Edge Davao 5 Issue 187

EDGEDAVAO P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

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Serving a seamless society

Kontra illegal logging

Indulge

Page A1

DENR 11 enforces open cargo policy

By Anthony S. Allada

Page165 The Economy Page

Page 15

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egional exceutive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada of the Department of environment and natural Resources (DenR) in the Davao Region issued a directive to all regional field officials aimed at putting a stop to

Container vans being used in transporting logs and lumber shipments of illegal logs and lumber from Davao ports. in his memorandum order dated november 12, 2012,

Fragada ordered the implementation of the “open cargo” or “loose cargo” mode of transporting of lumber and

logs due for shipment.

“This open cargo or loose cargo transport mode will put a stop to the modus operandi of transporting logs and lumber using container vans as conveyances and misdeclar-

FDENR, 11

Page 15

COLD DAY. Students brave the heavy rain to attend classes along J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

Interconnection blues

NTC orders telcos to cut SMS charges T he national Telecommunication Commission (nTC) issued on Tuesday three separate rulings, directing the globe Telecom, Sun Cellular and Smart Communications to “immediately” reduce interconnection charge for short messaging services (SMS) from P1 to 80 centavos. ”The savings realized from the reduced interconnection charge on SMS sent to other networks (off-net SMS) was formulated not to simply benefit the telcos but was intended

for them to pass on the savings to their subscribers,” the nTC said in its order.

The nTC came out with the decision after tackling the telcos’ non-compliance with the nTC memorandum circular in october last year on interconnection charge for SMS, which became effective on Dec. 1, 2011.

The commission reduced the SMS interconnection charge from

FINTERCONNECTION, 11

FDAVAO’S, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

Coal Asia Holdings gets BOI incentives Publicly listed Coal asia holdings (PSe:Coal) was recently granted with incentives from the Board of investments (Boi) for wholly-owned subsidiary, Titan Mining and energy Corporation (TMeC) as a new Producer of Coal in Davao oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay on a non-Pioneer status.

The incentives, by virtue of the aforementioned Boi approval, allows for the following: a) income tax holiday for four (4) years from January 2016 or actual start of commercial operations, whichever is earlier but in no case earlier than the date of registration; b) importation of capital equipment, spare parts and accessories at zero (0) duty from the date of effectivity of ex-

ecutive order no. 70 for a period of five (5) years from the date of registration or until the expiration of eo 70; c) additional deduction from taxable income of 50% of the wages corresponding to the increment in number of direct labor for skilled and unskilled workers in the year of availment as against the previous year if the project meets the prescribed ratio of capital equipment to the number of workers set by the Boi; d) importation of consigned equipment for a period of 10 years from date of registration, subject to posting of re-export bond; e) employment of foreign nationals; and f) Simplification of customs procedures for

FCOAL, 11

COMPETITIVENESS. Guillermo M. Luz, chairman of the National Competitiveness Council Philippines, discusses the state of Philippine competitiveness during the

DPWH 11 says ‘sorry’ for delay in Digos-Bansalan road rehab

By Anthony S. Allada

T

he Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh 11) has apologized for the delay in the completion of the Digos-Bansalan in Davao del Sur road concreting project, the construction of which was started in 2011.

DPWh 11 regional director Mariano alquiza explained that the project is not under their supervision because it is part of the nation-

al Roads improvement and Management Program (nRiMP) which is under the office of the President funded by the World Bank.

“But since this is part of the region, our role is to just call their attention to fast-track the completion of the project because our office also received the same complaints on the delay that has caused so much inconvenience to the commuting public,”

alquiza said.

Dennis Flores, DPWh 11 spokesperson, added they were informed that the project is already 50 percent complete and that they are also monitoring this.

Flores said district engineer Zenaida Tan of the District engineering office-Davao del Sur 1, is taking charge of supervising the construction works in the area which involves several local contractors.

EDGEDAVAO

NCC Roadshow at The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites along Sta. Ana Ave. yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

Karlo wants full audit of inmates nationwide h

ouSe assistant Majority leader and Davao City Congressman Karlo a. nograles today called for a nationwide audit of all prisoners in all penal centers in the country that are under the supervision and control of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), as he expressed suspicion that the grenade blast in the new Bilibid Prisons is just a tip of the iceberg of large-scale criminal activ-

Claims penal centers have become safe havens for criminals ities in the country’s penal facilities. nograles said Justice Secretary laila de lima’s findings that the grenade explosion inside a maximum security facility in the nBP compound may have been caused by a drug war among rival gangs inside the country’s

Tagum’s ‘Giant Holiday Intellectual Property Code Tree’ comes to life today

T

aguM City residents are excited to witness the lighting of the iconic giant holiday Tree which comes to life today, november 21, 2012, officially starting this city’s festive holiday season.

The city government under the leadership of Mayor Rey T. uy will lead the lighting ceremony on Wednesday which local authorities said could draw more than 5,000 people from all walks of life to Freedom Park, the site where the holiday tree stands.

This year’s holiday tree is towers at 110.50 feet (33.68 meters) and features lighting accessories; Rice bulbs (886 sets -100 bulbs/set), Flexy lights red (300 me-

ters), Flexy lights green (250 meters), Flexy lights yellow (250 meters), Flexy lights blue (200 meters) and Raindrops cool white (266 pcs) plus the decorative abstract frame; Dove symbolizing Peace (14 pcs), angel - symbol of Peace on earth, good Will to Men (10 pcs), lantern/Butterfly - symbolizing ethnic (71 pcs), green Palm Tree flexy lights with Capiz shell (3 pcs), apex lantern – represents the comet when Jesus was born and a abstract frame of a Manger at City library roof top.

This year’s lighting ceremony will give tribute to the outstanding contribution of the barangay health workers

FTAGUM’S, 11

prime penal center. however, nograles said drug trafficking could just be one of the many criminal activities that thrive inside the nBP and recommends that De lima should immediately order a thorough audit of all inmates under the Bu-

FKARLO, 11

Bicam okays amendments

T

he bicameral conference committee yesterday approved the reconciled version of the bill amending the intellectual Property (iP) Code. in a meeting held at Traders hotel, the conferees from the Senate and the house of Representatives succeeded in reconciling the disagreeing provisions on Senate Bill 2842 and house Bill 3841.

Sen. Manny Villar, chairman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce, said there is a need to update Ra 8293 or the intellectual Property Code to better equip the country against intellectual theft and protect copyrighted works.

Villar said among the approved amendments is the provision exempting the blind or visually-impaired persons from securing permission for the non-commercial reproduction of copyrighted works for their use.

The committee also amended the law to include a provision that will strengthen the protection of audio-visual performances of Filipino artists.

Villar, who heads the Senate panel, expressed confidence that the amendment will be signed into law before the adjournment.

“Sa palagay ko naman walang kadahilanan para hindi pirmahan agad ito.

Kumukuha na kami ng

signatures ngayon para sa lalong madaling panahon ay makakuha na kami ng approval sa Senado at sa malaking kapulungan,” he said. once signed into law, the Bureau of Copyright under the intellectual Property office of the Philippines will be created.

“This addresses the need for one group to handle copyright matters. The public needs a government agency it can rely on to respond to its copyright concerns,” Villar said. he noted that in the past, copyright concerns have been handled as an ordinary issue, and was proven to be very inefficient and difficult to justify legally and financially.

Villar said an updated iP law is needed to boost copyright-based industries and further promote its competitive advantage especially because CBis contribute almost 5 percent to the country’s gross Domestic Product. aside from Villar, the conferees from the Senate are Senators Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, loren legarda and edgardo angara. The conferees from the house of Representatives are Representatives albert garcia, Tomas apacible, Joel Roy Duavit, Rufus Rodriguez, irwin Tieng, Juan edgardo angara, Diosdado arroyo, Mar-len abigail Binay, and Magtanggol gunigundo.

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 187 •WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

3

Care for School Chairs program is Galing Pook finalist for 2012

n

o less than Tagum City Mayor Rey T. uy defended his ground-breaking initiative dubbed as Care for School Chairs Program in front of the 17-man national Selection Committee of the 2012 galing Pook awards last november 14, 2012 at the ateneo de Manila university. as such, the said program has been adjudged as one of the finalists of the prestigious 2012 galing Pook awards which gives recognition to outstanding local government programs that embodies innovation and excellence, creativity and decisive action, and most efficient use of resources that bring dramatic, long-term changes that benefit the most number of people. in his 20-minute presentation that included a brief introduction of the program followed by a question-and-answer portion, Mayor uy highlighted the unique aspect of his administration’s Care for School Chairs Program.

This included the socalled “social responsibil-

ity” of the city by giving chairs to other schools outside Tagum for free, the intensified spirit of volunteerism and how this program would be sustained if there will be no more confiscated logs available. it can be recalled that the said program gained momentum after President Benigno S. aquino iii issued executive order no. 23 mandating a total log ban. But long before this issuance, lgu Tagum has already been fabricating chairs for the benefit of the schools of the city.

The local chief executive mixed his serious stance and used funny anecdotes during the presentation, utilizing a quick punchline that made the crowd burst into laughter.

“Sa kakadeliver ko ng chairs, nakalimutan ko ng mag-file ng CoC,” uy said, referring to the filing of the certificate of candidacy for next year’s midterm/local elections.

Turning serious, Mayor uy gained another resounding applause from the audience when

QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION. Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy answers questions from the panelists during the 2012 Galing Pook Awards Panel Presentation and Interview last November 14, 2012 at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. Also in the photo is the former DepEd Tagum superintendent and now DepEd OIC-Assistant

Regional Director Nenita E. Lumaad and Engr. Roderick Ragot of the Fabrication Section who joined the mayor in defending the program. [Edwin B. Lasquite/CIO Tagum]

he said that education is everybody’s “shared responsibility.”

“Karamihan kasi ‘pag sinabing estudyante, Deped concern lang yan. hindi po. That should be everybody’s concern lalo na kaming mga mayors.”

Former Deped Tagum

programs were submitted for this year’s search, twenty three (23) of which were shortlisted for the second screening that were later cut into sixteen (16) to make it to the final phase of the selection of this year’s winners.

out of 16 finalists, only 10 local government programs will make it to the cut and thus will be awarded as outstanding galing Pook Programs in a fitting ceremony in Malacañan Palace come January 2013. [louie lapat/ Cio Tagum]

power supply, we may lose these opportunities. in fact, even within Mindanao there is intense competition for the limited power supply to secure PPas (power purchase agreements) from iPPs (independent power producers),” he added.

“With a shortage scenario, competition is more severe. Davao and CDo (Cagayan de oro) based power distributors have been more aggressive to the detriment of the local power cooperatives,” Bioco stressed. he said power prob-

lems will be more intense and widespread before things get better in three to four years. “however, following demand for power will increase significantly as several investments are held up temporarily because of availability of reliable and reasonable quality power,” Bioco, owner of the Mindanao grains Processing inc, added. he cited that more feed mills, food processors, livestock farms and factories are in the pipeline.

Management office (PeMo), said the local government’s mining and quarry fee collections from January to September this year reached a total of P12.8 million, which is P3.6 million more than the recorded income during the entire 2011. he said they expect their collections to further increase towards the end of the year as the

bulk of the payments usually come in during the last quarter. “i think we’re on track towards meeting our projected collection of P20 million before the year ends,” Flaviano said.

The official said PeMo records showed that it collected around P1.48 million alone in mining and quarry fees during the entire month of

Superintendent and now Deped oiC-assistant Regional Director nenita e. lumaad and engr. Roderick Ragot of the Fabrication Section joined the mayor in defending the program. one hundred sixty (160) local government

Nullification of 632 ‘flying voters’ Strategic approach needed to stabilize in South Cotabato town sought Bukidnon power supply – biz group

l

oCal officials of Tampakan town in South Cotabato have sought for the nullification of the applications for registration as local voters of 632 alleged “flying voters.”

Tampakan Vice Mayor Relly leysa said Tuesday they filed a petition before the Commission on elections (Comelec) for the exclusion of the questioned applicants in the town’s final list of voters due to residency problems.

“We verified the master list (of voter’s registration applicants) that we got from Comelec and found out that many of them were not residents of Tampakan,” he said.

The official said they obtained certifications from officials of barangays and puroks declaring the 632 applicants as non-residents of their areas. he said it turned out that some of the applicants were official residents of nearby Koronadal City, Tupi town in South Cotabato and Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat.

Sources said some of the supposed “flying voters” had received P500 each in exchange for registering as a voter in the area. leysa, who is running for mayor in the 2013 elections under the nationalist People’s Coalition-liberal Party alliance, believes that some politicians were behind the registration in the area of the suspected “flying voters.”

The vice mayor will challenge re-electionist Mayor leonardo escobillo of the united nationalist alliance. leysa condemned the alleged registration irregularity as a dirty tactic by some parties, which he did not name, in connection with the upcoming polls. “if this is their way to get their votes, then they’re not doing it right this early,” the vice mayor said.

Meantime, Tampakan election officer anwar Paidumama assured in an interview at a local television station that

they will scrutinize all questioned applications for voter’s registration to make sure that no “flying voter” will be included in the town’s list of voters. he said they started on Monday the election registration board (eRB) hearing for all the applications for registration that they had received.

But 25 of the questioned applicants were so far approved by the eRB, which comprises the Comelec and representatives from the Department of education and the office of the Municipal Civil Registrar. “aside from declarations under oath that they were valid residents of their listed areas, they were able to present some accounts that backed up their applications like naming some of the teachers assigned there. For the eRB, these are sufficient enough to approve their applications,” Paidumama said. [allen V. estabillo / Mindanews]

B

uKiDnon’S power stakeholders need to consolidate and arrive at a strategic approach to stabilize power supply in the province in the face of growing competition, Roderico Bioco, president of the Bukidnon Kaamulan Chamber of Commerce and industry inc. (BKCCii) said. in a statement, Bioco said the looming shortage and competition endangers Bukidnon’s booming economic activities.

“With uncertainty of

South Cot nets P18.2 million from mining, quarry operations

T

he provincial government of South Cotabato has posted record revenues in mining and quarry fees during the first three quarters of the year, thanks to its continuing crackdown against illegal smallscale mining and quarry operations in the area.

Siegfred Flaviano, acting head of the Provincial environment

FSOUTH, 11

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Davao watershed perimeter delineated a

total of 18.4 kilometers of Davao City’s watershed perimeter were delineated this november in a five-day survey which covered four barangays. according to edgar Barquin of the Department of environment and natural Resources Region 11 (DenR 11) and team leader of the 11-man delineation team, the survey covered the barangays of Tambobong, Tamugan, gumalang and Wines in Calinan District. he said that the 18.4 kilometers of delineated perimeter (72 corner monuments) are geo tagged, which meant that the monuments are photographed and tagged via global Positioning System or gPS. The total areas to be delineated still amounts to 507 kilometers. Barquin estimates the actual survey of the whole length of the watershed to take 100 days.

The delineation team is led by personnel from the DenR and the Watershed Management Council and based on

the Watershed Code of Davao City requires the demarcation of the city’s watershed areas.

Barquin said they prioritized the delineation of the Tamugan River since it is a sensitive and critical area. areas within the pe-

rimeter will be subject for conservation purposes and any private development should submit a comprehensive development plan and mostly which are pro-environmental projects like tree planting activities.

Barquin said that

fair to help unload our households and business establishments of various recyclable wastes that are not accommodated regularly by local junk shops, among them our e-wastes,” acain said in a press conference.

During the fair’s launching in 2008, she said participating junk shops purchased a total of 12 tons of recyclable wastes from local residents and establishments. in 2010, she said the total haul increased to 26 tons of recyclable wastes and scraps composed mostly of e-wastes like computer monitors, central processing units, keyboards and other related materials.

“We have not yet set an exact target for this year’s event but we’re expecting a higher turnout than the previous years,” she said. aside from the twoday buying of recyclable wastes, acain said they will launch an exhibit and competition of various recycled products that were made through the technologies adopted by the province’s model public schools in solid waste management (SWM) implementation.

She said they will hold quiz bee for elementary and secondary

students and a series of public information and education activities on recycling and proper waste management. acain said they will showcase during the event the province’s cluster sanitary landfill in Barangay Colongulo in Surallah town, which is considered as the first of its kind in the entire country.

The landfill, which serves six municipalities in the province’s upper valley area, was recently chosen as among the top 14 finalists in this year’s prestigious galing Pook search for innovative local government practices. engr. elbee Balucanag, PeMo environmental management specialist, said the local government will also give recognition to 10 public elementary and secondary schools within the province’s 10 towns and lone city that were shortlisted for this year’s search for model schools in SWM implementation.

The provincial government has set aside cash grants amounting to a total of P160,000 as incentives for the winning schools and the participating entries, she said. [allen V. estabillo/Mindanews]

these areas are considered by the Mines and geosciences Bureau as critical geo-hazard areas, he said that there are no considerable population within the identified perimeter as residents living near the area said that the path

of the Tamugan River is changing. at present some of the area are corn fields and coffee farms. however Barquin said that the delineation team must properly explain to the residents and to the farmers of

the area the nature of the survey particularly the placement of monuments as many of these farmers have not yet attended or were reached by their ieC (information education Communication) campaigns.

[Pia 11/Rg alama]

stressed that beyond the careful implementation of our environmental laws, altering our everyday activities, such as choosing modes of transportation that are energy-efficient instead of driving a car, will gradually change the city’s landscape for the better. “i urge everyone to contribute to this campaign, which will hopefully continue for many years to come. Whenever possible, we must consider energy-efficient transport modes like walking, biking, taking public transport, and carpooling. now is the time for us to reconsider how we, especially in the cities, are living,

and how this is affecting the environment,” she remarked.

The Partnership for Clean air is a multisectoral body that includes government agencies such as the Department of environment and natural Resources and the Metro Manila Development authority, as well as several private entities and civil society organizations. “everyone should be made aware that they are responsible for ensuring the quality of the air we breathe. We must ensure that the generations to come will still have access to clean air,” legarda concluded.

affects communities where such groups carry out their respective poverty-related projects and other undertakings. ”The possibility for more collaboration exists,” he said, noting climate change is part of the organizations’ advocacies in communities these serve. he cited CCC’s ecotown initiative as one avenue for climate collaboration.

CCC defines ecotown as “a planning unit composed of municipalities or

a group of municipalities located within and around boundaries of critical key biodiversity areas which are at high risk to effects of climate change based on climate scenarios done by the Philippine atmospheric, geophysical and astronomical Services administration.”

The ecotown initiative aims helping build climate change-resilient communities nationwide by enhancing capacities there for adaptation and mitigation.

3rd Recyclable Wastes Legarda supports car-free Fair slated in Koronadal day campaign for clean air

W

aSTe management and recycling advocates in South Cotabato province are taking their campaign to a higher level as they embark on a two-day fair on recyclable wastes this week in nearby Koronadal City. nency acain, senior environment management specialist of the South Cotabato Provincial environment Management office (PeMo), said Monday they expect to further drum up public support and awareness on recycling and proper waste management practices in the province through the upcoming 3rd Recyclable Wastes Fair.

The local government-led fair, which is held every two years, is slated on nov. 22-23 at the Productivity and Technology (ProTech) Center in Koronadal City.

She said among the event’s highlights will be the massive buying of various recyclable wastes materials, especially of electronic and computer wastes or e-wastes, that will be participated in by six major recycling and junk shops based Koronadal City, Polomolok town in South Cotabato and in this city.

“We launched the

S

enaToR loren legarda yesterday expressed support for the “Clean air? Pwede!!!”

Campaign initiated by the Partnership for Clean air which seeks to promote at least one car-free day in Metro Manila’s roads every november. “in light of november being the national Clean air Month, it is high time to raise awareness about the effects of burning fossil fuels and the simple solutions we can undertake,” she said. legarda, author of the landmark legislation Clean air act (R.a. 8749) and Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change,

More groups eye more climate collaboration with government

F

aith-based and development organizations in the country aim pursuing more collaboration projects with the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on helping communities address climate change. according to Raylemuel Crisaldo, coordinator of the Micah Challenge Philippines which includes several of the organizations, further collaboration on the matter is due as climate change

5 Casiño urges shoppers to buy Pinoy this X’mas EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 187 •WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

THE ECONOMY

i

n time for the opening of the Buy Pinoy, Build Pinoy exhibit at the northWing lobby of Congress, house Committee on Small Business and entrepreneurship Development Chairman Rep. Teddy Casiño urged Christmas shoppers to buy Filipino-made products “to help spur the local economy and provide much needed income to our local producers, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMes). Buying Filipino made products would also help more of our countrymen to have jobs, especially now that unemployment is rising,” Casiño made the call as a recent Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showed that 29.4 percent of its respondents said that they were unemployed, equivalent to 11.7 percent of Filipinos, compared to the government’s official figure of 7 percent, or 2.8 million.

“Sa pagbili ng mga gawang Pinoy e matutulungan nating magkarron ng hanapbuhay at trabaho ang ating mga kababayan, lalo pa ngayong Pasko.it is during Christmas that we encounter a lot of imported products - from fruits to Christmas lights and other retail prod-

NEW BUILDING. A man who is part of a group commissioned to demolish an old structure to give way to a new building along Ponciano Reyes Street uses a hand-held jackhammer to break up cement on a wall yesterday.

LEAN DAVAL JR.

ucts. Sana huwag nating kalimutan ang ating mga kababayang Pinoy na lumilikha ng sarili nating produkto na may kalidad.

Kung bibili rin naman tayo ng pang noche buena o panregalo, bilhin na natin ang gawang Pinoy,” said Casiño.

he likewise called on returning oFWs to shun duty free shops and avoid the hassle of transporting boxes of imported goods. “ipakita natin sa ating mga kamag-anak at kaibigan na ang tunay na balikbayan ay yung bumabalik sa pagtangkilik ng

produktong Pilipino. Mas maganda kung ang ating mga pasalubong, bagamat nagmula sa perang dayuhan, ay gawang Pinoy, pusong Pinoy.”

“By building industries and buying Filipino products we can create more jobs with a dai-

ly living wage of at least P993 in Metro Manila, that’s why i’m pushing for programs to support and protect the farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises and industrialize the country,” he said.

Casiño is the author of house Bill 5573 declaring

november as the “Buy Pinoy, Build Pinoy Month.”

“We set november as the Buy Pinoy, Build Pinoy Month in preparation for the yuletide season. The campaign will be on the minds of the consumers, just in time for Christmas shopping,” Casiño ended.

6

THE ECONOMY

5.8% 1st Qtr 2012

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

6.4 % 1st Qtr 2012

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities

USD 4,931 million May 2012 USD 4,770 million Apr 2012 USD -135 million Apr 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 4,580,674 million Apr 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

4.1 % May 2012 P131,403 million May 2012 P 5,075 billion Apr 2012

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 42.78 Jun 2012

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

5,091.2 May 2012

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

130.1 Jun 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.8 Jun 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.7 Jun 2012

16. Visitor Arrivals

349,779 Apr 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

18.8 % Jan 2012

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.2 % Jan 2012

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2012

2011

2010

42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74 46.31 46.03

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Silk Air Mon/Wed/Sat Cebu Pacific Thu Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat

EDGEDAVAO

ARMM expects investments as ‘peace dividend seeps in’

Stat Watch

1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

a

S the government and the Moro islamic liberation Front (MilF) move closer to forging a final peace pact, the autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (aRMM) is expecting more foreign investments in the area. acting aRMM gov. Mujiv hataman made the projection Monday as he bared that fresh fruit producer unifrutti Philippines, inc. is planning to expand its operation in the impoverished Muslim region. in a statement, he said that unifrutti chairman John Perrine has signified plans to expand the company’s operation in Maguindanao province. hataman said that unifrutti is eyeing Talayan town as a banana expansion area as well as site of an oil palm processing venture. unifrutti has banana plantations in Datu Paglas town. last week, a subsidiary of Del STRONG ECONOMY. Dabawenyos check out the photographs that are being hibit, Dabawenyos will appreciate how the city progressed to become one of Monte Philippines, Delinanas De- displayed in the ongoing Davao Then and Now photo exhibit at the lobby of the strongest economies among the key cities in the country. LEAN DAVAL JR. velopment Corp., jumpstarted a Sangguniang Panlungsod along San Pedro Street yesterday. Through the exP569-million banana plantation of the people of aRMM. We ask nomic development should sub- services, we should push for agribusiness in the town of Datu ab- for your full cooperation on this stantiate the reform agenda being business development that would dullah Sangki, also in Maguindan- project,” almario Dacuna, land undertaken in the graft-ridden re- lead to lasting peace),” he said. ao province. lease manager of Del Monte, said gional government bureaucracy. hataman said the regional The Delinanas project, which in a report released by the aRMM “hindi tama na hanggang re- government had conducted a seis targeting at least 1,000 hectares Communications group. porma at social services lang, iti- ries of investment meetings with of banana plantation that will be on Monday, during the open- nataguyod nating mas lalo pang foreign and local investors to spread to other Maguindanao ing ceremony for the month-long mapaunlad ang agribusiness encourage them to locate in the municipalities, is expected to gen- celebration of the 23rd founding para sa pangmatagalang kapay- aRMM, with the positive develerate around 3,000 jobs. anniversary of aRMM in Cotabato apaan” (it should not be enough opment in the gPh-MilF peace “We believe in the capacity City, hataman said that socio-eco- that there are reforms and social process.

Soccsksargen’s industries strike-free for past 6 years

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egion 12 or Soccsksargen Region’s industries have remained “strikefree” in the last six years due to the sustained industrial peace in the area, according to the Department of labor and employment (Dole).

Chona Mantilla, Dole-12 regional director, said such scenario was mainly due to the successful interventions of the Regional Tripartite industrial Peace Council (RTiPC) in various labor-related disputes that emerged in the area in the last several years.

“Contending parties (labor and management) in the area usually opt to engage in dialogues with the guidance of government entities to exhaust all peaceful means to resolve conflicts as well as issues and

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 MI588 / MI588 5J965 / 5J968 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 18:55 12:55 13:35

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Davao-Cebu-Singapore Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

concerns,” she said.

Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and north Cotabato and the cities of general Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

The official said among the RTiPC’s major accomplishments was the resolution earlier this year of the long-drawn labor dispute at pineapple giant Dole Philippines inc. (Dolefil) in Polomolok town in South Cotabato.

The settlement came after Dole-12 and other government agencies brought Dolefil and labor groups asosasyon sa mga Mamumuo sa Dolefil alang sa Kalingkawasan ug Demokrasya sa nasud-national Federation of labor unions-Kilusang Mayo uno (amado Kadena-na-

Flu-KMu) and labor employees association of Dolefil.

Polomolok hourlies (lead.Ph) to the negotiating table for a peaceful settlement of claims.

For over a year, the involved parties engaged in 32 meetings that eventually resulted to an out-of-court settlement, said Feliciano orihuela Jr., national Conciliation and Mediation Board (nCMB)-Region 12 director. last February, he said Dolefil paid amado Kadena-naFlu-KMu some P1.113 million for the settlement of workers’ claims.

The settlement also resulted to amado Kadena-naFlu-KMu’s concession to lead.

Ph as the legitimate labor group within the company, he said.

as of august 2010

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:35 13:25 14:05

Silk Air Thu/Sun Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri Philippine Airlines August Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippines Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Tue/Sat/Sun Cebu Pacific Daily Airphil Express Daily Philippine Airlines Daily except Sunday Philippine Airlines Sunday

MI566 / MI566 5J507 / 5J598 15:55 Z2524 / Z2525 5J967 / 5J600 PR813 / PR814 5J215 / 5J216 5971 / 5J970 5J973 / 5J974 5J969 / 5J972 2P987 / 2P988 PR821 / PR822 PR821 / PR822

18:55 15:00 Mani2Mani 16:05 16:35 16:55 18:00 18:40 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:20 22:20

in other cases, orihuela said the timely intercessions of the RTiPC have helped quell plans by some local labor groups to stage strikes and related actions.

Through the regular RTiPCled dialogues, consultations and meetings between the labor and management sectors, he said various labor-management issues that came up in the area were effectively addressed and eventually resolved.

With the continuing industrial peace in the area, the official said the operations of local industries and companies have become more stable. he said they intend to maintain a clean record in the area in terms of labor strikes to help attract more investors. [allen V. estabillo / Mindanews]

Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu 16:50 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Cagayan de Oro-Davao-Cagayan de Oro Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

15:20 15:30 16:45 17:05 17:45 18:20 19:10 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:50 22:50

AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 187 •WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012 DA allocates P40 million to prop up mango industry

T

he Department of agriculture has set aside an initial P40 million to further prop up the country’s mango industry, particularly to fund initiatives under a five-year development plan of the Philippine Mango industry Foundation, inc. (PMiFi). agriculture Secretary Proceso J. alcala said of the initial amount, P10M will be used to provide production inputs and rehabilitate mango farms affected by typhoons during the last two years, and P30M to bankroll other PMiFi projects next year. alcala made the commitment during the 14th national Mango Congress in Mandaue City, on november 15, attended by 500 mango farmers, processors, traders, exporters, input suppliers, local government heads and agriculture officials.

During a forum the Da chief asked the PMiFi, led by its President Virginia dela Fuente, to consider ‘geo-tagging’ mango farms nationwide so that provision of assistance will be focused, and monitoring of production and harvest would be more accurate and efficient. he said ‘geo-tagging’ has been proven successful in the implementation and monitoring of infrastructure and farm-to-market road projects in Mindan-

ao .

Dela Fuente said PMiFi plans to set up an irradiation facility to ensure that products are free from pests and diseases, and comply with stringent phytosanitary requirements especially when exporting fresh mangoes. as part of her group’s contribution to the aquino administration’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), Dela Fuente said PMiFi farmer-members have committed to earmark five percent of their farms to be intercropped with cassava and sweet potato. organized in 2001, the PMiFi is composed of 15 mango associations and federations, with thousands of members nationwide. alcala said the Da through its high Value Crops Development Program (hVCDP) will continue to provide farmers quality mango seedlings with the establishment of nurseries and scion groves, and the provision of needed production and marketing support. hVCDP national coordinator Director Jennifer Remoquillo said the Da will also put up more postharvest facilities and conduct skills training to enable processors to produce other world-class mango by-products like wine, puree, and dried strips, among others.

7

Tuna industry still thriving despite obstacles, says exec R

iSing operational costs, particularly fuel prices, have remained a major challenge for tuna players n general Santos City but the industry in general is still faring well, an official said.

Joaquin T. lu, president of the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and allied industries, inc., said that the tuna industry has not just remained afloat but is thriving despite the dilemmas that crossed its way along the years. “looking back and evaluating the present, the Philippine tuna industry proves to be resilient,” he noted in a paper describing the condition of the country’s tuna industry, which is centered in this city. lu said the tuna industry still faces persisting challenges, on top of it the rising operational expenses, particularly fuel prices, which have cut the profit margins of tuna fishers and affected the feasibility of fishing operations.

“Rising operational costs have led to the increase in prices of raw materials. also the expanded taxes have likewise taken a part of the cost of other materials like tin cans needed to process canned tuna,” he said. lu also said that some fishing access agreements with other foreign fishing grounds are still a challenge due to the high fees

and constraints that they impose.

For one, indonesia, which has a rich tuna fishing ground, did not renew its bilateral fishing agreement with the Philippines that expired in 2005. it has allowed fishing by Philippine tuna catchers provided they put up onshore investments in indonesia. early this year, Jose ingles, World Wide Fund for nature Coral Triangle Program tuna strategy leader, said that while there is nothing wrong with trying and getting access to fish, the way of doing things have changed.

“For one, fish produc-

M. Velayo, Jr.,” Director Perez said. Velayo will serve as the focal person on all matters and initiatives on the aquino government’s national seaweed development program and will also coordinate with seaweed farmers and other industry stakeholders like SiaP, DoST, and State universities and Colleges (SuCs).

Perez said the DaBFaR will also partner with SuCs to produce tissue-cultured seaweed propagules for distribution to farmers. This will ensure that they will produce quality, disease-free seaweeds. in 2011, the country produced a total of 1.84 million metric tons (MMT) of seaweeds (eucheuma kappaphycus), which is processed into carrageenan, a powder with gel-like properties, used as additive in various food, pharmaceutical and industrial products.

The country’s major seaweed producers are Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, which harvested a total

of 686,450 MT in 2011, or more then one-third of total national output. Palawan ranked third, with a total harvest of 483,190 MT. The Philippines exported $155.6M-worth of seaweeds in 2010, of which 75% is carrageenan, mainly to the uSa, China and France.

For his part, Velayo said the Philippines has pioneered in successfully farming seaweeds, particularly the eucheuma kappaphycus species.

“We used to be the world’s top seaweed and carrageenan producer up until 2007. The following year and to this date, indonesia has dislodged us,” said Velayo. in 2009, for instance, indonesia harvested 2.79 million metric tons (MMT), which is 60% more than our annual output of 1.73 MMT. he said the country’s carrageenan processors are importing up to 60,000 MT of dried seaweeds from indonesia to fill up the annual shortfall. [Da info Service]

ing nations within the Coral Triangle such as indonesia and Papua new guinea, together with many of the Pacific islands, have finally come to realize that most fishing access agreements have always been a one-sided deal. Many joint ventures have been made under dubious arrangements to the detriment of these tuna producing nations,” he said in a statement.

For the Philippines, the solution for the survival of its tuna industry in order to regain its past glory and to flourish again is not to look beyond its borders, but within, ingles added. lu said that declining

fish catch in the municipal waters of the country has driven the Filipino fishers to go further away, resulting to increased costs, higher safety risks and more difficulty in sourcing out fresh, high-quality tuna.

Bad weather or typhoons are also a persisting challenge for the country’s tuna producers, he said.

Tuna canners, on the other hand, have to contend against tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers of the major export markets for canned tuna such as the european union and the united States, lu said. (Bong S. Sarmiento/ Mindanews]

P265M to perk up seaweed industry Rice of the future

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o pump-prime the country’s seaweed industry and regain its distinction as the world’s top seaweed and carrageenan producer, the Department of agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic Resources (DaBFaR) will allot an initial budget of P265 million in 2013.

“The amount is more than six times the current 2012 budget of Da-BFaR for the seaweed sector of about P40.8M, as we aim to attain a double-digit growth of at least 10 percent,” said agriculture Secretary Proceso J. alcala before 500 seaweed farmers, industry stakeholders and national and local government officials who attended the national seaweed industry convention, in Cebu City, november 15, 2012, spearheaded by the Seaweed industry association of the Philippines (SiaP) in partnership with the DaBFaR, Da Region 7, DoST, DTi and Dilg. he said bulk of the

budget will fund the provision of input assistance to seaweed farmers, consisting mainly of quality and disease-free seaweed plantlets or propagules, worth P232.7 million. The rest will be spent for infrastructure and postharvest facilities (P22.3M), and establishment and maintenance of seaweed nurseries (P8.6M).

The Da chief also urged the SiaP and DaBFaR to craft a long-term comprehensive seaweed industry plan or roadmap, which should be reviewed and updated every six months.

For his part, Da-BFaR national director asis Perez said his agency in partnership with seaweed farmers, SiaP and other industry stakeholders will expand seaweed hectarage, from the current 56,600 hectares, which is merely 23 percent of total potential area of 255,000 hectares.

“To show our commitment, we have designated a national seaweed industry coordinator, in isidro

gets financial boost

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he pursuit to rein in hunger with the development of a “cutting-edge” rice of the future has received a financial boost, and is now rolling into its second phase. led by the international Rice Research institute (iRRi), the project seeks to create “C4 rice” – rice with a built-in fuel injector to better convert sunlight into grain, potentially resulting in up to 50% higher production all while using less water and nutrients.

The Bill & Melinda gates Foundation (BMgF), the uK government, and iRRi have put $14 million behind C4 rice over the next three years.

“This is exactly the sort of innovative scientific research that the Prime Minister was calling for at the hunger Summit at Downing Street earlier this year,” said the uK Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for international Development lynne Featherstone.

“Rice is the staple food for

millions across the developing world, so finding a way to double the amount each plant produces would help to feed many more of the very poorest. This new funding will enable the international Rice Research institute to begin producing prototypes of this ‘super rice’ for testing.

This could prove a critical breakthrough in feeding an ever-growing number of hungry mouths.”

C4 rice research, currently in its early phases, hopes to develop a new type of rice with improved photosynthesis capacity, known as C4. There are classes of plants known as “C3” and “C4” – referring to how they convert light energy into sugar or photosynthesize. Rice has a C3 photosynthetic pathway.

C3 photosynthesis is inefficient at converting inputs to grain, as opposed to the C4 pathway, in which resources are processed more efficiently and converted into higher grain production.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

When did America get so pessimistic? ( Conclusion )

COMMENTARY

By Zachary KaraBell

n

EDITORIAL

T

Katzenjammer Kids in the SP

he not-so-veiled threat of Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to order the arrest of members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod who habitually take a French leave in the middle of a session, and sometimes do not return, should serve as a wake-up call “for whom the bell tolls” to quote the title of ernest hemingway’s bestseller. it tolls for them jolt them.

The warning aired in Duterte’s very popular “gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa” television show is an excellent follow-up of the privileged speech of Councilor Melchor V. Quitain bewailing the councilors’ lack of concentration on their all-important job of legislation in favor of either entertaining visitors in their offices or giving interviews to media members – and god knows what else.

The unhealthy practice has been there since the late sixties, until 2007 when a young lady by the name of Sara Duterte was elected vice mayor. She banned reading of newspapers

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and bantering by councilors inside the session hall, and giving interviews to the media when the body is in session.

Councilors who came late to the session hall were obliged to give the reason for their tardiness while those who had to leave for whatever urgent reason had to get permission of the chair to do so.

These, and rampant absenteeism during the campaign season, are not petty problems. if left unchecked the practice will render the city council ineffective and prevent it from doing its bounden responsibility as lawmakers which was correctly pointed out by Vice Mayor Rody.

But the betting along media row is that there will be a return to normalcy for the rest of the year 2012. But there’s no telling how things will be in 2013, an election year. Many of those honorables will be seeking reelection and the itch to absent themselves from sessions will be back – arrest or no arrest. it could be more fun in the city council.

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one of these outcomes can be known, by any of us, of course.

Some seem more credible because they reinforce our view of the present, but unless you give a date at which all goes to hell, no argument about future peril can be falsified. This column won’t change the minds of those convinced that the road ahead leads down, but it will at least offer an alternate view about what is possible without donning rose-colored glasses or ignoring the risks.

That brings us to the election and the reaction. You would think the fate of the u.S. economy hinges on the election and that what government does will be the prime determinant of whether america rises or falls in the next few years.

Yet government is only one piece of the three-dimensional chess game that is our economic system.

Yes, it accounts for as much as $6 trillion of the approximately $16 trillion of u.S. economic output. Much of that $6 trillion is necessary and productive it pays for schoolteachers, firemen, police, Federal aviation administration controllers. But even if you write that off as less productive spending, that leaves $10 trillion that has nothing to do with government. and what about government regulation? There, too, the emphasis is almost entirely on costs rather than on the uncalculated benefits. But what is added to overall output by a judicial and legal system that enforces contracts? What boost is there to output because of rules against excessive pollution that reduce the healthcare expenses that would be required to treat those harmed? We are very good at looking at the inefficiencies and calculating the harm of over-regulation. We are less adept at weighing those against the benefits. non-governmental activity remains incredibly dynamic. With that comes the vertigo of rapid change and disruption.

So much of the structurally morphing labor force is a function of disruptive technologies and the various forces of globalization. These forces have led to stagnant wages in countries such as the united States, Japan and europe, while China, india and much of the rest of the world begin to make more.

That need not be a recipe for despair, nor proof that the future is grim for those societies. The flip side to the struggles of the developed world is billions of people entering the global middle class. also, a porous global system has and will continue to yield benefits. (Whether our macroeconomic statistics and indicators are designed to measure that is another matter.) all those iPhones and iPads are possible only because of the fusion of american intellectual property and Chinese manufacturing as the recent focus on working conditions at apple’s manufacturing contractor Foxconn has powerfully shown.

The election and the looming “fiscal cliff” have managed to add to general anxiety, but one is a validation of a functional political system and the other is a problem with obvious solutions.

That makes the present challenges enviably easy to meet, whether they are met or not. no one can say what the future holds, but the chances that it will see our fears realized only increase when the consensus is that they will be.

We know the risks; it is time to pay attention to the possibilities.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

Aggravating factors

u

nDeRSTanDing The Rh Bill – What to do in a country growing ever more populous, comfortable on what we have presently in life and trapped in the embrace of backward beliefs and behind the dictations of the church? The leadership of President Benigno aquino iii has come up with a very realistic answer– the passage of a Reproductive health Bill. however, stiff opposition to the measure also comes into play what with the leaders of the Catholic Church and pretentious prolife advocates up in arms against the bill. The Senate is still in the process of intense deliberations as the wary public wait wondering whether or the Senate will approve the controversial measure?

To most Church leaders and some self-proclaimed pro-life groups, it’s all part of the government’s strategy of looking away from the country’s real problem – abject poverty. They argue that population is not the main problem, it’s the government’s failure to provide for the people’s basic needs – jobs, food, shelter, education and medical care.

This is just the beginning of a protracted debate. on one side , the Church leaders and their allies assert that the Rh bill is totally a defective . on the other side, proponent of Rh Bill groups now joined by big business corporations who demonstrate all-out support , they say it’s about time to pass and approve a very important measure.

Well, time and again even legal experts always say that there is no such thing as a perfect law. it may be have some defects referring to the Rh Bill, but not as flawed as claimed by harsh critics of the controversial measure. The proRh Bill firmly believe that the proposal

P

is the ultimate answer to the country’s burgeoning population because the Philippines is now home to an estimated 96 million people.

Past Presidents were ineffective in implementing their population control and family planning program due to some reasons. For instance, they avoided a clash with the influential and assertive leaders of the Catholic Church who strongly condemned contraceptives and artificial methods of birth control.

Previous Presidents clearly succumbed to the dictation of the Church that is against any method controlling birth. it only promotes the rhythm method, which is rather unfortunate because it has been persistently violated by both married and unmarried couples.

Certainly, the Catholic Church which counts 85 percent of the population as members will not tolerate any government program that promotes contraception. Right now the projection of the Church is even more terrifying. its top leaders continue to inculcate in the minds of the faithful that the Rh Bill is promoting abortion. They stressed that it’s an organized efforts of the government that they perceived as transplanting anti-life and anti-family laws into our social order. in reality, though, what the Church leaders failed to see is that several thousand of women yearly are estimated to have an abortion to deal with the financial and emotional strain of unwanted pregnancy despite the fact that abortion

is strictly prohibited and against the teachings of the Catholic Church. a government population control and family planning program will only be effective and successful if our present leaders consistently emphasize artificial birth control over natural family planning without fear of getting the wrath of the Church leaders. Moreover, the Rh Bill respects the views and the stand of the Church especially on its position of families and the preservation of life of the unborn. even with the Rh Bill in effect, still nobody could prevent abortion, not even the leaders of the Catholic Church and presumptuous pro-life advocates. how much more if there’s no alternatives where couples have the freedom to choose and avail of a family planning method of their choice?

We always have to bear mind that overpopulation more than anything else is straining the country’s resources at accelerating pace. So what has to be done? We should take a closer look at our present predicament and raised this dominant question: “What isn’t going right here in our country?” Take note that high population growth outruns the country’s ability to build its economy and investment infrastructure, which is why there is crushing poverty. With an honest-to-goodness and well-meaning government population control and human development program, Filipinos could be properly organized and motivated to become important resources in addressing their own economic and social conditions. They have to realize that the most important change will come not only from the government or any outside entity, but from them.

Sotto is flattering himself

hiliPPine Senator Tito Sotto finally offered his apology to the Kennedys after the daughter of the late uS senator and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy demanded that the former acknowledge plagiarizing her father’s speech.

But the apology was loaded with double entendre to say the least. even Kerry Kennedy found his supposed apology lame and insincere when the senator said he did not know that part of his speech was lifted from the late uS senator. at the Senate rostrum, Sotto said copying is a highest form of flattery.

What is that again? is he copying Robert Kennedy or copying himself, thus flattering his supersized ego?

Before Sotto joined the world of politics, he was a composer. not really exceptional but good enough.

But he made his mark as one-third

of the zany trio that made people forget about the Marcos dictatorship in their defunct show iskul Bukol. The trio was known as Tito, Vic ( T i t o ’ s brother) and Joey who, to this day, are still at it with their noontime show eat Bulaga, one of the country’s longest running variety show. in iskul Bukol, Tito, Vic and Joey portrayed the overstaying college students who erased the word graduation from their dictionary.

Trouble is, they also made us believe playing prank and dumbasses in school is cool.

Sotto’s Kennedy fiasco was not the first of his many copied speeches while delivering privilege speeches or registering his opinion as in the case of the Rh bill where he also clearly lifted a large portion of his speech from a published article of an american blogger. it now looks that Sotto is not only a recidivist “flunker” during his iskul Bukol days. he is proving himself as an unrepentant plagiarist in the Philippine Senate. it also appears that Sotto is continuing to imitate his iskul Bukol character even though he is already a member of the Senate.

What’s that again? Copying is the highest form of flattery? is he flattering himself as his iskul Bukol’s dumbass character?

Funny, really, how life imitates art. (edwin g. espejo writes for www. asiancorrespondent.com)

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Collateral damage of surveillance state ( Conclusion ) ANAlYSIS

By Julian SancheZ

W

hile federal courts must report on the number of wiretap orders issued each year, there’s no similar requirement for most other forms of digital surveillance. Where reporting requirements exist, they are routinely flouted by the Justice Department, which sometimes waits years to provide Congress with mandatory reports.

With Broadwell identified as the anonymous emailer explaining her surprising knowledge of Petraeus’ social calendar one might have expected the investigation to be closed. Yet, though Justice Department attorneys seem to have ultimately determined that Broadwell committed no crime, the bureau didn’t stop.

Rather than questioning Broadwell or Petraeus at this point, the FBi sought access to the contents of her email accounts and uncovered thousands of intimate messages, largely irrelevant to the purpose of this inquiry, that revealed an illicit affair between the married Cia director and his Boswell. humphries—whose “worldview,” according to FBi sources, led him to fear a pre-election coverup to protect obama — then re-emerged as a “whistleblower” and leaked the sordid investigation details to house Majority leader eric Cantor (R-Va.). at some point—it’s still unclear how— the FBi also obtained “flirtatious” e-mails between Kelley and general John allen, which were later disclosed to the military.

These, too, appear to have been non-criminal, however allegedly “inappropriate.”

Petraeus seems to have behaved stupidly on every possible level. But this chain of events should still be profoundly disturbing to anyone familiar with the FBi’s long and ugly history of using targeted leaks from electronic surveillance in an attempt to destroy political adversaries. Perhaps the most notorious example remains J. edgar hoover’s attempt to drive Martin luther King Jr. to suicide, using tapes of his extramarital liaisons, so that he could be replaced by what the bureau euphemistically called “the right kind of negro leader.”

This incredible record of abuse was uncovered only years and in some cases decades after the fact, following an intensive Senate investigation.

Concerns about the bureau’s power should only be more pressing in an age where cheap data storage and a fear-fueled blank check for intelligence agencies combine to give the government a detailed portrait of our virtual lives that would have staggered even hoover. The demand for access to Broadwell’s emails was just one of 6,321 requests for user data—covering 16,281 user accounts— fielded by google alone in the past six months. Those requests may expose not just current correspondence but years’ worth of e-mails and chats, as they did with Broadwell.

Though technology continues to advance at a breathtaking pace, the federal digital privacy rules were written in 1986 when atari was king. investigators often don’t even need a Fourth amendment search warrant to go fishing through your emails. For messages on a server longer than six months, a prosecutor’s subpoena or a court order based on that same weak showing of “relevance” to an investigation can do the trick. even if you don’t use google and aren’t currently under suspicion, there’s no guarantee that some of your communications aren’t sitting in a database awaiting a curious agent’s query. under the 2008 amendments to the Federal intelligence Security act (FiSa), the national Security agency now has broad power to vacuum up international communications without the need for individual warrants power that has predictably resulted in “over-collection” of even domestic emails on a massive scale.

10 NATION/WORlD NATION BRIEfS Imprisonment

F

ormer Philippine gaming Corp (Pagcor) chief efraim genuino and consultant Rodolfo Soriano may face 10 years of imprisonment. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago made this statement as she demanded genuino and Soriano to explain and account for a $5-million payment they allegedly received from universal entertainment Corporation. “[i am] aghast that a mere consultant such as Soriano appeared to have been representing Pagcor and negotiating with universal for a $2-billion dollar project...

They could be facing up to ten years imprisonment,” Santiago said in a statement.

13th month

D

on’T fret over your 13th month pay, the Department of labor and employment (Dole) told Filipinos, noting that it will “brook no compromise when it comes to workers’ rights.” Dole has recently released Department advisory no.

2 Series of 2012, which reiterates guidelines on giving 13th month pay on or before Dec. 24 of every year. “all wage and salary workers are entitled to the 13th month pay as mandated by law,” labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a statement.

S

Unfazed

enator Vicente “Tito” Sotto iii is not worried about the ethics complaint filed against him. in fact, the senate majority leader is confident that the Senate Committee on ethics and Privileges will immediately dismiss it once he gives his explanation. “i am very confident that it will not reach that (voting of senators). i am sure they can already decide there once and for all when it comes to presentation of evidence and answer,” Sotto said.

C

Cleaner

an you feel fresher air in Metro Manila?

Well, that could be because pollution in the country’s capital region has been dropping since the start of the year, the environment department claimed in a statement.

“We are happy to note that there has been a marked and steady decrease in the levels of both TSP and PM10 for the first three quarters of 2012,” environment Secretary Ramon Paje said.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

Tensions flare over South China Sea at Asian summit J

aPan warned on Monday that a row over the South China Sea could damage “peace and stability” in asia as China stalled on a plan to ease tensions and disagreements flared between the Philippines and Cambodia over the dispute.

The acrimony provided an uneasy backdrop to u.S. President Barack obama’s arrival in Cambodia for a regional summit where he is expected to urge China and Southeast asian nations to resolve the row, one of asia’s biggest security issues.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko noda challenged efforts by summit host Cambodia, a staunch China ally, to limit discussions on the mineral-rich sea, where China’s territorial claims overlap those of four Southeast asian countries and of Taiwan.

“Prime Minister noda raised the issue of the South China Sea, noting that this is of common concern for the international community, which would have direct impact on peace and stability of the asia-Pacific,” a Japanese government statement said after noda met lead-

ers from the 10-member association of Southeast asian nations (aSean).

That followed a statement on Sunday from Kao Kim hourn, a Cambodian foreign ministry official, who said Southeast asian leaders “had decided that they will not internationalise the South China Sea from now on.” in a sign of tension, Philippine President Benigno aquino disputed the Cambodian statement and said no such agreement

was reached, voicing his objections in tense final minutes of discussions between noda and Southeast asian leaders. as Cambodian Prime Minister hun Sen began to conclude the meeting with noda, aquino abruptly raised his hand and tersely interjected.

“There were several views expressed yesterday on aSean unity which we did not realise would be translated into an aSean consensus,” he said, ac-

cording to his spokesman.

“For the record, this was not our understanding.

The aSean route is not the only route for us. as a sovereign state, it is our right to defend our national interests.” alternative diplomatic routes for the Philippines would likely involve the united States, one of its closest allies, which has said it has a national interest in freedom of navigation through the South China Sea’s vital shipping lanes.

RounD 26 million people still have no access to sanitary toilets in the Philippines, data from two united nations agencies show.

The un Children’s Fund (uniCeF) and World health organization said 7.4 million of these Filipinos still poop behind bushes, fields, plastic bags, ditches or along highway tracks. “in the Philippines, there’s still about 30 per-

cent of the population that don’t have access to sanitary toilets. That is approximately 26 million people,” uniCeF water, sanitation and hygiene expert Mike gnilo said during the observance of World Toilet Day in Manila on Monday. households without proper toilets are mostly found in Masbate, northern Samar, and provinces in the autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, gnilo said, citing studies.

he then urged the government to improve access to sanitary toilet in the country, which the doctor claimed is crucial to the attainment of un’s Millennium Development goals. gnilo said lack of sanitation leaves people, especially children, particularly vulnerable to diseases.

Children practicing open defecation are exposed to risks of diarrhea mortality as well as chol-

era, dysentery, worms, trachoma, pneumonia, and malnutrition, gnilo said. uniCeF data show that 5,000 children in the world die everyday due to diseases because of open defecation practices and lack of sanitary toilets. other than exposure to diseases, gnilo lamented the Philippines’ sanitation problem as a deprivation of “basic human right of access to a sanitary toilet” are more vulnerable to verbal, physical and sexual abuse.

“For the poorest 20 percent, the proportion of people who practice open defecation has increased 12 percent in the last 10 years,” gnilo said.

“For these people, sanitation is about dignity, equity, and safety,” he underscored.

This, as he lamented how progress on access to sanitation in the Philippines slowed in the past five years. he explained the lack of sanitation in toilet facilities and the practice of open defecation worsens in the rural areas compared to 2 percent increase in the cities.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (L), Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attend the ASEAN plus Three session of the 21st ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and East Asia summits in Phnom Penh November 19, 2012. [REUTERS]

WORLD TODAY

i

Death toll

sraeli strikes killed 32 Palestinians on Monday, taking the gaza death toll to 109 as un chief Ban Ki-moon joined efforts to end the worst violence in four years and israel’s inner circle of ministers mulled their next move. as the violence raged for a sixth day, an israeli missile killed a senior islamic Jihad militant in a gaza City tower housing Palestinian and international media, the second time in as many days it has been targeted.

a

Attacked

man stabbed a security guard on Tuesday at the u.S. embassy in Tel aviv and was apprehended by police, a police spokesman said.

The spokesman said the guard opened fire during the attack. israel Radio said the attacker was wounded. he was armed with a knife and an axe, police said.

i

Rules

n his first meeting with a Chinese leader since his re-election, u.S. President Barack obama said on Tuesday Washington and its chief economic rival must work together to “establish clear rules of the road” for trade and investment. his comments on the final leg of a three-day Southeast asian trip follow a u.S. election campaign in which China was repeatedly accused of unfair trade practices and illustrate the work ahead in a region already simmering with tension over territorial disputes involving Beijing.

26 million Pinoys have no access to toilets, UN claims Altered a a

Tightened

he government has tightened rules on hiring kindergarten teachers, as it highlighted the importance of improving the quality of early education.

Following last year’s rollout of universal kindergarten education in public schools nationwide, Deped has released additional guidelines in choosing and deploying early education teachers.

EDGEDAVAO

A worker takes a break and reads a newspaper sitting on a second-hand toilet bowl he is selling, on display along a street in Paco, metro Manila November 19, 2012. A plain white sec-

ond-hand toilet bowl costs around $3, while the colored ones go for $4. [REUTERS]

“talking points” memo distributed to government officials about the deadly attack on the uS consulate in libya was altered by the intelligence community and not the White house, Cnn reported.

Cnn quoted Shawn Turner, spokesman for Director of national intelligence James Clapper, as saying that intelligence officials -- not the White house, State Department or Justice Department -- had altered the talking points, which were circulated to people who spoke publicly about Benghazi.

a

Dismissed

Pakistani court dismissed on Tuesday a blasphemy case against a Christian girl which had drawn international condemnation and concern about the rights of religious minorities in the predominantly Muslim country.

Rimsha Masih, believed to be no older than 14, was charged with burning pages of the Koran in august but was granted bail in September after a cleric was detained on suspicion of planting evidence to stir up resentment against Christians.

11

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 187 •WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

Karlo...

DENR...

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ing the forest product contents as other items or manifesting same as planted species when in fact the contents are natural grown species,” Fragada said.

The use of container vans for transporting logs and lumber will henceforth be allowed only at the container yard subject to inspection and validation by the Ports integrated Clearance office (PiCo) prior to loading on board vessels.

“Despite the very stern warning on illegal cutting and transport of forest products, there are still some who defy executive order no. 23 declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests, and creating the anti-illegal logging task force,” he said.

The memorandum

also mandates that scaling and transport permits be declared under oath while directing community environment and natural resources offices (Cenros) to likewise inform the PiCo of any transport permits they issued for monitoring and inspection purposes. on Friday, the upgraded PiCo will be inaugurated at the Sasa wharf, its membership composed of representatives from the DenR, Philippine Ports authority (PPa), Philippine Coast guard (PCg), Bureau of Customs (BoC), Philippine national Police (PnP), Maritime industry authority Regional office (MaRina Ro-11), national Telecommunication Commission (nTC), environmental Management Bureau (eMB), and Mines and geoSciences Bureau

Interconnection...

(MgB). it may be recalled that on July 6, 2012 joint teams composed of national Bureau of investigation-Manila, nBi Region 11, DenR 11 and national anti-illegal logging Task Force led by intelligence officer for Mindanao louie Ceniza intercepted eight 20-footer container vans loaded with 16,777 pieces of mixed lauan and miscellaneous lumber species with a volume of 153,718.33 board feet and valued at P4.9-million at nMC Container lines, inc and lorenzo Shipping container yard in Sasa, Davao City.

Confiscated lumber from the eight container vans were turned over to the city government of Davao and same were taken to Tagum City to be fabricated into school chairs.

FfROM 1

P0.35 to P0.15 to make SMS more affordable to the public pursuant to the directive of the office of the President, according to the nTC. The nTC, in its decision, pointed out that SMS is in the nature of Value added Service (VaS) and the commission is not prevented from lowering the cost of communication to better serve the interest of the public.

With the decision to

Tagum’s...

lower interconnection charges cost, the nTC also directed the three telecommunication companies to refund their subscribers the excess charge of P0.20 per off-net SMS from December 2011.

The telcos have also been ordered to pay P200 fine per day for not following the memorandum circular since Dec. 1, 2011.

The nTC also directed the telcos to submit within 15 days from receipt of

the decision all the documents, records and reports pertaining to off-net SMS of all its subscribers who were charged the regular rate of P1 per offnet SMS from Dec. 1 last year.

The Philippines has over 100 million mobile subscribers with sister companies Smart and Sun accounting for combined almost 70 million subscribers and globe with over 32 million users. PNA

from overseas.

“Seeing the giant tree being lighted will mean i am finally home to celebrate Christmas with family and friends,” wrote Marydee gulle anderson on facebook.

“Christmas is more meaningful when you’re home,” anderson added, who is celebrating Christmas in Tagum instead of in the united Kingdom, where she is based with her husband.

Febby Kirstin ibita suggested the event is “another chance for the people of Tagum from all walks of life to huddle and gather around the city’s symbol of hope and merriment.” “it is the sign that the city officially embraces the blissful feeling that Christmas will bring,” tells Jio Managbanag who shared he’s also excited

for his one year-old son to witness Wednesday’s revelry.

Photography enthusiast and blogger Tess halili turned serious when asked about her thoughts of the iconic tree. “it should be the spark that signals a Season of hope and Joy the message of which should not just ring true during the holidays but should go beyond, even when election time comes.” organizers advised the public to be early on Wednesday as the ceremony will start at exactly 5:00 PM with performances by the Tagum City Youth orchestra, a composite of 330 music artists from various choirs, rondallas and symphonic bands from the different public and private schools in Tagum. [louie lapat/Cio Tagum]

FfROM 2 and barangay nutrition scholars from the 23 villages here.

City Councilor De Carlo “oyo” uy will deliver his annual holiday greetings. last year he called the giant tree the city’s “gift of hope, love and peace,” highlighting it as a “universal tree” not only for Christians but also other denominations of faith. an ecumenical prayer will highlight the start of Wednesday’s ceremony—featuring invocations by Muslims, Christians and lumads.

The lighting of the holiday tree comes nine days before the Diocese of Tagum celebrates the parochial fiesta of Christ the King.

The news of the lighting ceremony ignited excitement among locals here, including those

Cor. his recommendation to De lima came after receiving tips that some inmates are actually being allowed to go out of prison to carry out orders from crime bosses who are actually prisoners or even long-time personnel of the nBP. Such orders could include drug delivery or even assassination and armed robbery.

“There are reports of inmates being used as guns-for-hire by crime syndicates or by law enforcers themselves, which was why inmates are allegedly used to commit crimes outside the prison compound,” he added. “if it is true that the nBP is a haven for crim-

Coal...

inals instead of a place for reformation, i think that there should be a top-to-bottom purge of our entire penal system,” nograles said. he added that De lima or any of her trusted and incorruptible aides should personally supervise the audit of all inmates, including those who have been transferred to other penal facilities “on paper” because there is a great possibility that some of these prisoners are either dead or have failed to return to the nBP. “The need for said audit is heightened by the most recent mysterious grenade blast inside the new Bilibid Prisons.

The audit should be thorough and man-to-

man, cross-referencing each individual based on DoJ’s master list and not of the nBP,” nograles said.

The grenade explosion at the nBP hurt six inmates and was recorded by closed-circuit television footage showing an inmate throwing a grenade at his fellow inmates. “how the grenade got into the hands of an inmate is something that investigators would have to solve,” The lawmaker also said that the results of the national audit should be made public and made available top all law enforcement agenciesm, local government units, and even to non-government organizations.

the cheapest energy stock in the PSe.” The source said. on a macro level, Coal asia Chairman harald Tomintz lauded the government’s support for projects that would contribute to industrial growth and economic upliftment, particularly in the countryside and in the South of the country where several opportunities are found.

“The Boi approval of incentives strongly signifies government’s commitment to pursuing its development thrust to the local coal industry. Data from the Department of energy (Doe) reported a historical average of 2.2 MMT in local production.

This output tripled to an average of 6.7 MMT in the

last three years. Coal asia, through its subsidiary Titan Mining, is proud to play a role in contributing to the continued success of the industry,” Tomintz said.

Coal asia recently concluded its capital enhancement exercise with an initial public offering, raising approximately P800 million. of the proceeds from the iPo, P105 million will be spent for the completion of the exploration and feasibility study of the Davao oriental mine, P432 million for the development of the Davao mine, and the balance for continued exploration at the Zamboanga Sibugay mine and for working capital requirements. enD

were based in Barangays Poblacion, Kematu and edwards in T’boli.

The provincial government earlier issued the closure orders in compliance with a directive from the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) and the provisions of Provincial ordinance no. 7, series of 2003. ordinance no. 7 specifically sets the “taxes, fees, charges and other impositions on smallscale mining, mineral processing operations and transporting of mineral ore within the province of South Cotabato.”

The PMRB, which is headed by gov-

ernor arthur Pingoy Jr., directed the crackdown against unlicensed or unregistered ore processors and ball mills as part of its campaign against illegal mining operations in the province.

Based on the provincial government’s monitoring, around 300 ball mills and 200 ore processing plants are presently operating in T’boli town.

The mineral ores being processed by the ball mills and ore processors come from the thriving small-scale mining activities in the gold rush villages of Kematu and Desawo. (allen V. estabillo/Mindanews)

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the importation of the equipment, spare parts, raw materials and supplies.

“The impact of these Boi incentives on the company’s bottom-line is very significant and can be a catalyst for further growth. its revalued earnings forecast will be a positive driver of the company stock price”, says Mr. aldo Claparols, Fund Manager at Da Market Securities.

“The income tax holiday will significantly revalue the company’s 2014 income from P500M to P714M based on 30% absorption of supposed tax back into the company’s bottom-line which would result in a Pe ratio of 4x making it far and away

South...

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September. he attributed the increase in collection to the issuance of closure orders to 24 ball mill operators and mineral ore processors in T’boli town that were found to have been operating without proper permits and licenses.

“The payments made by the errant ball mill operators helped increase our collections for the month of September,” he said.

Flaviano said the erring ore processing plants and ball mills, which have accumulated penalties amounting to P268,850 for this year alone,

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 187 •WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

COMPETITIVE EDGE 13

PhilHealth orients advocates on MOVES

By Kleah Gayle G. Dublin

P

hilhealTh Region 11i conducted a comprehensive re-orientation for all Philhealth advocates which covered an overview and background of Philhealth and its programs, basic membership rights and privileges, as well as focus group discussions, strategic planning and preparation for Philhealth MoVeS, last november 14, at the Kadayawan hall of Royal Mandaya hotel. among the Philhealth advocates who graced the orientation were representatives from Department of health (Doh), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), City health office (Cho) and Davao City Social Services and Development office (CSSDo) who will promote awareness among PhiC members and ensure that all members under the Sponsored Program - families who are listed under the national household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (nhTS-PR) of DSWSD and families identified poor by the sponsoring local government unit (lgus) are informed, guided and empowered with their rights to accessible and quality

health care services.

The program was elucidated from a general overview of Philhealth and its structure to focus group discussions on the conduct of Philhealth MoVeS. First of three speakers was germaine Tan, Public Relations officer iii who discussed the background of Philhealth,its programs, enrolment process, premium contribution, benefits and availment.

Relating the concept of Philhealth to a piggy bank, Tan enunciated the importance of social solidarity and equity among all Philhealth members. “Mas maraming ma-save, mas maraming matutulungan, mas maraming benepisyo.”, she asserted.

During the second part of the program, a more focus discourse on Sponsored Program, one of the five Philhealth programs was discussed. alcie Mae go-nacion, Planning officer iii, in her presentation identified the five key messages all members under the Sponsored program must be acquainted of. go-nacion stressed out that nhTS-PR and 4Ps members must be guided, informed and empowered.

Through an open forum

Filbert Bryan Sollesta, PhilHealth Region11 field operations division chief welcoms the advocates in his opening remarks.

discussion, the officers also addressed the concerns of their partner agencies.

Towards the end of the program, Filbert Bryan Sollesta, Field of operations Division Chief discussed the concept of Philhealth MoVeS. in his presentation, he explained that MoVeS, abbreviation

for Mobile orientation, Validation and enrolment Scheme is a project initiated by Philhealth to revolutionize the delivery of the five key messages on member rights and privileges.

Sollesta identified the roles and responsibilities of Philhealth advocates, otherwise known as Movers, in the empowerment of

all members under nhTSPR. Philhealth will be going around the provinces in the region to institute Philhealth MoVeS. among the activities will be PVC-type iD distribution to nhTSPR, data amendment and orientation.

Meanwhile, a focus group discussion among the engaged agencies in

the five provinces: Davao del Sur, oriental, del norte, Comval and Davao City, commenced after the program proper. The groups drafted their strategies in executing the project through identifying their venue, budget and schedule of activities to effectively conduct the MoVeS in their areas.

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

DCPO catches VMO on top D

aVao City Police office (DCPo) hacked out a 110 - 88 victory over Philippine navy (Pn) to gain a share of lead in the 2012 Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Rody Duterte 10th aFP-PnP Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center almendras gym on Sunday.

Robinson Palomares dished out a remarkable performance, drilling 32 points, controlling the boards and setting his teammates well to lead DCPo keep its unbeaten slate in six games. estong uganap and playing official anthony Padua helped the cause with 18 and 13 points re-

spectively for DCPo which shared with the Vice Mayor’s office at the top with 6-0 slate.

The wards of Police Senior Superintendent Ronald Dela Rosa, the DCPo chief, overcame an ugly start that saw them having a hard time defending the navy, exploding in the final half to follow up their 110-97 victory over Task Force Davao a day before.

Pn absorbed its third loss in four games in the tournament presented by City government of Davao and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region-Xi. Roberto Munar paced the navy with 17 points.

Meanwhile, a logjam occurred at fourth spot of the standing following a victory of Regional Public Safety Battalion, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and 10th infantry agila Division-eastMinCom. BJMP soared over the Philippine air Force, 88 - 63, while RPSB downed Task Force Davao, 97 - 90, and 10th iD routed Philippine Coast guard, 98 - 83.

They are now sporting an identical 3-2 win-loss card behind solo third idle Bureau of Fire Protection with 5-1 record.

TFD and PaF remained winless in four tries as PCg absorbed its third straight defeat. (RJB)

and you manage to be in the semifinal, but forget about that.”

For Weiss, it wasn’t merely dismissing the achievements of the team before he got here. he is just as unsentimental about azkals achievements under his watch.

“Challenge Cup or Peace Cup, it’s already past,” he said. Weiss piloted the azkals to a third-place finish in the asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup and a victory in the Philippine Football Peace Cup, the country’s first tournament victory in 99 years.

The coach challenged local football fans to take a look at the bigger picture when assessing the Philippines’ place against other football powers.

“Many of the fans, if we beat Macau 5-0, they are more happy than when we play in Bahrain 0-0,” he said, adding that winning against other teams in Southeast asia

isn’t as important as improving to become competitive with asian football powers. “under my leadership, we’ve been winning much more than the very, very past. i think that’s already a good achievement, and i think we have a good chance to do well in the Suzuki Cup,” he said.

“But we have to see that it as [just] one of the tournaments for our team.”

Weiss said the Southeast asian tournament is just a stepping stone for bigger competitions for the Philippine team in the future.

“We are very positive for this tournament.

We are very ambitious to win the tournament,” said Weiss.

“But the bigger picture is Challenge Cup, the next bigger picture is asian Cup. and the biggest picture is to stabilize football in the Philippines in five to ten years.”

Weiss: Look beyond Azkals’ Cinderella run

F

oR long-suffering fans of Philippine football, the 2010 aSean Football Federation Suzuki Cup will always hold a special place in their hearts. it was the tournament that saw the Cinderella run of the Philippine national men’s football team to the semifinals, forever changing the football landscape of a country that had previously been immune to the charms of the beautiful game.

Two years later, the azkals are ready to take a bigger bite out of the competition. and their coach, hans Michael Weiss, who took over shortly after the team’s breakout tournament, prefers to take a sober look at that result. “[The azkals] don’t depend so much on the glories of the past. i’ve never been a fan of that,” said Weiss days before the azkals flew to Thailand for the competition. “it was a lucky run,

Philippine Azkals coach Michael Weiss (center) with the Azkals as the team prepares for the Suzuki Cup next week.

o

Chad and Cebu sports

ne chap who’s proud over the recent success of the Philippine azkals is a half Cebuano who owns the distinction of being the first Filipino to play for england’s national team in beach football.

Chad alesna gould, who played for the azkals during its infancy, can only proudly smile at how the azkals have evolved into a contender in the Southeast asian region.

Chad, whose mother is from Boljoon town in Cebu, played for england in the Beach Football World Cup making him the first and only footballer of Filipino roots ever to suit up for a national team of a foreign state—england at that. england’s rich football history is legendary. Chad wore jersey no. 9 for england. he wears the same jersey during his stint with the azkals and now with the Meralco Sparks in the uFl. Chad and i met in Manila last month for a future project in the country. i was in Cebu City over the weekend for a meeting with Chad’s agent hinko Kostanjevec. Chad, who recently joined the Sparks in the uFl alongside the Younghusband brothers, sent me an email to express his thoughts on the azkals chances in the forthcoming Suzuki Cup and his feelings over the smashing performance of the national team before his hometown crowd.

Said Chad in his email: “First and foremost, i’d like to wish the very best of luck to all the chaps travelling to Thailand for the

Suzuki Cup next week. i’m excited to watch my friends and team mates compete in the competition with the knowledge that we have a very good chance of doing something incredible again. having seen firsthand some of the lads in action at a training session last month when i was involved, i was impressed with the quality of the new talent. They complement the existing squad and strengthen the depth on the bench. i truly believe they can go far in this tournament.”

Chad feels nostalgic everytime he thinks about the national team and at this stage in his career, a return to the azkals’ fold would be welcome. “i watched the match against Singapore last week on TV. The crowd were simply incredible.

What a fantastic atmosphere they created. i had a little giggle to myself thinking about how overwhelmed and intimidated the Singapore players must have been before kickoff, hearing the roar from the crowd inside their changing room. The Cebu fans made it feel like

a Cup final! it didn’t surprise me however, as being a Cebuano myself i know how passionate and patriotic we are. When the match got announced that it would be held in Cebu a few months back i knew it would be sell out straight away. i would have loved to have been involved but for the meantime i am content being a Meralco Sparks player and national Team supporter. as i’ve said many times before, i will always be available for the national Team if called upon. i still believe i have something to offer to the team. So if the door comes knocking, i’ll be sure to answer.”

Well said, buddy. indeed, Cebu played magnificent host to the “Face off” between the lions and the azkals. The Philippine side won 1-nil on Merwin angeles’ goal in the 55th. The abellana Sports Center field was as green as it can get and the crowd support was tremendous.

Cebu’s preparedness for big time sports events such as the Faceoff showed it is a worthy alternative to Manila. Cebu also hosted recently an international Rugby Sevens. if Chad felt nostalgic about the Cebu match, it is because he dreams of playing before his Cebu fans. Chad looks forward to making his impact before local fans. however, he is taking things patiently. Big things are up ahead and in time, Chad’s silent and subdued greatness will make its way to the Filipino football fans’ hearts.

on Sunday, but the doctor didn’t allow me, maski limited minutes. he doesn’t want me to re-injure my hamstring,” said Tiu, who aggravated his injury in his first game with Rain or Shine against Petron last october 3.

The seventh overall pick has already started

joining elasto Painters practice.

“Sumasabay na ako sa kanila, five-on-five, drills and even sa mga set plays. i just need to get my timing and conditioning. and the good thing is, wala na akong pain na nararamdaman,” Tiu said, adding that he’s still being extra careful.

Tiu ready to return i

T will be a battle of heartthrobs when Chris Tiu makes his return for Rain or Shine on December 2 against James Yap and the rest of the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

“The doctor was giving me two more weeks. i was looking forward to playing Barangay ginebra

Erwin Protacio, secretary-general of the Davao Football Association (DFA) during the DSA Forum at the Tower Inn. Lean Daval

INdulge!

TRAVEL

The house that fried chicken built

MAx’S Restaurant, one of the country’s oldest and well-loved dining places, recently opened its branch in SM Lanang Premier last November 7. The invited guests of the chic VIP event enjoyed classic favorites from Max’s and a musical show by the country’s bossa nova princess, Sitti.

The new Max’s Restaurant in SM Lanang Premier is now the biggest branch in Mindanao, featuring the chain’s latest interior design as well as a bakery section which sells sweet delights, pastries, and other bakery products.

The President of Max’s Group of Companies, Mr. Robert Trota, flew all the way from Manila to join the opening event. He led the ceremonial chopping of the chicken together with Mr. Anthony Ang, the Davao Franchisee of Max’s Restaurant, and other VIP guests.

The restaurant chain, also known as “The house that fried chicken built,” has brought to table close to seven decades of classic and delectable homecooked meals, which includes their original “sarap to the bones” fried chicken.

Their fried chicken gained popularity in the country and drawn global attention because of its unique flavor and consistency --- delectably crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

For the latest and most exciting promos and updates about Max’s Restaurant, www.maxschicken. com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/maxsrestaurant.

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

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UP AnD ABOUT

SM Cinema celebrates 100% digital clarity with a Free Movie Day SM CinEMA, currently the largest cinema exhibitor in the country, has been part of the lives of Filipino families for over 20 years. With its commitment toward quality movie entertainment, SM Cinema recently converted all its film-based theatres into Digital Theatres—the first cinema franchise in the country to do so.

With this notable milestone, SM Cinema gives back to its loyal patrons with another FiRST in Philippine cinema history—the FREE MOViE DAY event, a grand movie blow-out slated to happen this December 8, 2012.

This SM Cinema event will offer free movies in all of SM Cinema’s 246 Digital Theatres in all 45 branches nationwide!

The line-up of movies will include the horror-thriller House at the End of the Street, Stolen, the latest nicolas Cage action flick, the biopic Supremo: The Andres Bonifacio Story, crime drama film Deadfall, the popular Step Up Revolution and the restored version of ishmael Bernal’s Himala. Apart from these six movies, two independent films courtesy of the Film Development Council of the Philippines will also be a part of the line-up.

Registration for SM Cinema’s Free Movie Day is from november 22 to December 6. Just follow these five easy steps: 1 Like and Register at our e-PLUS Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/eplus.sm) 2. Click on the Free Movie App. 3 Choose your Cinema, Time and Movie 4. Print the confirmation email.

5. Surrender the printed confirmation email at any SM Cinema branch for your free two tickets.

Free Movie Day is made possible by SM Cinema, e-PLUS card— your most convenient access to the movies, Multivision Pictures of the Philippines, AV Production, Crystalsky, Pioneer Films, Star Cinema and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Free Movie Day is also being brought to you by Coca Cola, Bright Pop, Purefoods San Miguel and Mister Donut.

Waterfront Insular Davao Hotel introduces new wine of the month

EDGEDAVAO

6 tips to get less stuffed HEALTH

WHeTHeR we plan to feast or fast during the holidays, getting stuffed seems to be inevitable for both ourselves and the turkey! According to the Calorie Control Council, the average amount of calories consumed in one Thanksgiving meal is a whopping 4,500! Overindulgence in food and spirits often comes with a heavy price of indigestion. To help you feel a bit lighter this holiday season, try the following tips so you can survive the Thanksgiving munching mayhem.

THE Waterfront insular Davao Hotel introduces their wine of the month, the FROnTERA CHiLE MERLOT, a wine with a fruity character with aromas of cherries and a slight touch of cacao, elegant. it is the perfect match for pasta, red meat and grilled chicken. Bottles of Frontera Chile Merlot is available in all of Waterfront insular Hotel Davao’s restaurants and Don’t gobble and wobfor in-room dining. ble! If you find it difficult For reservations and inquiries, please call (63 82) 233 2881

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

to turn away that extra savory stuffing or find the need to cram yourself with cookies, then you may find yourself tipping over with food overload. In Chinese medicine, a life of longevity requires healthy digestion.

Our bodies must properly break down, absorb, and eventually process all of the nutrients in the food we eat. Indigestion, however, may cause a toxic overload and lead to chronic disease down the road. Luckily, a life of longevity is attainable.

Start with these 6 tips to navigate the holiday season!

1. Heartburn: Cool the Fire A common problem after most holiday meals is heartburn. If your torso

feels like an inferno after an oversized meal, you may want to try this natural heartburn reliever. Juice one medium raw potato in a juicer or blender, and strain the mixture. Mix the juice with one cup of warm water and drink on an empty stomach upon waking. This remedy may help reduce the amount of acid build up, while soothing your stomach. Here’s another home remedy that alleviates heartburn discomfort: juice one daikon radish. After discarding the pulp, mix with an equal amount of hot water, and drink once a day after eating.

Bonus Tip: Sometimes herbs can lend a hand, too! This classic Indigestion herbal combination is formulated to reduce food stagnation and to harmonize the stomach.

2. Try the Waiting Game Are you ready for seconds? Although your taste buds may be ready for that second helping of mashed potatoes, your stomach may be telling you to put the brakes on! It takes twenty minutes for the brain to signal satiety to the stomach, so take your time chewing each bite.

Remember to savor the flavors of all the foods you eat, without rushing to take the next bite. Here’s a trick: put your fork down until you finish chewing your food and you may find that you can get by without another bite of sweet potato pie.

3. Post-meal: Hit the Road!

If it is possible to take a walk after your meal, your body will thank you! After a large meal, a 10- to 20minute stroll can facilitate healthy digestion and encourage cleansing of the lymphatic system. Walking helps food to move through the digestive tract, which helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption. To help ease your belly bloat, try massaging your abdomen in a circular motion with your palms as you walk.

4. Forego the Fat While fat is an essential nutrient vital for multiple metabolic processes and vitamin absorption, consuming too much fat— especially the unhealthy fats—may contribute to a lethargic and bloated feeling. Minimize fried, greasy foods, as well as foods that contain too many spices, which can also upset your belly. Check in with your stomach: Are you about to eat that forkful of greasy stuffing because you are actually hungry? Or are your taste buds making the call? Don’t let your tongue determine when your stomach is full. In addition, caffeine can cause an upset stomach, so sip on herbal teas instead.

5. Have a Tea Party While alcohol and caffeine may contribute to digestive discomfort, herbal tea can actually help relieve that full feeling. Try this simple tasty recipe and sip your way to a happy belly!

Steep one teaspoon each of mint, rosemary, oregano,

cilantro, sage, and basil in a cup of hot water. Drink after each meal to prevent bloating. You may also want to try calming peppermint, chamomile, or ginger tea for settling the stomach, which you can make fresh or purchase in tea bags.

6. First Thing in the Morning: Simple Detox After a large dinner, the last thing your body needs is another food coma! Upon waking, try this natural remedy for digestive stress instead. Mix one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with 12 ounces of warm water, and drink on an empty stomach. You may want to add a little bit of raw, organic honey or maple syrup to the mixture for sweetness.

In Chinese medicine, apple cider is traditionally used to ease digestion, support liver detoxification, normalize digestive juices, and reduce intestinal bloating. Another alternative is to squeeze the juice of one lemon and mix it into one glass of room temperature water.

You can find more ways to live a long and healthy life in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. In addition, The Natural Health Dictionary makes a great companion to your quest for longevity. It is a comprehensive guide that answers all your questions about natural remedies, healing herbs, longevity foods, vitamins, and supplements.

(Yahoo! Health)

VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

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Nicki Minaj takes lyrical shots at Mariah niCki Minaj might have said she’d be down to duet with fellow American idol judge Mariah Carey, but we know one song they probably won’t be harmonizing on: “Hell Yeah,” one of the tracks off nicki’s The Re-Up, a re-release of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded that hit

stores today.

Ms. Minaj discussed the American idol incident and, more so, the subsequent involvement by Barbara Walters on nicki Minaj: My Truth, but breaks it down in this rap—which, by the by, also features a shout out to E! Thanks, girl!

The lyrics: “But you’re boring as f--k, though./Why these bitches in the game so cutthroat?/Why they can’t just let young nicki live?/Why they gotta feel the wrath to know nicki is?”

The meaning: That first line is a nicki quote taken verbatim from the now infamous leaked video of the judges going at it: “Well then go see them now,” nicki berated Mariah after the songstress complained about being away from dem babies.

“You’re boring as f--k!”

A sentiment that may prove

true, as idol promos have heavily fallen on the animated Minaj to garner viewers. Given that connection, it would make sense that the “cutthroat” bitches are mainly just one diva: Mariah. nicki claimed on My Truth, “it’s another ploy to get me off the show,” referring to the rumor that Mariah wanted to be the only female on the panel.

The lyrics: “not playin, boss for real/When they go against the kid it’s gon’ cost for real/Came straight from the hood with the cross appeal/That’s why these big names wanna toss the deal.”

The meaning: in these couplets, nicki breaks down the aforementioned “wrath,” of which Mariah evoked. On set, nicki promises to go

shot for shot with Ms. Carey, which may have fueled the fire of rumors that nicki threatened to actually shoot Mariah and Carey beefed up her security (the former of which nicki herself denied, the latter of which appears to be dramatically true).

Though speculation of violence may have blown over (though was discussed seriously for far longer than it warranted), the question lingers whether nicki has indeed earned a spot on the prestigious judging panel.

Despite hailing from Southside Jamaica, Queens (aka “the hood,” in this verse) nicki dominated the rap world and Top 40 too with “Starships” (aka the “cross appeal”). Our vote? She earned it.

The lyrics: “i’ll take it, sign on the dotted line/But i’m quick to the check a bitch if she outta line. Shout out Mike Darnell and nigel/Why these bums so mad that the queen on idol, huh?”

The meaning: nigel refers to nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of idol, and Mike Darnell is president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox, the duo that set Minaj up on the panel. The “bum” in question most likely refers to Carey, a nickname that probably won’t fly when it

comes to the live shows.

“Why would i want to have a rift with someone that i’ve looked up to my whole life? i loved her. i even told her at the meeting,” nicki said on My Truth during the fallout from the their fight. “Actually, i’m happy that Mariah’s on the panel...You’ve got one of the best singers that’s ever sang, ever, in the world!”

The feeling was not mutual.

There’s been talk on both sides of what went down before the outburst (nicki attributes it to “passive aggres-

sive” comments from Carey), but either way Minaj clearly thought Mariah was out of line: “Think i’m playin? Think this s--t is a f--king joke?” She snaps in the video. “if you say one more disrespectful thing to me—off with your head!”

Rolling heads or a diss track and an over-analyzed essay about said diss track, as it may be. Oh, and for those who love that last regal line (“Off with your head!”), you can find that phrase-turnedlyric on another track, “Up in Flames.”

David Beckham leaving L.A. Galaxy after 2012 MLS Cup THE Galaxy will inevitably lose a little shine without the presence of this (incredibly handsome) star.

L.A. Galaxy midfielder David Beckham announced today that the 2012 Major League Soccer Cup on Dec. 1 will be his final competitive game with the club, E! news confirms.

After six seasons with the Southern California team, the dad of four and hubby to Victoria Beckham is packin’ up his cleats and headin’ out. “i’ve had an incredibly special time playing for the L.A. Galaxy, however, i wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career,” Beckham said in a statement. “i don’t see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future. “in my time here i have seen the popularity of the game grow every year. i’ve been fortunate to win trophies, but more important to me has been the fantas-

24/7 IN LOVE John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo PG-13

12:00 | 2:00| 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 |10:00 LFS

TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN 2-2D Kristen Stewart , Robert Pattinson PG-13

12:00 | 2:30 | | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4 Katie Featherston, Kathryn Newton

tic reception i’ve had from fans in L.A. and across the States. Soccer’s potential has no limits in this wonderful country and i want to always be part of growing it.” in January, right after

helping the team win the 2011 MLS Cup, Beckham decided to continue playing for the Galaxy for another season.

L.A. will be sad to see him go, #farewellBeckham.

R-13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN 2 Kristen Stewart , Robert Pattinson PG-13

12:30 | 3:00 I 5:30 | 8:00 |10:30 LFS

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VOL.5 ISSUE 187 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012

The best & worst from the American Music Awards DON’T you just love award shows?

Tonight was the 40th anniversary for the American Music Awards, held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by none other than Ryan Seacrest.

But in case you missed out on all the fun, we’ve boiled it down to the most noteworthy moments from the show, including a complete winner’s list!

Most endurance Award Goes To..: We all know Usher’s got the moves (which he so graciously passed on to Justin Bieber), but all the dance breaks during his performance at the show’s open deserves props. He was literally running at one point.

Best Use of Sass: OK, Bieber, we see you. The young pop singer won tonight’s first award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, and started his acceptance speech with, “This is for all the haters who thought that maybe I was just here for one or two years. But, I feel like I’m gonna be here for a very long time.” And ended it with a Z-snap.

Just kidding (but he totally should have).

Worst Separation Anxiety: So, Carly Rae Jepsen performed her new song, “This Kiss.” It’s not that it was bad, but it was no “Call Me Maybe.” We’re just not ready to see her sing something else. Luckily, she included the annoyingly catchy song in her performance.

Best Attempt at Saving Paper: There were no envelopes tonight. Nope. Winners were revealed through a Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

Oh, you fancy, huh? Yes, yes they are.

Worst Crowd Reaction: Kelly Clarkson’s medley of her greatest hits reminded us why we fell in love with her in the first place. But when she held the microphone out for the crowd to sing, “Since you been gone,” nothing was sung. Oops.

Best Girl Power Moment: Nicki Minaj took home two awards, one for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album and also Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist.

Super-exciting, right? But for whatever reason, she

just seemed tired (or other things) on stage.

Worst Lady Gaga Impersonation: Seriously, Ke$ha, what’s going on with those leotard outfits? And you didn’t even throw glitter and make it rain.

Hottest Rockstar Mom: The mystery of the night is this: Does Gwen Stefani age? No, really. When she took the stage with No Doubt it was like it was 1995 again (in a good way).

Best Surprise: It seems like Red is introducing fans to a whole new side of Taylor Swift—well, it still has to do with boys, but when she performed “I Knew You Were Trouble” from her upcoming album, she was all on the floor and whipping her hair. We likey.

Cutest Acceptance Speech: Aw, gee, Luke Bryan! The country crooner took home his first AMA and was like a little kid on Christmas. Between his dancing and “woo”-ing, he mentioned his little kids, “Tater Bug and Bo Bo.” Too stinkin’ cute.

Best Use of an Adult Diaper: Minaj rocked some white, sparkly underpants for her performance, which may or may not be an adult diaper. Probably not, but just so you know.

This Just In: Singer P!nk is apparently a master at expressing herself through the art of dance (with the help of body paint), as she showed the audience when performing an interpretive piece along with singing

her song “Try.” Interesting Change of Pace: Ditching the flashing lights and dance moves (at least for the first half of his performance) was Biebs, who sang “As Long As You Love Me” while sitting on a bar stool next to a guitarist.

Maybe a certain something and someone inspired him?

(Hi, Selena Gomez!)

Best Addition: Whether you love or hate it, house music has made it’s way to the AMAs. For the first time ever, the awards show has included an electronic Dance Music category to honor the top deejays in the industry. This year, it was all David Guetta.

What the Heck Moment: Christina Aguilera’s performance was, um, interesting. Her song was to celebrate everyone for who they are (a little “Born This Way” type), which is great.

For once, she wasn’t the one wearing the most makeup on stage.

Best PDA: Presenter Jenny McCarthy (who was workin’ those eyeglasses) kissing Bieber all over the neck and even grabbing his bum when he got on stage to accept his second award—a display she described afterward as “cougar rape.”

Best Decision: Thank goodness, Chris Brown decided to shave off his highlighter hair. That didn’t seem to help with the heat though, because he still took off his shirt while jumping around like a maniac on stage.

Worst Outfit: Look, Carrie Underwood’s performance dress was not bad at all. The problem was that it practically hid those legs that everyone loves seeing so much. Not cool.

Best Party Pal: Who wants to party with Pitbull? everyone. That guy is just a ball of Cuban fun and energy.

Greatest ending ever: Don’t lie, you know the dance—Psy got the crowd going with “Gangnam Style.” And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, MC Hammer got on stage and they mixed the Korean dance song with “Too Legit to Quit.”

Here’s the complete list of winners for the 2012 American Music Awards: Artist of the Year: Justin Bieber Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist: Justin Bieber Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist: Katy Perry Favorite Pop/Rock Band/ Duo/Group: Maroon 5 Favorite Pop/Rock Album: Believe, Justin Bieber Favorite Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift Favorite Country Male Artist: Luke Bryan Favorite Country Band/ Duo/Group: Lady Antebellum Favorite Country Album: Blown Away, Carrie Underwood Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, Nicki Minaj Favorite Alternative Rock Music Artist: Linkin Park Favorite electronic Dance Music Artist: David Guetta Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist: Usher Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist: Beyoncé Favorite Soul/R&B Album: Talk That Talk, Rihanna Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist: Adele Favorite Latin Artist: Shakira Favorite Adult Contemporary Inspirational Artist: tobyMac New Artist of the Year: Carly Rae Jepsen

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Next stop: Down Under Race on for Beckham to play in Australia S

YDneY – australian football declared Tuesday the “race is on” to bring David Beckham Down under, with at least four clubs showing interest and one confirming it will lodge a compelling offer.

Speculation about the 37-year-old’s interest in coming to australia’s a-league has been mounting ever since Football Federation australia said last week that it had been approached by the player’s representatives.

Beckham has shrugged off the suggestion, but the revelation Monday that he is ending his time as a player with his uS Major league Soccer (MlS)

club la galaxy early next month has energized australian teams’ efforts to secure him. in a statement, Beckham said: “i’ve had an incredibly special time playing for the la galaxy. however, i wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career.”

“David Beckham has confirmed the MlS Cup final will be his last game for the galaxy. The race is on,” tweeted a-league team Perth glory, which has put its hat in the ring for the former Manchester united star for a 10-game stint.

Melbourne heart has also expressed interest in Beckham, whom officials

believe would spur massive interest in football in australia where the sport has traditionally been crowded out by cricket, rugby league and rugby union.

Chief executive Scott Munn Tuesday said the heart will make an offer but refused to put a figure on it. Reports said it would be for Beckham to feature as a guest player for 10 weeks, worth up to aus$2 million (uS$2.1 million).

“What i can say is that it’s certainly real, we’re putting forward an offer, it’s compelling and the opportunity is here for him to come here,” said Munn.

“That is absolutely legitimate.”

a news conference in los angeles for Tuesday.

The football superstar has spent the past six seasons with the galaxy, leading los angeles to an MlS Cup title last season when they defeated the houston Dynamo 1-0.

Beckham and the galaxy go for their second consecutive crown when they face the Dynamo in a repeat of last year’s final on December 1 at the home Depot Center.

Beckham said in a statement released by the team that the game would be his last for the galaxy, as he hopes to move on and eventually become a part-owner of an MlS team in the fu-

ture. “i don’t see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future,” he said.

Beckham did not go into specifics about what he meant by “one last challenge” or what he plans to do next.

There were reports out of australia last week that their professional league is trying to woo him to make a move down under. There has also been strong interest from european clubs. “in my time here i have seen the popularity of the game grow every year,” Beckham said.

Beckham to leave Galaxy

Snapped David Beckham of the LA Galaxy will be taking his act from the United States to Australia.

Grizzlies streak is over

M

eMPhiS, Tenn. (aP) -- Danilo gallinari scored 26 points, including a 3-pointer with 13 seconds left, and the Denver nuggets ended the Memphis grizzlies’ win streak at eight games with a 97-92 victory Monday night.

JaVale Mcgee provided a second-half lift for Denver and finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Kenneth Faried added 13 points and grabbed 13

boards to help the nuggets outrebound Memphis 4733.

Denver also won the battle in the paint 50-44 and outscored the grizzlies in second-chance points 21-16.

The victory snapped a three-game skid for the nuggets, who handed the grizzlies their first loss since dropping their season opener against the los angeles Clippers.

Rudy gay scored 22

points, Marc gasol added 16 and Zach Randolph had 12 points and 13 rebounds for Memphis. gallinari, who had been struggling with his shot this season - hitting at a 34-percent clip - scored six points in the final two minutes, including the 3-pointer, which was set up when he intercepted a pass by gay on the grizzlies’ end of the floor.

The nuggets closed the game on a 9-0 run.

Paul’s 10-foot jumper in the lane with 24.6 seconds left gave the Clippers a 91-87 lead. ‘’Yeah, i wanted to shoot; i didn’t know how, i just needed a little space,’’ Paul said. ‘’i love those situations - when it’s winning time. We’re up two with 24 seconds left, i want it.’’

Spurs guard gary neal missed a 3-point attempt on the subsequent possession, which eric Bledsoe gathered for his fifth

rebound. Bledsoe, who had nine points, made one of two free throws for the final margin.

Matt Barnes added 14 points, Deandre Jordan 13 and Blake griffin had 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers (8-2).

Tim Duncan had 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Spurs (8-3), who suffered their second home loss this season.

Manu ginobili added 15 points and Tony Parker 11.

l

oS angeleS – Football legend David Beckham says he will play his final game with the los angeles galaxy when the Major league Soccer club hosts houston in the league championship early next month.

The 37-year-old former england captain and veteran of three World Cups did not mention anything about retiring from the sport. “i’ve had an incredibly special time playing for the la galaxy. however, i wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career,” Beckham said in a news release on Monday.

Beckham has scheduled

Clippers foil Spurs 92-87

S

an anTonio (aP) -- The San antonio Spurs had rallied within a basket of the los angeles Clippers with less than 30 seconds remaining and the crowd was buzzing.

Some would call it a tense situation. Chris Paul calls it ‘’winning time.’’

Paul had 19 points and eight assists and the Clippers beat San antonio 9287 on Monday night for their second win against the Spurs this season.

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan, right, defends against Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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