Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 298 | Tuesday, April 4, 2023

ACQUITTED

Tony Boy Floirendo cleared from graft charge filed by former Speaker Alvarez

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Former Davao del Norte representative Antonio

“Tony Boy” Floirendo Jr. was acquitted by the Supreme Court from the graft charge filed by then House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez with the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017.

crime of violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019.

NTF-ELCAC slams NPA ‘pattern’ of victimizing, attacking students

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) on Monday scored the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for its “pattern” of victimizing students by mounting “ruthless and indiscriminate” attacks near public schools while demanding the resumption of peace talks with the government.

playbook, used to great effect for decades now.”

The task force also debunked the need for peace talks at the national level since local peace talks “have been fruitful and, in a short period, have borne more positive results than decades worth of ‘peace talks’ with self-styled leaders of the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

guilty of the

The SC rejected Sandiganbayan’s view that the mere hold-

ing of an interest in a corporation to whom a contract was granted by the government is enough to put a member of Congress within the purview of the constitutional prohibition cannot be accepted by the High Court.

“The Constitution must not have envisioned such a myopic view, for members of Congress

IP chieftain urges children of slain NPA leader to yield

The Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, is calling on the children of slain New People’s Army (NPA) ranking leader Manuel Anob to surrender and return to their families peacefully.

In a phone interview on Monday, Datu Rico Maca said Anob

has two children who are still active in the NPA movement.

Maca visited the wake of Anob on Saturday in Barangay Caromata, San Miguel.

Anob was the secretary of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee Westland and one of the leaders of the weakened Guerrilla Front 21 operating in the Caraga Re-

gion.

He was killed in an encounter with government forces on March 30 in Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. NPA’s Caraga units also lost ranking leaders – a regional finance officer and a medical staff –

In a statement, the NTFELCAC pointed out the attacks are in flagrant and utter disregard for the welfare and safety of thousands of pupils, teachers and their communities, noting schools are peace zones.

“The communist terrorist’s violent design is clear -- launch attacks near schools and other vulnerable public places to sow fear and confusion in a desperate but, ultimately, futile bid to project an image of strength, to coerce and blackmail the government to submit to a ceasefire, and fall into the trap of another round of national peace talks with the CPP-NPA and their allies in the National Democratic Front (NDF),” it said.

“It is for this reason that the NTF-ELCAC joins Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte and our partners in the education sector in calling out and condemning the communist terrorist perpetrators, their insidious enablers and callous conspirators who should be held to account for these transgressions,” it added.

The NTF-ELCAC noted that such tactics “are among the oldest and dirtiest tricks in this enemy’s

On the other hand, the NTFELCAC supported the Vice President’s stand in rejecting calls by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers for peace talks.

It likewise commiserated with the victims of the CPP-NPA’s latest assaults on peace -- children who were subjected to the trauma of explosions and gunfire, teachers and pupils alike fearing for their lives and safety as soldiers and innocent civilians were treacherously attacked.

“To those who were harmed, maimed or killed, we grieve and offer our sincerest sympathies. To the cowards who perpetrate these attacks, we swear the righteous justice of our laws and that of God. On the face of these assaults against our nation’s peace by the cowards of the CPP-NPA, we shall continue to bring genuine progress and meaningful development to the people and communities victimized by this 54-year insanity of the CPP-NPANDF,” it said.

The NTF-ELCAC also vowed to protect all peace-loving peoples and their communities and keep them safe from all forms of threats and to relentlessly run after those who commit the abominable and bring them to justice.

File photo shows former Davao del Norte Representative Antonio “Tony Boy” Floirendo Jr. who has been acquitted by the Supreme Court of graft charges filed by political rival former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

January

2023 decision, the High Court reversed the decision of the Sandiganbayan finding Floirendo

Rep. Duterte offers new scholarship opportunities

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte is offering new scholarship opportunities for jobseekers through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA’s) the Training for Work Scholarship Program.

The TWSP aims to continue filling up the skills gaps and job requirements of priority industries and sectors with high employment demand, improving the reach of quality TVET to the grassroots.

In a press statement shared with the media on Monday, Rep. Pulong’s office is now accepting applicants for the said program with the following qualifications: must be 18 years old at the time the scholarship finishes the TESDA’s training program, and must be a high school graduate.

The following scholarship programs that are being offered are Automotive Servicing NC I, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Health Care Services NC II, Computer Systems Servicing NC II, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II.

The said courses are available at the following institutions: Davao Institute of Technical Education, Inc, Toyozu Technical School Foundaton, Inc, Efficio Training, Inc, St. Patrick Math-Sci School, Inc, and Core

Institute of Technology, Inc. Rep. Pulong said TESDA is helping Filipinos upgrade and relearn. He added that to keep up and create graduates with the necessary skills, TESDA needs constantly improve its programs and services.

Meanwhile, TESDA encourages technical-vocational institutions to offer higher qualification programs that meet the requirements of industry demand. It supports the government’s rapid, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

Interested applicants may apply for the grant at the First Congressional District Office located at the corner of Ponciano and Palma Gil streets. Look for Mr. Loreto G. Masaglang. The applicants may also contact the following numbers: 09667510792 for Globe and 09683022613 for Smart.

Education is among the top priority programs of Rep. Pulong. His office has distributed educational assistance to over a thousand college students, particularly those students whose parents are in the lower-income bracket.

Nearly 3,000 security personnel deployed in Davao for Holy Week

At least 2,990 security personnel will be deployed to churches, terminals, and other places of convergence starting Monday in the Davao region to ensure a peaceful and safe observance of Holy Week, Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao said on Saturday.

Bishop Valles tells devotees to exercise precautions during Holy Week observance

Archbishop of Davao Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles on Monday encouraged devotees to exercise precautions in attending masses during the Lenten season.

“Karon normal na with all the precautions, we still are very careful, encouraged although optional ang face masks pero ang tigulang mag face mask. Back to normal na ang atong mindset karon,” he said in an interview

on the sideline of Kapihan sa PIA at Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) on Monday.

He also said that online masses or live streaming of masses are only for those who cannot go to church.

“Dili pareho sauna tungod sa restrictions focus ang online. Ang online gitugot na lang sa mga those who cannot attend, minimal lang gyud,” he said.

He also said that various

churches in Davao City have posted mass schedules for the Holy Week.

Valles officiated a special Holy Week Mass for the Davao media organized by DLPC.

Meanwhile, Valles presided over the celebration of Palm Sunday on April 2, 2023, at the Commemorative Monument of Peace and Unity in front of the San Pedro Cathedral.

By Maya M. Padillo

Gultiano told MindaNews that the deployment will consist of 2,000 personnel from the PRO-Davao, with reinforcement from law enforcement agencies such as 190 personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Armed Forces of the Philippines and additional 800 force multipliers from the advocacy group of PRO-Davao.

She added that these personnel will be deployed to 267 churches, 109 thoroughfares, 70 terminals, 100 commercial areas, and other places of convergence around the region.

She said PRO-Davao will do its best to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of the Lent-

en season, particularly the safety of the commuters, churchgoers, and tourists visiting the region next week.

In Davao City, Police major Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said police personnel are ready to secure the churches as early as Palm Sunday as the security sector anticipates droves of devotees who will attend the Holy Eucharistic masses.

She said people should expect stricter enforcement of security measures during the Holy Week processions and other activities that would draw in huge crowds in churches in the city.

“The churches are coordinating with their respective police stations to prepare deployment of security personnel,” she said.

Aside from churches, she said the police are also implementing strict security measures in terminals, tourist spots, and even malls in the city. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte is offering new scholarship opportunities for applicants through Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA’s) Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). Lean Daval Jr.

LandBank unveils P5-billion credit program for tourism

State-led Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) over the weekend announced a P5-billion credit program to provide financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) and tourism enterprises to boost tourist facilities and services.

Under the Tourist Infrastructures and Services Mobilization (TOURISM) Lending Program, LGUs can borrow 100% of the total project cost requirement, provided it is not more than its net borrowing capacity.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives can also borrow up to 80% of their project cost, while large corpora-

tions can borrow up to 75%.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) defines small enterprises as those with total assets worth P500,001 to P5 million; medium from over P5 million to P20 million; and large from over P20 million.

Qualified projects under the credit program include primary tourism support facilities, infra-

structure, and services such as hotels, resorts, automation, and digitalization of tourism services.

Short-term loans for working capital will be payable up to a year, while term loans for permanent working capital are payable up to five years.

Term loans for capital expenditures are payable based on the projected cash flow up to a maximum of 15 years with a two-year grace period on the principal repayment.

Meanwhile, team loans for the acquisition of tourist transport facilities and units are payable

Envoy: UK’s DCTS scheme to cover more tariff lines

SSS workers’ investments, savings reach P35.84B

The Social Security System (SSS) on Monday said the member saving collection from its Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP) grew 31 percent to P20.4 billion in 2022 compared to P15.48 billion the previous year.

Last year’s total brought the total WISP contributions to P35.84 billion on its second year of implementation, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer

Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said in a statement.

The total is collected from 4.9 million SSS members, the SSS said.

Members contributing to the WISP also grew to 4.9 million in 2022, up 33 percent from the 3.7 million members in 2021, the agency said.

Launched in 2021, WISP is a provident fund scheme man-

Bank lending expands at slower pace at 10% in February: BSP

to 6.25 percent in March.

U

nited Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Schemes (DCTS), a new trading scheme launched by the British government, will cover more tariff lines than the current UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and the European Union GSP Plus (EU GSP+), the British envoy here said.

British Ambassador to the

Philippines Laure Beaufils told reporters over the weekend that under the DCTS, more products from developing countries will be treated with zero tariffs upon entering the UK market.

“The DCTS was developed after quite a lot of consultation, including in the Philippines, to really learn from GSP+ and think about what works well

and what can we do even better. So, in many ways, it is the top best of its class,” Beaufils said in an interview following the visit of UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan here on March 30 and 31.

The DCTS was announced by the UK in 2022 and it targets to implement the new trading

The outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase placements with the Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas, slowed to 10 percent in February from 10.4 percent the previous month, central bank data showed.

This, as the BSP continue hiking the country’s benchmark interest rate, which was brought

On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, outstanding universal and commercial bank loans, net of RRPs, eased slightly by 0.2 percent, the BSP said.

“Sustained credit and ample liquidity will continue to support robust domestic demand. Even as the Philippine banking

Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. president and chief operating officer Rodger Velasco says during Kapihan sa PIA at the Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC) corporate along C. Bangoy Street in Davao City on Monday that the power supply in Mindanao is abundant and power situation in the areas under DLPC is stable. Lean Daval Jr.

PH budget deficit hits P106.4B in February

Denmark’s leading wind energy firms eyeing opportunities in PH

Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael Mellbin said the liberalization of the renewable energy (RE) sector in the Philippines has attracted the interests of Denmark’s largest wind energy companies.

On the sidelines of a recent event at the Department of Energy (DOE), Mellbin told reporters that the Royal Danish Embassy here is “looking at a handful of companies” that are interested to explore business in the Philippines.

“[W]e have the two of the largest wind companies in the world, Vestas and Siemens Gamensa. There are also big interests from these companies to move into the market,” he said.

The envoy said the Philippines became an attractive market for Danish RE firms following the amendments to the Renewable Energy Act that now allows 100-percent ownership of projects for foreign investors.

Last week, Mellbin witnessed the signing of service

contracts for Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) with the DOE for three offshore wind energy projects to be located in Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, in Northern Samar and in Pangasinan and La Union.

CIP is the first foreign firm that announced it will undertake renewable projects in the Philippines at full ownership.

The Danish firm said it will invest USD5 billion for the three offshore wind energy projects to be delivered within the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Mellbin said CIP’s investment in the Philippines is one of the offshoots of the recent official visit of Marcos to Europe.

“Definitely President Marcos has sent some very strong, positive signals about more openness to business, and this has stimulated both in Demanrk (and) also in Europe,” the envoy added.

He added that the Danish FDENMARK’S, P10

The Philippines’

budget deficit

slightly rose to P106.4 billion in February from the P105.8 billion shortfall in the same period in 2022 due to the slight decline in revenue collection, the Bureau of Treasury said on Monday.

This brought the budget gap as of the end of February to P60.5 billion, down 53.07 percent, the BTr said.

Revenue collection hit P211.9 billion in February, lower by 0.25 percent from a year ago due to a

3.01 percent decline in tax revenues, the agency said.

The Bureau of Internal Revenues’ collection for the month eased to P129.4 billion or 5.29 percent lower compared to the same month the previous

year, data showed. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs’ raised P62.9 billion, outperforming the previous year’s outturn by 5.83 percent.

The BTr said its income improved by 51.16 percent, reaching P6.4 billion in February. Collections from other offices were also up 32.93 percent to P13.2 billion, data showed.

Expenditures, on the other hand, were relatively flat at P318.2 billion, the BTr said.

Smart: Over 5M spam, scam messages blocked in Feb.

Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. over the weekend said they blocked over 5 million scam and spam text messages and over 38,000 mobile numbers involved in fraudulent activities in February.

PLDT said its Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) also stopped more than 1.4 billion attempts to open malicious domains in February, including 200,000 sites and content relat-

ed to online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

The group said it blocked 83 million cyber attacks and attempts to breach its network in February, as it boosted efforts to protect its digital infrastructure.

“As we double efforts to register our mobile subscribers, we are also working 24/7 to stop malicious messages from passing through our network,” PLDT and Smart FVP and Chief Information Security Officer Angel Redoble

said in an emailed statement.

“We work closely with SMS aggregators and financial institutions to immediately prevent text scams from spreading to mobile users in the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. said it blocked a record-high 2.72 billion scam and spam messages in 2022, more than double the 1.15 billion recorded in the previous year.

The company has spent some

An attendant prepares to cut a roasted chicken for a customer at a store in Matina, Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

In encouraging Catholic devotees to exercise precautions in attending masses during the Lenten season:

although optional

D. VELASCO President SOLANI D. MARATAS

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

S. PANES Director of Sales

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

“Karon normal na with all the precautions, we still are very careful, encouraged

ang face masks pero ang tigulang mag face mask. Back to normal na ang atong mindset karon. Dili pareho sauna tungod sa restrictions focus ang online. Ang online gitugot na lang sa mga those who cannot attend, minimal lang gyud.”

Archbishop of Davao

MOST REV. ROMULO G. VALLES

It was Holy Week of 2012 when I accompanied my Filipino-Australian cousin Jeremy Baltazar to witness one of what can be considered the extreme acts of devotion in the Philippines, the flagellants doing the “penitensya”.

Jeremy said that watching a Filipino penitent engage in self-flagellation is indeed not for the faint of heart.

During my younger days, I used to wait for the procession of the “penitensya” coming from the Malibay area in Pasay City . Perhaps due to curiosity as a child , I usually sit in the sidewalk and wonder why they do this practice every Good Friday.

Filipino Catholics are known for having sincere, enormous and extreme expressions of piety considering that the country is the third-largest Catholic population in the world.

The fervent devotion and faith shown by devotees became a prime manifestation of the fusion of Catholic and secular beliefs and practices of Filipinos.

Lent is the commemoration of the suffering, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a 40-daylong observance that begins on Ash Wednesday, and ends with Easter Sunday.

As Catholics see this season as a time for personal conversion and atonement, many Filipinos perform traditions in the week leading to Easter in the hope they will be cleansed of sins and illnesses and their wishes might be granted.

Devotees flock to churches for confessions and prayers like novenas and the Way of the Cross. Penance and sacrifices such as abstaining from eating meat and fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are also observed.

Some penitents have enacted a much greater mortification on Good Friday – flagellation and crucifixion.

Flagellation (from Latin flagel-

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG PEYUPS

SELF- FLAGELLATION AND CRUCIFIXION AS EXTREME EXPRESSION OF FAITH

lare, to whip) rituals were built around processions, hymns, distinct gestures, uniforms, and discipline.

Flagellants - hooded, half-naked men- scourge themselves by first cutting their backs, chest, arms and legs. with a blade or knife then whip their backs with bamboo-tipped burillos or with whips embedded with thorns and glass shards as the blood flows out of their wounds.

Some participants carry crosses through local churches, then lie on scorching concrete pavements, with arms spread as they are hit on the back with wooden paddles as an act of full surrender to the mercy of God.

For many flagellants, it is not enough that they confess their sins. Serious injuries must be inflicted upon themselves so that they will be convinced that their sins have been forgiven. They believe that by punishing the body, the sins would be absolved and the soul would be more potent.

Some do it as an act of sacrifice for the welfare of their families or to re-live the pain and sacrifice of Christ in the hands of the Roman soldiers

Flagellation and self- flagellation were widespread practices in some parts of the Catholic ministry.

It was even featured in “The Da Vinci Code” wherein Silas, an Opus Dei albino monk, whips himself with a “discipline,” or knotted cord while wearing the cilice - a spiked chain worn on the upper thigh as a reminder of Christ’s suffering.

It was during the 2013 Moriones festival in Torrijos, Marinduque that I witnessed an actual live crucifixion. The Moriones refers to the masked and costumed penitents who march around the town for seven days searching for Longinus.

The re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion started as the staging in Holy week of 1955. of the street play “Via Crucis” in Pampanga

by poet-playwright Ricardo Navarro

with Pedro Cutud as the artist who was ‘crucified’. The actual live crucifixion only happened in 1961 when Arsenio Añoza made a vow to nail himself to a cross every Holy Friday.

Penitencya and crucifixion are sometimes associated with “religious dark tourism” which attract thousands of local and international tourists every year to watch the gory displays of faith in a fervently Catholic nation.

Remembering the passion and death of Christs through flagellation and crucifixion became the perfect ingredient of visitor economy.

Health officials has consistently reminded participants to ensure that nails and other sharp objects that will be used during the acts are well sterilized to avoid contracting tetanus infection.

However, they warned there is no assurance that the sterilization would not cause infection because of exposure to various elements in the course of penitence.

A disturbing practice is using a razor blade or a small wooden plank embedded with glass shards to prick the skin of the back and initiate bleeding before the flogging starts. In most cases, only one such implement is used on several penitents.

The Catholic Church has discouraged these activities which it considers as extreme misinterpretation of faith.

“We are doubtful that these are real expressions of Christian faith. These are expressions of superstitious beliefs and usually done for tourism purposes,” the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in a 2015 statement.

(Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)

BEN CAL

As the defense reporter of the Philippines News Agency (PNA) for four decades, I had the rare privilege to go around the country countless times to cover news events, particularly at the height of the Moro insurgency war in Southern Philippines. I also covered the Visayas region during the ‘70s and ‘80s in the company of military officers, particularly then Maj. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, who was chief of the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police (INP) at that time. Gen. Ramos, who was also the vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at that time, regularly visited government troops on the frontline to give them moral support.

It was during these out of town sorties, especially in critical areas that I found myself in the line of fire four times, and thanked God, I survived unscathed.

My first coverage on the battlefield was in 1976 on the island of Sulu in Mindanao, together with fellow journalist, Alex Allan of the now defunct Philippine Daily Express. We were the only journalists from Manila who accompanied Gen. Ramos to Sulu where government forces were

fighting the rebels of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

We left Manila very early morning on board a Philippine Air Force Fokker-27 plane for Jolo, the capital of Sulu. The flight took two and a half hours. Earlier, we were briefed by Rear Admiral Romulo Espaldon, commander of the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) of the AFP, about the situation in Sulu, a known MNLF stronghold.

Upon landing at the Jolo Airport, I saw hordes of government soldiers in full battle gear. “Boy, this is really war,” I said to myself. The formidable display of armour and heavy weapons convinced me that the country was facing a serious rebellion in Mindanao. Casualties on both sides were heavy, not to include civilians caught in the crossfire.

There was a short briefing at the Army headquarters before we boarded two Air Force “Huey” helicopters armed with M60 machine guns.

As our helicopters flew just about treetop level, the pilots sped away at more than 100 kilometers per hour. Not only did the daring Air Force pilots fly so dangerously low, but they also zigzagged their way into

IN THE LINE OF FIRE

the vast Sulu sky to deny the rebels a clear target. Feeling helpless, I tightened my seat belt, held my breath and prayed Psalm 23. As we were about to land at a military camp in Central Sulu, a battle was raging between the Philippine Marines and MNLF rebels less than a kilometer away.

But instead of ordering the pilots to abort the flight and fly back to Jolo, Gen. Ramos, told the pilots to proceed to our destination, undaunted by the ongoing firefight. As our choppers landed, Gen. Ramos was the first to jump out from the helicopter and strutted his way toward a group of Marine troopers led by their commander, Maj. Vicente Bacquial, who incidentally was a former schoolmate of mine. After rendering a snappy salute, he was surprised to see me, but when I told him I’m a journalist, we shook hands.

Gen. Ramos and the rest of us later went inside a room stacked with sandbags. About 10 minutes into the briefing, MNLF rebels attacked the Marine camp’s gate, but the troops were able to retaliate. The crackle of gunfire did not distract Ramos a bit as I observed

his stoic expression. He continued puffing his cigar and occasionally asked Maj. Bacquial questions about military operations in Sulu.

Then, the Marine troopers engaging the MNLF radioed, informing Maj. Bacquial that the rebels were closing in fast. At this point, Gen. Ramos calmly told Maj. Bacquial “stop the briefing, attend to your men.”

Despite being the highest ranking military official, Gen. Ramos, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, did not interfere in any manner with what Maj. Bacquial would do to contain the MNLF attack.

The young officer immediately went into action and ordered his men to reinforce the troops. He also dispatched one V-150 armoured vehicle.

Radio communications between the Marine unit and Maj. Baquial continued as the team leader gave a blow-by-blow account of the fighting. He asked his men if there were any casualties.

“Two dead on the enemy side, sir,” the soldier replied over his twoway radio.

We monitored the ongoing firefight and after 30 minutes the MNLF rebels retreated bringing with them

their casualties.

Gen. Ramos calmly ordered Maj. Bacquial to resume the briefing as if nothing happened. After the briefing, we flew to a mountainous area to visit a new Army detachment. We were accompanied by Col. Salvador M. Mison, commander of all military forces in Sulu and nearby Basilan Island.

Shortly after landing, we received an SOS message from an Army patrol asking for the immediate evacuation of a wounded soldier. Upon hearing, Gen. Ramos ordered the pilot to rescue the wounded trooper and bring him to the Army hospital in Jolo.

Since we were perched at a vantage point overlooking the area, we were able to witness in real time the daring helicopter rescue operation. The two choppers flying in precision banked to the right and dived toward the other side of the mountain where the firefight was raging. One of the helicopters plucked the wounded trooper, while the other circled above to provide air cover.

In five minutes, the entire rescue episode inside enemy territory was successfully completed as it unfolded before our eyes. It was like seeing a movie – except that it was for real.

On March 13 to 19, 2023, Davao City’s top tourist destination Eden Nature Park and Resort featured the artworks of Davao artists’ groups Tabula Rasa and GAMA in an exhibit dubbed Festival of Colors: A Culture and Arts Exhibit, which is part of the resort’s 86th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

Visitors not only enjoyed the alltime cool weather of Eden but were able to experience arts and culture through the paintings displayed at the Day Tour Center.

The artists presented artworks that flaunted the Indigenous Peoples, local animals, flowers, and fruits that make Davao City admired by the tourists.

GAMA exhibited coordination and observational skills as they treated guests and the Davao City media with a live sketching and painting session at the Upper Veranda on March 18. Guests were all able to witness and have their likeness painted in real time and had a chance to take a piece of it home as a souvenir.

Over 25 portrait sketches were drawn during the one-day session. Local artist Christine Lagura also had a live hand painting of “bayong” bags showcasing the flowers that are common in the resort.

Founding member of the Tabula Rasa art group and a self-taught painter, Dinky Munda, expressed gratitude to Eden for the opportunity and hopes for more collaboration in the future.

The week-long exhibit was opened with a ribbon cutting held at the Day Tour Center led by Eden Nature Park and Resort’s Ann Marie Ayala, operations manager Celia Sutton, marketing manager Jeline Galagar, Munda of Tabula Rasa and Rolando Pinoon of GAMA art group.

Exhibiting artists from Tabula Rasa art group were Dinky Munda, Jr.,

Brando Cedeña, Daryl Descallar, Aurelio Boyaks Peña, Ninio Sepulveda, Vic Navales and Jorge Jocson. Representing GAMA, which stands for Grupo ng mga Aktibong Mindanawon Artists, were Rolando Pino-on, Jose Jojo Jimenez, Leo Patos, Rene Guerra, Christine Lagura, Liza Jardinero, Ba Noi Reyno, and George Abaigar.

When artists from various genres come together, they create visual feast for the eyes. A virtual cornucopia of colors and images.

Metrobank named PH’s best bank for ultra-high-net-worth clients

Gets back-to-back title as the Best Domestic Private Bank in the country from Asiamoney

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

‘s (Metrobank) Private Wealth business bags two accolades at the 2023 Asiamoney Private Bank Awards, further strengthening its position as the preferred partner of Ultra-High Net

Worth segment. Metrobank garnered the Best Domestic Private Bank in the Philippines award for the second straight year. It was also named as the Best Bank for the Ultra-High Net Worth

clients.

Metrobank’s performance versus competitors, successes in achieving market share, and ability to cope with difficult or changing market conditions, were among the reasons

why Asiamoney named Metrobank as the winner for both categories. Metrobank’s Private Wealth Division has managed to deliver exceptional results in 2022 amid challenging market conditions.

“Although the Covid-19 era was rough on the broader industry, Metrobank used the disruption to build up its internal muscle. It put relationship managers under stringent certification and training programs, for instance. That boosted quality and efficiency in product areas such as treasury and trust, basic derivatives, cash management, loans packaging, and consumer lending,” says Asiamoney.

On top of Metrobank’s top-notch pool of relationship managers, Asiamoney also recognized that this significant growth of the business was fueled by the Bank’s strategic efforts to leverage its extensive branch banking network for targeted acquisition, and innovative financial solutions. These resulted in improved client coverage and service delivery.

“Metrobank’s dynamic and holistic approach to managing the wealth of our clients is a key factor for our continued recognition as the preferred partner of the Ultra-HighNet-Worth segment. But our mission

goes beyond financial management. At the core, our purpose has always centered on enabling our clientele to fulfill their goals and maximize opportunities in front of them, through financial strategies tailor-made for each client and their respective families,” says Lizette Perez, who heads Metrobank’s Private Wealth Division.

“This recognition is a testament to our commitment in becoming the best partner and most trusted financial advisor for Filipino affluent families. With this, we’re proud to say that our clients remain in good hands,” Perez adds.

The Bank’s Private Wealth team was established in 2016. Since then, the business has rapidly and successfully captured the attention of the Ultra-High-Net-Worth segment in the Philippines. Moreover, through Metrobank Private Wealth, customers are able to have access to the entire product suite of the Metrobank Group.

Last year, Metrobank brought home major awards from top global financial publications. Euromoney and the Banker named it as the Best Bank in the Philippines for 2022. It was also recognized as the Strongest Bank in the Philippines by The Asian Banker for 2021 and 2022.

Study abroad with no additional tuition fees through Assumption College’s international exchange program

Selecting the right school is a significant decision for both students and parents. Schools play a critical role in shaping a young adult’s personality and worldview. Moreover, a proper learning environment enables young adults to explore and enhance their holistic potential.

That is exactly what Assumption College offers: enriching opportunities that allow students to go beyond the four walls of a classroom environment and to have the world within reach.

Championing transformative education

When choosing a school, various factors need to be taken into account, from programs and opportunities to costs and location. Assumption College makes the decision much easier, with its esteemed reputation for delivering excellent education for each and every student.

Assumption College has two main departments: liberal arts under the Marie Eugenie School for Innovative Learning (MESIL) and business administration and management under Milleret School of Business and Management for Women (MSBMW). The institution’s roster of excellent academic programs range from communication, interior design, psychology and education, to accountancy, business ad-

ministration, and entrepreneurship..

Championing transformative education, Assumption College is future-proofing students with a fresh approach to learning. Known as Ability-based Learning or “ABLe”, this student-centered method of education puts an emphasis on developing Prime Life Abilities centered on Assumption College’s Core Values, preparing students to face the real world.

On top of high-quality academic programs, Assumption College also boasts an accessible international student exchange program that opens up the world to its students. An accessible student exchange program

An international exchange program can be a life-changing experience for students, but factors like high costs can deter them from pursuing such programs. Assumption College’s International Student Exchange Program addresses this concern. With the program, students do not need to pay additional tuition fees at their chosen overseas partner institution. This gives more students the opportunity to study abroad for a semester, allowing them to:

• immerse themselves in a brand new culture and meet new people from all walks of life

• take the opportunity to learn a

The program is an eye-opening experience that exposes students to opportunities in partner schools such as those in Hiroshima University or Kobe College in Japan, and other reputable institutions around the world, such as Monroe College in New York, Assumption University in Massachusetts, Reactor School in Singapore, and Universitas Kristen Indonesia in Jakarta, as well as other institutions in the UK, Australia, and South Korea.

new language

• experience different styles of learning under the guidance of various esteemed educators; and

• widen their employment opportunities on a global scale.

As such, Assumption College students are able to grow independent, confident, and capable of taking on life’s challenges, preparing them to find success in their endeavors both in the local and global scale.

Assumption College has partnered with reputable institutions around the world, such as Monroe College in New York, Assumption University in Massachusetts, Hiroshima University in Japan, Kobe College in Japan, Reactor School in Singapore, and Universitas Kristen Indonesia in Jakarta, as well as other institutions in the UK, Australia, and South Korea.

Students who have participated in the international student exchange program can testify to how much the

program has helped them change in better ways.

Participants all echo their love and enjoyment of the Assumption College’s life-changing exchange program.

“I was able to grow into the woman of faith, community, and action through the help of the Assumption education and family,” shared Alexandra Victoria Adriano Boccone, who took part in Assumption College’s student exchange program to Assumption University, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Assumption College students are able to grow independent, confident, and capable of taking on life’s challenges, preparing them to find success in their endeavors both in the local and global scale.

gram. It’s really fun and I hope you guys get to experience what I did as well.”

“It was an eye-opening experience where I realized that we live in a big world with a lot of opportunities to grow and world,” said Clarisse Ambray, who went to Kobe College under the same student exchange program. “If I’m allowed to enroll again, I’d do it. That’s how much I loved the experience.”

“It’s one of the highlights of my college years,” Bea Marbella, who also attended Kobe College for a semester. “Words can’t express how grateful I am that I joined this pro-

Begin your international studies journey now with Assumption College

It’s time to broaden your horizons and step out into the world. Enroll in Assumption College and get ready to study abroad without paying additional tuition fees to your chosen overseas institution. Application for School Year 2023–2024 is currently ongoing, so don’t miss this chance! Sign up now through this registration form: bit. ly/AssumptionCollegeRegistrationForm.

Assumption College offers enriching opportunities that allow students to go beyond the four walls of a classroom environment and to have the world within reach.

ACQUITED... FROM 2 IP... FROM 2 LANDBANK...

would be at the mercy of the Anti-Graft Law for their nominal shareholdings in just about any corporation in whose favor the Government has actually granted and will in the future grant contracts to, even without doing any act in relation to, nor benefitting from, the same,” it said.

In its August 26, 2020 decision, the Sandiganbayan found Floirendo Jr. “guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019 for having a direct or indirect financial interest in the 2003 JVA, such interest being prohibited under Article VI, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution.”

“While members of the House of Representatives are not prohibited from having a direct or indirect financial interest per se, they are, however, prohibited from having a direct or indirect financial interest in any contract with the government during the representative’s term of office,” ruled the anti-graft court.

It also pointed out that Floirendo Jr. ought to have sold his shares in Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Incorporated (TADECO) and in Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR), a company controlled by the Floirendos that was in charge of managing and investing in the TADECO-related activities of the Anflo Group of Companies.

Floirendo Jr. was sentenced to a prison term ranging from six years and one month as minimum to eight years as maximum with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

In a criminal charge sheet filed with the Sandiganbayan, the OMB accused Floirendo Jr. of “willfully, unlawfully and criminally have direct and/or indirect financial interest in the May 21, 2003 Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO), in which company he then owned 75,000 shares of stocks worth P7.5 million and which company’s (TADECO) majority stocks were in turn owned by and under the control of accused’s family through Anflo Management and Investment Corporation, despite being prohibited by Article VI, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution from having such financial interest.”

In 1969 TADECO and BuCor entered into a joint venture agreement on the development of 3,000 hectares within the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Davao del Norte into a banana plantation.

The said JVA was amended in 1979 and was signed by then TADECO’s chairperson Antonio O. Floirendo Sr. and then BuCor officer-in-charge Ramon J. Liwag and approved by then Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong.

In 2003, the agreement was renewed for another 25 years. At the time of the renewal of the agreement in 2003, Floirendo Jr. was Davao del Norte’s 2nd district congressman.

Floirendo Jr. explained to the court that he is not an incorpora-

YOUTH... FROM 12

our next tournament,” said Ramon Llanes, one of the BLD golf organizers in his closing remarks.

Food, drinks, raffle prizes with a live acoustic band featuring golfer /crooner Manfred Lawas regaled the crowd during the Awards night at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf Clubhouse.

tor of TADECO which was incorporated in 1950 before his birth; and that he owns about 0.89 per cent of TADECO’s total outstanding shares which he acquired between 1977 to 1996; that he had no involvement in the negotiation and execution of the 2003 JVA; and that he was neither TADECO’s director nor officer; and that the House of Representatives had no participation in the review or approval of the 2003 JVA.

The SC stated that in convicting Floirendo Jr., the Sandiganbayan banked on the 2003 JVA’s provisions on production and profit sharing.

“It hastily concluded that because TADECO and BuCor entered into the 2003 JVA with the objective of obtaining profits therefrom, then automatically, Floirendo Jr. was financially interested in the 2003 JVA by simply owning 75,000 shares in TADECO and 537,950 shares in ANFLOCOR,” the SC ruling stated.

“In other words, the Sandiganbayan considered mere ownership of shares of stocks on the part of Floirendo Jr. to conclude that he has a financial interest in the 2003 JVA. For sheer lack of evidence to prove that Floirendo Jr. was financially interested in the 2003 JVA, the Sandiganbayan casually declared that Floirendo Jr. never denied his financial interest in the 2003 JVA. This is unfounded,” it said.

The High Court ruling stated that “in no instance did the prosecution present evidence that Floirendo Jr. obtained a monetary gain or benefit when the 2003 JVA was entered into with the government. In fact, Floirendo Jr. has consistently testified that he had no involvement in the negotiation of the 2003 JVA.”

“In the present case, the prosecution merely relied on the existence of Floirendo, Jr. ‘s shares in TADECO and Anflocor as basis for Floirendo Jr.’s pecuniary interest. Without proof of such monetary gain or benefit, this Court cannot say with certainty that he was financially interested in said contract granted by the government, which will catalyze the prohibitive effects of Article VI, Section 14 of the Constitution,” it said.

“More importantly, the records do not show that Floirendo Jr. used his influence to push for the 2003 JVA. There is also no proof that he used his membership in Congress as a leverage to have the contract executed,” it also said.

It stated that the SC acquitted Floirendo Jr. as it reversed the 2020 Sandiganbayan’s decision that convicted the former legislator of graft.

DENMARK’S...

FROM 5 firms see the policy reform of the Marcos administration to open the renewables sector for foreign investors as a key measure to attract more energy investments into the Philippines.

“It’s very important because Denmark is a world leader when it comes to wind technology, so some of the investors feel more comfortable working in control of the projects… [T] he investments of these companies also bring a lot of knowhow and knowledge to the Philippines,” Mellbin said.

He said Danish RE firms are interested in onshore and offshore wind energy projects, small modular reactors, waste-to-energy, and biomass projects in the Philippines.

in an encounter on March 27 in Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City.

“There’s no more reason for these children to stay in a decaying movement. They need not suffer the fate of their father. It’s better for them to accept the offer of the government now and live peacefully with the families,” Maca said in the local dialect.

He talked to the family members during the wake and asked them to help the government convince Anob’s children to turn themselves in.

Maca alleged that Anob was responsible for the killing and abduction of IP leaders and members in the past five years.

“Justice is already served to the IPs who were victimized by the useless revolution being waged by the communist NPA terrorist,” Maca said.

Meanwhile, the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) reported Monday the surrender of two NPA rebels to the Army in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on April 2.

The 901Bde identified the surrenderers as Roselyn Sampayan of the Sentro de Grabedad 16 and Juliet Sampaga of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda, both under the Guerrilla Front 16.

“The surrender of the two rebels was triggered by the loss of mass base support due to the relentless military operations and the surrender of the members of the mass organization members in the area,” the 901Bde said in a statement.

It added that the rebels also want to go home to their families whom they missed for years after joining the communist movement. (PNA)

SSS... FROM 4

aged by SSS that serves as another savings for private-sector workers and other individual paying members. It aims to augment members’ retirement package on top of their regular SSS benefits.

“Under the WISP, each contributing member will have an account wherein SSS will place their contributions and investment earnings. Not only are they saving for their retirement, but their contributions are also earning through the program,” Macasaet added.

WISP also functions as an investment vehicle for SSS members.

BANKS... FROM 4

system remains sound, the BSP will keep a watchful eye over evolving market conditions to ensure that credit and liquidity dynamics continue to be in line with its price and financial stability mandates,” the BSP said.

Bank lending also declined to 10.4 percent in January from 13.7 percent in December 2022.

The Danish envoy noted that the Philippine government can do more ribbon-cutting ceremonies when it cuts the red tape.

“[R]ed tape is a challenge for foreign investors in this country, and the government can do a lot to get more foreign investments in by cutting the red tape,” Mellbin said. (PNA)

FROM 4 RONDINA...

based on cash flow but should not exceed seven years, or the economic useful life of the facilities inclusive of a six-month grace period.

“LandBank is committed to supporting the national government’s efforts to restore confidence and enthusiasm for the tourism sector that will help boost economic activity, and create livelihood opportunities in tourist areas nationwide,” LandBank President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo said in an emailed statement.

LandBank last month opened a P333.3-million credit facility for farmers to boost their working capital and increase production.

The bank is mandated to promote countryside development while remaining financially viable. It implements the comprehensive agrarian reform program (CARP), provides assistance to small farmers and fisherfolk, and serves as an official depository of government funds.

It was the second-biggest bank in the Philippines in terms of assets as of September 2022 with P2.761 trillion.

ENVOY... FROM 4

scheme this year.

Under the DCTS, the British government eyes to include 65 developing countries from the different parts of the world -- 37 from Africa, 18 from Asia, eight from Oceania, and two from the Americas.

When the UK was still part of the EU, 6,274 products from the Philippines enter the EU market at zero tariff through the EU GSP+.

After the UK withdrawal from the European Union in January 2020, the British government is implementing the UK GSP to transition the trading benefits for developing countries from EU GSP+ to DCTS.

The British Embassy here earlier said the DCTS will further boost trade between the UK and the Philippines, which is currently at 2 billion euros annually.

“The DCTS has made improvements on rules of origins, for example, or that has added new product lines, so it’s really going to be benefitting Filipino exporters to the UK in particular and the vast majority of Filipino exporters will find that they can benefit from DCTS,” Beaufils added. (PNA)

SMART... FROM 5

$20 million to boost its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking systems, with its Security Operations Center filtering out unwanted messages.

“Our customers are our top priority so we do our best to ensure that they are protected from scammers and fraudsters,” Chief Information Security officer Anton Bonifacio said in a separate statement.”

“We will continue to invest in cybersecurity systems and work tirelessly to provide them with a safe and enjoyable online experience as we also take part in the full implementation of the SIM Registration Act,” he added.

The government is determined to have all SIMs in the country registered by the April 26, 2023 deadline, in a bid to stop the proliferation of spam and scam text messages.

The latest data available from

FROM 11

rosters to date with each and everyone of these athletes dedicated and determined to rise to the challenge in Cambodia,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.

“With the skills given and dedication to flag and country considered, our coaches put premium on chemistry, on how these players would blend based on the competitions and challenges of the SEA Games,” he added.

Joining Valdez on the women’s team mentored by Brazilian Jorge Edson Souza De Brito are her Creamline teammates Julia Melissa Morado-De Guzman, Kyla Llana Atienza, Celine Elaiza Domingo, Jessica Margarett Galanza, Diana Mae Carlos and Michele Theresa Gumabao; Cignal’s Maria Angelica Cayuna and Glaudine Troncoso; PLDT’s Kathleen Faith Arado and Dell Palomata; Choco Mucho’s Cherry Rose Nunag and Katrina Mae Tolentino; and Chery Tiggo’s Mylene Paat.

With Mangulabnan are his AMC-Cotabato teammates Joshua Umandal, Lloyd Josafat, Kim Harold Dayandante, Vince Patrick Lorenzo and Jayvee Sumagaysay; National University-Archipelago Builders’s Rwenzmel Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales; Cignal’s, Manuel Sumanguid III; Iloilo’s Jade Alex Disquitado; and University of Santo Tomas’s Jay Rack Dela Noche.

Filipino-Americans Steven Charles Rotter, Cyrus Justin De Guzman and Michael Raymund Vicente are also in the men’s team coached by Brazilian Sergio Valadares Veloso.

The men’s team coaching staff includes Arthur Odjie Mamon and Rommel Abella (assistant coaches), Mark Gil Alfafara (trainer), Melchizedek Samonte (strength and conditioning coach) and Jerome Guhit (team manager).

Sherwin Meneses and Cherry Rose Macatangay (assistant coaches), Raffy Mosuela (trainer), Grace Gomez (strength and conditioning coach) and Ma. Fe Moran (team manager) are in the women’s team coaching staff.

Indoor volleyball competitions will start on May 3 at the Morodok Techo Elephant Hall in Phnom Penh while beach volleyball, to be held at Otres Beach in Preah Sihanouk (Sihanoukville) Province, will kick off on May 11. (PNA)

the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) show that only 32.01% of all SIMs across the country have been registered as of March 29, 2023.

This includes 4,124,064 with DITO Telecommunity Corp.; 22,406,104 with Globe; and 27,560,557 with Smart.

Under the SIM Card Registration Act, all PTEs are mandated to establish their respective registration platforms to onboard users who present valid identification cards.

Users are given 180 days or until April 26, 2023 to register their SIM cards, or else face the risk of having these deactivated.

The implementing rules and regulations of the SIM Card Registration Act took effect on December 27, after the measure was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last October.

Rondina, Gonzaga banner beach volley squads to Cambodia SEAG

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) announced on Sunday the composition of the beach and indoor squads to the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga will lead the women’s beach volleyball team also composed of Berna-

deth Pons and Floremel Rodriguez. The men’s team members are Alnakran Abdilla, Jaron Requinton, Jude Garcia and

James Buytrago. Except for Buytrago, all are returning to the region’s biggest sporting event with the hope of improving their bronze medal finishes in 2022 edition held in Vietnam. Rondina and Gonzaga were crowned champions after beating Pons and Rodriguez at the

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

Why would coach Jojo Lastimosa admit that TNT, the top ranked team, is the underdog versus Brgy. Ginebra in the Govs Cup title showdown?

Is the neophyte head coach expressing a fact or a fear?

What do the fans think?

I would presume both.

Jolas knows just too well that he would be crossing swords against a master tactician who is twice as wise and ingenious.

At least, he is humble enough and meek as a sheep to acknowledge that as far as coaching ability is concerned, he could not match up with Tim Cone, who was his

Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in Subic last December.

Brazilian Joao Luciano Simao Barbosa heads the beach volleyball team coaching staff composed of Romnick Rico (assistant coach -- women’s), Rhovyl Verayo (assistant coach -- men’s) and John Paulo Agir

(strength and conditioning coach) and Rosemarie Prochina (team manager).

Alyssa Valdez and Vince Raphael Mangulabnan will banner the women’s and men’s indoor teams.

“These teams are composed of perhaps the most formidable

JOLAS TO GET FREE COACHING EDUCATION

mentor as a player of Alaska many years ago.

Or is it his style of challenging his boys, employing reverse psychology, so that the underdog tag will fire them up like hungry lions in search of their prey?

I don’t know if there is a need for Jolas to make an inspirational speech to his platoon.

TNT is composed of tried and tested warriros who are not scared to meet the stiffest of opposition.

Therefore, Jolas is expressing a personal fear because the acceptable fact is that Brgy. Ginebra will wipe them out if need be for

the Kings to bring home the bacon.

Already, the battle has started even before the jumpball is tossed.

Japhet Aguilar could be back by Game 1, Cone said so after the Kings dismantled the Beermen in three.

Suddenly, we begin to realize that basketball is also a mind game.

Yeah, like chess the coach pushes pawns and minor and major pieces to assault the opponent. If just one of the five players on the floor does not possess the mindset of a winner, then

the chemistry and cohesion necessary to produce teamwork is lost.

Without demeaning any of the coaches, I thought the Gin Kings faced a tougher foe in SMB than TNT colliding against Meralco even if the Bolts extended the sries to four games before eventually surrendering.

TNT is star-studded with the irrepressible (and probable best import awardee) Rondae Hollis Jefferson as its American recruit; Jason Castro, Mikey Williams and RR Pogoy as explosive guards and reliable slotman Poy Erram to boot.

But TNT only needs to focus on ONE or TWO Gin Kings..

Limit Justin Brownlee’s allaround brilliance first. Second, box out and prevent C-Standhardinger from.actively participating in the ballgame.

Let’s face it. Take out JB from Brgy. Ginebra and its offense will die like a flower withering in the dry desert.

If TNT guards can do this and their outside shooting is unhampered, Jolas has a mighty good chance of upsetting his teacher. (Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

DYNAMIC DUO. Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga will represent the country in the Cambodia South east Asian Games next month

FRONDINA, P10

YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE

Te Siong, Kim rule 3rd BLD Golf Tournament

BY CHITO MALABANAN

Unheralded Cole Te Siong and Korean businessman Kim Il Gyu emerged as the big winners in the recently concluded 3rd BLD (Balik Loob sa Diyos) golf tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes on Monday.

Kim, a resident member of RPV, tamed the course by firing a 1 under 71 for a gross score of 37 points while the youthful 27 handicapper Te Siong, a 19-year old college freshman taking up Multi Media Arts in LPU Davao, fired a 7 over par 79 equivalent to 56 points using the Modified Stableford Scoring.

“What more can we ask for, it’s been raining for the past week every afternoon, yet we are blessed today with a perfect golfing weather and the golfers had a grand time” says Dennis Madrazo, one of the tournament organizers.

Leo Yap, a mainstay of the RPV team that took part in the recent PAL interclub tournament in Cebu, emerged as the Gross Champion for Class A after scoring an even par round of 72 for 36 points with ex-pro Rekrek Mise getting the gross runner up honors with his 35 points.

Alejandro So got the Class A Net plum with his 41 points followed by Robert Lim (38) as Net Runner Up in the division.

Class B Gross title went to

Mateo Sy with his 30 Stableford points while Chito Nucum took the runner up honors with his 26 points . Wilson Lu got the Net Title for Class B with his 40 points with Joe Tesado’s 39 points made him the Net Runner up winner via countback.

For the Class C division, Dan Juson tallied 22 points to take the class Gross honors while Victor Tan finished second with his 19 points. Angelo Anitivo and Greg Del Monte tallied 40 and 38, respectively, to take home the Net champion and Net runner up honors for Class C.

Youthful Annika Pasion emerged as the top player in the Ladies Division.

Part of the proceeds of the tournament will go to the beneficiaries of Archdiocesan Nourishment Center under the BLD Scholarship of Hope program.

“We are thankful for the support of all the participants, for the good weather and our sponsors for making this tournament possible. Hoping for your continued support and see you all again in

Winners of the recent 3rdd BLD Golf Tournament receive their trophies during the Awards Night at the Rancho Palos Verdes Clubhouse.