Psalm 37:37. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
May 31 - June 6, 2015 Volume III • Issue No. 103 Php 12.00
Iloilo Metropolitan Times
METROPOLITAN
ILOILO
the first business newspaper in metro iloilo
TIMES
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BIZ PULSE
What Ilonggos are saying about school calendar shift?
BY REYMAR LATOZA
There is a proposal to shift the opening of the school year (SY) from June to August. The Philippines is the only member-country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) where the academic year begins in What Ilonggos /p10 HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - May 23-29, 2015
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44.7000 44.6500
44.6987
44.6450
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44.6272 44.5956
44.5500 44.5529 44.5000 May 23, 2015
May 25, 2015
May 27, 2015
May 29, 2015
TUITION HIKES
PARADISE IN THE CITY. The Iloilo City esplanade, a green haven in the heart of the city has become an attraction, a family place and wellness center among health buffs. Photo by Clark Villaruel Antiquiera.
What’s Inside
BUSINESS
Iloilo City records higher land tax collection but misses target| 3 NEWS
Guimaras disowns Etik’s GIFT case | 4 TOURISM
10 Reasons Why Iloilo City is The Best City to Live in Philippines | 8
Iloilo zero agriculture damage BY RHODERICK TECSON
The province of Iloilo incurred zero damages amid the mild El Nińo that has brought losses in some parts of the country. This was revealed in a recent interview with Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Ildefonso Toledo. He said that the provincial government immediately acted during Iloilo zero /p10 Mila’s Hill
BY REYMAR LATOZA
Ten more higher education institutions (HEIs) in Western Visayas (WV) will increase their tuition rates for school year (SY) 2015-2016. Prior to this, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved the tuition hikes in five HEIs Overall, 15 tertiary schools in the region are poised to raise their tuition rates with an average per unit cost of P25.70 or 5.35 percent. Meanwhile, a total of 17 WV
“The mutual ties between Iloilo and Guimaras needs further strengthening”. These were the words of Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, Department of Tourism (DOT-6) regional director, as she announced the newest tourism campaign of the region’s tourism department, dubbed ‘Iloilo Loves Guimaras’. ‘Iloilo Loves Guimaras’ campaign aims that marketing tourism products, services and attractions of Iloilo and Guimaras be done in a twinning mode as visitors take the air, sea and land connectivity with the rest of the Philippines and the world offered by Iloilo. Catalbas said with Iloilo and Guimaras falling on the same Tourism Development Area No. 1 under the Mini Hotel
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M/V MILAGROSA-J CINCO
www.milashill.blogspot.com milashill.inlandresort@gmail.com
campaign, Catalbas believes that this synergy will greatly help in designing a strategic marketing campaign that will highlight the best of both provinces. “The goal of our campaign ‘Experience Western Visayas First’ is to attract tourists to come to this region and experience what it has to offer. Our next target is to create a campaign DOT-6 introduces /p10
M/V MILAGROSA-J TRES PORT
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National Tourism Development Plan, the two provinces should help each other in promoting their tourism industry. She cited that Guimaras is just 15 – 20 minutes away from Metro Iloilo via pumpboat, thus, it will be easy to include it in the tourism circuit. With the success of the ‘Experience Western Visayas First’
BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA
OPENS DAILY 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. FOR RESERVATION : Call or Txt (033) 396 9698 09059347957
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(SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF
SCHOOLS ON PAGE 10) Engineer Rex Casiple of CHED6 said the increases are based on the region’s inflation rate of 5.08 percent. CHED, according to Casiple, also took into consideration the intention of these schools to improve their facilities and increase the salaries of their teachers. “Our task is to regulate but we cannot stop schools from increasing their tuition rates and other fees,” he said. Tuition hike /p10
DOT-6 introduces ‘Iloilo Loves Guimaras’ campaign
In Land Resort
Pasil, New Lucena Iloilo
HEIs will increase their other school fees by an average of P26.7 or 6.32 percent. Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City posted the highest tuition and other school fees increase of P67.50 or 10 percent and P101.40 or 27.30 percent, respectively. CPU is an autonomous school. Its governing board has a power to raise their tuition rate and other school fees without the approval of CHED.
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Brgy. Lapuz-Norte, Iloilo City (033) 337 8627
MIWD finds ‘key’ to resolve water problem
BY REYMAR LATOZA The “key” to resolve the water crisis in Iloilo City is “financing”, according to Dr. Teodoro Robles, Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) Board chairman. Robles told Iloilo Metropolitan Times that the city’s sole water distributor, at this time, is incapable of financing especially its infrastructure needs. “We do not have available funds to finance our projects which are intended to help improve our production and distribution,” Robles said “MIWD cannot move without money,” he emphasized. According to him, they are “heavily burdened with debts left by the previous administrations.” In order to attain financial stability, Robles said, the governmentrun water distributor decided to enter into a joint venture (JV) agreement, a modality of public–private partnership (PPP), with a private company. “With this move, there will be financing available,” he said. Under the JV agreement, the production of water will be managed by a private company while the distribution will be still handled by MIWD finds /p10
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WESTERN VISAYAS
May 31 - June 6, 2015
Guimaras celebrates “Patents Festival” Aklan
guimaras
Hundreds of Guimarasnons were rejoicing when they received their long awaited land titles from Congressman JC Rahman C. Nava, Governor Samuel T. Gumarin with their respective Municipal Mayors and with the assistance of DENR USEC for Field Operations Demetrio L. Ignacio, Jr., during the Handog Titulo held at the Covered Gym, just recently. With the event theme: “Land Is Our Treasure, Security and Dignity” the distribution of agricultural patents to 500 beneficiaries turned out to be like a “patents festival,” in time while the Province is also celebrating the yearly “Manggahan Festival.” The festive mood stems from the realization of a long-time dream – now a reality to behold and possess. “We have waited so long for this and it is now a dream come true. Seems like a Christmas gift in the middle of the year and a gift of a lifetime,” said Vincent Rainier Sicada, one of the beneficiaries. “We at the DENR are elated when we see how the local government unit worked hard to give to its people their rightful due for land ownership. We will always be here to assist them in every endeavor where DENR can lend a hand,” said USEC Ignacio. The Patent Processing and
Post Yolanda assistance center on water, health issues
IT’S WORTH THE WAIT. Dr. Lucille Nava (3rd from left, left photo), wife of Cong. JC Rahman Nava, leads the patent distribution together with DENR USEC Demetrio L. Ignacio, Jr. (5th from left) and Governor Samuel T. Gumarin (2nd from left). Assisting them are DENR 6 Regional Director Jim O Sampulna (1st from left) and Mara Ausan (4th from left), OIC Registrar of the Registry of Deeds in Guimaras. Hundreds of people (middle photo) flocked to the covered gym in the Capitol Grounds in Jordan to witness the big event. Right photo shows the now proud Guimarasnons who felt dignified as land owners./DENR 6 Issuance is one of the priority projects of the DENR and helps to fast track land distribution to the rightful beneficiaries. As of April 2015, the DENR Region 6 had already distributed 444 homestead and agricultural free patents and 194 residential free patents, shows the data from the DENR Planning and
antique
DTI’s Market Monitoring goes to Pandan town
The Department of Trade and Industry – Antique Provincial Office in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Pandan initiated the conduct of Market Monitoring and Operation Timbangan at Pandan Public Market recently. Glen Fernando, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI Antique said that DTI is bent on ensuring the welfare of the consumers through the regular monitoring of business establishments on their compliance of Fair Trade Laws. DTI also held Operation Timbangan wherein weighing scales were checked as to their accuracy to deter unscrupulous traders in taking advantage of the inaccurate weighing scales and sell their goods in a much higher price. With this, the consumers are protected and get the best value of their money, said Fernando. Zelma A. Banzon, Market Administrator of Pandan town and her staff with DTI monitors were able to inspect 44 stores and all of them are found compliant to Fair Trade
Laws such as Business Name, Price Tag, Labelling and Product Standards likewise adherence to Suggested Retail Prices of goods sold was verified. However, on Business Name registration, two newly opened stores and three stores with expired BNs were provided application forms and were already processed. For Operation Timbangan (121) weighing scales were checked in various market sections (fish & meat, rice retailing, fruit and vegetable). Of these, 118 units were found accurate while 3 defective weighing scales used by transient vendors were confiscated and brought to the Office of the Market Supervisor for calibration. Banzon said spot checking of weighing scales was undertaken regularly by her staff. Penalty for defective weighing scales is P250.00 per unit per existing municipal ordinance. “The series of On the spot Market Visits and Operation Timbangan is conducted in different towns to ensure consumers are protected against unlawful practices of business establishments,” said Fernando. PIA6
Management Division. “Now the titles will serve as security of tenure to the beneficiaries. With this development, we hope to see a more progressive Guimaras in the years to come,” said DENR 6 Regional Director Jim O Sampulna.
International humanitarian organizations are giving attention on water, health and hygiene (WASH) issues in the aftermath of supertyphoon Yola The ACF International in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund is implementing programs giving priority on WASH towards disaster risk reduction. Behavior Change and Communications Officer Leomer Lacorte of ACF-Panay disclosed that they are capacitating the people in selected supertyphoon-affected areas in Capiz and Iloilo. He said that in Capiz, they are supporting two towns, namely Pontevedra and Pilar, particularly in 13 and 6 villages, respectively. Lacorte also said that their WASH program implementation in Iloilo province are in Concepcion, San Dionisio, Sara, and Ajuy. Recently, a one-day legislation workshop on WASH was conducted
for barangay and municipal officials of the program beneficiary barangays and towns in Capiz and Iloilo, with the involvement of other partner agencies such as the Provincial Health Office, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Health. Lacorte said that the WASH Disaster Risk Reduction program aims to address the WASH needs of typhoon Yolanda-affected population as a transition to developmental phase, particularly as an approach to total sanitation. During said gathering, the issues on access to safe and clean water both for drinking and domestic use as well as effects of lack of access to it, particularly on health, sanitation and hygiene were given attention. According to him, legislation in relation to WASH is a must in addressing the various issues relative thereto. PIA6
APEC promotes internet economy for inclusive growth
Symposium on the Internet Economy in Boracay, Aklan, Philippines The recently concluded Asia 2015 chair Laura del Rosario in her Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) keynote message during a Symposium Second Senior Officials Meeting on the Internet Economy said that (SOM) and Ministers Related to Trade one of the key concepts of APEC is (MRT) Meeting promotes inclusive connectivity – of people, of trade and growth among member economies of communication. According to del Rosario, the through the internet. Held in the Philippines’ tourism Information and Communications gem – the Boracay Island May 17-24, Technology (ICT) is the freeway of 2015, the meetings gathered around the internet and digital economy, 1,500 delegates from 21-member transporting ideas and services in the same way traditional infrastructure economies. Undersecretary and SOM has moved goods in the past noting
that ICT makes the world smaller and enlarges presence in the global economy. “Internet economy is borderless, thus, regional if not international cooperation is imperative,” Del Rosario said. Del Rosario disclosed that they will be on how to empower small producers and small, medium enterprises to get into the internet citing that the Department of Science and Technology in the country have been guiding SMEs place its presence on the net. A small enterprise which have been helped by DOST got an order from one of the APEC member economies on the net about 100 cases of very good coconut oil and was pleased with the product and ordered 1,000 cases more. “In other words, when you are there, when you are connected, the world suddenly becomes your market or at least the APEC region becomes your market,” Del Rosario added. However, del Rosario pointed out that aside from connecting these SMEs to the net, these enterprises should also be capacitated to level up production to meet the demands of the market without compromising quality. PIA-6
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BUSINESS 3
May 31 - June 6, 2015
Philippine Stock Exchange Inc Period ( May 18 - 29, 2015)
Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE:PHS)As of last trade, Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE:PHS) traded at 307.00, 12.37% above the 52 week low of 273.22 set on Jul 28, 2014.
DTIDTI PRICE PRICEMONITORING MONITORING Prime Commodities (May 11-15, 2015)
Prime Commodities (May 11-15, 2015)
CANNED SARDINES Current Price INSTANT NOODLES Current Price
Toyo (155g) Family - Budget Pack Plain (130g) Lucky 7 (155g)
13.25 12.60 13.75
PROCESSED MILK Current Price Alaska Sweetened Filled 53.00 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Alaska Filled Milk 38.20 Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk 38.15 Evaporated 410 mL
Lucky Me! (55g) Payless (50g) BREAD
7.10 6.30 Current Price
Pinoy Tasty (400g) 36.50 Pinoy Pandesal (250g) 22.25
DA PRICE MONITORING
Iloilo City records higher land tax collection but misses target BY REYMAR LATOZA Iloilo City’s real property tax collection from January to April 2015 went up by over P24 million compared to the same period last year. The City Treasurer’s Office collected P156 million in the first four months of the year, higher from last year’s P131 million.
City Treasurer Katherine Tingson said the increase was due to their intensive tax campaign since last year. Despite the high growth rate of taxes paid, the City failed to reach its P364-million target for the period. Tingson, however, said she is confident that they will be able to meet their full-year 2015 goal.
The city’s non-tax revenue also increased from P72 million to P77 million. In a previous report by Iloilo Metropolitan Times, the city recorded P346 million in business tax collection. The figure is higher by almost P25 million compared to the collection during the same period last year.IMT
‘Malnutrition weakens PH economy’
Processed and Manufactured Commodities (May 11-15, 2015) Processed and Manufactured Commodities (May 11-15, 2015)
Commercial Rice Regular Milled Well Milled Premium Special (Fancy) Sugar Refined Washed Brown Sugar Cooking Oil Lapad (bottle)
Current Price 38.00/kg 42.00/kg 45.00/kg 50.00/kg 52.00/kg 48.00/kg 44.00/kg
23.00
Meat & Poultry Pork Liempo Pigue (Ham) Beef Rump Brisket Chicken Fully Dressed Egg Fish Bangus
Current Price
200.00/kg 180.00/kg
260.00/kg 200.00/kg 130.00/kg 5.00/pc
Current Price 120.00/kg
SRP list on school supplies out The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-6) has already distributed Suggested Retail Price (SRP) posters in major outlets here to guide consumers when buying school supplies for their children. DTI-6 Trade Development Division Chief Judith Degala said consumers may look for these posters and refer for the prices if retailers are complying with the SRP. The SRP list or the “GabaysaPresyong School Supplies” contains prices of the different brands of notebooks, writing pad papers, crayons, sharpener, eraser, pencils and ballpens listed from the cheapest to the expensive. It is also posted in the DTI website at www.dti.gov.ph. Prices of notebooks range from P10 to P31; writing pad papers from P8.00 to P41; crayons from P11.25 to P51.75; sharpener from P5.25 to P10; eraser from P4.00 to P10; pencils from P3.50 to P6.00 a piece; ballpen from P4.75 to P9.75 a piece. Degala assured consumers that DTI monitoring teams are out in the market almost everyday to check if retailers are compliant with the SRP.
In general, most people do not eat enough green leafy and yellow vegetables and vitamin C-rich fruits, according to the Food Nutrition Research Council (FNRI). She also noted that retailers in Iloilo City are compliant and sometimes their prices are lower than that of the SRP. If consumers encounter overpricing of the products, Degala said they could first report it to the supervisor or the owner of the store who could decide on the matter as some of them also function as Consumer Welfare Desk of their establishments. However, if the retailer refuses to act on their complaints they could bring their complaints directly to the DTI or call their call hotline numbers 3370392, 335-0149. Retailers who failed to comply with the SRP are issued a show cause order or letter by the department asking them to explain for their noncompliance. Penalties are meted for those erring ones. Degala also advised buyers to patronize the brands on the SRP listings as they are assured that the products conform to quality and safety standards. PIA-Iloilo
NFA: WV has enough rice supply
A man tills a small plot of land. Photo credits to D J Clark/flicker.com BY REYMAR LATOZA region. He emphasized that WV has a The supply of rice in Western 15-day buffer stock while the entire Visayas (WV) is stable, according to country has a 20-day buffer stock. the National Food Authority (NFA). NFA is targeting to achieve the “The region has enough supply 30-day buffer stock, the administrator of rice for the lean months from July said. to September,” NFA Administrator Dalisay said that they are also Senen Renan Dalisay said. vigorous in their campaign against To ensure this, Dalisay said, NFA hoarding and retagging of NFA has been inspecting markets in the rice. IMT
BY REYMAR LATOZA Malnutrition does not only affect the physical and mental development of Filipinos, but it also weakens the Philippine economy, according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). The FNRI said malnutrition is a serious problem that still persists in the county. It is a disorder caused by “eating too little, too much, or not eating the right combination of food.” Based on the latest results of the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) released by the FNRI, 31 percent of adult Filipinos are obese and overweight while 10 percent are chronically energy deficient (CED). “Workers in offices and factories who are malnourished are not efficient as they easily get tired on their job,” the FNRI said. “This leads to low work performance stemming from absenteeism and shortened work hours,” it added. A weak workforce, according to the FNRI, is equivalent to weak economy and weak economy is equivalent to slow progress of the county. The FNRI encouraged everyone to act against malnutrition. “All of us should be concerned about malnutrition,” it said. COST OF MALNUTRITION The city and provincial governments of Iloilo are losing billions of pesos every year because of malnutrition. The State of food and Agriculture report showed that “the cost to the global economy caused by malnutrition could account for as much as 5 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or equivalent to an estimated amount of $500 (P22,305) per person .” If the province of Iloilo has a population of 1.8 million, it is losing about P40.77 billion per year from the lost of productivity and direct health care costs. Iloilo City, with a population of more than 426 thousand is losing about P 9 billion. WHY MALNUTRITION EXISTS The FNRI said there is malnutrition because of poverty, low education level, urbanization
as well as infectious diseases and parasitism due to poor sanitation. Specifically, “the factors that contribute to malnutrition are faulty food intake, poor distribution of the food supply, inequitable food distribution among the family members, large family size, and low food expenditure as affected by high prices of food and poor income.” 10 KUMAINMENTS In order to address this problem, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) has developed the 10 Kumainments. “This is the popular version of the National Guidelines for Filipinos that aims to promote positive nutrition practices to fight malnutrition in the country,” the NNC said. PINGGANG PINOY The FNRI also came up with a new, easy-to-understand food guide for Filipino adults aging 19 years old and above. The Pinggang Pinoy, according to FNRI’s Salvador Serrano, during the NUTRICOMNET Meeting and Media Forum in Iloilo City, aims to complement and supplement other food guide like the Food Guide Pyramid. “It is much easier to appreciate and visualize because it is on a per-meal basis, “Serrano said. This food guide is a reminder to Filipinos on how to fill up their plate with the right amount, proportion, and quality of food, the FNRI said. It is divided into four portions, namely: • The Rice and Alternatives portion (33%) is represented by a cup of cooked rice. • The Meat and Alternatives portion (17%) is represented by fish, the most common protein source in the country. • The Vegetable portion (33%) is represented by malunggay. This vegetable is known for its rich contents of vitamins and minerals. • The Fruits portion (17%) is represented by banana, a commonly consumed fruit in the Philippines and is highly available throughout the season. IMT
PEDC gets P11-B loan for project expansion in Iloilo City
BY REYMAR LATOZA Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC), a power generation company owned by Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC) has secured P11 billion to fund the ongoing construction of its 150 megawatts (MW) coal-fired power plant expansion project in Iloilo City. PEDC’s Unit 3 project in Barangay Ingore, La Paz district aims to support the rapid business developments in Iloilo City and the rest of Panay Island. GBPC said the P11-billion loan facility agreement was fully funded by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), China Banking Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Philippine National Bank and the Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company. Through First Metro Investment Corporation, the lead arranger of the loan, PEDC’s loan requirement was oversubscribed by P 3.6 billion. Proceeds of the loan represented 70 percent of the P 15.6 billion total project cost while the remaining 30 percent was financed through equity. Jaime Azurin, executive vice president of GBPC, said the successful closing of the syndicated loan facility shall play a significant role in revitalizing Panay’s economy. Azurin added that the P11 billion funding couldn’t have come at a more opportune time as tight power supply is anticipated due to the accelerated business developments in Panay, especially in the areas of property development and tourism industries. “We are truly honored for gaining the confidence and support of like-minded financing institutions that serve as our reliable partners in fuelling economic development in the Visayas, particularly in Panay,” he said. The project of the Iloilo-based power firm, according to GBPC, is ahead of schedule and already 40 percent complete as of March 15. When the project becomes operational by June next year, PEDC will be the largest power generating facility in the Visayas. GBPC was able to secure four loan facilities in span of six years. These facilities were instrumental in shaping the economic growth of the Visayas region. PEDC, which is currently operating the 164-MW coal-fired power plant in Iloilo City, serves the baseload power requirements of Panay, including the island of Boracay. “It has lessened dependence on submarine cables which has significantly improved power supply efficiency. Dramatic development in Panay became evident as soon as power supply stabilized,” GBPC said. “Iloilo started to witness the establishment of shopping centers, Iloilo International airport, hotels, infrastructure projects and emergence of business process outsourcing (BPO),” the company added.IMT
4
NEWS
METRO
on the road
NEDA Merchandise imports contracted by 6.8 percent in March 2015 as lower payments primarily for mineral fuels, lubricants, and raw materials were recorded in the period, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
DTI The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is reminding public especially shoppers to be cautious on the risks involved in online shopping taking into account the anonymity on the internet. “From time to time we receive complaints from online shoppers and we try to give them tips on how to protect themselves when shopping online,” said Judith Degala, Chief Trade Development Division of DTI-6.
PHLPost
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released new commemorative stamps to mark the 150 years of the Archdiocese of Jaro. “The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) congratulates the Catholic faithful in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Jaro and the launching of the commemorative stamps to highlight the occasion”, Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz said. Established on May 27, 1865, Jaro is the 5th oldest diocese in the Philippines.
NAPOLCOM The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) announced the conduct of the PNP entrance and promotional examinations on October 25, 2015. Atty. Marte S. Palomar, NAPOLCOM-6 Regional Director, said that the PNP Entrance Examination is open to all Filipino citizens who meet the age, height, and educational requirements, as well as to Police Officer I (PO1) whose appointments are temporary for lack of appropriate eligibility.
May 31 - June 6, 2015
Guimaras disowns Etik’s GIFT case BY RHODERICK TECSON The provincial government of Guimaras has categorically disowned the legal case filed by Vice Governor Vicente “Etik” de Asis against the Iloilo City government relative to the ongoing Guimaras Iloilo Ferry Terminal (GIFT) Project. Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin said they were not consulted of the move made by de Asis and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Guimaras Chapter which is coincidentally chaired by Atty. Vincent Pascal de Asis the son of the vice governor. Gumarin added that the province has already started the formal negotiations with the city of Iloilo and DoubleDragon Properties Inc., the private partner of the city in developing the terminal under the Public Private Partnership scheme or PPP as to the most controversial provision of the contract allowing the collection of an
Guimaras Iloilo Ferry Terminal (GIFT) Project in Iloilo City P11 terminal fee for every passenger going to Guimaras. De Asis early last week filed a civil action against the GIFT project seeking for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and asking the court to rescind the joint venture agreement between the city government of Iloilo and the private contractor. The vice governor qualified his act by saying that Gumarin was informed
OFWs have right to keep their passports, says DFA BY REYMAR LATOZA Kabataan Overseas Filipino workers Partylist-Panay (OFW) have the right to keep their Philippine passports, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). slams K-12 “The Philippine passport is considered to be the property of the Republic of the Philippines and only the bearer has the right to keep it in his custody,” the DFA said in a press release. According to the agency, any Filipino worker especially in Saudi Arabia whose passports has been kept by their employers has a right to complain to authorities. The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh said “employers in Saudi Arabia who continue to keep their foreign workers’ passports, as a matter of practice and against the workers’ will, are violating Saudi law, specifically Council of
BY REYMAR LATOZA
Ministers Resolution No. 166 dated July 14, 2000.” The resolution, which states that “every employee has the right to keep his passport in his custody”, remains in effect, the Embassy said. IMT
Iloilo gets almost P1 billion emergency assistance
BHC The Iloilo City Boarding House Commission (BHC) advised parents and students to be cautious in choosing boarding houses by checking their certifications and permits. In a media interview, BHC head Ben Palma said that students and first-time boarders in the city should look for boarding houses duly certified by the BHC. “A BHC certification means the boarding house has complied all the necessary requirements including business permit, sanitary permit, and fire inspection certificate,” he emphasized.
DOLE Labor and Employment Secretary Baldoz directed the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) and the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), both attached agencies of the DOLE, to assign personnel to man their respective hotlines/helpdesks and answer queries and complaints on health and safety in the workplace. Region 6, Lynmar Frances L. Laruscain and Stephen S. Barredo, (033) 320-8026; (033) 509-0400; 0917-837-0590; 0917-837-0963; reu6@ecc.gov.ph.
of his legal move including the signature drive circulating in Guimaras asking for the people to support the court petition. It was later known that De Asis is planning to run for Congress in the lone district of Guimaras against Dr. Ma. Lucille Nava, the wife of outgoing Rep. Rahman Nava. Nava, Gumarin and De Asis belong to the same political group in the last elections.
BY REYMAR LATOZA The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas (WV) has released almost a billion pesos worth of emergency shelter assistance (ESA) for the province of Iloilo. Out of the P2.498 billion disbursed by the DSWD-6, the lead implementing agency of the ESA program, the province received a total of P989.8 million as of yesterday, May 26. The amount released for the province went to the towns of Carles, Estancia, Sara, Alimodian, Ajuy, Concepcion, San Rafael, Lambunao and Cabatuan. Based on the guidelines, families with totally damaged houses will
receive P30 thousand each while families with partially damaged houses will get P10 thousand each. DSWD-6 Assistant Regional Director Rebecca Geamala said compared to other provinces in the region, Iloilo, so far, received the biggest ESA fund. The agency, according to Geamala, is scheduled to release an additional amount for several towns in various provinces of WV. “We will release P3.172 billion for the towns of Lemery in Iloilo, Bugasong in Antique and Mambusao, Maayon, Dao, Cuartero and Sapian in Antique,” Geamala said. “Aside from this, our agency is set to download P4 billion from the central office in Manila,” she added. IMT
Kabataan Partylist-Panay believes that the implementation of the K-12 program “will bring no benefit” to students, parents, teachers and workers. Charmane Chin, Kabataan Partylist coordinator, said K-12 will further privatize and commercialize education making the students and their parents bear the high costs of education and annual increases in tuition and other school fees. Chin claimed that many public schools nationwide are not yet ready to offer senior high school (SHS). This, according to her, will force thousands of students to enroll in state universities and private schools offering senior high, where education is not free. “Tuition for senior high in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, a state university, costs P16, 000. On the other hand, tuition for senior high in private schools ranges from P22, 500 to P35, 000 and even up to P70, 000,” Chin said. “What we need is a nationalist and pro-people educational system, one that serves the Filipino people’s aspirations for full human and national development,” she added. On the contrary, Mindaluz Billena of the Division of Iloilo said K-12 is beneficial to students and parents. “SHS or grades 11 and 12 students will be trained to be ready especially for employment e ven if they could to go to college,” Billena said. Each senior high school student can pursue the following tracks: Academic, Technical-VocationalLivelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track has the following strands: Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM); Humanities, Education, Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM). She also reiterated that SHS will be offered for free in public schools. “Wala sila dapat kabalak-an kay free ang SHS. Makabenefit guid sila,” Billena said. Last May 2013, President Benigno Aquino III signed the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 into law. Grade 11 will start in school year (SY) 2016-2017 while Grade 12 in SY 2017–2018. IMT
Schools in Iloilo ready to offer senior high school
REYMAR LATOZA
Most secondary schools in the province of Iloilo are ready to offer Senior High School (SHS) education next year. Division of Iloilo’s Mindaluz Billena, in an interview with Iloilo Metropolitan Times, said that at present, 100 out of 180 public high schools in the province are ready to accept senior high school students. Moreover, fourteen private high schools are set to offer SHS education, Billena said. According to her, the province has at least 30 private high schools. The primary factors considered in the identification of SHSs were the availability of space and school sites, community realities, local development plans, parents’ and students’ preferences, and the current and future needs of local industries. SHS curriculum is under the K to 12 program of the present administration. Under the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 signed by President Benigno Aquino III in 2013, Grade 11 will be introduced in school year (SY) 2016–2017 and Grade 12 in SY 2017–2018. Each senior high school student can pursue the following tracks: Academic, Technical-VocationalLivelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track has the following strands: Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM); Humanities, Education, Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM). IMT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that NELLIE S. SECUGAL has filed with this Office a petition for Change of First Name from MARIA EDEN to EVANGELINE in the Certificate of Live Birth of EVANGELINE SIBONGA SERNICULA who was born on October 29, 1957 at SAN JOAQUIN, ILOILO and whose parents are ANDRES SERNICULA and LUISA SIBONGA Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office. (SGD) ROY CARLES S. LAMASAN Municipal Civil Registrar
HEALTH 5
May 31 - June 6, 2015
Overweight in teens boosts middle age bowel cancer risk Teenagers who are very overweight may run double the risk of developing colorectal cancer when they reach
middle age, according to research published Monday. Researchers tracked the health of
MANILA, Philippines – As the month of May comes to an end, heat and humidity will persist throughout the week. While the temperature reaches an all-time high this summer, heat stroke is still a health risk that can be fatal if not taken seriously. State weather bureau PAGASA reported that the heat index until the end of the month will range from 39.1 to 45.5 degrees Celsius. With this temperature, PAGASA said, “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible” and that “continuing activity could result in heat stroke.” According to the Department of Health (DOH), heat stroke is “the most severe form of heat illness.” The
body overheats and cannot cool down by mere sweating due to dehydration. It does not involve any blockage in the blood flow to the brain, thus making the term “stroke” a misnomer. DOH adds that one is at greatest risk of heat stroke during hot and humid weather if he/she is: • engaged in physical activity • dehydrated • directly exposed to the sun for too long During the past week, heat-related deaths were recorded in Cagayan Valley as higher temperatures continued to bring scorching heat in the region. Here are signs of heat stroke you need to watch out for, and things you should do to keep safe.
FAST FACTS: Heat stroke
more than 239,000 men who had been conscripted into the Swedish army between the ages of 16 and 20 from 1969 to 1976. At the time of conscription, around 12 percent of the men were underweight, more than 80 percent were of normal weight and five percent were moderately overweight. Of the remainder, 1.5 percent were very overweight—with a body mass index of between 27 and nearly 30—and one percent were obese, with a BMI of more than 30. The conscripts were regularly checked for colorectal cancer for next 35 years, during which 885 cases —501 colon cancers and 384 rectal cancers—were detected. Those who were very overweight as teenagers were twice as likely to develop bowel cancer in middle age, compared to subjects of normal weight. Those who were obese were nearly 2.4 times likelier to be diagnosed with the disease. The study, led by Elizabeth Kantor of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, appears in Gut, a specialist journal published by the BMJ. Previous research into obesity and colorectal cancer has looked mainly at adults. This is the first large-scale probe into the impact of overweight in teenagers. In adults, bowel inflammation has been suggested as a likely cause of the problem, but it is unclear whether this is the same among teens, said the authors. Agence France-Presse
Soft drinks, coffee, alcohol bad summer quenchers While they may hit the spot at first, soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks may not be the best items to quench your thirst this dry (summer) season. Health experts issued the reminder as the weather threatens to get hotter and more humid this May, GMA Dagupan’s Jette Arcellana reported. In Pangasinan, Dagupan City health officer Dr. Leonard Carbonell said coffee, soft drinks and alcohol may be refreshing at first but may dehydrate the body. “Hindi ka mare-replenish... Water pa rin, even four liters,” Carbonell said. Also, Carbonell cautioned residents against eating meat to regain strength during the hot season. He said high-protein foods may
require more digestion and more water. Instead, he said people can eat fruits, particularly watermelons, which are 97 percent water. Bathing Meanwhile, PAGASA Dagupan chief meteorological officer Greg de Vera II said that while bathing is one way to keep cool during the hot weather, it should be in the bathroom and not the sea. “Yung buhangin sa dagat ka lang, mas matindi ang init dahil nagaccumulate,” he said. The hot weather is expected to continue this month, with temperatures in Dagupan reaching 37.5 degrees Celsius last May 17 and 18. GMA News
T E C H N O L O G Y
Gionee Marathon 3 focuses on longer battery life
The Gionee Marathon 3 or M3 is a device designed for the long haul. That’s because this smartphone was developed in response to the clamor of users for a longer battery life. While there are alternatives such as the powerbank, not everyone is receptive to these power sources, which tend to be cumbersome. The centerpiece of the M3 is the 5000mAh battery that ensures longer operating hours than any Androidbased brand currently selling in the market, Gionee claimed. It provides 33.7 hours of talk time and 32.8 days of standby time.
One of the unique features of the M3 is On the Go (OTG) Reverse Charging, which enables a user to charge his phone to another unit while attending important call on the other line but the battery is running low. It also has an OTG Data Transfer. Just plug in the files and you can access your files on the phone. If you are on the road caught in a monstrous traffic jam along EDSA, you can tinker with the HotKnot feature that allows sharing of photos by just lightly knocking two phones together. A Mediatek quad core 1.3 GHz
Viber comes to Chrome OS
processor provides the computing muscle for the user to download all the files he needs for work and leisure. An 8 gigabit (GB) of internal memory, meanwhile, and 1 GB of RAM give users plenty of space to store the files. Running on the Android (Kitkat 4.4 version), the M3 can connect to GPS, Wi-Fi, radio, Bluetooth and loud speaker. For the photo aficionados, the M3 has an 8 megapixel camera. And if you want to enjoy music, the micro dual SIM phone is equipped with dual noise cancellation and digital theater sounds (DTS) capability. The M3 may not be a sexy phone but it delivers the power to enable the user to stay longer being connected. It carries a retail price of P7,999. – ABS-CBNNews
Free video calling in FB Messenger now nearly worldwide, but not yet in PHL
Finally, computers and devices running Google’s Internet-centric Chrome OS will get the popular Internet messaging app Viber. Viber rolled out version 5.3.0.2339 of its app to the Chrome Web Store Tuesday, as a 27.56-megabyte download. “The app syncs with your mobile contact list, automatically detecting which of your contacts have Viber,” it said. Viber claims to have more than 516 million users who text, make HD-
quality phone and video. Other than Chrome OS, Viber can be used for OS X, iOS, Windows, BlackBerry, Linux, and Android. But The Next Web noted Viber has stiff competition in Chrome OS. “Google’s Hangouts app comes packaged with Chrome, and others like Imo have been available on the platform for quite some time. Viber is also limited to Chrome OS; a browserfriendly version is not yet available,” it added. GMA News
After debuting last month, the free video calling feature for Facebook’s Messenger platform is now nearly worldwide – but the Philippines is still not quite getting it yet. But Facebook’s Dave Marcus said only a few countries still do may not have the feature for now as the social networking giant works out some quality improvement issues. “(W)e’re happy to share we’ve now rolled out the capability globally, with the exception of a few countries we’re still working on improving quality for,” Marcus said. He said the feature is now in the latest apps of Facebook for iOS and Android. Not in Philippines yet As of Thursday morning, the
feature is not yet available for mobile users in the Philippines. Many commenters on Marcus’ Facebook post had requested that the feature be included in the country. DigitalTrends.com said countries that have not yet received the video calling functionality include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the Philippines. A study by Internet metrics provider Ookla showed the Philippines has the second slowest average download speed among 22 Asian countries. April debut Last April, Facebook introduced the new feature that allows face-to-face conversations. It is initially available on mobile devices running Apple’s iOS
and Google’s Android. “You can quickly start a video call from any conversation with just one tap. If you’re messaging with someone and realize that words just aren’t enough, you can simply choose the video icon in the top right corner of the screen and start a video call right from within an existing Messenger conversation,” Stan Chudnovsky, head of product for Messenger, and Param Reddy, engineering manager, said in a blog post. Messenger has yet to win over some Facebook users who do not like the idea of a standalone messaging app for the social networking site. Before this, Messenger already allowed people to make voice calls to friends and loved ones around the world. GMA News
6
OPINION
EDITORIAL
ROAD AND MANAGEMENT
I
loilo is lucky because in 2014 it received a total of 4 billion pesos worth of infrastructure projects and this year another 1 billion pesos has been allocated for the repair and construction of roads and bridges around the province and city. This year alone, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson has stated that the 1 billion pesos budget has been allocated to at least 73 projects which include six tourism road projects, three road rehabilitation projects, thirteen construction and maintenance of flood control and drainage infrastructure projects, six road widening projects, seven bridge projects and 38 projects under the local infrastructure program. The multi-billion projects aim to provide the economy of the province and the city a good foundation in luring new investments. However, in the case of Iloilo City, the road projects which are almost completed as of this time have not served its purpose of decongesting the traffic load which is a primary requirement of a busy economy. The roads have become the most expensive parking spaces of a many business establishments around the city. In some areas, it has become the business lot itself. Also visible is the build and destroy practice of the waterworks and the public works department. Once a road project is completed, sooner it will be excavated for a project which could have been done prior the completion of a repair or a new road construction. In both cases, the issue is good leadership and management. Unfortunately, while the budget is overflowing, the will to manage the roads and the projects efficiently are lacking.
May 31 - June 6, 2015
Pinoy is one of 12 newly-ordained New York priests “Find a priest who understands English and doesn’t look like Rasputin.”Aristotle Onassis NEW YORK CITY -- We recently had the privilege to attend the Mass officiated by a Filipino priest, Fr. Adolfo Novio, at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral here. Novio was among the 12 newly-ordained priests in New York and members of the Filipino community were very much excited to welcome him in the Big Apple. They were ordained by New York Archbishop, Cardinal Dolan, at the Cathedral on May 23. Known as “members of the Class of 2015 at St. Jospeh’s Seminary in Dunwoodie,” Novio’s fellow newly-ordained priests were Fr. James Benavides, Fr. Sean Connolly, Fr. Jose Cruz, Father Ricardo Garcis, Fr. Christopher McBride, Fr. Adolphus Muoghalu, Fr. Matthew Reiman, Fr. Stephen Ries, Fr. Elvin Rivera, Father Ignatius Shin, and Fr. Jean-Marie Uzabakiribo. Every young striver who has ever come to New York to make his way has experienced it, the exhilaration of their first glimpse of that celebrated skyline. “I arrived in Newark,” Father Adolfo Novio recalled. “Crossing the George Washington Bridge
looking at the skyline of Manhattan, wow! You know, the excitement!” According to the Catholic New York, Novio, 36, was not arriving in the Big Apple to try to “make it” on Broadway or to land a position at a prestigious Wall Street firm. He sought to make it in a more celestial sphere. He was hoping to become a New York priest. COMBINATION “It was a combination of fear and amazement,” he was quoted by the Catholic New York. “This was not my plan. I was really scared but I thought, what the heck, while I’m here I should enjoy New York!” It was a long way from the orphanage he grew up in his native Philippines. Abandoned before birth by his father, he was raised in an orphanage operated by the Daughters of Charity. His mother went there to have her baby boy and to work as a cook. “When you grow up with the Sisters you are exposed to all religious activities, prayers and especially the Mass,” he explained. “I was fascinated with the work of a priest.” When he was a young teenager his mother left him with the Sisters to seek employment in Manila. Deciding it was better for the boy’s development, they transferred him to the cathedral rectory, where he continued his education while serving as an altar
boy and even played the organ and the guitar in the cathedral. After seeing Pope John Paul II when he visited the Philippines for World Youth Day in 1995, he decided to act on his growing sense of vocation to the priesthood. “I saw this holy man. At that moment I said yes, this is my life. I will be happy in this life of a priest,” he told CNY. Raised in the Vincentian tradition among the Sisters, he decided to join the Vincentian community, serving in Palau, Micronesia. He began to discern a calling to the diocesan priesthood and asked his pastor what he should do. VISA Because he had been working with Americanrun Catholic schools in Palau he held a U.S. visa, so his pastor recommended he apply to dioceses in the United States. He did, and soon heard from Father Luke Sweeney, then the archdiocesan vocations director, who invited him here for an interview. He arrived in New York Sept. 22, 2009. He found that while New York may be one of the most frenetic cities on earth his own immediate environment at St. Joseph’s Seminary would be quiet indeed. “My first two and a half years I experienced a huge building with nobody
The Summer of 2015
T
here is by different people. It turned out to be something one of our best times a b o u t together. Yes we spend all traveling that makes one a our days together but it’s changed person. Traveling totally different without allows a person to see the the kids around, without a world from a different household to take care of, perspective, to see a different without an office to think culture, to taste a different of. It was just us - trying to cuisine, to see sights and hear figure out what time to wake sounds totally different from up, where to eat, what sights what has been ordinary. to see. It was a time to get The husband and I to know ourselves better and recently embarked on a know “us” better. journey to the City of Pines. Baguio is the perfect It was a side trip because place for such sweet rewe had to be in Manila for discovery. The cool weather business. We thought of added to the romantic going up to Baguio to give mood of our time together. ourselves some time together We both love eating fresh - away from the everyday vegetables so we had more hustle and bustle, toxic than our fill of these in schedules and mundane Baguio. Before going, I did routine. A time to be still a research of all the sights to and quiet and just watch see and experiences to enjoy the world pass from a in the City of Pines. It turned different place surrounded out to be the best thing
I have ever done for that trip. We made an itinerary and it was easy to stick to it because we did not have kids in tow who will complain of tired feet, sleepy heads, growling tummies. We have always traveled with our 3 boys so this time it was a joy to just walk and walk fast without having to carry our Boy number 3, or hear Boy number 2 complain of tired feet or hear our eldest complain when will we ever stop walking. I sincerely miss our boys in this trip but it was a welcome respite to just be by ourselves and discover new things. Yes, we will definitely bring them to Baguio soon but when that time comes it will be so much easier and loaded with fun because we already know how to bring them around. We would already know where to eat with
here,” he said, noting the limited enrollment when he first arrived. “Most of our time was just alone in the seminary. It was time for me to be able to discern. So it was a very prayerful transition for me as I began my new life in New York.” In late 2011 Cardinal Dolan, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn and Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre signed a joint agreement making St. Joseph’s the site for the training of seminarians from the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Diocese of Rockville Centre. START On Sept. 5, 2012 the Mass of the Holy Spirit marked the start of the academic year with nearly 100 seminarians in residence. “When the merger happened, I said this is the real seminary where people interact,” he said. “The program here is just so excellent. We have seminarians from Africa, Europe Asia, Latin America, a mixing bowl of cultures.” Kind of like New York, the archdiocese he will soon serve. Father Novio celebrated his first Mass on May 24 at 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Pompei Church, Manhattan. Msgr. Romualdo Sosing, pastor of Holy Name parish, Valley Stream, was the homilist.
them and which sights they will definitely enjoy. There is so much joy in walking when you are in a different place. This is my first time in Baguio and Husband’s 3rd so I was in awe of everything. I took hundreds of pictures and was amused by all the sights. I literally wanted to put everything in my pocket and bring them home. Baguio will forever have a soft spot in my heart. The memories of the cool weather, fresh and crispy vegetables, juicy strawberries, awesome historical places and breathtaking views will always make this summer a truly memorable one. One day, when I am old, and rocking my grandchildren to sleep I will look back with a smile on my face and a tug in my heart and I will remember how it was in the summer of 2015.
OPINION 7
May 31 - June 6, 2015
The Ombudsman Should Know
“I
njustice l i e s fairly in delayed decision than an erroneous one which can be appealed immediately, subjected to media and academic scrutiny or can be elevated to the Higher Court of public opinion.” An Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) was filed in 2004 against then Iloilo City Mayor now Cong. Jerry P. Trenas, Melchor Tan, Catherine Tingson, Edwin Bravo, and contractor Alex Trinidad. The others are former Mayor Mansueto Malabor and his former staff. It is hard to believe that high profile local government officials may easily yield to temptation of greed. However, this P137M graft case that has consumed the city for years seems not good for the Office of the Ombudsman. From 2004 to 2009, no probable cause has been found against then Mayor Trenas & Co. Graft investigators are mostly lawyers. On why they all failed to find probable
cause against the mayor, only God knows. But a discreet and reasonable fish vendor can even ascertain that the unauthorized payment of Mayor Trenas to the contractor is already embraced in R.A. 3019. So who are they kidding? Probable cause needs only to rest on evidence showing that most likely than not a crime has been committed. I never see officials so derelict and irresolute in the performance of duty than these graft investigators from the Ombudsman office. I say this as one thing we all abhor is their large propensity to selective prosecution. Former Mayor Mansueto Malabor only signed the contract before turning it over to Mayor Trenas for implementation but was indicted. Trenas who spend almost all the money for the failed project was spared. This is not what I think the Ombudsman’s business is all about. Basi siguro dala ini sang “malandi nga climate change ” Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved
the resolution of underlings to set aside the case against Trenas & Co. without giving it a second look. It gives us an impression without affirming the perception that investigators assigned to this case have –lessworking brains. See how the Resolution reads en toto; “The Information accusing Jerry P. Trenas, Melchor Tan, Edwin Bravo, Catherine Tingson and Alex Trinidad for Violation of Sec. 3, Par (e) of RA 3019 as amended, for causing the release of the P43,807,733.33 for construction works of the ICHP in Pavia, Iloilo, despite reports that substandard materials were used in the project and defects, deficiencies and lapses in the work were noted, is HEREBY SET ASIDE.” Set aside? What a shame! SEC. 16, ART. Iii of the 1987 Constitution reads: “All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial or administrative bodies.” Yet, they failed to expedite this case with reasonable timeliness in view of its
mandate to promptly act on all complaints lodged before their office. The failure of graft investigators to find probable cause against the mayor after six years is what irate me. They didn’t study their role and the responsibilities and accountabilities attendant thereto. They should know that It is not the duty of the respondent to go to Court to follow up his case. It is the duty of the State! Defendant has no duty to bring himself to trial; the State has that duty, as well as the duty to insure that the trial is consistent with due process. The attempt to delay the trial in order to hamper or prejudice the defense should be weighted heavily against the State! Lex reprobate moram – the law disapproves of delay! (G.R. No. 191871 In delay, it is the government that must bear the burden of proving its case beyond reasonable doubt. What if the witnesses in the case have gone away without informing the litigants? This makes impossible for the government to carry its burden. Culpa lata dolo a equiparatur – “gross
Towards fair competition, healthier economy BY BAM AQUINO
A culture of healthy competition is a fundamental building block in our transition to a sustainable and inclusive middle-income country – a dream for many of us Filipinos that now has a chance of becoming a reality In a competitive market, businesses gain success by creating quality products, managing expenses, achieving operational efficiency, and effectively communicating and catering to their market. Nations around the world recognize the need to create a business environment that best reflects this through competition policies that guard against bad business behavior. Back in 1890, the US enacted the US Sherman Act, the first set of national laws to deal with monopolies and restraints of trade. Australia followed suit in 1906 with the Australian Industries Preservation Act. After World War II, Japan passed its Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Inquiry and Control) Act. More recently, our neighbors in Southeast Asia have also passed their respective competition laws: Indonesia and Thailand in 1999, Singapore in 2004,
Vietnam in 2005, and Malaysia in 2012. Finally, after two decades worth of attempts, the Philippines is on its way to enacting its first comprehensive competition law – a legislation aimed at protecting local businesses and building a vibrant, more competitive economy by putting an end to anticompetitive agreements, cartels, collusions, unfair & abusive practices. At its core, the competition law is about maintaining opportunities for all to compete so that present market leaders cannot exclude up and coming challengers who might be able to lower prices, improve product quality, offer consumers more choices, or spark the next wave of innovation in the market. The Fair Competition Act of 2014 has successfully passed through the Senate, and the House of Representatives just recently approved the bill on its third reading – a big win for the Philippine economy, for local businesses, and for every Filipino consumer. Power of competition Now, more Filipinos get to explore the Philippines and the world for cheap. More
entrepreneurs can fly across seas quickly and at any time of day to scout for partners and make sound business deals. The local tourism sector also benefitted greatly from the intense competition in the airline industry. Such is the power of healthy competition in these specific industries, which we hope can be replicated in even more industries in the country. The Fair Competition Act can spearhead this healthy, competitive environment for our local business sector. The legislation’s priority is to create a fair environment for all businesses – new or old, small or large. It penalizes business behavior that is anti-competition and that hinders our markets from providing the best options and opportunities for our consumers. Businesses can no longer make moves to create barriers to entry for new players nor can they bully smaller enterprises by selling below cost or restricting market opportunities. Colluding with other dominant players to fix prices, divide territories, or refuse deals with particular vendors will also be penalized and, in fact, criminalized. But while this law is
vigilant against exercise of market power, it is not against bigness. It respects dominance gained by competing on merits. The Act seeks to establish a Fair Competition Commission (FCC) to look into the cases filed and objectively determine whether there have been abuses. The FCC is tasked to promote competition, enhance economic efficiency, and prohibit anti-competitive acts and abuse of power. It will be supported by the existing Office for Competition (OFC) of the Department of Justice (DOJ). It will serve as the prosecutor in criminal cases filed and have exclusive authority over the criminal enforcement of this Act. The FCC, OFC and other government agencies will work hand in hand to build a better business environment that the consumers desire and deserve. For too long, the lack of a competition policy has crippled new businesses and left micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) vulnerable to abuse. At the end of the day, it is our consumers that are robbed of better quality, more choices, and lower prices for products and services.
negligence is equivalent to malice or intentional wrong.” (Balatbat v. CA, 261 SCRA 128) The Constitution and the Rules do not require impossibilities or extraordinary efforts, diligence or exertion from the courts or prosecutors, nor contemplate that such right shall deprive the State of the reasonable opportunity to fairly prosecute criminals. As vanguard against corruption and bureaucracy, the Office of the Ombudsman must have a system of officials’ accountability to ensure that cases before it are resolved with reasonable dispatch to equally expose those who are responsible for its delays, as it ought to determine in this case. The failed Pavia Housing Project of the Iloilo City Government is a story that won’t go away. It depicts the Ombudsman as a government office with graft investigators who specialized in a probe-in-eternity, delay resulting to more delays, or mora decidendi - delay in deciding cases. This deliberate misdeed eventually redounds to miscarriage of justice. (370 SCRA 658).
The Fair Competition Act is pro-poor, pro-people, and pro-business. It safeguards the welfare of businesses, large and small, and protects honest, hard-working entrepreneurs against abuse of dominance and other unfair practices that put them and their consumers at risk. With four years of sustained economic growth, it is now time to work on strengthening our local industries, promoting a culture of competition and innovation, and boosting our potential to serve the global market with outstanding products and services. While we acknowledge that the Fair Competition Act is not the miracle cure that will sustain our thriving economy, we believe that this is the necessary step, the significant leap towards a culture of healthy competition that promotes efficiency, and inspires ingenuity, creativity, and innovation in the Philippines. More importantly, this culture of healthy competition is a fundamental building block in our transition to a sustainable and inclusive middle-income country – a dream for many of us Filipinos that now has a chance of becoming a reality. – Rappler.com
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More of ME
May 31 - June 6, 2015
More of Moments and Events, More of Mamamonyeka’s Experience
MY FIRST AND MORE OF ME TO COME
I
ts my first time to write for Iloilo Metropolitan Times. Am i really ready for this? Well hambal gani nila Si Mama Monyeka pa kabalan na ya! oh eh di panindugan na!! Okay, Then more more ganap for a first-timer and allow me to share my first encounters/kaechosan for this Year 2015. As always and almost every year I have this claim “this year is my Year, huya man ta pero te ang tiyog sang tuig na lang galing bahala kung eh di wow o wawaw But I really had a good start, why? It was January 23 when I sent a resignation letter to GMA Network Inc. take note the highlighted text was EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, why? Akon na lang na siguro ang rason basta I made the BEST decision to have resigned earlier than to be forced to resign like what happened to my fellas #Fallen37 the Kapuso Network’s Version of Mamasopaanona? So be it. Next was the first bouquet of flowers that I have received last Heart’s Day. Take note it was sent by a stranger. Then I thought to myself Gwapa sakon nga agi feeling babaye so pagustuhi nyo lang tabi tabi first gani, oh by the way kung sino ka man nga tinuga nga naghatag sa akon sang Bulak madamo nga salamat from the bottom my heart abi ko gani amo Na to ang chance ko to finally change my status on Facebook “In a Relationship” gali gugma nga wala klaro so ang ending asta subong Single And Virgin. Please indi na magreklamo pasugti ang agi... To make this claim more believable that I’m really having a Great 2015 its when I had the first concert last May 16,2015 at the Freedom Grandstand and was dubbed as the First Mobile Radio Concert in Iloilo or even in the region. The idea of which is bringing Radio to the real world not only with the voice of the DJ and the songs that they usually hear rather to let them see exactly how Radio is done and thank God it turned out successful and even made me a teary-eye to see the crowd and my immediate family some of them just arrived from USA just to be with me on that night. What makes me more so grateful because I was joined by my co DJs in 95.1 iFM and staffs of DYRI of RMN and splendid performance by selected talents coming from all over Panay special mention to RCP Ritmo Tambores, Leann Ganzon, Pakpak sang Kabantugan of Antique sponsored by Kap Nonong Alojipan, and to everyone who have performed on that night, Salamat nga Madamo. Though the program was so dragging, yes, it really was kag madamo ang nagreklamo. Why I just had a short exposure? Well, testing pa lang to bawi na lang ako sa repeat if ever there is and again I am considering the thought nga magrepeat ha so alam na, kabalan gani di ba? Going back to the real business, why I am here in this paper? Honesto si Ako,Im not a good writer but I will make sure that you will get to read my stories and be inspire with if not expire eh kay te lub ok na naman nga tsismis ang nasagap sang agi oh eh di pasensya na tawo lang agi pa. But take this as my promise this will not all be my personal interests ‘coz it can also be your story and moment and it my honor to share it to everyone. The Title of the page is MORE of ME ---More Moments and Events And this will remain so true the Mama Monyeka on Radio will be the same Mama Monyeka and the character that you are going to read here. Well how can I forget to say Thank You to Mr. Rhod Tecson who happened to be my colleague on Radio Now my mentor in Print. LOVE ME MORE PEOPLE and MORE of ME to come! Mama Monyeka, Born a Boy Grew up a Gay!
TOURISM 9
May 31 - June 6, 2015
10 Reasons Why Iloilo City is The Best City to Live in Philippines BY ANNA BIRZGALE | www.balisticmuse.com
Iloilo City, the capital city of the province of Iloilo and the regional center of Western Visayas, is definitely one of the highlights of Panay island, Philippines. Saturated with many spectacular festivals and celebrations, unbelievably kind people and delicious food for almost ridiculously low prices, this city is always filled with relaxed yet joyful atmosphere. If you thought that there is no other place people are celebrating fiestas like in Spain: broadly, even a little bit wastefully, but always heatedly, affectionately and cheerfully, you thought wrong. Filipinos love their fiestas as much as Spanish. When it comes to holidays, living here reminded me of living in Tenerife, as I remember it felt like they have more fiestas that working days per year in Tenerife. What are the biggest reasons you should choose Iloilo for living over other cities in Philippines? Keep on reading and I’ll tell you the advantages of living in Iloilo City!
10. Extremely Kind People
8. Food is Sooo Good
6. Less Traffic = Happier People
The kindness of Filipinos is something I’m experiencing in every place I visit in Philippines. Still Filipinos living in Iloilo beat them all. They are welcoming every foreigner with sincerity. Everywhere I go people are willing to help me, if I look lost or confused which is normal for a newbie in town. Smiling faces, greetings and helpfulness are features you don’t see everywhere so often but soon get used to them here. It’s just howmost of the people are in Iloilo City: sincere and kind. Other thing you will probably find unusual at first is people wanting to get to know you and asking lots of questions about your country, language etc. in all kinds of places, even on the street, at supermarket etc. That seemed weird at first for a western thinking person like me and even made me become suspicious. That’s because of my European culture. We are not used to such kindness and curiosity, since we are usually more closed and tend to keep many things to ourselves. However soon enough I learned more about Filipino culture. Knowing that’s just how they are, wiped away my suspicion and let me open up to the locals, easily gaining new friends.
Another great advantage of living in Iloilo City, is food! It’s just heavenly good. As a City located at the coast side of Panay island, fishing is one of the major industries here. That means lots and lots of delicious seafood restaurants! I would recommend Ponsyon at Plazuela de Iloilo. They have the best garlic buttered shrimps and grilled Bangus (milkfish) is just excellent there. Fresh, deliciously cooked seafood and refreshing buko juice (coconut water): what more can you ask for? Besides Ponsyon, Steps of Rome is also a nice place for dinner at Plazuela. Then of course there is the famous Breakthrough at Villa Beach. And there are also many great restaurants at Smallville and along the Esplanade.
To be honest there are several traffic jams every day in Iloilo City, but if you have ever visited Philippines, you now how bad it can get, especially in the big cities. Manila was even named as the world’s third worst city for driving by CNN’s travel website CNNGo.com. When it comes to traffic it is so much better in Iloilo City. Even though there are a few traffic jams during the day, due to less people and vehicles on the streets as well as the relatively small size of the city, they are reasonable, so you can still get from one point to another without the need to pull out your hair from stress. Less time spent on going to work is probably why people seem much more happier here than in Manila. Less traffic jams is certainly a huge advantage for people living in Iloilo City, since Filipinos perceive traffic congestion as their number one problem. Other huge problem Filipinos are facing with is flooding. In 2009 the The Iloilo Flood Control Project was initiated in Iloilo City as a the long-term solution to the perennial flooding in the city and outlying areas. They managed to solve most of the flooding problems in the area, which has lead to increase of development and investments coming into Iloilo City. Downside is that The floodway has also been blamed for erosion of creeks and riverbanks in Pavia, Iloilo.
9. Zumba Classes..FOR FREE This was actually one of the biggest surprises I had. You heard me, they are for FREE!!! (or symbolic maintenance fee in some places, 10-20 php). There are several places around the city where free zumba classes are organized outdoors a few times per week. All you have to do is choose your favorite and jump in. For me that are the classes organized at Plazuela de Iloilo. Why? The professionalism, engagement and ardency showed by instructors, especially Georey, the lead instructor. The huge work he must be invested to bring these classes to the existing level, it’s just unbelievable. It’s not like I’m making decision on my favorite zumba place in Iloilo City without checking out other popular places. I also took a look at the zumba happening in Sports Complex and once participated the one taking place at the Esplanade. They are not bad, don’t get me wrong. They’re just not as good in my opinion. I am enchanted by the magic Georey and his team is radiating. Dance moves are rhythmic, original and quite easy to perform, and the part I like the most, you can relax and have fun while burning a lot of calories. Perfect! The schedule is: Tuesday and Thursday at 5:45 PM and Saturday 6:00 AM. I wonder why something like that is not organized so much in Europe? Sport activities and dance classes are usually quite pricey. It seems like here in Iloilo City they really care about keeping their people healthy and fit. That’s something we could learn from.
5. Iloilo River Esplanade for Relaxing Walks One of the cleanest and most beautiful areas for having a relaxing evening walks or jogging is Iloilo River Esplanade. Opened quite recently, on August 18, 2012, it serves as a park development on one of the riverbanks of Iloilo River. The best time for walking is early morning (around 5 AM until 7 AM) or evening (starting from 5 PM) to avoid the hot sun. However in this time of the day it can get quite crowded since it a preferred place for many citizens of Iloilo City. If you want to escape the crowds and spend some time alone with your thoughts, the best time to visit this beautiful embankment is just the opposite to the one mentioned before.
4. Boracay is Sooo Close Boracay, one of the most beautiful islands in Philippines that has lots of incredibly beautiful white sand beaches with crystal clear, turquoise blue water, is just a few hours away from Iloilo City. The best way to go there from Iloilo is to take a bus going to Caticlan at Tagbak terminal in Jaro, Iloilo. There is at least one bus every hour going to Caticlan, first one leaves at 3 AM, last at 1 PM. It’s about a 6 hour drive. After the bus trip, you have to take a ferry at Caticlan Jetty Port going to Boracay. After about 10-15 minutes you’ll step a foot on the beautiful Boracay island.
7. Home City for Dinagyang Festival Dinagyang Festival, organized every year on the forth weekend of January, is definitely the biggest highlight of Iloilo. It’s what this City is famous for and there’s a damn good reason for it. Spectacular tribal dancing performances, rhythmical drum beats, impressive decorations and colorful costumes draws you into completely different world of Filipino religion, history and culture. If you haven’t attended this festival yet, you should add it to a calendar for next year. Other major festivals you could check out here are Paraw Regatta and Jaro Fiesta.
3. Guimaras is Even Closer Iloilo location is just perfect for exploring many stunning places of Philippines. Guimaras is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and undamaged tropical places I have ever seen. Lush green trees, many hidden beaches and great hiking and biking places are some of the best features Guimaras is holding, making it the perfect place for getaway to a secluded beach with your friends. And the best part is, this island group is still undiscovered by the masses, keeping it’s natural serenity and seclusion. And the second best part is, it is so close to Iloilo City! Just a 15 minute ferry ride from Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City to Jordan Wharf in Guimaras and entering the green, tropical world of Guimaras, you have escaped from all the hustle and bustle in the city. Schedules and rates for ferry can be found on Guimaras official website.
2. Active and Healthy People This city is really paying attention to its people’s health. There are countless running and cycling events (fun runs, marathons, call them how you want, that’s still awesome!) happening all over the area. More detailed information of the dates and locations for running events can be found on RunClub Iloilo Facebook page. When it comes to cycling Iloilo City is aiming to become a bike-friendly city by promoting the use of bicycles as a daily transport to work or school or simply for hobby. The bike festival held on March 30, 2014 was a success revealing the people’s appreciation on the use of bicycles in Iloilo City.
1. City of Opportunities More and more investors are noticing the great location and the big potential this city is holding. It’s developing very fast, especially in the last few years, after taking care of most of the flooding problems in the area. iloilo City is gradually turning into next big business center. Lots of good schools and universities here provides companies with smart, intelligent employees. Today Iloilo City is preparing to do the honor of hosting two meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Council (Apec) conference in October 2015. This is a very big event for people in Iloilo, especially when it comes to drawing attention to more investors of the city.
10
AGRICULTURE
May 31 - June 6, 2015
REAPING THE FRUITS
I
don’t mean fruits literally. I mean the result of our past irresponsible actions that now causes havoc on the environment and in our lives consequently. PAGASA and the Department of Agriculture predicted a “mild” El Niño, but is it really mild? From the looks of it, it can be severe: wells dried up, crops died due to extreme lack of water, black bugs running amok because the conditions are ripe for their geometric explosion. Massive drawing up of water from underground aquifers are also causing sea water intrusion especially along the Oton-Iloilo City-Leganes corridor that had been blessed with NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that NOVI BELLEZA SARCES has filed with this office a Correction of Entry in Sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in her Certificate of Live Birth at San Joaquin, Iloilo and whose parents are Francisco Sarces and Rosalinda Belleza. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office. (SGD) ROY CARLES S. LAMASAN Municipal Civil Registrar
shallow underground water that has been supplying the bulk water carriers for the last 20 years or so. But that same shallow underground source is drawing water from the higher elevations and this is now being felt by the middle elevation areas which are now digging deeper and deeper just to be able to draw out quality water from underground sources. The large areas planted to rice not only in Panay but in the rest of the world is said to be the leading cause of greenhouse build up. This is traced to the large scale decomposition of organic matter being plowed under to prepare for lowand rice. Decomposition produces methane which when burned results to carbon gases. Added to this, rice farming also contributes largely to chemical poison pollution that is said to be the cause of major lifestyle diseases that now plagues the world. Indeed intensive and “modern” rice farming may have helped stave off hunger, but the costs are also high. Large scale mono-
cropping or the planting of a single crop has also spawned new pests and diseases, many of them minor when the farming system was still traditional or when the farmers planted as many types as can be accommodated in his farm lot. The world’s demand for lumber has spawned the largescale logging industry and has provided materials for housing and other industrial needs, but the deforestation it has caused has created a chain reaction of problems that the world s now reaping: floods, drought, pest epidemics, and the resulting massive hunger not only in the immediate communities of denuded forests, but also in nearby areas both directly and indirectly affected. Genetically modified organisms or GMOs has now become accepted crops or products. The most visible type are the GMO corn which their producers or suppliers claim that this is the answer to the need for more corn and cheaper production cost.
TUITION RATES 2015-2016 NAME OF HEI
PROVINCE/ CITY
INCREASE
STI College – Kalibo
Aklan
P36.95
Pandan Bay Institute
Antique
P10.00
John B. Lacson College Foundation – Bacolod Bacolod City
P27.53
La Consolacion College – Bacolod
Bacolod City
P29.30
Colegio San Agustin
Bacolod city
P27.20
Central Philippine University
Iloilo City
P67.50
Colegio de San Jose
Iloilo City
P24.17
Central Philippine Adventist College
Negros Occidental P27.85
John B. Lacson College Foundation Maritime University –Arevalo Iloilo City
P27.90
John B. Lacson College Foundation Maritime University –Molo Iloilo City
P29.52
Binalbagan Catholic College
Iloilo City
P18.00
Cabarrus Catholic College
Negros Occidental P11.46
Fellowship Baptist College
Negros Occidental P18.68
HerCor College
Negros Occidental P11.50
Kabankalan Catholic College
Negros Occidental P18.00
AVERAGE
P25.70
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that CARIDAD E. MONDRAGON has filed with this Office a petition for Change of First Name from MA. ELENA to ELENA in the Certificate of Live Birth of ELENA ESCOBIN MONDRAGON who was born on NOVEMBER 28 1976 at SAN JOAQUIN, ILOILO and whose parents are LORENZO MONDRAGON and CARIDAD ESCOBIN. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office.
(SGD) ROY CARLES S. LAMASAN Municipal Civil Registrar
OTHER SCHOOL FEES 2015-2016 NAME OF HEI
PROVINCE/ CITY
INCREASE
STI College – Kalibo
Aklan
P19.40
Pandan Bay Institute
Antique
P17.50
John B. Lacson College Foundation – Bacolod Bacolod City
P20.51
La Consolacion College – Bacolod
Bacolod City
P33.53
St. Therese-MTC Colleges - Tigbuan
Iloilo
P35.90
Central Philippine University
Iloilo City
P101.40
Colegio de San Jose
Iloilo City
P11.90
Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus
Iloilo City
P7.74
Iloilo Doctors College
Iloilo City
P48.03
John B. Lacson College Foundation Maritime University - Arevalo Iloilo City
P25.65
John B. Lacson College Foundation Maritime University - Molo
Iloilo City
P18.21
St. Therese-MTC Colleges – La Fiesta
Iloilo City
P26.22
St. Therese-MTC Colleges - Magdalo
Iloilo City
P38.92
Binalbagan Catholic College
Negros Occidental P5.71
Cabarrus Catholic College
Negros Occidental P3.43
Central Philippine Adventist College
Negros Occidental P20.69
HerCor College
Roxas City
AVERAGE
P8.46 P26.07
They claim that by introducing the Bt bacteria gene into the corn DNA, it can produce the enzyme that kills the Asian corn borer, the most virulent pest of corn. Acceptance of this is ambivalent though. Government advocates who more often than not been provided with perks by the seed companies extoll the merits of this, while cause oriented groups lambast the GMO species as dangerous and may cause extensive health problems in the future. Already, the ill effects of GMO species are surfacing and the cause-oriented groups have documented them. There are alternatives to many of the technologies being promoted which may cause so many problems for umanity. While this is a fast-paced world, many can still chose not to go along with the trend. For mono-culture productions systems, the alternatives are many: integrated, diversified, low intensity farming systems and others. Instead of massive reliance on antibiotics, one can opt for pro-biotics technology. On human health, there is also the trend of going back to natural methods, herbs and natural food. Ageold traditional practices especially in food preparation are making a come back. Many are already getting rid of their microwave ovens and optng to return to the old conventional ovens that their grandmothers are used to. Instead of highly processed food, many people have rediscovered the beauty of traditional cooking, fresh vegetables and fiber-rich food, departing from the convenience of pre-packed meals, processed food and ready to eat convenience food. These may be convenien but their chemical content is said to be high and many of the ingredients are not even safe for consumption. Yes, we are now reaping the fruits of our irresponsible actions of the past. It may not yet be too late to reverse the tide and we have to start now.
MIWD finds...from page 1
MIWD. “We target to take place the JV agreement before the election time next year,” Robles said. He disclosed that, as of this time, there are five private companies that showed interest to have a JV agreement with MIWD. “Currently, we are evaluating their proposals,” Robles said. SOURCE OF WATER Aside from lack of funds, Robles said that the other problem is the source of water. The dam in Maasin town, which is the main source of MIWD’s water, has low water level due to a mild El Niño that the country is experiencing now. Robles said MIWD is producing 20,000 cubic meters (CM) per day “It is below than the normal daily water production of 37,000 CM per day,” he added. “There is no way we can fix this problem. What we need to do is to wait for rain,” Robles said. “No rain, no supply.” NON-REVENUE WATER MIWD also blamed non-revenue water (NRW) as one of the main reasons for the water shortage in the city. NRW “reflects volumes of water being lost through illegal connections, leaks and water not being invoiced or not being accurately measured.” Robles said MIWD loses an estimated 55 percent of its water supply daily. IMT
Tuition hike...from page 1 Casiple emphasized the Education Act of 1982 states which states that, “Each private school shall determine its rate of tuition and other school fees or charges… subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (now CHED).” CHED’s role, under the law, is “to ensure that HEIs meet the guidelines provided by law, especially the requirement of consultation on how tuition fees are allocated, and that HEIs adhere strictly with the processes that seek to make tuition fee increases transparent, reasonable, and affordable.” Casiple said tertiary schools in the region are set to welcome at least 53 thousand freshmen students this school year. He added that WV has two new colleges. These are Philippine College of Accountancy in the island province of Guimaras and St. Vincent College of Accountancy in Capiz. IMT
Iloilo zero...from page 1
the last quarter of 2014 informing the farming communities of the looming problem thus crops were harvested early this year. The agriculture sector in the province opted for alternate crops like water melon and bulb onions. In the towns of Oton, Miagao and Tubungan, a total of 30 to 40 hectares were planted with bulb onions yielding an average of 10 tons per hectare. Toledo added that the farmers today are now preparing for the first cropping as the rainy season sets in. IMT
DOT-6 introduces...
from page 1
that will emphasize the tourism circuits within the region by strengthening ties among the provinces. This is the goal of the Iloilo ♥ Guimaras campaign,” Catalbas said. “Other intra-regional twinning combinations in marketing the rest of the provinces in Western Visayas are all in the planning board. Consultation with the local government units involved through their respective tourism officers shall be thoroughly undertaken by DOT-6 before the campaign’s formal launching”, Director Catalbas concluded. IMT
What Ilonggos... from page 1
June. JR Delfin: “There is really no choice for us but to fully integrate with the merging economies. Our educational system should also be at par with the regional and western standard. The integration will put us in the advantage if we also lift and align our educational system but we will be of great disadvantage if we will be left behind. Integration means the free flowing of not only goods but also of professionals and workers.” Zie Lyn Ja: “No. We are used already that every month of June is opening of school.” Jamilah Jane Apepe Devera: “If not January or September then..better don’t change.” Alintana Descalsota Belay: “Alanganin maulanon ang august nga bulan september na lng parehas sa abroad.” Recel Bagaforo Anas: “Kung ako mas piliun ko ang August kay pareho sakun na gna pa summer ko bata ko sang May summer starts from April 12 to May 13 one month guid na summer...the rest nga weeks of May sakto nalang ipahuway kagamay nalang ka inadlaw para sa ipahuway ka mga bata klasi naman..so mas preffer ko sa August.” Inday Defensor: “No. June is the best.” - IMT
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES City of Iloilo OFFICE OF THE CITY TREASURER Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City NOTICE OF SALE OF DELINQUENT REAL PROPERTY By virtue of provisions of Section 260 of Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the undersigned will sell at public auction on JUNE 18, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. until finish at the Main Entrance of the City Treasurer’s Office , the Real Properties herein below specified which are hereby certified to be delinquent in the payment of real property taxes. This notice specifies the delinquent real property taxes, penalties and cost due therein as of the date of sale. NAME
LOCATION
KIND
LOT NO
AREA
PIN
ASSESSED VALUE
YEARS DELINQUENT
TAX DUE
PENALTIES
REGISTRATION FEE
COST OF SALE
GRAND TOTAL
1
NORBERTO ABANTAO & LORNA ABANTAO
Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo, Iloilo City
res bldg
96.00
-
02-005-1368
69,890.00
2001 - 2015 1st Qtr
21,058.58
13,863.76
802.64
3,492.23
39,217.21
2
EDWIN G. ABECIA m/to EVELINE B. ABECIA
Brgy. Banuyao, La Paz, Iloilo City
res land
200.00
2 blk 1
01-129
29,250.00
2000 -2015 1st Qtr
7,161.58
4,750.48
802.64
1,191.21
13,905.91
3
EVELINE B. ABECIA
Brgy. Banuyao, La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
92.16
-
01-129-1001
14,710.00
1999 - 2015 1st Qtr
7,277.69
4,966.72
802.64
1,224.44
14,271.49
4
ANGELINA ABIERTAS m/to ALBERTO ABIERTAS
Brgy. Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City
res bldg
97.20
-
02-016-1123
68,110.00
2003 -2015 1st Qtr
15,302.75
9,752.64
802.64
2,505.54
28,363.57
5
LUDOVICO A. AGUILLON
Brgy. Benedicto, Jaro, Iloilo City
res bldg
78.36
-
03-110-1001
12,510.00
1991-1993 & 2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,270.53
2,380.65
802.64
565.12
7,018.94
6
ELMER ANGLON, SINGLE
Brgy. Divinagracia St., La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
159.60
-
01-041-1001
45,660.00
2003 - 2015 1st Qtr
10,443.33
6,670.89
802.64
1,711.42
19,628.28
7
ELMER ANGLON, SINGLE
Brgy. Divinagracia, La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
96.80
-
01-041-1003
64,740.00
2003 - 2015 1st Qtr
14,434.11
9,189.83
802.64
2,362.39
26,788.97
8
DR. JEAN L. APOSAGA
Brgy. Progreso, La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
139.80
-
01-010-1003
17,610.00
2007 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,907.28
2,485.97
802.64
639.33
7,835.22
9
THELMA S. AQUINES (WIDOW)
Brgy. Bo. Obrero, La Paz. Iloilo City
res bldg
68.00
-
01-482-1001
15,720.00
1994 - 2015 1st Qtr
7,044.42
4,780.00
802.64
1,182.44
13,809.50
sub - total
89,900.27
58,840.94
7,223.76
14,874.12
170,839.09
YEARS DELINQUENT
TAX DUE
PENALTIES
REGISTRATION FEE
COST OF SALE
GRAND TOTAL
NAME
LOCATION
KIND
LOT NO
AREA
PIN
ASSESSED VALUE
10
MOÑEQUITA M. ARBOLERAS (WIDOW)
Brgy. Railway, La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
95.40
-
01-229-1001
53,420.00
2005 - 2015 1st Qtr
11,425.29
7,233.70
802.64
1,865.90
21,327.53
11
SALVADOR ARELLANO
Brgy. Mohon, Arevalo
res bldg
104.40
-
02-023-1004
20,950.00
1986 - 1989 & 2006 -2015 1st Qtr
6,171.23
9,809.11
802.64
1,598.03
18,381.01
12
SEVERO BABIERA c/o PURIFICATION HILADO
Brgy. San Isidro, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res bldg
234.00
-
03-014-1001
18,870.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
4,691.03
3,026.94
802.64
771.80
9,292.41
13
Sps. NILO O. BALAGOYOS & HERMINIA S. BALAGOYOS
Brgy. Baldoza, La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
45.00
-
01-001-1110
14,140.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,513.45
2,267.06
802.64
578.05
7,161.20
14
ESTER BALASA
Brgy. San Isidro, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res bldg
88.60
02-022-1001
17,610.00
2010 - 2015 1st Qtr
2,491.58
1,466.66
802.64
395.82
5,156.70
15
ESTER H. BALASA, WIDOW
Brgy. San Isidro, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res land
400.00
2868-C-1
02-130
23,400.00
2010 -2015 1st Qtr
2,168.25
1,236.47
802.64
340.47
4,547.83
16
HELEN BALASA m/to LAMBERTO BALASA
Brgy. Tagbac, Jaro, Iloilo City
res bldg
57.00
-
04-154-1001
13,140.00
1992-1993 2006 -2015 1st Qtr
4,090.65
2,701.19
802.64
679.18
8,273.66
17
HELEN BALASA m/to LAMBERTO BALASA
Brgy. Tagbac, Jaro, Iloilo City
res land
130.00
7 blk 3
04-154
17,750.00
2004 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,248.29
2,092.51
802.64
534.08
6,677.52
18
MATILDE BALLERA
Brgy. PHHC-A, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res bldg
144.99
-
03-049-1001
45,220.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
11,239.05
7,252.07
802.64
1,849.11
21,142.87
19
MATILDE BALLERA
Brgy. PHHC-A, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res land
300.00
10 blk 26
03-049
49,730.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
7,528.03
4,730.21
802.64
1,225.82
14,286.70
20
BANK
Brgy. Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City
com bldg
120.00
-
02-055-1002
118,240.00
2010 - 2015 1st Qtr
14,047.86
8,065.30
802.64
2,211.32
25,127.12
21
HELEN BAYDO
Brgy. Estanzuela, City Proper, Iloilo City
res bldg
60.47
-
02-070-1001
13,390.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,326.93
2,146.71
802.64
547.36
6,823.64
22
HENRY B. BEBING& ELSA B. BEBING
Brgy. Buntatala, Jaro, Iloilo City
res land
130.00
3 blk 4
03-118
17,750.00
1991 - 2015 1st Qtr
5,884.04
4,992.55
802.64
1,087.66
12,766.89
sub - total
79,825.68
57,020.48
10,434.32
13,684.60
160,965.08
YEARS DELINQUENT
TAX DUE
PENALTIES
REGISTRATION FEE
COST OF SALE
GRAND TOTAL
OF
THE
PHILIPPINE
ISLAND
NAME
LOCATION
KIND
LOT NO
AREA
PIN
ASSESSED VALUE
23
VIRGILIO M. BIANAN m/to ESTELITA T. BIANAN
Brgy. San Juan, Molo, Iloilo City
com bldg
228.00
-
01-113-1001
86,150.00
2000 - 2015 1st Qtr
17,406.29
11,403.73
802.64
2,881.00
32,493.66
24
NORBERTO BOSQUE, SR. (WIDOWER)
Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo, Iloilo City
res bldg
58.40
-
02-005-1250
19,180.00
2009 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,005.49
1,807.59
802.64
481.31
6,097.03
25
EXCY T. BUENAVISTA, (SINGLE)
Brgy. Kaingin, La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
39.68
-
02-022-1044
13,330.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,312.98
2,137.72
802.64
545.07
6,798.41
26
VICENTE BUGNA
Brgy. Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res bldg
86.55
-
02-008-1001
16,910.00
1994 - 2015 1st Qtr
7,206.80
4,874.74
802.64
1,208.15
14,092.33
27
FELICULA CABARLES
Brgy. Fatima, Jaro, Iloilo City
com res bldg
203.50
-
02-032-1001
30,320.00
1999 - 2015 1st Qtr
6,780.85
4,332.76
802.64
1,111.36
13,027.61
28
TERESITA B. CALDENA m/to LITO M. CALDENA
Brgy. Jereos, La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
79.00
-
01-233-1022
63,190.00
2010 - 2015 1st Qtr
8,936.93
5,260.61
802.64
1,419.75
16,419.93
29
RONALDO P. CANTILLANA m/to ROSEMARY D. CANTILLANA
Brgy. Timawa Tanza Zn. II, City Proper, Iloilo City
res bldg
49.50
-
03-020-1001
47,120.00
2009 - 2015 1st Qtr
7,927.80
4,832.46
802.64
1,276.03
14,838.93
30
CALIXTO CAPIZONDA m/to JULIE C. CAPIZONDA
Brgy. West Habog Habog, Molo, Iloilo City
res bldg
156.95
-
02-015-1019
147,750.00
1999 - 2015 1st Qtr
40,708.85
26,565.38
802.64
6,727.42
74,804.29
31
CALIXTO CAPIZONDA m/to JULIE C. CAPIZONDA
Brgy. West Habog Habog, Molo, Iloilo City
com bldg
45.00
-
02-015-1021
54,680.00
1999 - 2015 1st Qtr
13,383.54
8,688.32
802.64
2,207.19
25,081.69
32
MRS. ANTIPAZ BAYLEN CASPE
Brgy. North Fundidor, Molo, Iloilo City
res bldg
120.00
-
04-194-1001
68,540.00
2011 - 2015 1st Qtr
7,329.45
4,003.78
802.64
1,133.32
13,269.19
33
Sps. VICTOR P. CASPE & ANTIPAZ B. CASPE
Brgy. North Fundidor, Molo, Iloilo City
res land
500.00
1775-B-2-B
04-194
90,190.00
2011 - 2015 1st Qtr
7,182.89
3,920.25
802.64
1,110.31
13,016.09
34
BENJAMIN CASTILLO, JR. m/to SALVACION CASTILLO
Brgy. Hibao-an, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res bldg
268.02
-
02-042-1001
52,050.00
2011 - 2015 1st Qtr
5,626.22
3,083.92
802.64
871.01
10,383.79
35
BENJAMIN CASTILLO, JR. m/to SALVACION DE LOS REYES
Brgy. San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City
com land
1, 000
13-A-2
02-076
58,500.00
2005 - 2015 1st Qtr
9,590.63
6,093.57
802.64
1,568.42
18,055.26
sub - total
138,398.72
87,004.83
10,434.32
22,540.34
258,378.21
TAX DUE
PENALTIES
REGISTRATION FEE
COST OF SALE
GRAND TOTAL
NAME
LOCATION
KIND
LOT NO
AREA
PIN
ASSESSED VALUE
YEARS DELINQUENT
36
VICENTE CATALAN c/o CORAZON LOBATON
Brgy. Desamparados, Jaro, Iloilo City
res bldg
187.12
-
01-019-1004
15,730.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,911.48
2,523.94
802.64
643.54
7,881.60
37
COSSETTE CERIA
Brgy. Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City
com bldg
372.00
-
01-001-1393
379,150.00
2003 - 2015 1st Qtr
75,717.23
47,945.15
802.64
12,366.24
136,831.26
38
GLORIA D. CERVERA
Brgy. Villa Anita, City Proper, Iloilo City
res land
233.00
147-C-8-C-5
01-097
113,590.00
2008 - 2015 1st Qtr
13,904.24
8,434.98
802.64
2,233.92
25,375.78
39
JUANITO CHIU
Brgy. Tabucan - Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res land
359.00
1-F
01-288
59,500.00
1997 - 2015 1st Qtr
12,864.69
8,437.01
802.64
2,130.17
24,234.51
40
JUANITO CHIU
Brgy. Tabucan - Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res land
358.00
1-G
01-289
59,340.00
1997 - 2015 1st Qtr
12,830.09
8,414.30
802.64
2,124.44
24,171.47
41
TERESITA CONTRERAS
Brgy. Fatima, Jaro, Iloilo City
res bldg
63.84
-
01-093-1001
17,460.00
2007 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,581.49
2,254.26
802.64
583.58
7,221.97
42
ZENAIDA R. DEOCAMPO m/to RECAREDO DEOCAMPO
Brgy. Cuartero, Jaro, Iloilo City
res land
240.00
9 blk 4
02-208
28,080.00
2009 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,145.50
1,875.15
802.64
502.07
6,325.36
43
NECI Q. DESPI m/to CELSO M. DESPI
Brgy. Calubihan, Jaro, Iloilo City
res land
200.00
3-A blk 14
01-031
23,400.00
2008 - 2015 1st Qtr
2,996.25
1,832.63
802.64
482.89
6,114.41
44
ADA VICTORIA D. DILAG (SINGLE, 1/2 SHARE) & ANTHONY Y. DEL ROSARIO (SINGLE, 1/2 SHARE)
Brgy. Arguelles, Jaro, Iloilo City
res land
274.00
1048A-1
02-054
48,090.00
2011 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,876.27
2,123.69
802.64
600.00
7,402.60
45
ADA VICTORIA D. DILAG (SINGLE, 1/2 SHARE) & ANTHONY Y. DEL ROSARIO (SINGLE, 1/2 SHARE)
Brgy. Arguelles, Jaro, Iloilo City
res land
242.00
1063M
02-003
70,790.00
2011 - 2015 1st Qtr
5,615.14
3,060.74
802.64
867.59
10,346.11
46
FIL-ESTATE PROPERTIES, INC.
Brgy. Banuyao, La Paz, Iloilo City
res idle land
276.00
19 blk 12
03-194
56,510.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
14,187.52
9,117.28
802.64
2,330.48
26,437.92
47
DANIEL JARDELEZA
Brgy. Simon Ledesma, Jaro, Iloilo City
res bldg
211.32
-
01-063-1005
12,350.00
2006 -2015 1st Qtr
3,070.73
1,981.44
802.64
505.22
6,360.03
sub - total
155,700.63
98,000.57
9,631.68
25,370.14
288,703.02
TAX DUE
PENALTIES
REGISTRATION FEE
COST OF SALE
GRAND TOTAL
GREZEL MAE JEREZA m/to GERMAN JEREZA
Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City
res bldg
80.00
-
03-113-1003
66,980.00
2010 - 2015 1st Qtr
9,333.15
5,475.54
802.64
1,480.87
17,092.20
49
MARYLOU A. JINON (WIDOW)
Brgy. Benedicto, Jaro, Iloilo City
res bldg
67.08
-
03-072-1002
15,570.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,869.78
2,497.00
802.64
636.68
7,806.10
50
Sps.ROBERTOA.LAGON&CRISTINAA.LAGON
Brgy.
res land
128.00
4 blk 13
14-495
17,470.00
2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
2,789.99
1,766.36
802.64
455.64
5,814.63
51
FRANCISCO LANADO
Brgy. Jereos, La Paz, Iloilo City
res bldg
93.60
-
01-097-1001
53,780.00
2008 4th Qtr -2015 1st Qtr
8,138.82
4,860.77
802.64
1,299.96
15,102.19
52
Sps, GILBERT B. LONDRES & ESTER B. LONDRES
Brgy. Calajunan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
res bldg
129.60
-
03-026-1001
63,400.00
2007 - 2015 1st Qtr
13,612.71
8,623.25
802.64
2,223.60
25,262.20
53
FEDERICO LUSTAÑA
Brgy. Molo Blvd., Molo, Iloilo City
res bldg
80.50
-
02-004-1100
2,950.00
1990 - 1993 & 2006 - 2015 1st Qtr
3,625.50
3,139.09
802.64
676.46
8,243.69
54
SMYRNA CHRISTIAN CHURCH EULOGIO ABELLO - Administrator
Molo Blvd., Molo, Iloilo City
res bldg
30.00
-
01-026-1002
14,200.00
2004 - 2015 1st Qtr
4,067.34
2,664.62
802.64
673.20
8,207.80
City
PIN
YEARS DELINQUENT
48
Iloilo
AREA
ASSESSED VALUE
LOCATION
Balabago,
KIND
LOT NO
NAME
sub - total
45,437.29
29,026.63
5,618.48
7,446.41
87,528.81
GRAND TOTAL
509,262.59
329,893.45
43,342.56
83,915.61
966,414.21
I hereby certify that pursuant to Section 260 of R.A. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the foregoing statement of delinquencies is a correct transcript of the records of this office as of May 18, 2015. If the date of auction sale which is June 18, 2015 falls on or be declared as a Holiday, the next working day will be the date of auction sale.
Approved by:
Recommending Approval:
(SGD)KATHERINE T. TINGSON City Treasurer Noted by:
(SGD) PATRICIO C. TOBIAS Chief, Tax Enforcement Division
(SGD) Honorable JED PATRICK E. MABILOG City Mayor
SPORTS
The 10 most dominant athletes alive
1. Ronda Rousey UFC fighter. Age: 28. No athlete is the best in their sport by a wider margin than Rousey. Her two wins in the past year have lasted an average of 15 seconds. The UFC made her its first female fighter ever. In her five UFC fights, only one opponent has made it out of the first round without getting knocked out of submission. She’s not just undefeated; she’s effectively untouched.
2. LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers forward. Age: 30. Even in a down year, LeBron singlehandedly shifted the NBA landscape. The Cavs won 20 more games than they did without him last year. The Heat won 18 fewer games than they did without him this year. Wherever he goes, he takes 50-win seasons with him. You can’t say that about anyone else in the league.
3. Serena Williams Tennis player. Age: 33. Serena “only” went 52-8 and won seven titles (including the US Open) in 2014. She responded by going 20-0 to start 2015 with her only blemish coming when she withdrew from Indian Wells. When she’s healthy, she’s unbeatable.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
May 31 - June 6, 2015
NBA FINALS SCHEDULE 2015: DATES, TIMES, TV INFO FOR CAVALIERS VS. WARRIORS
It’s the series that NBA fans have been clamoring for all season long, and now we get it: Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s the league’s MVP against its most iconic player. It’s the league’s best team this season against its most intriguing. It’s the West Coast against the Midwest. It’s gonna be a heck of a series. Homecourt advantage could play a big part in this series for the Warriors. The Warriors are 7-1 at home this postseason and went an incredible 39-2 at home during the regular season, easily the best mark in the league. For a Cleveland team that went just 22-19 on the road during the regular season, the intense environment in Golden State’s home digs could be tough to handle. On the other hand, Cleveland is an impressive 6-1 on the road this postseason, so James and company shouldn’t be shook. Another issue for Cleveland will be Golden State’s depth. Nine players are giving the Warriors eight or more minutes per night this postseason, while Marreese Speights could be back for the Finals. Golden State has an amazing balance of veterans, scorers and bangers on the block to pull from off their bench, and having a week off will ensure they’ll be healthy and hungry coming into their series against Cleveland. The week off may be even more important for Cleveland, however. While the Cavs have put a lot of talented veterans around James, they are much more reliant on the superstar to win them games. To this point he’s been up to the task, averaging a Herculean 27.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists
in 40.7 minutes per night. With Kevin Love done for the season due to injury and Kyrie Irving hobbled throughout this postseason, James has had to pick up the slack, and to this point, he’s done that. But Golden State represents a different type of test for James and the Cavs. The Warriors play excellent team defense and have players like Andre Iguodala who can hound James on the defensive end and make him work for every point. While players like J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson and, shockingly, Matthew Dellavedova have stepped up for the Cavs, James still doesn’t have a supporting cast like Curry’s. Indeed, who wouldn’t want to have Klay Thompson, Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Iguodala, among others, backing them up? And Curry has been nothing short of brilliant himself this postseason, averaging 29.2 points, 6.4 assists and 1.9 steals in 38.1 minutes per game. He’s broken ankles, he’s made
5. Usain Bolt Sprinter. Age: 28. What do we do with Bolt? When it’s an Olympic year — or even a year before an Olympic year — he’s the fastest man who has ever lived. But when he’s not in the Olympics or gearing up for the Olympics, which has been the case for the past year, he doesn’t bother competing at a high level. In our estimation, all that matters is that when it counts, Bolt blows everyone away. Real Madrid forward. Age: 30. The 2014 Ballon d’Or winner dragged Portugal to the World Cup single-handedly and won the Champions League with his club. While he got bounced in the first round in Brazil, he’s still scoring at an absurd rate. The soccer star has 53 goals in 47 games in all competitions in 2014-15 for Real Madrid, including 42 in La Liga.
impossible shots and he continues to lead the Warriors with a quiet confidence. Any way you slice this series, all indications point to Golden State winning. They have a superstar, they have an amazing supporting cast behind him, they have great depth and balance, they play excellent team basketball on both ends of the court, they can explode and bury a team on the offensive end at any point and they’re playing a much-improved brand of defense this season. The Cavs have James, a solid defense and a lot of veterans, but they don’t have the overall team capable of hanging with the Warriors. This will be a fun series, but Golden State will take it in six games.
Basketball player in the Philippines loses shoe, tries to block shot with it
A very strange event unfolded during a Phillipines Basketball Association game Wednesday when Barako Bull forward Rico Maierhofer lost his shoe on a driving layup. Rather than quickly putting it back on, or ask for a stoppage in play, Maierhofer proceeded to hustle back on defense and use his shoe to try to block San Miguel Beer player Gabby Espinas’ layup — missing, but ultimately causing a turnover. After running back on defense and seeing Espinas about to get an easy layup, Maierhofer jumped up and used his shoe to try to swat his shot away. PBA operations director Rickie B. Santos told SPIN’s Richard Dy that officials most likely have never seen such a play occur in the league’s 40-year history, but said a technical foul still should have been called on Maierhofer since he was using a “foreign object” to help defend the shot. Maierhofer has been summoned to the league office for a disciplinary meeting on Friday.