Edge Davao 6 Issue 123 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO www.edgedavao.net

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Serving a seamless society

FAST CHANGING FIGURES. A gas station attendant changes the figures on the price signage as fuel prices soared once more yesterday morning increasing to up to P1.40 per liter of gasoline. Lean Daval Jr.

City Admin post awaits

QUITAIN QUITS

By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO

greg@edgedavao.net

LTHOUGH already expected even before he assumed his post at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, city councilor J. Melchor V. Quitain yesterday formally tendered his resignation as first district councilor to take on the job of city administrator. “While there are those who say that every person is the master of his own fate, I always say that there are times when the flow of events goes beyond his capacity to control. (At) one point he finds himself in a spot where he must yield to the greater demands of duty and the louder call of public service much wider in scope,” Quitain said in his farewell speech to the council.. “Indeed, in order to work, fate has its own way of picking the time. As a duly elected councilor of the first district, I do not mean to evade responsibility. I am merely paving the way perhaps for me to assume a bigger responsibility, serving a wider area in due time,” he added. Quitain’s resignation will be effective upon the close of office hours on September 9, 2013 to give him time to “wind up my affairs, settle my obligations if there be any and attend to the needs of the

FQUITAIN,10

Edge cartoonist, ‘Edgy’featured in Inquirer

OR the entire month of September, “Edgy”, that inquisitive, witty and business-like monkey cartoon character of Edge Davao graces the pages of the Philippine Daly Inquirer as a special cartoon series. Edge Davao resident cartoonist Arlene Pasaje said “Edgy” will be the main character of the cartoon strip “Monkey Business”, the same cartoon strip that appears daily on the pages of this paper. The Philippine Daly Inquirer regularly features cartoonists for a month-long engagement in the Comic Re-

FEDGY,10

INSIDE: American nat’l faces sexual abuse charge Council approves P235.12 M SB 2 TRMH Duterte Agilas win anew

2 3 16

2 THE BIG NEWS 7 soldiers injured in landmine blast EDGEDAVAO

EVEN soldiers hurt by a landmine explosion early dawn yesterday while conducting a community security patrol in Sitio Lantawan, Brgy. Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostella Valley province. Military spokesman Maj. Jake Obligado said the soldiers were tasked to patrol in response to civilian reports on the presence of armed rebels in the area. “Walang issue ng mining.. purely NPA atrocity,”he clarified The wounded soldiers were brought to Camp Panacan Station Hospital for treatment. “Their names are still being withheld prior to informing their families,” he said. According to Lt. Col. Francisco Lorenzo of the 28th Infantry Division, the incident is a gross violation of by the NPAs of

the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which totally bans the use of landmines. “Their insistence to use these deadly landmines against those who help bring about development in the community only further establishes how they are apt to disturb peace and hinder development,” LTC Lorenzo said. “This is how the NPAs prepare for the celebration of the International Peace Month” Lorenzo added. On September 2, one civilian was killed and another was wounded when a landmine of the NPAs exploded while the rebels were burning a rubber processing plant in Makilala, North Cotabato. EPC

Budget for transport projects too small By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

ejf@edgedavao.net

NLY one percent of the city budget goes to transport related projects, according to the head of the committee on transportation and communication, councilor Leo Avila. In the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong forum at the Sanguniang Panglungsod yesterday, Avila said, they are studying whether the money generated from parking fees, citation tickets, traffic related violations, and oth-

er vehicular penalties should go to the local budget. Avila said, there is a little amount budgeted for transport related projects such as infrastructure improvements and trainings for drivers. Training drivers to be more responsible and disciplined in following traffic rules is very important, even for companies who own franchises from the Land Transporta-

FBUDGET,10

GOODBYE. With sadness written on his face, Councilor Melchor Quitain reads his resignation letter to formally relinquish his position as city councilor of the 17th Council effective September 9, 2013 during yesterday’s ses-

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

sion at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. He is expected to assume the position as City Administrator of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Lean Daval Jr.

American nat’l faces sexual abuse charge By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

HE City Prosecution Office has indicted an American man for allegedly molesting two young boys in July 11, 2012. The victims claimed they treated him as an elder brother. Prosecutor II Serafica Justianiani–Weis charged Ian Ludweig alias “Kuya Ian” for two

counts of sexual abuse under Republic Act of 7610 known as “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act”. Identified only as “Joey”, 12 and “Joel”, 10 (not their real names for their protection). Weis recommended P80,000 per count as bail for the suspect

kids P20.00 to buy food. The next day, a barangay tanod saw the kids roaming around the area and brought them to the barangay hall where the boys related what Ludweig had done tp them. They immediately reported it to the police, but the suspect fled to evade arrest.

Sanico wrote: “On August 28, 2013, the son of one of the employees of DSWD XI arrived at the DSWD regional office straight from Dubai to surprise his father. He realized that he left his backpack at the back seat of the taxi he hired from Davao International Airport. He was not able to get the company name of the taxi and did not also ask for a receipt... he was so worried because the backpack contains valuable things (laptop, tab and jewelries). A few minutes later, the taxi driver arrived at the DSWD office and returned his backpack untouched.”

Glicerio was driving Durian City Taxi with plate number LXD 500 when he saw the backpack left in the cab. Sanico praised Glicerio in her post, saying: “Salamat sa iyo MR. GIMENO E. GLECERIO of Durian City Taxi, with plate number LXD 500.. BIHIRA nalang po ang mga taong kagaya mo ngayon. MABUHAY po kayo! God bless you a hundredfold!” Edge Davao encourages stories of heroism like this one to be relayed to us either through our Facebook page or email Edge Davao at edgedavao_editorial@gmail.com

Honest cabbie returns OFW’s backpack

HONEST CABBIE. Glecerio Gimeno shows his identification card after returning a backpack containing valuables of a balikbayan.

who is at large. Based on the affidavit of Joey, on July 11, a friend brought him to the house of the suspect where they watched television, after which Ludweig told him to take a bath and abused him in the bathroom. Ludweig also did the same thing to Joel and later gave the two

AXICAB driver Gimeno O. Glicerio of Durian Taxi is the latest of Davao City’s list of honest cabbies whose deeds are worth emulating. Edge Davao learned of Glicerio’s act of honesty from reader Sheryll Jane Sanico who posted on this paper’s Facebook page that a son of an employee of the Department of Social Work and Development regional office who just returned from Dubai left his backpack containing valuables of undetermined amount inside Glicerio’s cab on August 28 (Wednesday).

THE BIG NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Traffic light system needs readjustment

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

ejf@edgedavao.net

HE combination of only 63 cty intersections and the large number of vehicles (136,000 as of 2012) has made Abratique & Associates Philippines, Inc (AAPI) decide to adjust the timing of the stopand-go traffic light system of Davao City. The AAPI did the installation of the system at the behest of the city government. Romar Villabrille of AAPI, in yesterday’s Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP), told members of the media that they would make small adjustments in the timing system to compensate for the increase in traffic density. “We are doing a recount of vehicles and collate the data with our traffic synchronization program to create an animated model of the flow of traffic here,” he said, adding, “If we over-adjust traffic light timing in major streets, traffic in

minor streets will be congested, that’s why we will only be making small adjustments after the counting. The Pulong was aired live on cable TV. The traffic signalization program was implemented in 2006 along with a massive information dissemination campaign in coordination with Abratique & Associates Philippines, Inc, and the local government. A red light means STOP until the way is clear. Solid yellow light means SLOW DOWN, a flashing yellow means GO, but with extra caution because there are drivers who are bot disciplined. When facing a flashing yellow light, you can go, but with extra caution, since there are other drivers who are not disciplined. Solid GREEN LIGHT means GO.

COUNCILORS LEAGUE. Davao City councilors who were chosen as officers of the Philippine Councilors League -Davao chapter take their oath before Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte during yesterday’s regular session at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

Council approves Terrorist group busted, P235.12-M SB 2 one killed in shootout By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

UTHORITIES nabbed the leader of a gun-running syndicate allegedly responsible for recent bombings in Cotabato City and Cagayan de Oro. The arrest was made during pursuit operations on Friday that resulted in a shootout along the national highway of Brgy. Madidis, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao province.

Senior Superintendent Albert Ignatius D. Ferro , regional chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group identified the leader as one Rahib Pelandoc Guialudin of the Tamengkog group while Nadzir Palakasi Mongkas was killed. Recovered were high-powered firearms and improvised explo-

FTERRORIST,10

greg@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City council yesterday approved an ordinance granting legislative authority to P235.12-million Supplemental Budget No. 2 submitted for concurrence last August 27 by the executive department. The original proposed supplemental appropriations totaled only P216.26 million, but the accompanying certification on funds

available showed that the city government has P235.12 available to fund more projects, as certified to by the Local Finance Committee (LFC). Thus, during the hearings conducted by the city council committee on ways, means, and finance, the “extra” fund amounting to P18.85 was belatedly allotted as development fund for both infrastructure and

non-infrastructure projects. The bulk amount of P156 million or 66.71 percent of the total available money is from the general fund proper, particularly from reversion of funds previously allotted for personnel services savings, lumpsum appropriations and maintenance and operating expenses. Second biggest source of funds is the

FCOUNCIL,10

Davao Light explains power outage at Davao City Hall

THROUGH A HOLE. A mason does patching job in a construction site in downtown Davao City yesterday. It may not look risky from this view but sans safety equipment and proper construction gear, this is another reflection of the level of regard for safety in the workplace by contractors. Lean Daval Jr.

annual development fund, contributing P74 million or 31.71 percent of the available money, mostly coming from reversion of funds allotted for various infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects which were unimplemented. The city government-owned economic enterprises shares a measly P3.68 million or 1.5 percent of the total available funds, mostly

AVAO Light and Power Co. explains the unscheduled power interruption yesterday, September 2, affecting the Davao City Hall office. Ross Luga, Corporate Communications Officer, said that the power outage started at 11:15 a.m. after the Central 911 has reported an explosion near a transformer along Magallanes Street. Davao Light immediately responded to the emergency call by dispatching a service

crew. Based on the crew’s inspection, the explosion was caused by a burned metal box of a transformer affecting the power metering of the city hall office. This metal box is where the Current Transformer (CT) is housed necessary to reduce the level of the current suitable for measurement through the meter. The restoration process, however, took longer due to preliminary procedures prior to actual repairs. First, the emergency crew

FDAVAO LIGHT,10

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Oil companies announce price hike A

LL four oil companies implemented price hike on their petroleum products on Tuesday. In a separate text advisory sent to Philippine News Agency (PNA), major oil company Petron Corp. increased their prices of gasoline by P1.25 per liter, kerosene by P1.15 per liter and diesel by P1 per liter effective on Tuesday at 6 a.m. Pilipinas Shell also implemented the same price adjustment as that of Petron except in gasoline products which went up by P1.35 per liter. Petron said the price adjustment mainly reflects the movements in the international oil market due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Syria. Meanwhile, independent oil player Phoenix Petroleum and Total Petroleum Philippines jacked up their prices -- gasoline by P1.25 per liter and diesel by P1 per liter also effective 6 a.m. Tuesday. As of this posting, other oil companies have yet

to announce their respective adjustments. According to the Department of Energy (DoE), in Metro Manila the average price of diesel as of August 27 stood at P44.10 per liter while that of gasoline was pegged at P51.75 per liter. Meantime, independent oil firm Total Philippines announced last Monday it will also implement a price hike of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) product. Total, carrier of cooking gas product “TotalGaz,” implemented price hikes of P3.00 per kilo on their respective products effective 6 a.m. Tuesday. The price hike would mean a P33 added in retail price, since a regular household cylinder of LPG weighs 11 kilos. The price increase implemented by Total on Tuesday follows the price increase implemented by major cooking gas distributors Petron Corp. (carrier of “Gasul” and “Fiesta Gas”) also on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. Petron Corp. cooking

PAL AIRLIFTS 15 TONS DONATION. The initial batch of more than a thousand boxes of fresh bananas donated by Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association are loaded at the Davao International Airport on a Magas products “Gasul” and “Fiesta Gas” prices were increased by P2.55 per kilo that took effect at 12:01 a.m.

The price meant a P28.05 added in retail price of a regular household cylinder weighing 11 kilos. Cooking gas prices

nila-bound Philippine Airlines aircraft intended for typhoon Maring victims as part of the PAL Foundation’s Humanitarian Cargo Grant project. are typically adjusted once a month, unlike other petroleum products like gasoline and diesel which are tweaked weekly.

Based on Dept. of Energy figures, the average price of LPG in Metro Manila as of Aug 27 ranges from P630-P757. (PNA)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

EDITORIAL

Pork barrel and bestiality

ALL it coincidence. Why of all things, a sex video had to come out every so often a major scam and controversy happens on the political front, is simply mystifying. It happened in the past. From the Heiden Kho sex video scandal that overshadowed the “Garci” controversy in the GMA administration, to the Chito Miranda sex video scandal that came out at the height of the Pork Barrel Fund scam, and now to the Wally Bayola sex video scandal at the height of the Janet Lim-Napoles issue. Coincidence? Blame it on the innate human voyeurism tendencies, sex video scandals are a convenient escape from the troubles created by controversies involving social issues of national magnitude. Only last August 4, a video of band lead singer Miranda and girlfriend Neri Naig leaked on the internet and became viral. The internet mob feasted on the uploaded video and an avalanche of comments, varied as they were, flooded the social media. If there was anything as effective

EDGEDAVAO

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

and impacting as the video brought, it was the fact that for a while it overshadowed the pork barrel scam. Never mind if some quarters dismissed the act as pure bestiality. People castigated Chito and Neri for having the gall to videotape such a private act. Now this Wally Bayola video with a television noontime show dancer could be worse. Unlike Chito and Neri or Heiden before them, this Wally video could be nothing but a lustful act between two consenting adults. Such act is better off kept in private than being videotaped and carelessly spread in cyberspace, whether of their own making or not. Whatever, people in social media or in coffee shops better dismiss this crap early. We are not a country of voyeurs and perverts. There are more imperative social concerns than ogling at this sex video that is no worse than the pork barrel scam. Like the controversial fund, this sex video caper is no different. Baboy din ito.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

EJ DOMINIC C. FERNANDEZ Reporter

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

KRISTINE D. BORJA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Marketing Specialist Circulation

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Less emphasis on tax hike

ITHER PART OF THE PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION - Looking at long-term demand may mean accepting short-term pain. What to do? The World Bank (WB) still insists that even if the economics aren’t really crushing the Philippines still needs additional assets to beef up its capability to take advantage of new growth opportunities. Still, while the big economic picture has impressed somewhat, the corporate outlook seemed sound, but not really good enough. The WB stressed that the country together with few developing economies in the Asian region has to invest in technology, projects and programs that will boost domestic productivity and to remain at par with the rest of world. Within this framework, the WB is highly confident that higher productivity would in turn help the country service the growing needs for various goods of other well-developed countries. However, that is a lot easier said than done. While it is widely believed that higher productivity spurs increased consumption and likewise requires increased production, and more jobs, labor productivity has drastically declined due to lack of job opportunities. Mindful that the uncertainties raise the possibility of continued post lackluster growth in the US and Europe in the wake of the previous global recession, the WB expects that the Philippines and its neighbors in the Asian region can boost growth by intensifying regional trading activities. Nevertheless, another important step following the post economic meltdown in the US and European economies, the country according

VANTAGE POINTS

to the WB must take advantage of the situation by shifting from being export oriented to boosting income through domestic sources. Such a move by few countries in the region could at least be considered by the Philippines as a growth opportunity, the WB said in its economic report. Some of our neighboring nations are seen to require more imported goods needed to boost their domestic production and the country should take advantage of the situation by selling more intermediate goods to them including the well-developed nations. Although the country’s export industries have slowly redefined competitiveness and economic advantage worldwide, its far-larger domestic sector- agriculture, has languished. One glaring example is the banning of world-class Cavendish bananas produced in the Philippines to China due to strict phyto-quarantine requirements and other stringent barriers to the detriment of our local producers and exporters. Adding more agony to the problem confronting the agriculture sector is the successive typhoons that devastated billion-worth of crops and properties in many parts of Philippines. The situation has spurred a never-ending cycle of depression and low growth.

Now let’s go back to the tax hike suggested by WB. Is increasing taxes through the dictation of the WB a quick solution and advantage of the so-called new growth of opportunities? Can the Philippines still be regarded as a haven for investors with a looming tax hike? From a point of view of an investor looking for safe haven, raising taxes on WB’s terms certainly signals that considerable amount would be set aside for additional taxes, thus their earnings will be greatly affected as well. It will be expected – but not certain – that the taxpaying public notably the business sector will accept the WB tax hike scheme. Sure, the government will be on shakier ground when it realizes the implication of the WB proposed tax increase. It has genuine economic concerns and few in the business sector thinks a new round of tax hike will do much good. If the government wants to attract entrepreneurs to invest in high technology projects as desired by the WB to boost domestic productivity, then the most important thing for government to do to be able to establish that is to have a well-educated workforce and to make sure our strategic trade controls are reliable. Perhaps inevitably at this stage there’s more emphasis on providing the basic needs of the people and less emphasis on tax increases. The Philippines has been going through socio-economic and political crunch and a new tax hike, probably the World Bank’s own “modest way” to help the country, is either part of the solution or part of the problem and on such situation the government prefers the WB’s advice.

Pork: Testament to recklessness

HE revolting revelations of pork abuse should serve to educate our voters on the effects of their vote. May they see the connection between how they vote and how the government behaves after the voting is over. Long years with sermons, Namfrel, PPCRV, and what-have-you have not sold to our voters the message that corruption in government is the result of voting for candidates with questionable conduct, habits, values, or morals. People still don’t get it that a candidate who behaves dishonorably is not likely to perform his duty with honor, loyalty, or integrity. They don’t even see how a traitorous candidate, who defies and threatens the life of his commander-in-chief, can resist a chance to plunder, to betray his oath of office, or to inflict damage on society if it will serve his purpose. Rewarding mutineers During Cory’s presidency, many coups were attempted, resulting to violence and disruption that set back our society’s recovery from the effects of Dictatorship. Lives and expensive government property and equipment were lost. When the attempts failed, Gregorio Honasan and his cohorts weren’t even made to account or reimburse,

WORM’S EYEVIEW MANNY VALDEHUESA

(1st of two parts) much less to pay, for the damage they caused in misusing the command entrusted to them along with the arms, equipment, and other logistics that were meant to secure us and our government. They threatened our state’s security instead of protect it. They committed treason against the republic. And as if that wasn’t so bad, we rewarded him (and Antonio Trillanes later after his own mutiny against Gloria) with Senate seats. We made them senators—and instant multi-millionaires earning P200 million in yearly pork barrel allowances, of which only the devil and their favorite contractors know how much they keep for themselves! Not only that, we gave them the title of “honorable” so they could join the super exclusive ranks of the rich and powerful and famous! If with their social status and financial resources they now have the effrontery to commit plunder with impunity, who’s to blame? In primary school, they used to say: “Spare the rod and spoil the child!” Well, this isn’t prima-

ry school… all we need is enforce the law. In 1998 Pinoys voted for Erap in vast numbers. Here was a candidate with such low morals that he belittled his marriage vows openly and shamelessly. Also well-known as an indulgent cad—with inveterate habits of gambling, drinking, and other vice—people elected him anyway. When he became president, it was no surprise that he proved unfaithful to his Oath of Office and behaved scandalously. Only then did people realize that their votes for him were in vain, especially when it became necessary to impeach and drive him away. Had Gloria not pardoned him, Erap would still be in jail. Ironically, today Gloria is the one in jail while Erap is mayor of Manila. Poetic justice? 12 Senators, 180 Congressmen, 82 NGOs Comes now the pork barrel issue. The Commission on Audit (COA) so far has identified as many as 12 senators and 180 congressmen who may have abused their pork barrel allocations—the so-called Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). This fund sets aside P200 million worth of goods and services every year for every senator and P70 million for every member of the Lower House also.

The gods must be scared

A N E T Lim-Napoles, suspected brains behind the multi-billion-peso pork barrel hocus-pocus, is now detained at Fort Sto. Domingo Special Action Forces Training Center at Sta. Rosa, Laguna. This is the same detention facility where Joseph Estrada, Jinggoy Estrada, Gregorio Honasan and Nur Misuari, were kept while awaiting trial – Joseph and son Jinggoy for plunder, Honasan and Misuari for rebellion. Now, the vital question in the minds of many is: Will Janet sing the “song of the year” --- meaning, tell or confess all about the scam of the year. My guess is that the fat lady will not sing. Or, P-Noy et al will not let her sing. Because if she sings, the lyrics of the song will contain names of “gods” in Congress whose PDAF went to bogus NGOs and ghost projects. The lawmakers are custodians of the PDAF. When the PDAF goes to non-existent beneficiaries, they cannot escape responsibility for such irregularity. They cannot do a Pontius Pilate and walk away with clean hands. This simply implies how incompetent they are in handling public funds. And this is the strongest argument against keeping the PDAF in the hands of solons. Lito Lapid argued that it is the duty of COA to see to it that the PDAF is properly spent. Is he right? Tell me, how can a high school graduate be right in this particular case. Juan Ponce Enrile defended his ignorance about the whereabouts of his PDAF by saying that he left it to his chief of staff to handle his PDAF. Well, Mang Johnny, the most experienced government official today, must have forgotten the principle of command responsibility. ooOoo Comelec is looking into the possibility of Janet Napoles bankrolling the campaign of some politicians in past elections. Well, with her alleged billions, it was not only possible, but probable that she helped some candidates win – both from the opposition and the administration parties. ooOoo Pretty soon PDAF will be an obsolete political Jargon, BEEF will take its place. That is, if Ralph Recto will have his way. The Batangas senator wants of the Senate’s PDAF for 2014 amounting to 2.4 billion pesos, be rechanneled to the DepEd. Recto said that the amount would be better used to improve our educational system – more classrooms, more libraries, more textbooks, computers, reading materials, more teachers, etc. Juan Edgardo Angara, a neophyte senator, has already filed a resolution appropriating half of the Senate’s PDAF for DepEd projects. Recto and Angara deserve our commendation. They surely know how to use their brains. We need more brains like theirs in the Senate. By the way, according to Recto, BEEF stands for basic education enhancement fund. Q: Which is better-tasting – beef steak or porkchop? ooOoo

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Quitain... FFROM 1 employees assigned to my office who stand to be dislocated in the aftermath of my resignation.” Addressing his colleagues, he surmised that there are people inside and outside the session hall whose sensibilities he “hurt or must have hurt” while in the actual performance of his duties as city councilor. “I am truly sorry for that. Believe me when I say that I did not gloat and neither was I happy with or proud of what I did. It is just that I felt obligated to say what I thought needed to be said. In this regard, I ask for your kind understanding,” he said. Quitain originally ask his colleagues to accept his resignation through a nominal

voting but Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte declared a recess. When the session resumed, majority floor leader Tomas Monteverde III moved that the resignation be accepted with unanimity and was seconded by all the councilors present. “The city will gain more from you as city administrator,” Duterte said after approving the motion. One by one, the councilors then took the podium expressing their praises and recognition to Quitain. “You are one of the best discussants in the plenary and in the committees. Your loss in the city council is gain of the entire city,” said councilor Diosdado Mahipus. “The city will be in

good hands under you. I hope you will succeed,” said councilor Bonifacio Militar. Perhaps the most emotional came from councilor Bernard Al-ag: “I am feeling a mixed emotions now. My heart is so heavy. I feel like having a break-up with a girlfriend.” Quitain said he expects the official appointment from Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte probably a couple of days after his resignation takes effect. Based on the pronouncement earlier made by the mayor, Quitain said he expects that his successor will come from the Muslim community who will be formally endorsed by the Hugpon local political party.

lief section. Pasaje is September’s featured artist. Pasaje is an air traffic controller of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) assigned in the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City. She created “Edgy” and

the “Monkey Business” cartoon strip in March 2012 when Edge Davao became a regular daily newspaper circulating in the Davao and Socsargen regions. “We are proud of Arlene. We always believe in her craft which goes

with an impeccable wit, a rare combination for an artist, that is why Arlene is a rare breed,” Edge Davao editor Antonio Ajero said. Aside from “Monkey Business”, Pasaje also does the editorial cartoons of this paper. NJB

tion Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), especially bus franchises, according to Avila. Neglect to train drivers is among the reasons Avila pointed out as the cause of the death of four people whose van was hit head-on by a bus in Bunawan last August 26. “Having a franchise is a privilege, not a right, which means, the owner of the franchise has immense responsibility, especially that their buses carry many

passengers,” Avila said, adding that the privilege can be taken away if the franchisee is at fault. Last week, LTFB 11 suspended the operations of 15 buses from the Bachelor Express Inc. because of the accident. Avila said, Edgar Violan, LTFRB-Davao region spokesperson told him that there will be a hearing today regarding the case which is pending investigation, and the suspension will be for 30 days

while the result of the suspension will depend on the outcome of the investigation. Meanwhile, Avila was proud to announce that the Asian Development Bank has chosen Davao City where to conduct a sustainable urban transport study. “Manila is hopeless, and there are too many vehicles in Cebu, but Davao City still has great potential for a better traffic system, which is why they picked us,” Avila said.

sive devices (IED) from the possession of Guialadin, along with three .50 caliber Barrett (HM) sniper rifles without serial numbers, one M16 rifle, one Ultimax, two .45 caliber pistols , two empty magazines for M16 rifle, two pieces empty alarm clock boxes with markings RW 911 quarts alarm clock and ART alarm clock color orange, one complete set of IED. The IEDs were turned over to the 3rd Company, PA while the rest of the evidence

along with the arrested suspect were brought to the ARMM-CIDU. Based on the report, the team of Ferro and the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of Region 15 conducted a joint operation against the group considered notorious and high value target (HVT)” in Digos City but managed to escape. However, they immediately coordinated with the operatives of ARMM-CIDU, 6th Infantry Division to go after the suspects

who boarded a white multicab going to Maguindanao province which resulted in the shootout. “The successful operation was the result of collaboration of the Intelligence community of the PNP and AFP after a month-long intelligence build up to identify and neutralize the threat group,”Ferro added. The suspect will be facing a criminal case for illegal possession of deadly weapons and explosives.

Edgy... FFROM 1

Budget... FFROM 2

Terrorist... FFROM 3

NO TO USO-USO. Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte promises to run after drivers of “uso-uso” jeepneys who put the lives of their passengers in danger due to recklessness,

during a press briefing yesterday at the Vice Mayor’s Office at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao Light... FFROM 3 has to conduct inspection to evaluate the cause and the damage of the outage. After which, the result of the inspection has to be reported to identify the necessary works. Materials needed to conduct replacement of the damaged CT Box and meter also have to be prepared and once done, a gang with a

heavy equipment will be dispatched to start the repair works. Normally, it takes one whole day to accomplish this kind of work but the city hall power supply was restored at around 5:26 p.m. “Davao Light deeply apologizes to the city mayor, employees as well as

those who transacted at the city hall for the inconvenience that the interruption has caused. The occurrence of this power outage was beyond Davao Light›s control, but, we exerted our best efforts to restore power at the earliest possible time”, said Luga.

coming from personnel services savings. Funds from business tax only comprise P35.72 percent or P84 million as certified by the City Treasurer’s Office. In the minutes of the special session conducted last August 30, councilors aired their concern on the “very small” amount of available funds certified by the city treasurer, “taking into consideration the several businesses that spouted in Davao City as well as other forms of taxes like the real property tax and the city’s share in the utilization of national wealth like the franchise tax.” At one point, Councilor Diosdado Mahipus told assistant treasurer Anastacio Jardin that the P84 million tax collection is “only for a first-class municipality” and not practical for Davao City which is a first-class highly-urbanized city. Since a considerable amount in the source of funds will be taken from personnel services savings, Councilor Jimmy Dureza also suggested that the Human Resource

Management Office (HRMO) should revisit the organizational structure of the local government to determine whether the unfilled positions have to be filled-up, restructured or abolished. “Their feedback is very urgent and important considering that the annual budget will be deliberated in October in which part of it is allotted for salaries and wages of employees holding plantilla positions,” he said. In the approved SB 2, the bulk of P190.92 million or 81.20 percent is allotted for the peace and order and Lingap health care program of the City Mayor’s Office (CMO). The second biggest allocation is the belatedly inserted development fund amount-

ing to P18.85 million or 8.01 percent followed by the P12.41 million, constituting 5.27 percent of the total appropriations, allotted for garbage collection by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro). Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte justified the bulk amount allotted for peace and order, citing the need to strengthen the capability of the police and the intelligence community especially in light of the renewed security threats that the city government continues to deal with. “We have to subsidize the gasoline of the police. We have to give them rice and grocery. Maintaining peace and order is very expensive,” he said.

Council... FFROM 3

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21087747 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 186797-6 issued to CENIZA, MANUEL M. was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 9/4,11,18

11 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

TAGUM CITY

Rellon to pursue ‘sustainable’ sports dev’t program T

AGUM City Mayor Allan L. Rellon is determined to pursue a sustainable sports development program for the city towards the fulfillment of his sports and wellness agenda under the EAGLE WINGS Program. This developed as the local chief executive was surprised and elated by the excellent performance showed by young athletes who garnered numerous medals in the recently concluded Batang Pinoy-Mindanao Qualifying Games hosted by the province of Davao del Norte. Rellon is positive that with the strong support of the local government of Tagum under a comprehensive program that would boost the government’s anchor on sports, Tagumeño athletes can perform better. The key to sports excellence is by start-

ing the training at the grassroots level, the mayor shared, adding that he will soon convene through the City Sports Office a “Sports Summit” in the city to assess the condition of the sports programs and development in recent years. The said summit will gather sports enthusiasts, coaches and athletes and shall come up with plans, policies and roadmap towards a sustainable sports development program. This was announced by Mayor Rellon during the monthly convocation program and ecumenical service where he led Tagumeños in paying homage to the victors in the Batang Pinoy Games. Topping the list of winners is both the girls and boys division of the Volleyball Team who garnered gold medals, making them the Mindanao representative to the

INSPIRED. Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon awards the medals of young Tagumeño athletes, specifically in the dance sports competition, who won in the recently concluded Batang Pinoy-Mindanao Qualifying Games held in

Tagum City recently. Their victory, along with other young athletes, inspired the local chief executive to pursue a sustainable sports program for the city. [Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum]

Batang Pinoy National Games in Zamboanga City in November. The city’s dance sports team also

volleyball and dance sports, arnis, taekwondo while also clinching silver and bronze medals in other sports

bagged numerous medals, mostly gold. Tagum-based athletes also garnered gold medals in beach

disciplines such as boxing, dance sports, arnis and swimming. [Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum]

12 CLASSIFIEDS There’s a better way to get attention.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

EDGEDAVAO

Health and Wellness

EDGEDavao Davao Partners Tel No. (083) 553-2211 / (083) 877-0019 / (083) 878-0308

Realty FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along National Highway, facing east, beside NCCC Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at P800/sq m along the National Highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along Indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/ industrial lot along the National Highway in Bincungan, Tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina Town Center, along the National Highway, Dumoy, Toril. 9) Ready-for-Occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, Obrero, Davao City. 11) FOR ASSUME (RUSH): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. Note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. If interested, please call Jay (PRC REB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

Best for kids ages 1 to 12 years old High in CGF, Taurine, L-Lysine Contains Fortified with DHA Available at all Drugstore near you

Multivitamins for Teens & young adults ages 13 to22 years old Available at all Drugstore near you

Take 2mg Ener-plus Capsule one hour before your intimate encounter • Improve Blood Circulation • Provide Extra Strength & Sexual Stamina • Increase Libido & Sexdrive

Available at all Drugstore near you

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 044509 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 1101011-3 issued to DANIEL ABELARDO VICTOR ANTHONY TAN was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 9/4,11,18

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 â&#x20AC;˘WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 13

EDGEDavao

Serving a seamless society

Sales Representatives (2)

Experienced Sales Agent, Advertisement Canvasser wanted for

COMPASS Advertising Magazine on freelance basis

Excellent daily Allowance plus exceptional Commission

Apply to: Jurgen 0920 661 7492 compassdavao@gmail.com

Wolfgang 0915 659 1700 compass-magazine@gmx.com

- Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field. - Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

U-23 Azkals in UFL pre-season T

HE inaugural preseason tournament of the United Football League will kick off on Saturday at the Emperador Stadium in Mckin-

ley Hill, with 15 squads including the U-23 Philippine Azkals strutting their wares in preparation for the new season in October.

Seven clubs each from the first and second divisions will be joined by a guest squad, the Philippine national Under-23 men’s football team,

which will use the competition as a preparation for its possible stint in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games later this year. They have been divided

CHAMPS. The Ateneo de Davao University squad members receive their trophy in the girls Under-16 division of the Kadayawan Festival Growee Football Tournament over the weekend.

into three groups and will be playing teams within the bracket once. The top two teams from each group after the preliminary stage will advance to the second round where they will be divided again into two groups, with each team playing squads within the bracket once. The two best teams from each group will move on to the knockout semifinals and finals. Group A features League runner-up Global FC, Green Archers United Globe and second division squads Union Internacional Manila, Laos FC and Manila All-Japan FC. Group B includes Division One clubs Loyola Meralco Sparks, Philippine Army and Nomads FC and Division Two teams Dolphins United FC and Cimarron FC. Defending Cup and League titlist Stalion Sta. Lucia headlines Group C, which is also comprised of fellow first division

team Kaya FC, guest squad U-23 Azkals and second division clubs Philippine Navy and Forza FC. Green Archers will open the tournament when it faces Division Two runner-up Union Internacional Manila at 8 a.m., while Global will face Laos FC at 10 a.m. Cimarron FC will play Nomads at 2 p.m., while Loyola will meet Army at 4 p.m. The U-23 Azkals will clash with Forza at 6 p.m. followed by the match between defending Cup and League champion Stallion Sta.Lucia and Philippine Navy at 8 p.m. to cap off the opening day. Each teams will field 30-man rosters for the competition which will be trimmed down to 25 when the UFL Cup begins. All matches will be played at the Emperador Stadium for the preseason tournament, which will run until early October.

OMMY Morrison, the power-punching heavyweight with the charismatic smile and movie-star good looks, died late Sunday in an Omaha, Neb., hospital. He was 44. No official cause of death was released, but Morrison’s wife, Trisha, told MMADirt.com that he died of respiratory and metabolic acidosis and multiple organ failure. She said Morrison had Miller Fisher Syndrome/ Guillain Barre Syndrome. But Morrison was discovered to be HIV positive prior to a scheduled Feb-

ruary 1996 bout with Arthur Weathers in Las Vegas, when he was 27. His mother, Diana, told ESPN. com’s Elizabeth Merrill last month that her son was dying of AIDS. Morrison’s longtime promoter, Tony Holden, confirmed the death to the Tulsa World, but declined to speculate on cause. Morrison, who played Tommy Gunn in the movie “Rocky V,” was 48-3-1 with 42 knockouts. He won the WBO heavyweight title in 1993, when he defeated the legendary George Foreman.

Former boxing champ Tommy Morrison dies T

CUDDLY. Meralco import Coco Wang (L) and libero Jen Reyes in a “poignant” moment (Photo: Arnold Z. Cruz)

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

Local fashion goes global at the Alaska Fashion Week Photos by Paul Borromeo

ALASKA Fashion Week may not have rung a bell to some of us, but it is definitely a cause for celebration for our local fashion industry. This year’s International Edition of Alaska Fashion Week welcomed designers from Latin America, Europe, USA and Asia. Opening the weeklong event is none other than our own Filipino designers who proudly represented the Asia. With our locale being an exciting tropical travel destination, the group took inspiration from festival, resort, and cruise themes to embody the style that is truly Asia. Camille Liwanag of the “My Binondo Girl” fame tweaked her aesthetics with festival costumes translated into “Fun in the Philippines” cross-over wear for the night’s starter. Coming all the way from Davao City, Japan Design winner Junnie Artajo celebrates Asian-bound motif for his strictly resort wear spread including batikdyed pieces. Junnie, who’s better known for his use of indigenous and eco-friendly materials, adds a playful twist to his aesthetics with dynamic and geometric patterns, folding, and draping. Joining Junnie from Davao is Paris Concours finalist Emi Englis. For this collection, he expanded his T-shirt collection to offer a diverse range of luxe lounge wear perfect for evening affairs. Hand-woven scarves also added dimension to his collection. His daring line of haute couture focused on somber palettes and sensual touches, with their design and cut deviating from the usual moldto-the-body approach… It’s seductive without even trying.

Junnie Artajo The Alaska Fashion Week was held at the Dena’ina Civic Center from June 27-30, 2013. There were 4 nights of over the top wardrobe creations from prestigious International Designers with skillfully wrought set design and performances featuring different themes each

FLOCAL, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Tattoo and iPad Mini: The perfect equation E=MC2 is perhaps the most famous equation of all time. When it comes to technology and internet connectivity, Tattoo and the iPad Mini are two constants that make for a perfect equation. As the most reliable mobile broadband in the country, only Tattoo elevates one’s internet experience further, enhancing the use and functionality of the latest gadgets, tablets, and devices. With a Tattoo plan for the iPad Mini raised to the power of LTE for speeds of up to 42 Mbps, it paves the way for bufferfree video streaming, photo uploads, seamless browsing and webpage viewing, optimizing a product’s full range of capabilities. Coupled with a device construction so modest in size, so slender, and so light, the iPad Mini is such a flawless technological marvel of functionality and convenience, it’s no surprise everybody wants one. Imagine it then complimented with a fiercely fast Tattoo LTE connection, it makes for an unmatched online experience. And then there’s Tattoo and its superb offer that nobody can resist. Tattoo puts the perfection of the iPad Mini into your hands at the lowest price, but with the highest value you’ll ever avail of. The Tattoo LTE iPad Mini Plan 999 provides you with more than just internet connectivity without the need for Wi-Fi. It takes full advantage of the iPad Mini’s features and capabilities with unlimited LTE, giving you blazing-fast internet access and letting you see more, share more and do more. Definitely, that’s not rocket science for the common netizen to figure out. With such incredible connection speeds, you can watch all the YouTube videos you want on its dazzling 7.9-inch multitouch display, share all the photos you snapped using its powerful 5.0-megapixel iSight camera, upload full HD videos, keep your friends closer with FaceTime, and download thousands of applications from the App Store. If that isn’t enough, you also have the power to share your high-speed wireless connection with your other Wi-Fi enabled gadgets through the iPad Mini’s Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. Under the Tattoo LTE iPad Mini Plan 999, the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant is all yours at an unbeatable price of P13,990 for the 16GB model, P18,790 for the 32GB model, and only P23,590 for 64GB, spread out over a 24-month contract period. All these, with the addition of a free Tattoo Lifestyle Card which entitles you to exclusive privileges and discounts worth P130,000 from over 230 partner establishments and merchants nationwide, plus a Zalora voucher worth P1,000 for your shopping indulgence, make for an offer with unequalled value—it doesn’t even take a math whiz to figure that out. Get your own fix of the perfect equation under Tattoo’s LTE iPad Mini Plan 999. Visit www.tattoo.globe.com.ph or any Globe Store nearest you to get your Tattoo LTE iPad Mini plan now.

IT’S THE SM ACCESSORIES NATIONWIDE RED SALE on Sep 1-8 at The SM Store, with up to 50% off on great selections! Plus, SMAC members get extra 10% off! Visit The SM Accessories now to get the biggest bargains to welcome the season!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

MOVIE REVIEW

Web of deceit

Erik Matti’s On The Job by Jay Rosas WHEN the screen cuts to black and the credits start to roll in Erik Matti’s On The Job, the sense of bewilderment that enveloped the audience was pretty much palpable. There are murmurs here and there, an air of disbelief even if it was just blown out of whispers from the exiting crowd. Some stayed a little while, perhaps hoping to catch a clincher of an ending, or a hint at a possible sequel. Because surely, it couldn’t have ended that way. But alas, part of the trickery of the film (and its publicity) was to lure the audience into believing that since Gerald Anderson and Piolo Pascual are topbilling it, it could have easily slid into familiar Star Cinema tropes. Bad guys get caught, our heroes triumph. But we were mistaken. We were stunned. What makes OTJ work is because it knows the game it’s playing and at the same time, it knows how to play with its cards, knows how to hide it up its sleeves and knows when to reveal the aces and blow it up instantaneously, so much so that we barely know it was coming. From the opening sequence to the final brief coda, it holds your attention. Just like Gerald’s eager and childlike “ba-ba-ba-bam!”, it’s momentum is propulsive. The tension does not let up, slowly building like a ticking time-bomb. The trailers make it seem like it’s your standard issue action flick but as the story unfolds and the web of deception and corruption involving police and politicians unravels into an elaborate set piece, it becomes something more – something the Filipino audience have not seen in a long while in a mainstream film. In OTJ, the Manila streets transform into something different than the familiar

location of public declarations of love in Star Cinema rom-coms; it becomes what it truly is – one gigantic chess board of pawns and kings, of rookies and hustlers, where lives are a collateral damage that is easily dispensed when its necessity flickers out. Among these players are veteran Tatang (Joel Torre) and his protégé Daniel (Anderson). In the festive spirit of the feast of San Juan, they assassinate a Chinese named Tiu. (If the San Juan killing was his first, the milieu of splashing water can become Daniel’s baptism of fire.) Both spend their remaining day getting in touch with their families: Gerald checking up on his mother by calling at a distance, Tatang re-establishing intimacy with his wife (Angel Aquino) and fatherly bond with his daughter (Empress Schuck). After their free time is up, they go back to their real environment – the prison cells. Tatang and Daniel are hired killers, handled by a middleman Thelma (in this case a woman played with a cold, blank menace by Vivian Velez) of one General Pacheco (Leo Martinez) who turns out to be running for senator in the coming elections. The tandem’s kill list apparently includes those that might potentially sabotage the general’s bid. The general’s cohort is Congressman Manrique (Michael de Mesa) who helps Pacheco clean up his slate by way of his son-in-law Atty. Francis Coronel (Piolo Pascual) rising up the ranks in the government’s National Investigation Bureau (NBI) and who is married to the Congressman’ daugh-

ter (Shaina Magdayao). But by the time Francis realizes he is being screwed, playing the good cop already becomes too late. Pascual and Anderson, novices in both of their chosen profession, looks and feels like it. Francis is cool and upright but he is clearly no match to veteran but low-ranking SPO1 Joaquin Acosta (Joey Marquez in a memorable performance). We get Acosta’s bursts of anger and indignation (a troubled family life and a police force that forgets to do the job right) so when he retorts to natural humor, we know he has been on the job and knows what it is and what it requires of him. Anderson, with his amboy looks recalls Tahar Rahim in Jacques Audiard’s Cannes-winning A Prophet, both armed with good looks and an irrepressible presence inside the prison. Yes, Anderson’s angst and braggadocio lacks nuance and complexity unlike Rahim’s, but justifiably so. What works for him is his naivete. The fact that his fate, like Francis’ is already etched in a world ruled by crooks and the morally-calloused. They are accessories to an old game dominated by old dogs, a game that has little room for patience and mistakes. The real standout among the cast is Joel Torre. That stance and the resoluteness in his face in Tiu’s assassination reminds us of his breakout role as Miguel in Oro Plata Mata and his scenes with Anderson reminds us of the countless father figures he has played in TV and movies. These facets of a killer and a father

embodied by his character echoes the same moral ambiguity in the film. The way Torre balances the compassion and cruelty shows how much he pays attention to the complexity of his character. The final embrace with Daniel, the way he refuses to look at his daughter after killing his wife’s lover and his face blurred by the rain and car wipers are iconic representations of his thespic abilities that make his Tatang a force inside the film. Having singled out Torre’s performance, the real star of OTJ is director Matti. He plays his cards expertly and blends the technical elements into a coherent whole, taking in references of the actioncrime-thriller that are inspired of and respects the genre. The production design and cinematography provides layers and textures that gives depth to the story (the tracking shots inside the prison contrast to the interiors of the politicians’ offices), while the editing is effective in building up the tension and suspense (the hospital shootout sequence is a thing to behold), and in presenting the inside conspiracy that does not cheat its audience or offers an easy way out. Even the musical score and sound track (Dong Abay’s Maskara is a perfect closer) is not to be missed. OTJ is evidence that we can still give the Filipino movie-going public familiar stories but told in fresher perspectives and different lenses. Now if only film production and distribution outfits have the same courage and guts as this film. Rating: 4.3/5

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Minute To Win It dares Filipino families in newest edition ABS-CBN’s top-rating morning game show “Minute to Win It” brings out the competitive spirit in Filipino families with its family edition of the “Head to Head Challenge” beginning September 2. The newest edition even gets bigger with two families composed of four members each being pitted against each other in the 60-second circle. The families race in a series of five challenges, each with a corresponding cash prize worth P5,000, P10,000, P15,000, P25,000, and P50,000 that they can bring home if they finish it first. The family that amasses the largest sum of money gets the chance to play in the ultimate jackpot round composed of only a single challenge. The four members of the winning family simultaneously carry out the said chal-

lenge, requiring greater determination and skill from each of them. If only one of them completes the task, the family brings home P100,000; if two, P250,000; if three, P500,000; and if all four of them accomplishes it, P1 million. Battling it out in the pilot episode of “Minute to Win It Family Challenge” are Tirso Cruz III with children Bodie, Djanin, and nephew Christopher against Rez Cortez

with wife Candy, and kids Cai and Xavier. Also watch out for upcoming episodes featuring the games of four-member teams composed of friends, work colleagues, band mates, and other kinds of groups in the much bigger and more intense Head to Head Challenge of “Minute to Win It.” Watch “Minute to Win It Head to Head Challenge, from Mondays to Fridays at 11AM on ABS-CBN.

Thalia wants to go back to the Philippines to see ‘Tunying’ MEXICAN superstar Thalia said that she wish to go back in the Philippines and see Anthony Taberna, the broadcast journalist she admires. “I remember the love and I remember all of the beautiful smiles of the Filipinos. Everything was incredibly amazing. I want to go back, and if possible, I want to sit by your side,”Thalia quipped to Tunying during an interview for “Tapatan ni Tunying” via Skype airing this Thursday (August 29). She previously expressed her desire to guest in any of Tunying’s shows since watching him on ABS-CBN’s “Punto por Punto” last year. Tunying was flattered as he is also a fan of the international superstar. “At the age of 42, she still looks like 24,” Tunying said. Thalia became a household name in the Philippines beginning 1996 for starring in various hit Mexican telenovelas such as

THE CONJURING 2D / *THE FROZEN GROUND 2D R 13 / *R 16

Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson / * Nicolas Cage, John Cusack 12:40 | 3:00 LFS / *5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

OTJ 2D Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson R 16

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

MORTAL INSTRUMENTS CITY OF BONES 2D Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower

“Maria Mercedes,” “Marimar,” “Maria la del Barrio,” and “Rosalinda.” The new “Maria Mercedes” Jessy Mendiola, meanwhile, was fascinated when given a chance to speak to her predecessor. “She influenced us with good vibes through her jolliness. That’s why the people still love her. She’s humble too. I’m glad to finally meet someone like Thalia,” Jessy said. Thalia, on the other hand,

wished Jessy good luck in reprising her iconic role. “Thank you to Jessy. All the luck in the world. You’re going to make an amazing job. All the production and all the cast, good luck in Maria Mercedes,” Thalia said. During their short but meaningful conversation, Jessy saw some similarities between them. “We are strong women but vulnerable when it comes to our families,” Jessy shared. Thalia also talked about her third book, an autobiography titled “Growing Stronger,” where she also talks about her love for her Filipino fans. Don’t miss Anthony Taberna’s sought-after interviews with Thalia and the new “Maria Mercedes,” Jessy Mendiola, in “Tapatan ni Tunying” this Thursday (August 29), 4:15 PM on ABSCBN’s Kapamilya Gold.

PG 13

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

R-16 PEE MAK 2D Mario Maurer PG 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! STYLE

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Local... FFROM A1 night. Their goal is to promote these designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; creations to Alaskan clientele in high profile settings. The people behind Alaska Fashion Week have a long history in the fashion scene in Anchorage. This strong force included boutique owners, salon owners, hospitality, promotion companies and more. They believe Alaska has great fashion elements and potential. The objective of this foundation is to provide an amazing opportunity for all fashion enthusiasts to display their talents and take it to the next level --- and eventually, for the greatly unique ones, to go global.

Emi Englis.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

SPORTS 15

DAY 8 ACTION. Simona Halep (left) succumbed to defeat to Roberta Vinci, Daniela Hantuchova (right) won over Alison Riske, and Roger Federer lost to Tommy Robredo in Day 8 of the US Open.

THE BEATING BEGINS Federer falls in Round 4, Nadal wins

EDERER on Monday suffered a stunning upset at the hands of Spanish 19th seed Tommy Robredo, whose 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4 shocker was his first victory in 11 matches against the 17-time Grand Slam champion and fivetime US Open winner. Federer’s failure, which came on the heels of a shock second-round Wimbledon exit, thwarted a potential quarter-final match with 12-time Grand Slam winner Nadal in what would have been their first meeting on the New York hardcourts. “If I’m playing like this, I’m not going to beat Rafa,” Federer said. This was the first year since 2002 that Federer has not made a Grand Slam final. Instead, it will be Robredo in his first US Open quarter-final against second-seeded countryman Nadal, who dispatched Germany’s 22nd-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-7

(4/7), 6-4, 6-3, 6-1. “It was very tough conditions, very humid. I sweat too much,” Nadal said. “But the opponent was great. Lucky to be through I think. I fought a lot to get through this match.” Nadal leads the ATP with nine titles this season and a 56-3 record since ending a seven-month injury layoff last February, his sore knees having kept him out of last year’s US Open. Nadal has won all six career meetings with Robredo, but Federer was 10-0 against Robredo before being sent home. Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer reached his eighth consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, beating Serbian 18th seed Janko Tipsarevic 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3). Ferrer will face French eighth seed Richard Gasquet, who outlasted 10th seed Milos Raonic 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/4), 2-6,

Army, CV Rising Suns lead Shakey’s V-League

HE Philippine Army Lady Troopers and the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns continued their torrid pace to remain as the only unscathed squads as they picked up straightsets victories against the Philippine Navy and Meralco, respectively, in the ongoing preliminary round of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference here. Army def. Navy—2514, 25-12, 25-13 The “Bionic Ilongga” Jovelyn Gonzaga joined forces with province-mate Nerissa Bautista to lead the Lady Troopers to their second consecutive triumph in as many games against a hapless Lady Sailors contingent still strug-

gling for form. Gonzaga and Bautista—both from Iloilo and both international beach volleyball campaigners—scored eleven points apiece as Army bucked the loss of starting middle-hitter Jacqueline Alarca due to a debilitating knee injury. Alarca, a former UAAP MVP while playing for De La Salle University, will be missing extended time due to the said injury according to Lady Troopers assistant coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes. “Jac’s knee is practically at the point where it’s almost bone on bone,” Reyes explained, in the vernacular. “She’ll have it checked this week, but she will have to sit out for some time.”

7-6 (11/9), 7-5 after four hours and 40 minutes and despite the Canadian’s 39 aces, the third-most ever in a US Open match. A rain delay of more than four hours pushed his match from Arthur Ashe Stadium to Louis Armstrong Stadium, his first match there since 2006. He had not lost there since suffering his first US Open loss back in 2000. Federer had made eight career comebacks to win after dropping the first two sets but he failed on five break points in the fourth game of the third set and there was a sense a comeback chance had been squandered. Robredo, 31, broke at love in the seventh game for a 4-3 edge and they held to set up the final game, fans chanting, “Let’s Go Roger” in vain hopes of willing the wilting onceking to a rally for the ages, only to watch as Robredo held again to win in two hours and 24 minutes.

THAI IMPORT. Cagayan Valley’s Kannika Thipachot (9) with one of her 24 points against Meralco (Photo: Arnold Z. Cruz)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

LOOKER. Italy’s Camila Giorgi, who upset Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, got the boot from countrywoman Flavia Penetta yesterday in the US Open (More story on page 14).

TRMH Duterte Agilas win anew A

FTER a confidence-boosting win over crowd favorite MP Pacman Warriors on opening day, Davao’s The Royal Mandaya Hotel-Duterte Agilas notched their second win at the expense of Zamboanga CityTeam Villar 80-72 in the Tuna Festival 1st Pacman Cup in General Santos City on Monday night. It’s becoming a habit for the TRMH Duterte Agilas to go out breathing fire from the get go and like their first game, the two-time Davao champs went for the jugular early scoring the first 10 points of the ballgame before Villar answered four straight points courtesy of former TRMH forward Chester Tolomia. Mark Magsumbol

quickly restored order in the TRMH side as he uncorked back to back triples to bring the margin up to 14 , 18-4, before settling for a 24-14 first quarter lead when the Zamboanguenos closed out with a 10-6 rally of their own. Towering slotman Mark Andaya, seeing action after missing the first outing, keyed a second quarter surge that saw the TRMH Duterte Agilas climb back to a 14-point spread 35-21 midway into the second canto. Three straight baskets by Tolomia shoved the Zambo five back into the fight going into the lemontime break, 37-29. In the third, the TRMH squad of team owner Glen Escandor and team manager Bong Go stepped on

the gas as they took a commanding 17-point cushion, 53-37. Then again, just when everyone was headed to the exit doors, the Villar Boys awakened all of a sudden and threw practically everything including but the kitchen sink, uncorking a numbing 23-7 run to catch up with the shocked TRMH side, 60all, after the end of three quarters. The Villar Boys took the lead early in the fourth period, 64-60. Both squads traded baskets after baskets from that point until a crucial timeout by TRMH coach Miggy Solitaria with 5 minutes left changed the complexion of the game. With the Villar Boys holding on to a 70-66

lead but looking spent after engaging the Davao champs to a fierce shooting contest, the TRMH Duterte Agilas once more went to their dreaded “Death Squad” of Ramsey Williams, Ian Sangalang, Devon Sullivan, Mark Magsumbol and JR Gerilla to deliver the death blow—a 14-2 finishing kick to settle the scoresheet. “I am proud of the boys, I am still in Manila and I hope to catch up and see them play for the title,” said Escandor via text message after learning of the team’s second straight win in as many outings in the four-team league that also includes Omega Pain Killer Pro of Cebu and the MP Pacman Warriors of Gen Santos City. NJB

CLOSE WIN. Elben Pang of Team Ground Image gets a close win in the Quick 8 Final Stages in the Phoenix Petroleum Hot August Races last Sunday at the Speed City. Another Team GI driver, Carlo Jacinto, won the Quick 8 title. Lean Daval Jr.