CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Standard TODAY
Manila
Vol. XXVI No. 90 16 Pages, 3 Sections P18.00 FRIDAY, June 1, 2012

www.manilastandardtoday.com [email protected]

Privacy bill not intended to gag media

How to unmuzzle the media. Senator Edgardo Angara assures journalists they will not be gagged.

Aquino may tap outsider, 3 justices as chief justice

By Joyce Pangco Paares and Rey E. Requejo
PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III is open to appointing an outsider to replace impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, an ofcial said Thursday. He has already said in the past that he is open to appointing an outsider, deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said. She said the three most senior justices in the Supreme Court would also be automatically screened for the post. That means acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio and Justices Diosdado Peralta and Arturo Brion will automatically be considered for the vacancy if they give their consent. As early as December last year, before the impeachment trial began, the Presidents spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, said Mr. Aquino had ordered his legal team to come up with a list of candidates who could be nominated to the Judicial and Bar Council to replace Corona. The President will decide based on the shortlist that will be given by the JBC, Valte said. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile earlier expressed the opinion that Coronas replacement must come from the remaining 14 justices in the Supreme Court. He also questioned the
Next page

Angara vows to scrap restrictions; still, media hit muzzling attempt

By Christine F. Herrera
Carpio

Peralta

Brion

PNoy wont sign bank waiver yet

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Thursday rejected calls to open his bank accounts to public scrutiny and said he would let the members of his Cabinet decide whether or not they will waive their right to the bank secrecy law. Not this time, Mr. Aquino said when asked if he would fulll his campaign promise to open his bank accounts to the public and respond to the challenge of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona,
Next page

SEVEN press groups and some lawmakers on Thursday slammed Congress for rushing the passage of a bill with a provision that would carry harsh penalties for journalists.
The Philippine Press Institute, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas, the Manila Overseas Press Club, the National Press Club, the Association of Philippine Journalists (Samahang Plaridel), and the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines demanded that the House and Senate delete the restrictive provision of the Data Piracy Act that they said would have a chilling effect on journalists and restrict their reporting. The PPI wrote to the authors of the bill and chairmen of the bicameral conference committee Senator Edgardo Angara and Taguig City Rep. Sigfrido Tinga. Angara had earlier offered assurances that the provision penalizing journalists would be removed. The PPI, also known as the national association of newspapers, which currently lists 71 members nationwide, has always stood by its position that any legislation that infringes on freedom of the press in the pursuit of ethical, responsible and excellent journalism violates the same right [that no law shall be passed abridging freedom of the press] that is constitutionally enshrined, PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino said. We wish to express our opposition to the penalty clause of the Data Privacy Act [on the
Next page

Corona gives up plan to appeal decision

By Rey E. Requejo
OUSTED Chief Justice Renato Corona wont appeal the decision of the Senate impeachment court ordering his dismissal from ofce, one of his lawyers said Thursday. The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, on Tuesday found Corona guilty of violating the Constitution and betraying the public trust for failing to disclose all his assets in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. Rico Quicho said Corona, who is still conned at The Medical City hospital in Pasig City, had decided not to challenge the Senates verdict. The Senate had voted 20-3 to pronounce Corona guilty. Corona, 63, became the rst chief justice and the rst high Filipino ofcial to be removed from ofce by an impeachment court. The decision of the Senate impeachment court is a closes chapter, Quicho said in a phone interview. The chief justice decided not to le an appeal anymore before the Supreme Court. Quicho made his statement even as An-Waray party-list Rep. Florencio Noel said the House prosecution spent P5.7 million on Coronas impeachment trial that lasted almost ve months. Next page

Economy gains 6.4%, beats govt estimates

By Maria Bernadette Lunas and Joyce Pangco Paares
THE economy expanded in the three months through March at the fastest pace since 2010, exceeding economists estimates as President Benigno Aquino III boosted government spending to counter faltering global demand. The gross domestic product increased 6.4 from a year earlier compared with a revised 4-percent gain in the previous quarter, the National Statistical Coordination Board said. The gain exceeded all 21 estimates in a Bloomberg News survey. Stocks jumped 1.5 percent to erase early losses as the report bolstered Mr. Aquinos push to win better assessments from the credit rating companies and transform the Philippines into a manufacturing and export hub. Faster growth reduces the need for monetary easing from the Bangko Sentral, which held its benchmark interest rate at 4 percent last month after two cuts this year. Domestic demand boosted by government spending provided a big lift to the economy,
Next page Next page

UNA mulls no common senate bets

By Maricel V. Cruz
THE secretary general of Vice President Jejomar Binays United Nationalist Alliance on Thursday asked that the party adopt a nocommon-candidate rule for the senatorial candidates in the May 2013 elections. Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco says the UNA will not resort to the old practice of political parties elding aspirants to electoral positions and adopting them as common candidates. I strongly object to elding common senatorial candidates
Next page

Barefoot near the park. Pedestrians carry their shoes as they walk on the ooded T.M. Kalaw Street in Manila following a downpour that submerged low-lying areas in the city. SONNY ESPIRITU

Depensa di mag appeal dfdsjfhds jdf

Military wary of Chinese in Panatag shoal

By Florante S. Solmerin
MILITARY ofcials said Thursday they were worried that Chinese forces might put up markers or structures on the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea to bolser Beijings claim to the area. We will wake up one day and see markers or a small structure already planted inside or outside the lagoon to boost their claim, said a ranking
Next page

Ambo may rain out school opening

A TROPICAL depression will induce rain in Southern Luzon including Metro Manila, the eastern section of the Visayas, and some parts of Mindanao when the schools reopen on June 4, the weather bureau said Thursday. Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the depression was spotted 310 kilometers east of Borongan in Eastern Samar, and that it could develop into a storm. It will be named Ambo. Ambo will be the rst typhoon to enter the country this year, Aurelio told reporters. The storm will not hit land but will still trigger rain, the weather bureau said. We are now in the period of transition from summer to the rainy

Missed your copy of Manila Standard Today? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: [email protected]

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A2

FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012

ManilaStandardToday

News

[email protected]

Privacy...
Breach of Condentiality of Senate Bill No. 2965] that to us, restrains journalists from being responsible and truthful in reporting based on facts, thus restricting them from performing their duty or function as bearers of truth, Sebellino said. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines urged all media professionals to be vigilant against that it called efforts to curtail rights and freedoms. The NUJP demands that any and all attempts to enact legislation that will narrow the parameter of press freedom, of freedom of expression and of the peoples right to know be immediately withdrawn or subjected to open and transparent amendments, with the full participation of all those who might be adversely affected by such measures, the group said. KBP chairman Herman Basbano said he wondered how the Senate managed to approve the bill on second and third and final reading without the benefit of transparent consultation with the media industry. The media industry should have been consulted at the very least, Basbano told the Manila Standard. Any attempt that would threaten press freedom the KBP will oppose. The Manila Overseas Press Club criticized Senate Bill 2965, which it said was an attempt to suppress press freedom. As responsible members of media, we recognize and respect the right to privacy and the protection of condential information, group chairman Jose Manuel Romualdez said. However, this should not restrict or curtail our duty and responsibility to impart any information that upholds the interest of Filipinos. The National Press Club expressed alarm over Senate Bill 2965 and House Bill 4115. The NPC joins other media organizations in expressing alarm over these developments, coming as they did on the heels of the removal of Chief Justice Renato Corona, group president Benny Antiporda said. Clearly, Congress is slowly threading the path of legislative authoritarianism by concentrating... its efforts in subverting the Bill of Rights. The Association of Philippine Journalists (Samahang Plaridel) said the controversial bills were a blatant attack on our constitutional right of freedom of expression. The Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines said Senate Bill 2965 was a dangerous tool that can be used to harass media and suppress its guaranteed freedom. Some members of the House

also weighed in. Is there a mini-martial law in the Senate? asked Negros Oriental Rep. Pryde Henry Teves. We strengthen our democracy by respecting press freedom. We dont impinge on that freedom, added Batangas Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza. Agham Rep. Angelo Palmones said he feared that the restrictive provision was meant to protect politicians from the likes of Little Lady and Mr. Anonymous that gured prominently during the impeachment trial and who the prosecution claimed provided the panel with the leaked bank documents that contained the purported dollar accounts of ousted chief justice Renato Corona. But Angara maintained his bill would not be used to gag the media, and that the provision that includes jail time for journalists who publish condential information would be removed. It was not our intention to penalize the media for doing their job of responsible reporting, said Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on science and technology. Only those whose actions were directly behind the release of private information will be held accountable. For example, a private individual was hospitalized and that persons medical records were made public without his consent. In this case, the hospital or the records custodian will be sanctioned, not the journalist who wrote about it, Angara said. Earlier at a breakfast forum at the Senate, Angara accused the Manila Standard of coming out with a misleading report on the breach of condentiality. But the PPI was rm against the punishment proposed by the bill. Imprisonment and monetary nes as penalties are more than enough to render a chilling effect on the reporter, writer, president, publisher, manager and editor-inchief---and the news organization in general, and thwart or prevent the very institution whose mandate is to provide the public with truthful information based on factual details in a news report, the group said. Thus, we iterate that the restrictive provision be deleted or stuck out from the said act, Sebellino said. Apparently not contented with the growing body count of murdered journalists and media workers, those who would seek to silence the independent Philippine press have also been advancing their insidious aim by crafting laws that, if enacted, will erect a wall of silence and onerous penalties around the profession of truth-telling, the NUJP said. The group said Congress was on the verge of passing a data privacy bill that would jail report-

ers and news executives and slap hefty nes on them for breach of condentiality. The Angara bill provides a penalty of imprisonment ranging from two years and four months to ve years and a ne not less than P500,000, but not more than P2 million in case of a breach of condentiality where such breach has resulted in the information being published or reported by media. In this case, the responsible reporter, writer, president, publisher, manager and editor-in-chief shall be liable under this Act, the bill reads. This provision is clearly intended to prevent journalists from performing their duties of delivering timely, relevant and accurate information to the public in the service of the peoples right to know, the NUJP said. While we agree that the privacy of citizens should be protected, we are concerned that, especially in the wake of the historic impeachment trial of Renato Corona, those who live in mortal fear of transparency might twist this measure into providing more cover for the fortunes they have amassed through crime and corruption, the NUJP said. Angara said the main objective of the proposed measure was to promote condence in the countrys booming information technology and business process outsourcing industry and its growing e-governance initiatives by mandating public and private institutions to safeguard the integrity, security and condentiality of personal information collected throughout their operations. The Data Privacy Act provides for the creation of a National Privacy Commission tasked to implement the provisions of the bill and to ensure that regulations in the country adhere to international data privacy standards such as that of the European Union and the APEC. The House also came under re for proposing to increase the penalties for libel, slander and intriguing against honor through a bill led by Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco. Given how our laws have often been cavalierly interpreted and implemented, we are concerned that this measure might be used to clamp down on freedom of expression and information on the Internet through the imposition of penalties for cyber-libel, the NUJP said. What is most telling about this is that this has been taking place even as Congress continues to twiddle its thumbs on the Freedom of Information and the libel decriminalization bills and without the sector that would be most affected by these measures--the press---and, by extension, the public it serves being informed, the NUJP said.

Cooking gas prices cut again

THE distributors of cooking gas rolled back prices by as much as P5.50 a kilogram and P3.45 per liter of auto LPG effective Friday as a result of the continuing decline in contract prices abroad. Petron Corp. said it decided on a price rollback of P5.50 per kilogram of liqueed petroleum gas and P3.35 per liter of auto gas. Isla Petroleum, which bought Shells LPG business in the Philippines, and Total Philippines also cut LPG prices by P5 a kilogram, but did not cut auto LPG prices. The LPG Marketers Association had earlier cut prices by P2 per liter, and was expected to reduce prices by some more. With the latest price cuts, the price of cooking gas should now range from P640 to P660 per 11-kilogram tank. Alena Mae S. Flores

Counterfeit bags. Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon (left)

and Deputy Commissioner Danilo Lim show some of the smuggled counterfeit bags worth P700 million that Customs men had seized and then shredded. The bags had the brand names Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci and Givenchy. SONNY ESPIRITU

Aquino...
designation of an acting chief justice. But Valte said the designation of the most senior associate justice as acting chief justice had always been the practice. That has always happened, she said. Even when a sitting chief justice is out of the country, the most senior associate justice is designated as acting chief justice. We do not see that it is out of the norm. The eightmember Judicial and Bar Council will be convened on Monday to kick off the selection of the nominees aspiring to replace Corona, who was removed Tuesday from his post by the Senate impeachment court after nding him guilty of violating the Constitution by misstating his assets. The Supreme Courts acting spokeswoman, Maria Victoria Gleoresty Guerra, said Carpio, who will also sit as acting exofcio chairman of the JBC, the body mandated to vet the nominees to judicial posts, had called for the meeting. Guerra said the council was expected to announce the vacancy for the top post and open the nomination process in a newspaper advertisement after the meeting. The JBC will screen the nominees and then come up with an ofcial shortlist where the President will handpick the next chief justice, Guerra said. The Constitution says the President must announce a replacement for the high courts top position within 90 days. But while senior justices were automatically considered for the

top post, there was no impediment to the appointment of a Court outsider, Guerra said. The Constitution requires the chief justice to be at least 40 years old, a judge in a court of record for at least 15 years or engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines for the same period, and a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence. After nalizing the list of nominees and applicants, the council will solicit public manifestations of support or opposition to the aspirants. The nominees will then face the council in public interviews. Finally, the council will deliberate and come up with a shortlist of at least three names to be submitted to President Aquino. Once appointed, the chief justice will hold ofce until he or she reaches the age of 70, is incapacitated or is impeached. Carpio aside, the other members of the Judicial and Bar Council are Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Senate justice committee chairman and Senator Francis Escudero, House justice committee chairman and Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., Milagros Fernan-Cayosa from the Integrated Bar of the Philippine, Jose Mejia from the academe, retired Supreme Court Justice Regino Hermosisima, and retired Court of Appeals Justice Aurora Lagman. On Thursday, Senator Francis Pangilinan said the council meetings, deliberations and voting should be open to the public. Transparency will make the process more accountable and will make the JBC members more careful, Pangilinan said. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

PNoy...
who was removed by the impeachment court on Tuesday. Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said the president did not give a specic date for disclosing his bank deposits in the spirit of transparency in the government service. Corona, the rst public ofcial in Philippine history to be removed by impeachment, signed a waiver that allowed the banks to disclose his deposits and called on President Aquino and his accusers in the legislature to do the same. Several congressmen responded to the challenge, but Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said all public ofcials, from the highest to the lowest, must sign waivers so the banks could open their peso and dollar deposits to the public. Valte said Coronas challenge should be clarified because the President felt he should not be lumped in the same category as Corona. Lets go back to the context of this, she said. The accused [Corona] issued a call to every Tom, Dick and Harry ... Is it fair to put the President, who has not been accused of graft, who has not been accused of dishonesty, to put him in the same category as the man who was just removed from his post as the highest magistrate of the land? What kind of waiver are we talking about? Waiver for the general public who will be empowered to go to the bank with your account numbers and to ask the manager how much are your deposits? Or is it a waiver in favor of authorities? Senator Francis Escudero, one of the 20 senators who voted to convict Corona, called on his colleagues to pass a bill requiring public ofcials to sign waivers to allow the Ombudsman to look into their bank accounts. Joyce Pangco Paares

Military...
military ofcial who spoke on condition of anonymity. Thats why were closely monitoring their activities. We have two ships there but they might not detect all their activities especially at night. There were seven Chinese maritime surveillance vessels and eight shing vessels near the shoal as of Wednesday morning. The seven vessels are merchant

ships, the FLEC and CMS that we earlier reported, plus the shing vessels, another military ofcial said. China has 15 vessels at the shoal now. Ofcials said China had sent up to 90 vessels to the shoal in the past weeks. The Philippines has only two vessels near the shoal---one from the Coast Guard and one from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The standoff between the Philippines and China started on April

10, when Chinese vessels stopped the Philippine warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar from arresting Chinese shermen who were suspected of illegally harvesting giant clams and endangered marine resources in the area. Since then, China has sent more vessels to boost its claim to the shoal, which Philippine ofcials say is well within the countrys 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. China, however, claims the shoal, which is more than 800 nau-

tical miles from its nearest shore, as its own. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is expected to give more details about his meeting with Chinas Defense Minister Liang Guanglie in Cambodia. Liang on Thursday urged the Philippines to be discreet in both words and deeds over the issue and make tangible steps toward regional peace and stability. A Navy ofcial on Thursday said China was using the Scarborough Shoal as a test case for

its bigger claims along the entire stretch of the South China Sea. If ever they will be successful at Panatag [Scarborough], then they have all the reasons to claim Recto [Reed] Bank, which is their main target, the ofcial said. The reefs underground has a lot of oil. The reef is part of the disputed Spratly Islands. The Philippines and China aside, other claimants to the Spratlys are Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia.

Corona...
He said the bulk of the money went to food, supplies and equipment rental, and that they would be itemizing the expenses. We will release it to the media soon, said Noel, chairman of the House committee on accounts. Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano, a member of the opposition, demanded an auditing of the impeachment fund. We need to follow the mandate of the law, he said. Defense lawyer Tranquil Salvador III said Coronas decision not to appeal came as a surprise to him when he visited him Thursday morning. He said he [was] already on the high ground when he waived [the condentiality of] his bank accounts and disclosed what he had to disclose, Salvador said. He felt that he had closed this book on the chapter on his life, but it didnt mean that he would no longer pursue his [legal] profession. Corona is expected to be discharged this weekend. His 30-member staff will have 30 days to look for a new job. Hopefully within the 30-day extension, they can nd new jobs, Acting Supreme Court spokeswoman Maria Victoria Gleoresty Guerra said. With Maricel V. Cruz

UNA...
with other political parties as this would be unfair to the other candidates of UNA, Tiangco said in a statement. Ever since UNA announced its slate for next years mid-term polls, the party has been besieged by offers of a coalition or adoption of common candidates. Senator Francis Escudero, an independent, and Senate Minority Leader Allan Peter Cayetano are both expected to be adopted as guest candidates of the administrations Liberal Party. Both are UNA members. Tiangco says the UNA believes it will be able to put up a winning slate for the Senate and would rather make go of it alone. I stand for principled politics. I challenge candidates to choose the political party [that they want to join], he said. The idea of common candidates is for plain and simple political convenience, which does not happen accidentally but is negotiated. Let them take up my challenge for principled politics. Tiangco says the UNA will

eld its full slate for the Senate and will not accept political accommodations or horse trading with other political parties. During the rst meeting of the UNA, it was clearly stated that there will only be two main political parties in the UNA: the PMP [Partido ng Masang Pilipino] and the PDP-Laban [Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban]. So this should extend to all senatorial candidates, Tiangco said. He says any aspirant to the Senate should run under one political party and stick to his or her political party. One function of a political party is that candidates belonging to the same party would endorse party mates in their own bailiwicks, Tiangco said. Now if youre a common candidate of two political parties, whose candidates would you endorse? There is a conict of interest right there. In the talks with candidates who want to run under the UNA Senate slate, it should be made a precondition that they will run only under UNA and will decline invitations as common candidates. More importantly, let these candidates choose now.

Economy...
said Santitarn Sathirathai, a Singapore-based economist at Credit Suisse Group AG, who doesnt expect any more rate cuts this year. The monetary policy side has done what it can to stimulate growth. Its up to the scal side to do the heavy lifting. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose to 5,091.22 at the close after falling as much as 1.3 percent earlier. The yield on the benchmark 7-year peso bond rose seven basis points to 5.269 percent, snapping three days of declines, according to the midday fixing prices at Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. The rate climbed by the most since April 16. Economic growth may exceed the governments 2012 target of 5 percent to 6 percent, Acting Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a brieng. The government wasnt revising the full-year forecast yet, he said. Growth in 2011 was revised to 3.9 percent. There was considerable room for faster acceleration in government spending, Balisacan said.

State spending increased 24 percent from a year earlier last quarter, according to Romulo Virola, head of the National Statistical Coordination Board. The risks to growth included uncertainties in oil prices and in the euro area, Balisacan said. Moodys Investor Service raised the Philippines sovereign rating outlook to positive this week, citing improving debt levels even as the government plans to boost spending to a record this year. The Philippines is rated two levels below investment grade. Mr. Aquino notched a win on the political front this week as well, with the Senate voting to convict the countrys top judge for illegally concealing his wealth. The President had sought the ouster of Chief Justice Renato Corona, agging it as a crucial step in ridding the country of corruption. Asian policy makers are on guard after an inconclusive Greek election sent the regions stocks and currencies tumbling this month. Europes debt crisis has curbed Asian exports, compounding risks stemming from an uneven recovery in the US and a growth slowdown in China, where

ofcials have pledged to bolster expansion. Philippine exports unexpectedly fell in March. Overseas sales account for about 30 percent of the $200-billion economy. Still, ination accelerated from a 30-month low in April, with consumer prices rising 3 percent from a year earlier. The central bank targets ination to average 3 percent to 5 percent this year and next. With growth accelerating, theres inationary pressures and the central bank would probably keep rates steady for the rest of the year, Trinh Nguyen, a Hong Kong-based economist at HSBC Holdings Plc, said before the report. Aquino has made a lot of progress on the scal side and the ght against corruption. He needs to accelerate infrastructure spending and investment in areas that would improve longterm productivity. President Aquino is seeking funds to build more than P700 billion of roads, airports, and schools to lift incomes in a nation where the World Bank estimates about one out of four people live on less than $1.25 a day. With Bloomberg and AP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

[email protected]

ManilaStandardToday

News

FRIDAY

JUNE 1, 2012

A3

2 witnesses back out of election fraud case

By Ferdie Fabella

IN BRIEF
Abu Sayyaf stages more attacks amid losses
A PHILIPPINE military report says alQaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants managed to launch more attacks last year than in 2010 despite many battle setbacks. The report, which assesses the rst year of the governments new counterinsurgency program, attributes the increase in attacks by the notoriously violent Abu Sayyaf group to ineffective law enforcement and the failure of Filipino authorities to fully isolate the terrorists from their armed and civilian backers. The report said Thursday that the militants staged 19 percent more attacks last year than in 2010. The Abu Sayyaf, which has fewer than 400 ghters, is notorious for bombings, kidnappings and beheadings and is blacklisted by Washington as a terrorist group. AP

THE trial of former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo on charges of electoral sabotage suffered a major setback on Thursday after the Commission on Elections failed to present two of its witnesses in court.
Comelecs lead prosecutor Maria Juana Valeza said one of the witnesses, Russam Mabang, a former elections ofcer in Maguindanao, could not be located a few hours before his scheduled testimony before Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay Regional trial Court Branch 112. Another witness, former Maguindanao administrator Norie Unas, backed out from appearing in court because of alleged death threats, Valeza said. Comelec lawyers had planned to present Mabang and Unas to counter Arroyos petition for bail. I was with him (Mabang) last night but this morning, he could not be located by the security personnel, Valeza told the court. She said Mabang was no longer in the safe house when security ofcers came over to fetch him. It appears our witnesses are be-

ing pressured to back out of the case, the Comelec prosecutor said. Valeza said that it was only last Wednesday that Comelec was informed that Mabang and Unas were no longer under the Witness Protection Program of the Department of Justice. Mabang earlier testied that he encoded tampered election documents submitted to former Maguindanao elections supervisor Lintang Bedol. Unas, on the other hand, was to testify that he overheard Arroyo ordering former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. to alter the results of the 2007 elections to ensure the win of administration senatorial candidates. Bedol and Ampatuan are co-accused of Arroyo in the electoral sabotage case. Former Comelec Chairman Benja-

min Abalos is also being tried in the same court for another case of e electoral fraud . After the prosecution failed to present its witnesses, the presiding judge ordered the Comelec counsels to rest its case and submit a formal offer evidence in three days. Court spokesperson Felda Domingo said Mupas would now decide whether or not to grant A r r o y o s bail petition. The court would have to decide based on the evidence submitted by the prosecution. But it seemed there was lack of evidence to deny the accused petition for bail, Domingo pointed out. He called on Mupas to resolve the pending petition for bail and show the same resolve the court has when it issued the warrants for the arrests of the respondents last year.

Philippines featured on National Geographic

THE National Geographic will feature the Philippines on Islands Insider, a Filipino-produced six-part documentary that seeks to reveal cultural and historical insights on some of the countrys destinations, such as the Batad Rice Terraces in Mountain Province, Coron in Palawan, Taal and Anilao in Batangas, Siquijor, and Mt. Pulag in Benguet. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said that the National Geographic project is a title betting the documentarys theme as the featured localsthe Ifugaos, Ibaloys, and Shamans in Siquijorare given a chance to speak for themselves and their culture. The rst episode of the six-part series, which will feature the Batad Rice Terraces, is targeted to premiere in the third week of June on National Geographic Channel. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Massacre witness chopped to pieces, says prosecutor

A THIRD witness in the 2009 election-related massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao has been killed and his body chopped to pieces, a prosecutor said Thursday, casting a shadow over efforts to deliver justice in the countrys worst recent bloodletting. The victim, Esmail Amil Enog, testied in court last year that he drove dozens of gunmen to the site of the massacre in southern Maguindanao province from the residence of one of the suspects. Enog was killed in March but authorities learned about it only recently, prosecutor Nena Santos said. He had refused protection from the Justice Department, she said. Members of the politically powerful Ampatuan clan are suspected in the massacre of their opponents in the impoverished, lawless region. Among the dead were at least 31 media workers who traveled in a convoy that was ambushed en route to register the candidacy for governor of one of the Ampatuans rivals. It was the single worst killing of journalists in the world. Enog was a member of a government-armed militia force that was working for the Ampatuans, who were mayors and governors in the region. He testied in July 2011 that he drove 36 other militiamen from the residence of Kanor Ampatuan, a cousin of clan patriarch and chief suspect Andal Ampatuan Sr., to a remote village in Ampatuan township where the 57 victims were brought and shot at close range. The gunmen tried to hide the massacre by burying the bodies and some of their vehicles in a common grave. Santos said Enog had refused the governments witness protection program because he did not want to be separated from his family. Life is difcult under the witness protection program, she said. She said that police reported his body was found dismembered and no suspect had been arrested. He was the third witness to be killed since the trial opened inside a maximum security prison in Manila in 2010. More than 20 witnesses have testied against 103 suspects who have pleaded not guilty to murder charges. Nearly 100 others are still at large. The trial has been moving at a slow pace, frustrating victims relatives. It is not clear how long the proceedings will last and whether they will result in convictions. No verdict has been announced yet. AP

Extra tax breaks eyed

ADDITIONAL tax exemptions and fringe benets be made available to wage earners if a House bill proposing such benets gets enacted. The bill seeks to increase the 13th month pay from a maximum of P30,000 to P100,000. Extra benets under the bill include productivity incentives, Christmas bonuses and tax breaks. This will come by way of amendments to the National Internal Revenue Code authored by party-list Rep. Catalina Cabrera Bagasina. Maricel Cruz

In her majestys service. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has bestowed on former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his distinguished service to public service and arts and sciences. Ocampo receives his appointment documents from British Ambassador Stephen Lillie.

Republic of the Philippines

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Public Works and Highways

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER Masbate 1st District Engineering Office Masbate City

Department of Public Works and Highways

Batangas 3rd District Engineering Office
Tanauan City Regional Office No. IV-A

INVITATION TO BID
The DPWH, Masbate 1st District Engineering Office, Masbate City, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors to apply for the following contracts, to wits: Contract ID Contract Name : 11FI0010 : Repair/Rehab./Improvement along MasbateMilagros Rd. (K0006+375.85-K0007+075.45) w/ exception. Contract Location : Masbate, Milagros Road Brief Description : Repair/Rehab./Improvement along MasbateMilagros Rd. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : P9,899,999.63 Contract Duration : 75 CD Contract ID Contract Name : 11FI0011 : Repair/Rehab./Improvement of Jct. Tawad-Balud Road. (K0053+200 K0053+300) w/ exception Contract Location : Balud, Masbate Brief Description : Repair/Rehab./Improvement of Jct. Tawad-Balud Road Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : P998,724.87 Contract Duration : 15 CD 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 bids. To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with the DPWH, (b) Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative or joint venture with PCAB License applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment/cash deposit certificate for at least 10% of ABC. The DPWH will use a non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check, preliminary of bids, evaluation of bids, post-qualification, and award. Unregistered contractors, however, may submit their LOIs simultaneously with their applications for registration, to the DPWH 1st District Engineering Office, Masbate City before the deadline set below for the receipt of LOIs. The DPWH Central BAC-TWG will only process contractors applications for registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractors Registration Certificate (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website www. dpwh.gov.ph. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below: 1. Receipt of LOIs from Prospective Bidders Deadline: June 1-11, 2012 2. Issuance of Bidding Documents Deadline: June 1, 2012 @ 9:00 A.M. 3. Pre-Bid Conference 4. Receipt of Bids 5. Opening of Bids Deadline: June 8, 2012 @ 10:00 A.M. Deadline: June 15, 2012 @ 10:00 A.M. June 15, 2012 @ 10:00 A.M.

INVITATION TO BID
The Department of Public Works and Highways - Batangas 3rd District Engineering Office, Tanauan City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors to bid for the following contract(s): 1. Contract ID Contract Name : 12DC0070 : Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Upgrading of Damaged Paved National Roads (MFO2), (Intermittent Section) Palico-BalayanBatangas Road, K0135+718-K0136+123.00 with exceptions : Sta. Teresita, Batangas : Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Upgrading of Damaged Paved National Road; L = 0.305 km : Php6,310,002.24 : 45 cd

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Public Works and Highways NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

2nd St., Port Area, Manila

Contract Location Scope of Work Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) Contract Duration

DPWH ROAD REPAIR ADVISORY

The public is informed on the following road repairs to be undertaken on June 04(4 AM) 2012. Expect traffic build-up/congestion. Please take alternate routes.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance with the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184. To bid for the contract, a contractor must submit two (2) copies of Letter of Intent (LOI) and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of the contract, (c) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of ten (10) years, and (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment for at least equal to 10% of the ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:
Procurement Activities 1. Receipt of LOIs from Prospective Bidders 2. Issuance of Bidding Documents to Registered Contractors 3. Pre-Bid Conference 4. Receipt of Bids 5. Opening of Bids Dates/Deadlines June 1-14, 2012 June 1-21, 2012 June 11, 2012 @ 10:00AM Deadline: June 21, 2012 until 2:00PM June 21, 2012 after 2:00PM

NAME of ROADS/LIMITS 1. A.M. Lacson St., Sampaloc, Manila Espaa Blvd. to Piy Margal Legarda St., Samplaoc, Manila ; Estero Alix to J . Figueras St. M.M. del Pilar St., Malabon City Between San Vicente Village and E. Rodriguez

DPWH OFFICE TEL. NOS. NMED 714-0608 DE Rogelio S. Crespo (0915) 215-8102 MNDEO 352-5253 DE Casiano P. De Guzman (0919) 366-5375 SMMSED 526-4725 DE Magrara B. Dimalawang (0918) 943-0957 QCSED 928-6385 DE Ramon P. Devanadera (0927) 474-5987

2. 3.

4.

Zapote - Alabang Flyover, Las Pinas City (westbound) Zapote-Alabang Flyover Bonny Serrano Avenue, Quezon City Corner EDSA, between 4th and 3rd Avenue Bonny Serrano Avenue, Quezon City Corner1st Avenue, right lane from

Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to the DPWH-Procurement Office for Civil Works (DPWH-POCW) Central Office before the deadline set for receipt of LOIs. The DPWH-POCW Central Office will only process contractors applications, with complete requirements, for registration and to be issued the Contractors Certificate of Registration (CRC). Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the Bidding Documents (BDS) in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman, DPWH-Batangas 3rd District Engineering Office. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, including the eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post-qualification. Prospective bidders may download the Registration Form from the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. The BAC will issue hard copies of Bid Documents at DPWH-Batangas 3rd District Engineering Office, Tanauan City upon payment of non-refundable fees per D.O. 52 Series of 2011:
Contract Reference Number 12DC0070 Cost of Bid Documents (Php) 10,000.00

5.

6.

For any concern, complaint, suggestion, recommendation, observation, please call 165-02; or (02)536-3477 or text DPWH (space) message then send to 2920. Thank you. NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION Department of |Public Works and Highways 2nd St., Port Area, Manila Tel. Nos. (02)304-3713; 304-3620; 304-3700

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at the BAC Secretariat Office, DPWH, Masbate 1st District Engineering Office, Masbate City, upon payment of a non-refundable fee of P10,000.00 for projects I.D. No. 12F10010 and P 1,000 for Project I.D. No. 12F10011 for Bid Document. Prospective bidders may also download the BDs from DPWH Website if available. Prospective bidders who will download the BDs from DPWH Website shall pay the said fees on or before submission of their bids. Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain a Technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy of the CRC. The Envelope shall contain the acceptable form, as stated in 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the evaluation and post qualification. The DPWH, Masbate 1st District Engineering Office, Masbate City reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award without incurring any liability to the affected bidders. (Sgd.) ISAGANI A. ANDRADE Chief, S.M.Q.C. Section BAC-Chairman
(MST-June 1, 2012)

Interested contractors are also required to present the originals of their PCAB License and Contractors Registration Certificate to the BAC for authentication. The DPWH-Batangas 3rd District Engineering Office reserves the right to accept of reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before the Contract Award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders. (Sgd.) FERNANDO A. LANDICHO Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee Tel. No. (043)7785134, Fax No. (043)7780738 Noted: (Sgd.) EUGENE M. BATALAO District Engineer
(MST-June 1, 2012)

(Sgd.)REYNALDO G. TAGUDANDO Regional Director

(MST-June 1, 2012)

A4 FRIDAY

JUNE 1, 2012

ManilaStandardToday Adelle Chua, Editor

Opinion
operational maturity, investment climate, nancial facilities and subnational adjustment factors. But another study, the World Competitiveness Yearbook by the Switzerland-based business school IMD, showed the Philippines slipping two notches in managing economic and human resources for prosperity. Among the 59 countries evaluated on how they manage economic and human resources for prosperity, the Philippines ranked 43rd in competitiveness from 41st last year. This puts us behind Singapore (4th), Malaysia (14th), Thailand (30th), and Indonesia (42nd). Hong Kong, the United States and Switzerland were the most competitive of the economies studied. According to IMD, the Philippines must improve its current business environment, mitigate disaster risks, strengthen publicprivate partnerships, and fast track the development of physical, institutional and

[email protected]

EDITORIAL
AMID the rumblings in the government this week with regard to the handing down of the verdict on impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, several pieces of good news emanated from the domestic and international economic fronts. The National Statistical Coordination Board, for instance, reported a 6.4-percent increase in the gross domestic product in the rst quarter of this year from the same period in 2011, beating forecasts and expectations. The government had anticipated only a 4.9-percent expansion. These numbers made the Philippines the best performer in Southeast Asia and the second-best in Asia, next only to China. According to economic managers, the increase was due to improved performances in the industry and services sector on the supply side, and in consumption, government spending and net exports on the demand side. Benign ination fueled the spending. The Philippines also received an

Poised for takeoff

upgrade in credit outlookfrom stable to positivefrom ratings agency Moodys Investors Service. An upgrade in credit ratings is likely to follow. Moodys has recognized the countrys active debt management as well as the Bangko Sentrals good record of ination management. It added that the country had reduced its vulnerability to external shocks by continuing to build up its foreign exchange reserves from current account surpluses and capital inows. The Asian Development Bank, in the meantime, has cited the Philippines appetite for public-private partnership programs, noting that the country is in the process of updating regulations and restructuring existing frameworks in selecting and overseeing PPP projects. The 2011 study, called Infrascope and conducted by the ADBs Economist Intelligence Unit, evaluates countries PPPreadiness in terms of legal and regulatory framework, institutional framework, social infrastructure. Indeed, the Philippine situation is still far from ideal. Some economists are doubting the sustainability of the betterthan-expected growth gures, for instance, citing the uncertainty in the Eurozone and the possibility of a slowdown in China. The Philippines ability to improve revenue collection and reduce debt also remains to be seen, according to Moodys. The Aquino administration, now about to enter its third year, must remember that it is not supposed to be on campaign mode anymore even as the midterm elections are scheduled for next year. It must capitalize on these initial gains and not squander them on personality wars, petty politicking and feel-good sloganeering. Maybe, then, all the indicators will point to one direction, and benet most Filipinoseven those in the remote areas who, for instance, do not even know what the recently-concluded circus in the Senate was all about.

The worst is yet to come

FIRST THINGS FIRST
MILAN MILANMost Filipinos I have met here nd it hard to believe that the Philippine Senate has just convicted the sitting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for what to them is not even an impeachable crime. Many of them think Corona is not even half as guilty as his accusers, prosecutors and those who have convicted him. I could not help but share that feeling. But it is now an undeniable fact. And we must now prepare for its consequences. I offered prayers at mass at Milans Duomo cathedral as soon as I heard the news, and texted Corona a personal message. His quick reply was that he had accepted the Senate verdict as Gods will. That was praiseworthy and heartening. I did not have the heart to tell him there is a big distinction between the good that God wills and the evil that He allows among men. Many will continue to pray for Corona and his family, but there is no need to worry about him. He obviously knows what else is coming. But we have every reason to worry about our country, unless President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is determined to prove our fears unfounded or wrong. The Senate verdict has a life-changing effect upon the nation. With Coronas conviction and removal, PNoy is now virtually in control of the three branches of government. He may not have what it takes to exercise such control, but there will be no shortage of people who will want to do it for him. This was clear enough in the Senate trial, where representatives of supposedly independent constitutional bodies and agencies, such as the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit and the AntiMoney Laundering Council, slavishly anticipated his bidding. With the conscript media and the usual external powers behind him, PNoy could rule as he likes without listening to anyone or anything that does not agree with him. Senator Joker Arroyo was only half-right when he said, This is not justice, political or legal. This is certainly not law. For sure, it is only naked power, as it was in 1972I have not thought that I would see it again so brazenly performed. In 1972, Ferdinand Marcos, a duly elected president, proclaimed martial law in the Philippines, in response to an actual communist rebellion that threatened to take over the government. That was the objective condition. He may have had his own political calculations, but that was the undeniable objective condition. It was at the height of the Cold War: Vietnam was in ames, and Southeast Asia was

FRANCISCO S. TATAD

The Senate verdict has a life-changing effect upon the nation.

spooked with the theory of falling dominoes----should Vietnam fall to the communists, the rest of Southeast Asia would follow, and that kind of thinking. But in 1972, there was nothing to show that such theory would be proved wrong. Nothing to show that 17 years later (1989) the Berlin wall would come down, or that 19 years later (1991) the Soviet empire would collapse, leaving the last handful of communists in Utrecht to continue their communist rebellion in the Philippines. Communism lost the Cold War. Cuba remains under US economic embargo, but China, despite its communist party, has shifted to free-market economics and become the worlds fastest rising economic power. Everywhere else, the communists lost, except in the Philippines where the armed struggle continues, while the political representatives sit in Congress and in the Executive Department and now stand a chance of running a coalition government, without the benet of honest democratic elections. C o r o n a s impeachment and conviction accomplished the destruction of the tripartite system. With the surrender of the entire Congress, and the Supreme Court being chilled and spooked by Coronas removal and by Justice Mariano del Castillos pending impeachment, PNoy has morphed into a strongman. Many had hoped the Senate would have the courage and the wisdom to turn back the rush toward authoritarianism. This was not to be. It decided to prove all the praises it had received at the beginning of the impeachment trial to have been misplaced and premature. Except for a lonely trio (Joker Arroyo, Miriam Defensor Santiago and Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.), the senators in the end proved to be no bigger than their own vulnerabilities and their own petty ambitions. From their exalted positions, they could only see the smallest picture of the past, the present and the future, never the bigger picture. Some will praise the Senate for having been able to start and nish an impeachment trial. Given the aborted Estrada trial of 2000-2001, this may appear to be an achievement. But not really. The Senate has shown it could convict an illegally impeached ofcial by proclaiming itself above the Supreme Court, acting on a constitutionally unveried complaint, and using illegally procured evidence to prove a crime that is either not included in the Articles of Impeachment or not impeachable at all. No. This was the destruction of due process, the rule of law and the constitutional order. But perhaps we have not seen the worst. The worst is yet to come. [email protected]

Pagcor boosts the bamboo industry

COUNTER-POINT
THE bamboo industry is not something that you would not usually associate with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, an agency identied more with casinos and entertainment, its main corporate activity, and sports development which, by law, it is mandated to support. Under the watch of chairman and chief executive ofcer Cristino Naguiat Jr., however, Pagcor seems to be diversifying its assistance program, expanding it from the traditional help for sports, culture and the arts, and medical missions, to other elds as well. One novel and trailblazing program that Pagcor is supporting is the Hundred Islands Engineered Kawayan Project (HI e-Kawayan). This could boost the Philippine bamboo industry, which has so much potential. Pagcor has turned over P31 million in assistance to the HI e-Kawayan pet project of Mayor Nani Braganza of Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The money will be used to put up a bamboo furniture factory that will re-engineer bamboos into lumber, that will then be used to manufacture school chairs to be sold at reasonable prices to public schools nationwide through the Department of Education. Naguiat says Pagcor is supporting the project because it is different from a simple dole out. The HI e-Kawayan project will provide the people of Pangasinan an opportunity to have their own livelihood. Naguiat adds that the project is in consonance with Pagcors core mission to be a responsible and responsive partner of the Philippine government in its nation-building programs, pointing
ALVIN CAPINO

out that the project will help improve the lives of people and make them productive citizens of their communities. Braganza says once the manufacturing facility of HI e-Kawayan is in place, more than 10,000 individuals will directly and indirectly benet from the project, either as regular factory workers or as employees in support activities including work in bamboo plantations. The project is expected to be operational in the next few months and the P31 million nancial aid from Pagcor would be used to build the factory building (P7 million), procure modern equipment (P8 million), hire workers (P6.25 million), put up a bamboo nursery (P0.25 million), preserve the plantation area (P3.25 million), and put up a tissue culture laboratory (6 million). Marinela Solar, Technical Control Ofcer of the HI e-Kawayan project, says they have tapped experts from various state colleges and universities in the country to help train the workers they will hire for the project. Through these learning institutions, we will train machine operators, plantation workers and other skilled worker, she says. Solar adds that the project complements the Department of Environment and Natural Resources National Greening Program since under the project, some 322 hectares of land will be reforested with bamboo. In China, the world leader in the bamboo industry with 5.38 million hectares of bamboo plantation, bamboo is a major national resource and has various uses from food to furniture to textile. Bamboo has proven to be ideal for reforestation since it is fast growing. In fact it is the fastest growing woody plant and a Japanese bamboo specie can grow one meter a day. It uses water efciently. It prevents erosion since it can be regularly harvested by just cutting the poles and leaving the roots in place. The Pagcor-supported Alaminos HI e-Kawayan project is regarded as a pilot

project and it is expected to be replicated not only in the Ilocos region but in other parts of the country as well. Pagcors support for the bamboo industry could prove pivotal and promote the full development of the industry. It could help provide a solution to the countrys many problems including poverty, disasters, unemployment, and deforestation. The Philippines Bamboo Man, former Laguna Lake Development Authority Chairman Edgardo Manda who heads the Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. talks of the bamboo industrys potentials by citing how big the bamboo industry is in China. He says that in China, the bamboo industry provides more than 35 million jobs. In 2010 alone, total revenues from the industry was estimated at US$11 billionnearly P500 billion. Imagine what the impact would be if the Philippines can generate just 10 percent of the employment and income of the bamboo industry in China. The Hi e-Kawayan project funded by Pagcor in Alaminos City, Pangasinan gives us a glimpse of the employment and income potentials of bamboo as well as its environmental impact with the reforestation of 322 hectares needed to provide raw materials for the e-Kawayan factory. The success of this project should encourage Pagcor to support more projects for the bamboo industry like raising of bamboo shoots, the making of the popular organic bamboo vinegar which is the base for many beauty products, the manufacture of bamboo ooring, and virtually any product now made from wood.

Mr. Robles column will resume next week.

MEMBER

LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO RAMONCHITO L. TOMELDAN CHIN WONG/ RAY S. EANO RALEIGH J. JALECO JOEL P. PALACIOS ROMEL J. MENDEZ

ROGELIO C. SALAZAR President & CEO Publisher CLIMACO E. CALIWARA Controller Managing Editor ANITA F. GREFAL Treasury Manager EDITH D. ANGELES Advertising Manager Associate Editors EDGAR M. VALMORIDA Circulation Manager News Editor Manila City Editor can be accessed at: Art Director ONLINE www.manilastandardtoday.com

Standard MST TODAY

Published Monday to Saturday by Kamahalan Publishing Corporation at 3rd Floor Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas corner Perea Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 659-4830 (connecting all departments), 659-4826; 659-4827 (Editorial), 659-4803, 659-4802 (Advertising), 527-5016 (Sales and Distribution/Subscription) and 5272057 (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

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

[email protected]

ManilaStandardToday Adelle Chua, Editor

Opinion
LIKE IT IS
NEXT week is the last week Congress sits. After that, sessions do not re-open until July 23. Virtually nothing of any importance has come of out of Congress for the past several months because of the distraction of the impeachment trial, which is thankfully over with a surprisingly and welcome large majority recognizing that what the chief justice has been doing is wrong, very wrong. Only three senators, Joker Arroyo, Bongbong Marcos, Miriam SantiagoIm sure youll remember their namesthought he was innocent. These are people who have allowed their normal conscience to be overpowered by legalism. Theyve forgotten theyre servants of society, not defenders of legal technicalities which, important as they are in a court room, must be subservient to whats best for society as uncovered in a Senate court of inquiry. This is not a strict court of law, but it is a determiner of what is best for society. They have forgotten that the role of law is to serve society, to do whats best for society. Is the Philippines really going to send Ms. Santiago to an international court to represent this country? How can she accept the post anyway? Doesnt she have the obligation to serve the people who voted for her to represent them for six years? Im not sure which is worse: having her overseas representing the country, or having her here, misrepresenting the people (70 percent believed Corona guilty, but she thought she knew better she reminded us several times of her sterling performance and high positions shed held. It was unclear what the
PETTER WALLACE

FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012

A5

Serving its purpose

This omission was just too much to ignore. The defense also made a mistake calling Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to the witness stand. And, of course, there was Coronas walkout after a three-hour testimony. This clearly peeved some senators. The conuence of these events was what brought on the Enrile blocs decision that eventually sealed the fate of Corona. *** As a lawyer, I cannot see any reason to justify the move of some defense panel members to le a motion for certiorari before the Supreme Court to question the conviction of Corona, on the ground that the impeachment court committed abuse of discretion in excess of jurisdiction. For one thing, the decision is not a mere interlocutory decision. It is something provided for in the Constitution. Its nal and executory. More importantly, a constitutional crisis would ensue if the Supreme Court reverses the conviction of Corona. My gulay, the nation needs this crisis like a hole in the head! *** Now that the impeachment trial is over, perhaps our ofcials can shift their attention to the festering problems in our society, particularly at the local level. For instance, there is news that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is investigating the dumping of solid waste in some vacant lots in Dagupan City. The dumping has been renounced by the citys residents because of the danger it poses to public health. These dumps are said to be close to a school and to a residential community. In fact, people there say the dumps have been emitting foul odor and contaminating sh ponds and agricultural lands. Santa Banana, this is a clear violation of RA 9003 or the Ecological and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. This law mandates the creation of City and Municipal Solid Waste Management Board, headed by the mayor. In Dagupans case, that would be Mayor Benjie Lim, who is said to have been given a P15million budget by the city council to take care of Dagupans garbage problem. My gulay, whats Lim doing? Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez is said to be moving in search of solution to prevent a garbage crisis. She is also poised to examine how the funds are being spent. The probe has found that the garbage is being merely removed from the citys existing dumps and then transferred to vacant lots. Santa Banana, this is criminal! I was informed that the mayor and the vice mayor are on the opposite side of the political fence. But this should be no reason to make this issue political. The core of the issue is public health.

Back to business
relevance of that was). She wanted God to strike her dead. God doesnt seem to want her, shes still here. Her arrogance and sense of superiority is offensive to pretty much everybody. A little humility would go a long way. Were 20 senators wrong, or was she? The social reform that is so necessary, and that the President promised in his kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap line, has taken an important and essential step forward. The President can indeed now act even more forthrightly to clean up government. Theres no doubt theres a lot of nervous people out there now. There has to be a lot more caution in accepting a bribe. Mr. Aquino has an ombudsman who has more than proven herself and will now have even further support to go after graft in government. Congress may try to emasculate her powers using all kinds of justication. If they do, it will mean only one thingtheyre guilty too. Instead they should work on amending the FCD law to make foreign currency deposits more accessible to investigation where strong suspicions exist. It also shows how much Arroyos power has been emasculated, she couldnt inuence any but one or two senators. The Supreme Court justices appointed by her will not miss this. So we may see a more important change, a more independent Supreme Court. Mrs. Arroyo has lost the most important supporter she needs as her cases proceed through the courts. The chances of conviction for crimes shes being accused of are greatly heightened. She cannot be happy with the life shes now leading. So now, its back to business, and the business of the day needs to address some very critical issues: freedom of information, the 13-year old reproductive health bill, and the amendments to the sin tax law are but three. There are a dozen others but I want to focus briey on just the sin tax law. Theres a group, called the Northern Luzon Alliance, trying to block the bill for no sound reason. Protection of farmers producing a product that kills you is hardly one youd want to support. But these wouldbe accessories to murder do. As I mentioned in an earlier column, two of my best friends had early deaths due to smoking. Worldwide, its been found pricing cigarettes high works. Yes, addicts cant easily stop (but you can, I did. I smoked in earlier life, it was the fashion. But with will power I stopped). Where high prices can best work is deterring the youth. They have little money, so theyll think twice about starting something expensive. The lawmakers from the tobacco-growing regions might want to think about that. Save lives, congressmen. Rep. Ortega and your compatriots show some concern for the well-being of our people, vote for the amendments your constituents will be looked after. Lets follow the worlds goal: To stop a killer disease. Pass this bill as it now stands, be a hero to your people. As to the reproductive health bill, the Church has no right to dictate to the state (the Constitution says so). Some 70 percent of Filipinos want family planning assistance, government is obliged to provide it. If the bishops think it morally wrong, then tell your ock to ignore what theyve learnt. But dont deny them the knowledge, so they can make their own informed choice according to their conscience. As Im sure a compassionate God would want. As to freedom of information, the case of the chief justice has just proven why its necessary. We must know what our public SERVANTS are doing. This is the catalyst for its passage.

IF THERES anything good that came out of the trial and conviction of erstwhile Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, it is that all public officials from the President down to the lowliest public employeemust file their annual Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth truthfully. Indeed, public office is a public trust. I welcome the news that the Supreme Court has issued a resolution that all members of the Judiciary must now be transparent about their SALN. The Executive and Legislative branches of government must follow suit. If this is achieved, then we can all say the protracted trial that sapped our energy as a nation has served its purpose. *** Last week, before the Senate impeachment court handed down its verdict on Corona, there was a lot of betting in coffee shops, hotel lobbies and board rooms about how the 23 senator-judges would vote. Listed as committed to conviction were President Aquinos allies namely Senators Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan, TG Guingona, Serge Osmea, Ralph Recto, Antonio Trillanes, Ping Lacson, Edong Angara, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, and Lito Lapid. Some others seemed to lean towards conviction: Francis Escudero, Koko Pimentel and Loren Legarda. And last Sunday, when Senate President and Presiding Judge Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate President Protempore Jinggoy Estrada, Majority Floor Leader Tito Sotto, and Senators Gregorio Honasan, Bong Revilla and Manny Villar had a caucus, the decision to convict Corona was sealed. This is the story behind the 20-3 vote convicting Corona. The three who voted for acquittal were Senators Joker Arroyo, Miriam Santiago and Bongbong Marcos. The swing vote of Enrile et al sealed the fate of Corona. I earlier said that many factors would come into play in the decision of the senator-judges. Indeed, impeachment is quasi-political and quasi-judicial, but politics would have a strong bearing on the decisionmaking process of these politicians. I was right. I have realized one thing: the conviction was not due to the work of the prosecution. Indeed, the prosecutors committed so many blunders that they have been often scolded by the senator-judges. Rather, the conviction was brought about by the defense team and even Corona himself. Corona admitted that he had P80 million and $2.4 million which he did not list in his SALN.

If all branches of government can be transparent about their SALN, we would have at least gotten something out of the protracted trial.

EVERYMAN
By Val Abelgas

We need a divorce law

for at least two years and reconciliation is highly improbable; when any of the grounds for legal separation has caused the irreparable breakdown of the marriage; when one or both spouses are psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations; or when the spouses suffer from irreconcilable differences that have cause the irreparable breakdown of the marriage. The divorce bill was rst introduced in the 11th Congress, about the same time the RH bill was led, making them the most contentious, yet unresolved measures in the last 12 years. Indeed, the country has been kept in the dark primarily because of the stubborn stand of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines against it. The Church has remained blind to the realities of modern Philippine society. Extreme poverty, lack of education, nancial problems, prolonged separation in the case of couples where one or both are working abroad, and other social ills that were not prevalent until about a few decades ago, are putting many marriages in the Philippines under tremendous pressure. A big majority of our national leaders, including the lawmakers on whose hands fall the authority to pass such law, are men who want to enjoy the best of both worldskeeping their family intact while enjoying the benets of indelity. It is not a coincidence that those pushing for the divorce bill in Congress are women. It is also not a coincidence that all over the world, a big percentage of those ling for divorce are women. It is not difcult to understand that in most failed marriages, it is the women who suffer morevictims of domestic abuse and violence, and neglected or abandoned by philandering or alcoholic husbands. Many of these women suffer in silence in the Philippines. Many couples have irreparable differences that lead to almost daily verbal and physical abuse. And yet, they remain living together for lack of a law that would allow them to legally and properly part ways, and seek the peace and happiness that they couldnt nd in their present partner. Many couples have simply lost the love that brought them before the altar or before a marriage minister, and have found instead contempt and sadness. And yet, they are conned to their hopeless situation because of the lack of a divorce law. Opponents of divorce say there are legal remedies for these people stuck in failed marriages: legal separation, annulment and declaration of nullity. But these options are not enough. In the rst remedy, a decree rendered by a court allows spouses to live separately. But they remain married to each other. The woman may be charged with adultery or the man with concubinage if they cohabit with other partners. The problem with annulment of voidable marriage and declaration of nullity of marriage is that most of the grounds are difcult to prove and require a lot of money to prove before the court. Meanwhile, the average Maria has to continue to suffer psychologically and physically from her marriage to an abusive and irresponsible husband. The Roman Catholic Church claims unfounded fears that the legalization of divorce would result in the increase in the number of broken homes and marriages. But perhaps the millions of broken homes and marriages could reect on its inability to nurture the moral values of its ock. Mr. Abelgas is a former managing editor of Manila Standard.

WITH two young senators admitting that they have parted ways with their respective spouses, another young and separated senator, Pia Cayetano, said last week its about time discussions on the proposed divorce bill be resumed. Cayetano, who has been separated from her husband for eight years now and going through the rigorous process of annulment, said: I really think its high time for the divorce bill. It is traumatic to go through annulment because under our Philippine laws, you have to blame someone, you have to say youre incapacitated, youre saying that this marriage never existed, which is not true, she said. Ask anyone, Im sure at some point in time whether its one year or 10 years or 20 years, they loved each other, so why cant you call it what it is? We loved each other, something went wrong, its done. Why will you say it never existed? she asked. In July 2010, encouraged by the recent overwhelming approval in a referendum of the proposed divorce law in Malta, Gabriela party list Representatives Luz Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus revived House Bill 1799, entitled An Act Introducing Divorce in the Philippines. Malta, a small island nation below the Italian peninsula, is 95 percent Catholic while the Philippines is 81 percent Catholic. HB 1799 seeks to give couples in irreparable marriages a legal remedy in addition to laws on legal separation and annulment. Under Ilagans bill, divorce may be led if the petitioner has been separated de facto from his or her spouse for at least ve years and reconciliation is highly improbable; if the petitioner has been legally separated from his or her spouse

Pope breaks silence over leaked documents

By Nicole Wineld
VATICAN CITYPope Benedict XVI broke his silence Wednesday over the leaked documents scandal that has convulsed the Vatican, saying he was saddened by the betrayal but grateful to those aides who work faithfully and in silence to help him do his job. Benedict made his rst direct comments on the scandal in off-the-cuff remarks at the end of his weekly general audience. He lashed out at some of the media reports about the scandal, saying the exaggerated and gratuitous rumors had offered a false image of the Holy See. The Italian media have been in a frenzy ever since the popes butler, Paolo Gabriele, was arrested last week after Vatican investigators discovered papal documents in his Vatican City apartment. He remains in detention and has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. Rumors have been ying in the press about possible cardinals implicated in the probe, pending resignations and details of the investigation that even Gabrieles lawyers say they havent heard. The Vatican spokesman has spent much of his daily briengs in recent days shooting down the various reports. The scandal represents one of the greatest breaches of trust and security for the Holy See in recent memory given that a signicant number of documents from the popes own desk were leaked to an investigative journalist. The Vatican has denounced the leaks as criminal and immoral and has opened a three-pronged investigation to get to the bottom of who was responsible. The events of recent days about the Curia and my collaborators have brought sadness in my heart, Benedict said at the end of his audience. But he added: I want to renew my trust in and encouragement of my closest collaborators and all those who every day, with loyalty and a spirit of sacrice and in silence, help me fulll my ministry. Few people think Gabriele worked alone, and his promise to cooperate with the investigation has fueled speculation that other might be arrested soon. The motivations for the leaks remain unclear: Some commentators say they appear designed to discredit Benedicts No. 2, the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. Others say theyre aimed at undermining the Vaticans efforts to become more nancially transparent. Still others say they aim to show the 85-year-old Benedicts weakness in running the church. The scandal is playing out in a remarkable way, due in great part to the uniqueness of the institution in which its occurring and the players involved. Gabriele is an employee of the Holy See, a citizen and resident of the Vatican city state. He is being held by Vatican police who have accused him of stealing the popes personal papers in a terrible breach of trust. His lawyers are Italian legal professionals, but they are communicating to the media via the Vatican spokesmana conict of interest that the Rev. Federico Lombardi has acknowledged but tried to downplay by saying he was merely offering a service to release information to the media. Lombardi refers to Gabriele as Paolo and has repeatedly expressed sadness for what has happened. At the same time, though, the Vatican undersecretary of state, Archbishop Angelo Becciu, lashed out at what he called an unprecedented, brutal attack on the pope that the leaks represent. In an interview Tuesday with the Vatican newspaper LOsservatore Romano, Becciu said the stolen papers didnt just concern matters of internal church governance but represented the thoughts of people who in writing to the pope believed they were essentially speaking before God. Its not just that the popes papers were stolen, but that people who turned to him as the vicar of Christ have had their consciences violated, Becciu was quoted as saying. The scandal broke in January when Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi revealed letters from a former top Vatican administrator who begged the pope not to transfer him for having exposed alleged corruption that cost the Holy See millions of euros (dollars) in higher contract prices. The prelate, Monsignor Carlo Maria Vigano, is now the Vaticans US ambassador. The scandal widened over the following months with documents leaked to Italian journalists that laid bare power struggles inside the Vatican over its efforts to show greater nancial transparency and comply with international norms to ght money laundering. There was even a leak of a memo claiming that Benedict would die this year. The crisis reached a peak last weekend, when Nuzzi published an entire book based on a trove of new documentation, including personal correspondence to and from the pope and his private secretary, much of which paints Bertone in a negative light. The Vatican has warned of legal action for those who stole, received and disseminated the documents. Nuzzi, who in 2009 published a book on leaked documents from the Vatican bank, has justied the publication as an act of transparency and says theres not a word against the pope or the church in the book. AP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A6

FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012

ManilaStandardToday

News
choice but to streamline the number of casuals, researchers and consultants as well, both from the executive department including the mayors ofce and the legislative department covering the OVM and the council. De Guzman also said that just like what is being done by the employees from the mayors ofce, the OVM and the councilors were required to make their researchers and consultants appear at the treasurers ofce to present themselves and personally draw their respective salaries and then sign the payroll. However, she said, none of the said casuals, researchers and consultants have so far appeared to claim their salaries covering the period of from April 1 to May 15, 2012, leaving her with no choice but to return the money covering their salaries to the cash division. Why has not one consultant or researcher come forward to claim his or her salary? Your guess is as good as mine, De Guzman said.

[email protected]

Manila probes payroll issues

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

IN BRIEF
Makati to give tablets to citys high schoolers
MAKATI Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said on Thursday the city government will be providing tablet computers to public school students on a pilot basis this year. Aside from looking into replacing bulky textbooks with the high-tech gadgets, the mayor said the city government will soon start distributing free groceries to public school students too. The free groceries program is Makatis equivalent of the Conditional Cash Transfer program of the national government, but instead of giving cash in exchange for school attendance, the city government will provide free groceries. Binay said in a statement posted in the citys website he is targeting to provide the tablet computers to the enrollees in senior high school, or Grades 11 & 12. We are just preparing the mechanics and guidelines before we can ofcially give the tablet computers to our students. We also plan to provide our senior high school teachers with the same gadget to have a more interactive and encouraging classroom scenario, Binay said.

AFTER two Quezon City councilors were slapped with graft charges for allegedly maintaining ghost employes, the Manila City Hall revealed that they suspect a similar situation involving Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and most city councilors, city ofcials said Thursday.
According to city personnel ofcer, retired police colonel Redencion Caimbon, the consultants, researchers and casuals under Moreno and the city councilors failed to appear at the city treasurers ofce to personally get their salaries and they also have no les with the city personnel department. This was uncovered after representatives from the Commission on Audit asked Caimbon for the personal data sheets of the people under the employ of Moreno and the councilors. Caimbon reported to the COA that only nine councilors have so far provided the necessary documents pertinent to the employment of their consultants and researchers. These are Councilors Ramon Morales, Bimbo Quintos, Rod Lacsamana, Josie Siscar, Nino dela Cruz, Joey Uy, Eunice Castro, Bobby Lim and Lou Veloso. City treasurer Marissa de Guzman said Moreno and the city councilors employ a total of 790 casuals and 408 researchers and consultants.

On a monthly basis, De Guzman said the casuals, researchers and consultants have been receiving monthly cash advances amounting to P11.3 million. Of the amount, P7.5 million goes to the casual employees while the remaining P3.8 million goes to the researchers and consultants. Once the payroll is signed by the budget ofcer and the accounting department, De Guzman said it goes to the city treasurers ofce for certication that there are funds available. The OVM and the council then gets the cash advance from the paymaster from whom they get the cash, but the paymaster is usually instructed to return for the necessary signatures, she said. The signed payroll, she added, is then given to the treasurers ofce without presenting the recipients of the salaries. When the COA wrote the city government reminding it about an overpayment of P1.1 billion in salaries last February, the city government had no

Osmea Highway service road opened after oil cleanup

By Ferdinand Fabella
THE service road of Osmea Highway in Barangay Bangkal in Makati City, which had been closed since 2010 due to a massive oil leak, is now open to trafc, the First Philippine Industrial Corp. said on Thursday. FPIC president Anthony Mabasa said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has approved the reopening of the service road today, three days before the opening of classes on Monday. The service road runs parallel to the Magallanes Interchange and Osmea Highway (South Superhighway) in Barangay Bangkal, where thousands of vehicles pass through every day. The road was closed when FPIC started repair work on the pipeline leak that affected a portion of Bangkal and the 22-storey West Tower condominium. Mabasa said the reopening of the service road will signicantly ease trafc in the area, especially for commuters headed south of Metro Manila. The Lopez-owned FPIC yesterday conducted a massive cleanup of the Osmea Highway service road, along with remen from Makati City, ridding it of accumulated trash and debris. FPIC said the cleanup drive is also intended to strengthen the preparations of city government and public school ofcials for the incoming school year and to help stop the possible spread of water borne diseases, especially dengue, which is prevalent during the rainy season.

Actor joins campaign for disaster readiness

ACTOR Dingdong Dantes on Thursday joined governments campaign to educate the public, particularly the youth, on disaster preparedness. During the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and Undersecretary Leon Flores of the National Youth Commission at Camp Crame Elementary School, Dingdong vowed that his group Yes Pinoy Foundation will help propagate the governmentinitiated disaster preparedness drive, with focus on the 18 major river basins of the country and the cities and provinces that sit along the West Valley fault line. At least 50 students from Camp Crame Elementary School on Thursday underwent a short but comprehensive seminar on the importance and signicance of the youths awareness and participation during disasters, particularly during earthquakes, ashoods, typhoons, tsunami, among others. Jonathan Fernandez

ERRATUM
In the DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE ad published on May 26, 2012 we omitted FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM, thus the complete Invitation to Bid should have read as: INVITATION TO BID FOR THE UPGRADING/ REHABILITATION OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. Our apology.

PUBLIC NOTICE
The public is hereby notify that JEJAN CONSTRUCTION and JEJAN CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLY is only one and the same Owned by Glenn O, Casulla with Business address at Bgy. 56 Taysan, Legaspi City.
(MST-June 1, 2012)

Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) Oriental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro Marinduque Romblon Palawan
2nd Floor Home Mark Bldg., Camimil, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Tel. No. (043) 288-1485; (043) 288-1667

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Republic of the Philippines

Disaster relief. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim distributes relief to the Isla Puting Bato re

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (AEP)

Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have with this Regional Office Application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s:

victims during his fourth visit on Thursday. He was assisted by Vernette Lim of Metrobank, Manila department of social welfare chief Jay Dela Fuente (Lims left). The goods were provided by barangay chairpersons Thelma Lim and Ciano Ayroso and ofcials of the Manila Friendship Lions Club, led by its president Willy Chua and past president Anthony Gonzalo.
Republic of the Philippines

Name and Address of Company/Employer Palawan Aquaculture Corporation Brgy. Poblacion, Coron, Palawan

Name and Citizenship Position and Brief of Description of Foreign National functions 1. MR. CHENG MINLive Fish Consultant CHENG

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

Manila

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

Republic of the Philippines

Office of the Regional Director

Region II- Cagayan Valley Region Tuguegarao City

INVITATION TO BID (RE-ADVERTISEMENT)

CLUSTER NO. RB38, REHABILITATION/RESTORATION OF ROADS AND BRIDGES ALONG VARIOUS ROAD SECTIONS IN QUEZON I, III AND IV, QUEZON PROVINCE, REGION IV - A , UNDER THE POST ONDOY AND PEPENG SHORT TERM INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION PROJECT (POPSTIRP) 1. The Government of the Philippines (GOP) has received a loan (Loan No. PHP246) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, toward the cost of Post Ondoy and Pepeng Short Term Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, Roads and Bridges Component and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the contract for Cluster RB38, Rehabilitation/Restoration of Roads and Bridges along Various Road Sections in Quezon I, III and IV, Quezon Province, Region IV-A. The Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) is EhP56,810,359.42 2. The Department of Public Works and Highways now invites bids for the rehabilitation/improvement of the above project. Completion of the Works required is 180 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a single contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders. 3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. 4. Contractors/applicants who are interested in the DPWH civil works are required to register prior to the set schedule of submission of bid while those already registered shall keep their records current and updated. Contractors eligibility to bid on the project will be determined using the DPWH Contractor Profile Eligibility Process (CPEP) and subject to further postqualification. Information on registration can be obtained at DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph or CPO, 5th floor, DPWH Building, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Bureau of Maintenance and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00. a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 6. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders at Central Procurement Office, 5th Floor Department of Public Works and Highways Building, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area Manila upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Thirty Thousand Pesos (PhP30,000.00) 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 set deadline for the submission of bids. 7. The Department of Public Works & Highways will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 7, 2012, 9:00 A.M. at Central Procurement Office, 5th Floor Department of Public Works and Highways Building, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area Manila, which shall be open to all interested parties. 8. Bids must be delivered on or before June 19, 2012, 10:00 A.M. at Central Procurement Office, 5th Floor Department of Public Works and Highways Building, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area Manila. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the Bidding Documents, ITB Clause 18.1. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted. 9. For further information, please refer to: BETTY S. SUMAIT Director III OIC, Bureau of Maintenance 2nd Street, Port Area Manila Tel. No. (02) 3043618 Fax No. (02) 3043627 10. The Department of Public Works & Highways 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. (Sgd.) JAIME A. PACANAN, Ph.D., CESO I Undersecretary for Support Services Chairman, BAC for Civil Works
(MST-June 1, 2012) (MST-June 1, 2012)

If you have any information/objection to the abovementioned application/s please communicate with the Regional Director. (Sgd.) MA. ZENAIDA EUSEBIA A. ANGARA OIC Regional Director

May 31, 2012

NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) thru the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the DPWH Regional Office No.02 hereby invites the following Contractors to bid for the project named hereunder thru Negotiated Procurement pursuant to Section 53.1 of the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9184, viz: NAME OF INVITED CONTRACTORS: 1. ADVANCED FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS CORP. 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City 2. PULSAR CONSTRUCTION Quezon, Isabela 3. M.G. JACINTO CONSTRUCTION Tuguegarao City, Cagayan C O M P L E T I O N O F G O V. EDGAR R. LARA BRIDGE AND APPROACHES ALONG C A G AYA N A PAYA O R O A D , R I Z A L , CAGAYAN, KO356+018.747 TO KO536+586.91 W/ EXCEPTIONS Contract ID: 12BO0013 Contract location: RIZAL, CAGAYAN Brief Description: Construction of Bridge and Approaches Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): P 8,199,705.57 Contract Duration: 150 CD Contract Name: Bidding will be conducted thru the Negotiated Procurement as provided for in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations R.A. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. All particulars relative to Bidders Bond, Performance Bond, Pre-Bid Conference, Bid Evaluation, and Award of Contract shall be governed by the provisions of the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9184. Issuance of Bid Documents June 1-18, 2012 Invited contractors shall submit their Bid Proposals to the Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) DPWH Regional Office No.02 not later than 10:00 oclock on June 18, 2010. The DPWH reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process and reject all bids at any time prior to the award of the contract without incurring any liability to the affected bidder(s). (Sgd.) EDILBERTO B. BATTUNG Chief Materials Quality Control And Hyd rology Divi si on (BAC-Chairman)

(MST-June 1, 2012)

INVITATION TO BID
The Municipal Government of Lidlidda, llocos Sur, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites suppliers/manufacturers/distributors/Contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project: Name of Project Location Brief Description ABC Source of Fund Contract Duration Delivery Period : : : : : : : Construction of Farmers Training Center & MPS (Phase V) Municipal Compound - Lidlidda, llocos Sur Improvement of Constructed Building Pph 6,000,000,00 R. A. 7171 Mun, Share 150 C.D. Upon receipt of Notice to Proceed

Prospective bidders should have experience in undertaking a similar project within the lest two years with an amount of at least so% of the proposed project far bidding. The eligibility Check/Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria, Post-qualification of the lowest calculated bid shall be conducted. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid security, Performance Security, Pre Bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Activities Date Schedule 1. Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid/Request for May 25 - May 31, 2012 Expression of Intent 2. Issuance and availability of bidding document May 28 - June 15, 2012 3. Pre-Bid Conference June 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Engineering Office 4. Submission and receipt of bids/opening of Bids June 15, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Engineering Office 5. Bid Evaluation June 18, 2012 6, Post-qualification June 19, 2012 7. Notice of Award June 20 & 21, 2012 8. Contract Preparation and Signing June 22 - 25, 2012 9. Approval of contract by higher authority June 26, 2012 10. Issuance of Notice to Proceed June 27, 2012 Bid Documents will be available only to prospective bidders upon payment of Non-refundable amount of .75% of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC). The Municipal Government of Lidlidda, liocos Sur assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses Incurred in the preparation of the bid. Prepared by: (Sgd.) RHODA W. BALING-OAY BAC Secretariat APPROVED: (Sgd.) ENGR. EDGAR R. TIONGSON BAC Chairman

(MST-June 1, 2012)

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS NORTH MANILA ENGINEERING DISTRICT Office of the District Engineer
Nagtahan, Manila Tel Nos.: 714-06-04 * 715-15-10
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

NOTICE OF VACANT POSITION

NORTH MANILA ENGINEERING DISTRICT: (One) Computer Maintenance Technologist II, SG-15, Item No. CTMT2-30015-2012, Qualification: Education: Bachelors Degree relevant to the job: 1 year of relevant experience, training: 4 hours of relevant training: Eligibility: Career Service (Professional) Second Level Eligibility, (One) Engineering Assistant (Special Agent I); SG-08, Item No. ENGAS2-30007-2012, Qualification: Education: Completion of 2 years studies in college, Experience: 1 year of relevant experience, Training: 4 hours of relevant training: Eligibility: Career Service (Sub-Professional)
(MST-June 1, 2012)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

[email protected]

ManilaStandardToday Riera U. Mallari, Editor

Sports

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012

A7

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER

Cebu 6th District Engineering Office A.C. Cortes Avenue, Mandaue City, Cebu Tel. No. 5-2020-44

Department of Public Works and Highways

Republic of the Philippines

Negros bet rips own mark

By Peter Atencio

INVITATION TO BID
The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Cebu 6th District Engineering Office, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors to bid for the aforementioned projects: Item No. 1 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f. 12HN0007 Repair/Rehabilitation of Pulpogan to Danglag Road, Consolacion Contract Location : Consolacion, Cebu Scope of Work : Removal of existing dilapidated concrete pavement, roadway excavation, PCCP with subgrade preparation, aggregate sub-base and base course. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php3, 362, 594.10 Contract Duration : 90 Calendar Days : :

FELYN Dolloso, a budding athlete from Escalante, Negros Occidental, stole the thunder yesterday when she broke her own national junior record in girls triple jump in the 2012 Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission National Games at the Perdices Sports Complex in Dumaguete City.
Dollosos feat came on a day Frederick Ong, one of the most bemedalled athletes in the recent Southeast Asian Games, came up with sizzling performances with nine-time SEA Games judo champion John Baylon and Olympian archer Jennifer Chan on the seventh day of the competitions. The 19-year-old Dolloso, coached by Olympic-bound jumper Marestella Torres, made her presence felt last Wednesday when she skipped and hopped to a 12.55-meter performance. She shattered the 12.53-m mark she herself posted in the 2010 Palarong Pambansa in Tarlac City. Meanwhile, Ong rolled 225 pinfalls in the mens singles nals to beat national teammate Carlo Mansilungan (201) for the mens singles nals gold in the bowling competitions at the Sta. Lucia East lanes in Cainta, Rizal. He tallied 2087 after 10 games during the elimination round to earn an automatic nals slot, while Mansilungan, who was third, fought off Raoul Miranda, 232-184, in the stepladder seminals. In Dumaguete, the 47-year-old Baylon, who won gold medals in the SEA Games from 1991 to 2009, threw down La Salles CJ San Pedro in less than 10 seconds to clinch the title at the Negros

Item No. 2 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f.

12HN0008 Repair/ Rehabilitation of Flood Control @ Brgy. Poblacion Oriental, Consolacion Contract Location : Consolacion, Cebu Scope of Work : Structural Excavation and Grouted riprap (class A) Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php1,445,240.30 Contract Duration : 60 Calendar Days : :

Item No. 3 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f.

12HN0009 Completion of Drainage Facilities at Cansaga, Consolacion Contract Location : Consolacion, Cebu Scope of Work : Excavation, Construction of Open line canal w/ fixed and movable cover and Manhole Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php960,337.29 Contract Duration : 60 Calendar Days : :

Item No. 4 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name

Baguios Benito Amado hurls Western Visayas Libert Castillanes down during the 52-kg sanda wushu competitions of the 2012 PNG. LINO SANTOS

c. d.

Oriental State University. The 47-year-old Chan, who took part in the Sydney Olympics, picked up the gold in the womens compound open qualication round with 696

points at the City High School. On the other hand, national bowling team members Rachelle de Leon toppled Janine Kuwahara, 182-174, in the battle for the gold in the womens action.

e. f.

12HN0010 Cluster II A.)Repair/ Rehabilitation of Road at Brgy. Cabangahan, Consolacion B.) Repair/ Rehabilitation of Multi- Purpose Building at Brgy. Poblacion Occidental, Consolacion Contract Location : Consolacion, Cebu Scope of Work : A. Removal of existing dilapidated asphalt pavement, PCCP w/ sub-grade preparation and Aggregate Base Course. B. Concrete Works: Column, & Roof Beam (completion) and Fab/Inst. of Roof framing, Roofing, Ridge roll, Flashing and Fascia frame w/ board. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php955,203.46 Contract Duration : 60 Calendar Days : : 12HN0011 Cluster III A.) Repair/ Rehabilitation of Road at Brgy. Road, Ibabao, Cordova B.) Construction of Water Supply System at Brgy. Gilutongan, Cordova Contract Location : Cordova, Cebu Scope of Work : A. PCCP including Aggregate Base Course and Pavement marking B. Const. of concrete water tank including inst. of Gutter, Downspout, Water pipes w/ accessories and Tile works. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php1,934,712.63 Contract Duration : 45 Calendar Days : :

Item No. 5 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d.

Ace drivers square off in Yokohama GT 3rd leg

THE countrys ace drivers troop to Batangas to continue their pursuit of the titles at stake as the 2012 Yokohama Philippine GT Championship Series stages its third leg on Sunday at the Batangas Racing Circuit. Three multi-titled racing icons defending champion Vincent Floirendo, Jody Coseteng and Jojo Silverio and promising rookie driver and four-time karting champion Stefano Marcelo gear up for another grueling and unpredictable battle for the top plum. The event is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by ofcial tires Yokohama, ofcial oil Torco Racing Oil and Racing Beat@Wave 89.1. Highlighting the day is the kickoff of the 2012 Philippine Formula Cup, featuring Formula 3 cars with Filipino Jeremy San Diego and seven Japanese drivers as the initial conrmed participants vying for the title. Coseteng drew the rst blood when he ruled the GT Main Race in the kickoff leg. He now looks forward to another win in Batangas. Floirendo, the 2011 Golden Wheel Driver of the Year, bounced back in the Clark race last month, surviving the tough ordeal against the three top contenders for a sweep of the GT300 titles in both the Sprint and Final races. Silverio unveiled an impressive comeback in local circuit racing as he nearly ruled the nal race in Clark last month, if not for a 10-second penalty for a jumpstart violation.

e. f.

Item No. 6 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f.

12HN0012 Repair/ Rehabilitation of Brgy. Road, Jagobiao, Mandaue City Contract Location : Mandaue City Scope of Work : Asphalt Overlay Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php1,946,474.60 Contract Duration : 10 Calendar Days : : 12HN0013 Repair/ Rehabilitation of Brgy. Road, Tipolo, Mandaue City Contract Location : Mandaue City Scope of Work : PCCP w/ Subgrade Preparation Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php1,929,998.97 Contract Duration : 45 Calendar Days : :

Item No. 7 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f.

Stronger Nietes
DENNIS PRINCIPE

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

REGION VII, CEBU CITY

Republic of the Philippines

Item No. 8 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f.

SPORTS CHAT

EVENTHOUGH his last ght had an unconvincing result, world champion Donnie Nietes said he will still pick up from where he left off in his upcoming title defense. Speaking before mediamen Thursday, Nietes said his controversial 12-round decision win over Mexican Ramon Garcia October of last year in Bacolod will serve as his motivation to do better in his next ght. Nietes initially dominated the then defending champion Garcia until the Bacolod-native boxer faded in the last few rounds. It was a result of me feeling the pressure the night before the ght. I had sleepless night thinking about how not to disappoint the crowd, said Nietes. This time, Im ready physically and mentally. Be it 12 rounds or less, I will end up victorious. Nietes escaped with a razorthin decision victory over Garcia to snatch the World Boxing Organization lightyweight crown but the win led to some doubts about his ability to maintain his pace in a tough 12-round title ght. Nietes vowed he will try his best to score a convincing win against Mexican challenger Felipe Salguero as the Filipino champion makes the rst defense of his crown this Saturday at the Resorts World in Pasay City. *** American promoter Bob Arum has shut down any talks about the ght schedule of Manny Pacquiao beyond the Timothy Bradley bout. According to Arum, their team has suspended talks with any camp wanting to ght the Filipino ghter as they now want to focus on Bradley. Arum said assuming they get past Bradley, they will have a lot of time to plan their future even as Pacquiao and his family will reportedly take a vacation in Israel. Arum, however, said it is almost a cinch that Pacquiao will next see action in November. Pacquiao will square off with Bradley for 12-rounds as the Filipino icon defends his WBO welterweight belt on June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao is expected to bring most of the action in the middle of the ring. This was the assessment of boxing observers, who were given access to Pacquiaos latest training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. According to publicist Fred

Sternburg, chief trainer Freddie Roach constantly reminded Pacquiao to stay in the center of the ring during their latest punch mitts session. Roach later on said American opponent Timothy Bradley usually nds it hard ghting away from the ropes. In the later rounds, Roach was seen leading with his head in attacking the defense of Pacquiao, a habit which the American trainer believes will be part of Bradleys ght plan in trying to frustrate the Filipino warrior. *** Among the four teams that saw action thus far, coach Rain or Shine Yeng Guiao believes he has the import that ts his team to a T. Guiao said American reinforcement Jamelle Cornley provides them the inside threat, a position that gave them problems in their previous campaigns. In his Philippine Basketball Association debut, Cornley scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in their 107-100 win over the Alaska Aces in the opener of the PBA Governors Cup last Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. He plays the inside well. Hes got a decent outside shot. Hes not a fantastic scorer or somebody whos going to dominate the game, said Guiao. The important thing is he provides an inside threat because our big men usually shoots from the outside, too. *** Four-division world champion and current superbantamweight ruler Nonito Donaire, Jr. is set to appear in July in a unication battle. Donaire conrmed he has already reached an agreement with International Boxing Federation 122-lb champion Jefffrey Mathebula of South Africa to a 12-round unication championship. According to Donaire, he will stake his WBO crown and will make this ght his rst step in unifying all major belts of his division. A third champion, Mexican Abner Mares holds the World Boxing Council belt. Donaire opted to ght Mathebula over other well-known Mexican ghters in his division because of the opportunity of realizing his dream of becoming the rst Filipino undisputed champion. The 29-year-old Donaire will be making the rst defense of his superbantamweight crown and has compiled a record of 28 wins, one defeat with 18 knockouts. Mathebula, with a record of 26 wins three losses, one draw and 14 stoppages will also make the rst defense of his IBF strap he won last March versus countryman Takalani Ndlovu.

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID

The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 7 (DPWH Regional Office 7), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to apply for eligibility and if found eligible, to bid for the contract to wit: Contract I.D.: 12H00057 Contract Name: Concreting of Dumaguete North Road Contract Location: Negros Oriental Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 7,175,341.56 Contract Duration: 180 Calendar Days Bid Documents: Php 10,000.00 Contract I.D.: 12H00058 Contract Name: Concreting of Dumaguete North Road Contract Location: Negros Oriental Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 5,559,195.72 Contract Duration: 180 Calendar Days Bid Documents: Php 10,000.00 Contract I.D.: 12H00059 Contract Name: Asphalt Overlay of Sogod-Tabuelan Road Contract Location: Cebu Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 2,722,607.19 Contract Duration: 30 Calendar Days Bid Documents: Php 5,000.00 Bidd Contract I.D.: 12H00060 Contract Name: Asphalt Overlay of Dumaguete South Road Contract Location: Negros Oriental Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 1,813,455.97 Contract Duration: 30 Calendar Days Bid Documents: Php 5,000.00 Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance with R.A. 9184 known as Government Procurement Reform Act, and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. To be eligible to bid for this contract, a Contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) together with their Class A Documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a). prior registration with the DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership/corporation, cooperative, or joint venture with PCAB License applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of a similar project/contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment from a reputable universal and commercial banks for at least 10% of ABC. (e) Letter of Authority for the representative /Liason Officer (As reflected in the CRC) to submit LOI and Bids, Have key personnel and equipment owned and or leased listed in the Eligibility Forms available for the prosecution of the project. Letter of Intent (LOIs) sent thru mail or fax will not be accepted. The DPWH BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check, preliminary examination of bids, evaluation of bids and post qualification. Unregistered contractors, however, may submit their applications for registration, to DPWH-POCW, Central Office before the deadline for the receipt of LOIs. The DPWH-POCW Central Office will process only, the contractors applications for registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractors Certificate of Registration (CRC) before processing their LOIs. The DPWH Central BAC-TWG will process only those with complete registration requirements. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid security, Performance Security, Pre Bidding conference(s) , Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR). The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown be below. Contract IDs 12H00057, 12H00058, 12H00059 &12H00060 Issuance of Bidding Documents From: June 5, 2012-June 26, 2012 Pre Bid Conference June 14, 2012-10:00 A.M. Deadline of LOIs from Prospective bidders Deadline: June 19, 2012 until 3:00 P.M. Receipt of Bids June 26,2012 10:00 A.M.-10:30 A.M. Opening of Bids June 26,2012-10:30 A.M. Prospective bidders may download the Registration and LOI Forms from the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. Prospective bidders shall submit their accomplished LOIs and obtain the results of the eligibility check at the same address. Prospective bidders may also download the Bidding Documents (BDs), if available, from the DPWH web site. Bidders that will download the BDS from the DPWH Website shall pay the said fees as stated aboved on or before the submission of their bid 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. The BAC will also issue hard copies of the (BDs) at the same address upon payment of a non-refundable fee as stated above. Interested Bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding Documents at the same address.. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend and late bids shall not be accepted. The DPWH Regional Office 7 reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders and no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids. Approved by:
(MST-June 1, 2012)

12HN0014 Repair/ Rehabilitation of Brgy. Road, Brgy. Casili, Mandaue City Contract Location : Mandaue City Scope of Work : PCCP w/ Sub-grade Preparation Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php960,288.50 Contract Duration : 60 Calendar Days : : : 12HN0015 : Asphalt Overlay of Brgy. Mantuyong, Mandaue City : Mandaue City : Asphalt Overlay the Contract (ABC) : Php960,649.97 : 60 Calendar Days

Item No. 9 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. Contract Location d. Scope of Work e. Approved Budget for f. Contract Duration Item No. 10 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f.

12HN0016 Completion of Drainage Facilities at Brgy. Tabok, Mandaue City Contract Location : Mandaue City Scope of Work : Construction of Open line canal w/ fixed and movable cover incl. Manhole Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php968,372.95 Contract Duration : 60 Calendar Days : : : :

Item No. 11 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f.

12HN0017 Repair/Rehabilitation of Sacris Road, Brgy. Bakilid, Mandaue City Contract Location : Mandaue City Scope of Work : Asphalt Overlaying w/ Aggregate Base Course Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php960,031.41 Contract Duration : 6 Calendar Days

Item No. 12 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name

c. d.

e. f.

12HN0018 Cluster IV A.) Construction of Multi-purpose Building (Barangay Hall), Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City (Phase I) B.) Construction of Multi-purpose Building at Paknaan, Mandaue City (Phase II) Contract Location : Mandaue City A. Concrete Works w/ Excavation and Backfilling Scope of Work : B. Concrete Works, Masonry Work and Steel Works including Fab./Installation of doors & windows, Ceiling works incl. Eaves Electrical Works and Fixtures and Painting Works. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php820,162.94 Contract Duration : 45 Calendar Days : :

Item No. 13 a. Contract ID b. Contract Name c. d. e. f.

12HN0019 Road Concreting of Sitio Tuburan, Brgy. Sabang, Lapu Lapu City Contract Location : Lapu Lapu City Scope of Work : PCCP w/ Subgrade Preparation, Aggregate Sub-base and Base course including Rip raping work. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php12,061,731.85 Contract Duration : 120 Calendar Days : :

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 submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment for at least 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 DPWHPOCW Central Office before the deadline for the receipt of LOI. The DPWH-POCW Central Office will only process contractors applications for registration, with complete requirements, and issue the Contractors Registration Certificate (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below: 1. Issuance of Bidding Documents 2. Pre-bid Conference 3. Receipt of LOIs from Prospective Bidders 4. Receipt of Bids 5. Opening of Bids : : : : : May 25, 2012 June 13, 2012 June 1, 2012 at 1:00pm June 7, 2012 at 5:00pm June 13, 2012 at 8:00am 10:00am June 13, 2012 at 1:00pm

Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accompanied forms as specified in the BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include the eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the evaluation and the post qualification. LOI Form and Bidding Document Fees are shown below: ABC of Project Php1,000,000.00 and below Php1,000,000.01-Php5,000,000.00 Php5,000,000.01-Php20,000,000.00 Php20,000,000.01-Php50,000,000.00 Php50,000,000.01-Php100,000,000.00 LOI Form Fee None None None None None Bidding Document Fee Php1,000.00 Php5,000.00 Php10,000.00 Php20,000.00 Php30,000.00

The Department of Public Works and Highways Cebu 6th District Engineering Office reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award, without incurring any liability the affected bidders. Approved by: (Sgd.) MYRNA A. DELA SERNA BAC Chairman NOTED:
(MST-May 25 & June 1, 2012)

(Sgd.) Atty. AYAON S. MANGGIS

(Sgd.) SANTIAGO T. SUICO, JR. OIC, District Engineer

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NBA RESULT

115 111
A8
FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012

Sports
Riera U. Mallari, Editor

Manila Standard TODAY [email protected] [email protected]

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

LOTTO RESULTS

Fil-Am rider earns berth in Olympics

FIL-AMERICAN cyclist Daniel Caluag qualied for the 30th Olympic Games, becoming the eighth athlete to carry the Philippine colors in the worlds biggest sports gathering scheduled on July 27 to Aug. 12 in London.
The 25-year-old Caluag, son of a Filipino couple from Bulacan, who migrated to the US many years ago, gured prominently in three tough qualifying tournaments to get the needed high-ranking points and emerge as the only Asian to make it to the BMX event. I knew from the start that Caluag would get it. He really trained and worked hard to earn the slot, said Philcycling president and Tagaytay City mayor Bambol Tolentino yesterday. The PH team is supported by ITCSI, Bank of Philippine Islands, Mizuno and Samsonite. The other Filipino bidder, whom Tolentino supported along with Smart was not as lucky. Alexis Vergara didnt do well in the UCI BMX world championship in Birmingham, England recently after good showings in the Asian championship in Hong Kong in March and the Supercross World Cup in Chula Vista, California last month, thus missing the Olympic starting eld of 60. According to Tolentino, a huge eld of 175 riders from all over the world saw action in the Birmingham World Cup, a testament to the toughness of the qualifying series in this sport which made its debut in the Beijing Olympics. Philippine team Chief of Mission Manny Lopez conrmed the qualication of Caluag, a four-time BMX top pro in the US, after receiving an e-mail from the London Organizing Committee for Olympic Games. We are proud to have Mr. Caluag in our team. We know hell be a big asset to our small group. And becoming the only Asian to qualify is indeed gratifying,said Lopez. The seven others who have qualified are swimmers Jessie Khing Lacuna and Jasmine Alkhaldi, boxer Mark Anthony Barriga, judoka Tomohiko Hoshina, skeet shooter Brian Rosario, long jumper Marestella Torrres and steeplechaser Rene Herrera. Lopez is hoping one or two more athletes from archery and weighlifting will qualify to make his target of 10 Filipino Olympians, still ve short of the total which carried the national colors in Beijing.

Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett (right) tries to stop Miami Heats LeBron James from scoring inside in Game 2 of their teams NBA Eastern Conference nals. The Heat won in overtime, 115-111, for a 2-0 lead in the bestof-seven series. AP

Pacquiao impresses journalists in media day

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
FIGHTER of the Decade Manny Pacquiao didnt disappoint his journalist fans during his jam-packed media day workout at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. Pacquiao is looking good and looking sharp. Hes very conscious about the need to rest and relax his body more, said strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, who has been with Pacquiao since his explosive ninth-round demolition of World Boxing Council lightweight champion David Diaz. Ariza was also Pacquiaos conditioning guru when he mauled Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. Pacquiao is doing the smart thing and the right thing, said Ariza of the Filipino ring icon, who is slowly winding down his training for the defense of his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against undefeated Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on June 9. Bradley claimed in an interview with Jannelle So of Kababayan LA 18 that hes condent of beating Pacquiao. Its my time. When I step into the ring, Ill own it. Manny will bounce the way I want him to, said Bradley, who indicated he will feel Pacquiao out in the rst couple of rounds instead of rushing in and then start picking him apart. Reacting to Bradleys boasts, Ariza said: Anybody that thinks that Manny is easy is either stupid or dumb. Ariza pointed out that Pacquiao is one of the greatest ghters of this era and has speed and power and can be explosive. Pacquiao ripped into the punch-mitts with trainer Freddie Roach and by all accounts, demonstrated dazzling speed and terric combinations.

Heat take 2-0 lead

MIAMI (AP) Rajon Rondo posted a stat line never before seen in NBA playoff history. He was on the court for every second of a game that nished more than three hours after it started. He scored more points in a single overtime than anyone this season. His night was called incredible, amazing and unbelievable and that was by the Miami Heat. And when it was over, Rondo could only express disappointment that the Boston Celtics needed more. LeBron James scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Dwyane Wade scored eight of his 23 points in overtime and the Heat took a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference nals with a 115-111 win over the Celtics on Wednesday night, overcoming what will surely go down as the best game of Rondos career to move within six wins of an NBA title. We lost, Rondo said, shrugging off talk of the historical ramications of his night. Simple as that.

Tigresses, Lady Eagles seal title duel

Game Sunday 2 p.m. SSC vs Perpetual (duel for third) Awards rites 4 p.m. UST vs Ateneo FOILED the last time out, University of Santo Tomas got the job done this time, nishing off San Sebastian College with a 2512, 25-13, 25-23 victory yesterday in their sudden death for the second nals berth in the ninth Shakeys V-League Presented by Smart at The Arena in San Juan. Bracing for another ve-set thriller that has marked their last two games, including a come-from-behind 22-25, 2927, 14-25, 25-23; 15-12 victory by the Lady Stags Tuesday that set up the rubber match, the Tigresses imposed their will early and swept the rst two sets in emphatic fashion, then steeled themselves up in the third set to complete the sweep in one-hour and 12 minutes. The victory lined up UST against defending champion Ateneo in what promises to be a classic title showdown between two of the leading teams in the league sponsored by Shakeys Pizza. The Lady Eagles swept the Perpetual Help Altas in their own side of the Final Four best-of-three series to remain on track of their title-retention bid in the league backed by Mikasa and Accel. Thai Utaiwan Kaensing poured in 17 hits while Judy Caballejo added 14 markers for the Tigresses, who also held powerhitter Jeng Bualee to 18 hits after the explosive SSC import posted a record 40-point burst last Tuesday. Maika Ortiz tossed in nine points while former MVP Mary Jean Balse, Maruja Banaticla and Rhea Dimaculangan combined for 14 points for the Tigresses, who will be gunning for their seventh championship and rst after coming off a two-year hiatus.

Nietes vows to put on a show vs foe

WORLD Boxing Organization light yweight champion Donnie Nietes (29-1-3, 16 KOs) realizes that he needs to entertain ght fans when they ock to the Resort World Hotel on Saturday to watch his rst title defense against tough-talking Mexican challenger Felipe Salguero (16-21, 11 KOs). He plans to do just that in the ght card to be telecast by ABS-CBN on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. over Channel 2. Peeved over comments by the Salguero camp, who claimed they were not convinced that he won the title against Raul Garcia Hirales last October, Nietes told a preght press conference he has the skill, the speed and power to give fans a good ght. Nietes said he knows that boxing fans want the same kind of excitement that Manny Pacquiao provides and that he will be ready to go 12 rounds. But if there is a slight opening, the knockout will come, said Nietes. Salguero is ranked No. 7 by both the WBO and the International Boxing Federation and is coming off a knockout victory over world-rated Carlos Melo last Jan. 28. Ronnie Nathanielsz

Junior tennis backed. Smart Sports, Chris Sports and HEAD Tennis equipment continue their all-out support to grassroots tennis development by backing the countrys longest-running and only junior tennis satellite circuit, the14th SMART-HEAD Junior Tennis 2012. Smart Communications executive Noel Lorenzana (third from right) and HEAD operation executive Liza Tang-Yuquico (third from left) signed the memorandum of agreement recently at the Smart Tower in Makati City. With them are (from left) Angelo Gonzales, Marketing Manager of Chris Sports Arleen Lindo, Smart Sports Marketing head Epok Quimpo and Cenon Gonzales.

By Jeric Lopez

3 teams break tie

Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum): 5:15 p.m. Alaska vs. Powerade 7:30 p.m. B-Meg vs. Barako Bull

North pads lead to 4 as rains halt play

TEAM North pulled off another 2.5-1.5 win over Team South in the morning fourball to stretch its lead to four before heavy rains stopped play midway in the afternoon foursomes in the second day of the Duel North vs South golf showdown at Alabang Country Club yesterday. Unfancied Benjie Magada and Randy Garalde surprised the veteran pair of Elmer Salvador and Marvin Dumandan in the best-ball format, fashioning out a 3&2 victory, while Miguel Tabuena and Carl Santos-Ocampo regained their winning ways and toppled Mhark Fernando and Runo Bayron, 2-up. Gerald Rosales and Joenard Rates battled Cassius Casas and Tony Lascuna to an all-square game to seal Team Norths victory as Souths Jay Bayron and Ferdie Aunzo, however, stopped the Angelo Que-Mars Pucay tandem, 1-up, and took a full point. Counting their 5 -3 win in the rst day, the Northerners went further ahead, 8-4, heading to the suspended alternate shot format of the event sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. I cant complain. Were doing ne. As long as the guys play as one unit, well be okay, said Team North skipper Cookie LaO. However, Team South was leading in four matches when play was suspended. The matches will be resumed early today before the deciding 12 singles matches, according to Colo Ventosa, general manager of the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Dumandan and new partner Jhonnel Ababa was up by one hole against the Michael Bibat-Jun Bernis tandem, Casas and Mhark Fernando were also ahead, 2-up, against the Magada-Garalde pair, Lascuna and Elmer Saban built a 4-up lead over Rates and Gene Bondoc, while Aunzo and Jay Bayron were 3-up over the Que-Tabuena tandem. A sweep by the Southerners will force an 8-all count and set the stage for a thrilling nale in the 12 singles matches where experts believe Team South has the edge. But Team North has proven it can measure up with its more fancied rivals with a ne display of repower in the rst three of four clashes in the threeday event sponsored by Nike Golf, Custom Clubmakers, FootJoy, Callaway, Titleist, Srixon, Mizuno and Sharp.

THREE teams in the middle of the heap attempt to move up to the upper half as they seek their second victory today in the resumption of the 2012 Philippine Basketball Association Governors Cup. Trying to break out of the ve-team logjam in the middle of the standings, Alaska, B-MEG and Barako Bull, all with 1-1 slates, plunge back to action as they all hope to strengthen their bid in making the top six to qualify for the next round. The rejuvenated Aces will try to follow-up their recent success when they lock horns with winless Powerade (0-2) in the curtain-raiser at 5:15 p.m. at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business
Manila Standard TODAY
Ray S. Eano, Editor [email protected] Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor [email protected] lending unchanged at 4 percent and 6 percent, respectively. The reserve requirement ratio remains at 19 percent. The National Statistics Ofce said the economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, expanded at 6.4 percent in the rst three months of the year from a year ago, signicantly higher than market consensus of 4.3 percent. The strong GDP outturn for the rst quarter makes the ofcial target of 5 to 6 percent GDP growth [for the year] more manageable. We are, of course, hopeful that this trend would continue as the national government accelerates spending and private consumption remains robust, said Tetangco. He said monetary authorities continue to monitor risks in the external environment, especially the weakness in the euro zone, tentative growth in the United States, and the slowdown in China. We will take all of these into consideration and rene our forecasts for our next policy meeting, said Tetangco. With growth accelerating, theres inationary pressures and the central bank would probably keep rates steady for the rest of the year, Trinh Nguyen, a Hong Kong-based economist at HSBC Holdings Plc, said before the report. Aquino has made a lot of progress on the scal side and the ght against corruption. He needs to accelerate infrastructure spending and investment in areas that would improve long-term productivity. Elaine Ramos Alanguilan

FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012

B1

Rates to stay on strong GDP

THE Bangko Sentral said it will likely keep
At the moment, our policy settings remain appropriate especially as our forecasts continue to show full-year average ination to be closer to the lower end of the target range, Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a statement. Ination in April accelerated to 3 percent from 2.6 percent in March on higher commodity prices, but monetary authorities had said they expected it to fall within the target of 3 to 5 percent for the year. We are ready to make adjustments as needed to ensure a non-inationary growth environment, said Tetangco. The Monetary Board last month kept the rates for overnight borrowing and

interest rates at current levels amid the strongerthan-expected economic growth in the rst quarter of the year and manageable ination.

IN BRIEF
LandBank nets P3.1b
STATE lender Land Bank of the Philippines posted a net income of P3.1 billion in the rst quarter, up 13 percent from P2.8 billion yearon-year, led by revenue growth from loans and investments. LandBank president and chief executive Gilda Pico said the rst-quarter net income was also 32 percent higher than the banks internal target for the period. The consistent upward trend in our protability is principally the result of increased revenues in loans and investments. The income results also reect the banks institutional focus, aggressive marketing of credit facilities to the priority sectors and the improvements in delivery channels and process efciencies, Pico said in a statement. Net loan portfolio grew to P245.5 billion from P241.4 billion in 2011 while investments rose 9 percent to P228.1 billion from P209.8 billion a year ago. Capital increased 21 percent to P70.1 billion in the rst quarter from P58 billion on year. Deposits slightly decreased to P468.6 billion from P480.9 billion last year. Elaine Ramos Alanguilan

Toyota calls for clear auto policies

By Julito G. Rada
TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. urged the government to establish clear directions for the local automotive industry to seize opportunities for a new wave of demand in Asia by 2015. TMP president Michinubu Sugata told Philippine Economic Zone Authority ofcials led by director-general Lilia de Lima in a recent meeting among Toyota Group suppliers that the Asean automotive industry expanded rapidly after the 1997 Asian nancial crisis. He said Thailand and Indonesia grabbed the rst and second so-called waves of motorization, respectively. He referred to increased demand for mobility that led to higher motor vehicle ownership. The year 2012 is a turning point for the Philippine automotive industry with full recovery from the Japan and Thailand crises expected to happen this year. We are condent that the Philippines will experience motorization beginning 2013, Sugata said. He said clear government directions would prepare autmotive companies and suppliers for the growth in vehicle demand. He said the government would play a key role in preparing for motorization and in placing the Philippines on a level playing eld in the regional context. The Philippine government should urgently and explicitly manifest its policy directions for automotive manufacturing, Sugata said. Furthermore, the government has to immediately implement intervention measures that will improve the cost competitiveness of local suppliers. De Lima assured Peza support for the industry and provide a conducive business environment to make the Philippines more competitive on a global scale. Earlier, De Lima offered to the Toyota Group the use of the Batangas port, which has modern facilities and support services at competitive fees.

2nd SM Cebu opens today

SM PRIME Holdings Inc. is set to open today a second mall in Cebu, making it its 43rd shopping center in the country. The brand new mall SM City Consolacion, located along the Cebu North Road, Barangay Lamac, Consolacion, Cebu, has a gross oor area of 106,857 square meters. It is SM Primes second mall in the province, after SM City Cebu, which opened in November 1993 and is an 11-kilometer distance away. The region of Cebu remains to be a key expansion area for SM malls. This reects our continued condence in the prospects of Cebu, given its dynamic population and ourishing business landscape, especially its vibrant export sector, which contributes signicantly to the countrys economic growth, said SM Prime president Hans Sy in a disclosure to the stock exchange. SM City Consolacion has a leasable area of 57,842 sq. m., with 89 percent awarded to various tenants, the mall developer added. Lailany P. Gomez

David Brett (at the podium), president of Amadeus Asia Pacic, explains the features of LCC Smart, a travel booking tool and a solution allowing travel agencies to book AirAsia content using a Web-like interface in the Amadeus global distribution system. With him are (from right) Air Asia Philipines chief executive Marianne Hontiveros and Amadeus Philippines general manager Albert Villadolid. SONNY ESPIRITU

AirAsia readies Asean flights from Clark

By Lailany P. Gomez
AIRASIA Inc. Philippines is set to launch international ights from Clark International Airport in Pampanga in June, chief executive Marianne Hontiveros said Thursday. Hontiveros said the local unit of AirAsia would soon begin ights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from its Clark hub, just two months after launching its domestic ights. She said the low-cost carrier would y from Clark to Kuala Lumpur in early June to tap even only the tip of the 598 million population of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Hontiveros noted that Asean recorded 74 million international visitor arrivals in 2011, with 47 percent representing intra-regional visits. Malaysia alone posted 24.5 million arrivals last year. Imagine the huge potential of Malaysian tourists. We want to draw them to Manila. They actually like the Philippines, Hontiveros told reporters on the sidelines of AirAsias partnership with Amadeus, a travel technology and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry. Hontiveros said AirAsia would also mount ights from Clark to Hong Kong by July. Amadeus Asia Pacic president David Brett said LCC Smart, a travel booking tool, was a solution that would allow travel agencies to book AirAsia content using a Web-like interface in the Amadeus global distribution system. The solution has been designed to reduce the complexity of the booking process by simplifying the number of key strokes

required to nalize a booking, saving the travel agent time and improving productivity, Brett said. Bretts said Amadeus was pioneering the new solution with AirAsia in the region. Philippines AirAsia domestic content would be offered at promotional rates through Amadeus LCC Smart for an unlimited period, he said. Our new solution will help support the airlines growth and rapid expansion throughout Asia and globally. It will enable travel agents to nd options to suit a broader range of needs, especially for travelers who are particularly budget-conscious, he said. Amadeus LCC Smart will be available free of charge to travel agencies using the Amadeus selling platform in the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Globe signs deal to list P10-b IOUs

Coconut water exports surge 300% to 4.5m liters

By Othel V. Campos
COCONUT water exports surged 300 percent to 4.49 million liters in the rst quarter from 1.12 million liters a year ago, amid the rising demand for the natural beverage in major markets such as the United States. The US was the countrys top destination for coco water. Shipments to the US rose 367.4 percent to 3.724 million liters compared to the year-ago gure of 796,887 liters, Philippine Coconut Authority administrator Euclides Forbes said in an interview Thursday. Fresh coconut water is gaining popularity overseas because it is a natural beverage that is considered rich in potassium and magnesium. It is also a good source of electrolytes and glucose as well as suitable for intravenous rehydration. Data from the PCA also showed the value of fresh coconut water shipments in the rst quarter
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, May 31, 2012
Indonesia Thailand UAE Euro Korea China India Malaysia New Zealand Taiwan Rupiah Baht Dirham Euro Won Yuan Rupee Ringgit Dollar Dollar 0.000106 0.031437 0.272272 1.237000 0.000847 0.157290 0.017816 0.316306 0.755287 0.033557 0.0046 1.3660 11.8305 53.7489 0.0368 6.8344 0.7741 13.7438 32.8180 1.4581
Source: PDS Bridge

went up by 260.6 percent to $4.78 million in the JanuaryMarch period from $1.32 million year-on-year. Exports to the US alone increased 426.75 percent to almost $4 million from just $748,076 a year earlier. Coco water exports to the Netherlands also jumped 493.1 percent to 189,800 liters in the rst quarter from 32,000 liters during the same period last year, increasing export revenues by 645 percent to

$208,602, from $28,000. Shipments to Australia posted an increase of 362.6 percent to 65,219 liters, with a value of $80,430. The increase in the shipments of fresh coconut water in these major markets made up for the decline in exports to other destinations. Brazils imports of fresh coconut water fell by almost 47 percent to 83,600 liters during the period while Canadas demand also declined by almost 34 percent.

E ATE PSE COMPOSITE INDEX F OREIGNUnitXCHANGE RPeso Currency US Dollar

Closing May 31, 2012
United States Japan UK Hong Kong Switzerland Canada Singapore Australia Bahrain Saudi Arabia Brunei Dollar Yen Pound Dollar Franc Dollar Dollar Dollar Dinar Rial Dollar 1.000000 0.012652 1.548600 0.128813 1.030184 0.971534 0.776217 0.973331 2.652661 0.266652 0.773216 43.4510 0.5497 67.2882 5.5971 44.7625 42.2141 33.7274 42.2922 115.2608 11.5863 33.5970 5200 4460 3720 2980 2240 1500 1200

P780-P895.00 LPG/11-kg tank

P54.55-P61.02 Unleaded Gasoline

OIL PRICES
TODAY

PESO-DOLLAR RATE
Closing MAY 31, 2012
40 42 44 46 48

P46.10-P49.90 Diesel P52.34-P57.85 Kerosene P38.50-P39.20 Auto LPG

P43.500
CLOSE

72.91

5,091.23

HIGH P43.480 LOW P43.765 AVERAGE P43.630 VOLUME 972.320M

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Thursday it signed an agreement with the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. to list P10 billion worth of ve- and seven-year xed-rate bonds. The second-largest mobile phone firm said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the listing of the bonds with PDEx would allow investors to enjoy increased liquidity and transparency as they are able to see the best market prices. Globe will list P4.5 billion in ve-year tenor and P5.5 billion worth of the seven-year xedrate bonds due 2017 and 2019, respectively, today and will immediately begin trading in the corporate securities market of PDEx. The 2017 bonds, which have a term of ve years and three months from issue date, and the 2019 bonds have coupon rates of 5.75 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively. Globe chief nancial ofcer Alberto de Larrazabal said proceeds from the fundraising would be used to help fund the companys ongoing network modernization and IT transformation program, as well as nance other capital expenditure requirements for the year. The retail bond got a rating of Aaa from the Philippine Rating Services Corp., representing the highest rating available with the smallest degree of default. Lailany P. Gomez

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B2 FRIDAY

JUNE 1, 2012

ManilaStandardToday

Business
52 Weeks

[email protected] [email protected]

Stocks rise on rosy Q1 economic data

STOCKS rose Thursday, as investors
cheered the governments announcement the economy grew 6.4 percent year-onyear in the rst quarter, despite the threat of the European debt crisis.
percent to P704. Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. rose 3.3 percent to P89.90. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. gained 1.3 percent to P2,340. First Gen Corp., which is buying out its British partner in the operation of two natural gas power plants, added 2.6 percent to P16.44. The stock was raised to buy from hold at Philippine Equity Partners Inc., which said the companys purchase of a 40percent interest in two power plants will boost annual earnings by about $23 million. The stocks 12-month share price target was raised 12 percent to P20.5 by Philippine Equity Partners. DMCI Holdings Inc., the nations biggest construction company, gained 1.8 percent to P57.95, ending a three-day slide. The stock will join MSCI Philippines index. Central Azucarera de Tarlac, a sugar miller and rener, declined 28 percent to P13.04, the biggest slide since May 8. Victorias Milling Co. lost 14 percent to P1.20, the lowest close since October 1997. Rawsugar futures for July delivery fell The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, jumped 72 points, or 1.5 percent, to close at 5,091.23 on Thursday, its highest level in two weeks. The heavier index representing all shares also advanced 28 points, or 0.9 percent, to 3,377.17, even as losers outnumbered gainers, 86 to 83, with 33 issues unchanged. Value turnover hit P14.5 billion. Gross domestic product growth hit 6.4 percent in the JanuaryMarch period, faster than the 4.9-percent expansion a year ago, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board. The growth benetted from a regime of benign ination and drew from the revitalized services sector, particularly from trade and other services. It also got a big boost from manufacturing which has recovered some grounds that got eroded during the third and fourth quarters last year. BDO Unibank Inc. rose 10.3 percent to P70.50. The countrys largest lender is set to raise $1 billion to support operations and expansion. Parent rm SM Investments Corp. increased 2.4 0.3 percent to 19.48 cents a pound on ICE Futures US in New York. In May, the price has dropped 7.8 percent. Meanwhile, fears that Europes debt crisis is morphing from Greece to engulf bigger economies such as Spain and Italy sent Asian stock markets lower Thursday. Spains banking system is under strain a week after Bankia, its fourth-largest bank, required $23.8 billion in government aid to cover souring real estate loans. Investors are increasingly worried that problems might surface at other Spanish banks. Many lent heavily during the nations real estate bubble and losses from the real estate crash might be too big for Spains government to shoulder. The Spanish banks are in trouble because of real estate loans. And the hole is so big that the Spanish government will nd it difcult to save the Spanish banks without blowing a big hole in its budget, said Francis Lun, managing director of Lyncean Holdings in Hong Kong. With Bloomberg, AP
MAYA BALTAZAR HERRERA

MST BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW

High Low
46.00 50.00 370.00 1.42 12.50 70.00 76.80 512.00 1.95 23.90 0.95 80.00 3.26 29.00 93.50 3.06 16.85 539.00 44.40 151.50 1390.00 140.00 2.06 35.50 13.58 23.50 1.86 54.90 1.65 102.80 26.55 2.88 3.07 8.33 7.06 6.28 3.80 25.00 15.58 67.20 31.50 0.10 13.50 9.00 2.35 120.00 8.40 1.55 3.20 24.70 6.95 15.30 295.00 11.00 3.00 17.40 14.00 15.24 9.50 2.55 3.49 33.00 132.60 1.90 2.50 0.250 5.46 1.41 68.00 1.12 18.00 1.18 59.90 13.48 2.97 4.60 6.98 3.15 437.00 59.45 4.19 5.25 0.98 5.22 34.80 6.95 1.54 3.82 4.45 6.24 4.72 0.0770 2.20 0.82 4.10 0.490 699.00 1.78 1.57 0.420 0.620 39.00 2.82 0.75 22.40 6.12 9.00 5.60 5.66 2.85 1.65 0.127 1.16 0.90 0.310 3.06 1.35 2.14 4.50 2.48 0.80 0.990 0.71 4.77 18.86 2.70 9.47 18.20 1.14 0.80 4.30 43.00 14.76 0.80 9.30 28.80 0.5300 98.15 9.70 5.90 1270.00 10.34 33.00 69.00 0.98 18.40 6.00 4.29 34.50 3.87 0.0760 5.1900 3.79 11.68 3.96 3.00 9.60 21.00 8.58 3.32 17.18 2886.00 0.48 23.75 3.30 0.79 0.0083 6.20 6.22 25.20 31.00 0.380 30.35 34.00 2.51 50.85 1.21 1.82 2.070 0.085 0.087 34.80 12.76 8.40 0.032 0.033 7.14 28.95 14.18 0.058 252.00 0.029 47.90 109.80 11.02 116.70 80.00 1050.00 1.35

0.62 40.00 1.91 3.00 60.00 1.30 41.00 204.80 25.45 77.00 950.00 58.00 1.43 26.50 7.32 11.98 0.97 26.00 1.08

INTEGRATIONS

3.02 12.50 2.24 2.30 7.41 4.83 2.80 1.00 5.80 12.50 51.50 22.50 0.0095 7.80 4.71 0.95 80.00 1.04 0.99 1.05 17.94 0.75 8.12 215.00 7.00 1.96 9.70 10.30 9.01 5.25 1.01 2.01 27.70 105.70 1.25 1.85 0.112 2.92 0.90 36.20 0.285 2.55

Ms. Herreras column will resume next week.

0.65 35.50 8.00 1.67 3.00 0.260 1.49 272.00 30.50 1.03 3.30 0.10

Corona-ry and other memes

FILIPINOS always nd something to laugh about in any situation, in many instances showcasing their penchant for acerbic wit and humor. Hours after the Chief Justice Renato Corona impeachment trial came to a close, memes depicting a wheelchairbound impeached chief justice wearing the same neck brace as former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyos went viral. is meeting US president Barack Obama this June) as guest of honor. Pangilinan is expected to talk about the unique relationship between the two countries that harks back over a century ago. MVP co-chairs the group with former US Ambassador to the Philippines John Negroponte. The Society members are interchangeably described either as the rich and famous, or movers and shakers both in the US and the Philippines. Yesterday though, the business honcho had to forego a speaking engagement for the First Philippine International River Summit in Iloilo because it was in conict with the annual shareholders meeting of the Hong Kong-based First Pacic Co., where he serves as managing director. MVP (who is also chairman of Philex Mining) sent his new corporate affairs chief Mike Toledo, who elicited laughter when he conveyed the Philex heads regret at not being able to attend and so asked someone better looking to deliver his message. In his speech, Pangilinan issued a call to save the rivers, and unveiled plans by PLDT and the Science Department to build ood monitoring and warning systems in 18 target river basins all over the country to help avoid a repeat of Ondoy that inundated many areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Happy Hour prison break For criminals serving a prison term in Bastoy, Norway, everyday must feel like a holiday. The prison is located in an island and looks more like a resort than a lockup or pen with lush pine trees and wooden cottages where convicts can be seen sunbathing, relaxing after nishing the chore for the morning. Bastoy Prison has been described as the worlds nicest prison, and is actually a controversial social experiment started in 1982 to challenge stereotypes regarding crime and punishment. The open prisons have no CCTVs and prisoners are allowed to roam freely since the focus is rehabilitation instead of incarceration. Not surprisingly, only two people have engaged in a jailbreak since the consequences include being transferred from Bastoy to a regular prison facility. Last week, prisoners were let loose and given a ve-day break after guards went on strike to show solidarity with other public workers who are demanding higher wages. Whether the same system will work in the Philippines or not is open to debate. But then again, well-to-do prisoners in local jails have been known to get cushy treatment and occasionally allowed to go on a prison breakfor the right price, according to happy inmates. For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may e-mail to [email protected].

2.90 19.00 4.00 0.61 1.500 2.56 2.10 1.22 0.054 1.42 0.44 1.56 0.285 450.00 1.00 1.14 0.099 0.056 11.00 1.70 0.31 13.36 3.08 2.26 2.00 0.26 1.20 1.07 0.060 0.67 0.54 0.10 1.76 0.98 0.65 1.50 1.51 0.215 0.072 0.41 1.80 10.00 1.74 6.50 10.90 0.64 0.45 2.60

Judging from the ood of comments and reactions, it would seem that majority of Filipinos concurred with the Senate impeachment courts guilty verdict. Pundits and wordsmiths gave fresh denition for commonplace words, like a certain Jay N. Ramos who dened Corona-ry as a perfectly timed heart attack.

28.60 1.60 0.45 7.30 12.20 0.0660

There were many, however, who did not nd any humor in the situation particularly those who also suffer from diabetes, saying that its no fun to make fun of people with inrmity. Others, who claimed they were not necessarily proCorona, were dismayed at the seeming cruelty of those whom they criticized as uncivil, nding amusement over a persons misfortune. However, regardless of ones belief or conviction (guilty or innocent), what is clearer than crystal is the fact that democracy is at work in this nation. MVPs speaking tour Judging from his schedule, it would appear that PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan has his hands full trying to grant requests to have him as speaker for various occasions. The PLDT chief will be delivering a speech during the inaugural launch of the US-Philippines Society in Washington with President Noynoy Aquino (who

62.50 5.40 1.45 825.00 6.18 30.00 43.40 0.34 5.00 4.00 2.20 0.123 1.16 0.040 2.900 1.58 5.90 2.70 1.00 6.50 17.20 4.50 1.05 14.50 2096.00 0.23 10.68 2.40 0.26 0.0036 3.01 3.00 14.50 20.00 0.148 15.00 14.50 1.62 4.35 0.50 0.5900 0.6700 0.035 0.035 15.04 2.08 2.12 0.012 0.013 5.10 17.08 3.00 0.013 161.10 0.013 27.30

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

SHARES 33,075,825 154,534,649 125,903,716 179,602,763 419,133,063 1,108,472,237 2,020,722,253

VALUE 2,128,053,641.90 2,646,488,043.15 6,299,873,053.54 1,054,759,742.44 1,721,367,915.19 669,998,776.62 14,520,541,172.84

FINANCIAL 1,255.03 (UP) 23.00 INDUSTRIAL 7,839.19 (UP) 51.94 HOLDING FIRMS 4,471.06 (UP) 57.14 PROPERTY 1,822.77 (DOWN) 7.20 SERVICES 1,640.36 (UP) 41.74 MINING & OIL 23,686.67 (UP) 87.98 PSEI 5,091.23 (UP) 72.91 All Shares Index 3,377.15 (UP) 28.42 Gainers: 83; Losers: 86; Unchanged:33; Total: 202

100.50 6.00 106.20 74.50 990.00 0.62

M S T
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012
Previous

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

Close Change Volume

70.50 67.00 551.00 1.75 23.40 18.62 0.84 71.00 2.22 37.70 89.90 2.00 72.00 353.00 43.10 131.00 890.00 95.00 1.80 10.33 (1.33) (1.25) 1.74 1.74 0.00 13.51 1.43 (5.53) 3.01 3.33 (2.44) 2.27 0.40 2.13 (1.28) (5.42) (4.90) 0.00

Net Foreign

Trade/Buying
278,081,691.50 (52,283,191.00) (108,100.00) 10,440,746.00

Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. COL Financial Eastwest Bank First Abacus First Metro Inv. I-Remit Inc. Maybank ATR KE Metrobank Natl Reinsurance Corp. Phil. National Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alaska Milk Corp. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alphaland Corp. Alsons Cons. Asiabest Group Bloomberry C. Azuc De Tarlac Calapan Venture Chemrez Technologies Inc. Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab. Federal Chemicals First Gen Corp. First Holdings A Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp. LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp. Manchester Intl. A Manila Water Co. Inc. Mariwasa MFG. Inc. Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A Pancake House Inc. Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Republic Cement `A RFM Corporation Roxas Holdings San Miguel Brewery Inc. San Miguel Corp `A Seacem Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. Tanduay Holdings Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vivant Corp. Abacus Cons. `A Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A Asia Amalgamated A ATN Holdings A Ayala Corp `A DMCI Holdings F&J Prince A Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacic GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp. Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Metro Pacic Inv. Corp. Minerales Industrias Corp. MJCI Investments Inc. Pacica `A Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass A Sinophil Corp. SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries

63.90 67.90 558.00 1.72 23.00 18.62 0.74 70.00 2.35 36.60 87.00 2.05 70.40 351.60 42.20 132.70 941.00 99.90 1.80

FINANCIAL 70.50 70.00 555.00 1.76 23.55 18.70 0.84 71.00 2.35 37.70 89.90 2.01 72.00 355.00 43.10 139.00 990.00 100.90 1.80

62.95 67.00 550.00 1.75 22.50 18.54 0.80 70.00 2.22 37.00 86.00 2.00 69.00 351.60 42.00 130.00 890.00 95.00 1.78 34.80 11.22 23.55 1.35 30.20 1.30 25.55 8.75 13.04 2.30 2.50 8.01 5.83 6.20 1.99 10.00 15.80 68.00 20.50 0.0130 11.50 3.95 1.600 103.00 1.79 1.40 1.86 24.25 2.90 17.28 220.00 9.06 2.78 10.06 10.20 8.50 8.40 2.78 2.56 28.00 113.80 1.74 1.86 0.125 3.85 1.24 60.00 1.05 0.630 10.02

14,717,250 4,245,570 64,830 75,000 293,600 1,134,500 111,000 700 15,000 231,500 6,044,800 88,000 687,320 2,240 337,700.00 630,710 480 439,720 3,205,000

203,496,421.00

14,104,193.00 296,448.00 (148,640.00) (34,884,504.00) (149,530.00) (1,660,520.00) 64,676,895.00 17,340.00 (540.00)

34.95 11.80 23.55 1.48 30.35 1.30 27.00 9.00 18.00 2.31 2.50 8.00 5.95 6.31 2.08 10.04 16.02 70.00 21.00 0.0140 11.60 4.00 1.640 111.00 1.81 1.45 2.12 25.20 2.90 17.30 228.00 12.00 2.80 10.12 10.80 8.70 8.30 2.78 2.60 29.00 114.40 1.78 1.91 0.125 3.90 1.24 61.35 1.40 0.670 10.00

INDUSTRIAL 35.35 11.78 23.55 1.48 30.20 1.32 27.80 9.14 13.04 2.31 2.50 8.16 6.00 6.38 2.27 10.04 16.70 71.95 21.00 0.0130 11.70 4.20 1.620 111.00 1.85 1.54 2.00 24.95 2.99 18.10 232.00 9.99 2.80 10.18 10.80 8.67 8.80 2.84 2.60 29.00 117.00 1.84 1.90 0.129 3.91 1.25 65.00 1.65 0.690 10.10

35.35 11.56 23.55 1.47 30.20 1.31 26.30 8.98 13.04 2.31 2.50 8.16 6.00 6.37 2.27 10.00 16.44 71.70 20.50 0.0130 11.50 4.20 1.600 105.60 1.85 1.54 2.00 24.70 2.99 17.98 225.00 9.06 2.78 10.16 10.20 8.67 8.80 2.80 2.60 29.00 117.00 1.82 1.86 0.125 3.90 1.24 65.00 1.20 0.690 10.02

1.14 (2.03) 0.00 (0.68) (0.49) 0.77 (2.59) (0.22) (27.56) 0.00 0.00 2.00 0.84 0.95 9.13 (0.40) 2.62 2.43 (2.38) (7.14) (0.86) 5.00 (2.44) (4.86) 2.21 6.21 (5.66) (1.98) 3.10 3.93 (1.32) (24.50) (0.71) 0.40 (5.56) (0.34) 6.02 0.72 0.00 0.00 2.27 2.25 (2.62) 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.95 (14.29) 2.99 0.20 4.35 0.97 (0.32) (0.99) 0.92 6.89 0.00 (0.76) 1.76 0.00 (0.25) 0.00 0.00 (1.50) 1.54 0.68 (2.83) (1.85) 4.12 0.22 (6.54) 1.96 0.00 0.00 (8.00) (1.56) 2.40 1.48 0.00 (2.13) (1.35)

10,348,200 125,000 26,000 67,000 200 1,375,000 122,500 3,933,700 44,000 94,000 55,000 3,156,600 19,187,700 2,466,000 5,000 18,000 13,128,000 1,384,220 38,300 49,300,000 3,800 150,000 92,000 1,579,410 538,000 467,000 42,000 1,399,700 3,000 365,800 3,780,670 2,500 685,000 1,001,200 2,000 225,100 54,400 617,000 2,000 13,000 1,554,230 14,222,000 35,000 3,410,000 1,619,000 643,000 5,261,620 7,143,000 3,651,000 2,600 500,000 2,922,770 15,897,700 57,000 7,670,000 28,000 41,000 1,847,260 59,672,200 25,000 80,000 560,000 166,840 31,000 2,010,100 1,388,800 1,434,000 968,000 21,377,000 1,000 17,400 2,880,000 35,000 10,000 12,000 100,000 1,901,830 51,000 18,000 50,000 3,510,000

(9,319,195.00)

(22,048,057.00) 6,624,391.00

(2,000.00) 15,262,096.00 (26,231,865.50) (764,650.00)

(34,580.00) (130,660.00) 57,600.00 (61,761,160.00) (27,382,990.00)

(26,550.00) (335,452,854.00) 1,145,790.00 (4,672,834.00) 22,949.00 (430,000.00) 172,300.00

93,295,281.00 (214,500.00) (372,000.00) (12,776,525.00) 36,400.00

0.69 51.50 12.50 2.02 4.36 4.21 1.95 445.40 56.95 2.62 4.08 0.220 500.00 4.67 32.50 5.85 1.06 2.70 4.13 4.64 5.35 0.0510 1.390 0.460 2.25 0.320 687.50 1.35 1.23 0.2350 0.3700 36.95 2.75 0.690 19.90 4.75 6.28 4.90 1.48 2.48 1.23 0.079 0.79 0.690 0.178 1.86 1.27 1.16 1.95 1.96 0.2040 0.6500 0.510 3.90 17.10 3.10 2.52 6.13 13.00 0.67 0.530 4.150

HOLDING FIRMS 0.72 0.69 52.40 49.95 12.74 12.14 2.00 2.00 4.40 4.40 4.64 4.50 1.95 1.84 445.00 423.00 59.70 56.75 2.62 2.41 4.10 4.03 0.220 0.220 503.00 482.00 4.67 4.38 33.10 32.20 5.94 5.73 1.08 1.03 2.69 2.65 4.30 4.06 4.65 4.65 5.00 5.00 0.0520 0.0510 1.390 1.390 0.460 0.460 2.08 2.07 0.315 0.315 711.00 684.50 1.37 1.32 1.23 1.23 0.2300 0.2300 0.3700 0.3600 PROPERTY 38.00 37.00 2.85 2.65 0.690 0.690 19.98 19.30 4.75 4.71 6.35 6.16 4.90 4.90 1.49 1.45 2.47 2.47 1.22 1.11 0.080 0.079 0.82 0.80 0.690 0.670 0.166 0.158 1.88 1.82 1.29 1.25 1.14 1.03 2.00 1.96 2.03 1.94 0.2040 0.1910 0.6700 0.6300 0.480 0.480 3.90 3.75 18.00 16.54 3.20 3.00 2.52 2.52 6.18 6.13 13.46 12.50 0.69 0.69 0.530 0.520 4.170 4.070

0.72 52.00 12.46 2.00 4.40 4.50 1.95 442.00 57.95 2.62 4.07 0.220 500.00 4.60 33.00 5.89 1.03 2.65 4.30 4.65 5.00 0.0520 1.390 0.460 2.07 0.315 704.00 1.37 1.23 0.2300 0.3650

37,390,718.00 5,360,462.00

(122,330,646.00) 679,258,169.50 20,872,352.00 (8,820.00) (43,089,135.00) 578,987.00 136,110.00 (10,060,210.00)

110,865,385.00

25,450.00 37,000.00

Anchor Land Holdings Inc. A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A Ayala Land `B Belle Corp. `A Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. `A Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A Keppel Properties Megaworld Corp. MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp. Phil. Realty `A Polar Property Holdings Robinsons Land `B Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Development `A SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes 2GO Group ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) DFNN Inc. Easy Call Common Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel I.C.T.S.I. Information Capital Tech. Imperial Res. `A IPeople Inc. `A IP Converge IP E-Game Ventures Inc. IPVG Corp. Island Info ISM Communications JTH Davies Holdings Inc. Leisure & Resorts Macroasia Corp. Manila Jockey Metro Pacic Tollways Pacic Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Puregold Transpacic Broadcast Waterfront Phils.

38.00 2.85 0.690 19.64 4.75 6.16 4.90 1.46 2.47 1.22 0.079 0.81 0.680 0.166 1.82 1.26 1.14 2.00 2.03 0.1960 0.6400 0.480 3.88 17.90 3.02 2.52 6.15 12.74 0.69 0.530 4.130

2.84 3.64 0.00 (1.31) 0.00 (1.91) 0.00 (1.35) (0.40) (0.81) 0.00 2.53 (1.45) (6.74) (2.15) (0.79) (1.72) 2.56 3.57 (3.92) (1.54) (5.88) (0.51) 4.68 (2.58) 0.00 0.33 (2.00) 2.99 0.00 (0.48)

6,300 170,000 160,000 21,651,700 3,381,000 514,100 2,000 1,591,000 6,000 110,000 3,110,000 968,000 1,427,000 12,500,000 2,320,000 3,600,000 168,000 9,000 72,921,000 3,910,000 24,926,000 70,000 117,000 3,006,700 743,000 600,000 1,070,400 27,267,200 134,000 140,000 4,089,000

(116,184,618.00) (5,362,550.00) (11,690.00)

1,133,340.00 (3,736,360.00) (16,000.00) 70,827,160.00 (687,760.00)

2,493,540.00 6,160.00

(5,125,209.00) (199,120,700.00) (9,130,580.00)

1.91 36.00 16.36 0.640 8.70 19.00 0.1560 13.94 68.85 5.85 4.00 1084.00 10.00 26.80 71.00 0.455 10.48 5.75 4.40 0.040 1.10 0.0550 2.6800 2.48 6.65 2.90 2.11 7.40 20.30 7.25 2.98 16.38 2310.00 0.330 22.60 2.70 0.460 0.0044 4.86 4.90 18.00 32.00 0.255 23.95 24.00 1.54 36.25 0.72 1.220 1.280 0.0610 0.0630 28.40 9.20 5.190 0.0170 0.0190 6.00 24.80 40.80 0.043 223.00 0.0180

SERVICES 1.88 1.75 36.70 35.60 17.00 14.66 0.660 0.660 8.75 8.70 25.00 24.00 0.1600 0.1560 17.10 14.04 69.00 67.80 5.97 5.71 3.26 3.25 1130.00 1068.00 10.58 10.10 33.00 33.00 77.00 70.80 0.430 0.420 10.28 9.00 5.70 5.55 4.40 4.10 0.047 0.042 1.11 1.05 0.0550 0.0550 2.7400 2.6200 2.48 2.46 6.80 6.64 2.90 2.85 2.42 2.00 6.10 6.10 20.50 20.00 7.34 7.25 2.98 2.90 16.38 15.50 2440.00 2290.00 0.340 0.320 23.90 22.00 2.56 2.56 0.460 0.440

1.80 (5.76) 35.60 (1.11) 16.20 (0.98) 0.660 3.13 8.75 0.57 25.00 31.58 0.1580 1.28 16.94 21.52 68.90 0.07 5.97 2.05 3.25 (18.75) 1130.00 4.24 10.40 4.00 33.00 23.13 77.00 8.45 0.420 (7.69) 10.28 (1.91) 5.70 (0.87) 4.19 (4.77) 0.045 12.50 1.05 (4.55) 0.0550 0.00 2.7400 2.24 2.46 (0.81) 6.80 2.26 2.90 0.00 2.12 0.47 6.10 (17.57) 20.00 (1.48) 7.25 0.00 2.93 (1.68) 15.50 (5.37) 2340.00 1.30 0.330 0.00 22.95 1.55 2.56 (5.19) 0.450 (2.17) 0.0043 5.35 5.40 17.80 30.00 0.265 25.00 23.20 1.48 35.00 0.71 1.240 1.320 0.0620 0.0630 28.75 9.20 5.280 0.0170 0.0190 6.10 24.00 41.00 0.043 230.00 0.0180 (2.27) 10.08 10.20 (1.11) (6.25) 3.92 4.38 (3.33) (3.90) (3.45) (1.39) 1.64 3.13 1.64 0.00 1.23 0.00 1.73 0.00 0.00 1.67 (3.23) 0.49 0.00 3.14 0.00 (1.30) 0.30 1.83 3.03 (0.18) (0.99) (0.29)

105,000 5,300 1,038,100 7,000 13,300 1,400 6,440,000 17,742,400 383,330 93,700 21,000 52,560 8,352,800 1,000 2,044,910 240,000 3,000 21,500 11,065,000 324,300,000 1,025,000 2,060,000 32,000 205,000 321,600 34,000 859,000 1,000 94,200 30,800 1,066,000 857,100 210,315 8,510,000 14,174,000 44,000 850,000

(16,900.00)

(1,580.00) 3,655,698.00 (19,713,631.00) 28,850.00 386,255.00

54,523,622.00 (104,510.00) 143,300.00

81,200.00

200,000.00 153,730.00 (1,505,702.00) 117,085,360.00 (17,600.00)

39,621,295.00

Abra Mining Apex `A Apex `B Atlas Cons. `A Atok-Big Wedge `A Basic Energy Corp. Benguet Corp `A Benguet Corp `B Century Peak Metals Hldgs Dizon Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A Lepanto `B Manila Mining `A Manila Mining `B Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A Oriental Pet. `B Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex `A PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A Semirara Corp. United Paragon ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. First Gen G First Phil. Hldgs.-Pref. GMA Holdings Inc. PCOR-Preferred SMC Preferred 1 SMPFC Preferred

MINING & OIL 0.0044 0.0043 5.35 5.35 5.40 4.90 17.96 17.78 31.40 26.75 0.265 0.255 25.00 22.40 24.00 23.20 1.50 1.48 36.80 33.00 0.73 0.71 1.240 1.200 1.320 1.260 0.0620 0.0610 0.0640 0.0610 29.05 28.00 9.20 8.90 5.300 5.100 0.0180 0.0170 0.0190 0.0180 6.10 6.10 24.80 24.00 42.00 38.95 0.044 0.040 230.00 219.00 0.0190 0.0170 PREFERRED 38.00 100.90 106.00 10.64 111.60 75.20 1024.00

28,000,000 1,000 15,000 687,900 5,900 130,000 41,800 16,000 500,000 766,000 1,763,000 20,039,000 10,132,000 57,050,000 181,000,000 1,506,400 720,800 1,063,800 446,100,000 1,200,000 10,100 9,674,000 4,780,800 277,700,000 312,650 65,200,000 96,300 868,780 10 16,619,600 27,370 13,710 5,670 156,000

373,342.00 (4,800.00) 70,000.00 (10,080.00)

6,988,770.00 18,284,095.00 354,582.00 51,100.00 (3,600.00)

(5,868,380.00) 38,928,445.00 (2,326,300.00) (13,232,786.00) 124,800.00

38.50 100.50 104.10 9.90 111.80 75.75 1025.00

37.80 100.70 106.00 10.14 111.60 75.00 1022.00

38.00 100.80 106.00 10.20 111.60 75.00 1022.00 1.01

(6,221,330.00) (200,880.00) 37,600.00 102,200.00

Megaworld Corp. Warrants

1.02

WARRANTS & BONDS 1.05 1.00

(0.98)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

[email protected]
Page Compositor: Diana Keyser Punzalan

ManilaStandardToday

Classifieds
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
Region X Cagayan de Oro City-District Engineering Office Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City
Republic of the Philippines Telefax (088) 856-8775/E-mail Ad [email protected]

FRIDAY

JUNE 1, 2012

B3

ANNEX A

Department of Public Works and Highways OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER

Cotabato First District Engineering Office Lanao, Kidapawan City

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

REGION VII, CEBU CITY

Republic of the Philippines

INVITATION TO BID
The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the DPWH Cotabato 1st District Engineering Office, Lanao, Kidapawan City, through the CY 2012 DPWH Infra Program, invites contractors to bid for the aforementioned projects: 1. Contract ID Contract Name : 12MC0019 : Construction/Rehab/Restoration of Kabacan River Flood Control at Pres. Roxas, Cotabato along PacoRoxas-Arakan Valley Road, 0+000 to 0+500 Channel Improvement 0+194.5 to 0+268.9 Concrete Dike Contract Location : Pres. Roxas, Cotabato Scope of Work : Channel Excavation, Structure Excavation, Embankment (Common), Rubble Concrete Slope Protection, Concrete Class A Slope Protection, Gabions-Foot Protection, Filter Cloth, Construction Health and Safety, Rentals of Field Office, Mobilization/Demobilization. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC):Php9,677,181.25 Contract Duration : 139 Calendar days Cost of Bid Documents : Php10,000.00

INVITATION TO BID
The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the DPWH-CDOC District Engineering Office through the CY 2012 Motor Vehicle Users Charge (MVUC) invites contractors to bid for the aforementioned projects: : 12KD022 : Construction of Pedestrian Overpass along Butuan City-Cagayan de Oro City-Iligan City Road (ICBR) at Tablon and Agusan Section, Cagayan de Oro City Contract Location : Cagayan de Oro City Brief Description : Construction of Overpass Appropriation : Php 9,900,000.00 Duration : 90 Calendar Days The BAC will conduct the procurement process in accordance with the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations 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), purchased bid documents and must meet the following major criteria: a) prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment at least equal to 10% ABC. The BAC will use nondiscretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids. Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to the DPWH-POCW Central Office before the deadline for the receipt of LOI. The DPWH-POCW Central Office will only process contractors applications for registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractors Certificate of registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website www.down.gov.ph. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below: 1. Issuance of Bidding Documents 2. Pre-bid Conference 3. Deadline of Receipt of LOI from Prospective Bidders 4. Receipt of Bids 5 Opening of Bids From May 31, 2012 to June 20, 2012 June 8, 2012 at 2:00 pm June 14, 2012 until 12:00 noon June 20, 2012 until 10:00 am June 20, 2012 at 10:00 am Contract ID Contract Name

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID

The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 7 (DPWH Regional Office 7), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to apply for eligibility and if found eligible, to bid for the contract to wit: Contract I.D. : 12H00051 Contract Name : Asphalt Overlay of Loay Interior Road Contract Location : Bohol Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 5,346,189.72 Contract Duration : 30 Calendar Days Bid Documents : Php 10,000.00 Contract I.D. : 12H00052 Contract Name : Asphalt Overlay of Carcar-Barili Road Contract Location : Cebu Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 4,239,546.38 Contract Duration : 30 Calendar Days Bid Documents : Php 5,000.00 Contract I.D. : 12H00053 Contract Name : Asphalt Overlay of Cebu North Hagnaya Wharf Road Contract Location : Cebu Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 5,715,839.95 Contract Duration : 30 Calendar Days Bid Documents : Php 10,000.00 Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance with R.A. 9184 known as Government Procurement Reform Act, and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. To be eligible to bid for this contract, a Contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) together with their Class A Documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a). prior registration with the DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership/ corporation, cooperative, or joint venture with PCAB License applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of a similar project/contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment from a reputable universal and commercial banks for at least 10% of ABC. (e) Letter of Authority for the representative /Liason Officer (As reflected in the CRC) to submit LOI and Bids, Have key personnel and equipment owned and or leased listed in the Eligibility Forms available for the prosecution of the project. Letter of Intent (LOIs) sent thru mail or fax will not be accepted. The DPWH BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check, preliminary examination of bids, evaluation of bids and post qualification. Unregistered contractors, however, may submit their applications for registration, to DPWH-POCW, Central Office before the deadline for the receipt of LOIs. The DPWH Central BAC-TWG will process only those with complete registration requirements.All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid security, Performance Security, Pre Bidding conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR). The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown be below. Contract IDs 12H00051, 12H00052 & 12H00053 Issuance of Bidding Documents Pre Bid Conference Deadline of LOIs from Prospective bidders Receipt of Bids Opening of Bids

2. Contract ID Contract Name

: 12MC0020 : Construction/Rehab./Restoration of Binay River Flood Control at Idaoman, Pres. Roxas, along Paco-RoxasArakan Valley Road, sta. 5+000 to 5+900 Channel Improvement, Sta. 6+120 to 5+240 120LM Dike (Gabion), Sta. 5+650 to 6+009 with exemption 71.6 LM. Contract Location : Pres. Roxas, Cotabato Scope of Work : Channel Excavation, Structure Excavation, Embankment (Common), Rubble Concrete Slope Protection, Gabions-Foot-Protection, Gabions-Bank Protection (1x1x2), Matresses (0.30x2x6), Filter Cloth, Construction Health and Safety, Rentals of Field Office, Mobilization/Demobilization. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC):Php9,187,497.05 Contract Duration : 131 Calendar days Cost of Bid Documents : Php10,000.00 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), purchased 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 the PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within the period of 10 years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids. Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to the DPWH-POCW Central Office before the deadline for the receipt of LOI. The DPWH POCW-Central Office will only process contractors applications for registration with complete requirements and issued the Contractor Registration Certificate (CRC). Registration Forms may be download at the DPWH website. www.dpwh.gov.ph. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:

1. Issuance of Bidding Documents 2. Pre bid Conference 3. Deadline of Receipt of LOI from Prospective Bidders 4. Receipt of Bids 5. Opening of Bids

From May 30 June 6, 2012 June 5, 2012 @ 10:00AM June 14, 2012, 4:00 PM June 19, 2012@ 10:00AM June 19, 2012 @ 10:00AM

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at DPWHCDOC District Engineering Office upon payment of a non refundable fee of Php 10,000.00. Prospective bidders may also download the BDs from DPWH web site, 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 accompanied by a bid security, in the amount of and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelop shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy of the CRC. The second envelop shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post qualification. The DPWH-Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Engineering Office reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders.

From: June 5, 2012-June 18, 2012 June 6, 2012-10:00 A.M. Deadline: June 15, 2012 until 3:00 P.M. June 18,2012 10:00 A.M.-10:30 A.M. June 18,2012-10:30 A.M.

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at Cotabato 1st District Engineering Office, Lanao, Kidapawan City, upon payment of a non-refundable fee as stated above. 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. The Pre-bid Conference shall be open only to interested parties who have purchased the BDs. Bids must accompanied by the bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The First envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post qualification. The DPWH Cotabato 1st District Engineering Office, Lanao, Kidapawan City, 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 of the affected bidder/s. APPROVED BY: (Sgd.) ULYSSES R. CAMPUED Engineer III Chief, Maintenance Section Chairman

Prospective bidders may download the Registration and LOI Forms from the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. Prospective bidders shall submit their accomplished LOIs and obtain the results of the eligibility check at the same address. Prospective bidders may also download the Bidding Documents (BDs), if available, from the DPWH web site. Bidders that will download the BDS from the DPWH Website shall pay the said fees as stated aboved on or before the submission of their bid 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. The BAC will also issue hard copies of the (BDs) at the same address upon payment of a non-refundable fee as stated above. Interested Bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding Documents at the same address.. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend and late bids shall not be accepted. The DPWH Regional Office 7 reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders and no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids. Approved by: (Sgd.) Atty. AYAON S. MANGGIS BAC Chairman

(Sgd.) CESAR M. HIPONA, JR. OIC-Asst. District Engineer BAC Chairman Noted : (Sgd.) ALLAN S. BORROMEO, DM OIC-District Engineer
(MST-June 1, 2012)

NOTED: (Sgd.) MAMINTAL T. TAHA, MPS OIC-District Engineer

(MST-June 1, 2012)

(MST-June 1, 2012)

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

REGION VII, CEBU CITY

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

REGION VII, CEBU CITY

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Public Works and Highways OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER

Agusan del Norte Engineering District Butuan City Caraga, Region XIII

Republic of the Philippines

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID

May 3, 2012
The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 7 (DPWH Regional Office 7), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to apply for eligibility and if found eligible, to bid for the contract to wit: Contract I.D. : 12H00054 Contract Name : Asphalt Overlay of Liloan-Sogod Road Contract Location : Cebu Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 7,324,479.34 Contract Duration : 10 Calendar Days Bid Documents : Php 10,000.0 Contract I.D. : 12H00055 Contract Name : Asphalt Overlay of Toledo-Tabuelan-San Remegio Road Contract Location : Cebu Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 1,666,986.33 Contract Duration : 30 Calendar Days Bid Documents : Php 5,000.00 Contract I.D. : 12H00056 Contract Name : Concreting of Bais-Kabankalan Road Contract Location : Negros Oriental Province Approved Budget for the Contract: Php 9,553,179.62 Contract Duration : 180 Calendar Days Bid Documents : Php 10,000.00 Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance with R.A. 9184 known as Government Procurement Reform Act, and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. To be eligible to bid for this contract, a Contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) together with their Class A Documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a). prior registration with the DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership/ corporation, cooperative, or joint venture with PCAB License applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of a similar project/contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment from a reputable universal and commercial banks for at least 10% of ABC. (e) Letter of Authority for the representative /Liason Officer (As reflected in the CRC) to submit LOI and Bids, Have key personnel and equipment owned and or leased listed in the Eligibility Forms available for the prosecution of the project. Letter of Intent (LOIs) sent thru mail or fax will not be accepted. The DPWH BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check, preliminary examination of bids, evaluation of bids and post qualification. Unregistered contractors, however, may submit their applications for registration, to DPWH-POCW , Central Office before the deadline for the receipt of LOIs. The DPWH-POCW Central Office will process only, the contractors applications for registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractors Certificate of Registration (CRC) before processing their LOIs. The DPWH Central BAC-TWG will process only those with complete registration requirements.All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid security, Performance Security, Pre Bidding conference(s) , Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR). The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities areshown be below. Contract IDs 12H00054, 12H00055 & 12H0056 Issuance of Bidding Documents From: June 5, 2012-June 21, 2012 Pre Bid Conference June 8, 2012-10:30 A.M. Deadline of LOIs from Prospective bidders Receipt of Bids Opening of Bids Deadline: June 18, 2012 until 3:00 P.M. June 21, 2012 9:00 A.M.-9:30A.M. June 21, 2012-10:00 A.M.

DPWH INFRA -07- Standard Advertisement-Revised IRR

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Regional Office No. VII, Cebu City through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) invited interested Supplier to apply for eligibility and to submit quotation for the procurement of Maintenance Equipment for segment -32 (Tunnel Section), Cebu south Coastal Road, South Road Properties (SRP), with an approved Budget for the contract in the amount of PHP 21,400,000.00 for a duration of 30 calendar days. Invited to participate are suppliers with valid DPWH SUPPLIERS AND REGISTRATION CERTIFICAT (SRC) issued by DPWH with the current Mayors Permit and tax clearance, and Philgeps registered. Interested suppliers must submit their Letter of Intent not later than June 8, 2012 . Issuance of Bid forms/Documents : June 11-26, 2012 Pre-Bid Conference : June 13, 2012 10:00 A.M. @ DPWH BAC Conference Room, Lahug, Cebu City Dropping of bids : June 26, 2012-10:00 -10:30 A.M. Dpwh BAC Conference Room, Lahug, Cebu City Opening of Bids : June 26, 2012-10:45A.M. Dpwh BAC Conference Room, Lahug, Cebu City Bid documents containing the specification/description and conditions will be issued only to suppliers upon presentation of an authenticated copy of an approved SRC and upon payment of non-refundable fee of five hundred pesos ( PHP 20,000.00). The provision of RA 1984 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations shall govern all particulars relative to eligibility, bid security, performance security, Pre-bid conference, Bid evaluation and Award of Contract. DPWH assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify the bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid. The Government reserves the right to reject any of all bids, waive any minor defect therein, and accept the offer most advantageous to the Government.

INVITATION TO BID
The DPWH DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE, J. Rosales Avenue,Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, through its Bids and Awards Committee ( BAC ), invites contractors to apply to bid for the following contract(s): 12NA0019 Construction of Cabalalahan Flat Slab Bridge & Approaches Contract Location: Buenavista-Bunaguit, Agusan del Norte Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): P12,817,400.00 Limits: Sta. 1266+789.6-Sta.1267+002.4 Contract Duration: 120 Calendar Days Contract ID: Contract Name: 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 submit a Letter of Intent (LOI ) and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment for at least 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 application for registration to the DPWH-POCW Central office before the deadline for the receipt of LOI. The DPWH-POCW Central Office will only process contractors applications for registration, with complete requirements, and issue the Contractors Certificate of Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below: 1. Receipt of LOI from Prospective Bidders 2. Issuance of Bid Documents 3. Pre-Bid Conference 4. Receipts of Bids 5. Opening of Bids June 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. May 29, 2012 to June 18, 2012 June 6, 2012 10:00 PM June 18, 2012 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. June 18, 2012 10:15 a.m.

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at DPWH DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of (P 10,000.00). Prospective bidders may also download the BDs, if available, from the DPWH web site. 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. The Pre-Bid Conference shall be open only to interested parties who have purchased the BDs. Bids must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the IRR. Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplishment forms as specified in the BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelop shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include the eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the Bid evaluation and the post-qualification. The DPWH DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE, J. Rosales Avenue, Agusan del Norte, reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract Award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders. Approved by: (SGD) CLARO S. COMILING Chief, MQC Section BAC Chairman

Prospective bidders may download the Registration and LOI Forms from the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. Prospective bidders shall submit their accomplished LOIs and obtain the results of the eligibility check at the same address. Prospective bidders may also download the Bidding Documents (BDs), if available, from the DPWH web site. Bidders that will download the BDS from the DPWH Website shall pay the said fees as stated aboved on or before the submission of their bid 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. The BAC will also issue hard copies of the (BDs) at the same address upon payment of a non-refundable fee as stated above. Interested Bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding Documents at the same address.. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend and late bids shall not be accepted. The DPWH Regional Office 7 reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders and no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids. Approved by: (Sgd) Atty. AYAON S. MANGGIS BAC Chairman
(MST-June 1, 2012)

(Sgd.)

Atty. AYAON S. MANGGIS BAC Chairman

(MST-June 1, 2012)

(MST-June 1, 2012)

Motoring
Manila Standard TODAY
Ramon L. Tomeldan, Editor [email protected] FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B4

TOUGH TRUCK RACETRACK

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

Richard Hall, GM of Sales and Marketing, Daimler Commercial Vehicles Track time for the Actros

hits the

The auth or takes the whe el of the

20-ton b ehemoth

hicles of varying shapes and sizes. Recently, I got to drive a set of wheels which required me to do some hot laps around a race track six feet off the ground.
CATS Motors, the exclusive distributors of Chrysler, Dodge, Geely and Mercedes Benz, gathered motoring scribes for a day of testing with the 26-ton Actros truck at the Batangas Racing Circuit. CATS prepared two variants for us to drive around the twisty and uphill bends of the BRC, a six-wheeler 20ton Actros 3 equipped with a 310bhp gasoline engine and a slightly larger 10-wheeler 26ton Actros 3 truck boasting of 350bhp. These heavy haulers are end results of an extensive research and development over the years and DaimlerBenzs rich truck building history that stretches back more than a century. With Trucks you can trust as its slogan, the Actros leads the way in innovation, form and function. I have driven its Japanese counterpart and this Bavarian hauler is denitely better equipped, more comfortable and has more driverfriendly features that makes it the benchmark for large scale trucks. It does not go off the starting line like an SLS AMG, but this truck automatically slows down when you put your foot off the accelerator. With 350 bhp at your disposal, the Actros can brake itself in three ways, one by way of the conventional foot brake, or by engine braking and an air brake lever. According to Richard Hall, GM Sales and Marketing of Daimler Commercial Vehicles revealed that Mercedes Benz applies the same systems and high technology devices in their trucks as in their passenger cars. Aside from the intelligent braking systems, Hall points out to the Attention Assist safety system which detects the drivers drowsiness, and proximity sensors around truck. Another clever technology which we experienced while driving the Actros is the Automated Clutch with mechanical transmission which makes the ride smoother and at the same time more fuel efcient. This is a technology we learned from Formula One. The Actros shares this technology with the SLS AMG, adds Hall. Since its introduction to the local market late last year, CATS have completed delivery orders of the Actros to truck eet operators and eet delivery companies. Since then, after only a month or two of operations, these trucks are running over 12,000 kms and we noticed a strong attachment of drivers to the trucks. We wanted our friends from the media to have a glimpse of this attachment and why such as attachment, states Ser J Delos Angeles, VP for Commercial Vehicles and After Sales. Delos Angeles also stated that driver assistance aid programs are in place to provide 24 hours on-call assistance in case any of the trucks encounter mechanical or technical problems on the road, anywhere in Luzon. This is our commitment to the customers, to offer premium vehicles with premium after sales service. Our relationship begins with every purchase of the Actros 3 truck, says Delos Angeles. The Actros 3 has a sticker price of P4M for the entry level 10-wheeler version.

AS A MOTORING journalist, I have come across ve-

FAST FASTLANE
Motul is official lubricant partner of FIM
EUROPES leading company in the eld of motorcycle lubricants and lubrication, Motul, is delighted to announce that it has entered into a three-year partnership agreement with the governing body for motorcycle sport, the FIM (Fdration Internationale de Motocyclisme). FIM President, Vito Ippolito, and Herv Amelot, Managing Director of Motul, ofcially signed the contract that will see Motul become FIMs ofcial lubricant partner and ofcial partner with the FIM Endurance World Championship. The signatures were put to paper just prior to the start of the opening round of the EWC, the prestigious 24-hour Bol dOr at MagnyCours. Motul is the specialist lubricant market leader in Europe. It has a presence in 85 countries worldwide, and motorcycling competition plays a key part in its marketing and sales strategies. The companys Managing Director, Herv Amelot, commented on the new partnership with the FIM: This is the perfect synergistic partnership for Motul. We are well known for our understanding and expertise in the eld of motor sport lubricants and the FIM is obviously the fount of all knowledge with regard to motorcycling. Our association brings these two knowledge banks together for the good of the sport and we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our range of specialist products to an increasingly wide international audience. Vito Ippolito, President of the FIM, said of the partnership, We are delighted to welcome Motul as ofcial lubricant partner to the FIM. We know the company well through their long association with major FIM World Championships such as MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance and Motocross. This partnership will truly allow our teams to share their respective expertise and we are looking forward to working hand in hand. Motuls standing and reputation in the Endurance World Championship is unquestioned. For many years Motul has enjoyed a successful partnership with leading manufacturer representatives like the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team with whom Motul has clinched four World Championship titles. In addition to the SERT, Motul has won the most prestigious races such as Le Mans & Le Bol dOr, with National Motos and GMT 94 teams, without forgetting the World Championship title in 1994 with Guignabodet team. In 2012, Motul continues to support other teams including Monster Energy Yamaha YART, the National Motos Team and, new from 2012, the Honda TT Legends team. International endurance racing is at the heart of Motuls marketing strategy as it provides one of the best test beds and living research laboratories to prove its products reliability and superior performance. The machines are closer to production bikes and the large crowds of supporters and guests who attend the iconic events at Le Mans, the Bol dOr and Suzuka, for example, can see rst-hand what a difference such products can make. The World Championship, which takes in two rounds in France and one each in Qatar, Germany and Japan,

Anti-aging car care tips

A CAR is the second most valuable investment next to homes. Its purchase and maintenance cost can be quite overwhelming, thats why its important to be knowledgeable and innovative in making the car efcient and in good condition over the long haul. 3M Car Care offers tips to make your car look and run smoothly for as long as possible: During the break-in period (the rst 1,600 km), keep your speed under 88 kph or to the speed recommended by the manufacturer. Check tire pressure. Improperly inated tires can impair fuel economy and lead to excessive tire wear. The correct tire pressure also will guard against tire blowouts and provide a safer ride. Always park in the shade when you can. If you cant, use a car shade to protect your cars interiors. The suns rays are harmful to leather ttings, some upholstery and other gizmos inside your car. They also cause the cars paint to fade. Protect your cars underchassis from oods. Invest in some matching touch-up paint. Do the work. Give your car a good bath with 3M auto shampoo and remove dirt and grime without removing wax protection. Wash & dry vehicle with the 3M absorbent car wipe to protect its surface. Clean wheels and tires with 3M Wheel & Tire Cleaner to remove brake dust and highway grime. Restore black plastic bumpers, door handles and tires to brand new nish with he 3M Tire Restorer. Just spray on and wipe off for a deep black luster. Remove surface scratches with 3M Swirl Mark Remover in sachet. This new product reduces swirl marks and scuffs in the paint like magic. For deeper scratches use 3M Scratch Remover in 8 oz bottle. It actually removes surface scratches quickly and easily and doesnt just ll them in with wax. Give the car a good protective coat of 3M Performance Finish Synthetic Wax. This innovative synthetic wax, which chemically bonds with clear coat nishes, keeps the cars

fully reects Motuls own international network. Motul oil and lubricants is exclusively distributed by Autoplus Sportzentrium in the local market. For genuine fully synthetic oil protection, call 726-0399 log on to www.motul.com.ph. Motul oil and lubricants are also available in select dealers nationwide.

Nissan promotes biodiversity

the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB), the Batangas Government Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Ofce, the Provincial Government of Batangas, the Municipal Government of Calagatan, and led the planting of 200 mangrove propagules at Ang Pulo. Mangroves, known in the Philippines as bakawan, are tropical, salt-tolerant trees or shrubs, often clustered together and can grow up to 25 meters. They are found mainly in marshy areas between the shore and the sea called inter-tidal zones. NMPI believes that as a corporate citizen, it plays an important role to communicate and cooperate actively with the communities. NMPI has formed various partnerships with international groups, citizen groups and government agencies to effectively promote realworld reductions in environmental impact, NMPI President and CEO Allen Chen said. Through this event, we hope to go the extra mile in preserving biodiversity to complement our environment philosophy of achieving a symbiosis of people, vehicles and nature. Journalists from Brunei, Philippines and Thailand participated in the media forum at the mangrove site to highlight the importance of conserving marine habitats and species. Experts from the participating organizations will brief media representatives on the status of mangroves and marine biodiversity in Val de Leon, NMPI SVP for administration and IT (left) the Philippines and the ASEAN region. The impact and Lee Junia, NMPI VP for Marketing, Sales & After- of climate change on marine biodiversity, as well as actions of peoples organizations to conserve manSales go the extra mile for biodiversity by planting groves, was also discussed. mangroves in Ang Pulo, Calatagan, Batangas. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK SOME 100 representatives of the business community, media, peoples organizations, local government units, and international organizations trooped to Ang Pulo Mangroves in Calatagan, Batangas last May 15 for a media forum and mangrove planting activity. The multi-sector event dubbed Conserve Marine Biodiversity, Conserve Life forms part of the events organized for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2012 and the National Oceans Month. Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI), together with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation,

nish looking good through up to 15 to 20 washes. Its simple to apply and doesnt haze. Just wipe on and wipe off in minutes with 3M Microber Detail Cloth (PN 39016) and dont worry; it wont leave a residue left in the cracks and crevices. Get the glass clean inside and out with 3M Glass Cleaner. It has a unique vertical cling that prevents drips and is safe to use on glass, plastic, chrome, metal and painted surfaces. Protect the upholstery with 3M Leather and Vinyl Restorer, which revives the natural sheen and soft feel of the factory nish. With these simple do-ityourself maintenance projects and just a few hoursinvestment, you can make your car look years younger, use it longer, and improve its value.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Life @play
Manila Standard TODAY
Gianna Maniego, Editor Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor

food travel event shopping

FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012

C1

The beautiful Cebu City lights as seen through the hotels window.

Redefining
By Gianna G. Maniego
WHATS not to like about Cebu? Its fun, its vibrant, and it seems like theres always something happening whenever you visit. Its modern and sophisticated, with a social scene that evokes images of Singapore, Hong Kong or Seoul at their swinging
best. Underneath it all, however, one gets a sense of vintage graciousness reminiscent of Maria Clara and other well-bred ladies of bygone eras. Its the kind of place where quaint lives side by side with cutting edge, and no one really notices the difference; where old and new blend seamlessly into one interesting primordial stew. A stew that draws in more than 800,000 visitors a year. Blessed with a beautiful coastline and a sense of tradition that few other places in the country can lay claim to, Cebu has truly come into

VINTAGE
its own as a world class getaway, comparable to any sophisticated urban hub in Asia. With all this going for it, its no wonder that Cebu is at the center of an intensive development thrust that promises to propel it further into the 21st century. But while it has embraced all this development with open arms, it does so with a clear caveat: Not at the expense of history. Understandable, considering its one of the very few places left where unsuspecting visitors can round the corner and stumble upon a centuries-old house in near-pristine condition just a few busy streets away from the malls and call centers. Creative thinking With so many new players in the eld, its so easy to forget this. But for local boys Robinsons Land Corporation this hits a little close to home. It was, therefore, a no-brainer that when it decided to renovate one of its properties, Midtown Hotel, it went for a makeover, not a do over. Instead of tearing up the hotel and building a new one in its place, we decided to work with what we had, sprucing it up, giving it Bring a book, order a a more modern look from before. Then we decided to rebrand cool drink or hang out it, including it in the Summit lineup, says Mirro with friends at the Reperuga, resident manager of Summit hotels swimming pool Circle Cebu. area Cebu has remained a favorite among local and foreign travelers because of its rich history, natural beauty and friendly Aside from the people. It also boasts of one of the most accommodating vibrant economies in the country, adds Riand friendly cardo Gutierrez, general manager of the hostaff, the tel. Being a native of Cebu, Robinsons Land hotels stylish wants to remain a vital partner of the province and modernly in its growth by servicing through Summit designed lobby Circle Cebu the needs of travelers and tranis inviting sients who come here daily to enjoy the myriad pleasures that it offers. Brighter, lighter The result is a brighter, airier space, with cleaner-looking lines and lots of glass. The lobby, located on the fth oor, is a modern oasis amid the trafc of the streets below, where guests can sip coffee while enjoying the Wi facilities of the hotel . The newly refurbished hotel has 210 rooms (Deluxe Twin, Deluxe Queen, Deluxe King and Junior Suites), all of which feature individually controlled airconditioning units, 100 percent high quality cotton sheets and duvets, atscreen TVs and free WiFi service. Strategically located atop Robinsons Fuente in Cebu City, it is ideal for businessmen in town for a convention, young families out for a weekend getaway, and/or solo travelers looking to enjoy some me time. Aside from providing excellent facilities for meetings, incentives, conferences and events, the hotel also partnered with the Cravings group, to provide excellent F&B services Rela x aft to guests as well as walk-in customers. sized be er a long day o Our rst Summit hotelSummit Ridge Tagaytayis a a comf d, state-of-the f meetings at a or table -ar t am enities,a Junior Suite eq s t ay . showcase of the successful collaboration between Robinsons u nd ever ything a ipped with a k Land and The Cravings Group, says Reperuga. Food and ing guest m ay n e e d beverage service is key to any hotels operational efciencies and with is still its tradifor our shared customer bases steadily growing over the years, we hope to tion of good service. see this partnership continue to be a perfect t in the long term. The Midtown Hotel has a reputation The hotel also features a Gift Shop as well as a Business Center. for providing excellent service, and we have tried to maintain For families, theres also a kid-friendly pool on the fth oor to keep that, even going so far as to maintain most of the old staff to ensure the children busy. the continuity of service, says Reperago. Guests may inquire at the front desk about transport and massage With the valuable experience it has gained in running four sucservices. cessful hotel brands, Robinsons Land has made it a breeze for local Jump-off point and foreign tourists to enjoy the comforts of staying in Summit Circle The hotel is also the ideal jump-off point for those wanting to visit Cebu. For more information, visit the hotels ofcial website, http:// some of the citys interesting attractions like Yap San Diego ancestral www.summitcirclehotel.com house, Fort San Pedro, Basilica Minor del Santo Nino and Magel(Cebu Pacific Air flies on average of 12 times a day from lans Cross; or those looking to sample the citys renowned cuisine, different points of origin within the Philippines to Mactan Inlike Mooon Cafe and Zubuchon (famous for serving up what popular ternational Airport. Cebu Pacific and other international airfoodie Anthony Bourdain calls the best pig ever). lines also offer excellent connections to Asia, America, Europe For all its brand spanking newness though, the hotels main asset and the Middle East.)

The C2 team is on hand to offer assistance to guests

Chefs in action at C2 Classic Cuisines open plan kitchen and live action stations

The restaurant is outtted with glass-paned doors to offer guests a view of Cebu City while dining.

TEA TIME AT CHATIME

One particular brand that I frequent when I crave for milk tea is Chatime. Id have to fall in line but when the metal plate vibrates to signal that my pearl milk tea is ready, its worth the wait. A large milk tea is also cheaper than the grande latte in most coffee chains.

KO-YO AND SO MUCH MORE

The Metro Manila dining scene is more exciting than ever, with new offerings and old favorites from the best restaurants in town.

ITS MORE FUN IN CEBU

The Plantation Bay Resort and Spa led by its general manager Efren Belarmino conquered the hearts of the Japanese tourism stakeholders during a road show in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo.

S S AT W WH

IDE INS

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

C2

FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012 ManilaStandardToday Gianna Maniego, Editor Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor

Life

The Koa family who owns the Chatime franchise in the Philippines (from left: Jonhlu Koa, who is also the chief executive and founder of The French Baker; Lisa Koa, Chatime Philippines' operations director; Chris Cua, nance director and Michael Koa, managing director) at Nantou Tea Farm.

By Joba Botana

TEA time with CHATIME

ONE particular brand that I frequent when I crave for milk tea is Chatime. Id have to fall in line but when the metal plate vibrates to signal that my Pearl Milk Tea is ready, its worth the wait. A large milk tea is also cheaper than the grande latte in most coffee chains.
Milk tea lover that I am, I was actually glad when my editor passed on to me an assignment to interview the president and chief executive of Chatime in Taipei, courtesy of the Koa family, who owns the Chatime franchise in the country. The assignment was not only an opportunity for me to ask the brain behind the biggest milk tea chain in the world everything about the business but also a chance for me to nd out the Henry Wang, president and chief executive of La Kaffa. process of tea-making. Tea plantation visit only a few vehicles are in sight. tea plant lasts for about 20 years. We were brought to Nantou According to our guide, the tem- And it takes three years before the Tea Farm at the Southern part of perature in area, which is around leaves can be harvested. HarvestTaiwan. Compared to the bustling 22 to 26 degree centigrade, is ing tea leaves, however, is not city life down town, Nantou is ideal for tea plants. The place just like picking some ripe strawsomewhat a sleepy town with reminded me of a tobacco plan- berries in a farm. According to vast greenery offering a relaxing tation in the Northern part of the Johnlu Koa, head of the Chatime atmosphere. Its like the people Philippines. brand in the Philippines, there is are always in for a siesta. There Process of making tea an art for picking tea leaves. You are no tall buildings around and The life span of a four-season have to make sure that only the

topmost three-leaf of the plant are picked. After that, you have to sun-dry the leaves for not more than 10 minutes. This process is called outdoor drying. The leaves will then be dried again through a machine; the process is called indoor drying, which takes about another 10 minutes. Fermentation is the process of pushing the enzymes to the outer part of the leaf so the extract are concentrated at the tip of the leaf. Green tea is the easiest and fastest to make since it is not fermented. If you want to make an oolong tea, the fermentation must take longer, thus the darker color. Flavored teas are done after the fermentation. Green tea is not fermented; oolong tea, on the other hand, is half fermented while black tea is

fully fermented. After packaging, the sent the tea packs to another factory, which ferments the tea leaves again in different avors such as Jasmine leaves, mint, etc. How Chatime came about An interview with Henry Wang, president and chief executive of La Kaffa International Beverage Enterprise, the mother company of Chatime, proved that there is more to milk tea than a healthy caffeine-x and energybooster. The 42-year-old Taiwan native shares his journey in tea making that has become an international success. According to him, their positioning of the brand is for the international scene and right now, Chatime is the number one milk tea brand in the world. I love traveling the world

Outdoor-drying of tea leaves should take not more than 10 minutes.

its the most precious experience in my life. I love discovering different cultures and characteristics of different nationalities including that of their food and beverages. In fact, Ive tasted different kinds of drinks from all over the world. But when it comes to tea drinks, I say that Taiwan has the best. Thats when I realized that I wanted to devote myself to F&B industry, he shares. Along with ve other friends, they founded La Kaffa International Beverage Enterprise in 2003 and in 2005, the group founded its first tea beverage brand, Chatime, in Hsinchu City, Taiwan. Milk tea is but a common drink in Taiwan but Chatims fresh taste and excellent customer service won the hearts of its patrons who are mostly youth and young professionals. Inevitable success Gradually, store sales continually broke previous highs and in 2007, Chatime embraced an innovative concept of high-tech tea brewing that would make the process simpler, faster and easier leaving behind the traditional way of steeping tea using teapots. Eventually, the brand enters mainland China and Hong Kong and in 2009 Chatime expanded to Southeast Asian market such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, Wang adds. Chatime also tapped the US,

MORE FUN IN CEBU

MILA C. ESPINA

AH CEBU!
IT was an awesome travel mission!!! The Plantation Bay Resort and Spa led by its general manager Efren Belarmino conquered the hearts of the Japanese tourism stakeholders during a road show in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo in March 2012 with travel stakeholders, media and the Plantation tourism team. The trip was also an appreciation gesture to

Visit the golfers paradise

APART from its unique culture, renowned spas, splendid Buddhist temples, and delectable food, Thailand is also known to many as a golfers paradise. Now, MasterCard cardholders can experience an amazing golng experience in The Golf Capital of Asia as the Tourism Authority of Thailand and MasterCard bring golf enthusiasts a host of exclusive privileges via the 72 Hours Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise campaign. MasterCard cardholders can look forward to special perks and privileges in up to 90 golf merchants from over 20 provinces across Thailands ve regions. Among the golf courses featured in the campaign include Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa in Nakhon Ratchasima, Red Mountain Golf Club in Phuket and Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai Country Club in Chiang Mai. Here, MasterCard cardholders enjoy special rates for green fees on weekdays and weekends, as well as exciting privileges for hotel accommodation, spa and golfrelated equipment purchases using MasterCard credit or debit cards. To help cardholders get started, travelers can pick up a 72 Hours Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise booklet at any of the English-language bookstores in Bangkok. The booklet provides suggested activities and itineraries, from sunbathing on pristine beaches, dining at seaside eateries or relaxing by the resort pools. In addition, the booklet also includes a full list of shops, spas, hotels and restaurants that offer special privileges to MasterCard cardholders. Cardholders can simply present their MasterCard cards and be on their way to enjoy a truly amazing golng moment.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Japanese tourists who regularly come to Plantation Bay. The events started with dinner hosting and product updates on recent developments. The highlights included dance performances featuring a glimpse of our very own, open themed dinner-musicale.( Rockin USA, Hawaiian Luau, Filipino Fiesta, Sahara Nights and Brazilian Fever). What a mesmerizing way to entice more tourists!!!The Plantation Bay delegation of 13 included Belarmino, accounts executive Cheekie Tibon, restaurants manager Andrea Arroyo, Japanese guest services ofcer Kayo Takezawa, events coordinator Paige

From left: Efren Belarmino, general manager Plantation Bay Resort and Spa; Val Cabansag, Tourism Attach Tokyo ofce, Bob Salazar, Philippine Airlines country manager, Japan with the Plantation Bay dancing employees

From left: Yokoyama, DoT, Tokyo Japan Efen Belarmino, Plantation Bay Resort and Spas general manager, Hasebe, Friendship Touris; Val Cabansag, Tourism Attach, Tokyo ofce.

The unbeatable Urbina family (from left) Edwin Absin, Grace Absin, John Paul Urbina, Dr. Jet Canoy, Lita and Ricardo Urbina, chef Raki Urbina, Cecil Urbina, Jill and Kelly Viado at U Kitchen

Ginete, the Plantation Bay dancing employees! and the special participation of Philippine Airlines and the Department of Tourism. But more than these travel missions, the Plantation Bay had a community-based project at Oslob, donating 500 slippers and 40 life jackets as well as co-sponsorship of the much anticipated X-Factor show. Its support to CCCI Tourism events is also beyond compare. More fun in U Kitchen and Ayala The Food tourism in Cebu is soaring higher with the opening of the Laguina Culinary Center at Lahug (where Caf Laguna all started) which houses the

U Kitchen, where delectable Asian Fusion dishes. Kudos also go to Bruce Winton, who chaired the recent Food Street at the Ayala Terraces. Imperial, CX and PAL support CCCI Tourism The Imperial Palace Hotel, Cathay Pacic Airways, ZONTA 1,Island Souvenirs, Profood, SM City, Ayala, Hotel Fortuna, Lolo Tinongs, 888 Forum, Naitas, Hrrac, Cato, Ccta, The Sun Star Daily, the academe, Titays Rosquillos, Plantation Bay, Marco Polo Plaza , Cebu Marriot Hotel and Philippine Airlines have thrown their support to the Tourism events of CCCI. And the list continues.

Special friends Ric Urbina, Flor Ynclino, Lita, Mayor Mike Rama, Merle Cunanan Cookie Newman and Ambassador Frank Benedicto 127-1895- Winsome ladies Annie Aboitiz, Lita, Carmen Campbell, Teresin Mendezona and Margot Osmea

The X-Factor at Plantation Gary Valenciano, Hannah Patalinjug PR associate, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Martin Nievera, KC Concepcion, and Efren Belarmino general manager, Plantation Bay Reosrt and Spa

Patalinjug, PR associate of Plantation Bay; Chokie Ortiz, recreation manager of Plantation Bay, Efren Belarmino, general manager of Plantation Bay; Amor Libiste, senior administrative assistant 3 Municipality of Oslob; and Beth Colubio, spa receptionist of Plantation Bay (A resident of Oslob).

Oslob donation. Hannah

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

@ play
[email protected]

FRIDAY

JUNE 1, 2012

C3

food travel events shopping

North America and Canada including major cities like New York and Toronto. Asked what the brands business philosophy is, Wang says: We always provide enthusiastic and healthy customer service, use good raw materials and adopt strict quality control procedures because customers health is also our priority. Also, we continuously research and develop new avors and insist in providing fresh and high quality tea drinks. And as a global brand, we adapt to local taste and let customers worldwide taste the freshest and most authentic Taiwan tea drink, he says. Local scene According to Wang, when Johnlu Koa who is also the founder and chief executive of The French Baker Inc., approached him and shared his plan to bring Chatime to the Philippines, he knew that the brand would do well in the country. I knew that there would be a market for Chatime in the Philippines. I also saw that the [huge] population in the Philippines is a plus. But more than that, it was a good partnership because the Koas were business-minded people and they know what they are doing. They have everything they needed to bring Chatime to the country. The decision proved to be a good one, says Wang. In La Kaffa restaurant in Hsinchu City where the interview took place, we were served with different tea drinks. Many of the avors are available in the country but I noticed that some are not and there are also some dishes that arent available in Chatime branches in the Philippines. Unlike Chinese people, Filipinos are more of coffee than tea drinkers and we didnt want to sort of shock them with tea drinks unknown to them. Besides, we Flipinos, love sweet, mellow drinks so we introduced rst milk tea variants, which we thought would be good as an introduction to the culture of milk-tea drinking, Koa shares. We adapt to local taste. True enough, drinks such as Chocolate Mousse and Pearl Milk Tea are very popular among Filipinos regardless of age. Of course, we

food crawl
Recipes with a 'Pinoy kick'
Inspired from another favorite family recipe, Manangs Chicken offers yet choices of deep fried Garlic Liempo, Sesame Beef Stew to Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Fried Pancit and Cheezy Spaghetti. It also has delectable Manangs Fish Fillet, an Asian twist with subtle hints of ginger and mushroom with variations of secret soy garlic. For those who want to have an alternative to chicken, they have introduced a bagnet rice version which is another Filipino dish that goes well with the concept of Manang's Chicken. Natural and fresh fried potato chips take the sidelights along with coleslaw and macaroni salad.

Luscious layers
Delight in the new BonChon Ko-Yo (korean yogurt), delectably creamy natural yogurt thats subtly sweet with a hint of tangy tartness. These cool creations take inspiration from classic pie favorites, alternating layers of Ko-Yo with premium ingredients.Savor the rich caramel sauce and fresh bananas of the Banoffee Pie or the heavenly blueberry preserves of the Blueberry Torte. BonChons new Ko-Yo is available for only P75, or savor the sensation of pure Ko-Yo in a mini cup for only P35. Available in the following BonChon branches: Alabang (Alabang Town Center), Quezon City (Libis, Katipunan, TriNoma), Makati (Greenbelt 1), Manila (Taft University Mall, Lucky Chinatown Binondo), Origas (Shangirla Plaza), Pasay (SM MOA).

Patrons love Chatimes refreshing and healthy tea drinks

have to keep on innovating and changing, so later on, we might add some avors that may only be available in the Philippines, he adds. Currently, Chatime has 480-something stores all over the world and is the number one bubble tea chain store internationally and is top ve in Taiwan. In 2011, Chatime reached $20 million sales and increasing. "The franchise of Chatime in the country costs around P2 million and it includes the machines, manpower as well as the stores design and layout," says Chris Cua, Chatime Philippines' nance director, who graciously toured us around Taipei during our stay. Among the top ranked products of Chatime worldwide are: Pearl Milk

Tea, Hazelnut Chocolate Milk Tea, Uji Matcha Milk Tea, Longan and Red Date Juice, Lemonade Juice, England Fresh Milk Tea, Grass Jelly with Fresh milk, QQ Passion Fruit Juice, Kumquat Lemon Juice and Strawberry Smoothie among many others. Chatimes logo, which is a picture to two-leaf tea bud, stands for the art of picking tea plant and the companys insistence on quality all the way from harvesting tea leaves to the serving milk tea drinks to customers. Curious on the choice of color the brand, which is purple, Henry Wang says: Purple is a favorite color.

A better dining experience

Your ame-grilled burger experience at Brothers Burger has just become better and more unforgettable. The pioneering burger chain has made the switch to fast casual dining, taking customer service a notch higher and making the brands signature burgers by design even more worth digging into. Long known for its mouthwatering flame-grilled burgers (all made from 100% prime choice imported beef, no less), Brothers Burger offers its customers a trademark burgers by design concept, which loyal patronsyoung and old alikekeep coming back for. Indeed, a quick glance at its menu proves that Brothers Burger has managed to come up with a host of distinct, not to mention delicious, variants for different types of burger lovers. For promos and updates, follow Brothers Burger at www.facebook.com/ OfcialBrothersBurger and www.twitter.com/brothersburger.

Manangs Chicken has several branches located at AIC Gold Tower, Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City; G/F One Burgundy Plaza, Katipunan; SM Megamall; SM North Edsa; Glorietta Food Choices ; One Archers, Taft Ave. Manila; Unit 2 & 3,Tomas Morato, Q. C. ; Presidents Ave., BF Homes Paraaque; and Wilcon City, Visayas Ave., Q.C. Manangs hasn't abandoned its weekend market roots. The business still has a stall in Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig as well as in Midnight Mercato, the Legazpi Sunday Market, and Soderno @ Molito, Molito Mall, Alabang. To learn more about Manang's, visit:www.manangschicken.com.

Beating the heat

The new McCaf Iced Premium Roast Coffee is the coolest way to cool down while getting your much needed caffeine boost. McCaf Iced Premium Roast Coffee can be enjoyed in two avors, Regular P39 and Vanillafor P49. Order one in the morning, afternoon or night and expect delicious and affordable goodness with every cup. Made from 100% premium Arabica beans, fresh milk and yummy syrup, at a price you can denitely afford, the new McCaf Iced Premium Roast Coffeewill surely be a hit enjoying it by yourself or with your barkada. Want more of this coffee experience? You can upsize to a Large Iced Coffee for P45 for Regular avor or P55 for Vanilla, and for only P10 you can pair up the McCaf Iced Premium Roast Coffee with any of your favorite McDonalds Value Meals. Of course, for those who cant get enough of its classic warm taste, the hot McCaf Premium Roast Coffee is still available for only P25. The new McCaf Iced Premium Roast Coffee is available all day via dine-in, drive-thru, take-out and McDelivery nationwide. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/McDo.ph.

Get a lift
Young adults who are always on the go can now get a lift everyday with the newest float treats from Jollibee, the Coffee Float and Chocolate Float. Indulge in the creamy vanilla soft serve on top of the deliciously rich iced chocolate or delightfully smooth iced coffee. One sip of these refreshing drinks can surely lift anyones spirit and put him or her in a good mood all day. Whether theyre fretting over deadlines, craving for something to perk up their ordinary day, looking for a cool treat to beat the hot summer day, the new Jollibee Coffee Float and Chocolate Float are sure to give dynamic teens and young adults the best-tasting lift that they need. Get a lift with Jollibees new Coffee Float and Chocolate Float for only P45. Go Chocolate Float or Coffee Float by adding P25 to your favorite Jollibee value meals

The lifestyle press with the Koa family during a trip to Nantou Tea Farm.

How to enjoy worry-free vacations

TAKING a personal trip or traveling with family, be it here or abroad, entails careful planning to ensure everything is just right. Citibank cardholders have a way of making sure they experience worry-free vacations by getting added protection in case of unexpected medical and travel emergencies. Citibank offers Travel Safe as an easy and affordable insurance for all its cardholders so they enjoy peace of mind whenever they travel. To enroll, all they need to do is call 633-2699 and charge the plan to any Citibank Credit Card. Cardholders can opt to insure a single trip or avail of the annual coverage. Enrol in Travel Safe for as low of the policy, contact number and address, occupation, government ID and Citibank Credit Card where the premium will be charged. The cardholder will receive an insurance policy. Feel better with Travel Safe as it helps one prepare for emergencies. It covers medical expenses while on the trip in case the insured cardholder gets sick or injured. It also includes arrangement for transportation back to the Philippines, daily cash allowance for hospital confinement, and if confined for over 5 days it offers transportation and accommodation for a family member or friend to be with the insured.

as P120 per day for a single trip or P37 per day for an annual coverage. Simply call the hotline 633-2699 and provide ones details such as the names of those to be insured, their date of birth, destination and purpose of the trip, effective date

LOS ANGELES TIMES CROSSWORD

Across 1 Outlying expanse 4 Fa y Wr a y i n K i n g Kong, to movie buffs 15 The Giants retired his #4 16 The Bucharest Buffoon of 70s-80s tennis 17 Unit whose symbol is an omega
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

18 Military communications branch 19 Site of Cretan ruins 21 Shine, in ads 22 Blofelds constant companion, in Bond films 23 Goes unhurriedly 24 Joel Chandler Harriss brother? 25 Tennis score word 26 Take __ at 27 Dock bloc, briefly 28 Ford from Tennessee 30 Big party bottles 33 River through Hesse 34 Calls the game 37 Some saints 39 Mates 40 Doesnt come through 42 Glide 44 Proof abbr. 45 El __: Peruvian volcano 49 Ahem relative 50 Curt turndown 52Youve done enough 53 Bar order, initally 54 Cologne never 55 Took a vacation 56 Colonialism

59 M a n u a l t r a n s m i s sions?: Abbr. 60 Garb for Columbo and Clouseau 61 Coalesce 62 Its highly classified 63 Sounds omitted in transcription Down 1 Showing-off expression 2 Cultural group 3 Tops 4 Bike passengers support, facetiously 5 Campaign rewards 6 Fixes 7 Gloaming, in verse 8 Made 60-Across for technocrats? 9 Atlantic City director 10 Fa m i l i a r i t y / a p p e a l measurement used in marketing 11 _ _ - A z t e c a n l a n guages 12 Sweet pop music 13 Trellis for tra ining fruit trees

14 Sleeping kittens, e.g. 20 Marine layer 24 __-ray Discs 27 Ordered 29 Wi n e f l a v o r e d b y pine resin-sealed barrels 31 North Sea country: Abbr. 32 Give a little 34 Goes from second to third, say 35 Arrive after a long sail 36 Tot lot 38 Most aloof 41 Bk. after Ezra 43 Joseph Kennedys middle daughter 46 Underground waste 47 News opening, often 48 Rustic poems 51 We a t h e r f o r e c a s t components 5 2 Tr o p i c T h u n d e r actor 55 __ gum: food thickener 57 Tolkien creature 58 Bird in a fable

ANSWER TOMORROW

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

C4

Manila Standard TODAY

FRIDAY JUNE 1, 2012 Isah V. Red, Editor [email protected]
ISAH V. RED

showbitz
Join American Idol Season 5 runner up Katherine McPhee, Will and Graces Debra Messing and FlashForwards Jack Davenport as they come together to bring Marilyn Monroes life story to light in Smash every Saturday at 8 p.m. on Diva Universal. Steven Spielberg teams up with the Oscar-winning producers of Chicago and the esteemed songwriters of Hairspray to create his latest masterpiece about a group of people who, in the course of producing Broadways soonto-be newest hit, must balance their own chaotic personal lives with the all-consuming demands of the theatre. You can add Diva Universal to your SkyCable basic plan to join in on the mayhem in Smash and more for only P20 per month. Get a quick snapshot of the glamorous life with the First Family of Fab, the Kardashians. In Keeping Up with the Kardashians sixth season which airs every Friday at 8 p.m, Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and their mom Kris Jenner, step up the family drama amidst the ashing lights of Hollywoods paparazzi. You can live the life the Kardashian way when you add E! to your SkyCable basic plan for only P50 per month. With Diva Universal and E! on SkyCable Select, indulging your guilty pleasures with your glamorous friends need not break the bank. To know more about the SkyCable Select, log on to www.mysky.com.ph or call SkyCables customer service hotlines at (02) 381-0000 for Metro Manila, CAMANAVA, and Rizal; (046) 484-4701 for Cavite; (049) 534-2814 for Calamba and Binan, Laguna, (02) 520-8560 for San Pedro, Laguna and Carmona, Cavite; (044) 693-5877 for Bulacan; (032) 345-2278 for Cebu; and (082) 305-5456 for Davao. Metro Manila subscribers can also load up on these channels through SkyCable Select Prepaid by visiting the nearest 7-eleven outlet, sari-sari store or Internet caf. With SkyCable, you experience digital cable TV beyond clear signal.

SIMPLY RED

IT IS not easy to forget Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, the 2002 teleserye on the Kapamilya network.
The grand, ambitious project is said to have redened the drama genre boasting a superbly-written script, artistic execution and meticulously mounted scenesaside from showcasing an enviable line-up of award-winning actors and direction by no-less than Olivia Lamasan and Laurenti Dyogi. But to most fans, the series is remembered for introducing what is perhaps one of the strongest team-ups in show businessBea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz. Both were relatively new in showbiz at the time. John Lloyd, launched via Star Circle Batch 5 in 1997, was slowly gaining popularity as a matinee idol. His role, as Rovic, in the afternoon teen drama Tabing Ilog caught the attention of both fans and critics. Bea, on the other hand, had just been launched via Star Circle 9 in 2000, and played one of the leads in the short-lived teen show K2BU. Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay proved to be the breakthrough project for both, allowing them to demonstrate dramatic talent and manifest an undeniable screen chemistry. Their roles had been their steppingstones from cute teenybopper roles to the bigger league of heavy drama. Both showed maturity, depth and development as the characters they portrayed evolved from teenagers to young adults. John Lloyds Yuri began as a confused young man searching to discover his true parentage, and ultimately turned into a man seeking revenge for the death of his adoptive father. Beas Katrina was an awkward, sheltered teenage girl unaware of her fathers dark secrets, who eventually became a lawyer trying to put her life back together after a major family crisis. Together, John Lloyd and Bea became a truly bankable love team. Fans could not get enough of them, creating a demand for more projects together. This translated to more ventures on TV and lm. On television, John Lloyd and Bea starred in It Might Be You (2003), Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin (2005), Maging Sino Ka Man (2006), Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik (2007) and the very successful I Love Betty La Fea (2008). In lm, the two were featured in My First Romance (2003), Now That I Have You (2004), All About Love (2006), Close To You (2006), One More Chance (2007) and Miss You Like Crazy (2010). These collaborations have consistently been successful, as proven by high ratings, box-ofce receipts and acting awards for both John Lloyd and Bea. Asap Pop Viewers Choice Awards, Yes Magazine and the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation recognized the tandem with

A beautiful partnership

Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz are set to grace the big screen again

awards as Most Popular Loveteam in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. The team-up of John Lloyd and Bea has become undisputable, but their strength lies not only in their tandem. This is proven by their successful solo excursions when each was paired with different screen partners. Bea has been paired with other leading men likes Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo, while John Lloyd has done several projects with Toni Gonzaga, Sarah Geronimo and Angel Locsin. Both have also been cast, and held their own, in projects with accomplished veteran actors as Aga Muhlach, Vic Sotto, Lorna Tolentino and Vilma Santos. The success of their tandem has boosted their individual stellar values in the sense that their solo excursions have yielded box-ofce and ratings triumphs. Their list of product endorsements testify to the stature they have reached as actors and celebrities, as they now expand to the eld of advertising. In the advertising world, the demand for products to be associated with these stars has risen dramatically in the past years.

John Lloyd is the endorser of big brands such as Greenwich, Biogesic, Lucky Me, Swatch and Head and Shoulders. Bea is the face of Clear, Olay Colour Cosmetics, 4G Anti-Oxidants, and Kashieca, among others. In response to the continuing clamor for a reunion project, ABS-CBN and Star Magic, on its 20th year, bring back the well-loved team-up of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. In celebration of their 10th anniversary as a loveteam, the two will return to the primetime scene via the highly anticipated teleserye A Beautiful Affair. Things come full circle as the new series will be directed once again by Lauren Dyogi godfather of this team-up. The series, which will also feature fellow Star Magic talents Janus del Prado and Megan Young, is currently lming in Vienna, Austria. Spend the rest of the hot and sultry summer together with Hollywoods hottest and most fabulous on channels Diva Keeping Up With The Kardashians Season 6 Universal and E! on SkyCable Select.

Guilty pleasures

Britney Spears, Demi Lovato in The X Factor USA

STUDIO 23 today announced it has acquired the rights to air the highly-anticipated second season of the hit talent search The X Factor USA via satellite very soon with judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, and newly-signed and talked about judgessinger-actress Demi Lovato and multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Britney Spears. After months of rumors and hearsays that the two will be lling in on the vacant seats left by former judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, Britney and Demi made it ofcial to the public during Foxs presentation for its 2012-2013 offerings held in New York recently. I couldnt be more excited to join The X Factorjudging panel. Im a huge fan of the show and now I get to be a part of the action. Simon and L.A. better watch out! said Spears in an ofcial release from Fox. For 19-year-old Camp Rock star, she is just thrilled just by being part of such a legendary group of judges. Lovato said, To be able to spend each week with Simon, L.A. and Britney watching the best that America has to offer is truly a dream come true. The X Factor producer and notorious talent show judge Simon Cowell expressed how happy he is that Britney and Demi are ofcially on board. Im absolutely delighted Britney and Demi are joining us, he said. Britney remains one of the biggest stars in the world, shes talented, fascinating and I believe she knows exactly how to spot the x factor. Demis had an amazing career in music, TV and lm for someone her age. Shes young, condent, and enthusiastic. I think its really important that she speaks to our younger audience. The new panel will be dynamic and will work really well with the changes we are making to the show. Cowell is yet to announce who will host the second season of The X Factor USA, replacing season one host Steve Jones. Spears is one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history. Her musical career boasts nearly 100 million albums sold worldwide and countless awards and accolades, including the 2011 MTV Video Vanguard Award and Billboards Best-Selling Female Artist of the Decade (1998-2008). So far, Spears has

Asias underworld in Crime and Investigation

VENTURE into Asias most notorious underworlds and experience exclusive access into their secretive operations with Crime and Investigation Networks all-new thrilling series Asias Underworld, premiering June 4 at 10:30 p.m. and airing every Monday at the same time thereafter. With a real life cast of victims, police, and hardened criminals, Asias Underworld confronts the ruthless and money-driven minds of those who dare break the law. From contract killers to prostitution rings and drug manufacturers, the show captures the underworld as it is with a no-holds barred narration of the biggest crimes in Asia today. Asias Underworld kick starts in the Philippines on June 4 with Assassins, bringing you into the crossre between professional assassins and law enforcement. On June 18, meet the Drug Bandits and take a rare insiders look at the lives of the estimated 1.7 million people in the country who are reportedly addicted to drugs. Thanks to pushers and manufacturers who continue to churn out an endless supply of these illegal poisons for prot, nearly 20 million US dollars worth of narcotics are sold every day across the country. Meet real drug dealers and longtime addicts who are immersed in this lucrative underground trade, as monitored closely by undercover agents; and discover why shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, remains the most popular drug of choice in Philippines, despite its menacing and destructive effects. Dont miss reruns of the episode on June 9 and 23, Saturdays at 11 p.m. and June 10 and 24, Sundays at 8:30 p.m. Crime and Investigation Network is available on SkyCable Ch 64, Cablelink CH 45 For show information, visit citvasia.com and nd us at facebook.com/ciAsiaTV. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato

earned a total of ve no.1 debut albums and 24 Top 40 songs in her career. Meanwhile, Lovato is an accomplished singer and actress with a devoted and engaged young fan base. Her single, Skyscraper, off of her most recent album, Unbroken, recently went platinum, while the video for her new single, Give Your Heart a Break, already has garnered 10 million YouTube views. Her rst album, Dont Forget, debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and her second album, Here We Go Again, debuted at no. 1. This June, Filipinos will also have the chance to show their x factor as ABS-CBN localizes the worldwide hit franchise and pro-

duces The X Factor Philippines with KC Concepcion as host and Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Charice, and Pilita Corrales sitting on the judges panel. Aside from The X Factor franchise, Studio 23 also serves as home to another phenomenal hit singing competition, The Voice. Now on its second season with judges Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Cee Lo Green and host Carson Daly, The Voice airs every Saturday and Sunday on the Kabarkada Network. Catch the live show on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and the results show on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. A back-to-back replay of both episodes will also come your way every Monday at 6 p.m.