P 15.00 • 20 PAGES
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
www.edgedavao.net
Serving a seamless society
SECURITY LAPSES. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte says he will not hesitate to padlock Davao City malls with ineffectual and inefficient security setups as Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief Ronald dela Rosa listens during yesterday’s command conference at the Grand Men Seng Hotel after two Davao City malls’ cinemas were bombed on Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.
LOUSY SECURITY
Rody threatens malls, security firms with closure, permit revocation AT A GLANCE: • Police still clueless as to twin bombings suspects and motive • MNLF: We have nothing to do with blasts • Mayor clears Misuari-led MNLF • Bomb threat at Ecoland Terminal a hoax
By Emilord P. Castromayor and EJ Dominic Fernandez
D
AVAO CITY Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte yesterday said he will not hesitate to order the closure of mall establishments in the city if they do not impose strict security measures. The mayor’s warning came in the aftermath of two successive bombings on Monday night in two cinemas inside SM City Davao in Quimpo Boule-
vard and Gaisano Mall in J.P. Laurel Avenue. “They should provide adequate security or else I will close them and revoke their permit to operate,” a fuming Duterte told media in a press conference at the Grand Men Seng Hotel shortly after cutting short an official business trip to South Korea.
FLOUSY,10
CRIME SCENE. A lady guard fixes the police line outside cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall of Davao yesterday where police operatives are conducting thorough investigation after Monday night’s bomb explosion. Lean Daval Jr.
INSIDE:
2 P50 for JOs, P500 for dads 3 15 teams in Davao 16 Champions League Rody clears MNLF
2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
TWIN BOMBINGS
Rody clears MNLF D
AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has cleared the participation of the members of the Misuari-led Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction on the twin explosions Monday night inside cinemas in two malls here. Duterte personally called Nur Misuari Tuesday morning through mobile phone and was assured that his men were not involved in bombing attacks. “I am convinced of his assurance. The MNLF has nothing to do with the incidents. And I believe that
there is a third force which is behind this,” he said. Earlier, MNLF-Davao City chair Rolando Olamit has denied his group was behind the bombings, saying they could not do it because they fully supported the peace and order program of Duterte. Olamit, who went to the bomb site at Gaisano Mall at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, said a third party was out to make the situation to be shaky. Duterte said as of this posting time, investigators have still no leads on the identities of the suspects
and their motives. “We are still waiting for the post-blast investigation. The EIDs used should still be determined,” he said. He ordered all law enforcement agencies during a command conference to augment security measures, especially on the frisking of baggages and body check in all public places. “This is my order to them and I am asking you to cooperate. If you have complaints on our policemen, don’t sue them, instead sue me,” he said. [PNA]
...Says bombers want to make a statement By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ
T
ejf@edgedavao.net
WO movies shown in the cinema houses that were bombed Monday night were about hate, rebellion, deceit, and revelations, while Mayor Rodrigo Duterte speculated that the bombers may have wanted to make a statement. Duterte in a press conference at the Grand Men Seng Hotel Tuesday morning , “it appears the bombers wanted to say something, it could be a political statement, a statement of rebellion or a statement of hate.” According to Davao City Police Office director Ronald dela Rosa, the bombs exploded in the SM City, Ecoland,Cinema 1 at 9:05 p.m, then in Gaisano Mall Cinema 5 at 9:30 p.m. occurred during the last full showing of the two movies.
The movie at SM Ecoland “Elysium,” while the one in Gaisano Mall was titled “Intersections”. In the Internet Movie Database the Best IMDb, a popular and authoritative source for movie, TV, and celebrity content online, Elysium is a story set in the year 2154---where the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population reside on a ruined Earth---a man takes on a mission through rebellion that could bring equality to the polarized worlds. Intersections, on the other hand, is a movie set around a wife and husband on vacation in Morocco with the wife plotting to murder her husband with help from her lover. The plan goes terribly wrong when her lover and husband get into a terrible car
accident on a remote desert road. They escape the multi-car pileup at a desert intersection and encounter the group of survivors, including a wanted smuggler, an undercover cop, a kidnapper, a baby and an unconscious Australian. They embark on a journey of deceit and revelation that culminates in a Tangiers souk (marketplace). Duterte said that two or three days ago, the military and police, through collated intelligence reports, were warned and informed that something like this was likely to happen. He said, the military and police warned SM City, particularly an American coffee shop, Starbucks. The intelligence report showed that the likely targets are anything that represents American industry.
this city. The report said that Malayo and his companions were freed in exchange for the safe surrender of the Basilan-based rebels who seized them. The report quoting Councilor Percival Ramos said Malayo’s group and the rebels boarded on a government-owned bus en route to Camp Batalla along R.T. Lim Boulevard. Malayo and his two companions were seized by the rebels
while the police official was trying to convince a group of rebels to peacefully surrender. Meanwhile, Armed Forces Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said there were already a total of 123 hostages who were rescued, recovered and released as the troops continue to pounce the rebels. “This is the result of the gradual constriction on the movement of the rebels,” Zagala said. [PNA]
MNLF rebs free Zambo cop chief, companions
T
he Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels have released Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Sr. Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo and his two companions whom they seized earlier Tuesday in Zamboanga City. Initial report disclosed that Malayo and his two companions were freed shortly after 6 p.m., several hours after they were seized at Sitio Bagtus, Barangay Mampang, 9 kms east of
TALK WITH MISUARI. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte takes some time off during yesterday’s command conference at the Grand Men Seng Hotel to talk to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari through cell-
phone. Duterte cut short his Korea trip after two Davao City malls’ cinemas were bombed on Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.
Councilors concur with Quitain’s appointment By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO
A
greg@edgedavao.net
S expected, members of the Davao City Council yesterday approved in unanimity the appointment of their former colleague, lawyer J. Melcor V. Quitain, as the new city administrator. Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chair of the committee on government appointments who sponsored the resolution for Quitain’s confirmation, said the city administrator “possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications.” Even before his confirmation, she said Quitain already showed his competence in carrying out the order of Duterte to get rid of corruption the entire bureaucracy. “I firmly believe in his capacity to make Davao City a corruption-free local government unit,” she said. Quitain, who resigned as city councilor last September 9, said he believes on the quality of leadership, competency
and sincerity of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte as the main reason he accepted the post offered to him by the mayor even before the last elections. “It is our vision to continue make Davao City as a city for the least, last and lost,” he said. “With all these issue of corruption in the national government, sometimes I say to myself maybe it is not the law but men. I believe that the goodness of men in government will be the salvation of the country,” Quitain said. Quitain’s former colleagues took turn in commending and appreciating his “brilliance, legal expertise and guidance” in the legislative process and other discussions in the City Council. “He was always there in providing legal guidance on some critical issues, which, if not properly taken cared of, might bring us into administrative and criminal action. Every time issues were raised, everybody
QUITAIN are looking at him for his guidance and his voice will surely reverberate in this hall while everybody intently listen,” said councilor Danilo Dayanghirang. “After seeing the headline in the news about the instruction of the mayor to rid all the local bureaucracies with corruption, the signal is clear, everybody in government is enjoined to help and assists the leadership if the city maintain its course and be proud of having a corrupt free-city,” he added.
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
THE BIG NEWS
3
Pulong condemns bombings By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ
D APPEAL. Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte asks Dabawenyos to be cooperative and to strictly follow the city’s security policies to prevent another bomb explosion during this week’s edition of Pulong Pulong ni Pulong at the Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
To hasten processing of payroll
ejf@edgedavao.net
AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte condemned the bombings in the cinemas of SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall Monday night. In his Facebook account, the mayor yesterday posted, “together with the people of Davao, I condemn in the strongest terms the barbaric acts (inside) the two malls of our city.” He said, “as of the moment, the law enforcement agencies are conducting a thorough investigation on the incidents.” He also called for the support of the people to give any information that would lead to
the early resolution of the incidents and the apprehension of the perpetrators. The vice mayor’s post elicited a heap of reaction from followers of his social media site. Jae Santiago Engweiler said that she still sees that SM City has “not whatsoever tightened security” and that there should be an ultimatum for the security problems of the malls to be fixed. Jeane Silvano Suringa Pajota expressed her disappointment with the way security guards check people getting in and out of malls. She said, security guards only do their
P50 for JOs, P500 for dads 2 siblings meted life for murder F
FPULONG,10
By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO greg@edgedavao.net
IRST the unremitted collections, then the attempted bribery and now even the petty processing of payroll is also becoming a source of corruption. City Councilor Diosdado Mahipus yesterday revealed the prevailing practice in the local government, particularly in the city council, to charge P50 for every job order and P500 for the city councilor to hasten the release of their salaries. In a privilege speech, Mahipus said the practice was relayed to him not by his staff but by the staff of other councilors. “While we councilors pay P500 for our salary to be released but it’s so petty for the job orders earn so little and yet being charged to pay P50 just for the fast release of their salary,” he
said. Mahipus originally passed a resolution asking the city council on ethics and good governance to conduct and investigation on the case of eight City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) employees allegedly involved in over P8 million unremitted cash collections and another resolution that will put to stop the manual collection of taxes which, he said, gives the chance of bribery to the personnel of CTO. But his motion was deferred upon the intercession of councilor Bonifacio Militar who cited the ongoing investigation of the City Legal Office (CLO) on the case of CTO employees. “Before the committee on ethics, we wait first for the outcome of city legal investigation. We will instead pass a resolution asking
MNLF Misuari faction now constricted in 2 barangays
M
ANILA-- Government security forces have constricted members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in only two barangays in Zamboanga City. Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II on Tuesday announced that members of the MNLF faction of Misuari, who earlier infiltrated six barangays in Zamboanga City, are now holed up in a 500-meter area in barangays Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina.
”Now, they are just in Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina...just maybe a diameter of 500 meters in an area...straddling the two barangays. So, talagang constricted na sila,” said Roxas in a broadcast interview. Aside from Barangays Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina, members of the MNLF also infiltrated Barangays Talon-Talon, Riohondo, Mariki and Mampang since Sept. 9. Roxas said that since the launching of “calibrated response”
FMNLF,10
the city legal to furnish their findings to the city council,” Militar explained. City administrator J. Melchor V. Quitain, who attended the city council regulalr session for his confirmation, said he expects the CLO to submit to him the investigation report within a week. He however questioned the prevailing practice of charging a fee for the fast release of payroll. “Whether the payment is to facilitate (the fast release of salary), why you should pay to anybody who is expected to perform his duty,” he said. Quitain also revealed that the two job order employees that the city government recently terminated from service were involved in “attempted bribery.” He however refused to elaborate the circumstanc-
es around the case including the identities and the offices where the employees formerly worked with. “The termination of their contract of service is enough punishment. We should spare their families including their children from further humiliation,” Quitain said. Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang considered the revelation made by Mahipus as “just allegations.” “I don’t know where councilor Mahipus got that information but what we can do is to report it to the mayor. Pero naa gyud problema diha, on the competence sa nag process sa payroll. But we will never tolerate this practice. In an organization of over 7,000 there are bad eggs but not the entire organization,” he said.
By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR
T
HE Regional Trial Court Branch 11 last June 13 convicted two siblings to life imprisonment for stabbing to death a man in December, 2007. Judge Virginia Europa ordered Romeo Padal Jr. and Reynan Padal to suffer the “supreme penalty of reclusion perpetua” for the murder of Ragnel Laguardia. Europa also ordered the siblings to pay P85,000 as civil
indemnity and other damages to the family of the victim. Eric Bugayong and Alan Cardero, friends of the victim, testified that it was Romeo who stabbed the victim while Reynan fired at them with an improvised gun (sumpak). “Conspiracy exists if, at the time of the commission of the offense , the accused had the same purpose and were united in its execution.” Europa said in her decision.
INVESTIGATION. Police personnel stand guard outside cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall of Davao yesterday where scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) are conducting thorough investigation after Monday night’s bomb explosions. Lean Daval Jr.
4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE
LGU celebrates tourism month T
HE Compostela Valley Province gives full support as the world celebrates the Tourism Month in September. Opened with a program on September 16, 2013 at the Capitol Lobby, Senior Tourism Operations Officer III Christine T. Dompor presented their office’s accomplishments, programs, and projects, and delivered a Tourism and Water Address, giving emphasis on how one can contribute in the productivity and sustainability of water. With the coming World Tourism Day 2013 on September 27 anchored on the theme “Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future, the province has set various activities such as State of the Water Address Contest for high school and college students, Tourism Stakeholders Assembly, Launching of Tatak ComVal Brand in partnership with the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI),
and Launching of Water Potability Sampling with the Department of Science & Technology (DOST). Other support activities are the conduct of DTI-ComVal’s Stonecraft Training, ODTOAs Festival Management Workshop, Customer Service & Personality Development Training for Beach Resorts, White Clay Display Center Opening, Food Handling, Barbeque Seasoning and Business Management Training for BBQ Stall Owners, and the Pablo Arts and Crafts Exhibit of the typhoon victim-survivors who were trained stonecraft artisans. As reported, the upcoming World Tourism Day is in support to the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation, highlighting the importance and the role of tourism in water resource or access. [Grace Almedilla, IDS-COMVAL]
PABLO CRAFTS ON DISPLAY. Part of the activities in the Tourism Week celebration themed “Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future” in Compostela Valley is the Pablo Stonecrafts Exhibit at the capitol. The cele-
bration is in line with the coming World Tourism Day 2013 set on September 27. [P. Rendon/IDS Comval]
CARAGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL
GENERAL SANTOS CITY
GenSan installs 1,000 LED streetlights Caraga fishers get T
HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated around P54 million for the installation of energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) streetlights in major roads within General Santos City. Engr. Pio Lumongsod, DPWH district engineer here, said they are targeting to install around 1,000 LED streetlights starting late October in three thoroughfares leading to the city’s commercial and industrial areas. He said the project will cover the western section of the city circumferential road in Barangay Sinawal, Makar road and Pioneer Avenue. The western section
SOUTH COTABATO
of the circumferential road covers an alternate route leading to the city international airport and the industrial areas in Barangays Fatima, Tambler and Calumpang. The Makar road is part of the main highway that leads to the city’s Makar port or the subport of Dadiangas and nearby industrial sites while the Pioneer Avenue is located at the heart of the area’s main commercial district. Lumongsod said they will install the LED lights in unlit portions and replace the sodium lamps presently installed in some portions of the three roads. “These are 90 to 100 watts of LED lights and are equivalent to around
250 watts of sodium lamps. They are mainly brighter and more energy-efficient,” he said in an interview over TV Patrol Socsksargen. The official said the DPWH Region 12 recently approved the plans and programs of the project and they’re now preparing for the publication of its bid notice. He said they are arranging to start this week the publication of the bid notice that would last for about a month based on government regulations. Lumongsod said they expect to complete the bidding process and award or “bid-out” the project by (late) October. Meantime, to complement the DPWH project, city engineer Francisco
Provido said the local government will start the replacement in the coming weeks of the city’s sodium lamp streetlights to LED lights. He said the city government earlier allocated around P1 million for the purchase and installation of the initial batch of LED streetlights. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera had created a technical working group to lead a study and the identification of the areas where the LED lights would be installed. Based on the local government’s earlier assessment, the use of LED lights will effectively reduce the city’s energy consumption by around one megawatt. [MindaNews]
ergy (DoE) of the service contracts for the proposed hydropower plant projects, which would be built in two major waterfalls in Lake Sebu. “We’re now processing the requirements for the service contracts and we’re hoping to get them before the end of the year,” he told MindaNews. Tudio said the proposed hydropower projects comprise a 5-MW plant at the Lanon water-
falls, which is the third of Lake Sebu’s famed seven waterfalls, and another 10 to 20-MW plant in a waterfalls in Barangay Lamfugon. Based on their initial assessment, he said the required investments for the project’s full development would reach around P145 million per MW or a total of P3.625 billion. Last year, Socoteco I tied up with renewable energy firm Euro Hydro
Power (Asia) Holdings Inc. for the development of the Lanon plant but the project has yet to proceed due their failure to acquire its service contract. Tudio said they found out that the DoE has already awarded the service contract for the Lanon project to Renouvel Development Corporation, which is reportedly owned by former National Power Corp. executives. [MindaNews]
Power coop seeks contract for 25-MW hydro plants
D
ISTRIBUTION utility South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative (Socoteco I) is pushing for the development of two hydropower plant projects with a combined maximum capacity of 25 megawatts (MW) in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato. Santiago Tudio, Socoteco I general manager, said they are currently working for the issuance by the Department of En-
livelihood support
F
ISHERFOLKS’ associations recently received new fishing boats in Caraga, Davao Oriental one of the coastal towns hit by typhoon Pablo last December. Financed by the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under its Quick Response Fund for Fisherfolk Victims of Typhoon Pablo and in partnership with the provincial government, a total of 239 fishermen benefited on the seventy units motorized banca and 210 non-motorized ones that were provided. While these new boats will replace the ones slashed by strong winds and capsized by the huge waves, pounding through the east coast during the supertyphoon, these boats mainly intend to help fisherfolks restore their means of livelihood. Hoping to help fisherfolks get back on their feet and further boost their income, BFAR announced that it has included Davao Oriental under the National Payao Project, which is set to commence next year in support to the banca provision project. BFAR said that they will deploy steel type payao which are commonly used in large-
scale, commercial fishing. Aside from serving as boundary markers to keep off foreign fishermen from fishing in Philippine waters, the payao project initiative aims at backing the province’s tuna industry, which would take advantage on the province’s strategic location of being located along the Tuna Highway. Considering the province’s vast resources in fishery and marine and having the longest coastline in the region of 513.2 kms, the provincial government poises this sector as another emerging industry with vast potential of spurring economic growth to these coastal towns that would highly benefit rural fisherfolks. The provincial government under the leadership of chief executive Corazon N. Malanyaon has also facilitated proposals for cold storage facilities and other projects to boost the fishing industry in the province, especially in the coastal towns. Governor Malanyaon also committed to pour more attention on projects that would benefit fisherfolks, considering that they are among the population groups with relatively high incidence of poverty. [Karen Lou Deloso/PIO DavOr]
5 THE ECONOMY
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
Davao Light bridges local coop for micro-livelihood financing A
CEREMONIAL CHECK. Davao Light’s EVP and Chief Operating Officer Art M. Milan turns over a ceremonial check for P600 thousand to Ms. Margarita Pulleda, chairperson of the Davao Ecoland Small Entrepreneurs Multi-purpose Cooperative (DESEMULCO). The loan, the third to be availed of by the
said cooperative, will be used to help members in getting start-up capital or expand the operating fund of their small livelihood projects inside the local bus terminal at Ecoland in Matina.
local cooperative of small vendors has been recipient for the third time of a micro-financing loan from Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. through its social development arm, the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. Beneficiary of a P600 thousand soft loan is the Davao Ecoland Small Entrepreneurs Multi-purpose Cooperative or DESEMULCO. It is a cooperative of small vendors whose members sell various “pasalubong” items, food, soft drinks and other beverages, fruits, bottled mineral water, pastries, and others at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal at Ecoland, Matina, Davao City. The loan that the cooperative has availed of, was released yesterday, September 17, 2013. The P600 thousand loan brings the total soft financial support from Aboitiz
Foundation and Davao Light to P1.2 million in a period of 3 years. The first loan was granted in 2011 while the second one was given in 2012. Both loans have a term of one year and were fully paid by the cooperative in accordance with the agreed term. Vic N. Sumalinog, Manager for Corporate Community Relations of Davao Light, said that while the micro-financing loan extension is undertaken by the Cebu-based Aboitiz Foundation it is tapping the electric utility as its arm in reaching out to the Davao-based coops. The micro-financing loans are given to small cooperatives that are in need of additional resources to support projects of its members. The other Davao coop that has availed of the loan facility in 2011 was Mandug Development Cooperative or MADECO.
ANILA, Sept. 17 (PNA) –- Philippine stocks defied a regional downtrend and extended their rally for a second day ahead of the outcome of the United States Federal Reserve policy meeting when it was expected to reduce its monetary stimulus. The benchmark Philippine stock exchange index (PSEi) increased 41.43 points or 0.66 percent to 6,344.14 on Tuesday from previous day’s 6,302.71 finish. ”The newly reconstituted PSEi debuted on a high note,” said Jun Calaycay, an analyst at Accord Capital Equities Corp. The PSE implemented starting Monday a
new composition of the 30-member benchmark index. Included in the new index were LT Group Inc. of tycoon Lucio Tan and GT Capital Holdings Inc. of George Ty. They replaced Manila Electric Company and Belle Corp. Calaycay added that the next few days would test the strength of this rally as well as make an attempt to close the gap close to the 6,500 mark. The market’s ascent was led mainly by property and industrial stocks that edged up 1.61 percent and 1.42 percent. The sub-indices of mining and oil and holding firms were in the negative territory. (PNA)
PHL stocks extend gains M
BOI, PEZA approved investments in 8 months increase by 26%
Available @
T
HE combined Board of Investmets (BOI) and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) approved investments from January to August 2013 went up by 26 percent P398.30 billion from to last year’s P317.34 billion. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo told reporters during the Philippine Economic Briefing Tuesday that from January to August 2013, BOI recorded a total approved investments of P287.48 billion while PEZA reached a total of P110.82 billion.
On the same period last year, BOI posted a total of P230.2 billion while PEZA had approved investment of P87.14 billion. Domingo said 56 percent of the approved investments came from electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply industry; followed by real estate activities, 22 percent; accommodation and food service activities, 9 percent; manufacturing, 7 percent; and administrative support service activities, 2 percent. Investments coming from these sectors generated a total of 70,936 jobs. [PNA]
6
THE ECONOMY
Stat Watch 1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)
7.1 1st Qtr 2013
2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)
7.8 1st Qtr 2013
3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities
USD 3,741 million Feb 2013 USD 4,708 million Feb 2013 USD -967 million Feb 2013 USD -640 million Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 million Feb 2013
8. Interest Rates 4/
2.4 % Mar 2013 P113,609 million Mar 2013 P 5,281 billion Mar 2013
9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/
P 41.14 Apr 2013
12. Stocks Composite Index 6/
6,847.5 Mar 2013
13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100
132.8 Apr 2013
14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100
2.6 Apr 2013
15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100
3.1 Apr 2013
16. Visitor Arrivals
418,108 Feb 2013
17. Underemployment Rate 7/
20.9% Jan 2013
18. Unemployment Rate 7/
7.1% Jan 2013
MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-April 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January
2013
2012
2011
40.67 40.73
42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 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
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
EDGEDAVAO
Special deposit account drops to record low T
HE level of central bank’s special deposit account dropped to its record-low of P1.63 trillion in end-August 2013 as banks continue to pull out funds from investment management accounts. “It’s still a process of winding down of the SDA,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said. Deposits in the SDA facility peaked at P1.98 trillion last April but went down after monetary officials banned foreign funds from parking in the facility to remove speculative flows. IMA funds are money from retail investors pooled through a bank’s trust department. The central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) has decided that by end-July this year, IMA deposits should be reduced by 30 percent based on the end-March 2013 level and fully withdrawn by end-November this year. The SDA facility was established in November 1998 as part of the central bank’s policy toolkit. It has a fixed-term of one-
week, two-weeks and onemonth and a rate pegged against the central bank’s overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase facility, which is now at 3.5 percent. The BSP allowed the trust entities to park funds in the facility starting in 2007 for the central bank to further manage liquidity in the system following the surge of dollar inflows in the domestic economy. However, the MB have put in place several adjustments in the SDA rules this year alone since this is being used as among the central bank’s policy tool kits. Aside from defining who can tap the facility, the Board also reduced the interest rate of the SDA to record-low of two percent. Monetary officials believe that although the IMA withdrawal would result to higher growth of domestic liquidity or M3 in the domestic economy this will only be temporary. Based on the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, 6th edition (BPM6), the latest
reporting standards worldwide, BSP said M3 growth as of last July grew at a faster rate of 30.1 percent to P6 trillion from 20 percent rise in the previous month.
Monetary officials believe that although banks will withdraw the IMA funds, these will go back to the SDA facility as funds deposited to banks’ time deposit products. [PNA]
consumer can only return the defective item provided that such was due to manufacturing limita-
tions and not by personal misuse. “Hindi pwedeng isasauli mo ang nabili mong produkto dahil
nasira mo ito o dahil gusto mo lang palitan at nagbago ang isip mo,” she said. [DTI 11]
BY THE NUMBERS The Bureau Revenue (BIRo)f Internal collected
P118.11 billio n
taxes in Aug narrowly missiust, ng its goal of
P118.48 billio n. SOURCE: BIR
‘No return no exchange’policy a violation--DTI T
HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 11 reminds establishments that adoption of No Return, No Exchange (NRNE) policy is a violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines. It has been noted that a few complaints have been received by DTI-Davao regarding some stores which are implementing NRNE policy. DTI-Davao chief of the Regional Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division (CWTRD) Rachel S. Remitio said such policy of some establishments is a violation of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines. Remitio further elaborated that adopting the NRNE policy by establishments might send a misconception among consumers that defective products can’t be returned. “Our country’s Consumer Act provides for the protection of consumers from the products and services that are being availed of. Thus, if they are not happy with the products or services that they paid for, they always have the right for redress,” she said. However, Remitio said, the
CUSTOMERS’ SATISFACTION. A lady commissioned by motorcycle firms for a research on customers’ satisfaction conducts random interviews from motorists in front of Sangguniang Panlungsod along San Pedro Street yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
as of May 2013 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 Cebu Pacific Thu
5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 5J965 / 5J968
5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55
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 Manila-Davao-Manila
6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:25
Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05
Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu
14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30
Cebu-Davao-Cebu
16:45
SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT 7
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
P378-billion lost due to natural disasters S
ENATOR Loren Legarda yesterday warned that unless the Philippines takes concerted effort against climate change, such would continue to threaten the Philippine economy, and the lives of millions of Filipinos. “According to the International Disaster Database (IDD) maintained by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), the Philippines lost US $ 8.809 billion, roughly Php378 billion in damages due to natural disasters from 1900 to 2013,” Legarda said. She also noted that Typhoon Pablo accounted for almost 19% of this number after it recorded economic damages worth US $ 1.6 billion, or about Php68 billion.
“The tragedy of Pablo happened because of the absence of an effective disaster risk strategy. For example, had the barangay captain of Barangay Andap received and understood the geo-hazard map, he would have never relocated his constituents in the barangay hall. He might have never built it in the first place,” Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committees on Climate Change and Environment, said. “It is about time that the we push for the full implementation of our environmental laws, build climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable long-term programs through an effective communication campaign,” she added. Legarda, who authored landmark envi-
TOP TEN NATURAL DISASTERS IN THE PHILIPPINES Based on Economic Damages, 1988- 2013 (in US$ Thousands) Disaster Storm Flood Storm Storm Earthquake (seismic activity) Storm Storm Storm Storm Storm
Date 4 December 2012 4 September 1995 29 September 2009 12 November 1990 16 July 1990 21 September 2011 21 June 2008 18 October 2010 3 November 1995 21 October 1988
Source: Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters ronmental laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the Philippine Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Disaster Risk Reduc-
tion and Management Act of 2010, called for constant vigilance as heavy rains continuously plague the country with threats of poverty,
the samples as well as tracing their migration patterns. They looked at the genetic diversity in their samples - the less diverse the lower the population They found that the species nearly went extinct 120,000 years ago when the world warmed up for a while. Numbers are thought to have dropped from several million to tens of thousands but numbers recovered as the planet entered another ice age. The researchers also found that the decline that led to their eventual extinction began 20,000 years ago when the Ice Age was at its height, rather than 14,000 years ago when the world began to warm again as previously thought.
They speculate that it was so cold that the grass on which they fed became scarce. The decline was spurred on as the Ice Age ended, possibly because the grassland on which the creatures thrived was replaced by forests in the south and tundra in the north. The reason they died out has been a matter of considerable scientific debate. Some have argued that humans hunted them to extinction while others have said that changes in the climate was the main factor. A criticism of the climate extinction argument is that the world warmed well before the creatures became extinct and so that could not have been the cause. [BBC]
‘Climate change’killed off mammoths R
ESEARCHERS have found evidence to suggest that climate change, rather than humans, was the main factor that drove the woolly mammoth to extinction. A DNA analysis shows that the number of creatures began to decrease much earlier than previously thought as the world’s climate changed. It also shows that there was a distinct population of mammoth in Europe that died out around 30,000 years ago. The results have published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The view many researchers had about woolly mammoths is that they were a hardy, abundant species that thrived during their time on the
planet. But according to the scientist who led the research, Dr Love Dalen of the Swedish Museum of Natural History, the study shifts that view. “The picture that seems to be emerging is that they were a fairly dynamic species that went through local extinctions, expansions and migrations. It is quite exciting that so much was going on,” he told BBC News. Dr Dalen worked with researchers in London to analyse DNA samples from 300 specimens from woolly mammoths collected by themselves and other groups in earlier studies The scientists were able to work out how many mammoths existed at any given time from
The traditional view of the woolly mammoth as a hardy, abundant species will have to change.
Economic Damages 1,692,961 700,300 585,379 388,500 369,600 344,173 284,694 275,745 244,000 240,500
environmental degradation, and economic paralysis. “The fact that five of the most devastating disasters in the
Philippines for the last century have occurred in the last five years can only mean one thing: the necessity to act now,” she noted.
Water level monitoring stations installed in Davao City villages
S
EVERAL stations that will monitor water levels during heavy downpour are now installed in various barangays of Davao City. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XI science research specialist Eric Colmenares shared the information to the participants of SM’s forum Tuesday on “Green Retail Agenda: Adapting Business for Climate Change.” He said the WLMS (water level monitoring system) are installed in Tamugan, Suwawon, Calinan, Mintal, Wangan and Matina Pangi. He said these are the areas where bodies of water traverses even as he said that the stations are under the care of the barangay and any movement of water level will be reported to concerned authorities. Colmenares said the installation of WLMS is part of the government’s preparedness program where the device measures and determine the flood waters in real time. It is equipped with solar panel and makes use of an ultrasonic sensor to measure the rate of change of water level using the
principle similar to radar and sonar. Aside from the WLMS he said the automated rain gauges (ARG) are installed in two sites here at Baguio District and in Barangay Dakudao. The ARG is a monitoring station equipped with different sensors capable of measuring the wind speed and direction, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, and rain amount, duration and intensity. Colmanenares encouraged the participants to be aware of relevant information that will help them in their day to day activities. He also said that the software application of Project NOAH can now be uploaded in the mobile phones as this will provide the public weather forecast in a specific area at a particular time. Meanwhile, Pepito Capili, admin officer of the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said their advocacy campaign in the different barangays here continue as they encouraged the public to learn and be ready when disaster strikes. He said 40 percent of the people in Davao City live in coastal areas. [PNA]
8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
EDITORIAL
T
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
Getting somewhere
HREE senators and 35 other people have been charged with plunder in connection with the P10-billion racket involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), also known as “pork barrel.” The formal charges filed formally by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima with the Office of the Ombudsman last Monday constitute only the first batch of 38 acccused, which includes Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind, five former members of the House of Representatives, several chiefs of staff or representatives of the senators and other lawmakers and heads of five national agencies used as conduits of PDAF money. De Lima said the second batch of charges to include the same and additional personalities who are involved in the squandering of the P900-million Malampaya funds.The filing is expected next week. And the week after next, considering that the Commission on Audit has also made a longer list of law-
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makers who may have mishandled their pork barrel funds in its audit of the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 of the PDAF. Many right-thinking Filipinos are happy that the fight against graft and corruption started by President Aquino seems to be getting somewhere. Yes, even if in the process, some of his political party-mates will be affected. They’re all hoping that the PNoy administration will be consistent in its much-ballyhooed “matuwid na daan” (straight path) governance. Indeed, no leader of the country today is more credible to lead in the fight against corruption than President Aquino. As to the first batch of people charged with plunder (crime if the stolen public money is P50 million or more), we commiserate, especially with their family members who share the anxiety and horror that come with being accused of high crime, even if clearly they have nothing to do with the cases at all.
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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
M
Should we brace for more attacks?
EANT TO SCARE, NOT TO KILL – What the real motives are behind the bomb explosions that rocked Cinema 1 of SM City Mall along Quimpo Boulevard and Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall in J.P.Laurel Avenue continued to baffle the authorities. The two explosions happened several minutes apart past nine o’clock Monday night. How the bombers were able to gain entry with their improvised explosive devices inside the two mall cinemas despite a much-vaunted tight security procedures befuddled the authorities even more. But some security experts say the case can be best described as sloppy security measures on the part of the mall guards. The security agencies therefore have a lot of explaining to do. Initial police investigation revealed that although it contained high-quality explosives the bombs have no shrapnels at all. Police officials theorized that the mobile-phone bombs have no destructive power. For some reason, the bombs were not intended to kill moviegoers and shoppers, but were only meant to scare and sow terror – instill fear in the hearts and minds of the people. The clarification of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leadership in the city clears the confusion initially created by the twin attacks. An MNLF official says their group had nothing to do with the devious act and belied conjectures that it was a spillover from the Zamboanga siege. Still, as we were writing this column piece, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombs. Police and intelligence operatives were continuing to work on all fronts trying to connect the dots. We were referring to the possibility that either a well-organized
terror group or perhaps a local clone, or maybe just a motley group of disgruntled people may have been behind the cowardly attacks. So far, authorities have found no evidence that the assaults bore plenty of a terrorist group’s trademarks: well-organized, synchronized, well-coordinated and precision timing. The bad news is that commercial establishments are easy targets for perpetrators. Although these places are easy to secure, the many doors and volumes of shoppers and customers make them excessively hard to control, thereby making them vulnerable target for attacks. Police and intelligence agents know one thing about terror attacks: as government harden security around military facilities, diplomatic posts, key businesses and transportation nodes; perpetrators will look for targets that are not so well protected. They have switched to striking the so-called “soft-targets” where the risks are much lower. Some security experts likewise noted that one of the things that figures into the perpetrators’ calculation are the chances of success. So they are taking aimed at accessible public places and commercial areas. But the experts worry too that the current taste for soft targets although not as deadly might be intended to divert attention while the perpetrators prepare a spectacular attack. The downside for the culprits is that soft targets tally only
fewer casualties or none at all, but the cumulative impact of the string of smaller strikes can be just as telling, making it appears that the perpetrators can hit anyone, anywhere and anytime. It’s good enough the two bomb explosions slightly injured only at least five moviegoers with no casualties. The perpetrators left the improvised explosive device (IED) under the seats with rudimentary timers and simply walked away. Experts say it’s a load of rubbish to call it a sophisticated attack. After the assaults authorities could hear people saying it is virtually impossible to make public places secure. That’s wrong! That’s possible and it doesn’t mean the government shouldn’t try. Government should show why it must because if the perpetrators seeking revenge for their grievances are actually responsible, urban centers like Davao City might be on the same hit list. City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the police and peace and security officials wasted no time and immediately called for an emergency meeting. They should not take the incident lightly and with their concerted efforts map out plans to sharply step up security procedures to avoid getting caught with their pants down. To sum up briefly, an expert says the perpetrators were in the city “for a reason.” The theory now is: they’ve been continuing work here and elsewhere to replicate the successful strikes in other areas. But despite growing fears, doubts remain that there are more than a handful of fanatical militants in the city and region willing to sacrifice and die for their cause. However, in order to be safe and sure, many raised this query: should we brace for more strikes?
Lessons from traditional politics, bad politicians
L
ESSON No. 2: No statute, no regime of checks and balances, nor any moral consideration, nor political promises, can curb graft and corruption unless the people are truly enfranchised and the politicians are made truly accountable. If the popular will is to prevail, we the citizenry must learn to assert our sovereignty and exercise our dynamic role right where we are—in our neighborhood in the barangay or community. And we ourselves must learn to resist the machinations of vested interests. Already, the trapos have succeeded in delimiting our exercise of sovereignty to one solitary act: casting a vote on Election Day. Voting per se does not provide the dynamism required by a democratic order; citizen participation/involvement does. The people must participate in defining the public agenda and the government’s priorities. There is no substitute for their right to sanction or approve of-
WORM’S EYEVIEW MANNY VALDEHUESA
(Conclusion) ficial acts and decisions. What makes for a vibrant democracy is active participation and involvement of the citizens. Citizens must have a hands-on experience of democratic processes. Short of these, as events prove time and again, leaders become presumptuous. They take liberties with the public trust; they cannot resist the temptation to help themselves. The urge to privatize public goods and services overcomes any latent desire or ideal to ennoble public service. Such is the temptation to plunder. Lesson No. 3: The force of people power is needed in one’s community even more so than at Edsa. Although it is less dramatic at the local level, it is the
effective way to induce reforms even if applied in small doses only. What professionals in the field of communication term as the “feedback loop”—in which back-and-forth messages, responses, expectations, and reactions interact constantly—is essential to assure good governance. This loop assures understanding, coordination, and cooperation between government and constituency—correcting misperceptions, rectifying miscues, reconciling differences, evolving consensual agreements, resolving issues. This is the process that keeps governance oriented properly and in the proper spirit. It is what keeps the Social Contract between public servants and citizenry ever fresh and every strong. [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Manny Valdehuesa writes from Cagayan de Oro and is the president and national convenor of Gising Barangay Movement Inc. He can be reached at valdehuesa@gmail.com.]
VANTAGE POINTS
9
Returning to my birthplace, a war zone
J
OV E L L A R street in the city of Zamboanga where I was born, lies next to Sta Catalina district which links up with Talon-Talon and Rio Hondo coastal village just behind the historic Fort Pilar. These places were bloody “war zones” last week and still echo with the pak-pakpak-pak! of armalites and the ka-pom! of M-203 grenade rifles and boom! of mortars coming from the breakaway forces of Nur Misuari’s Moro National Liberation Front and government soldiers. While writing this, it was the seventh day and the remaining MNLF forces were being surrounded and pushed to the sea, their areas of control getting smaller and running out of food and bullets. The images I saw on GMA News channel daily, hour-by-hour, were distressing and sometimes shocking, as mediamen and Red Cross volunteers scamper for safety after a mortar round exploded nearby, wounding two RC volunteers. I saw two hostages running towards the soldiers, escaping from the MNLF snipers and forced to lie on the hot concrete road after suspecting them of being rebels, but eventually led away after seeing one of them bleeding from a sharpnel wound on the back. The place where it happened no longer looks familiar to me, but the mention of the Lustre street reminded me of the time when I would walk all the way to Zamboanga Central Elementary School as a Grade One pupil. There were no jeepneys during that time, except calesas led by smelly horses that shit all over the city. This school is near Baliwasan where the 40,000 evacuees are housed in the new gymnasium and athletic grounds today, away from the stray bullets that fly daily from snipers at Sta Catalina and Rio Hondo village. At the height of the fierce fighting at Sta Catalina, you could see the huge column of black swirling smoke at the background of the TV newsman reporting the news at Tetuan district, across the ricefield that ends at the stretch of Jovellar street near the government hospital. If I were still living in my birthplace here, I would be counted as one of the thousands of evacuees running for our lives to the safer grounds at Baliwasan. Back in the 80’s when I was still shooting news pictures for the French news photo agency Sipa Press, I’m very sure I would get a frantic call from my French editor Jocelyn Manfredi to rush to Zamboanga City to cover the news for various magazines in Europe , Great Britain and US. And since all flights are cancelled to and from Zamboanga, I have to find a way to get there by hook or by crook and that would probably be by midnight bus to Cagayan de Oro and get a bus there that brings us to Pagadian or Dipolog and from there, a van or another bus to the war zone in Zamboanga, which could take about eight to ten hours of travel. (Thank goodness, I’ve retired from all this kind of adventure as a photojournalist--- disposing all my Nikons away and sticking to my laptop to get out news stories and features to business and industry publications.) For a long time, I’ve played with the idea of visiting my birthplace in Zamboanga to see how Jovellar street looks like today. I wanted to see what buildings occupy the exact spot where our big nipa house stood, overlooking the rice fields of Tetuan. I even thought of tracing my childhood, planning a leisure walk along the streets of Sta Catalina, Talon-talon, Sta Barbara and Rio Hondo and visit the museum inside Fort Pilar. But alas, all these places are now part of the “war zone” in the city of Zamboanga, the place of my birth. (Comments? Email > tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com )
10 NEWS
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
EDGEDAVAO
Escudero wants Senate probe on PDAF scandal to continue M
CONDEMNED. Alen Jamal S. Munib (left), Ulama leader and Madrasa executive program director, says that Muslims in Davao City strongly condemn Monday night’s bombings in a press briefing of Muslim Religious Group
MNLF..FFROM 3
and United Muslim Council for Peace and Development at Ecoland Mosque yesterday. With him is Lt. Colonel Roberto Rivas, deputy commander of the TF Davao. Lean Daval Jr.
by government security forces last Friday, the movement of the MNLF members have been limited. ”Sa ngayon, nagkakaroon na ng clearing, house to house, building by building, room by room na kung saan talagang sinisiguro natin ung kaligtasan ng mga hostages at sinisguro din natin na hindi makakalaya, hindi basta basta mawawala na lang itong mga salaring mananakop na ito,” said Roxas.
Meantime, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday announced that Senior Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo, Zamboanga City police commander, was making arrangements with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces for the release of civilian hostages when abducted at gunpoint and held hostage by the rebel group. Field reports from Police Regional Office 9 indicate that Malayo
rushed to the mangrove area in Barangay Mampang around 11:00 a.m. to secure the safety of civilian hostages being held by the group of Habier Malik. “Malayo was communicating with the MNLF Misuari Group when he was restrained and held hostage just within the vicinity of operating elements,” reports added. Pursuit operations are under way to rescue Malayo. (PNA)
Duterte also berated security agencies for the security lapses in the said malls. The two bombings occurred while the entire city was placed under heightened alert since the skirmishes between the military and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in Zamboanga City began last week. No one was reported injured in the SM City Davao explosion which happened at around 9:03 pm but an unestimated damage to property inside the moviehouse was reported. Over at Gaisano Mall, five persons reportedly suffered minor injuries in the blast that occurred at around 9:25 p.m. The two blasts happened within a gap of 22 minutes. Police investigators remained clueless as of yesterday as to the identity and motive of those behind the twin bombings although Mayor Duterte had cleared MNLF chairman Nur Misuari of any responsibility (see separate story on page 2). If there was any hunch to the investigation, Davao City police director
Ronald dela Rosa thought the modus operandi of the bombers in using an improvised explosive device (ied) seemed familiar but the police was later cautioned by Mayor Duterte not to rush the investigation to ensure they get the right perpetrators before pointing fingers. “We are not in a state of certainty now, our scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) are still doing their job,and there is no official report yet,” Duterte said. The mayor also said he had directed law enforcers to step up security measures, especially security agencies employed in shopping malls. “All security agencies are subject to review on their protocols to determine if they are well equipped and capable of doing their duties,” he said. FIRST BLAST At 9:05 p.m. Monday the first blast exploded in Cinema 1 of SM City Davao but no one was injured. Dela Rosa and members of the bomb squad rushed to the area and ordered moviegoers and the usual curiosity
seekers to immediately vacate the area as a precautionary measure. According to investigation report, the explosive device was left on seat J5 in the first row of the empty orchestra section. Fortunately, the remaining ten moviegoers of the movie’s last screening were seated at the balcony section and were unhurt. SECOND BLAST Several minutes after the first blast, another explosion rocked Cinema 5 of the Gaisano Mall of Davao in J. P. Laurel Avenue where another suspected IED exploded under a seat on the 9th row. Five moviegoers were rushed to a hospital complaining of pain and deafness. They were released shortly attending physicians pronounced them out of danger. In a separate press conference, Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte said he would introduce four resolutions in the city council to boost security measures in the city. The said resolutions include requesting for strict implementation of curfew hours wherein mi-
Lousy.. FFROM 1
ANILA– Despite the filing of plunder charges against some senators, congressmen and individuals in the P10-billion pork barrel scam, Sen. Francis Escudero said the Senate should continue with its investigation on the misused priority development assistance fund. ”We did the same in the case of AFP Gen. Carlos Garcia. His case was already before the Sandiganbayan and it was already in the plea bargaining stage. We went on with the senate investigation,” Escudero said. Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on finance said Senate, in sustaining its own investigation, affords the public the venue to be informed with the facts of the case
through testimonies under oath. “The senate remains to be the only venue where the citizens can very much acquaint themselves with the goings-on of this case from the witnesses and key players themselves,” Escudero said. ”This has become equally important to the people because they now become more vigilant to demand to know where and how the government utilize the taxes they pay,” he added. The senator from Bicol said there are still many facts to be had surrounding the siphoning of lawmakers funds to bogus organizations. “The uncovering of the Napoles-NGO operandi does not close the issue, but of course this is where we take off. Rather,
it opened a whole wide door about other NGOs, 82 as reported in the Commission on Audit report. There are only 8 Napoles-related NGOs; we’d like to find out how the remaining 74 operates. It follows the same operation and pattern as the Napoles group and the amount involved is more staggering than what is being looked at now,” Escudero said. Escudero, the principal author who asked the Senate to probe the scandal had asked the committee to call for Janet Lim Napoles, tagged as the mastermind of the scam. Other whistleblowers and key personalities already mentioned in Luy’s narration should also be called before the senate, he said. (PNA)
jobs properly after bombs go off, then will just go back to the normal after a few days. Fe Maños also commented on the vice mayor’s post putting the blame on security guards assigned at the time of the bombings, and find out how the
bombs found their way into the movie houses. Fredrick Formacil Banoza recalled the Davao airport bombing and that history is repeating itself, but he challenged terrorists in face the Duterte administration. Reno Caneda
Balungay said that the bombing was a political strategy, a strategy he claims that has been used ever since the Marcos regime, where a low intensity conflict is amplified to cover up another big story, such as the pork barrel scam.
nors will not be allowed to roam the city after 10:00p.m.; intensifying security measures by the Philippine National Police and Task Force Davao; requesting the PNP to review the protocols of all security agencies; and requesting the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help the police in investigating the two incidents. “If naa silay information na makatabang mas mayo aron mapadali ang imbestigasyon,” the younger Duterte said. Chief Inspector Alfredo Baluran, head of the operations and plans branch of the Davao City Police Office (OBB-DCPO), said 75% of police personnel are on alert conducting double checkpoints on entry points to the city, deploy foot patrols, and conduct inspections in public areas. “Ang police visibility ay mas pinarami natin ngayon sa mga public places,” he said. NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BLASTS In a television report, the Moro National Liberation Front’s Davao chair-
man Rolando Abdul Aziz Olamit, who rushed to Gaisano Mall of Davao on Monday night, said that the incident has nothing to do with the Zamboanga City crisis involving MNLF members and government troops. “Definitely, this has nothing to do with (us). The MNLF in Davao City is supporting peace and order,” he said.
said that he encourages all Muslim communities to support Mayor Duterte to attain peace in the city. He also said that Muslims should be vigilant in their areas and immediately report to the police if any suspicious persons are seen in their area. They have a tie-up with members of Task Force Davao to help them in monitoring the peace and security in the city. ANOTHER BOMB THREAT The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal yesterday received a bomb threat that turned out to be a false alarm around 12:00 noon, police said. PO1Dennis Paulino, radio operator of Talomo police station, said that the Emergency Response Center Central 911 called for their assistance over an alleged bomb in the vicinity of the DCOT but there was no bomb. K-9 and Explosive Ordnance Units were immediately deployed in the terminal to detect any suspicious cargo. However, he observed that there were fewer passengers than usual.
Pulong..FFROM 3
As this developed, Aleem Muhammad Pasigan, Region-XI mufti, the head of all Muslim religious leaders in the region, cautioned the media yesterday against branding Muslims in reporting stories regarding the incidents. “Kung may Makita diyan, titiyakin mo muna kung ano sila, wag sabihin agad na Muslim kasi kami mapayapang tao. (If they see something, they should ascertain first who these persons are, don’t brand them quickly as Moslems, because we are peaceful people.),”he said. Alim Jamal Manib, executive director of Madrasah Comprehensive and Promotion Program
11 NATION
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
MANILA
Napoles wants bail for serious illegal detention charges T
HE legal counsel of Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind in the P10-billion pork barrel fund scam, has filed a motion for bail at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 regarding the latter’s serious illegal detention charges filed against her by whistle-blower Benhur Luy. Also named respondent in the case is Napoles’ brother Reynald Lim. Through the Kapunan Garcia and Castillo law Offices, Napoles, in her 27-page motion, said the evidence presented “does not establish that the evidence of guilt against her is strong.” She also claimed the private complainants’ “incredible tale is merely based on their self-serving testimonies and nothing else.” Contrary to the charges lodged against her and her brother, Napoles said Luy decid-
ed to voluntarily stay in “Bahay ni San Jose”, a property of the respondent, for three months. Napoles also alleged that the “fabricated and speculative claims of private complainants and the National Bureau of Investigation surrounding Luy’s self-imposed retreat strongly negate the charge of serious illegal detention. Napoles’ camp also pointed out that the charge was “subsequently used to extort money.” The defense said the Luy family and their counsel Atty. Baligod used this “sham kidnapping complaint to extort money from Janet.” Based on a narration of Napoles, Baligod asked her to pay P300 million, plus requirements needed for Investors’ Visas for Canada for the entire Luy family, costs of travel expenses to Canada and pocket money , amounting to USD1.5 million. [PNA]
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
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an ExtraJudicial Settlement of the Estate With Sale and Assumption of Mortgage and Special Power of Attorney was executed by the heirs of the late Lani M. Teh,leaving a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-213129, containing an area of 300 sq.meters more or less. Acknowledged before Notary Public Atty Beethoven L. Orcullo; per Doc. No.195 ; Page No.48;Book No. VIII; Series of 2013. 9/18,25,8/02
INVESTMENT FORUM. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. (left) and Ayala Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala exchange ideas before the panel
discussion of government and private sector open forum on foreign direct investment Tuesday (September 17) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. [PNA photo by Ben Briones]
FOI bill to be included in priority bills T
HE controversial Freedom of Information (FOI) bill may soon become a law after Malacañang “vowed to include the measure in the priority bills,” Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said on Tuesday. Belmonte breaks the news after he was informed of the development that the said bill may get its way in the 16th Congress. “Yes, I think it will
be voted on,” Belmonte told House reporters in a chance interview. “The pronouncement will speed up the passage.” “We are quite sympathetic, but it really helps that the Palace itself gave its okay, so that augurs well for the future of the bill in the 16th Congress,” he stressed. He said that he has tasked three independent of lawmakers to study the FOI bill.
“We are seriously studying it. We are not ignoring it. I don’t want to discuss the particulars of the FOI. What I can say is it will be taken up,” Belmonte pointed out. Only the Senate passed the FOI bill but in the House, the measure was stalled at the committee level then headed by Rep. Ben Evardone. Everdone argued that it is a waste of time during the 15th
Congress to push FOI bill because Malacañang did not certify the bill urgent. He added that with the promise that they will include the bill in the priority bills, expect that the passage of the measure in the near future. The controversial bill was one of the promises of President Noynoy Aquino during the 2010 presidential campaign. [PNA]
N official from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) suggests on a conference on Tuesday that LGUs must have an integrating system for registration much like the iGovPhil of the National Government. iGovPhil (Integrated Government Philippines) is an ICT project from the Department of Science and Technology launched in June 10, 2013 that integrates all government websites
making a single site for everyone to check. “The problem an investor faces is that when they try to set up a branch in a district they are face with different kind of registration,” Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Hanares said. “It’s nice that all of them [LGUs] are computerizing but if you look at the computerization it’s localized, it’s not integrated,” she stressed.
She also mentioned that in every locality there are different requirements, it’s not enough that every cities and municipalities have their own IT system for it institutionalize the difficulties that hides in the system. “It should be integrated like what the national government does now which is integrating all its system into the national government,” she said. “So that we don’t
have a repeat of ways to get resources and data will be automatically integrated. We’ll have a clear picture of what is happening in the economy,” she stressed Even though this is the case, Hanares knows that the challenge now is integrating LGU websites without lessening the independence of LGUs while making it easy for investors to register in the country. [PNA]
BIR encourages LGU website integration A
12 CLASSIFIEDS There’s a better way to get attention.
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
EDGEDavao Gensan Partners
EDGEDAVAO
Health and Wellness
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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.
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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 133 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
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CLASSIFIEDS 13
14 SPORTS
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
Manny set to earn $18M for Rios fight F
ORMER pound-forpound king claimant Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will earn a cool $18 million for fighting Brandon Rios in Macau on November 24, according to his promoter Bob Arum. ABS-CBN.com quoted Arum as saying that “we hope at the end of the day, he (Manny) will do well enough so that he will get around $30 million.” The guaranteed purse of Pacquiao is definitely paltry when compared to the staggering $41
million paycheck earned by his biggest rival, the universally recognized pound-for-pound best fighter, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., for battling Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Mayweather pounded the 23-year old upstart to a majority decision last Saturday. According to Arum, he has warned the fighting congressman from the Philippines not to underestimate the skills of the younger Rios. Arum said that Pacquiao should not look ahead to his next
fight and instead focus on Rios, a dangerous 27-year old former WBA lightweight champion. The domination of Mayweather in recent years and the shocking consecutive losses of Pacquiao last year have shattered the hopes of many boxing fans wanting to see the two biggest superstars in the sport collide in the ring. The ABS-CBN report also quoted veteran boxing writer Kevin Iole as saying that he doesn’t see Pacquiao and Mayweath-
EDGEDAVAO
er clashing in the ring, and the fight would have been a ‘good one’ had it transpired back in 20092010. In his column for Yahoo! Sports, however, Iole wrote that Mayweather has still not completely ruled out the possibility of fighting Pacquiao. Pacquiao, the only boxer to win titles in eight different weight divisions, is coming off a shocking knockout to Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez last year. CROSS TRAINING. Manny Pacquiao, playing basketball in between training, is poised to earn $18 million against Brandon Rios.
Slaughterhouse boy stops Indon
N
EGRENSES flocked the jam-packed Escalante City Coliseum as it roared with cheers from over 3,000 screaming fans last August 24, 2013. IDOL pugilists did not disappoint and put on a good show that marked the city’s first boxing event featuring foreign fighters. Escalante was indeed ready for the biggest international boxing event to hit their beautiful city as IDOL 1 Philippines vs Indonesia invaded the island. Hometown hero Melvin “Topgun” Gumban is overjoyed as he is embraced with support from his fellow Escalantehanons. Gumban, 22, a “slaughterhouse boy” knocked out Indonesian John Bajawa two minutes into the fight during the 7th round. Chiseled Gumban also did countless interviews, posed for photos and worked out in public in front as fans followed him around.
GOLF PHENOM. New Zealand teenager Lydia Ko rose three spots to No. 5 in the Rolex World Rankings following the amateur’s second-place finish at the Evian Masters in France over the weekend. Ko, 16, finished two shots behind Suzann Pettersen, who passed Stacy Lewis for the No. 2 spot in the world rankings behind Inbee Park.
New generation fighters Mark “Machete” Bernaldez and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo succeeded in keeping their undefeated records, 11-0 and 3-0 respectively. Butuan City native Mark “Machete” Bernaldez scored his eleventh TKO win with a hard left to the midsection of veteran Marangin Marbun, who was still grimacing in pain when he tried to get up prompting the stoppage at the 2:00 mark during the first round. “Magnifico” won by unanimous decision over John Rey Melligen of Bacolod City. Created by Asia’s premier boxing promotional outfit ALA Promotions, the ‘Idol’ Boxing Series, whose pilot TV episode aired last September 14 on Studio 23, was created to help Filipino fighters establish their image in the early stage of their careers before going up as title contenders and future champions.
INdulge!
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
EDGEDAVAO
STYLE
Make Your Own Havaianas 2013:
Imagination at Play
IT’S that time of the year again when the vibrant spirit of the world’s favorite flip-flops brand, Havaianas, gathered everyone to revel in the ultimate celebration of self-expression Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH). The annual event of mixing and matching soles and straps continues to gain a good following over the years as it introduces new varieties that inspire Havaianaticos to take their imagination off to greater heights with customized pairs. Much of the thrill that comes with the annual Make Your Own Havaianas is the way it lets everyone’s creativity run wild, while at the same time, seizing these concepts and embedding them in soles to last. For the fete of creativity, Havaianas further reinforced its stand as it encouraged all Havaianaticos to immerse themselves in a more vibrant experience in this year’s Make Your Own Havaianas.
Mixing and matching your MYOH13 is easy.
The MYOH13 photo wall is made up of various Havaianas flip-flops Every pair made during MYOH had its own unique story to tell. This unique event gives us the freedom to personalize flip-flops to our own liking, depending on our day to day style and character. The possibilities are endless with the wide range of pins, straps and soles to choose from. Nothing beats the comfortable soles of each Havaianas pair. Spruced up with funky pins and colorful straps, Havaianas becomes the most fashionable flip-flops anyone can wear whenever, wherever. As a world-renowned brand distinguished for being an advocate of fun-
fashion and self-expression, Havaianas has always been open to collaborations when it comes to its designs. The brand continues to promote the individual charm and personality of several noted icons the world over, hence, parallel ideals and imageries were ceaselessly developed— bringing the energy of the worlds of fashion, sports and art into one melting point. This year, Havaianas proudly introduced its collaboration with Filipino illustrator and Havaianatico Dan Matutina for the first Make Your Own Havaianas glow-in-the-dark commemorative pair. Dan Matutina
+ Havaianas is available in carbon blue sole with spacemen and space markers connecting the stars to form images. “I’ve always had a keen interest in science, sci-fi, and space,” shared Dan as he described his eponymous design, which is the first glow-in-the-dark, MYOH commemorative pair. “So as soon as they told me that imagination was the theme for this year’s Make Your Own Havaianas, I automati-
cally thought of exploration and fit in spacemen, which I’ve been fascinated with for so long, in my design.” Full of rousing touches that celebrated one’s individuality, Havaianas has once again let everyone mirror its boundless joy and energy as they made it their own. Enthused with the thrill of the season, the world’s favorite flip-flops brand took us off from higher planes to a world beyond everyone’s imagination.
Martish Managing Director Marga Nograles with her Marketing Team- (from left to right) Maya Balog, Kathy Salac, and Teejay Arcena.
EDGEDAVAO
A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT
Chill Out at Park Inn by Radisson Davao PARK INN by Radisson Davao, the newly opened 204-room hotel located next to SM Lanang Premier, now introduces a new nightly bar & lounge concept at the pool deck. “The pool deck on the second level is place where everyone can relax anytime of the day,” explains General Manager Geir Sikko. “In the evening, guests can enjoy a drink or two at the bar, while watching their favorite game or concerts on the TV. We’re adding colorful symphony to the mood here by playing lounge music every night, added with discounts on cocktails and beers from 5:00PM to 9:00 PM daily.” “For Fridays and Saturdays, we have live entertainment plus a good selection of food such as include Burgers and Frankfurters, Baby Back Ribs, Sausages, Seafood Skewers, Beef Satays, Grilled Chicken, and so much more. All of these are packaged at P495.00 net, inclusive with a round of drinks. Weekend party starts at 6:00PM.” Call 272 7608 for reservations and inquiries.
Wednesday Madness at TGI Fridays Abreeza MAKE Wednesdays the day to party as Wednesdays are definitely more fun at TGI Fridays with the Wednesday Madness promo. Avail of buy-one-take-one deals on selected cocktails as well win great prizes when you participate in the games. Fridays’ Wednesday Madness is on from now until November 2013. Fridays is located at the ground floor of the Abreeza Mall.
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
WOMEN
Yeng Constantino: Of Metamorphois and red By Leebai Sinsuat Ambolodto
THE red hair was a giveaway –yes, it was Yeng Constantino. As she strutted and made her way to the venue, fans and spectators could not contain their delight as they express their appreciation for her.
As part of her album tour, singer and songwriter extraordinaire, Yeng, serenaded her fans and spectators last Saturday, September 14 2013 at the SM City Davao Annex. Songs from her current and past albums were sung to life with the help of her guitarist friend. Her new album, Metamorphosis, is composed of 10 upbeat pop-alternative OPM songs. Of the 10, only one, Chinito, was written by a close friend to which she said was a ‘cool song that she would love to sing and include in her album’ – and include she did. The album was in collaboration with one of Philippine’s finest musicians, Raymond Marasigan. Driven with passion and love for the craft, both came through with an album that is so catchy and danceable that you cannot help but sing-along. Read on as Yeng shares the story behind her new album, her first movie and her red hair. Q: What’s with red (your hair colour)? Y: Reinvention. Late last year, when we were doing the album, I just wanted to do something new. Driven with gut feel, I researched and stumbled upon a blogger with red hair and I felt it was it. I think the blogger was from Russia.. I forgot. (TRIVIA: This is the first time that she shared the meaning behind her red hair)
GET FREE BABY BLANKETS FROM THE SM STORE! SM Babies offers a colorful and cozy baby blanket for every P1,000 spent at the Infants’ Wear Section. Shop from September 16 to 30 and collect all designs to keep you baby comfy and worry free!
Q: Is this the first time you coloured your hair red? Y: Yes. Kelangan panindigan. Make sure that if you decide to do something, you are all for it. Personally, ganyan ako. I won’t do anything kapag halfhearted lang ang pakiramdam ko. Dapat sold out
SM City’s Annex was filled with adoring fans. palagi. brang passionate sya sa ginagawa nya at gusto lang Q: Aside from the new nyang kumanta. With album, what’s new with time, came maturity – Yeng? now, parang nararating Y: I have a new project. ko na yung point na sobra “Shift”, first movie ko un- lang akong nag-eenjoy sa der Cineme One ipapala- ginagawa ko, walang presbas by November, sabay sa sure. Pero mature enough film fest ng Cinema One. to think that you are in Pangalan ng character a business pero di mo ko sa movie Estela Alano nawawala ang core mo – (instagram:Estela_Alano), ang purpose mo. So long an artist, works for a BPO as you are sincere with company and falls in love what you do, then you with a gay man. So, yes, know you are on the right cool ng plot and some- path. thing to look forward to. Q: Who is Yeng now? Y: Yung Yeng seven years ago (after PDA), actually sobrang clueless sya kung ano pinasok nya. Ang alam lang nya is so-
Q: Speaking of Metamorphosis, did you and Raymond Marasigan collaborated in a song? Y: Wala kaming collab – yung album ang collab
namin. Bibigay ko sakanya yung song, bibihisan nya yung kanta. Nagugulat ako sa sobrang galing nyang bihisan ang mga kanta. Q: Any artist you would love to collaborate with? Y: Kung may isa pang artist na gusto kong makacollborate, alam mo hindi isa.. Marami sila.. Lahat ng legendary songwriter natin.. like sir Vehnee Saturno, Sir Basil Valdes, Sir Ryan Cayabyab. Grab a copy of Yeng Constantino’s latest album, Metamorphosis and let her take you in a journey to life and the many facets of it.
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
EDGEDAVAO
INdulge! A3
ENTERTAINMENT
GenSan, a memorable last stop for Dong-Yan Kapuso Fans’ Day KAPUSO Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera recently staged yet another record-breaking and crowddrawing fete during the city’s annual celebration of the Tuna Festival. In the fully-packed Events and Convention Center of the KCC Mall of GenSan, the audience, estimated at 6,000, just wouldn’t stop screaming and applauding as the celebrity couple exchanged sweet and romantic gestures on top of their engaging performances in the Kapuso Fans’ Day held on September 5. “This is the third and the last regional tour we are making together this year and I can say that it was really memorable,” said awardwinning actor Dingdong. “Our first regional trip together was in Batangas for the celebration of the Sublian Festival and the second one was in Tagbilaran, Bohol for the Sandugo Festival,” he went on, adding that it has always been a pleasure for him to share the stage with her long-time girlfriend. Dong-Yan fans, however, need not worry because they can still catch Marian in several upcoming mall shows prepared by GMA Regional TV. The actress is scheduled to fly to Naga City this month for the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
Dingdong, on the other hand, will be devoting most of his time for his upcoming primetime soap Genesis, which will air on October 7 replacing GMA’s pioneering series My Husband’s Lover. “Talagang nakakataba ng puso ang mainit na pagtanggap nila sa aming dalawa ni Dingdong. Umaasa kami na patuloy nila kaming susuportahan sa future projects namin,” shared Marian. Earlier that day, thousands of local and foreign tourists flocked the major streets of the city to catch a glimpse of the colorful Tuna Float Parade, with a special coverage from GMA
Regional TV that aired on September 15. Meanwhile, host-comedian Mike “Pekto” Nacua also became part of the celebration the following day, September 6, via the Fish Fest that took place at the GenSan Fish Port from 6am to 12 noon. The cast members of primetime soaps Anna Karenina and My Husband’s Lover—Joyce Ching, Krystal Reyes, Julian Trono, Hiro Peralta, Rodjun Cruz, and Bettina Carlos—also added fun to the revelry in a Kapuso Mall Show held at the Event Center of the SM City GenSan on September 7 at 4pm.
PHILIPPINE showbiz’s teen king and queen, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, along with some of today’s finest Star Magic talents, find themselves posed with the question “What would you want to do before the world ends?”, putting their hearts to the test in their hit movie together, “24/7 in Love”, which is set to air this Sunday (September 22) on Cinema One. An end of the world prediction based on the Mayan calendar causes panic worldwide. In line with this, a young student named Jane (Kathryn Bernardo) comes up with an idea for a video project that she wants to submit in order to win a VIP pass to her ultimate crush’s concert. Being a huge fan of the young actor Billy Fernandez (Daniel Padilla), she decides to circle the city, asking people what they’d do if it were the end of the world. As she goes around to meet different people, she
discovers different love stories that are taking place all around the world, making her cross paths with characters that form a star-studded cast including Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, Maja Salvador, Sam Milby, Zanjoe Marudo, Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu and Diether Ocampo. Directed by John Lazatin, Mae Czarina Cruz, Frasco Mortiz and Dado Lumibao from Star Cinema, “24/7 in Love” brought together an ensemble to celebrate Star
Magic’s 20th anniversary. It has been said to be able to cover love in all forms with its stellar cast of some of the biggest and brightest stars in Philippine cinema today. Don’t miss out on “24/7 in Love” airing at 8:00 p.m. on the Blockbuster Sundays movie block of Cinema One (SkyCable channel 56 and Destiny Cable analog channel 37 or digital channel 56), the Philippines’ number one cable channel. For program schedules and updates, visit and like www.facebook. com/Cinema1Channel.
Daniel and Kathryn face the end of the world together
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EDGEDavao Davao Partners
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
Smart celebrates Kadayawan with Dabawenyos MOBILE leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) celebrated the Kadayawan Festival with a roster of exciting activities that has added more fun and color in the annual thanksgiving revelry in Davao City.
Smart line-up various events, from an adventure race and new technology launch, to parties and concerts, as a treat to its loyal Dabawenyo subscribers. On August 16, Smart gathered Dabawenyo adventure enthusiasts at People’s Park for the much-awaited Smart Prepaid Live All Out Race in Kadayawan. Racers had to conquer various The day-long affair obstacles. took participating teams to various points around Davao City while braving assorted obstacles along the way. Health buff and adventure seekers Raymund Libre and Keilah Rodriguez won the adventure race and each took home brand new iPhone 5. The winning pair has chosen the House of Hope of the Children for Cancer Foundation as the beneficiary of their cash prize. More exciting adventures and escapades await Dabawenyos at the Smart Prepaid Live All Out Dare Stations last August 16, also at People’s Park. From 11 AM to 6 PM, Smart subDurian eating challenge. scribers and park visitors all had their fun turn with various carnival attractions, such as the Reverse Bungee, Running Rockeoke, Human Joust, and Photo Booth, all for free. Showing network strength at the height of the Kadayawan Festival, PLDT and Smart Technology Group conducted a series of speed tests of Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-Advanced) last August 17. LTE-Advanced hit almost 4 times the data speed of current fourth-generation (4G) LTE. The test showed that LTE-Advanced achieved an ultrafast speed of 210.58 mbps, a far-cry from the current LTE hit of 62.71 mbps, which only demonstrates the readiness of the network’s infrastructure to meet the demands of more advance technologies. LTEAdvanced will soon be another first to be offered by Smart. The festive Vhong Navarro. verve got even more intense with Smart’s back-to-back parties at Matina Town Square. Last August 16, Smart brought out the fun at the Smart Prepaid Live All Out Party at MTS’ Taboan. During breaks, Live All Out hosts conducted dares to the audience on stage and gave out premium items from Smart. Smart finally capped the celebration on a high note with the Smart Prepaid Live All Out Concert last August 17. Celebrities Rizza Diaz, Ramon Bautista, Yassi Pressman, Rock band Chicosci and Vhong Navarro joined Dabawenyos in partying the festival’s last night away.
Smart All Out Dance Competition winners.
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
SPORTS 15
Italy beats Spain, Greece knocked out at Euros
L
JUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) -- Marc Gasol had 32 points and 10 rebounds and Italy beat two-time defending champion Spain 86-81 in overtime at the European basketball championship on Monday. Italy overcame a 15-point deficit to earn the win, after Luigi Datome made a layup at the buzzer in regulation to force overtime. Also, Croatia knocked out Greece with a 92-88 victory in double OT. The loss meant little for Spain, which had qualified for the quarterfinals because of Croatia’s victory. Spain dropped to fourth place in Group F and will play Serbia in the first quarterfinal on Wednesday, when host Slovenia faces France. On Thursday, Croatia plays Ukraine and Lithuania is against Italy. In another game, Finland beat Slovenia 92-76. Datome also had key plays in overtime and Alessandro Gentile made four straight free throws to secure Italy’s victory. Gentile finished with 25 points. ‘’We beat probably the best team in the tournament,’’ said Italy guard Pietro Aradori, who had 17 points. Datome had a block on Victor Claver before making two free throws for an 82-77 Italy lead. Since winning the silver medal at the 2004 Olym-
pics, Italy has not been able to reach the quarterfinals in any major competition, and failed to qualify for the past two Olympics. Italy missed the 2009 Europeans as well and finished 17th two years ago. ‘’This was a good win for my players who had a great desire to play such a game - in the last few years we could see Spain only on TV,’’ Italy coach Simone Pianigiani said. Spain dropped its third game of the tournament and has looked vulnerable. It has also lost to Slovenia and Greece. ‘’I thought we had the game under control for three quarters, we defended well and we could run and score easy baskets. But then we broke down, lost our game and they took the momentum into overtime,’’ said Gasol, whose brother Pau is sitting out the event. Bojan Bogdanovic made two free throws with 18 seconds left to secure Croatia’s victory in a tight game. Bogdanovic led all scorers with 22 points. Greece needed to beat Croatia and hope for Italy to beat Spain and Slovenia to defeat Finland to have any hope of advancing to the quarterfinals. Instead Croatia, which had already secured its spot, made sure of winning Group F. Croatia is aiming to make the podium at a major tournament for the first time in 18 years.
EUROBASKET. Italy’s Alessandro Gentile (left) tries to block Marc Gasol (right) of Spain during their EuroBasket Championship Group F match in Ljubijana, Slovenia, Monday. (AP)
NO RUSH
W
HILE Los Angeles star Kobe Bryant is recovering from a torn Achilles’ tendon, neither he nor the Lakers will say when the 35-year-old future hall of famer will be back to begin his 18th season. “He’s progressing
well and has met all the targets and milestones of his rehab, and we expect him to make a full recovery,” Lakers spokesman John Black told The Los Angeles Times on Monday. “One of the key issues is to make sure he builds up strength and endurance not only in
Lakers taking time for Kobe’s return
his Achilles’ but also in his legs, knees, back and core.” Bryant was injured on April 12, and he first said he would need six to nine months to recover. The Lakers travel to China for two exhibition games in October. Bryant is not expected to play in
those two games or any of the other six preseason Lakers games. The Lakers’ kick off the regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 29. It is possible Bryant will be ready, but the team will not declare a target date for his return.
BACK IN TIME. The Lakers are not rushing the return of superstar Kobe Bryant and will wait until he is doing full weight-bearing running and on-court activities.
TENNIS RANKINGS (Latest ATP Rankings) MEN 1. (1) Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 11,120 points 2. (2) Rafa Nadal (Spain) 10,860 3. (3) Andy Murray (Britain) 7,075 4. (4) David Ferrer (Spain) 6,710 5. (6) Roger Federer (Switzerland) 4,515 6. (5) Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 4,460 7. (7) Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) 4,425 8. (8) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) 3,425 9. (9) Richard Gasquet (France) 3,165 10. (10) Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) 3,150 11. (11) Milos Raonic (Canada) 2,610 12. (12) Kei Nishikori (Japan) 2,325 13. (13) Tommy Haas (Germany) 2,265 14. (14) Jerzy Janowicz (Poland) 2,110 15. (15) John Isner (U.S.) 2,025 16. (16) Gilles Simon (France) 1,950 17. (17) Fabio Fognini (Italy) 1,945 18. (18) Nicolas Almagro (Spain) 1,940 19. (19) Tommy Robredo (Spain) 1,855 20. (20) Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) 1,825 WOMEN (Latest WTA Rankings) 1. (1) Serena Williams (United States) 12,260 2. (2) Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) 9,505 3. (3) Maria Sharapova (Russia) 7,866 4. (4) Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) 6,335 5. (5) Li Na (China) 5,565 6. (6) Sara Errani (Italy) 4,325 7. (7) Marion Bartoli (France) 3,746 8. (8) Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 3,645 9. (9) Angelique Kerber (Germany) 3,420 10. (10) Jelena Jankovic (Serbia) 3,245 11. (11) Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 3,170 12 (12) Roberta Vinci (Italy) 3,065 13. (13) Sloane Stephens (United States) 3,045 14. (15) Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) 2,775
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EDGEDAVAO Sports
15 teams in Davao Champions League
D
AVAO City’s 15 biggest schools will compete in the region’s biggest and most prestigious basketball league, the Davao Champions League (DCL), opening this Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Davao City Recreation Center. The basketball tournament presented by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) aims to produce Davao’s basketball stars and to provide opportunities for young talents to be discovered for bigger leagues outside Davao.
DABAWENYA BELLE. Mayette Zapanta of Adamson University, a native of Davao City, played for the Manila All-Stars in a recent exhibition match against De La Salle University at the USEP Gym. Lean Daval Jr.
VOL. 6 ISSUE 133 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
The seven-week tournament will be participated by the 15 biggest schools in Davao City: Agro Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines (AIFCP), AMA Computer College (AMA), Ateneo De Davao University (ADDU), Davao Central Colleges (DCC), Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), Davao Merchant Marine Academy (DMMA), Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), John Paul College of Davao (JPCD), Jose Maria College (JMC), MATS College of Technology (MATS), Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC), San Pedro College (SPC), STI
CHAMPIONS. Atty. Ernesto Raphael Robillo (4th from left second row), acting president of the Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) proudly holds the championship trophy after the Bulldogs won this year’s DFA Columbia Com-
College (STI), University of Immaculate Conception (UIC), and University of Mindanao (UM). The Davao Champions League is Davao’s own version of the UAAP and NCAA. It will be played annually and is open to both high school and collegiate levels. The winner from this year’s tournament will get a chance to represent Davao in the Mindanao Regional Championship of Philippine Collegiate Champions League. DCL will also conduct a cheerdance competition that will signal the battle of the top four teams.
puter Inter-Collegiate football tournament last Sunday at the Tionko grounds. RMC dethroned UM via penalty shootout.