented.
It is doubtful whether the sin tax
would be able to curb smoking. What is
sure is that there will be a huge boost for
cigarette smuggling. Cigarette smug-
gling will certainly ourish because it
will become lucrative.
If China with its tight security and
efcient coastal border patrol is unable
to curb the smuggling of cigarettes, then
how can the Philippines control the ex-
pected deluge of cigarette smuggling
with our porous borders and a virtually
unguarded coastline?
Cigarette smuggling as a direct result
of the imposition of unreasonable and
burdensome taxes has been the experi-
ence of many countries and territories
that have adopted this strategy.
Hong Kong is one example. The No-
vember 3 editorial of the Hong Kong
Daily News entitled The method of
banning illicit cigarettes by levying
heavy tobacco tax should be compre-
hensively reviewed detailed Hong
Kongs experience when it imposed in-
creased taxes on cigarettes.
The editorial explained: Crimes re-
lated to illicit cigarettes have continued
to increase despite the severe penalty.
Crimes are even increasing at a sky-
rocketing pace, with the fastest growth
recorded during the time from 2009
to 2010. Tobacco tax was levied 50%
higher in that year, so the number of
individuals buying illicit cigarettes rose
sharply accordingly by 90%.
It added: Considering the fact that
the current tax rate of each stick of ciga-
rette is HK$1.7, one can see that great
prot that lures a large group of people
to take the risk of selling illicit ciga-
rettes. Buying illicit cigarettes can save
a large sum of money, which is an ir-
resistible amount for those in the lower
classes, especially chain smokers with-
out any self-control.
The editorial might as well be de-
scribing what the situation would be in
the Philippines if and when the sin tax,
as proposed in the Senate, is approved.
What happened in Hong Kong also
happened in Canada where the imposi-
tion of heavy cigarette taxes have re-
sulted only in increased cigarette smug-
gling. There has been no increase in
income for the government and no de-
crease in smoking.
According to news reports, the Can-
ada-based National Coalition against
Contraband Tobacco has expressed con-
cern that the highly lucrative smuggling
of cigarettes undermines the safety of
our communities by fuelling organized
crime.
NCACTs Gary Grant said Canada
has lost about $2.1 billion in taxes an-
nually because of smuggled cigarettes.
He said: Such a loss of revenue is cer-
tainly a reason for government to be con-
cerned. But as a public interest group, we
are equally concerned at how contraband
tobacco funds organized crime and con-
tributes to youth smoking.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Po-
lice, the counterpart of our Philippine
National Police, has estimated that there
are some 175 criminal gangs involved
in cigarette smuggling. These gangs use
the illicit money they raise to nance
their other illegal activities, including
guns, drugs and human smuggling.
Cigarette smuggling is probably
as lucrative as jueteng. Perhaps even
more. We see the countrys criminal
syndicates anticipating the approval
of the sin tax while singing Happy
days are here again.
ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher
RAMONCHITO L. TOMELDAN Managing Editor
CHIN WONG/ RAY S. EANO Associate Editors
JOEL P. PALACIOS News Editor
ROGELIO C. SALAZAR President & CEO
MEMBER
Philippine Press Institute
The National Association
of Philippine Newspapers PPI
can be accessed at:
www.manilastandardtoday.com ONLINE
MST
Manila
Standard
TODAY
Published Monday to Sunday by Kamahalan
Publishing Corporation at 3rd Floor Universal
Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas corner Perea
Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone
CLIMACO E. CALIWARA Controller
ANITA F. GREFAL Treasury Manager
FRANCIS LAGNITON Senior Deskman
ARMAN ARMERO Senior Deskman
LEO A. ESTONILO Senior Deskman
ROMEL J. MENDEZ Art Director
ROBERTO CABRERA Chief Photographer
numbers 659-4830 to 32 (connecting all
departments), 659-4827 (Editorial), 659-
4803, 659-4802 (Advertising), 527-5016
(Sales and Distribution/Subscription) and
527-2057 (Credit and Collection). Fax
numbers: 659-4804 (Advertising) and 527-
6406 (Subscription). P.O. Box 2933, Manila
Central Post Ofce, Manila. Website: www.
manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: mst@
manilastandardtoday.com
MA. EDITHA D. ANGELES Advertising Manager
EDGAR M. VALMORIDA Circulation Manager
MARLON C. MAGTIRA Online Editor
FR. RANHILIO
CALLANGAN AQUINO
PENSES
ALVIN
CAPINO
COUNTER-POINT
They
were never
content with a
straightforward
commentary on
articles of the
law.
NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
A5 Opinion Adelle Chua, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
mst.lettertotheeditor@gmail.com
ONE truck overloaded with gravel
overturned along the C-5 Road in Metro
Manila, triggering a Carmageddon
that tied up trafc for hours.
The air trafc congestion above
Manilas airport remains unabated that
a wag commented that it can be the
perfect locale for the movie Skyfull
The social media is abuzz with, and
in stitches over, the viral Amalayer
footage. Some colorful verbal
altercation,MRT riders say, which
erupts many times daily in the capital
regions jampacked trains.
And a somber-looking President
Aquino announcing before the press
the results of the investigation report
on the plane crash that killed Secretary
Robredo.
There is one common thread running
through this calvacade of news
transportation.
In a speech, a congressman,
Antonio Alvarez of Palawan , sums
up the slow and sluggish state
of the nations transportation and
communications.
Says he: It is faster to y across an
ocean than to drive oneself to work,
urban roads transform into parking lots
during rush hours, the congestion in our
Manila airport has worsened that planes
spend more time taxiing than on air,
bungled contracts have derailed train
projects, many ships have buoyancy
issues, dropped calls plague cellphone
service, and many broadband providers
offer service in which you can see the
ID picture you are uploading take shape
pixel by pixel.
Before you rush to the conclusion that
Alvarez was ring a broadside , dont.
Actually, his well-written speech deals
on a good news which has descended on
this problematic sector.
And that is the appointment of
Jun Abaya as DOTC head honcho.
Alvarezs words were part of his speech
nominating Abayas conrmation before
the Commission on Appointments.
At this point, let me just interject
that I have been sparse in making
praise and scarcer still in culling from
the prose of others, despite my email
being bombarded with praise releases
from all kinds of advocacies .
But the Alvarez expose on
Abaya merits echoing for I am
impressed by the mettle of the man
who, in an unpolitico-like fashion, has
shunned the kind of self-promotion
many of his colleagues have grown
addicted to.
Let me use Alvarezs words in
describing Abayas academic record.
He graduated with honors from
the best secondary school in the land,
the Philippine Science High School,
entered UP as a scholar, and while
there topped the entrance examination
to the Philippine Military Academy,
a feat which earned him a berth at
the US Naval Academy in Annapolis,
Maryland from where he graduated
No.2 among those who took the BS
Mathematics degree , and ranked
23
rd
overall in his graduating class
of 1,041.
He then proceeded to Cornell
University to earn his Masters in
Electrical Engineering.
And while busy changing the
diapers of his kids , serving as a
Commander in the Navy, and latter
attending to his duties as member of the
House, he still found time to earn a Law
degree from the Ateneo.
In 2007, he passed the Bar
without earning a demerit in his nanny
duties at home, and without missing an
important vote in the House.
Clearly, in the words of his
colleague, Abaya has more diplomas
in his belt than a patrol boat has guns.
Yet , he kept a low prole. Alvarez
explained this as Abayas way of
practicing the naval theorem, that the
best submarine is the one that remains
undetected, and the best weapon is the
one with stealth capabilities.
With his Annapolis education, Ivy
League diploma, and law degree , he
could have trudged on the lucrative
corporate track.
But as an Aguinaldo on his mother
side, patriotism runs in his veins. With
a sense of noblesse oblige he served
as congressman of the Cavite district
where his grandfather proclaimed our
nations independence more than 100
years ago
In Congress, Abaya helmed the
powerful appropriations committee, a
post , Alvarez noted that he earned more
out of his professional qualication
than his political afliation.
He may have risen up the rungs of
the congressional ladder but if Alvarez
is to be believed Abaya has remained
a humble man.
I have seen him drive to work in
an old AUV, and to this day he makes
it a point to drive his three kids to
school, recalls Alvarez .
And he better continue with this
Abaya household tradition if only for
him to personally gauge if Edsa bus
drivers have become disciplined under
his watch, was Alvarezs advice to his
friend.
Yet behind this affable exterior is a
man with nerves of steel, Alvarez said.
Thus, anyone who mistakes his
genial personality for weakness will
be committing the biggest mistake
of his life. He is a battle-ready ship
camouaged in pastel colors. And
besides, after having spent a decade
in Congress , he has weathered more
storms in politics than in the sea.
Jun Abaya is taking over a
department whose dominion covers
all man-made movements on land, sea
and air
The nations hope on this good
man was succinctly summed up by
Alvarez :
We can only hope that because
you are an electrical engineer, you can
jumpstart stalled programs; because
you are a lawyer, you can cut through
the thicket of laws which have strangled
projects; because you are a budget
expert, you can speed up the release
of funds; and because you are an
Annapolis man , you can lead your men
to a high state of alert and morale .
There is an ofcer on deck in the
DOTC. We wish him good wind.
Transportations
new head
ANALYSIS
By Richard Javad Heydarian
Asia Times Online
Conclusion
MARITIME cooperation
On October 3, the Philippines hosted
the 3rd AMF, a confab that assembled
senior foreign ministry ofcials from
across Southeast Asia for a three-day
event focused on interrelated maritime
issues such as maritime connectivity,
marine environment, sea piracy, search
and rescue at sea, sheries, and maritime
security.
The forum built on the conclusions of
the 6th East Asia Summit, whereby EAS
leaders underscored the importance
of maritime cooperation and security.
Aside from being the regions primary
forum for the discussion of maritime
issues, this years AMF was also the rst
Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum
(EAMF), which brought together all 18
members of the broader pan-regional
East Asia Summit.
On the last day of the forum,
participation was extended to include
multi-sectorial representatives -
academics, private stake-holders, and
government ofcials - from eight
ASEAN partner countries, namely
Australia, the US, India, Japan, South
Korea, Japan, Russia, China and New
Zealand. Signicantly, the Chinese
foreign ministry refused to divulge the
identity of its representatives ahead of
the forum, while there were hints that
the Japanese representatives would
attempt to discuss the ongoing dispute
with China over the Senkaku/Diaoyu
islands in the East China Sea.
Filipino ofcials were straightforward
about their objectives for the forum.
The Philippines would like to positively
engage our partners to discuss cross-
cutting maritime issues and explore
ways and means to enhance activities
aimed at bolstering maritime security
and cooperation in East Asia, said
Foreign Affairs Assistance Secretary
Raul Hernandez.
Simultaneously, the Philippines
expressed its desire to open sensitive
discussions with the Chinese and
Americans while rallying support from
both ASEAN members as well as varying
strategic partners across the Pacic for a
more concrete security architecture to
oversee ongoing territorial disputes. The
Philippines thus sought to put ongoing
disputes under the spotlight in a bid to
build urgency around the need for a
more binding CoC.
It also highlighted freedom of
navigation issues related to the
disputes. Back in 2010, during the
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in
Hanoi, the US showed favor towards
Vietnam and the Philippines, when it
indirectly chastised Chinas growing
assertiveness in the South China Sea and
identied freedom of navigation as a
national interest, carving out a place at
the center of ongoing territorial disputes
in the South China Sea.
Ahead of the forum, US Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton expressed
Washingtons support for the
objectives and format of the event
by stating, All 18 East Asia Summit
states have been invited for in-depth
discussions on how to improve safety
on the regions waterways, combat
piracy, protect the environment, and
we are encouraged by the recent
informal dialogue between ASEAN
and China as they work toward a
comprehensive code of conduct for the
South China Sea as a means to prevent
future tension in the region.
To underscore the forums importance
in the eyes of the Filipino leadership,
Vice President Jejomar Binay was also
in attendance. In his keynote speech,
he couched his statements in the more
benign language of regional maritime
cooperation by emphasizing the need to
rein in growing NTS challenges while
ensuring the steady ow of energy
shipments across vital regional sea
lanes. He also underscored the AMFs
utility as a platform for continuous
maritime strategic cooperation.
It is therefore of vital importance
to secure sea lanes communication and
continue combating piracy to ensure
freedom and safety of navigation in
the seas of Southeast Asia, Binay
said. Without duplicating the work
of relevant ASEAN bodies, the
ASEAN Maritime Forum should be
institutionalized as the comprehensive
and cooperative platform for strategic
engagement.
Owing to the sensitivity of the
issues on the agenda, potential areas of
cooperation among member countries
were initially discussed behind closed
doors. The chairmans statement from the
3rd AMF, however, raised two signicant
points: (1) participants emphasis on
respecting international law, including
the 1982 United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) the 2002
ASEAN Declaration on the Conduct of
Parties in the South China Sea (DOC),
as well as the groupings recent Six
Point Principles on the South China Sea;
and (2) the participants recognition of
the critical role of sharing information
and best practices.
On the rst day of the forum, the
Philippines put forward a regional
information-sharing system proposal
to supposedly protect Southeast
Asias waters against a whole
range of threats, including drug
trafcking, gun smuggling, human
trafcking, illegal shing, and weather
disturbances. According to the proposal,
the system would provide timely,
relevant and material information to
appropriate action agencies to enable
them to combat non-traditional security
threats at sea.
To avoid controversy and ensure
engagement among participants with
conicting positions, the proposals
wording was intentionally vague.
In particular, it failed to specify the
mechanics of information-sharing
and omitted any mention of territorial
disputes in the South China Sea. What
is clear is that although the prospects
of a regional CoC remains elusive,
the Philippines has managed through
diplomacy to return the issue of maritime
security and the need for cooperation
back to the center of regional ofcial
discussions.
Richard Javad Heydarian is a
foreign affairs analyst based in Manila.
He can be reached at jrheydarian@
gmail.com.
Reprinted courtesy of Asia Times
Online. Link to the original article:
ht t p: / / www. at i mes . com/ at i mes /
Southeast_Asia/NK16Ae02.html
Manila paddles harder in the South China Sea
By Francisco S. Tatad
Continued from page 1
Undaunted by the odious implications
of foreign intervention and support for
such intervention in the internal affairs
of the country, but appearing to be rather
emboldened by it, the business groups
called on the Senate and the House to
pass the highly toxic and divisive RH bill
without further delay.
These included the Philippine Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, Employers
Confederation of the Philippines, Makati
Business Club, Management Association
of the Philippines, Financial Executives of
the Philippines, and Philippine Business
for Social Progress.
There was no effort on their part to
refute the constitutional, moral and scientic
objections mounted by a large and growing
portion of the population against the bill.
They simply called for the bills passage
on the basis of their presumed strength as
leaders of big business.
It remains to be seen how Congress
and the rest of the nation will ultimately
respond. But far from ensuring the bills
passage, the summit could achieve the
exact opposite the summit exposed the
bills real foreign authorship.
Opponents of the bill have consistently
denounced the bill as an imposition of the
global population controllers, but this had
been disowned with equal consistency by
its local sponsors and primary supporters.
The cat is now out of the bag, a
big Human Life International Meeting in
Cebu pointed out last Friday. Everything
we have been saying about the alien origin
and design of the RH bill---which many
may have found too outlandish to believe
before---has now been conrmed. The
truth can no longer be denied. The summit
unmasked the Filipino authors, sponsors
and primary supporters of the bill, who
had been posturing as nationalists and
progressives, champions of poverty
eradication, womens rights and maternal
health as puppets and petty agents of a
foreign consortium on population control.
After this open show of foreign
intervention, not even President Benigno
S. Aquino III, who had earlier announced
his support for the bill after receiving from
U.S. President Obama a grant of $454
million, might risk being ofcially tagged
as an imperialists puppet.
Neither would Speaker Feliciano
Belmonte want to be so identied, despite
his being a rabid advocate of population
control through reproductive health.
As mayor of Quezon City before his
present term in Congress, Belmonte
had allowed foreign governments to run
their own population control program
in the city, even without a national law
authorizing it.
But he may not want to wage his
reelection campaign a as one who tried to
push the enactment of the RH bill on the
say-so of foreign interlopers.
The foreign lobby is usually blamed by
its critics on the highly controversial U.S.
National Security Study Memorandum
200 of 1974, also known as the Kissinger
Report, which looks at continued
population growth in developing countries
as a threat to the US security and economic
interests overseas.
The document is popularly described
in pro-life circles as the one that provided
the template for the U.S. global population
policy of reducing the size of the family to
two children per, by the year 2000. It set in
motion the drive for universal contraception
and sterilization, and the US move to
promote abortion all over the world.
To avoid any possible backlash
against the imperial powers, NSSM 200
requires that foreign government leaders
be encouraged to claim authorship of the
population control programs that are to be
imposed on their own peoples.
The British-UNFPA-Gates initiative
openly violates that original prescription
of the Kissinger document. That makes
it impossible for those trying to push the
RH bill against the constitutional, moral
and scientic objection of its opponents to
insist that the RH bill is truly their own,
free from any foreign dictate or inuence.
Hundreds of foreign-funded non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) are
actively campaigning for the RH bill,
without making a full disclosure of their real
interests, as required by law. Some of these
NGO workers have succeeded in inltrating
the polling agencies and the media.
They have been largely responsible for
claiming, without any veriable basis, large
public support for the RH bill even among
practicing Catholics, despite the rm and
unequivocal opposition of the Catholic
Church, which condemns contraception
and sterilization as intrinsically evil.
In the House of Representatives, many
congressmen who were initially reported
to be in support of the RH bill are seen to
have distanced themselves from the bill as
they prepare to campaign for votes in the
next election.
We are not going to die for the RH
bill, said one such congressman.
In an effort to salvage the bill, Belmonte
has tried to propose certain amendments
that would result in a watered-down
version of the original. The proposed
amendments, however, have failed
to remove the original objectionable
provisions of the bill.
The objections involve many issues,
but the ultimate objections have to do
with fundamental constitutional and moral
issues, namely:
Does the State have the right or the
duty to prescribe birth control for all, in
the face of the Constitutional provision
which proclaims the sanctity of family
life, the inviolability of marriage as an
autonomous social institution, and the
duty of the State to equally protect the life
of the mother and the life of the unborn
from conception? Can the State remain
the constitutional protector of the unborn
while simultaneously providing universal
contraception, whose purpose is to
eliminate the prospect of conception?
Does the State have the right or the duty
to mandate a compulsory sex education for
all schoolchildren from Grade V up to Fourth
Year High School, without parental consent,
in the face of the constitutional provision
which recognizes parents, not the State, as
the primary educators of their children?
Does the State have the right or the
duty to pass upon the validity or propriety
of any set of religious or moral beliefs of
any religious community and to impose its
own set of beliefs in place of the religious
or moral beliefs of that community? In
the case of Catholics, who constitute the
overwhelming majority of the population,
does the State have the right to tell them
not to follow what their Church is teaching
them about contraception and sterilization,
but to follow instead what the US and
British governments, the UNFPA, the
Gates Foundation and their local hirelings
are telling them?
Although members of the Church
hierarchy and numerous Catholic laymen
have tried to explain to the RH proponents
the reasons why contraception and
sterilization are intrinsically evil, under
the principle of separation of Church and
State and the constitutionally guaranteed
freedom of religion, they have no duty,
strictly speaking, to explain to any
politician why they believe what they
believe.
Sufcient for them to state what they
believe as a matter of moral conviction or
religious belief, and to demand that the
State respect and protect their belief.
In like manner, Muslims may not be
required to explain to the government why
they abstain from eating pork. Congress
cannot require them to eat pork to meet
any perceived or actual shortage of protein
in the Muslim areas, without violating
their religious belief.
Despite the Catholic opposition to the
RH bill on religious grounds, there is no law
that prohibits contraception or sterilization.
Everyone who believes contraception
and sterilization is good for the human
being is free to practice contraception and
sterilization, as more than 50 percent of
Filipino women have been doing for years,
with the help of the Department of Health
and the Population Commission.
In fact, the existence of the program
under DOH and Popcom is proof that the
RH bill is completely unnecessary if its
sole purpose is to allow women and men
to practice contraception and sterilization.
But its real purpose is obviously state-run
population control.
The present family planning summit
series began on July 11 when Melinda
Gates ew to London to raise $4.6 billion
to fund reproductive health programs for
over 200 million women in at least six
developing countries.
It followed the second Earth Summit
in Rio de Janeiro the month before, when
that conference, known as Rio + 20,
which came 20 years after the rst Rio
conference on sustainable development,
deleted reproductive rights from the
outcome document.
Instead of submitting to the established
consensus in that biggest of all international
conferences ever held, the population
controllers decided to wage its present battle.
Since then similar summits have been
held in other parts of the world, including
Indonesia and Africa. In Africa, some
African women groups said the African
poor needed food, clean water, education,
shelter and real health protection against
certain dreaded diseases, but not condoms
and contraceptives.
All over the world today, the wisest
statesmen have expressed high hopes and
faith in the future of the Philippines because
of its robust and dynamic young population.
From Singapore to Japan to Korea to
Belgium to Italy to Russia to Israel, this is
the common theme about the Philippines.
In a recent meeting in Brussels, six
presidents of African nations tried to echo
the same point with respect to the African
continent. By the year 2050, one of them said,
most of the worlds population will be 65 years
old and above. The future will then belong to
Africa because it will have the biggest number
of young people in the world.
But based on what is being heard from
the remaining supporters of the RH bill,
including the six big business groups that
have been trotted out to support it at the
PICC summit, this priceless population
resource is precisely what they are trying
very hard to extinguish.
This is not because of faulty science or
bad economics. It is simply the result of
antiquated politics. Racial imperialism is
still very much around, and it has not run
out of recruits. And because the superior
races are dying out, they believe that what
the eugenicists have called the socially
unt should not be allowed to reproduce
and inherit the earth.
fstatad@gmail.com
Foreign meddling will kill the RH bill, not save it
RITA LINDA
V. JIMENO
OUT OF THE BOX
Ms. Jimenos column will resume
soon.
PASTOR APOLLO
QUIBOLOY
PLUMBLINE
News
ManilaStandardToday
mst.daydesk@gmail.com NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
A6
Lawmaker survives bike crash

IN BRIEF
BEFORE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FACADE DURING REPAIR REHAB. INSIDE THE OFFICE
AFTER CONSTRUCTION
The Proposed Repair / Rehabilitation of Complain Validation &
Investigation Committee, Head Offce and Conference Room, DPWH
Head Offce located at Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila under the
supervision of South Manila Engineering District one among the
various National Buildings just completed this October 3, 2012.
(MST-Nov. 19, 2012) (PAID ADVERTISEMENT)
Isabelas gateway town
hosts major locators
Sun boosts
enterprises
in Bulacan
Nutri-Juice feeding drive
SANTIAGO CITYThe Coca-Cola
Bottlers Philippines Inc., and the
Department of Education, launched a
Nutri-Juice campaign for some 10,000
pupils in 167 schools in Quirino.
Governor Junie Cua lauded the part-
nership that has enabled the province to
be a an outstading nutrition awardee.
Edna dela Cruz, of Coca-Cola, said,
the juice was formulated together with
the Food and Nutrition Research Insti-
tute of the Department of Science and
Technology.
Quirino was chosen along with Tu-
guegarao City in Region 2 because of
the high prevalence of iron deciency
anemia among school children, she
said.
Nutri-Juice is fortied with vitamins
A and C, iron, zinc and lysine, which
help correct micronutrient deciencies,
Dela Cruz added.
The beverage is given free to the
school children as part of Coca-Colas
celebration of its 100th anniversary.
Jessica M. Bacud
Household assistance set
PARAAQUE Councilor Benjo
Bernabe has been going around
communities to orient families on the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
of the Department of Social Welfare
and Development.
Dispelling the misconception of a
dole or giveaway, he said the cash is
meant to improve the condition of the
marginalized by providing health, nu-
trition and education services with fo-
cus on children ages 0-14 years old.
The program is overseen by the
City Social Welfare and Development
Ofce chief Dean Calleja.
At least 1,200 4Ps beneciaries
in four Paraaque barangays have
received their Philhealth cards from
Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. About,
4,000 residents not listed in the cash
transfer will be extended medical as-
sistance under the universal health
policy of the government.
By Brenda Jocson Gaudia
CORDONMayor Laurencio Zuniega has
called on Vice Mayor Lito Salatan, an ally
of Vice President Jejomar Binay here, to help
update the towns investment plan to buttress
its position as Isabelas gateway.
Last week, he underscored the importance
of food security at the outset of the Mannalon
festival along with Cordons status as a busi-
ness hub with key locators led by SN Aboitiz,
Metro Bank, Toyota and Nissan among other
rms.
Cordon emerged from a 5th class munic-
ipality in the 80s to third class in the early
part of 2010, he said.
The town hosts SN Aboitiz hydro electric
plant, sprawling to the villages of Aguinaldo,
Dallao and Talictic.
The power rm donated a renal dialysis ma-
chine to the birthing and lying-in center at the
towns health station for about 1,000 patients.
The sanggunian is composed of town
council is composed of Efren Malupeng,
chairman of Committee on Appropriations
along with Blas Dumlao, agriculture; Char-
lita Mariano; health, Jane Ngipol, environ-
mental protection and indigenous people;
Karen Jensen Cesar, Ways and Means; and
Noel Jara, ex-ofcio ABC president.
Ready 24/7. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista commends the members of the QC rescue
team from the department of public order and safety that won top honors in the re and rescue
combat challenge and the rescue boat challenge during the observance of Disaster Readiness
Month. Joining him are Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte; Councilors Gian Carlo Sotto, Eufemio Lagum-
bay, Godofredo Liban II and Allan Benedict Reyes; DPOS head Elmo San Diego and Dr. Noel Lan-
sang, chief of the disaster control.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Manila
Standard
TODAY
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineering Offce
La Torre, Talavera, Nueva Ecija
INVITA TION TO BID
1 The DPWH Nueva Ecija 1st DEO, through ARISP,MVUC 2012 & RAFUND 101- GENERAL
FUND intend 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: 12CE0148
b. Contract Name: Improvement of Sta. Lucia (Y & O), Tres Maria
Arc North Nueva Ecija, Region 3,Sta. 0+000 - Sta.
2+515.48 With Exception,
c. Contract Location: Nueva Ecija
d. Fee for Bid Documents: Php10,000.00
e. Scope of Work: RCP
g. Conctract Duration: C.D.
f. Approved Budget for
the Contract (ABC): Php17,059,609.00 b. Contract Name:
g. Contract Location: 120 C.D.
a. CONTRACT ID: 12CE0162
b. Contract Name: Widening of Daang Maharlika Road, Talavera
Section, KO 124143 to KO 125+244 w/ exception
c. Contract Location: Nueva Ecija
d. Fee for Bid Documents: Php10,000.00
e. Scope of Work: RCP
f. Approved Budget for
the Contract (ABC): Php 9,700,000.00
g. Contract Location: 53 C.D.

a. CONTRACT ID: 12CE0163
b. Contract Name: Widening of Daang Maharlika Road, Talavera-Sto.
Domingo Section with Exception
c. Contract Location: Nueva Ecija
d. Fee for Bid Documents: Php10,000.00
e. Scope of Work: RCP
f. Approved Budget for
the Contract (ABC): Php 9,700,000.00
g. Contract Location: 53 C.D.
a. CONTRACT ID: 12CE0164
b. Contract Name: Repair./Rehab./Improvement of Nueva Ecija-Pang.
KO 143+637 to KO 146+908.90 w/ exception,
Guimba
c. Contract Location: Nueva Ecija
d. Fee for Bid Documents: Php10,000.00
e. Scope of Work: RRA
f. Approved Budget for
the Contract (ABC): Php 9,900,000.00
g. Contract Location: 35 C.D.

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

2 The DPWH, Nueva Ecija 1st DEO now invites bids for projects stated above with required
completion date stated thereof. 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 specifed in the Implementing Rules and Regulations
(IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA9184), otherwise known as the Government Procurement
Reform Act.

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

4 Interested bidders may obtain further information from the DPWH, Nueva Ecija 1st DEO
and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during offce hours.

5 A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the
address below and upon payments of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in
the amount indicated above.

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 than the submission of their
bids.

6 The DPWH, Nueva Ecija 1st DEO will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 29, 2012
at 10:00 am at the Offce of the BAC Secretariat which shall be open only to all interested
parties who have perchased the Bidding Documents.

7 Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 10:00 am, December 11, 2012 at
the Offce of the BAC Secretariat. All bids must be accomplished by a bid security in any
of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18 and in accordance to
GPPB Res. No. 03-2012 dated 27 January 2012.

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

8 Bidding procedures shall be implemented in accordance to D.O. #64 dated 17 September
2012: Guidelines on the Procurement Process based on the Revised Implementing Rules
and Regulations of Republic Act 9184.

9 The DPWH, Nueva Ecija 1st DEO 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: LOURDES F. DONCILLO
Head, BAC Secretariat
DPWH, Nueva Ecija 1st DEO, Talavera, NE
odettedonzi_dpwh@yahoo.com

(Sgd.) AMADO M. GUEVARRA
BAC Chairman NOTED:

(Sgd.) RAMIRO M. CRUZ
District Engineer
(MST-NOV.19, 2012)
MALOLOS CITYAfter a pilot run in
Cebu, Sun Business takes its Sun on
Wheels caravan to small- to medium-
size enterprises across Bulacan province.
As a growing hub for local enterpris-
es and micro-industry players, we have
always strived to address the needs of
our entrepreneurs and business operators
in Bulacan, said Michele Curran, vice
president for marketing.
The cost-efcient services include
Message Cast, a text broadcast to multi-
ple client recipients in just one send, and
Track & Trace for real-time monitoring
of the location of physical assets or eld
staff.
The caravan also offers Fixed Load
Plan, a mobile postpaid service for un-
limited call and text under a xed month-
ly charging system and open to prepaid
reloading.
And as part of Suns agship 3G con-
nectivity for enterprises, the Ofce WiFi
offers high-speed internet connection for
sharing of multiple users in ofces and
even while on mobile.
Given our extensive network expan-
sion program and our intensied part-
nerships with our sister companies in
the PLDT Group, now is the best and
the most exciting time to make the good
choice of partnering with Sun Business,
said Curran.
Visit www.sunbusiness.com.ph or call
Suns 24/7 hotline at (02)395-8PRO(776)
or drop by The Sun Shop.
Sun Business is powered by Sun Cel-
lular, a member of the PLDT Group.
Pedal power. Miss Earth 2012 Shauny Wilhelmina Bult joins bicycle advocates in the
14th Tour of the Fireies on Sunday to push for environmental awareness and clean air.
AP, Aaron Favila
AGUSAN del Sur Rep. Maria Valentina
Plaza of the 1st district surived a motor-
cycle crash at 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning
on the South Luzon Expressway near the
Bicutan exit in Taguig City, police said.
The Highway Patrol Group said the lawmaker was riding a Tri-
umph YTA 700 cc on the northbound lane coming from her resi-
dence in Muntinlupa City.
Plaza, vice chairman of the House committee on civil service
and professional regulation, was joined by a security escort on
another big bike with other bodyguards in tow when she lost con-
trol along a stretch
of the tollway un-
dergoing concrete
reblocking, reports
said.
Her convoy,
which was heading
for the Nichols Toll
section, took her
to Makati Medical
Hospital but was re-
leased around noon
time.
Police said Pla-
za, 45, was wearing
a crash helmet and
body armor which
helped her avoid
serious injuries
save minor cuts and
bruises.
E x p r e s s w a y
management said it
would look into reports that claimed no road sign was placed to
alert motorists on the ongoing road repair.
The HPG said it has impounded Plazas motocycle which had a
broken left steering handle and side mirror.
Motorcycles are ubiquitous as a popular means of transportation
from the side-car tricyles to big bikes with known riders led by col-
umnist Randy David, journalist Jay Taruc, former government ex-
ecutive and police ofcial Rey Berroya, Senators Bong Revilla Jr.,
Gringo Honasan and Chiz Escudero. Fer dinand Fabella
Plaza
Bernabe
NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
A7 Sports Riera U. Mallari, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
AL S. MENDOZA
ALL THE WAY
Nothing new in Casas case
La Salle,
Ateneo in
big wins
Miranda
tops Milo
Butuan race
Cabrera bucks mechanical woes
Middle east bets to crowd Japanese
Del Rosario bags ladies masters title
High hopes for NU spikers
IT happened again. And it will
happen again.
That has always been the case
with golf, the game we all love
despite its unsavory tag as the
craziest sport of all.
Crazy because rain or shine,
you play it.
Crazy because not even your
wife can stop you from playing
it; only lightning can.
Crazy because, as the wife says:
You leave at dawn to play the
game, while I am still sleeping.
When you come home from the
game, I am back in bed sleeping.
Two hours is too long for a
basketball game.
But golf?
You play golf for nearly ve
hours and next, after a meal or
so, you and your golf buddies
talk about your game for the next
seven hours or so. Drinking beer
or scotch (single malt whiskey
at times) to embellish the tales
of great shots as well as the bad
shots. Hole-by-hole at times.
Shot-for-shot at times. Eighteen
holes at times.
But then, what can be crazier
than this?
Cassius Casas, the 2002 Phil-
ippine Open champion, got dis-
qualied after being part of the
awarding ceremonies.
Casas had nished tied for
third with Jonel Ababa and Jay
Bayron on Friday at the ICTSI
Invitational won by Zanie Boy
Gialon in Canlubang North La-
guna. Casas was called to the
stage to receive his prize money.
Some 30 minutes later, Casas
was asked to return the money
because he was being disquali-
ed for using a non-conforming
wedge (a 60-degree Cleveland
Tour Action).
It was my fault that I failed
to update my equipment, and
the disqualication was OK,
said Casas, admitting he used the
same wedge in winning a Thai-
land event three years ago. But
why did they call me up the stage
when they knew all along there
was a problem with my equip-
ment? I was insulted.
Colo Ventosa of the organizing
Philippine Golf Tournament Inc.
said all players were informed
that the tournament is not over
until the nal scores are posted
on the PGT board.
But how come they posted
my photo as third place in the
PGT website? asked Casas.
In fairness, Colos aw wasnt
fatal.
It was Henry Arabejo, a rules
ofcial, who informed Casas of
his infraction after the awarding.
Henry said players had tipped
him off about Casass illegal
wedge.
I have nothing against Hen-
ry, said Casas, adding hes had
differences with some players
in the Tour. What hurts is, they
made me a fool going up the
stage only to see myself getting
disqualied.
It really hurts. The golf rule,
most of the time, is to blame.
It dees reason, not to mention
emotion. But there were more
hurtful cases before than Casass
case.
Only a while back, a tourna-
ment champion was also already
awarded the rst prize money,
only to be disqualied days
later for signing a wrong score-
card and was asked to return the
money.
What money are they talking
about? the champ asked. Its
all gone for family expenses and
partying with friends.
he poor thing, he never played
golf again, leaving a budding ca-
reer and next drowning his woes
to boozing.
Golf isnt only a crazy game.
If you dont watch it, the sport
can make you crazy, too.
* * *
ALL IN. After Danny Sir
John Islas smashingly success-
ful Lexus Cup on Friday, Mario
P. Chan, the founding president
and CEO of Scheeling Comple-
ments, was introduced to me to-
gether with John Lao and Edwin
Gardiola. Finally, I met you,
Mario said to me. Raffy Japa
was my classmate from Grade
4 up to fourth year high school.
We were buddies. Raffy was
the sportswriter of note of Tem-
po; Raffy died in the Eighties af-
ter an asthma attack. You were
Raffys idol. And I couldnt for-
get your obit about him. Thank
you, MarioMy family and I
condole with Riera Mallari, my
Sports boss here, who lost his
Mom last week. Our deepest
sympathies, Boss Rey
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Manila
Standard
TODAY
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
Regional Offce No. IV-A
Cavite I District Engineering Offce
Trece Martires City
Invitation to Bid
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Cavite District Engineering Offce,
through the following projects stated below, intends to apply the sum of payments under the
contract for the following projects listed. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically
rejected at bid opening.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Cavite District Engineering Offce
now invites bids for the;
Contract ID: 12DF0192
Contract Name: Construction of Three (3) Storey Six (6) Classroom School Building at
San Miguel E/S (Dasmarias BBES A-3), Dasmarias City
Contract Location: Dasmarias City, Cavite
Net Length:
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 8,115,030.00
Contract Duration: 120 calendar days
Cost of Bidding Documents: PhP 10,000.00
Contract ID: 12DF0193
Contract Name: Completion of riverbank protection at San Antonio II, Noveleta and
Const./Rehab./Renovation/Upgrading/Improvement of buildings and other
structures at Kawit; Noveleta and Rosario
Contract Location: Kawit; Noveleta and Rosario, Cavite
Net Length:
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 8,160,000.00
Contract Duration: 90 calendar days
Cost of Bidding Documents: PhP 10,000.00
Contract ID: 12DF0194
Contract Name: Const./Concreting/Upgrading/Asphalting of roads/pathways and canal
lining at Kawit; Noveleta; Rosario and Cavite City
Contract Location: Kawit; Noveleta; Rosario and Cavite City
Net Length:
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 10,540,000.00
Contract Duration: 60 calendar days
Cost of Bidding Documents: PhP 25,000.00

Contract ID: 12DF0195
Contract Name: Asset Preservation of National Road Generated from Pavement
Management System/Highways Development & Management-4 (HDM-4)
Preventive Maintenance (Asphalt Overlay at Manila-Cavite Road),
Km. 0015+482 Km. 15+714; Km. 015+319 Km. 15+482; Km. 14+846
Km. 14+865; Km. 014+865 Km. 14+930 and Km. 014+930 Km. 0015+319
Contract Location: Bacoor, Cavite
Net Length: 905.55 LM
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 26,356,840.00
Contract Duration: 75 calendar days
Cost of Bidding Documents: PhP 25,000.00
Contract ID: 12DF0196
Contract Name: Roads to Address Critical Bottlenecks, National Roads Traffc
Decongestion Other Urban Areas, Widening of Carmona Diversion Road,
Km. 47+(-804) Km. 48+723 including concrete sidewalk, Drainage
and RROW Acquisition
Contract Location: Carmona, Cavite
Net Length:
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 35,248,000.00
Contract Duration: 125 calendar days
Cost of Bidding Documents: PhP 25,000.00
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 will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary
pass/fail criterion as specifed 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 fve percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of
the Philippines.
Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH, Cavite District Engineering
Offce, BAC Secretariat, Trece Martires City, and inspect the Bidding Documents at the
address given below from 8:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M.
Interested bidders are also required to present the originals of their a) PCAB License; b)
Contracts Registration Certifcate; c) Certifcate of Materials Engineer Accreditation; d) Latest
Copy of Authorizing Offcer together with machine copy of two (2) valid IDs; e) Certifcate of
Safety Offcer Seminar from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); f) Philippine
Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Order From (Documents Request List)
and g) CY-2011 CPES Rating to the DPWH-CDEO BAC for authentication. Submission of Letter
of Intent is from November 16 28, 2012 until 10:00 A.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
(stated above).
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, Cavite District Engineering Offce will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November
23, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. in the DPWH Cavite District Engineering Offce Conference Room, which
shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on December 5, 2012 on or before 10:00 A.M. and
the opening of bids will be at 2:00 P.M. of the same date. 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.
DPWH Cavite District Engineering Offce likewise assumes no obligation whatsoever to
compensate or indemnify any bidder or winning bidders, as the case may be, for any expenses
or loss that said party(ies) may incur in its participation in the pre-bidding and bidding process nor
does it guarantee that an award will be made.
For further information, please refer to:
TEOFILO A. AYON
BAC Chairman
Attention:
Head, BAC Secretariat
DPWH-Cavite District Engineering Offce
Trece Martires City
Tel. No. (046)419-0058
Approved by:
(Sgd.) TEOFILO A. AYON
Engineer IV
Assistant District Engineer
Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee
Noted by:

(Sgd.) OSCAR U. DELA CRUZ
District Engineer
ITB dated : November 15, 2012
(MST-Nov. 19, 2012)
EVEN with the seniors title
already secured, La Salle- Taft
still whipped up a storm with
a closing windup like no other
and Ateneo likewise streaked
to an unchallenged victory in
the Midgets 1 division in the
ICTSI-JGFP Inter-School golf
tournament at the Ayala Green-
eld Estates and Valley courses
recently.
Marvin Mendoza, Allan Bum-
agat and Eric Gallardo all turned
in even-par or better scores for
a tournament-high 165 points as
the La Sallites moved 54 points
clear of rival Ateneo in the
best-of-four, out-of-ve rounds
series that went around four dif-
ferent golf courses.
Bumagat tamed the short,
but tricky Valley executive
course with a two-under-par
gross of 70 for 56 points, Men-
doza tallied a one-under 71 for
55 and Gallardo matched par
72 for 54 in an awesome nish
that also showed their repow-
er for the ongoing Intercollegi-
ate league.
With Aidric Chan and Carl
Corpus at the helm, there wasnt
any doubt in the Midgets 1
duel as Ateneo rampaged to a
40-point victory over Xavier
(125-541) with a closing 147
nal-round tally and 581 ag-
gregate in the tourney, which
has the major backing of the In-
ternational Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
The other sponsors are Pan-
cake House Group, Sizzlin
Pepper, Golf Depot, Philippine
Airlines and Pancake House
Group.
BUTUAN CITY Elite run-
ners Judelyn Miranda and
Richeel Languido dominated
the 21-k Butuan tracks for the
16th regional leg of the 36th
National MILO Marathon.
About 7,859 runners dis-
played energy and enthusiasm
early Sunday morning as they
ran the streets of the Timber
City of the South.
Reasserting her dominance
in the sport, seasoned trackster
Miranda nished far ahead of
her distaff division contenders
at 1:28:16 to claim her fourth
MILO Marathon Butuan title.
As one of the top long-distance
marathon runners in the coun-
try, Miranda expects to lead the
elite pack of runners in the big
nale.
In the mens division race,
Languido posted a stellar n-
ishing time of 1:13:25. The
26-year old said he is also de-
termined to nab his rst MILO
Marathon title in the National
Finals.
With a retooled roster led by
comebacking players Dindin
Santiago and Jen Reyes, the Lady
Bulldogs are determined to make
it this time to the Final Four, and
who knows, the Finals.
We hope we can do well in
Season 75. The players are work-
ing hard in every training. Last
year, we didnt fare well, but this
time, we are upbeat and we hope
we can improve in our stand-
ings, said coach Francis Vicente,
who is now on his third year of
coaching NU.
The school management and
our manager have been all out I
their support for us, and that has
been a big factor. They already
have the skill and the chemistry,
so I told them, keep on ghting,
he added.
This season marks the much-
awaited return of the 61 San-
tiago in college volleyball play.
A known scorer in the Shakeys
V-League rst conference last
summer, Santiago has already
served her two-year residency to
play for NU.
Vicente believes that Santiago,
who added her deadly backrow
attacks in her arsenal, will im-
prove her game further.
Kaya pa niyang i-angat pa,
said Vicente on Santiago mo-
ments after a Shakeys V-League
match.
A multi-awarded libero,
Reyes will be a big help espe-
cially for the Lady Bulldogs
oor defense.
Santiago and Reyes ear-
lier joined forces for NU in the
UAAP beach volleyball tourna-
ment last August.
SEAOIL-DC-Kart Plaza karter
Gabriel Tayao Cabrera wrapped
up a grueling two-race weekend
by bagging the Overall Second
Runner-up honors in the Coca-
Cola Mini-ROK Invitational Cup
at the Carmona Race Track.
He managed to capture the said
feat despite the numerous me-
chanical issues and a bent axle
that resulted to his dismal nishes
in the penultimate leg of the se-
ries.
Known for his determina-
tion and ghting spirit, Cabre-
ra bounced back strong in the
championship leg, the following
day with veteran tuner Sonny
Suba and Formula E Racing
Management overseeing his kart
set-ups.
Id like to be remembered
as the driver, who may not have
won the top titles all the time, but
still raced with all my heart even
when my kart has given up. It can
be frustrating when you prepare
and train so hard then lose a race,
but Im learning to toughen up be-
cause there are bigger races wait-
ing to be won in the future, said
Cabrera.
Clocking in a personal best
time of 49.821 seconds in the time
trials, Cabrera pulled ahead with a
laptime of 49.888 seconds to rule
the Pre-Final heat by just 0.687 of
a second ahead of the runner-up.
Holding the lead for a number
of laps in the nal race, Cabrera
engaged in a 4-karter wild chase
for the checquered ag as they
went almost side-by-side trying
to pull off desperate last ditch
maneuvers to push their title bids.
Cabrera ended third by just a hair-
line 0.407 of a second behind the
champion.
MIDDLE East duathletes from
Jordan, Syria and Iran are ex-
pected to crowd out continental
powerhouse Japan for elite honors
in the Century Tuna ASTC Asian
Duathlon Championships set to
re off at Subic Bay Freeport ear-
ly morning of Nov. 25.
Japans Yuya Fukaura (no. 33 in
the world) and Morimichi Lihoshi
(no. 59) will face off with Jordans
Isha bi Abedalaziz, Syrias Samir
Hajazi and Irans Mohammad Ash-
gari Khatooni for the mens title.
In the distaff side, a Japanese
trio bannered by London Olympian
Ai Ueda will nd Irans Roghaye
Shari and Zeinab Agha Hasan
Nooshbadi a tough pair to beat,
along with Singapores Zhiyun Lin.
Shari and Nooshabadi are
Irans rst elite female duathletes
and their participation is a rst in
Asian duathlon history.
Mirasol Abad, a recent silver
medalist in the tougher Power-
man Malaysia (as far as course
is concerned) and Monica Torres,
who was ranked no. 4 in the world
at one time, are the countrys best
bets for podium nishes.
Finishing in the Top 5 is within
reach for Augusto Benedicto and
Javier Robeno.
Airman Ryan Mendoza topped
the continents premier 10-kil-
ometer run-40km bike-5km run
grind in 2006.
Spicing the event sponsored by
the Subic Bay Metropolitan Author-
ity Tourism Department, Philippine
Sports Commission, Fitness First,
Asian Centre for Insulation Phil-
ippines, Standard Insurance and
Gatorade, are non-Asian duathletes
vying for the limited qualifying slots
staked for the 2013 Duathlon World
Championships in Colombia.
Brazils Andre Dos Santos
(world no. 46), Russias Sergey
Yakovlev, the NetherlandsThomas
Bruins and Great Britains Steve
Lumley will see action in the inter-
national category.
VETERAN internationalist Liza
del Rosario outsteadied fellow
national bowler Liza Clutario,
2-1 (213-167, 172-214, 233-187)
Saturday to bag the ladies Open
Masters title in the 41st PBC-
PSC-PBC championships at the
SM lanes in Mall of Asia, Pasay
City.
It was the fourth national crown
for Del Rosario, considered one
of Asias top lady pintopplers.
Carrying the colors of TBAM-
Prima and sponsored by Boysen,
Del Rosario nished second in the
12-game nals with 2481, behind
Clutarios 2516. But she knocked
out reigning Asian Youth Masters
champion Alexis Sy, 223-182, in
the second stepladder match to
earn a shot at the title.
Im proud and happy, said
Del Rosario, who alternately used
Track and Ebonite balls in the
two-week kegfest sponsored by
the Philippine Sports Commis-
sion, Philippine Olympic Com-
mittee, Boysen, Philippine Char-
ity Sweepstakes Ofce, Team
Prima, FR Sevilla Construction,
HCG and Enervon.
Del Rosario won P100,000 for
her return to the top of the coun-
trys ladies bowling ladder.
The mens Open Masters nals
were going on at presstime.
Leyte hosts Batang Pinoy
THE PROVINCE of Leyte will
take its turn to host the fth and -
nal qualifying leg of the Philippine
Olympic Committee-Philippine
Sports Commission Batang Pinoy
2012, which reels of Tuesday at the
Leyte Sports Development Center
in Tacloban City.
Gov. Jericho Petilla assured the
provinces readiness to stage the
Visayas leg of the annual athletic
talent search, organized by the PSC
through its chairman Richie Gar-
cia, and the POC, led by president
Jose ``Peping Cojuangco Jr.
There will be 13 sports to be
played in the leg, which will de-
termine, who among the regions
best athletes, would qualify for
the Batang Pinoy National Finals
slated Dec. 5 to 9 in Iloilo City.
They are arnis, athletics, bad-
minton, boxing, chess, danc-
esports, karatedo, swimming,
softball, table tennis, taekwondo,
lawn tennis and weightlifting.
THINGS look much brighter for National
University in the University Athletic Asso-
ciation of the Philippines womens volley-
ball tournament, which begins next month
at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Gabe Tayao Cabrera weathered mechanical problems to his kart as he bagged the overall second runner-
up honors in the Coca-Cola Mini-ROK Invitational Cup.
sports@manilastandardtoday.com sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
Sports
Manila Standard TODAY
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
A8
Riera U. Mallari, Editor
LOTTO RESULTS
6/49 000000
3 DIGITS 000
2 EZ2 00
P11.7M+
NZ RIPS PH, 106
NEW Zealand dealt the Philippines a
10-6 beating in their rain-delayed en-
counter Saturday evening in their World
Baseball Classic Qualier encounter at
the Xinzhuang Stadium in Taipei. The
win put the Kiwis in the nals against
host Taiwan and enhanced their chances
of bagging a slot of the rst round in
Phoenix, Arizona next month. It was the
PHs second straight loss. Peter Atencio
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Viloria unifies titles
A PHILIPPINE delegations visit
to the Vibram Technological Cen-
ter changed perceptions about
what goes in the creation of new
designs and manufacture of the
most inventive shoe brand in the
world today, Vibram FiveFingers.
Built in one of Chinas most
progressive cities, the sprawling
state-of-the-art complex in Guang-
zhou City was designed by Ital-
ian engineer Matteo Corveto. Its
seven buildings span 64,000 sq.
ft. showcasing not only advances
in footwear manufacturing but
also introducing customer engage-
ment in the design and fabrication
of prototypes in timely delivery.
Vibram FiveFingers is prob-
ably the only shoe company of its
kind that has a center that func-
tions as a factory, an institute and
even a tourist destination all in
one venue, said Federico Furia,
Quality Director of Vibram Chi-
na at a recent two-day trip to the
VTC by a Filipino delegation.
The guided trip covered several
areas of the center such as the show-
room, the design center-showroom,
the research and development pavil-
ion, the performance testing center,
the development and industrializa-
tion zones and even health and recre-
ation facilities. Visitors commented
on the unique architecture of the
place, particularly the windows that
were formed like the carrarmato lugs
that the soles are known for. From
the Italian meaning, resembling the
shape of a tank or something that
can go everywhere, Italian moun-
taineer and athlete Vitale Bramani
invented the famous vulcanized
rubber sole made specically for
mountain climbing and his name is
now associated with the brand now
famous for its innovation, named by
Time Magazine as one of the Ten
Best Inventions of 2007. Guests also
learned about the different aspects
of style and culture integrated in
the creation of Vibram footwear
through the decades, as it evolved
from being a mountaineering and
adventure shoe brand into scientif-
ically designed footwear. In fact,
Vibram products are not limited
to the FiveFingers shoes but also
shoes for dogs, horseshoes, pet
toys, and even bomb proof pro-
tection for shoes worn by police
and military elements involved
with bomb detection and disposal.
All in all, the Philippine del-
egation was impressed by their
experience at VTC, as its mem-
bers have seen the particularly
meticulous but tried-and-tested
process each and every pair of
Vibram FiveFingers footwear
undergoes before it ends up in
the hands (or feet) of its owner.
Barefootwear, Inc. is the exclu-
sive distributor of Vibram FiveFin-
gers in the Philippines. VFF is
available at Level 2 of SM Mall
of Asia, Level 4 of SM Megamall
Atrium, Level 3 of Trinoma, Plan-
et Sports stores (Rockwell, Vmall
Greenhills, Newport and Glori-
etta), Runnr stores (BHS and Ay-
ala Center Cebu), ROX BHS, and
Chimes Department Store Davao.
For more information, call 845-
3850, e-mail marketing@barefoot-
wearinc.com or visit their web-
site: www.vibramvengers.ph.
Filipinos embrace Vibram experience
Garcia, pals capture Sherwood Cup golf crown
PH soft netters win in Malaysia
Boosters
toy with
Batang
Pier five
Pacman
chooses to
stay home
Viloria dropped Marquez to-
wards the end of the opening
round similar to what he did
when he won the WBO title from
another Mexican in Julio Cesar
Miranda, forcing his foe to back
off as the Fil-Hawaiian caught
him time and again with rights to
the head.
Marquez hurt Viloria early in
the fth round, forcing the Fili-
pino to cover up and try to es-
cape a barrage of punches from
the Mexican, who pinned him
against the ropes.
But Viloria suddenly found an
opening and exploded with a su-
perb left hook and a right to the
side of the head that sent Mar-
quez sprawling to the canvas.
The hard-hitting Marquez
tried desperately to turn things
around and partially succeeded in
Rounds 7, 8 and 9 when he turned
the aggressor.
Paolo Diaz of Solar Sports re-
ported from ringside that Round
7 appeared even, but Marquez did
enough to take Rounds 8 and 9.
It was then that the indomitable
courage and the skill of Viloria
took over.
As Marquez pressed the action,
Viloria dropped the Mexican with
another vicious left hook, followed
by a thundering right to the head
that sent Marquez at on his back.
The WBA champion gallantly
beat the count, but as he stum-
bled around, Viloria ripped into
Marquez and caught him with
a series of punches to the head,
forcing his trainer Robert Garcia
to climb the ring and throw in the
towel, giving the Filipino another
spectacular win as referee David
Mendoza stopped the ght at
1:01 of the 10th round.
In a post-ght interview, Vilo-
ria said the game-plan was to
slow down Marquez with body
shots and that helped a lot.
He claimed that despite a urry
of punches from Marquez in the
fth round, I wasnt hurt at all.
Viloria said: I knew he was
going to get winded and I think
he did and slowed down a bit.
Manny Pacquiaos strength
and conditioning coach Alex
Ariza, who was at ringside, told
the Manila Standard the Viloria-
Marquez ght should be Fight
of the Year, maybe ght of the
last three years. Vilorias was an
amazing, unbelievable ght. Its a
ght I wish I could see over and
over again.
Ariza said he was worried in
the fth round when Viloria was
getting caught with some tre-
mendous shots and looked in big
trouble.
Buboy Fernandez raced from
his seat to give Vilorias corner
some advice. I thought Brian was
on the way to getting knocked out
by falling into the trap that Mar-
quez set. But when Brian turned
it around, I must say I have unbe-
lievable respect for Brian Viloria.
That ght should have been on
pay-per-view. I would pay to see
that ght again. It was that good.
I have never screamed myself
hoarse watching a ght. Thats
how exciting it was, said Ariza.
Meanwhile, world-rated super
bantamweight Drian Francisco
of the Philippines battered game
Mexican Javier Gallo to win by a
fth-round TKO in the undercard
of the Viloria-Marquez unica-
tion title ght.
THE triumvirate of Albert Gar-
cia, Abe Avena and Rene Unson
combined for a six-under-par 66
in the modied scramble format
to capture the overall gross crown
in the second Sherwood Cup held
at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club
in Trece Martires, Cavite recently.
Garcia, the man behind the
successful ABW and Mega Psyl-
lium Fiber supplements, Avena
and Unson made six birdies not-
withstanding the ultra fast greens
of the challenging Jack Nicklaus
layout that was spruced up to a
condition near to the original that
the golf great designed.
They shared top honors with
the trio of Ronnie Guico, Boni
Maolo and Mario Conchada, who
topped the overall net category af-
ter they assembled 56, in the event
sponsored by Sagada Construc-
tion Dev. Co., Concrete Ventures,
Compact Graphics, and Casino
Filipino-Tagaytay.
Albert Tan, John Enriquez and
Tino Tolentino netted the Division
I plum with a 58, while the Dodo
Credo, Rudy Manalo and Ben Cruz
went home as Division II winners
after a 57. Ver Bucat, Evelyn Ng
and Quio, meanwhile, collared the
sponsors division with a 59.
The Sherwood Cup, organ-
ized by Suntrust Properties Inc.,
headed by Atty. Harry Paltongan,
was supported by Turf Co. (Texas
Eagle), Dynamic Sports, Toro,
Fireant Advertising, Whealth Inc.,
Rizgolf, Meister Watch, Nine
Coast GFX, WFMC, Interconnect
Systems and Isuzu Phils.
Manila Southwoods, South-
woods Manor, Peniel Kim Corp.,
San Miguel, Camp John Hay Golf
Club, CJH Manor, Splendido, NTL
Builders, JJMJR Const., MCS
Const., Julant Pest, Golforce, James
Hardie, Davies Paint, FSR Security,
Microtel, Business Mirror and Im-
pact Golf also backed the event.
THE Philippine soft tennis men
and women teams scored victories
in contrasting fashion to capture
the major titles in the recent 2012
Southeast Asian Soft Tennis Fed-
eration Open and Junior Champion-
ships at the Likas Sports Complex
in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Joseph Arcilla, last years World
Cup bronze medalist, powered the
PH mens squad past Korea, 2-1,
for rst place honors, while recent
Mungyeong Korea International
seminalists Bien Zoleta led the
domination over Malaysia, 3-0, to
capture the womens crown.
PSTA president Col. Jeff Tama-
yo lauded the performance of the
local players and also congratu-
lated Soft Tennis Malaysia head
Johnson Koh and Sabah Soft Ten-
nis chief KK Chin for success-
fully hosting the event.
The presence of the top colle-
giate soft tennis players from Ko-
rea is an indication that the level in
Southeast Asia is improving. I wish
to thank international president Mr.
Park Sang Ha for sending the Ko-
rean team, said Tamayo.
Arcilla leaned on reliable team-
mates Jomar Arcilla, Mikof Man-
duriao, Jopy Mamawal and Davis
Alano; while Zoleta was joined in
the winners podium by veterans
Cheryl Macasera and Deena Cruz
together with greenhorns Chynna
Mamawal and Denden Peralta in
the trip supported by the Philip-
pine Olympic Committee, Philip-
pine Sports Commission and soft
tennis patron BGEN Dr. Antonio
L. Tamayo.
Meanwhile, the PH men and
women teams are currently play-
ing in the 2012 Asian Soft Tennis
Championships in Taipei at the
Chiayi stadium.
By Jeric Lopez
IS Petron Blaze nally starting to
realize the potential of its star-stud-
ded line-up?
It certainly looked like that as
the Boosters did a killing without
any mercy, scoring a 110-81 mas-
sacre of Global Port in the 2013
Philippine Basketball Association
Philippine Cup at the Smart Aran-
eta Coliseum yesterday.
Arwind Santos already had a dou-
ble-double in the rst half on his way
to 20 points and 13 rebounds, while
Chris Lutz had another well-rounded
game of a game-high 22 points, six
rebounds and six assists to pace the
Boosters.
This second straight win for the
Boosters moved them up to sixth
place with a 5-6 record, while the
Batang Pier is now on the brink of
being the rst team eliminated, fall-
ing further down to 1-9 at the door-
mat after its sixth straight defeat.
Parang ito na nga iyon for us. Its
a combination of a lot of things. We
caught them in their worst game of
the season and sinuwerte din kami
on the offensive end, said Petron
Blaze coach Olsen Racela. We
expected a close ght and I was sur-
prised with the big margin.
The Boosters, who made a kill-
ing from start to nish, were al-
ready ahead by more than 20 points
before their lead further swelled to
58-34 at halftime.
It just got worse for Global Port
in the second half as its largest de-
cit climbed to a whopping 33-point
margin, 110-77, with 49.8 seconds
left in the contest.
WHILE it was previously an-
nounced that Fighter of the Decade
Manny Pacquiao would be one of
the commentators on GMA 7s
coverage of the yweight unica-
tion title ght between World Box-
ing Organization champion Brian
Viloria and World Boxing Associa-
tion champion Hernan Marquez at
the Los Angeles Sports Arena on
Sunday, Manila Time, he didnt
push through with it.
Fight fans were surprised when
super bantamweight Drian Francis-
co, who had earlier scored a fth-
round technical knockout win over
Mexicos Javier Gallo joined Chino
Trinidad to do the commentary.
Pacquiaos strength and con-
ditioning coach Alex Ariza ex-
plained to the Manila Standard
why Pacquiao didnt go.
It was cold outside and he just
thought it would be better since this
is the u season, to go home and
rest, explained Ariza, who com-
mended Pacquiao. This just goes
to show you that Manny is taking
this fourth ght with Juan Manuel
Marquez very seriously. You know
in the past, he would have shown
up for something like this and this
time hes just playing it safe.
Meantime, Pacquiao bought
a tuckload of turkeys and pump-
kin pies, which he will distribute
to fans on Thanksgiving Day on
Sunday in Los Angeles. Pacquiao
will give away the gifts at the West-
side Shepherd of the Hills Church
where fans have been asked to line
up at a designated r oped-off area
in front of the church beginning at
noon. Ronnie Nathanielsz
German ace rider Sophia Marie Reimers (center) poses with silver
medalist Kirsteen Mitchell (left) of Britain and bronze medal winner
German Cosima Giemza after bagging the Open ladies crown during
awards rites of the 2012 World Cable Wakeboard Championships.
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
IN A unication ght that his manager Gary
Gittelsohn described as a thing of beauty,
World Boxing Organization yweight cham-
pion Brian Viloria smashed Mexicos Hernan
Marquez to win the World Boxing Associa-
tion title and cement his legacy as one of the
great ghters in the lighter weights before
a cheering crowd at the Los Angeles Sports
Arena on Sunday (Manila time).
Global Ports Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Mark Yee and Vic Manuel ght for board control against Petrons Jay Washington
and Bryan Faundo in a PBA Philippine Cup game won by the Boosters, 110-81.
Rovilson Fernandez tests his
VFFs on a track on China.
NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
B1
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Business
Manila Standard TODAY
Ray S. Eano, Editor business@mst.ph
Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor; extrastory2000@gmail.com
PSE COMPOSITE INDEX
Closing November 16, 2012
OIL
PRICES
TODAY
P575-P705
LPG/11-kg tank
P49.00-P56.57
Unleaded Gasoline
P39.38-P43.99
Diesel
P47.69-P53.00
Kerosene
P27.20-P31.00
Auto LPG
FOREI GN EXCHANGE RATE
Currency Unit US Dollar Peso
United States Dollar 1.000000 41.2070
Japan Yen 0.012320 0.5077
UK Pound 1.586200 65.3625
Hong Kong Dollar 0.129014 5.3163
Switzerland Franc 1.061008 43.7210
Canada Dollar 0.999101 41.1700
Singapore Dollar 0.817929 33.7044
Australia Dollar 1.032098 42.5297
Bahrain Dinar 2.653224 109.3314
Saudi Arabia Rial 0.266652 10.9879
Brunei Dollar 0.814598 33.5671
Indonesia Rupiah 0.000104 0.0043
Thailand Baht 0.032595 1.3431
UAE Dirham 0.272264 11.2192
Euro Euro 1.278200 52.6708
Korea Won 0.000919 0.0379
China Yuan 0.160426 6.6107
India Rupee 0.018298 0.7540
Malaysia Ringgit 0.326851 13.4685
NewZealand Dollar 0.810176 33.3849
Taiwan Dollar 0.034406 1.4178
Source: PDS Bridge
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Friday, November 16, 2012
PESO-DOLLAR RATE
40
42
44
46
48
P41.330
CLOSE
Closing NOVEMBER 16, 2012
5,439.280
24.46
VOLUME 997.400M
HIGH P41.210 LOW P41.405 AVERAGE P41.318
5200
4460
3720
2980
2240
1500
1200
IN BRIEF
Vulcan cleanup may
take 1 yearRamos
MetroPac sweetens
SCTEx offer to P90b
Filinvest Land eyes
Bonifacio property
Council says Palace
order to hurt exports
FirstPac OKs $200-m loan to Philex
VULCAN Industrial and Mining
Corp. expects to complete the
cleanup of the company over the
next six to 12 months to pave the
way for the possible backdoor
listing of the Ramos familys
retail business, including
bookstore chain National Book
Store.
Vulcan chief finance officer
Alfredo Ramos said in an
interview over the weekend
Vulcan was determining the
potential assets that would
be infused into the company
and evaluating the possibility
of the backdoor listing of
National Book Store, the
flagship firm of the Ramos
family.
Ramos said the company
might also invest other retail
assets of the Ramos group such
as the Crossings Department
Store, Anvil Publishing and
Power Books store.
It [backdoor listing National
Book Store] is a possibility.
We are cleaning up Vulcan as
possible investment vehicle,
Ramos said.
The family, though, is not
ruling out the possibility of
listing the countrys largest
bookstore chain through an
initial public offering.
We think theres a clamor
for consumer-driven companies.
With the success of Puregold,
a pure retail story, the family
realizes its a good time to think
about it. Puregold is the only pure
retail play in the Philippines,
Ramos said.
Its not impossible [to list
National Book Store through
an IPO] but Vulcan is there. We
have nothing to do with it. While
we are looking at National, we
are also looking at Vulcan. Is it
something we are still pursuing?
If its not, what can we do with
the shell company? asked
Ramos.
Vulcan last month approved
an increase in the companys
authorized capital stock to P4
billion from P600 million.
The capital increase will
accommodate the conversion of
advances of about P500 million
from National Book Store and
its afliates into equity.
The increase will also allow
National Book Store to subscribe
to the capital increase of up to
P2.9 billion.
Jenniffer B. Austria
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Metro Pacic group
sweetened its offer to oper-
ate the 94-kilometer Subic-
Clark-Tarlac Expressway
by raising the concession
fees and revenue share
of the government by 40
percent to P90 billion over
a 30-year period.
Bases Conversion and Development Au-
thority president Arnel Casanova said in an
interview Metro Pacics Manila North Toll-
road Corp. improved its offer to P90 billion
from the original P64.4 billion, after the Fi-
nance Department called for a rebidding of
the expressways operation.
Casanova said the P90 billion in conces-
sion fees would be paid to the government
over a period of 30 years, or until 2043. The
improved offer was based on the assumption
that vehicular trafc along SCTEx would
generate as much as P278 billion during the
30-year period.
There is a big improvement [in the offer].
Because from nominal proceeds, we were
going to receive about P64 billion. Its now
P90 billion. This is for entire concession un-
til 2043, Casanova said.
Casanova said the higher concession fees
in the new proposal were computed with the
adjustment in the governments share in the
SCTEx revenues from 20 percent to 30 per-
cent.
He said the P90-billion proceeds would
cover the payment of debt servicing, con-
cession fees and the governments share in
the expressways revenues. Casanova said
his agency submitted the improved offer to
Malacaang for approval.
Metro Pacic upgraded its offer to appease
the Finance Department, which was inclined
to rebid the operations and management of
SCTEx in order for the government to get a
bigger share of revenues from the express-
way.
Manila North Tollroad Corp. was supposed
to handle the SCTEx concession. MNTC
earlier said it planned to invest P600 million
for the integration of the various tollways,
including the North Luzon Expressway and
SCTEx to make them a seamless network.
Motorists under the integrated system will
also no longer have to make stops between
Quezon City and Tarlac.
MNTC also said it would invest P20 bil-
lion until 2043 for road improvements, light-
ing, signages and other facilities to improve
the safety of the highway and enhance con-
venience for motorists.
This is the second time Metro Pacic
revised the commercial term of the agree-
ment. The BCDA and MNTC signed the
concession agreement for SCTEx in No-
vember 2010.
The BCDA, however, requested improve-
ments in the terms in February 2011.
The BCDA board and MNTC renegotiated
and obtained improvements in the commer-
cial terms and signed a business and operat-
ing agreement, which was subsequently en-
dorsed to Malacaang.
The BCDA informed MNTC that there
were still concerns about the revenue sharing
agreement in June 2012.
The MNTC, after a series of meetings with
BCDA, submitted a nal offer in response to
the request for improved terms.
By Othel V. Campos
FIRST Pacic Co. Ltd. has agreed
to provide Philex Mining Corp. a
$200-million facility to partly -
nance the cleanup of its mine and
the rehabilitation of a tailing pond
in preparation for the resumption
of operations in 2013.
The company said part of the pro-
ceeds would also nance Philexs
Silangan project in Surigao del
Norte to honor the companys com-
mitment to the government.
The total unwavering com-
mitment of the companys stake-
holders, management and per-
sonnel will ensure the successful
resumption of our operations
and the implementation of our
broad-based and comprehensive
remediation programs, presi-
dent and chief executive Eulalio
Austin said in a late disclosure to
the Philippine Stock Exchange.
He said the company was re-
habilitating and fortifying other
tailing ponds and recently start-
ed the construction of an open
spillway that will replace the
penstock system for water man-
agement.
The company has sought the
advice of Golder Associates Pty.
Ltd. and Snowy Mountains En-
gineering Corp. for the design
and construction of the spillway.
Golder is studying proposals
to build a cofferdam to reinforce
the integrity of the main dam.
The company will shortly de-
cide on the appointment of more
consultants for the construction
of a new tailing pond that the
company plans to build in tan-
dem with the spillway.
Philex is cooperating fully
and works with the Environment
Department through the Mines
and Geosciences Bureau and
the Environmental Management
Bureau, to adopt and implement
a rehabilitation and remediation
program to address the effects
of the leak, Philex chairman
Manuel Pangilinan earlier said.
He stressed the leak was not
toxic, adding Philex was stand-
ing by its commitment to the
government to nish the cleanup
despite a force majeure.
Philex reported it successful-
ly nished the rst stage of the
cleanup by plugging a penstock
and the complete sealing of a
tunnel.
It will shortly build a spillway
at the damaged tailing pond, reha-
bilitate it by reinforcing its structure
and construct of a new one.
The spill has already cost the
company as much as P3.6 billion
in lost business opportunities.
Philex is spending close to P750
million in rehabilitation efforts.
It also owes the government
P1 billion in penalty for pollut-
ing the waters near the mines.
Fish habitat rebuilding. Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard personnel, municipal
shermen, Northern Cebu Fishing Boat Operators Association president Romeo Villaceran (fth from
left) join (from left) Visayan Sea advocate Tony Oposa and daughter Ana; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources director Asis Perez and assistant regional director Allan Poquito in deploying a sh condo at
the Jojo de La Victoria Marine Sanctuary in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. The sanctuary was named in honor of
Bantay Dagat advocate Jojo de La Victoria, who was slain on April 13, 2006.
THE Export Development
Council warned that a recent
order issued by Malacaang
authorizing agency heads to in-
crease fees will undermine the
viability of the export sector.
The council, which is composed
of government and private sector
representatives, said in a position
paper Administrative Order No.
31 would negatively affect the
competitiveness of exporters.
President Benigno Aquino III
issued AO 31 last month, direct-
ing heads of departments, bu-
reaus, commissions, agencies,
ofces and instrumentalities of
the national government... to
rationalize the rate of fees and
charges, increase their existing
rates, and impose new ones.
The order effectively canceled
all previous presidential directives,
including the one requiring a go-
signal from the National Economic
and Development Authority before
agencies can impose new fees.
The council said most fees
charged by government agen-
cies for the processing of papers
of exporters had been reduced to
affordable levels, or free in some
cases. The new order in effect
canceled all those privileges.
It also said different agencies
might abuse the issuance of per-
mits and clearances, even though
there was a preamble in the di-
rective saying that fees must be
reasonable for exporters.
The council also sought clari-
cation on whether the new order
repealed the previous Executive
Order No. 554, which exempted
exporters from several govern-
ment charges. Julito G. Rada
By Julito G. Rada
FILINVEST Land Inc. of the
Gotianun family plans to join
the bidding for the 33-hectare
property owned by the Bases
Conversion and Development
Authority in Taguig City.
Josephine Gotianun-Yap,
president and chief executive
of Filinvest Alabang Inc., a
subsidiary of Filinvest Land,
said there was a possibility tthe
company would join the bidding
pending the completion of the
terms of reference.
We are looking into it...
We have to see the terms of
reference for the bidding, she
said at the sidelines of an event
in Alabang.
Filinvest Land was among
the real estate developers that
expressed interest in the large
property when BCDA invited
companies in August 2010 to
submit proposals to challenge the
unsolicited bid of SM Land Inc.
The other companies were
Ayala Land Inc., consultancy
rm Jones Lang LaSalle-
Leechiu, Megaworld Corp.,
Robinsons Land Corp. and
Rockwell Land Corp.
SM Land proposed to develop
the 33.1-hectare property for
P20 billion, but Malacaang
wanted better terms for the site.
The BCDA, heeding the
directive from Malacaang,
recently dropped the unsolicited
bid of SM Land and opted to
go for an open competitive
bidding.
BCDA president and chief
executive Arnel Paciano
Casanova said earlier that
conducting an open competitive
bidding for its land assets would
be more advantageous to the
government because it would
result in getting the best price
and the best development for the
property.
Working age growing
THE Philippines must take
advantage of its young population
to boost the economy, a report
from the National Statistical
Coordination Board said.
National Statistical Coordination
Board secretary-general Jose
Ramon Albert said based on the
results of a survey by the National
Statistics Ofce, the proportion of
the working age population, or from
15 to 64, has shown a consistent
increasing trend from 51.4 percent
in 1970 to 62.3 percent in 2010,
or an average annual rate of 2.8
percent.
In general, the Philippine
population is characterized by a
growing proportion in the working
ages and a slightly increasing
elderly population, Albert said.
Albert said having a young
population could be an advantage
for the Philippine economy.
With fewer dependents to
support by the working age,
household income can be used for
productive investments, Albert
said.
Albert noted every 100 persons
in the working age group in 1970
supported about 94 dependents.
The total dependency ratio,
however, has been declining since
1970, dropping to a low of about 61
dependents for every 100 persons
in the working ages in 2010.
Anna Leah G. Estrada
Solars property unit
SOLAR Resources Inc., the
property unit of the Solar Group of
Companies, recently celebrated its
25th anniversary at the Mondragon
House in Makati.
SRI is one of the rst developers
in the country to foray into the
socialized and economic segments
of the housing sector. The company
has built projects like Las Palmas,
Redwood Residences, The Villas
at Dasmarias Highlands, West
Governor Heights and West Beverly
Hills with homes costing P400,000
to P1.2 million each.
SRI to date has successfully
launched and completed residential
projects in Cavite, Bulacan, Las
Pias and a commercial complex in
Dasmarias, Cavite that are highly
accessible through public transport
and strategically located near malls,
schools and commercial areas.
Raymond Alonso, chief
operating ofcer of SRI, said in a
keynote address that the company
remains committed to its promise
of delivering the Filipino dream of
owning a stylish yet easy-on-the-
pocket home.
He said the company had provided
over 10,000 homes and was gearing
toward more aggressive strategies
to keep abreast of the latest trends
in the market, including the use of
digital technology to reach a broad
market base.
Business
ManilaStandardToday
business@mst.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
B2
M
S
T
WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW
NOVEMBER 12-16, 2012 NOVEMBER 5-9, 2012
STOCKS CLOSE VOLUME VALUE CLOSE VOLUME VALUE
FINANCIAL
Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. 68.00 12,285,030 833,922,694.50 68.95 52,215,280 3,412,098,883.00
Bank of PI 85.40 8,108,930 691,668,696.00 85.50 13,763,510 2,657,348,327.50
Bankard, Inc. 0.71 1,862,000 1,319,020.00 0.73 78,000 56,710.00
China Bank 52.65 724,620 38,318,144.50 52.90 566,790 29,973,579.00
BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. 2.00 148,000 286,360.00 1.95 51,000 99,630.00
COL Financial 19 872,000 15,797,739.00 18.4 1,639,800 30,235,304.00
Eastwest Bank 25.55 6,678,500 168,571,830.00 24.3 3,363,500 82,086,135.00
Filipino Fund Inc. 10.24 5,100 52,332 10.30 2,000 20,538
First Metro Inv. 87.6 720 62,839.00 87.1 1,530 133,172.00
I-Remit Inc. 2.69 518,000 1,436,900.00 2.69 2,531,000 7,258,330.00
Manulife Fin. Corp. 490.00 290 139,180.00 460.00 1,260 597,130.00
Maybank ATR KE 21.6 34,800 741,080.00 21 74,500 1,534,024.00
Metrobank 95.25 19,225,960 1,850,702,575.50 96.55 31,693,590 3,098,201,059.00
Natl Reinsurance Corp. 1.8 1,032,400 2,048,600.00 1.87 1,134,000 2,132,150.00
Phil Bank of Comm 71.00 830 57,430.00
Phil. National Bank 71.95 5,682,520 408,931,995.00 71.80 1,146,720 81,421,484.00
Phil. Savings Bank 87.00 2,170 184,840.00 87.00 3,120 271262.50
PSE Inc. 372 22,070 8,189,580.00 371 33,990 12,590,664.00
RCBC `A 48 7,557,800.00 362,672,850.00 46.85 410,800.00 19,019,650.00
Security Bank 155.1 5,652,680 885,951,850.00 163 3,802,370 594,931,854.00
Sun Life Financial 965.00 2,490 2,426,080.00 955.00 610 581,835.00
Union Bank 110.50 880,170 97,122,304.00 110.00 413,670 45,933,716.00
Vantage Equities 2.13 1,563,000 3,336,060.00 2.15 2,173,000 4,683,710.00
INDUSTRIAL
Aboitiz Power Corp. 34.35 14,526,500 494,359,050.00 33.65 8,526,600 286,869,065.00
Agrinurture Inc. 8 153,800 1,238,436.00 8 275,500 2,212,213.00
Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 2.08 34,081,000 70,435,730.00 2.05 27,827,000 56,515,920.00
Alphaland Corp. 28 44,800 1,308,780.00 27.7 4,400 95,485.00
Alsons Cons. 1.38 2,317,000 3,215,180.00 1.40 4,015,000 5,628,400.00
Asiabest Group 19 35,600 664,336.00 18.5 147,300 2,691,152.00
Bogo Medellin 52.00 300 15,630.00 51.00 260 14,100.00
C. Azuc De Tarlac 13.06 21,000 274,020.00
Calapan Venture 4.15 221,000 935,450.00 4.2 569,000 2,380,820.00
Chemrez Technologies Inc. 3.00 2,492,000 7,523,370.00 3.05 1,622,000 4,963,700.00
Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 11.98 2,547,500 28,317,508.00 11.96 57,900 2,225,588.00
Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 6.88 138,685,100 935,465,394.00 6.64 110,768,100 1,738,053,738.00
EEI 8.79 4,409,800 38,525,631.00 8.93 2,684,800 23,733,010.00
Euro-Med Lab. 1.80 897,000 1,944,580.00
Federal Chemicals 9.92 2,000 19,840.00 10.00 2,000 19,984.00
First Gen Corp. 23.25 11,629,300 266,985,235.00 22.55 8,374,100 189,211,210.00
First Holdings A 91.8 4,420,450 404,814,208.50 94 8,732,170 784,795,345.00
Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 17.34 65,800 1,171,002.00 17.60 15,800 284,162.00
Greenergy 0.0250 6,767,000,000 162,910,600.00 0.0230 16,057,800,000 369,566,600.00
Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.30 604,700 8,098,078.00 13.40 1,322,600 17,930,938.00
Integ. Micro-Electronics 4.14 385,000 1,837,530.00 4.25 1,102,000 4,881,000.00
Ionics Inc 0.630 708,000 450,960.00 0.640 573,000 363,320.00
Jollibee Foods Corp. 107.50 1,706,950 123,667,662.00 105.50 2,090,790 219,542,894.00
Lafarge Rep 9.5 3,281,800 30,815,303.00 9.65 13,549,400 127,868,996.00
Liberty Flour 40.00 3,200 142,800.00
LMG Chemicals 1.98 570,000 1,149,960.00 2 751,000 1,501,190.00
Manchester Intl. A 7.58 1,936,200 17,194,331.00 9.5 4,983,900 32,925,145.00
Manchester Intl. B 7.68 972,100 8,751,333.00 9.32 2,981,400 20,592,919.00
Manila Water Co. Inc. 31.2 7,567,900 228,531,405.00 29.55 12,894,500 382,416,885.00
Mariwasa MFG. Inc. 3.5 49,000 179,300.00 3.7 458,000 1,889,160.00
Megawide 14.980 242,200 2,715,100.00 16.200 354,600 5,766,338.00
Mla. Elect. Co `A 252.60 4,590,620 1,172,211,920.00 265.80 2,848,280 770,570,098.00
Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 5.20 5,000 26,000.00 5.05 3,000 15,150.00
Pancake House Inc. 8.50 62,100 503,944.00 7.50 41,300 315,366.00
Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 5.42 43,559,000 236,497,562.00 5.6 45,274,800 253,385,747.00
Petron Corporation 10.70 8,367,000 89,248,898.00 10.74 12,634,200 136,137,832.00
Phinma Corporation 10.24 141,800 1,452,032.00 10.44 500 5,364.00
Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 8.60 592,700 5,052,791.00 8.48 532,400 4,416,005.00
RFM Corporation 4.15 12,333,000 51,425,020.00 4.17 10,692,000 43,633,260.00
Roxas Holdings 2.48 127,000 318,540.00 2.54 23,000 58,570.00
Salcon Power Corp. 4.75 358,000 1,831,630.00 4.8 17,000 40,320.00
San Miguel Brewery Inc. 34.00 306,800 10,421,135.00 34.00 358,600 12,190,980.00
San Miguel Corp `A 108.60 1,898,570 186,806,787.00 109.00 2,517,160 274,855,120.00
San MiguelPure Foods `B 680 330 230,800.00 700 830 591,510.00
Seacem 2.05 3,359,000 7,628,510.00 2.39 7,371,000 18,329,390.00
Splash Corporation 1.75 1,261,000 2,195,330.00 1.77 277,000 500,630.00
Swift Foods, Inc. 0.158 9,440,000 1,492,750.00 0.159 15,000,000 2,473,880.00
Tanduay Holdings 12.44 13,408,400 163,725,070.00 11.66 4,229,100 49,207,514.00
TKC Steel Corp. 1.98 196,000 379,000.00 1.99 53,000 108,240.00
Trans-Asia Oil 1.15 30,751,000 23,912,160.00 1.13 35,123,000 40,427,880.00
Universal Robina 76.00 7,671,250 589,967,322.50 74.70 8,637,300 645,754,834.50
Victorias Milling 1.23 12,415,000 14,885,170.00 1.2 20,226,000 24,636,690.00
Vitarich Corp. 1.07 39,812,000 46,724,930.00 1.17 60,280,000 85,220,820.00
Vivant Corp. 7.90 5,100 53,290.00 10.78 8,200 80,458.00
Vulcan Indl. 1.46 45,403,000 75,095,850.00 1.89 159,440,000 291,252,580.00
HOLDING FIRMS
Abacus Cons. `A 0.70 13,638,000 9,535,620.00 0.70 23,411,000 16,462,970.00
Aboitiz Equity 48.70 3,978,600 193,824,495.00 48.80 5,574,710 299,814,800.00
Alcorn Gold Res. 0.1340 7,045,260,000 922,921,680.00 0.1220 17,992,880,000 2,065,774,110.00
Alliance Global Inc. 15.08 79,616,500 1,204,415,120.00 15.08 74,937,300 1,131,432,280.00
Anglo Holdings A 2.00 820,000 1,661,810.00 2.09 31,042,000 66,693,830.00
Anscor `A 4.91 165,000 801,630.00 4.80 363,000 1,764,990.00
Asia Amalgamated A 4.90 3,186,800 15,833,086.00 5.03 1,331,500 6,781,607.00
ATN Holdings A 1.35 282,000 372,980.00 1.43 5,229,000 6,928,020.00
ATN Holdings B 1.5 165,000 230,270.00 1.51 391,000 559,420.00
Ayala Corp `A 449.8 3,895,030 1,741,454,950.00 448 4,512,140 2,016,541,268.00
DMCI Holdings 53.00 8,826,770 473,820,217.50 52.10 11,465,930 604,895,113.50
F&J Prince A 2.79 122,000 322,720.00 2.6 52,000 135,300.00
F&J Prince B 2.66 14,000 40,870.00
Filinvest Dev. Corp. 4.50 2,278,000 10,382,240.00 4.57 2,196,000 9,823,840.00
Forum Pacic 0.240 720,000 169,510.00 0.218 2,220,000 493,090.00
GT Capital 568 1,191,200 659,216,560.00 542 1,488,220 804,507,985.00
House of Inv. 5.80 312,100 1,817,286.00 5.98 301,000 1,771,408.00
JG Summit Holdings 34.00 8,761,100 297,975,100.00 34.00 12,425,500 418,834,645.00
Jolliville Holdings 7.6 426,600 3,037,972.00 7.9 96,700 778,855.00
Lopez Holdings Corp. 6.4 40,423,800 257,857,988.00 6.5 133,368,700 813,783,260.00
Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 1.06 8,591,000 9,093,720.00 1.08 9,795,000 10,603,540.00
Mabuhay Holdings `A 0.410 60,000 24,600.00 0.405 230,000 94,700.00
Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. 1.91 5,836,300 12,402,920.00 2.05 2,484,000 5,172,390.00
Metro Pacic Inv. Corp. 4.30 194,937,000 845,907,670.00 4.27 150,139,000 630,885,600.00
Minerales Industrias Corp. 4.9 230,100 1,113,166.00 4.8 547,000 2,621,580.00
MJCI Investments Inc. 5.95 220,400 1,274,430.00 5.99 160,200 953,185.00
Pacica `A 0.0470 14,000,000 646,400.00 0.0470 18,700,000 883,900.00
Prime Media Hldg 1.270 2,000 2,550.00 1.300 214,000 278,870.00
Prime Orion 0.570 8,372,000 4,732,330.00 0.590 45,161,000 26,571,610.00
Republic Glass A 2.6 46,000 103,470.00 2.2 9,000 22,530.00
Seafront `A 1.80 137,000 257,380.00 1.95 589,000 1,120,060.00
Sinophil Corp. 0.315 4,320,000 1,360,750.00 0.320 5,190,000 1,664,450.00
SM Investments Inc. 819.00 1,729,270 1,412,879,665.00 815.00 1,824,150 1,461,604,925.00
Solid Group Inc. 1.88 1,346,000 2,558,660.00 1.92 1,571,000 2,973,470.00
South China Res. Inc. 1.14 663,000 749,790.00 1.14 415,000 471,600.00
Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.2700 2,850,000 791,800.00 0.2850 6,970,000 1,855,500.00
Wellex Industries 0.3300 52,570,000 17,321,250.00 0.3000 4,780,000 1,435,350.00
Zeus Holdings 0.360 7,420,000 2,765,700.00 0.385 3,200,000 1,280,650.00
P R O P E R T Y
Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 17.00 1,800 30,600.00 16.40 13,900 229,010.00
A. Brown Co., Inc. 3.00 2,234,000 6,717,810.00 3.09 2,243,000 6,937,260.00
Araneta Prop `A 0.560 1,009,000 615,990.00 0.560 9,000 4,920.00
Arthaland Corp. 0.180 880,000 154,130.00 0.180 350,000 61,730.00
Ayala Land `B 22.85 36,685,500 840,936,190.00 22.90 91,399,900 2,090,815,825.00
Belle Corp. `A 5.12 14,706,800 75,821,749.00 5.15 15,259,900 79,720,281.00
Cebu Holdings 4.5 209,000 956,050.00 4.6 730,000 3,427,450.00
Cebu Prop. `A 5.1 125,400 639,460.00
Cebu Prop. `B 5 98,000 498,300.00
Centennial City 1.44 39,147,000 56,729,090.00 1.4 8,306,000 11,859,940.00
City & Land Dev. 2.30 75,000 161,810.00 2.25 68,000 156,460.00
Cityland Dev. `A 1.11 523,000 583,480.00 1.10 114,000 127,010.00
Crown Equities Inc. 0.073 2,030,000 139,640.00 0.072 9,180,000 639,340.00
Cyber Bay Corp. 0.83 9,619,000 7,644,660.00 0.83 10,068,000 8,438,800.00
Empire East Land 0.940 92,691,000 87,827,140.00 0.960 173,465,000 169,153,460.00
Eton Properties 2.90 4,127,000 11,971,890.00 2.92 1,088,000 3,194,940.00
Ever Gotesco 0.350 89,640,000 30,732,800.00 0.350 112,920,000 35,501,050.00
Global-Estate 1.84 9,175,000 17,096,600.00 1.92 18,060,000 34,476,780.00
Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.59 165,662,000 262,074,030.00 1.57 448,607,000 703,097,230.00
Highlands Prime 1.90 65,000 121,820.00 1.90 176,000 390,750.00
Interport `A 1.22 2,385,000 2,783,740.00 1.15 2,585,000 3,000,500.00
Megaworld Corp. 2.47 183,632,740 688,877,200.00 2.5 334,549,000 834,509,190.00
MRC Allied Ind. 0.1700 25,320,000 4,376,530.00 0.1780 32,390,000 5,676,180.00
Phil. Estates Corp. 0.8100 216,914,000 165,753,310.00 0.6400 9,288,000 5,922,240.00
Phil. Realty `A 0.410 17,000,000 7,126,050.00 0.430 5,236,000 3,128,650.00
Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 25.00 600 15,000.00
Robinsons Land `B 18.70 14,378,700 269,487,580.00 18.56 17,117,000 319,102,476.00
Rockwell 2.96 1,485,000 4,465,600.00 3.03 934,000 2,865,040.00
San Miguel Prop. 700 10 7,000.00 550 20 11,000.00
Shang Properties Inc. 2.87 434,000 1,193,010.00 2.93 194,000 544,540.00
SM Development `A 5.98 10,501,600 62,953,002.00 6.07 8,892,100 55,593,148.00
SM Prime Holdings 14.48 77,324,400 1,122,051,966.00 14.58 73,568,000 1,069,926,402.00
Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.67 2,028,000 1,359,290.00 0.67 917,000 622,470.00
Starmalls 3.62 535,000 1,931,710.00 3.66 510,000 1,865,490.00
Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 0.560 1,080,000 571,850.00 0.530 684,000 375,200.00
Vista Land & Lifescapes 5.040 54,498,300 276,150,814.00 5.120 76,431,800 387,942,655.00
S E R V I C E S
2GO Group 2.1 460,000 1,116,170.00 2.12 514,000 1,298,380.00
ABS-CBN 33.5 3,373,100 105,279,200.00 31 1,169,300 35,876,660.00
Acesite Hotel 1.34 2,467,000 3,337,570.00 1.31 3,862,000 5,033,760.00
APC Group, Inc. 0.610 1,598,000 977,260.00 0.620 1,908,001 1,584,490.00
Asian Terminals Inc. 9.5 438,400 4,161,416.00 9.1 38,500 352,350.00
Bloomberry 13.52 21,001,400 290,265,390.00 14.10 51,740,800 752,676,314.00
Boulevard Holdings 0.1500 189,150,000 28,442,560.00 0.1560 374,750,000 59,387,440.00
Calata Corp. 6.75 7,732,700 48,904,779.00 6.09 3,654,600 21,965,404.00
Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 61.10 1,592,980 94,902,288.50 58.80 2,331,090 135,943,950.50
Centro Esc. Univ. 10.12 24,000 242,200.00 10 30,000 301,170.00
DFNN Inc. 5.30 280,500 1,593,516.00 5.34 556,200 3,019,254.00
Easy Call Common 2.20 73,000 165,720.00 2.31 30,000 70,680.00
FEUI 1080 890 940,995.00 1080 890 923,700.00
Globe Telecom 1150.00 233,540 263,588,920.00 1143.00 394,275 451,930,520.00
GMA Network Inc. 8.40 1,249,300 10,482,270.00 8.50 941,200 7,953,585.00
I.C.T.S.I. 69.9 4,038,990 280,792,335.50 70 9,413,160 657,537,755.00
Information Capital Tech. 0.415 1,360,000 576,150.00 0.440 530,000 228,250.00
Imperial Res. `A 5.90 16,600 99,300 5.00 3,400 17,400
IPeople Inc. `A 7.5 4,900 38,575.00 8 3,900 31,000.00
IP Converge 2.58 1,036,000 2,657,900.00 2.44 306,000 775,590.00
IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 0.026 1,471,700,000 41,422,800.00 0.031 2,352,100,000 79,737,000.00
IPVG Corp. 0.89 29,374,000 26,294,340.00 0.99 18,171,000 18,260,570.00
Island Info 0.0440 1,000,000 44,000.00 0.0440 19,400,000 872,700.00
ISM Communications 2.5500 672,000 1,707,890.00 2.5700 351,000 910,900.00
Leisure & Resorts 8.69 11,087,800 99,477,673.00 9.27 11,329,100 103,540,782.00
Liberty Telecom 2.48 501,000 1,164,670.00 2.40 455,000 1,080,610.00
Lorenzo Shipping 1.3 16,000 22,850.00 1.26 12,000 15,320.00
Macroasia Corp. 2.75 12,000 32,390.00 2.71 385,000 1,040,920.00
Manila Bulletin 0.69 64,000 44,160.00 0.68 196,000 133,910.00
Manila Jockey 2.83 4,982,000 14,187,000.00 2.88 6,064,000 17,527,800.00
Metro Pacic Tollways 6.26 28,300 175,163.00 6.25 15,200 95,499.00
Pacic Online Sys. Corp. 13.96 719,800 10,065,622.00 14.02 330,300 4,626,594.00
PAL Holdings Inc. 5.25 470,000 2,456,902 5.22 366,300 1,918,932
Paxys Inc. 2.87 4,522,000 13,425,550.00 2.9 2,410,000 6,947,630.00
Phil. Racing Club 9.5 1,993,700 18,965,024.00 9.5 1,096,000 10,407,722.00
Phil. Seven Corp. 87.00 33,250 2,905,134.00 93.00 1,000,740 82,088,195.00
Philweb.Com Inc. 13.00 1,463,700 20,119,712.00 14.16 1,474,200 20,921,708.00
PLDT Common 2506.00 562,035 1,428,800,590.00 2630.00 714,780 1,863,522,370.00
PremiereHorizon 0.315 63,750,000 20,410,950.00 0.320 5,310,000 1,713,350.00
Puregold 29.40 12,845,300 380,660,010.00 29.95 12,847,700 385,947,140.00
STI Holdings 1.01 357,786,000 369,799,620.00 1.03 651,853,000 639,019,660.00
Touch Solutions 4.06 11,000 44,210.00 4.25 149,000 625,950.00
Transpacic Broadcast 2.35 170,000 366,910.00 2.2 346,000 558,740.00
Waterfront Phils. 0.440 1,500,000 647,250.00 0.440 1,450,000 616,850.00
Yehey 1.190 1,240,000 1,612,570.00 1.390 1,721,000 2,778,230.00
MINING & OIL
Abra Mining 0.006 1,129,000,000 7,023,600.00 0.0062 1,112,900,000 8,890,900.00
Apex `A 4.80 337,000 1,591,190.00 4.70 165,000 768,530.00
Apex `B 4.65 57,000 266,900.00 4.70 126,000 592,200.00
Atlas Cons. `A 17.30 3,067,600 53,569,582.00 17.52 2,365,300 41,601,334.00
Atok-Big Wedge `A 25.00 19,400 457,475.00 25.70 3,600 90,455.00
Basic Energy Corp. 0.285 109,420,000 31,385,150.00 0.275 89,280,000 25,397,800.00
Benguet Corp `A 21.65 21,700 466,795.00 21.25 139,600 2,987,795.00
Benguet Corp `B 20.05 11,700 236,805.00 20.5 67,300 1,604,240.00
Century Peak Metals Hldgs 1.02 2,404,000 2,408,930.00 1.03 1,320,000 1,362,530.00
Coal Asia 1.03 93,449,000 99,130,570.00 1.06 136,628,800 174,786,790.00
Dizon 17.38 436,000 7,559,942.00 17.40 235,800 4,104,482.00
Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. 0.56 6,446,000 3,582,320.00 0.56 11,607,000 6,522,500.00
Lepanto `A 1.010 175,170,000 180,192,650.00 1.100 72,888,000 80,791,370.00
Lepanto `B 1.080 43,024,000 47,341,610.00 1.200 34,592,000 40,777,930.00
Manila Mining `A 0.0600 508,090,000 30,348,280.00 0.0630 379,900,000 23,114,810.00
Manila Mining `B 0.0590 900,510,000 53,884,170.00 0.0610 258,850,000 15,827,480.00
Nickelasia 16.64 906,900 15,270,792.00 17 4,057,800 68,207,646.00
Nihao Mineral Resources 5.5 757,100 4,200,853.00 5.7 1,640,100 10,401,923.00
Omico 0.6300 340,000 215,220.00 0.6300 542,000 346,810.00
Oriental Peninsula Res. 3.770 1,066,000 4,068,120.00 3.900 2,176,000 8,598,160.00
Oriental Pet. `A 0.0180 208,500,000 3,841,800.00 0.0190 923,500,000 17,136,100.00
Oriental Pet. `B 0.0200 4,400,000 86,300.00 0.0200 360,700,000 7,011,300.00
Petroenergy Res. Corp. 5.89 203,600 1,194,717.00 5.90 223,300 1,318,874.00
Philex `A 13.50 15,435,300 217,470,662.00 14.70 8,157,600 120,978,820.00
PhilexPetroleum 26 406,300 10,525,090.00 25.95 421,400 10,951,980.00
Philodrill Corp. `A 0.040 1,806,600,000 75,930,600.00 0.042 1,596,000,000 66,197,000.00
PNOC Expls `A 60 160 9,600.00 56 400 22,400.00
PNOC Expls `B 42 460 20,280.00 50 3,470 188,155.00
Semirara Corp. 219.80 551,840 121,748,328.00 220.00 1,244,530 273,752,150.00
United Paragon 0.0160 150,700,000 2,404,400.00 0.0160 336,500,000 5,451,900.00
PREFERRED
2GO Group P 4.77 6000 28620 3.18 1000 3180
ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. 33.9 14,624,700 461,431,670.00 30.6 10,739,500 329,238,755.00
Ayala Corp. Pref `A 525 9,130 4,741,730.00 518 2,200 1,143,000.00
First Gen F 102 1,210 123,420.00
First Gen G 104 17,480 1,818,828.00 104 110,530 11,569,851.00
First Phil. Hldgs.-Pref. 101.6 56,000 5,708,260.00 102.5 2,350 240,875.00
GMA Holdings Inc. 8.4 1,976,600 16,457,913.00 8.4 827,500 5,770,845.00
PCOR-Preferred 109.2 12,010 1,321,923.00 110 47,750 5,247,504.00
SMC Preferred A 75 2,754,820 206,610,770.00 75 5,249,470 393,710,000.00
SMC Preferred C 75.25 90,380 6,804,501.00 75.4 255,830 19,282,020.50
SMPFC Preferred 1015 21,420 21,930,270.00 1025 4,710 4,776,140.00
Swift Pref 1.38 3,000 4,140.00 1.36 7,000 9,520.00
WARRANTS & BONDS
Megaworld Corp. Warrants 1.45 3,530,000 5,263,630.00 1.48 6,053,000 8,884,600.00
Market expected
to trade sideways
WEEKLY MOST TRADED
STOCKS VOLUME
Alcorn Gold Res. 7,045,260,000
Greenergy 6,767,000,000
Philodrill Corp. `A 1,806,600,000
IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 1,471,700,000
Abra Mining 1,129,000,000
Manila Mining `B 900,510,000
Manila Mining `A 508,090,000
STI Holdings 357,786,000
Phil. Estates Corp. 216,914,000
Oriental Pet. `A 208,500,000
STOCKS VALUE
Metrobank 1,850,702,575.50
Ayala Corp `A 1,741,454,950.00
PLDT Common 1,428,800,590.00
SM Investments Inc. 1,412,879,665.00
Alliance Global Inc. 1,204,415,120.00
Mla. Elect. Co `A 1,172,211,920.00
SM Prime Holdings 1,122,051,966.00
Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 935,465,394.00
Alcorn Gold Res. 922,921,680.00
Security Bank 885,951,850.00
Another pyramiding scam, again!
THERE is another serious problem I have
seen everywheresavings are put into risky
investments that turn sour, and soon there is
nothing left to pass on to ones son. The man
who speculates is soon back to where he began
with nothing. This, as I said, is a very serious
problem, for all his hard work has been for
nothing; he has been working for the wind. It is
all swept away. All the rest of his life is under
a cloudgloomy, discouraged, frustrated and
angry.
The above is a passage from the Book of
Ecclesiastes and is a good way of providing a
summary to the state of anxiety of the victims
of yet another pyramiding scam presently
unfolding primarily in the southern Mindanao
area. The scam involves a firm which was just
incorporated and started operations this year and
yet was able to entice, from one account more
than 8,000 investors with investments worth
P12 billion, which is now practically gone with
the wind.
If it s t oo good t o be t r ue
What was their enticement? A news report
said they lured investors by offering 30-percent
to 40-percent return on investment within eight
days, and a 50-percent to 80-percent profit for
18 to 20 days. Those are indeed breathtaking
returns for regular banks do not even give
1-percent interest on your savings account for
one year. Even investment in bonds and best
performing stocks with more attractive returns
and of course, with the attendant risks, do not
come close.
And so investment professionals who always
give the advice if it is too good to be true, then
it is not can fall back on this again. This is
not the first time this has happened among local
investors since various scams have proliferated
in the past and we are pretty sure, this will not
be the last. And every time something like
this happens, the public is reminded time and
again to steer clear from this weapon of mass
economic destruction.
Cr eat ing inst ant wealt h
But in this day and age of instant noodles and
instant messaging, the opportunity to create
instant wealth may be too attractive for people
to pass up on. The thing is, indeed when the
pyramid is just starting its build up, investors
do get what was initially promised to them. A
report indicated a P1,000 investment was paid a
70-percent return after one week. Of course, the
investor will go back to invest more. The scam
works at the start when new placements are used
to pay people who invested earlier.
Eventually, as more invest, the investors were
instead issued post-dated checks with a 50-
day maturity in lieu of cash and this is a sign
of the pyramid starting to crumble. It becomes
impossible for the scammers to provide the
promised return since not even fresh money
pouring in cannot meet the promised sky-high
return. By then, it is too late for investors to
back out.
A source indicated that the firm duped local
politicians, police and military personnel,
government workers, market vendors, farmers,
drivers, retired employees and overseas Filipino
workers into investing their hard-earned money
in the company, with the promised windfall
in a very short span of time. There are also
allegations that certain local officials were
involved in the pyramiding scam by probably
using public funds.
Aside from losing hard-earned money, there is
a report that a retired school teacher committed
suicide for losing his entire retirement pay to
the scam. Another report indicated a murder
and an arson case are directly related to the
scam.
Do not be gr eedy
We offer some practical advice to future
investors so they will not be prone to such
misfortune in the future. First is the discipline to
save and invest on a regular basis. Use income
less savings equals expenses as the operable
formula. In time, this discipline will lead to
ones money growing and doubling but one will
have to be patient and diligent about.
Second, diversify your investments to help
manage the risk that always go with this activity.
Third, take the good with the bad. There is
always the possibility of creating wealth through
reasonable investment activities, but there may
be times that you will also lose. This is part
of the process, but with discipline and good
judgment, you can avoid the extreme pain that
scams represent.
Lastly, do not be greedy. When greed comes
into the decision-making process, rational basis
for the investment goes out of the window which
will eventually lead to a painful experience for
the investor.
The author is a professorial lecturer at the
De La Salle University Ramon V. del Rosario
College of Business. He welcomes comments
at dennis.berino@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the official
position of De La Salle University, its faculty,
and its administrators.
DENNIS L.
BERINO
GREEN LIGHT
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SHARE prices are expected to move
sideways this week as developments
overseas will continue to temper the
overall positive outlook on the domestic
economy.
Analysts said while investors
were optimistic on the local
market specially after the third-
quarter performance of listed
companies showed positive
results, concerns about the
scal cliff in the United States
and the recession in Europe
would continue to dampen
overall sentiments.
The markets recent decline,
however, could provide
opportunities for bargain
hunters to pick up on stocks
that were now cheap.
Analysts said the PSEi,
the 30-company benchmark
index of the Philippine Stock
Exchange, was expected to
trade within the range of 5,400
points to 5,450 points.
A joint capital market
research report by First
Metro Investments Corp. and
University of Asia and the
Pacic said local equities would
likely move higher this month,
particularly after companies
reported strong third-quarter
results.
While investors may take
prot on earnings news, we
will keep existing positions and
accumulate on dips. Trailing
valuations may appear stretched
but robust macro, undemanding
forward valuations and
strengthening inow from
foreign funds make a case to
remain invested, FMIC and
UA&P said.
The PSEi shed 0.5 percent
over last weeks ve-day
market trading to settle at
5,439.28 on Nov. 16. The market
traded mostly lower last week as
Europe moved into a recession,
its second time since the global
nancial crisis.
US stocks also dropped
signicantly last week, owing to
concerns over scal cliff. Investors
were worried the US economy
could slip into recession if no
deal was reached in Washington
to avoid the scal cliff.
The National Statistics Ofce
reported earlier exports climbed
to a near two-year high of $4.8
billion in September, on the
back of electronic shipments,
while manufacturing output
accelerated 8 percent in
September from a revised 4.4
percent in August.
The Bangko Sentral reported
a 5.5-percent growth in money
sent home by Filipinos abroad
to $15.6 billion in the rst three
quarters of the year. Remittances
in September alone grew 5.9
percent to $1.8 billion.
The Bangko Sentral projected
a 5-percent growth in dollar
remittances in the whole of
2012.
Business
ManilaStandardToday extrastory2000@gmail.com business@mst.ph NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
B3
Philex to pursue China oil talks
MetroPac unit joins
Cebu water project
(MST-Nov. 19, 2012)
Republic of the Philippines
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF ORIENTAL MINDORO
Camilmll, Calapan City 5200, Oriental Mindoro
BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE
_____________________________________________________________________________
INVITATION TO BID
ITB No. GS2012- 183 and 187
The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro invites PhilGeps registered supplliers to Apply for
Eligibility and to Bid for the hereunder of ltems:
Item/Description Approved Budget
for the Contract
(ABC)
Bid Document
Fee
Source of
Funding
1. Supply and delivery of 15 units of Multicab
for distribution to the 15 Municipalities of
Oriental Mindoro and In the Provincial
Agriculture Offce

2. Installation of Hospital Operation and
Management System
Installationof IP-PBXCommunication
System
Installation of Software - Back End
Php 2,175,000.00
Php 4,546,927.00
Php 10,875,00
Php 22,734.63
Trust Fund
SB #4 General
Fund
The schedule of bidding activities as follows:
1. Pre-procurement Conference : November 16, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at BAC Offce
2. Advertisement/Posting of ITB
Bulletin Board of the PGOM : November 19,2012
PGOM Website : November 19, 2012
PhilGEPS Website : November 19, 2012
Newspaper of General Nationwide Circulation : November 19, 2012
3. Issuance of Bidding Documents : November 26 - December 17, 2012
4. Pre-Bid Conference : December 03,2012 at 2:00 p.m. at BAC Offce
5. Deadline of Submission of Bids : December 17, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at BAC Offce
6. Opening of Bid In sealed envelope
a) Eligibility Requirements and Technical
Proposal : December 17, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at BAC Offce
b) Financial Proposal : December 17,2012 at 2:00 p.m. at SAC Offce
Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary
pass/fall criterion as specifed n R.A. 9184 and its RR otherwise known as the Government
Procurement Reform Act.
The complete set of bidding documents may be purchased at the BAC Secretariat upon payment
of non-refundable price of bid document indicated above.
Pre-Bid Conference shall be opened to all interested parties, however only those who purchased
the Bidding Documents may participate in the discussion at said conference.
All particulars relative to eligibility requirements and screening, bid security, performance security,
pre-bid conference, evaluation of bids, post qualifcation and award of contract shall be governed
by the provision of R.A. 9184 and its IRR.
The PGOM reserves the right to accept or reject bid to annul bidding process, and to reject all bids at
anytime prior to contract award without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.
For further information, please refer to:
MR. JULIO R. lCAL
Head, BAC Secretariat
Provincial Capitol, Camilmil, Calapan City
Tel. Nos. (043) 288-71 20
(043) 286-7447
(Sgd.) ENGR. ELMER V. DILAY
Provincial Engineer
BAC Chairman
(MST-Nov. 19, 2012)
Republic of the Philippines
PROVINCE OF QUIRINO
Municipality of Cabarroguis
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT OF CABARROGUlS
Cabarroguis, Quirino
-000-
INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID
The Local Government Unit through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) invites all interested bidders to
apply for eligibility and to bid in the:
PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF EQUIPMENTS AT CABARROGUIS, QUIRINO
Item # Description Approved Budget Cost
1 Garbage truck 792,000.00
2 Power Generator, 50 kva 495,000.00
3 Five (5) Tonner Truck 700,000.00
amounting to Two Million One Hundred Ninety two Thousand pesos (Php 2,192,000.00) inclusive of VAT.
The Schedule of BAC activities is as follows:
BAC ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
Receipt from prospective bidders of Letter of intent(LOI) including
application for Eligibility
November 19, 2012
Issuance of Eligibility forms November 22-23, 2012
Receipt of Eligibility requirements November 26, 2012
Notice of Results of Eligibility check November 29, 2012
Issuance of BID Documents November 30, 2012
Pre bid Conference December 3, 2012
Receipt and opening of bids December 17, 2012
The BAC will issue Eligibility forms to prospective bidders at MPDC offce upon their submission of LO and
upon payment of non refundable amount of Five Thousand Pesos (5,000.00) to the LGU Cabarroguis Quirino
Cashier. Prospective bidder shall submit the eligibility requirements to the BAC at the said address. They
also obtain the results of Eligibility checks by the BAC at the same address.
The LGU Cabarroguis assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any
expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.
(Sgd.) PLARIDEL A. UAO
BAC Chairman
Noted:
(Sgd.) AVELINO N. AGUSTIN,JR.
Municipal Mayor
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER
Daet, Camarines Norte
I NVI TATI ON TO BI D
(MST-Nov. 19, 2012)
The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Department of Public Works and
Highways, Camarines Norte Engineering District, invites contractors to bid for the
aforementioned projects:
Contract ID : 12FC0251
Contract Name : CONSTRUCTI ON/ WI DENI NG/ UPGRADI NG/
REHAB. OF ACCESS ROADS TO AIRPORT RORO
PORTS, DECLARED TOURISTS DESTINATIONS
REHABILITATION OF DAET MERCEDES PPA
FISH PORT
Contract Location : Daet - Mercedes, Camarines Norte
Scope of Work : 2,030m, Road Widening
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php 29,400,000.00
Contract Duration : 120 C.D.
Source of Fund :
Tender Documents : Php 20,000.00
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, (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line
commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC, and (f) Prospective Bidders must submit
complete List of Equipment to be used for above Projects. The said List of Equipment
must be owned/leased by the bidder itself (g) all interested Bidder/s who wish to
participate in this competitive bidding are required to have an Actual Site Inspection
(ASI) on the above mention projects.
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration
to the DPWH-POCW Central Offce before the deadline for the receipt of LO.
The DPWH-POCW Central Offce will only process contractors' applications for
registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractor's Certifcate of
Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website
www.dpwh.gov.ph.
The signifcant times and deadlines of procurements activities are shown below:
1. Issuance of Bidding Documents From NOVEMBER 16 to DECEMBER 6, 2012
2. Pre-Bid Conference NOVEMBER 23, 2012 @ 2:00 P.M.
3. Deadline of Receipt of LOI from
Prospective Bidders
NOVEMBER 23, 2012 until 10:00 A.M.
4. Receipt of Bids DECEMBER 6, 2012 until 10:00 A.M.
5. Opening of Bids DECEMBER 6, 2012 @ 2:00 P.M.
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at the Ofhce of the
BAC, DPWH, Daet, Camarines Norte, upon payment of a non-refundable fee of (see
cost of tender documents above). Prospective bidders may also download the BD's
from the DPWH website, if available. Prospective bidders that will download the BD's
from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees 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 specifed in
the BD's in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The frst
envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy
of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the bid.
Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in
the bid evaluation and post-qualifcation.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, Camarines Norte Engineering
District reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process at any
time prior contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidders.
(Sgd.)RICARDO L. PACARDO
OIC-Asst. District Engineer
BAC Chairman
Noted:
(Sgd.)SIMON N. ARIAS
OIC-District Engineer
Chamber opposes new
alternative mining bill
By Alena Mae S. Flores
PHILEX Mining Corp., majority owner
of oil explorer Forum Energy Plc., said it
will pursue talks with state-owned China
Offshore Oil Company Ltd. over the
development of oil and gas reserves in the
West Philippine Sea, despite the recent
leadership change in the worlds second-
largest economy.
Hopefully we can get a response
from them with the change in
leadership, Philex Mining
chairman Manuel Pangilinan told
reporters over the weekend.
Forum Energy conrmed
huge deposits of oil and gas at
the Sampaguita elds within the
Recto Bank covered by Service
Contract No. 72.
Chinas ruling Communist
Party named Xi Jinping as the
head of the party, succeeding
president Hu Jintao.
Pangilinan said it would be
difcult to immediately renew
talks with CNOOC in the light of
the recent leadership change.
CNOOC is Chinas largest
producer of offshore crude oil
and natural gas and one of the
largest independent oil and gas
exploration and production
companies in the world.
You have to allow a bit of
time, because this will give the
new leader a chance. It will take a
little bit of time to get everything
over the table, so to speak.
We have to be a bit patient,
Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan said they were
still hoping to get CNOOC as a
possible joint venture partner for
SC 72 which involves an 8,800-
square-kilometer area in offshore
west Palawan.
Pangilinan earlier said they
were not yet entertaining other
third parties until discussions with
CNOOC came to a conclusion.
Lets wait for reaction of
CNOOC before we entertain
discussion with any party,
Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan said having CNOOC
as a partner could help defuse the
political tensions hounding SC 72.
I cannot also predict the
political situation, but if, and
that is a speculative if, they are
a state-owned clearly identied
with China. So Im assuming the
political aspects would recede in
the background, Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan said there was
no denite timeframe yet to
conclude talks with CNOOC but
Philex hoped to revive talks early
next year.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
A UNIT of Metro Pacic
Investments Corp. acquired
a 39-percent stake in a water
consortium led by Manila Water
Co. Inc. for the bulk water
supply project in Cebu.
Metro Pacic Water, the
controlling shareholder in
Maynilad Water Services
Inc., joined the Manila Water
consortium to develop the rst
long-term bulk water supply
project in Cebu which will supply
clean, reliable and affordable
water to the northern and central
parts of the province.
The Manila Water consortium
signed a joint venture agreement
with the provincial government
of Cebu in March to develop the
project.
Metro Pacic Water agreed
to acquire 39 percent of the
consortium while Manila
Water will continue to retain its
majority ownership at 51 percent
under the new partnership. The
Gaisano Group will hold the
remaining 10-percent stake in
the consortium.
Manila Water president and
chief executive Gerardo Ablaza
Jr. in a statement welcomed the
partnership with Metro Pacic
Water.
The strengths and capabilities
of these new partners combine
to create a distinctive value
proposition to enhance water
supply development in Cebu
and greatly promote sustainable
development of the province,
Ablaza said.
More than an investment
venture, this is really public
private partnership at its
best. You have a progressive
provincial government and two
committed private companies
working together to give
Filipinos a better life, Metro
Pacic Water president and chief
executive Victorico Vargas said.
The Cebu Bulk Water Supply
Project is a landmark public
private partnership project
between the provincial
government of Cebu and two of
the countrys largest
conglomerates. The project is
expected to provide 35 million
liters per day of bulk water
and address the deteriorating
groundwater condition in the
province.
Under the plan, the Cebu bulk
water supply project will be
sourced from the Luyang River
in Carmen town and will partly
provide the water requirements in
the northern and central portions
of the Cebu province where only
less than 50 percent of households
are currently served.
By Lailany P. Gomez
ALSONS Consolidated
Resources Inc., the publicly
listed holding company of the
Alcantara Group, said Tuesday
consolidated net income
declined in the rst nine months,
owing to non-recurring income
earned in the previous year.
Alsons said consolidated net
income slowed 18.4 percent
to P747 million from P915.7
million earned over the same
period last year, despite a 9-
percent growth in revenues.
The holding company linked
the lower prot to the P196.2
million in non-recurring income
earned in 2011, coming mainly
from the collection of insurance
claims by a subsidiary.
Consolidated core net income,
however, grew 17 percent to
P747 million in the January-
September period from P640
million earned in the same
period last year.
Net income attributable to the
parent was down 40.4 percent to
P239.6 million at end-September
from P402.3 million year-on-
year.
The company said revenues
grew 9 percent to P2.27 billion
from P2.08 billion a year ago.
Alsons said the biggest
contribution to the holding
companys revenues came from
power generation subsidiaries
based in Alabel, Sarangani and
Zamboanga City, which earned
P1.6 billion as of end-September.
Utility subsidiaries located
at the Lima Technology Center
in Malvar, Batangas reported
19-percent increase in power
and water sales, posting P603
million from the previous years
P505 million.
The Alcantara Group, through
its other subsidiaries outside
of Alsons, is also engaged in
aquaculture and agribusiness,
real property development and
services.
Alsons reported P747-m profit in 9 months
By Othel V. Campos
THE Chamber of Mines of
the Philippines said over the
weekend the proposed alternative
mining bill will not address the
problem with small-scale miners,
if they will continue to evade tax
payments.
If this bill is passed, the
problem with small scale miners
will not be addressed. This bill
does not address that, said
Chamber of Mines vice president
for legal and planning Ronald
Recidoro.
The chamber said based on
recent studies, the government
could gain as much as P15 billion
annually if small-scale miners
were taxed properly.
It said on top of fair taxation,
small scale mining companies
should also submit to the
some of the required programs
expected from large-scale mining
companies.
We large-scale miners are
required to rehabilitate the
mining area and submit and
implement a decommissioning
plan, so should the small-scale
miners, Recidoro said.
He said small scale mining
companies should also enter into
contracts with the government.
The chamber raised this
concern not only because of the
inability of the alternative mining
bill to properly address the
problem on small-scale mining,
but also to counter pending bills
in Congress that proposed to
exempt small-scale miners from
paying taxes.
The Mines and Geosciences
Bureau said concerned parties
should carefully study proposals
that seek to remove existing
taxes on local gold.
Government data showed a
decline in rst-semester gold
purchases by the Bangko Sentral
to 786 kilograms from 15,003
kilos during the same period in
2011.
Gold purchases started to
decline in the third quarter
of 2011 when the Bureau of
Internal Revenue imposed a
2-percent excise tax and 10-
percent creditable withholding
tax on sale of gold by small-scale
miners and traders.
The Bureau of Internal
Revenue, however, decided
to ease tax collection on gold
purchases by halving the
creditable withholding tax to 5
percent from 10 percent.
Gold production in the rst
semester was down to 8,382
kilos from 22,804 kilos a year
ago, with the value falling 59.1
percent to P18.2 billion from
P44.5 billion year-on-year.
Gold purchases by the Bangko
Sentral accounted for only
9.4 percent of the entire gold
production this year, compared
to 74 percent last year.
The Environment Department
said with the continuing high
price of gold and the increasing
number of small-scale mining
areas, the decline in gold
purchases by the Bangko Sentral
clearly indicated that gold
outputs were being diverted to
the black market.
Meralco bags 17 Quill. Manila Electric Co. bagged 17 awards of excellence and merit in the recent 2012 Philippine Quill Awards night.
It was named nalist in 12 categories in a remarkable performance capped by a recognition of being the rst runner-up in the Company of the
Year race. Meralco went home with 13 awards in a breakthrough performance as one of the countrys best corporate communicators last year.
Shown are Meralco president and chief executive Oscar Reyes (holding trophy) with Meralco executives as well as ofcials of the International
Association of Business Communicators Philippines which holds the annual recognition program.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
B4
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
IN BRIEF
Manila Standard TODAY
WORLD
Gaza targets bombarded
France
accepts
Syrias
envoy
UN helicopters strike
eastern Congo rebels
Egyptian
train hits
school bus,
51 killed
GAZA CITY, Gaza StripIsrael
destroyed the headquarters of
Hamas prime minister and blasted
a sprawling network of smuggling
tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip
on Saturday, broadening a blister-
ing four-day-old offensive against
the Islamic militant group even
as diplomatic efforts to broker a
ceasere appeared to be gaining
steam.
Hamas ofcials said a building used by Hamas for
broadcasts was bombed and three people were injured.
The injured were from Al Quds TV, a Lebanon-based
television channel. The building is also used by foreign
news outlets including Germanys ARD, Kuwait TV and
the Italian RAI and others.
The Israeli military spokesman was not immediately
aware of the strikes but said they were investigating.
In neighboring Egypt, President Mohammed Morsi
hosted leaders from Hamas and two key allies, Qatar and
Turkey, to seek a way to end the ghting.
There are discussions about the ways to bring a cease-
re soon, but there are no guarantees until now, Morsi
said at a news conference. He said he was working with
Turkey, Arab countries, the US, Russia and western
European countries to halt the ghting.
Israel launched the operation on Wednesday in what
it said was an effort to end months of rocket re out of
the Hamas-ruled territory. It began the offensive with an
unexpected airstrike that killed Hamas powerful military
chief, and since then has relentlessly targeted suspected
rocket launchers and storage sites.
In all, 48 Palestinians, including 15 civilians, have been
killed and more than 400 civilians wounded, according to
medical ofcials.
Three Israeli civilians have been killed and more than
50 wounded.
Israeli military ofcials expressed satisfaction with
their progress Saturday, claiming they have inicted
heavy damage to Hamas.
Most of their capabilities have been destroyed,
Maj. Gen. Tal Russo, Israels southern commander, told
reporters. Asked whether Israel is ready to send ground
troops into Gaza, he said: Absolutely.
Most of their weapons are stored in civilians homes,
they launch rockets from residential areas. We do not
want to hit civilians in Gaza but we do want to hit the
hornets nest of terror in Gaza, he said.
Footage released Saturday by the Islamic Jihad
showed rockets being red from a hidden bunker in a
built-up area. It wasnt clear whether it was a residential
neighborhood.
Israels Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon told
channel 1 TV that Hamas is committing a double war
crime, they are ring rockets at Israeli civilians while
using Palestinian civilians as human shields.
The White House said President Barack Obama was
also in touch with the Egyptian and Turkish leaders. The
US has solidly backed Israel so far.
Speaking on Air Force One, deputy national security
adviser Ben Rhodes said that the White House believes
Israel has the right to defend itself against attack and
that the Israelis will make their own decisions about their
military tactics and operations.
Despite the bruising offensive, Israel has failed to slow
the barrages of rockets from Gaza. AP
By Elaine Ganley
PARISFrance on Saturday
welcomed a member of the
Syrian opposition as the
countrys ambassador, a bold
bid to confer legitimacy on the
week-old opposition coalition
and encourage other Western
nations to follow suit.
The new envoy, Mounzir
Makhous, appeared before the
press after talks at Frances
presidential palace between
President Francois Hollande and
the head of the newly formed
Syrian opposition coalition.
France has swiftly stepped out
ahead of Western allies nearly since
the start of the Syrian uprising 20
months ago. Saturdays surprise
announcement came even before
the brand new coalition has named
its provisional government and
before a place in Paris to house the
envoy has been found.
There will be an ambassador
of Syria in France, Hollande
announced. France expelled
its Syrian ambassador in May,
along with more a half-dozen
other countries.
Mouaz Al-Khatib, the
opposition leader, described
Makhous as one of the rst to
speak of liberty in Syria. He
holds four doctorate degrees
and belongs to the Muslim
Alawite sect of President
Bashar Assad, demonstrating
an effort to reach out to all of
Syrias people, al-Khatib said.
France recognized the coalition
days after it was formed last
Sundayand so far is the only
Western country to do so.
France also took the lead in
backing the Libyan opposition
that ultimately ousted leader
Moammar Gadha, and ew the
rst mission of the international
coalition providing air support
to Libyan rebels. AP
KINSHASA, CongoUN
attack helicopters targeted M23
rebels in eastern Congo on
Saturday after ghting resumed
following a months-long lull in
violence, a local ofcial said.
Two army ofcers and 151
rebels were killed in a battle
beginning Thursday that the UN
called the worst clash between the
M23 group and the military since
July. Attack helicopters for the
UN mission in Congo, known as
Monusco, had been on standby.
Monusco helicopters this
morning bombarded the M23
positions in the city of Kibumba,
said North Kivu governor Julien
Paluku. He said the Congolese
army had earlier retreated from
Kibumba, which is 30 kilometers
(19 miles) north of Goma, after
thousands of Rwandans, who
he says were backing the rebels,
attacked early Saturday.
The ghting was very violent
between the Congolese military
and the M23 rebels backed by
the Rwandan army, he said.
Rwandan forces bombarded
our positions in Kibumba
since early this morning and
an estimated 3,500 crossed the
border to attack us.
Reports by United Nations
experts have accused Rwanda and
Uganda of supporting the rebels.
Both countries strongly deny any
involvement and Uganda said if
the charges continue it will pull
its peacekeeping troops out of
Somalia, where they are playing
an important role in pushing out
the Islamist extremist rebels.
At UN headquarters in New
York, peacekeeping chief Herve
Ladsous said the rebels were very
well-equipped, including with
night vision equipment, which
allowed them to attack at 4 a.m.
However, he said that UN ofcials
did not know who was supplying
the M23. At this stage we are not
in a position to conrm whether or
not Rwanda was directly involved
in those attacks. AP
ASSIUT, EgyptA speeding
train that crashed into a bus
carrying Egyptian children to
their kindergarten on Saturday
killed 51 and prompted a wave
of anger against a government
under mounting pressure to
rectify the former regimes
legacy of neglect.
The crash, which killed
children between four and six
years old and three adults, led to
local protests and accusations
from outraged Egyptians that
President Mohammed Morsi
is failing to deliver on the
demands of last years uprising
for basic rights, dignity and
social justice.
The accident left behind
a mangled shell of a bus
twisted underneath the blood-
splattered train outside the city
of Assiut, some 200 miles (320
kilometers) south of Cairo.
Childrens body parts, their
books, schoolbags and tiny
socks were strewn along the
tracks.
Um Ibrahim, a mother whose
three children were on the bus,
pulled her hair in grief. My
children! I didnt feed you
before you left, she wailed in
horror. A witness said the train
pushed the bus along the tracks
for nearly a kilometer (half a
mile).
As one man picked up pieces
of shattered limbs he screamed:
Only God can help! More
than a dozen injured children
were being treated in two
different facilities, many with
severed limbs and in critical
condition. AP
Smoke rises during an explosion from an Israeli forces strike in Gaza City, Saturday. Israel bombarded the
Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip with nearly 200 airstrikes early Saturday, the military said, widening a blistering
assault on Gaza rocket operations by militants to include the prime ministers headquarters, a police
compound and a vast network of smuggling tunnels. AP
Obama grafti in Myanmar
YANGONWhen Arker Kyaw heard President
Barack Obama was coming to Myanmar, he gathered 15
cans of spray paint and headed for a blank brick wall
under cover of darkness. Kyaw, whose passion is grafti,
labored from 3 a.m. until the sun came up. Passing taxi
drivers and the occasional pedestrian gave him signs
of encouragement as Obamas grinning, uplifted face
took shape against a background of the American and
Myanmar ags.I wanted to welcome him, said Kyaw,
a 19-year-old with a sweep of styled hair and a penchant
for skinny jeans.
The next day, someonea rival grafti artist, suspects
Kyawscribbled over his handiwork with a can of black
spray paint.
Before dawn Saturday, as he watched for cops between
tea breaks, he painted another wall with an image of
Obama scrawled with the words hello again. He sees
it as a shout out from the youth of Myanmar, and hopes
Obama will glimpse it during his six-hour visit to the
country, the rst by a US president.
Word of Obamas historic visit has spread quickly
around Yangon, which is readying itself with legions
of hunched workers painting fences and curbs, pulling
weeds and scraping grime off old buildings in anticipation
of the presidents Monday arrival. AP
Iron Dome missile successful
JERUSALEMIn four days of ghting against Gaza-
based militants, Israel has used a missile-defense system
called Iron Dome to intercept rockets red at populated
civilian areas. It says the new homegrown system has
been a tremendous success. As of Saturday evening, the
military said it had shot down some 240 incoming rockets,
more than half the number of projectiles launched into
Israel since Wednesday.
Produced by Israeli-based Rafael Advanced Defense
Systems, Iron Dome is meant to shoot down rockets and
artillery shells with ranges of up to 70 kilometers, or 45
miles. It has been operational since 2011. Ofcials say it
has a roughly 80 percent success rate.
The system detects launches of rockets and quickly
determines their ight path. If it is headed toward
populated areas or sensitive targets, it res an interceptor
with a special warhead that strikes the incoming rocket
within seconds. Rockets headed toward open areas area
allowed to land.
Currently, ve Iron Dome batteries are deployed in
Israel. Most are located in the south near Gaza. A fth
battery was deployed outside Tel Aviv on Saturday, two
months ahead of schedule. Hours later, it shot down a
rocket headed toward Tel Aviv. AP
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
#lovemy
Manila Standard TODAY
Gianna Maniego, Editor
Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor
fashion beauty health wellness NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
C1
W
H
A
T

S
I
N
S
I
D
E
CRUELTY-FREE
GIFT IDEAS
This season, The Body
Shop offers everyone
great gift ideas made
from ethically-sourced
ingredients
THESE events
simply had the feel
of luxury in them that
I left their respective
venues practically
feeling like I was
a walking symbol
of wealth, brandishing about
the customary accoutrements.
It took me quite some time to
shake off the heady feeling
and it was nice while it lasted.
Charriols legendary night
Philippe Charriol, with his
children Alexandre and Coralie,
together with Store Specialist
president Zenaida Tantoco,
hosted a St. Tropez-inspired
party to introduce the latest
collection from the famed brand.
Style setters Heart
E v a n g e l i s t a ,
Sarah Lahbati,
Victor Basa
and Michael
Concepcion graced
the exclusive
party, wearing
timepieces from Charriols
latest collection. Popular
French singer Antoine Debarge
joined the event to perform the
brands new soundtrack, Hey
Charriol. Sexy crooner Solenn
Heussaff, with her sultry voice,
performed French songs, much
to everyones delight.
The new collection has
timepieces adorned with
diamonds set in mother-of-pearl,
a rst in the Charriol range. Its
Summer jewelry watch has a
The feel of luxury
cable bracelet and adjustable
chain that shines beneath
an unusual sapphire crystal.
Younger wearers will like the
rubber straps in black or white,
which gives a casual touch to the
luxurious item.
What is most noteworthy about
Charriols latest collection is its
link with CAREWELL, a non-
prot organization that provides
support, education, and hope to
cancer-aficted persons and their
loved ones. As announced by
CAREWELLs managing director
Oliver Calasanz, for every
purchase of a Charriol watch
during the past month, P1000
goes to the organization.
Charriol luxury items,
exclusively distributed by Stores
Specialists, Inc., are available
only in better stores nationwide.
Millionaires row
East Forbes, or Millionaires
Row in Bonifacio Global City,
is the site of the soon-to-open
The Hudson at The Fort, the
most exclusive condominium
project of Brittany Corporation
to date. The 30-storey mixed-
use development, designed by
Casas+Architects and Atelier
Almario, boasts of its modern
architecture, energy-efcient
designs and luxurious amenities-
a lap pool, function rooms,
tness gym, and a calming view
of the Manila Polo Club and the
Manila Golf and Country Club.
The project was launched
recently at the CAV Wine
Shop-Caf by senator Manny
Villar, Vista Residences
president Maribeth Tolentino,
Congressman Mark Villar,
Grand Sequoia Estate
Development president Philip
Lim, and Habitat president and
chief designer Chris Lacson.
Brittany Corporation is a
subsidiary of Vista Residences,
the condominium arm of the
Manilas style-setters Victor Basa, Sarah Lahbati,
Heart Evangelista and Michael Concepcion wear-
ing timepieces from Charriols latest St-Tropez
Collection
Alexandre Charriol, CAREWELL Managing Director Oliver
Calasanz, Coralie Charriol and Stores Specialists, Inc. Executive
Vice-president Anton Huang
Stores Specialists, Inc. President Zenaida Tantoco, Philippe Charriol,
Diana Jean Young, and Peter Jentes
Leif-Erik Hannikainen and Donnie Tantoco
French singer Antoine Debarge
performed the brands new
soundtrack, Hey Charriol
Sexy croon-
er Solenn
Heussaff
entertained
the guests
with her
sultry voice
Vista Residences business development head Allan Santos, Justine Viz-
monte, Brittany Corporation broker Danette Vizmonte, and Joel Vizmonte
Grand Sequoia Estate Development
president Philip Lim and senator
Manny Villar
Vista Residences president Maribeth Tolentino
and congressman Mark Villar
Kamada Development Corporations Jimmy Kang, Critical Options
Consulting and Decisions president Anacleto Jun del Rosario,
National Commerce Banking Group executive vice president
Waleed Ahmed Moumina, and Temel Systems Inc. founder and
chief executive ofcer Arnie Alafriz
SHE was recently proled by Kiplinger as one of seven notable
self-made immigrant millionaires in America. She has served as a
White House Conference on Small Business commissioner and has
been awarded the Order of Lakandula. Her multi-million-dollar
fashion empire turned 35 years old this year, following a successful
collaboration with Target for a diffusion line and a reported $150
million in retail sales in 2011.
of
35
NATORI
years
By Ed Biado
But what does Filipina fashion
design powerhouse and entrepreneur
Josie Natori consider her greatest
achievement?
I dont think about that. I just
keep moving forward. I dont want
to become complacent [by thinking
I already have achieved something
great]. I feel fortunate, yes, and Im
proud of where The Natori Company
is today, but I dont look at specic
achievements, she tells this writer
over the phone. The interview took
place on Nov. 16, one day after
Rustans threw a soiree in her honor
to celebrate her 35th anniversary in
fashion. (At the event, which was held
at the Ayala Museum, the Mongolian-
inspired Fall/Winter 2012/13
collections of the main Natori line
and the Josie by Natori sub-label
were unveiled.)
Im just fortunate to be around [after
all these years] in a tough business.
It feels great and Im amazed that I
continue to love the business of fashion.
Its been a long time but the best is yet
to come. Im excited for the next 35
years, she says.
Moving to the United States from
the Philippines in 1964, Natori, born
Josena Almeda Cruz, initially
pursued a career in the nancial sector,
where she became vice president in
investment banking at Merrill Lynch,
the rst woman to earn the title. But her
rst love was the arts. By age nine, she
was already an accomplished pianist,
having performed a solo piece with the
Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.
Im a musician...an artist. Im never
content, Im always evolving and I love
beautiful thingsthats my driving
force, she replies when asked what
inspired her to venture into fashion and
stick with it for 35 years. Not once, the
64-year-old designer maintains, did she
ever consider giving up and calling it a
day.
I dont design for fashions sake. I
design clothes that people would want
to wear and, along the way, I could earn
from, Natori explains. Theres always
a new way to do something [in fashion].
But for Natori, we maintain the brands
East-meets-West philosophy, like the
kaftans. Ive always been in love with
the East and thats the core of all my
designs.
You can say Im lucky, she quips.
And shes probably right. When she
founded The Natori Company in 1977,
there was no one else making Eastern-
inspired nightshirts. Natori saw her
niche and made it her own. Today,
Natori is synonymous to high-end
lingerie, sleep- and loungewear with
distinctive Asian motifs. The brand
has spawned two sub-labels, Josie by
Natori and N by Natori, and has
diversied into categories such as ready-
to-wear, swimwear, fragrance, eyewear
and home. The Natori name is a
xture at major retailers including Saks
Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Neiman
Marcus and Nordstrom.
Aside from luck and nding a place
within the fashion world, her experience
in banking proved to be a valuable factor
in building and sustaining a business
through different economic climates.
The most important lesson shes learned
in fashion is that its a business,
something she says that every aspiring
designer should realize when they enter
the industry.
On the state of Philippine fashion,
Natori comments, I think were on
the upswing. There are a lot of new
designers and I think the time is coming
for Philippine fashion to be noticed
and its about time. There are reality
shows [and plenty of other platforms]
where they can show their talent. The
future is bright. But she admits that,
if reality shows existed 40 years ago,
she probably wouldnt have joined one
because its not [her] style.
The fashion veteran has these
words of encouragement for young
designers: Believe in yourself
and have a vision. Vision is very
important, she stresses, because that
is the identity and backbone of a
brand. However, she cautions that
the industry is cutthroat and that, in
order to succeed, they should fully
understand the business. And when
the going gets toughand it will
Natoris advice: Dont give up.
Natori is exclusively available at
Rustans.
Natoris Capsule
Collection that will only
be exclusively available
in the Philippines at
Rustans
Maritess Tantoco Enriquez, Josie Natori and
Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr.
Josie
Natori
countrys largest housing
developer Vista Land.
----------O----------
YOUR WEEKEND
CHUCKLE:
In a successful marriage,
wife and husband always
compromisehusband admits
that hes wrong and wife, too,
agrees with him.
----------O----------
For feedback, Im at
bobzozobrado@gmail.com
MONDAY C2
NOVEMBER 19, 2012
Gianna Maniego, Editor
Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor
ManilaStandardToday
#lovemy
fashion beauty health wellness
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
beauty
memo
beauty
memo
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
IN the Philippines, we don't re-
ally dress for the season. But in
countries where there are four
seasons, they don't only do
that. Women use makeup and
perfume according to the sea-
son. During the summer, they
would go out in tinted cream,
a liquid tint for the cheeks and
a bright lipstick in a color like
orange or pink. For fragrance,
they would go for a citrus oral
or not wear any scent at all.
Fall is the time that women
in countries with four seasons
go all out in terms of beauty.
They change their skin care
routine, for one, so that their
skin's needs are properly ad-
dressed. As for makeup, they
change their routine to include
deeper and richer colors and
textures. Fragrance is also
switched to something that's
more suited to the weather.
One of the top makeup
trends this fall, according to Al-
lure Magazine, is black cherry
lipstick like NARS Shanghai
Express. The magazine calls it
"red lipstick taking a dark and
romantic turn."This year's red
is so dark that it is nearly black.
MAC Dubonnet is also a dark
red lipstick that's fall-worthy
without making you look like
your surname is Addams.
Vogue says the smoky eye
is hot this season but there is
a difference. Instead of just
black, the in thing to do is use
different colors (as many as
three for each eye). And by
different, we mean hues like
violet, bronze, green and even
blue. One of the hair looks for
fall, according to Vogue, is "di-
shevelled and matte in texture,
windswept."
Abright lip is still acceptable
for fall but it should be matte.
"Wear alone or with minimal
other make-up for maximum
impact," says Vogue.
Groomed brows are very
important. This season's brows
are thick, not pencil thin.
For cheeks, the look is rosy.
Use a damp sponge to blend
red lipstick on your cheeks for
the perfect ushed look.
Gold lids are also very pop-
ular. A plus for this look is that
it brightens the eyes. Try MAC
eye shadow in Amber Lights.
Don't forget to highlight your
brow bone!
Thanks to Hunger Games,
braids are still appropriate even
for those above 12 years old. A
pulled-back braid looks strong in
the front while being feminine in
the back, says Luigi Murenu,
John Frieda global creative
consultant. Part hair on the side
or in the middle. Fasten a pony-
tail at the nape. Braid hair and se-
cure ends with a second hair tie.
This season, The Body Shop
offers sensational gifts, special-
edition goodies, fun stocking ll-
ers and on-trend winter make-up,
all designed to give joy. The great
thing is that all products are made
from ethically-sourced and high-
est quality ingredients.
The products, which are all
100-percent crueltyfree and
100-percent vegetarian, come
from an inherently ethical brand
that cares about the planet, its
people and its animals.
A gift from The Body Shop
helps spread joy far and wide.
"As a brand, we encourage
and take concrete actions to help
others, through our campaigns;
through our commitment to ani-
mal welfare; through our Endea-
vour to protect the planet; and
through our Community Fair
Trade programme, which helps to
enrich the lives of some 300,000
people living in marginalised
communities around the world.
80 percent of our products con-
tain one or more Community
Fair Trade ingredients," says the
brand in a statement.
The three seasonal bath and
body collections for Christmas in-
clude Cranberry Joy, Candied Gin-
ger and Spiced Vanilla.
New seasonal formats included
in the collection are the lip dome,
soap, home fragrance oil, and
bath crystals; which also come in
festive scents.
The lip dome is house in an easy
all-over-lip applicator while the
fragrance crystals create a luxuri-
ous bath soak, the brands newest
addition to its Christmas collection.
Beauty for
the season
By Ed Biado
WITH the theatrical release of
Breaking Dawn Part 2, the Twi-
light Saga is nally coming to
an end. Because of the success
of the lm seriesthe rst four
installments earning
an estimated $2.5
billion worldwide in
box ofce salesits
cast members are
now Hollywood A-
listers and paparazzi
favorites. Its leads,
Robert Pattinson,
Kristen Stewart
and Taylor Lautner, have been
transformed from working actors
to certied stars.
To mark the occasion, also
known as the end of an era for Twi-
hards, heres a look at the casts red
carpet fashions at the concluding
lms US and the UK premieres:
At the Los Angeles premiere,
the stars walked down a vampire-
appropriate black carpet. Pattin-
son and Stewart looked like their
onscreen characters attending a
Christmas party for vampires.
He was in a patterned green suit
thats cut close to his body and
she was in a pale gold Zuhair
Murad ensemble that could be a
little too sheer. Bright
lips and shimmering
brown smoky eyes
complete the Bella-
as-vampire look.
Lautner, on the
other hand, was as
dashing as a lone wolf
could be in a busi-
ness-y gray suit with
matching patterned tie. His tan
stood out among the pale faces.
Dakota Fanning, who plays
super-villain Jane, chose the pre-
miere to debut her fabulous new
hair color. The natural blonde,
sporting brunette locks with side-
swept bangs, said it was for a new
role for an upcoming lm project.
Across the pond at the London
premiere, the carpet was in the
standardlifestyle@gmail.com
ETHICAL
& CRUELTY-FREE GIFTS
EVERY year, I get a lot of gifts from family members, friends,
colleagues and even from people I hardly know. Gifts from The
Body Shop are some of my favorite presents every year.
Skin care is also glamorrized
with glitter. Shimmer Lotion,
Body Polish, Hand Wash & Hand
Lotion all have sparkles to give
skin a glow for the holidays.
Give bursts of joy with the fan-
tastically festive-looking gifts and
fun christmas novelties. The Body
Shop has lled beautiful baubles,
cup cakes, lollipops, gift baskets
and crackers with mini-treats in-
cluding lip butters, soaps, bath lil-
ies and body butters.
The Body Shop's Winter Trend
Makeup Collection for 2012 is
all about metallic hues, glim-
mer, and glitter. This range will
guarantee you a sparkly and
festive holiday season with the
looks that you'll be able to create.
Choose from the Smoky Copper
or Smoky Moonstone palettes,
and rock some sparkle! Make
your eyes even more dramatic
with The Body Shop Eye Dener
in Copper Brown, Pure Gold,
Golden Brown, and Moonstone.
Give your lips a kiss of shimmer
and shine with The Body Shop
Colourglide Shine Lip Colour in
Ruby Sparkle and Rose Quartz.
Completing the party look are
The Body Shop Dazzling Rocks
in Golden Copper and Slanted
Kabuki Brush.
The makeup collection does
not contain any bug shell extract,
shellsh -- both often used to pro-
vide sparkle in cosmetics -- and
animal hair. Dinna Chan Vasquez
Vampiric aura
more conventional shade of red.
Stewart, once again, shows way
too much skin in a black peeka-
boo lace jumpsuit (also by Mu-
rad) like a really weird version of
Catwoman. Her messy retro-ish
hair, which seemed a good idea in
theory, competed the deant and
deranged look. Dont you think
that, albeit sexy, the actress took
it a little bit too far?
Meanwhile, Pattinson com-
plemented his leading ladys
gothic getup by donning a sim-
ple black suit paired with a light
shirt displaying prominent col-
lar buttons, which was a fantas-
tic style choice! Lautner, not to
be outdone, opted to dress down
in a black V-neck tee under a
navy suit, showing off his great
physique.
Author Stephenie Meyer (second from right) posing with the
main cast, Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
at the LA premiere
AFTER ten years of boosting condence and ten years of enhanc-
ing the beauty in every Filipino, Nisce Skin n Face celebrates
the decade of changing lives with a new brand ambassador
who will embody the fresh, highly approachable and excel-
lent service provided by the skin care clinic.
Now on its 10th year, Nisce Skin n Face recently in-
troduced actress Bela Padilla as the face of the beauty
clinic, while looking forward to a nationwide recogni-
tion from their humble beginnings in North Luzon to
now having 18 branches across the country.
The clinic, which was a fruit of passion passed on
to Atty. Blaise Nisce and Marie Antoinette Nisce by
their mother Dr. Edna Talavera- Nisce, started at San
Fernando City, La Union, treating diseases of the skin,
hair and nails. As a respond to the growing demand,
they decided to increase their clinics putting their sec-
ond in Pangasinan and eventually in Metro Manila.
The clinic offers wide range of treatment such as fa-
cial services, photo-remodelling LHE (Light and Heat
Energy), IPL (Intense Pulse Light), collagen remodel-
ing, peels, contour for slimming and tightening, eye bag
and eye wrinkle treatment, skin whitening, and bleach-
ing. Nisce also provide services like spa and manicure/
pedicure.
Further, the clinic also provides skin care products
specially formulated by Dr. Edna herself and Nisce
Skin n Faces world-class reserach and development
team. Among which is Dr. Skin that provides a total care
for achieving healthy and beautiful skin, and Nisce Superblock
with intense SPF 80 which is non greasy and non-comedogenic.
For bulging fats, they have GlutaCurve and FitCurve and the
clinics very own Insect Away repellent. Moreover, Nisce cares for
men as well thats why Blaise was formulated for men who are more
prone to skin problems due to more sensitive skin.
A decade of beauty
and glamour
RETAIL powerhouse Penshoppe rocked
the recently-concluded Philippine Fash-
ion Week Spring/Summer 2013 with In-
tensity, the brands style showcase for the
season.
Well-received by the countrys staunch-
est fashion critics and most discerning
style leaders, Intensity aptly showcased
the brands mastery of casual wear, and at
the same time, underscored its signature
take on this fashion genre: basics with a
touch of sophistication and sexiness.
Opening segment Dressy: Glitter and
Shine peppered the runways with trendy
separates predominantly decked in red
and gold, featuring sequins and at
knits with gold lurex for womenswear
and smart and sophisticated tailoring via
denims in rust and teal for menswear.
Preppy Casual was a pleasing amal-
gamation of everyday pieces sporting
the seasons best looks, fusing one-size
checks, mishmash and placement orals,
and blended prisms into pants, shorts,
blazers, and other separates for women;
and creating a collection of crowd-pleas-
ing style staples in mid-wash denim and
pastels utilizing at knits, color blocking,
contrast sleeves, and checks for men.
Penshoppe smartly presented sartorial
options t for the warm weather
with Resort, a line-up of resort
wear pieces in season-ready strong
pastels and light-medium vintage
denim. Womenswear items fea-
tured feminine silhouettes, aptly
stylized via ombr detailing, candy
and brushstroke stripes, and cloud
and light wash denim; while the
menswear range boasted of space-
dyed board shorts, tank tops and
hoodies in stripes and at knits.
Capping off the laudable line-up
was Active wear, a playful parade
of pieces that give athletic wear a
style-savvy, party-ready twist by
taking on an unusual palette of
brights such as summer wine, to-
bacco, and warm stone. Incorpo-
rating 3-D details, all-over prints,
and color blocking; accentuated
with mesh, perforated fabrics and
see-through materials into both
menswear and womenswear, the se-
ries presented an eye-catching mix
of separates that can easily take one
from the outdoors to the evenings
parties and social gatherings.
Impressively, Intensity was a
welcome anthology that surprised
everyonefrom humble fashion
followers to well-known style vet-
eranswith its ingenious interpre-
tation of casual wear for the season,
again proving why Penshoppe re-
mains one of the most loved and pre-
ferred clothing labels in the country.
Style intensity rises
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
C3
Classifeds
ManilaStandardToday
adv.mst@gmail.com
Page Compositor: Diana Keyser Punzalan
1. 12NF0094/REHAB./STRENGTHENING OF CAGBAYOK BRIDGE ALONG DAANG MAHARLIKA (SURIGAO-AGUSAN
SECTION )BRGY. BONIFACIO, SURIGAOCITY
2. 12NF0095/REHAB./STRENGTHENING OF MOTOPOOL BRIDGE ALONG DAANG MAHARLIKA (SURIGAO-AGUSAN
SECTION) /BRGY. MOTORPOOL, TUBOD ,SURIGAODEL NORTE
The DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District through the REGULAR INFRA FY 2013(yet to receive) intends to
apply the sum of P 14,112,000.00 being the Approved Budget Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for 12NF0094/REHAB./
STRENTHENING OF CAGBAYOK BRIDGE ALONG DAANG MAHARLIKA ( SURIGAO-AGUSAN SECTION)/BRGY. BONIFACIO,
SURIGAOCITY . Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected in the bid opening.
The DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District through the REGULAR INFRA FY 2013(yet to receive) intends to
apply the sum of P 2,000,000.00 being the Approved Budget Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for 12NF0095/REHAB./
STRENGTHENINGOFMOTOPOOL BRIDGEALONGDAANGMAHARLIKA (SURIGAO-AGUSANSECTION) /BRGY. MOTORPOOL,
TUBOD ,SURIGAODEL NORTE. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected in the bid opening.
The DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District now invites for:
1. 12NF0094/REHAB./STRENGTHENING OF CAGBAYOK BRIDGE ALONG DAANG MAHARLIKA ( SURIGAO-AGUSAN
SECTION )/BRGY. BONIFACIO, SURIGAOCITY
Cost of Bidding Documents : P10,000.00
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT
101 Removal of Concrete Bridge Structure 1.00 l.s.
103(2A) Bridge Excavation (Common Soil) 70.30 Cu.m.
104(1) Embankment (From Borrow) 789.27 Cu.m.
311(2) PCC Pavement (Reinforced Approach Slab 0.30 m thk) 120.98 Sq.m.
400(4) Precast R.C. Pile (0.40m x 0.40m) Furnished 484.00 Ln.m.
400(14) Precast R.C. Pile (0.40m x 0.40 m) Driven 457.60 Ln.m.
400(16A) Test R.C. Pile (0.40m x 0.40 m) Furnished 44.00 Ln.m.
400(16B) Test R.C. Pile (0.40m x 0.40 m) Driven 41.60 Ln.m.
401 R.C. Railings 42.00 Ln.m.
404 Reinforcing Steel Bars (Grade 40) 45,049.82 Kgs
405(A) Structural Concrete, Class "A" 224.71 Cu.m.
411 Painting 63.20 Sq.m.
505(5) Grouted Riprap, Class "A" 277.72 Cu.m.
SPL-1 Detour 1.00 l.s.
SPL-2 Removal of Detour 1.00 l.s.
SPL-3
Facilities for Engineer (Bunkhouse 5m x 5m =25
sq.m. area w/ provision of Electricity & water
Offce Chair and Table
1.00 l.s.
SPL-4 Project Billboard 1.00 unit
SPL-5
Construction Safety and Health Program
Safety Shoes
Safety Gloves
Helmet (Hard Hats)
Eye Googles
First Aide Kit w/ Medicine
1.00 l.s.
Completion of the Work is Required 105 calendar days
2. 12NF0095/REHAB./STRENGTHENING OF MOTOPOOL BRIDGE ALONG DAANG MAHARLIKA ( SURIGAO-AGUSAN
SECTION) /BRGY. MOTORPOOL, TUBOD ,SURIGAODEL NORTE
Cost of Bidding Documents : P5,000.00
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT
101(3) Removal of Stuctures (Ext'g. Roadway Pav't) 350.68 sq.m.
102(1) Unsuitable Excavation 79.84 cu.m.
105(1) Sub-Grade Preparation (Common Materials) 335.34 sq.m.
204 Portland Cement Stabilized Road Mix Base Course 66.80 Cu.m.
302(2) Bituminous Tack Coat (Emulsifed Asphalt 0.21 Tonne
303 Bituminous Seal coat (Penetration Grade 60/70) 0.11 Tonne
310 Bituminous Concrete Surface Course, Hotlaid 407.03 Sq.m.
311(1) PCCP (Plain Roadway, 0.28m thk) 256.74 Sq.m.
311(2) PCCP (Approach Slab, 0.30 m thk) 78.60 Sq.m.
606(2) Pavement Markings (Refectorized Thermoplastic) 114.56 Sq.m.
SPL-I Project Billboard 1.00 Unit
SPL-2
Construction Safety and Health Program
Safety Shoes
Safety Gloves
Eye Googles
First Aid Kit w/ Medicine
1.00 L.s.
Completion of the Work is Required 30 calendar days
Bidders should have completed, within 10 years fromthe 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 V. Instruction to Bidders.
Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specifed
in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184(RA 9184), Otherwise known as the Government Procurement
ReformAct.
Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizen/sole proprietorships, partnership, or organizations with at least seventy fve percent (75%)
interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizen of the Philippines.
Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District and inspect the Bidding
Documents at the address given below for 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. Monday to Friday during the issuance of
bidding documents stated below.
A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by the interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of
nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents stated above on each project.
It may alsobedownloadedfreeof chargefromthewebsiteof thePhilippineGovernment Electronic Procurement System(PhilGEPS)
and the website of DPWH, provided that the bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.
The Bids and Award Committee (BAC) of DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on
November 23, 2012 @10:00 a.m. @Conference Roomwhich shall be open only to all interested parties.
Bids must be delivered to the address below on December 5, 2012 @12:00 noon at the conference room, DPWH-Surigao del
Norte Engineering District, Surigao 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 in the presence of the bidders representatives who chose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not
be accepted.
The signifcant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:
1. Issuance of bidding documents November 15, 2012 to December 5, 2012 until 10:00 a.m.
2. Pre-bid Conference November 23, 2012 @ 10:00 a.m.
3. Submission/Receipt of bids December 5, 2012 until 12:00 noon
4. Opening of Bids December 5, 2012 @ 2:00 p.m.
The DPWH -Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District 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:
BENALDEN R. SERNA
Engineer III BAC Chairman
DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District
Capitol Road, Surigao City
(085) 231-5068
dpwh_sdn1bac@yahoo.com
(SGD) BENALDEN R. SERNA
Engineer III
BAC-Chairman
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
Region XIII
OFFICE THE DISTRICT ENGINEER
Surigao del Norte 1
st
Engineering District
Surigao City
Invitaton to Bid for
(MST-Nov. 19, 2012) (MST-Nov. 19, 2012)
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Ilocos Sur
Municipality of Narvacan
BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE
INVITATION TO BID
THE MUNICIPALITY OF NARVACAN, through its Bids and Awards
Committee (BAC), invites Suppliers/Manufacturers /Distributors/
Contractors to bid for the hereunder contract:
Name of Contract: Procurement of Medicines
Location: Narvacan, Ilocos Sur
Brief Description: Purchase of Medicines Re: Multi-Vitamins,
Pai n Ki l l er s, Ant i bi ot i c, Ant i sept i c,
Anti-Diarrhea, Anti-Cough, Anti-Asthma,
Anti-Allergy, Anti-Diabetes, Anti-Fever and
Anti-Hypertensive
Approved Budget for the contract (ABC): P4,500,000.00
Contract Duration: 60 Calendar Days
Source of Fund: PDAF FY 2012
Prospective bidders should have experience in undertaking a
similar project within the last two (2) years with an amount of at
least 50% of the ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary
pass/fail criteria in the Eligibility Check/Screening as well as
the Preliminary Examination of Bids. The BAC will conduct post
qualifcation on the lowest calculated bid.
All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid
Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation
of Bids, Post Qualifcation and Award of Contract shall be governed
by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules
and Regulations (IRR).
The schedules of BAC activities are as follows:
BAC Activities Schedule
Issuance of Eligibility Documents November 19-December 11, 2012
Issuance & availability of Bidding Documents November 19-December 11, 2012
Pre-bid Conference November 27, 2012 3:00 PM,
BAC Offce
Receipt and Opening of Bids
(includes submission of Eligibility
Requirements and Eligibility Check) December 11, 2012 3:00 PM
BAC Offce
Bid Evaluation December 12, 2012
Post Qualifcation December 17, 2012
Approval of BAC Resolution/Issuance of
Notice of Award December 18, 2012
Contract Preparation and Signing December 19, 2012
Approval of Contract December 20, 2012
Issuance of Notice to Proceed December 21, 2012
The BAC will issue prospective bidders Eligibility Forms and Bidding
Documents at the Offce of the BAC Chairman, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur,
upon their payment of a non refundable amount of P 8,000.00 to the
Municipal Treasurers Offce, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
The Local Government Unit of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur assumes no
responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any
expense incurred in the preparation of their bids.
November 19, 2012
(Sgd.) ELEUTERIO G. INES
BAC Chairman
NOTED:
(Sgd.) ZURIEL S. ZARAGOZA
Municipal Mayor
(MST-Nov. 19, 2012)
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
Cordillera Administrative Region
Ifugao Second District Engineering Offce
Aguinaldo, Ifugao

The DPWH Ifugao Second District Engineering Offce, through FY 2012 RA
10147 CONTINUING Regular 2011 Continuing intends to apply the sum of Seventeen
Million Two Hundred Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighteen Pesos and 86/100
(Php. 17,204,718.86) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments
under the contract for 12PJ0061: Construction of Guihob Bridge and Approaches
(Phase II), Sta.345+169-Sta.345+240, Banaue, Ifugao. Bids received in excess of
the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.
The DPWH Ifugao Second District Engineering Offce now invites bids for
the Construction of Guihob Bridges and Approaches (Phase II) Sta.345+169-
Sta.345+240, Banaue, Ifugao (please see attached for the Bill of Quantities).
Completion of the Works is required within 120 Calendar Days. Bidders should have
completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a
contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the
Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.
Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-
discretionary pass/fail criterion as specifed in the Implementing Rules and Regulations
(IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the Government
Procurement Act.
Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or
organizations with at least seventy fve percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital
stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.
Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH Ifugao Second District
Engineering Offce, Aguinaldo, Ifugao and inspect the Bidding Documents at the
address given below from 8:00am 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
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 Php.10,000.00.
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 than the
submission of their bids.
The DPWH-Ifugao Second District Engineering Offce, Aguinaldo, Ifugao will hold
a Pre-Bid Conference on November 28, 2012; 10:00am at the Offce of the BAC
Chairman which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the
Bidding Documents.
Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 10:00am of December 11,
2012 at DPWH-Ifugao Second District Engineering Offce Aguinaldo, Ifugao
Offce of the BAC Chairman. 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, December 11, 2012 in the presence of bidders
representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be
accepted.
The DPWH-Ifugao Second District Engineering Offce Aguinaldo, Ifugao 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:
ELIAMOR F. ANTONIO
BAC Secretariat
DPWH-Ifugao 2
nd
DEO
Cel. No. 09057374690
Email Ad: aeliamor@yahoo.com.ph
(Sgd.) LEONARDO B. HUMIWAT
BAC Chairman
DPWH-Ifugao 2
nd
DEO
Aguinaldo, Ifugao
Annex A
INVITATION TO BID for Construction of Guihob Bridge and Approaches (Phase II)
Sta. 345+169-Sta. 345+240 Banaue, Ifugao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
Offce of the District Engineer
Capiz 1
st
Engineering District
Roxas City
INVITATION TO BID
The Capiz 1
st
Engineering District through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors to apply to bid
for the following contract(s):
1. Contract ID: 12GD0012
Contract Name: Assets Preservation of National Roads Generated from PMS/HDM-4,
Preventive Maintenance (Intermittent Sections) National Secondary Road
(Iloilo-East Coast-Capiz Road)
Location: Brgy. Sta Fe, Pilar, Capiz, KO 169+279 KO 170+323
Brief Description: Concreting of 990 lin. mtr., Road thickness=0.30m,
Pavement Markings=2,255 lin. mtr.
Approved Budget for
the Contract: Php 20,431,295.09
Source of Fund:
Duration: 130 Calendar Days

2. Contract ID: 12GD0013
Contract Name: Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Upgrading of Damaged Paved Nationals
Intermittent Section National Arterial Road,
Location: (Iloilo-East Coast-Capiz Road) Brgy. Anhawon, Panay, Capiz KO. 126+
(-)023 KO. 126+027
Brief Description: Concreting of 50 lin. mtr., Road thickness=0.30m
Approved Budget for
the Contract: Php 915,372.10
Duration: a. 30 Calendar Days
KO. 170+323 KO. 171+773
Brief Description: Concreting of 1440 lin. mtr., Road thickness=0.30m,
Addtl. Thermoplastic Pavement Markings=4,152 lin. mtr. Brgy. San Nicolas,
Pilar, Capiz
Approved Budget
for the Contract: Php 29,402,554.14
Source of Fund:
Duration: b. 140 Calendar Days
________________
TOTAL ABC Php 30,317,926.24
3. Contract ID: 12GD0014
Contract Name: Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Upgrading of Damaged Paved Nationals
Intermittent Section National Arterial Road,
Location: (Iloilo-East Coast-Capiz Road)
a. KO. 167+ 598 KO. 167+728
Brief Description: Concreting of 130 lin. mtr., Road thickness=0.30mBrgy. San Blas, Pilar, Capiz
Approved Budget for
the Contract: Php 2,402,056.61
Duration: a. 30 Calendar Days
KO. 167+728 KO. 168+121
Brief Description: Concreting of 420 lin. mtr., Road thickness=0.30m,
Addtl. Thermoplastic Pavement Markings=759 lin. mtr.
Location Brgy. San Blas, Pilar, Capiz
Approved Budget for
the Contract: Php 7,778,270.81
Source of Fund:
Duration: b. 65 Calendar Days
c. KO. 168+121 KO. 168+841
Brief Description: Concreting of 710 lin. mtr., Road thickness=0.30m,
Addtl. Thermoplastic Pavement Markings=648 lin. mtr.
Location Brgy. Santa Fe, Pilar, Capiz
Approved Budget for
the Contract: Php 13,129,650.32
Source of Fund: ________________
Duration: c. 90 Calendar Days
TOTAL ABC Php 23,309,977.74

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 this contract, a contractor must, purchase bid documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a)
prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen of 75% Filipino owned partnership, corporation, cooperative or joint ven-
ture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (d) completion of a similar contract costing
at least 25% of ABC within a period of 5 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 Offce
before the deadline for the receipt of LOI. The DPWH-POCW Central Offce will only process contractors applications for
registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractors Certifcate of Registration (CRC). Registration forms
may be downloaded at the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph.

The signifcant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:
BAC Activities Schedule
1 Issuance of Bidding Documents Nov. 12 to December 04, 2012
2 Pre-Bid Conference November 22, 2012, @ 9:00 a.m.
3
Deadline of Downloading of Plans and Bid Docu-
ments
November 28, 2012 @ 3:00 p.m.
4 Receipt of Bids December 04, 2012 @ 9:00 a.m.
5 Opening of Bids December 04,, 2012 @ 2:00 p.m.

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at Capiz 1st Engineering District, Km. I, Roxas City, upon
payment of a non-refundable fee of P20,000.00 for Bidding Documents per project. Prospective bidders may also download
the BDs from the DPWH website, if available. Prospective bidders that will download the BDs from the DPWH website shall
pay the said fees on or before the submission of their bids Documents. Bids must be 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 specifed in the BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid
envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The frst envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include
the copy of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to
the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post qualifcation.
Capiz 1st Engineering District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid and to annul the bidding process
anytime before the Contract Award without incurring any liability to the affected bidders.

Sgd: CORAZON A. PERLA
Administrative Offcer III
BAC-Chairman
Noted:
Sgd: SANNY BOY O. OROPEL, CES E
District Engineer
(MST-NOV. 14 & 19, 2012) (MST-Nov. 19, 2012)
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
Region I
2
nd
Pangasinan Engineering District
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER
Alvear St., Lingayen, Pangasinan
1. The Department of Public Works and Highways, 2
nd
PED, Lingayen,
Pangasinan, through the GAA 2013, intends to apply the following sum
of P 46,118,650.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to
payments under the contract for Preventive Maintenance of Pangasinan-La
Union Inter-Provincial Road, KO. 399+495 - KO. 403+025 with exceptions.
Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at
bid opening.
Brief Description : asphalt overlay and road widening
asphalt overlay - 3,390 l.m., 50mm thickness
road widening - 2,016 l.m., 0.23m thickness

2. The DPWH 2
nd
PED, Lingayen, Pangasinan now invites bids for works
briefy described above. Completion of the Works required is 120 Calendar
Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date
of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The
description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents,
particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.
3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using
non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specifed 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 fve percent (75%) interest or outstanding
capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.
4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from DPWH 2
nd
PED,
Lingayen, Pangasinan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address
given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, November 19 December 11, 2012.
5. 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 P 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 bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding
Documents not later than the submission of their bids.
6. The DPWH 2
nd
PED, Lingayen, Pangasinan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference
at 10:00 AM on November 29, 2012 at BAC Room, DPWH 2
nd
PED,
Lingayen, Pangasinan which shall be open only to all interested parties who
have purchased the Bidding Documents.
7. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 10:00 AM,
December 11, 2012 at DPWH BAC Room, 2
nd
PED, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representative s who
choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.
8. The DPWH 2
nd
PED, Lingayen, Pangasinan reserves the right to accept
or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process at any time prior contract
award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.
9. For further information, please refer to:
RODOLFO C. DION
District Engineer
DPWH 2
ND
PED
Alvear St., Lingayen, Pangasinan
(075) 662-1689, 2401
dpwh2nd_ped@yahoo.com
facsimile : 662-1689


(Sgd.) SMILE R. FERMIN
Asst. District Engineer
BAC Chairman

NOTED :
(Sgd.) RODOLFO C. DION
District Engineer
INVITATION TO BID for:
12AH-105 : Preventive Maintenance of Pangasinan-La Union Inter-Provincial
(MST-Nov. 19, 2012)
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER
Cebu 4th District Engineering Offce
Poblacion, Dalaguete , Cebu
Tel. No. (032) 484-8411 to 14, Fax # 484-8410

The [ DPWH, Cebu 4
th
District Engineering Offce] , through the [ 2009-Calamity
Fund] intends to apply the sum [ Php 33,775,000.00] being the Approved Budget
for the Contract ( ABC) to payments under the contract for [ 012-HG-111- Repair
and Rehabilitation of Roadside Protection Structures along Natalio Bacalso
Avenue Boljoon-Santander Section and along Santander-Barili-Toledo
Road]. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid
opening.
The [DPWH, Cebu 4
th
District Engineering Offce] now invites the bids for
[Repair and Rehabilitation of Roadside Protection Structures along Natalio
Bacalso Avenue Boljoon-Santander Section and along Santander-Barili-
Toledo Road]. Completion of the Works is required [ 145 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.
Instruction to Bidders.
Bidding will be conducted through the open competitive bidding procedures
using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specifed in the Implementing Rules
and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA9184), otherwise known as the
Government Procurement Reform Act.
Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizen/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or
organizations with at least seventy fve percent (75 %) interest or outstanding
capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.
Interested bidders may obtain further information from [DPWH, Cebu 4
th
District
Engineering Offce] 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 nonrefundable fee for the Bidding
Documents in the amount of [Php 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
Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents
not later that the submission of their bids.
The [DPWH, Cebu 4
th
District Engineering Office] will hold a Pre-Bid
Conference on [November 23, 2012-2:00 P.M] at [DPWH, Cebu 4
th
Conference
Room, Poblacion, Dalaguete, Cebu], which shall be open to all interested
parties.
Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before [December 3, 2012
10:00 A.M] at [DPWH, Cebu 4
th
District Engineering Offce, Poblacion,
Dalaguete, Cebu]. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the
acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.
Bid opening shall be on [December 3, 2012 2:00 P.M] at [DPWH, Cebu 4
th

District Engineering Offce]. 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.
Contractors who will be dropping their bids for the frst time in DPWH, Cebu 4
th

District Engineering Offce must submit a certifed true copy of their company
profle. During the submission of bids, contractors must submit a photocopy of
their credit line and joint venture agreement for eligibility evaluation purpose.
Attendance in Pre-Bid Conference is a must.
The [DPWH, Cebu 4
th
District Engineering Offce] 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:
CONNIE L. CABALLO
MARLON D. MAROLLANO
Poblacion, Dalaguete, Cebu
484-8414/484-8413


(Sgd.) WILMA B. CAMPOS
BAC Chairman

Invitation to Bid for (Repair and Rehabilitation of Roadside Protection
Structures along Natalio Bacalso Avenue Boljoon-Santander Section
and along Santander-Barili-Toledo Road)
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
NOVEMBER 19, 2012 MONDAY
C4
Isah V. Red, Editor standard.showbiz@gmail.com
showbitz
Manila Standard TODAY
ISAH V.
RED
SIMPLY RED
The new album represents every
aspect of the singers careerfrom re-
cording to touring to endorsements to
best-selling albums.
Heres a CD of 15 newly written
songs just to add more magic to OPM.
Im just so proud of this album because
its going to celebrate my 30 years in the
business without having to look back.
Lets just say, today is rst day of the
rest of my career, Nievera says.
As Nieveras home label since his al-
bum Chasing Time in 2002, PolyEast Re-
cords has put together an outstanding col-
lection featuring Nieveras signature sound
with 15 original songs and three remakes.
The rst single taken from the highly
anticipated new album is entitled Ipa-
darama written by Kiko Salazar and
currently played on radio stations.
Nieveras collaborative approach to
writing and recording his new music is
prevalent in the album. Songwriters and
producers, like Marvin Querido, Joey Be-
nin, Jungee Marcelo, Ogie Alcasid, Arnie
Mendaros and Kiko Salazar have worked
with the singer in a variety of cuts.
Nievera also recorded three songs that
run the gamut of his varied stylistic ap-
proach and what Nievera has been known
for in the past years. Remakes became
my new therapy to bring back new life
to old songs, Nievera says. Remakes in-
clude the song Pangako, originally by
Ogie Alcasid, was used in the teleserye
Walang Hanggan; Paul Ankas Times
of Your Life from Lorenzos Time; and
a collaboration with Vina Mor ales in A
Beautiful Affairs song After All, by
Peter Ceter a in the 80s.
Nieveras rst-ever album was Mar-
tinTake One in 1982. It sparked an
incredible run of success that made him
chart over 26 albums since then and be-
came one of the highest selling OPM
artists until now. In my 30 years in the
music business, I think Ive had more
failures, misses than hits. I think I am a
success because of my failures.
Nievera recently nished his stint be-
ing a judge/mentor on the recently con-
cluded reality talent show X Factor on
ABS-CBN and he shares, I think the
next step is putting more emphasis on
OPM by coming out with songs written
by Filipinos, sung by FilipinosI think
Ive to try develop dreamers and Ive
learned a lot being a judge/mentor on X
FactorI want to teach these new sing-
ers to have a dream
For hundreds of thousands of fans who
have sung and celebrated with OPMs
concert king, Nievera has been a constant
factor in their lives. Now heres how he
would like to thank all the fans who have
been supporting him over the past 30 years.
Martin Nievera 3D: Tatlong Dekada is
now available in stores nationwide.
More chef now than actor
According to Mar vin Agustin, re-
cently named Young Entrepreneur of the
Year, the valuespassion, innovation,
and the heart for good foodare the
things that bind him and Knorr.
Its nice to promote something that
youve been already using for a long
time, inspired by the teachings of my
mom, cooked and served well from the
heart, explains Chef Marvin. Good
food brings good friends and family to-
gether, so having Knorr by your side, is
already an assurance that you have an
ally in the kitchen, which 1 consider the
heart of every home.
Chef Marvin considers his mom Ma-
r ia Teresa as his inspiration in every-
thing he does, including being a chef.
In fact, his soon-to-be-opened and rst
Filipino family restaurant Maria Teresa
is a loving tribute to his mom.
The kitchen has bonded me and
my mom in unexpected ways, and I am
thankful that Knorr has given me this
chance to share a part of myself to every
mother in the country, says the accom-
plished restaurateur-chef-actor, Togeth-
er with Knorr, we will provide modern-
day Filipino families with dishes that
respond to their needs, while making
their cooking experience fullling, plea-
surable and enriching.
Being a part of the Knorr family,
Marvin will create dishes that highlight
how Knorr products (Sinigang Sa Sam-
paloc Original Mix, Knorr Cubes, and
Ginataang Gulay Mix) can help Filipino
mothers create the best dishes for their
families.
Ir resistible gifts and
blockbuster movies
Give your family the gift of great
entertainment this coming holiday sea-
son with the cutting edge movie options
from SkyCables HBO Pak. Offering ev-
ery member of the family entertainment
choices to tickle their fancy, the HBO
Pak brings three amazing movie chan-
nels to your cable TV sets such as HBO
Familyoffering wholesome family
movies, HBO Signatureshowcasing
HBO groundbreaking original produc-
tions, and HBO Hitsfor your daily
dose blockbuster hits
from Hollywood.
Witness the be-
hind-the-scene
action and
d r a ma
o f
your favorite news program in the
new HBO Series The Newsroom. Built
around signicant past events, the series
portrays the life of ACN News Night an-
chor Will McAvoy, played by Jeff Dan-
iels, who nds himself in an unfamiliar
territory when he is given a whole new
team to work with after his old team
transfers to a rival program. Follow this
dedicated and captivating news anchor
and nd out how he and his new team
will keep the program aoat in the The
Newsroom on HBO Signature (Ch. 101)
every Thursday at 10 p.m.
Include the best blockbuster movies to
your cable viewing habit when you add the
HBO Pak to your SkyCable 499, Silver or
Gold subscription for only P350 monthly.
As an added treat, new and existing Sky-
Cable 499, Silver and Gold post-paid
subscribers from Metro Manila, CAMA-
NAVA, and Rizal can also have a chance
to take home their very own Samsung
Galaxy Note or one of the ve HBO Gift
Packs that are up for grabs when they
sign-up until Dec. 31.
Catch a glimpse of the movies in
store for you via the HBO Pak until Nov.
20 (HBO Hits) and Nov. 2131 (HBO
Family) on SkyCables Preview Channel
(Ch. 11).
To know more on how you can join
the HBO Pak promo, log on to www.
mysky.com.ph or call SkyCables cus-
tomer service hotlines at (02) 381-0000
for Metro Manila, Camanava, and Rizal;
(032) 345-2278 for Cebu; (082) 305-
5456 for Davao; (074) 444-3201 for Ba-
guio; (034) 432-0051 for Bacolod; and
(033) 320-3959 for Iloilo.
PEOPLE often hear the stars talk about
themselves, their careers and projects,
and even their current love lives but last
Oct. 28 at PLDT Gabay Guros Grand
Gathering For Teachers event held at SM
Arena, guest celebrities Cesar Montano,
Robin Padilla, Gar y Valenciano, and
Derek Ramsay revealed why teachers
mean more to them than just attending
their classes years ago.
Cesar got the ball rolling by
confessing that his rst girlfriend was a
teacher. Gabi-gabi ko siyang iniyakan
basang basa ang unan, he recalled of
his rst heartbreak, drawing cheers from
the audience composed of teachers from
all over the country. The prized actor then
offered uplifting songs to them including
Panahon Na Naman, How Great Is
Our God and his own composition,
Pilipinas, Bumangon Ka.
Robin reminded teachers that he
knows exactly the things they go through
since he, himself, owns a school, the
Paaralan ng Liwanag ng Kapayapaan
Foundation (PLKF). After rendering his
version of Or ient Pear ls Pagsubok,
the action star lauded the teachers on
how they put their lives on the line every
time they guard peoples votes during
elections. Ako po ay tagahanga niyo,
Robin told the crowd.
Derek, who came to help rafe off
some prizes such as laptops, LED TV,
mobile phones, and more, proudly
declared that her mother was a former
teacher. Though the Kapatid star was
busy taping several TV shows and
promoting a movie, he made time to
attend the event and pro bono at that.
Other celebs who paid tribute to the
teachers that day were Aga Muhlach,
Wally and Jose, Pr incess Velasco, and
the EB Babes.
Earlier during the program, Chaye
Cabal Revilla together with Cavite
Representative Lani Mercado also feted
the Guro Ko, Idol Ko honoree, Weng
Alcala, who teaches with passion and
dedication despite living inside a classroom
with his kids after circumstances forced
them out of their home.
MARTIN
NIEVERAs
new album after 3 decades
THIRTY years after the song Be My Lady became pops
national anthem, Mar tin Niever a is back with a new
CD on the PolyEast label. Its called Martin Nievera 3D:
Tatlong Dekada.
Stars connection with teachers
Very young love team
ZAIJIAN Jar anilla and Xyr iel
Manabat admit that they feel proud
to be part of the ensemble cast of
Star Cinemas latest silver screen
offering titled 24/7 In Love. The
star-studded project also top-bills
some of the Kapamilyas brightest
luminaries like John Lloyd Cr uz,
Bea Alonzo, Piolo Pascual, Angelica Panganiban, Diether Ocampo,
Maja Salvador , Sam Milby, Zanjoe Mar udo, Pokwang, Daniel Pa-
dilla, Kathr yn Ber nar do, Ger ald Ander son and Kim Chiu.
Im so happy to be one of the cast members. Its a rare opportunity
to work with the most popular and talented Star Magic talents here. For
sure, the viewers will enjoy watching the lm because the characters are
lovable and they can relate to them, says Zaijian.
Thats true! seconds nine-year old Xyriel. Its a movie which tells that
love is universal. Either youre young or old you will feel it in your heart.
The two child stars are featured in one of the lms seven stories.
Yes! We are with Kuya Piolo here. Would you believe, we are a love
triangle in the story? avers Zaijian.
Its because he plays a mentally challenged grown-up guy here. The
level of his thinking is just like me and Zaijians. The plot is cute. Our
episode is light and romantic. Its feel-good! adds Xyriel.
Many ask if the characters are connected or their stories will be fea-
tured separately.
Actually, the story of Ate Kathryn and Kuya Daniel will be the one to
connect the stories but we dont know one another in person. Its like the
movie New Years Eve and Valentines Day, reveals Zaijian whos 11.
Asked if this early, they have any idea on how it is to be in love the
two child wonders state, I still dont have any experience! (Giggles)
But I wont deny that I have a crush. Shes a singer. But I cant say the
name! says Zaijian.
As for me, I also have a crush. Hes my schoolmate. Oh no, he
doesnt know that hes my crush! ends Xyriel.
Angel misses wor king in a soap oper a
Angel Locsin doesnt deny that she misses doing soap operas at this
point.
Well, I guess its understandable since my last was Imortal and it
wrapped up early part of 2011. Its been a while already, although I was
blessed to make good movies in exchange for a soap opera like In the
Name of Love and Unofcially Yours, she states.
Shes thankful that ABS made her part of the sitcom Toda Max head-
lined by Robin Padilla and Vhong Navar ro.
Im proud of the show because all of us in the cast support one
another. Theres no superstar system whatsoever. Its a combined effort.
Perhaps, one reason why the show is a hit is because the viewers see that
all of us enjoy what we do and it transcends on screen.
In the forthcoming Star Awards for TV, she nabbed a nomination as
Best Comedy Actress for her role in the said sitcom.
Honestly, it came as a surprise. From the start, Ive always been
vocal in saying that Im not that comfortable in doing comedy. But be-
cause of the support of my co-stars like Kuya Binoe, Vhong and Ate
Pokwang, gradually, I developed timing and learned to appreciate it.
With the nomination, it hasnt really sunk in to me. Of course Im proud
but I think Ate Pokie deserves to win because shes so good!
JOSEPH
PETER GONZALES
SHTICKS
Aga Muhlach with Mayor Strike Revilla
and wife Chaye Cabal Revilla
The Newsroom
Knorrs newest Chef Marvin Agustin