Edge Davao 6 Issue 192 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MORE THAN A DUTY. An elderly woman participating in the “Pasko Fiesta”’s 12th RRD Elderlympics 2013 gets a lift from a security officer of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ARMY ADMITS AIR STRIKES 10th ID chief justifies action: NPA denies suffering fatatities BRO. EDDIE VILLANUEVA:

BROTHER EDDIE. “President Aquino can cement legacy.” Lean Daval Jr.

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

‘I still believe in President Noy’ T

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

VANGELIST Bro. Eddie Villanueva, leader of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) church and ‘Bangon Pilipinas’ Movement, said he has faith in President Benigno Aquino Jr. For a man of faith, that should mean a lot. In town for the 25th anniversary of the JIL in Davao City, Villanueva thinks President Aquino has the moral ascendancy to cause change in governance. He cited the President’s sincerity by sparing none of his men involved in the ‘pork barrel scam’ including known ally Ruffy Biazon of the Bureau of Customs. “I think the President himself is taking a position of, I would say, balancing his respect towards various sides—the accused and the complaining sector. At this point in time I think the President is still awaiting the outcome of the investigation and he entrusts everything to the court. In other words, he is not cuddling anyone,” the 67-year old evangelist who ran for President in 2004 and 2010, and for the Senate in 2013, told Edge Davao in an exclusive interview on Saturday

FI STILL BELIEVE, 10

abf@edgedavao.net

HE commanding general of a division under the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) defended his decision to use aeril bombings during last week’s encounter with New People’s Army rebels in the town of Maco in Compostela Valley. Major General Ariel B Bernardo of the 10th Infantry Division told Edge Davao that they have no other choice but to use aerial strikes “otherwise, kami ang maiisahan or they may use landmines naman sa approaches namin.” Four NPA rebels were reportedly killed in the encounter, a fact denied by the rebels in a statement issued yesterday. Bernardo said that the casualties are based on ground information and assessment on the result of encounter . “Surely, they have suffered personnel losses in that engagement with our troops who were on clear vantage position,”he said. Earlier, the military claimed that three rebels, two of them women, died in a clash with soldiers at Teresa

village in Maco on Wednesday. On Friday, another clash erupted between soldiers and NPA rebels in nearby Malamodao village, also in Maco. The body of a slain NPA rebel was found, as well as a hand grenade, magazines for M-16 rifles and backpacks. However, the New People’s Army has denied the claim of EastMinCom that four members of the NPA were killed in the said encounters. The NPA press statement says there is no truth to the claim made by EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Rainier G. Cruz, III that there were NPA members killed in the encounter on December 4 and 6. They said that the EastMinCom soldiers were engaged in a futile attempt to reverse the real score on the battlefield. “In contrast to the AFP's indiscriminate aerial bombing and strafing that did not distinguish between combatants from non-combatants, the NPA triggered command detonated explosives, ha-

FARMY, 10

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

CHRISTMAS ATTRACTION. Camella Northpoint lights up its grounds with bright and colorful Christmas lights and decorations expected to be an instant attraction for Dabawenyos during the holidays. Lean Daval Jr.

Police in full alert Beware of ‘hot meat’ during Christmas By CHENEEN R. CAPON

N order to address the possibility of any threat during the Christmas season coming from terrorist groups, Davao City Police Director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. has intensified police visibility to pre-empt any untoward incident. Danao said that he had received reports from their intelligence unit that prompted him to beef up security measures. “We have intensified police visibility because of such threats. Although they are not so high, we need to be more alert these days,” Danao said. Last September 16, cinemas in two malls were bombed allegedly by a terrorist group that, according to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, had targeted American interests in the city. Police are still investigating the incidents. Danao wants the public, especially owners of big establishments, to be more vigilant and to beef up their security measures in their vicinity and not to rely on the police all the time.

Meanwhile, he urges the public to report immediately if they notice any suspicious activities by texting him at 09258- 233276. He said petty crimes, such as robbery and theft will usually increase during December. According to their latest statistics, the crime rate for the month of October was lower by 20% compared to October of last year, but increased by 20 percent in November. SPO3 Ronald Deocos, DCPO statistician, in October they tallied 1,416 crime incidents, of which 448 were thefts, but last November there were P1,600 cases. “Let’s help one another by being more vigilant,” Danao added. Meanwhile, after the launching of his text line last December 2, Danao received 84 complaints from the public the next seven days, 83 of which were acted upon. Danao said the complaints mainly involved illegal gambling and erring motorcycle drivers.

HE Philippine Life Saving (PLS)-orld Water Safety Philippines organization has proposed to the City Government of Davao a program that would teach Dabawenyos not just to swim but also to survive during calamities and disasters. Larry Al-ag, secretary general of PLS, speaking at the Kapehan sa Dabaw yesterday at SM City Annex, said that it will help Dabawenyos to be capacitated in aquatic safety. “We are concerned for the welfare of children,

how their psychosocial development was affected by disasters,” he said, adding that based on their research four years ago there were 6,000 cases of death among children because of drowning, and 40,000 incidence of near-drowning. With these statistics, he said that swim and survive programs “should be an integral part of risk and disaster management program of the Davao city government.” He said that it can create a big effect on disaster resiliency and

crc@edgedavao.net

HE increasing demand for meat every Christmas season has forced authorities in Davao City to intensify their “Bantay Karne” campaign to eliminate “hot meat” from being available in talipapas and public markets. Dr. Esther Cherry Rayos, assistant city veterinarian, said at the Kapehan sa Dabaw, SM City Annex yesterday that “hot

meats” are classified as meats that did not undergo meat inspection by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and City Veterrinarian Office here. Rayos said that they conduct daily monitoring in accredited slaughterhouses, also called abattoirs, in Davao and in public markets to confiscate “hot meat”. Currently, Nenita’s Stock Farm and Slaughter House is the

only abattoir accredited by NMIS, while the rest are accredited by the City Government of Davao. In their monitoring and inspection, the CVO has already confiscated a total of 3,312 kilos of “hot meat” in Davao City alone. She said that this is lower than the 7,000 kilos confiscated last year. “The number of violators decreased because they fear that they will

be jailed,” Rayos said, citing Republic Act 9296 or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines. Violation of RA 9296 will lead to imprisonment of not less than one day up to six years and fines of P50,000 to P100,000. Of the total confiscated “hot meat” 2,402 kilos were unfit for human consumption and were disposed to a condemn

Ventures Corporation, said that the Philippines has to take advantage of the under-lying opportunities as a bird-flu free country in the Asean. He said that the Philippines has cool and elevated areas ideal for producing Peking ducks.

In fact, Maharlika will be starting this month their weekly exportation of 50 tons of Peking duck meat to Japan. He said that the importing Japanese firm approved their sanitary and quality requirements. Aside from Japan, they

are now working on acquiring Halal certification to expand their market to the Middle East. Lao said that they began their operations last year. Every month, they import 3,000 Peking duck breed-

FBEWARE, 10

Peking duck meat exportation looms AVAO City is on the way to becoming the top exporter of Peking ducks, a business leader said yesterday at the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw, SM City Annex. Vicente Lao, president of Maharlika Agro-Marine

FPEKING DUCK, 10

Life-saving proposal submitted to city gov’t T FLIFE SAVING, 10

CLOSE TO HIS HEART. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte greets child cancer patients from the House of Hope during their Christmas party organized by the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gym Sunday afternoon. Duterte is known for having a soft heart for the children of the institution. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

UNCOOPERATIVE

Slain man’s family won’t talk to cops By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

epc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City police chief Vicente Danao Jr. is urging the family of Christopher Yap Yu to cooperate with the police in the solution of his killing recently by still unidentified gunmen. The victim is a brother of Ryan Yap Yu, alleged c carnap gang syndicate leader now out on bail while facing charges of carnapping. “They should cooperate in the investigation so the police can unearth vital information on the motive behind the killing,” Danao said. Christopher Yap Yu sustained several gunshot wounds on the head while inside his vehi-

cle parked in front of his apartment at Yellow Town House, Rimas St., Barangay Aquino, Agdao last Wednesday evening. P/Supt. Ceasar Cabuhat, station commander of the Sta. Ana police that Maricel, Yu’s wife, refuses to cooperate with them, likewise his brother and mother. “Maricel told me that there’s no need to investigate since it could not bring back the life of her husband,” Cabuhat said. However, the police will continue investigating the case since they suspect that the victim may have been robbed as his clutch bag reportedly containing a big amount

FSLAIN, 10

UNIQUE STYLE. Lumad youths from the hinterlands of Davao City perform lumad-inspired Christmas carols in different establishments along Tulip Drive in Ecoland, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

EO on abandoned elders hailed

RTCfreesmanaccused of killing his neighbor T T HE Regional Trial Court Branch 10 acquitted a man accused of allegedly stabbing to death a neighbor in 2007 after the City Prosecution Office failed to prove his guilt before the court. Presiding Judge Retrina E. Fuentes said in her Order dated last November 28 also dismissed the case of Romy Mortejo the principal accused of stabbing certain alias Serion. The court ruled that the testimonies presented by prosecutor Stella Camino were not able to

convince Fuentes that Elmo’s presence during the commission of the crime and for chasing the victim before the latter was stabbed were “merely hearsay.”. Fuentes stated that witness Carlo C. Pablo did not include in his statement at the cross-examination that Elmo chased the victim. During preliminary investigation Pablo only said that he saw Elmo standing five arms-length away throughout the stabbing incident and that it was

FRTC FREES, 10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 welcomed the executive order issued by the city government of Davao which promotes the welfare of the abandoned elderly people in the city. Berlita Silagan, incharge for the older person sector of DSWD -11 told the EDGE in an interview that the city has continued to make initiatives for the welfare of the of the senior citizens who are loitering around the city. “Grabe jud ang Davao City sa mga privileges na ginahatag sa mga Senior Citizens,” Silagan said. Silagan added that

Davao City was also chosen as one of the participants for the implementation the Home Care Support Service for Senior Citizens by the DSWD national office. She said that the program is community-based and involves the members of the families, older persons and the community to take effective steps to enhance their care giving capability for the sick, differently-abled, and abandoned senior citizens. Based on the Administrative Order No. 04 of DSWD signed on January 25, 2010, the program involves mobilization, capacity building activities for the family and rela-

tives, and volunteers. The guideline also added that the program includes a range of home care service for senior citizens while on their own home or community and promotes healthy and harmonious familial relationship between the elderly and their families through the provision of community based services. On December 3, 2013, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the executive order 44 which entitled “An Order Creating the Task Force Elderly, Defining Its Functions and Other Purpose/s”. The EO aims to intervene on the abandoned and neglected senior

FEO, 10

Abude clarifies his resignation

R TECHIE GRANNY. While waiting for the start of the 12th RRD Elderlympics 2013 program at SM City Davao yesterday, a techie granny uses her tablet to play some computer games. Lean Daval Jr.

citizens who are found homeless. “The task force is created to protect the abandoned and neglected senior citizens from the hazards staying in the streets,” the EO stated. The order also stressed that the task force will rescue the elderly people in the streets and facilitates their temporary shelter in home cares or their return to their respective families. The said task force is composed of the city mayor as chairperson with the head of City Social Services and Development Office as co-chair. Member agencies of the

ETIRED Sr. Supt. Dionisio Abude clarified that he tendered his resignation as head of the Traffic Management Center in Davao City over his rift with retired Col. Yusop Jimlani, author of the night market scheme. Abude said that Jimlani, who is also the drainage maintenance officer and demolition team leader, told reporters in a radio that he (Abude) resigned because he could no longer tackle his work. “Our ideas collide

and cannot just co-exist. Because of this, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to continue serving the TMC. It is with so much regret that I tendered my resignation from my post,” Abude said. Abude said that he was blamed by Jimlani as the reason for the delay of the implementation of the night market for lack of cooperation. Jimlani got irked when Abude submitted his own proposal for the traf-

FABUDE, 10

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

CEB mounts additional HK flights this Christmas

HE Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE:CEB) adds one more daily flight between Manila and Hong Kong during Christmas peak season, to accommodate travel demand to Hong Kong. Utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft, CEB will operate a total of five daily Manila-Hong Kong-Manila flights on the following days only: December 20-23, 26-30, 2013 and January 2-5, 2014. The flight departs Manila at 11:30pm and arrives at 1:30am the next day. The return flight departs Hong Kong at 2:15am and arrives in Manila at 4:15am. “We hope to give more travelers the chance to visit Hong Kong this Christmas holidays, especially with the festive activities lined up this season. With up to five daily flights between Manila and Hong Kong, guests can definitely pick the most conve-

nient flight schedule that is perfect for their travel plans,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. Aside from Manila, CEB flies from Cebu, Clark and Iloilo to Hong Kong. Among the activities scheduled in Hong Kong this Christmas season are: Hong Kong Food Festival (December 25-28), Hong Kong Mega Showcase featuring over 800 brands (December 25-28) and the Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza (January 1, 2014). For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www. cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)2308888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@cebupacificair) and Facebook pages. For more information on Hong Kong events, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

PNOC’s banked gas attracts power company’s interest

IRST Gas Power Corporation has expressed interest to buy the Philippine National Oil Corporation’s (PNOC) accumulated banked gas, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said. Petilla, however, said mode of sale of the banked gas has to be determined by the PNOC and Pilipinas Shell, which also have banked gas. He also stressed that it has not been decided yet whether the banked gas will be sold to First Gas alone. He also pointed out that First Gas does not have a new power plant where the banked gas will be used. Earlier, the Energy

chief said the banked gas will be sold only to a new power plant player to increase power supply in the country. He said the power plant or plants that will utilize the banked gas is or are expected to provide additional 100 megawatt capacity. PNOC acquired the banked gas from DOE, which previously had the rights to the banked gas accumulated over the years from the Malampaya project, after both parties entered a Deed of Sale Agreement in 2009. PNOC purchased 108.6-petajoules of banked gas from the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan natural gas power plant for P14 billion. [PNA]

BUSINESS CLIMATE. Mindanao Business Council (MBC) chair Vicente Lao shares his thoughts of Davao City’s 2013 business climate during yesterday’s Kapeha sa Dabaw at SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Biz sector proposes nat’l guards for disaster, other emergencies T

HE business sector has proposed to the government for the creation of national guards who will be deployed in calamity areas in the aftermath of disasters. Vicente Lao, chair of the Mindanao Business Council said the proposal was unveiled in a meeting among officers of the business councils nationwide with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. He said just like in the United States of America, national guards are called to ensure law and order in calamity-affected areas.

Lao said based on their proposal, the National Guard will be privately-led organization of volunteers who have professional expertise like doctors, engineers who will be called to active-duty in times of disasters. “It’s a proactive force with no business interests. It must be a group that the community can trust,” he said. He said that once law and order are restored, reins of authority will be turned over to the authorities like the police and the military. Lao said before a calamity strikes, a group that is

highly trusted by the people must be deployed in their respective areas to ensure safety of their lives and property. “Many people die in times of disaster because they refuse to leave their place for fear of looting and theft which usually occur during and after disaster,” he said. Lao said the residents will have higher confidence to leave to safety before a calamity strikes since someone else is watching over his property. He said the National Guards can then be recalled

back to their families when the situation in the calamity area goes back to normal. Lao said the National Guards are not like the soldiers who have to report to barracks after deployment. “They hail from the private sector which can be given training in weapons handling relevant in keeping the peace. But their immediate function is to assist residents what to do in times of disasters,” he said. Lao said national guards can also be organized in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. [PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

ments among seven ASEAN countries can now ask government to give them remedies to meet global competition. “They (exporters) deserve those remedies,” he said. Palabyab confirmed Philippine exporters meet many challenges with the

implementation of FTA. “However, exporters could always complain or file a case to level the playing field.” Aside from providing opportunities, the FTA has rid of many barriers in the exporting business such excessive tariff rates, Palabyab said .

He mentioned product quality as one of the challenge which the world of FTA brings to Philippine exporters. “Your product must be acceptable,” he said adding that FTA brings Philippine businessmen to a bigger world of business. [PNA]

PHL exporters can be competitive D

OING business in Free Trade Areas (FTA) would give businessmen the leeway to fight for better competition, said Nestor Palabyab, Trade and Industry deputy executive director. He said exporters in light of the implementation of the Free Trade Agree-

Cayetano: ‘Let’s make the budget bicam interactive’

HOT MEAT. Dr. Esther Cherry Rayos, assistant city veterinarian of Davao City, warns the public during Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao yesterday of the proliferation of “hot meat” in the market especially this yuletide season. Lean Daval Jr.

ENATE Majority Leader Alan Peter “Companero” S. Cayetano is strongly urging that the bicameral conference committee use social media to make the deliberations next week on Bicameral Conference Committee on the proposed 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA) more “interactive.” The senator made the call as the whole country commemorates the National Anti-Corruption Day today which, he said, should remind all Filipinos to remain vigilant against graft in government. “We could make this exercise more transparent and interactive by using social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to get feedback, suggestions from ordinary Filipinos and netizens,” Cayetano said. “Nakatutok ang buong sam-

bayanan sa bawat galaw ng ating pamahalaan, lalo na ngayong naisisiwalat ang mga katiwalian sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Kaya buo ang aking suporta na buksan sa publiko ang pag-uusap sa national budget upang ipakita na wala tayong itinatago sa usapin ng pananalapi ng bansa.” He proposed the bicam committee to use facebook and Twitter accounts to engage the public in a more interactive way and give real time updates on the proceedings. “Social media can be used to promote a healthy engagement on public policy. Never has the Filipino people been more empowered to have their voices heard in high places in government than now, with all the avenues being made available by social media.”

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 billion Apr 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12. Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14. Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16. Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18. 18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 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 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Globe Telecom subscriber additions surge to 3.4 M G

LOBE Telecom’s subscriber take-up continued to gather momentum, as the company’s net subscriber additions in the January to September period surged 70% to 3.4 million from a year earlier. The company’s sharp increase in net subscriber additions pushed the company’s total subscribers at the end of the period to a fresh record of 36.5 million, an increment of 14% from a year earlier. This, in turn, generated robust gains in its postpaid and mobile browsing businesses despite intense competition and supported a 10% revenue growth of P67.3 billion, leading to a core net income rise of 9% to P9.5 billion. Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu attributes the company’s encouraging growth in the first nine months of the year to the strong performance of its mobile business, which generated total revenues of P54.1 billion in the first nine months of the year, an 8% increase from a year earlier. Postpaid revenues alone, reached almost P20 billion, a 20% jump from a year earlier, courtesy of a 19% growth in postpaid subscribers. “On a subscriber base of almost 2 million subscribers, which comprises only 5% of the total subscriber base, our postpaid segment now contributes 37% of total mobile revenues, up from

HOW MUCH? A shopper checks out the price of a Christmas décor at the atrium of a mall in J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City yesterday where a Christmas bazaar is being held. Lean Daval Jr. 33% in the same period last year and from 29% in the first nine months of 2010,” noted Cu. Cu said absolute increase in postpaid revenues of approximately P3.3 billion is almost twice that of the increase in subsidies and recontracting cost over the 9-month period. Still, such costs are recoverable within the two-year contract period of each subscriber, he emphasized. The company’s prepaid business also con-

tinued to perform well, with revenues improving 3% year on year to P34.1 billion pesos, despite the market’s continued preference for value-based offers, said Cu. TM continued to lead the way for prepaid, on the back of strong subscriber acquisition efforts, leading the brand to have total subscribers of 17.6 million, a 23% rise from a year earlier. On the other hand, the company’s broadband subscribers, at the

end of the nine-month period, reached 1.9 million, a 15% rise from a year earlier and 4% improvement from a previous quarter. According to Cu, the growth in subscribers came from both wired and wireless solutions as fixed broadband subscribers grew 17% on year nomadic subscribers grew 14% over the same period last year. Continuing expansion of the company’s broadband subscribers

pushed revenues for the January to September period to P7.8 billion, a 22% rise from a year earlier and contributing 12% of total revenues, improving from its 10% contribution a year earlier. “The company continues to contribute innovative broadband products, providing differentiated data speeds and enhanced services to cater to varying market preferences,” noted Cu.

five (5) mobile banking transactions, a customer gets 1 raffle entry. Two (2) units of iPad 2, one (1) unit of iPhone 4s, and a Samsung Galaxy S4 will be given away to the lucky winners. Promo runs until Feb 14, 2014. Raffle draws will be on Dec. 19, 2013, and Jan. 19 and Feb. 17, 2014. “We launched the promo to encourage our clients to try and experience a more convenient way of transacting. We created the mobile phone

banking app as part of the bank’s commitment to provide comprehensive online banking services to our clients anytime, anywhere—whether they want to transfer money, inquire account balances, pay bills or purchase mobile load. With the UCPB Mobile Phone Banking App, the nearest UCPB branch is in their pocket,” said Norman Martin C. Reyes, UCPB Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing Group. To access the App, clients should enroll

in UCPB’s Retail Internet Banking Service, the UCPB Connect, through www.ucpb.com. The UCPB Mobile Banking App works on Java, Android or Apple devices, and can be downloaded through the App Store and the Google PlayStore. With a multi-channel service delivery network consisting of 188 branches, 289 ATM’s, telephone banking and internet banking facilities, UCPB now has a new capability to meet the needs of its grow-

ing customers inside and outside the country, and provide critical services 24/7 through the UCPB Mobile Banking App. Established in 1963, UCPB was the first private Philippine bank to become a universal bank. It is the leading provider of financial products and services to corporations, private and government institutions, middle market companies, small-andmedium-sized businesses and individuals.

UCPB Launches Promo for Smartphone Users U

CPB, one of the country’s leaders in electronic banking innovations, recently rolled out its Mobile Phone Banking promo allowing customers to win today’s newest and hottest mobile gadgets by simply performing various banking transactions using the UCPB Mobile Banking App. The promo is open to all UCPB accountholders who are active users of the Mobile Phone Banking App. For every

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

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

AFTER OIL SPILL

TMI turns over 5000 seedlings By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

FTER some anxious weeks caused by an oil spill incident, the management of Therma Marine, Inc., which operates a power barge in Maco, Compostela Valley Province, formally turned over 5,000 mangrove seedlings to the communities of Purok Asinan, barangay Cadunan, of Mabini town, Compostela Valley Province, last Friday. The purok was affected by the oil spill incident last month a week after typhoon Yolanda hit the Eastern Visayas region. The sustainable livelihood project costs about P175,000 and will benefit the 29 members of the Cadunan Fisherfolk Association. The mangrove seedlings were bought from the association which has a nursery that nurtures them. Each seedling costs six pesos and the company (Therma Marine Inc) spent some P30,000 for the whole 5,000 seedlings alone. The company also compensated the members of the community association at P150 each person. The power barge’s management will start evaluating the trees planted from April 30, 2014 to March 30, 2015. After which, they will pay the association every month at two pesos for each existing tree during that period. Carlos Hitio, chairman of the purok, said his constituents are being helped

Jas Risager, Vice President for Mindanao Operations of TMI plants the Mangrove seedlings. to avail of a sustainable livelihood by the management. “Isip kami mananagat, nalipay lang pud mi naa puy livelihood na gihatag sa amoa,” Hitio said, adding that the mangrove trees they planted will also pro-

tect them from huge waves. On the other hand, Hitio shared that the oil spill incident did not cause any major damage on the shore based on the evaluation of Philippine Coast Guard, adding that they stopped their normal fishing op-

erations for two nights, the reason he sought help from the Therma Marine management. On November 15, 2013 the power barge was transferring oil from one tank to another to maintain balance but the high level sen-

sor did not function which made the oil overflowfrom the tank. However, the oil spill boom blocked the oil and prevented it from spreading. The community environment and natural resources office of the

municipality and the management immediately responded to clean the shore and retrieve the spilled oil. Therma Marine Inc., is subsidiary of Aboitiz Power which has two power barges operating in Mindanao.

continents and rising seas on the periphery.” Climate change means land, food, clean water and pure air will be scarce -- or gone –- in many parts of the earth. This means poor and rich countries alike will suffer major hazards: hunger and poverty, diseases like HIV/AIDS, million of refugees and homeless, and armed conflicts for dwindling world resources. Such calamities would take many years to come. This is not new. What is new is the pace of climate change. Climate change is fast –and getting faster every year. The melting of world ice, which is consistent

with the accelerating rise in world temperature that has occurred since 1980, is of great concern to low-lying regions of coastal countries like the Philippines. Even veteran ice watchers are surprised at how quickly the disintegration is now occurring. Early this week, the government-owned FM radio station gave a newsflash that an iceberg the size of Singapore has broken off its main body. In Central Asia, the largest snow-covered mountain ranges is the Himalayas. Other major snow ice mass mountains include the Swiss Alps, the South Amer-

ican Andes, the Alaska mountain ranges, the French/Spanish Pyrenees and the Greenlands’ ice sheet. Norwegian scientists reported that the Arctic Sea could be entirely icefree during summer in matter of decades. Meteorologists have noted that the world’s 16 warmest years have been recorded since 1980. “Each decade the rise in global average temperature has been greater than before. As earth’s temperature accelerates, so does weather-related events: hurricane (typhoon), floods and winter storms.” The weather-related events include: 1) Hurricane Mitch (1998)

-– most powerful storm in the Atlantic with 200 miles an hour winds; 11,000 persons dead and thousands more missing in Honduras and Nicaragua; 2) Hurricane Andrew (l992) which took down 60,000 homes and thousands of people dead with USD 30 billion damage; 3) the first such disaster came in 1983 when Hurricane Alicia struck the United States with USD 1.3 billion in insured losses. What does the Philippine super-typhoon Yolanda offer science researchers? One: Yolanda is the world history’s strongest typhoon or cyclone ever recorded. Is this the major effect of climate

change, especially in the Asian region? Two: The Philippines is one of the 10 countries in Asia where the sea level rise is by one meter. Recently concluded research indicates that ice melting is much higher and sooner. The other Asian countries are China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Climate change observers believe that the Kyoto Protocol negotiated in 1997 to reduce global warming is not enough. Typhoon Yolanda could be a reason to examine again the Kyoto Protocol opposed by industrial countries, particularly the United States. [PNA]

Yolanda: Major Signal of Climate Change? M

ANY countries are continuously giving financial and other relief aids to typhoon Yolanda victims in Eastern Visayas. But international scientists and world environmental watchers are more concerned with the question: “Is this cyclone another major proof of climate change the world is waiting –- and will be experiencing?” First, what is climate change? Lester R. Brown, award-winning environmental analyst and founder of Earth Policy Institute, puts it in the simplest term: “Climate change means the world is being squeezed between expanding deserts from the interior

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Justice for all

F ONE is looking for a prominent Filipino who had the misfortune of his name being mentioned the most number of times in connection with alleged scandals and other negative news reports during the year about to end, that individual can be no other than Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. The venerable senator from Cagayan is being accused of having committed at least “seven sins” by his long-time nemesis, fellow Senator and one-time candidate for President, Miriam Defensor Santiago. The sins Enrile is being acccused of by Santiago are: -- having masterminded the P10-billion PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund), first attributed to detained businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles; -- command responsibility for his role in violations of human rights during the martial law regime (deaths and disappearances of political dissenters); -- maintaining a smuggling hub in Port Irene, Cagayan province; -- operating a gambling syndicate; -- involvement in illegal logging operations; -- of “hyper-sexualized” womanizing; and -- under-declaring his net worth at only P118 million. Ms Santiago made the accusations in reply to a privilege speech earlier delivered by Enrile wherein he exposed the low average mark garnered by the lady lawmaker in the bar examinations, her having sought psychiatric help early in her career, and her refusal to turn over a car confiscated by the Bureau of

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

Customs. One doesn’t have to be a legal eagle to conclude that the charges hurled by Santiago against Enrile are very serious, something that cannot be swept under the rug by the simple expedient of striking the strongly-worded speeches of the protagonists from the records of the Senate as proposed by Senator Serge Osmena. Indeed, the alleged wrongdoings exposed in both speeches merit a thorough investigation by the Senate’s Blue Ribbon Committee, or by the Department of Justice, if the Senate doesn’t have the nerve to do it. The investigation should ferret out the truth in fairness to everybody – Enrile who is at the receiving end of most of the highly publicized charges, Santiago who made the accusations, Filipino taxpayers, the relatives of those who were killed or went missing during martial law as a result excesses of the Marcos regime. The investigation, if there be such, would be an opportunity for Enrile and Santiago to prove themselves innocent of the charges and counter-charges. It would also be an opportunity for the entire Filipino people to know the truth about the many crimes mentioned and who should be prosecuted and penalized for committing them. Most of the crimes alleged in the speeches are violations of laws that affect or affected the entire Filipino people. Indeed, a no-nonsense investigation would be akin to a quest for justice for all.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR / CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

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

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

Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

Footnote to Popularity

Such crosstalk and verbal bantering may not be a trend, but the frequency of recent incidents makes it appear so. Earlier there had been a war of words between some senators over crucial matters. That dispute shared publicity with another face-off between two other senate members over whether funds had gone missing in a government agency. Not long after, the intense verbal tussle began afresh, this time whether some members of Congress were embroiled in the highly anomalous P10 billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)or “pork barrel” scam. These contradictions, allegations and counter-allegations among members of Senate are causing concern even in government circles. Says a noted political analysts; “I don’t really understand why one official must contradict and attack the other. Or even why one is looking at the other official’s business and airing it in public. It should be resolved either in the Cabinet or legislative levels.” Why are they doing this? Could it have anything to do with political realignment? Maybe, because it seems they are a bit courageous. But whatever the reason, the irate and aghast public for sure is not happy. Probably obsessed with power and influence some of our elective officials particularly senators forgot that they are instructed by the Constitution to “maintain high standards of reputation and integrity,” but that hasn’t prevented Santiago and Enrile from “enjoying a good brawl” on the

Senate floor. Despite public’s shock on the outrageous behavior – never before in the country’s political history had the key figures been so engrossed in senseless bickering – the duty of the Senate continued to turn in a disorderly fashion. Supposedly there are some pretty heavy issues that urgently need the Senate’s concern, and yet it is in political infighting where all the energies of some swell-headed members go. Many shared this observation that lead to raise this query: “Is the Philippines finally getting what it deserve? But isn’t it the voters’ fault to begin with? Of course, the electorate has been extremely instrumental in installing our present crop of lawmakers in office. Unfortunately, in a Philippine-setting, politics has become exciting for all the wrong reasons. So where have all the good and reliable leaders gone? Political figures who are positive role models whom the young generation can look up to? When it comes to good leaders, it is not only what they have accomplished, but how they accomplished it. Good and fair judgment, capacity for wisdom and the ability to adapt to changing situations are the traits that make a trustworthy leader. Is it any surprise that our present officials from top to bottom displayed unwillingness or ability to assume responsibility and accountability for the bad situation they have created whether willfully or not? These instances paint a very poor picture of the behavior of our elective officials notably senators. The bar of public opinion, unfortunately, has been lowered to the deepest level and people are terribly disappointed with their leaders, elected or otherwise. The outrageous behavior of senators Santiago and Enrile has taken the spotlight away from the substance of governing the business of the Senate.

Trade Promotion in Makati. As far as we know, “free trade” in the ASEAN region means most of the tariffs or import taxes attached to the import of goods and merchandise from other countries has been cut down to ZERO. This means local traders who import say, coffee beans from Vietnam, don’t have to pay any tariffs on the shipment----so they’ll end up selling cheap Vietnam coffee here, thus killing Philippine-made coffee which will look very expensive to buyers. That’s why senior trade specialist Raymond Astillas handling the ASEAN desk pressed for the country’s growers and manufacturers to “expand their production capacities” to lower their costs of production and compete with other southeast Asian producers and exporters at their own game. And this was precisely why Japan had been helping the Philippines with experts and consultants under Japan Internation-

al Cooperation Agency (JICA) teaming up with DTI to help some 24 various industries boost their capacities to produce better quality products in much bigger volumes to come up with export prices that can compete squarely with any Asian country without batting an eye. Our peculiar Pinoy culture of being so fiercely free, happy go-lucky, jealous, selfish and lazy (because we’re so blessed with so much food that we don’t have to work), ---- had to be bent at some point so we can see what’s really wrong with this country. After being exposed to JICA’S “industry capacity enhancement” project with various industries, many of them exporters during the last five or six years, I’ve seen how stakeholders in the same industries had a hard time working together to get things done--- unless the DTI takes matters in their own hands and really make things happen. Many programs and foreign-funded projects are now in place to prepare Filipino exporters and producers to brace for the full impact of the ASEAN free trade in 2015---- just like bracing for the full impact of another Yolanda to hit our shores… (Comments? Email > tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com)

Bracing for ASEAN free trade in 2015

ETTING ready for free trade in the year 2015, just nearly a year from now, is like bracing for the next super typhoon Yolanda to hit our shores. So the question in every Filipino exporters’ mind now is: are we ready for free trade in 2015 with our neighbors in the Association of South East Asian Nations? It was just proper and right to ask again the same question during the recent DTI seminar on “ASEAN Economic Community 2015 and Doing Busines in Free TradeAreas” held at the ballroom of Marco Polo Hotel late last week. The answer given by our friends from the Makati office of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Export Trade Promotion was BOTH a “yes” and a “no” ---even if we asked them if they can answer the question directly with a just a “yes” and a “no”. It was made very clear that so many small and medium-size exporters are NOT READY yet, but most of the big exporters in this country are prepared and ready for ASEAN free trade in 2015. “It’s a no for the small players, but a yes for the big players, so there’s a lot of work we have to do to help our small exporters prepare for free trade with our ASEAN neighbors,” says Fenina Bonoan, OIC of the ASEAN desk at the DTI Bureau of Export

VANTAGE POINTS COMMENT:

Shocking the nation

ONTINUED TO TURN IN DISORDERLY FASHION – There is certainly plenty of reason for the wary people to get discouraged: prominent figures in the Senate have been talking at cross purposes and causing citizens to wonder just what is going on. The last few days alone saw several startling examples. Last week leading members of the Upper House Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile shocked the nation by hurling invectives and profanities on the Senate floor. They were at one another again with the spiteful Lady Miriam saying she could no longer take the backbiting barbs tossed at her by the hoary but still an explicit Enrile. In his privilege speech prior to Santiago’s turning the table against him also during a privilege discourse Enrile had fingered the former as “obsessive hater” for saying a mouthful by throwing broadsides, personal insults and unfounded accusations. The fiercely Miriam hit Enrile for allegedly portraying her in the blackest terms that brought parliamentary debate to the lowest level. Perhaps Santiago can’t stand the allegations saying she would charge Enrile with disorderly behavior before the Ethics Committee for delivering an entire speech by appealing to personal prejudice rather than to reason, which she pointed out as a violation of Senate rules. Holy cow! How then would Santiago describe her privilege speech which is likewise full of unethical statements, personal insults and bitter side comments? I supposed that if she couldn’t “stand the heat she better jump out of the kitchen.” Their verbal jousting makes more harm than good. Even fellow senators are now worried and alarmed that the senseless bickering between Santiago and Enrile would backlash and baldy affect the stature of the already tainted image of the representative institution.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

MINDAVIEWS BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ

Part 1 of 3

ENERAL SANTOS CITY(MindaNews/7 December) – Nothing is wrong with popularity as it is; but misdirected, it becomes a menace to person, society and the nation. It is with this thought that we write this footnote with reference to the popularity of Manny Pacquiao, the only world boxing champion to win titles in eight weight division. That’s pride of the Filipinos. But pride is not arrogance. Popularity Buildup Through hard jabs and punches, Pacquiao earned rightfully his popularity. He became the darling of media that immediately built up his popularity with glowing attributes – glowing yet reflecting shadows of half-truth, paradox and irony with intriguing questions lurking behind. [Note: Refer to “COMMENT: Evading Punches, Evading Taxes, MindaNews, December 4”, for the citations following in light italics -- our comments in bold roman.] Pacquiao was listed by Forbes magazine last year as the 14th highest-paid athlete globally with an estimated $34 million in earnings. That’s P1.72 billion. So, what? How much did he share his country in terms of taxes in 2012 estimated at about P553.6 million before deductions? Pacquiao is the country’s biggest taxpayer for the years 2008 to 2012 – perhaps, in the country’s history ever -- based on the data in BIR’s annual list of “Top 500 Individual Taxpayers” for those years. He paid a total of P170 million in those five years. Impressive! In 2008 he paid P125 million; in 2009, P7.4 million; for the next three years, P36.6 million – averaging P12.2 million a year. He refused to explain the big disparities. Should it be wondered why, virtually, “the BIR has accused him as tax cheat”? He is the world icon of boxing, the most well known living Filipino in the world today. So, what? What has that contributed to humanity? As such, he was so much admired that a Time magazine article that included him in its list of the 100 most influential people of the world waxed poetic: “Pacquiao has a myth of origin equal to that of any Greek or Roman hero. He leaves the Philippines to make it even bigger, conquering the world again and again . . .” We love Bola! What does TIME mean by influential? Is that why we hardly progress? Pacquiao’s adorers in media would have us all Filipinos believe we are still in the mythical age? He is the living national hero, adored by 97 million Filipinos. Minus one, please, I don’t! What heroism for the nation has he done? What did he sacrifice for? For himself and kept all his rewards to himself ! That is not to begrudge him. He has the right to do what he wants with his legitimate earnings. Sure! He did not ask to be adored as an idol. But hero-worship cum idolatry is not heroism-bred. “Pacman’s” rags-to-riches saga inspires millions of young, poor Filipinos, and even future generations, to strive for excellence, to believe that with sheer hard work, they can break the country’s caste system. Bola, again! An overstatement! Is this a reality happening? Where? Is he really that exemplary and inspiring? Has he not joined that “caste system”?

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Life saving...FFROM 2

LIFESAVING ADVOCACY. Philippine Lifesaving (PLS) secretary general Larry Alag (left) discusses the details of “One Lifesaver per Family” campaign which aims to help the people save family members in time of calamities during Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao yesterday. Also in photo is PLS national instructor Philippe Adrian Aliño. Lean Daval Jr.

Army...FFROM 1 rassed and ambushed legitimate targets from enemy units in four separate punitive actions over the last three weeks,” the statement said. The rebels also alleged that 20 soldiers were killed

and 14 wounded after NPA units under the Comval Davao Gulf Subregional Command launched a series of tactical offensives against the 71st Infantry Battalion, 66th IB, and Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC),

all under the 10th ID-Eastern Mindanao Command. Bernardo denied the claim of the NPA. “We don’t deny or hide our casualties. It’s a disservice to them (soldiers) if ever,” he stressed adding that they

were not like the rebel group who are ashamed of revealing their casualties. “To lay down our life for our country and people whom we serve is the greatest honor and service we are ready to offer,” Bernardo declared.

night at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao. UNSOLICITED ADVICE Asked what he would advice President Aquino in the midst of the latter’s dwindling popularity due to the recent controversies involving the pork barrel funds and the mishandling of the Yolanda relief efforts, Villanueva had this to say: “Ang aking simple unsolicited advice, ang sabi nga ni (TESDA Secretary) Joel (Villanueva) sa akin, ‘Daddy akala ng tao si Presidente hindi brilliant, brilliant si Presidente, he is very brainy’.” “Gamitin nya yun. Magiwan siya ng legacy and heritage,” said Villanueva. He said he wishes the President to exercise what he calls as “political will anchored on justice tempered

with mercy.” “Justice and righteousness should be the foundation of every government, that is biblical,” said Villanueva citing passages from the bible. TROUBLE IN THE SENATE On the bickering in the Senate, Villanueva said the lawmakers had better hurl accusations behind closed doors and take the televised stage for personal attacks. “They can settle that within themselves,” he said. “Utmost deliberation without sacrificing the integrity of a person, to me character assassination is worse than physical assassination.” ON PDAF On the pork barrel scam, Villanueva said that public funds are a major source of corruption.

“It is only fitting that the government put an end to it. My only question is who will be the one in charge of implementing or utilizing the public funds? What is the guarantee that the people who will take over will not be tempted?” he asked. His suggestion: “Overhaul the system.” “The national government should seriously form a special committee to study the best system in the implementation of these public funds, minimizing corruption. Puro general terms pa napapakinggan ko sa TV wala pang specifics,” he said. One way of minimizing corruption, he said, is by placing the public funds to people with accountability. “There must

be a careful study. Tao rin yun eh (executive). I am after the overhauling of the system.” FUTURE POLITICAL PLANS Villanueva empathically ditched making any political plans saying he is busy with his church activities with JIL. But he hinted his son TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva, who was omitted from the administration’s Senate line-up for the 2013 elections, will be gunning for the Senate in 2016 “with or without” his inclusion in the administration’s ticket. Meantime, the regional celebration of the JIL last Sunday was attended by some 3,500 devotees held at the Davao City Recreation Center.

pit in Ma-a, Davao City. The remaining 910 kilos fit for human consumption were given to charitable institutions. Rayos, meanwhile, said

that the on-going construction of the Ma-a Slaughter House is expected to be finished by February or early March next year through a public- private partnership

(PPP) with the Bankerohan Livestock Dealer Cooperative (BLDC). Earlier reports bared that the P46 million rehabilitation can accommodate

150 to 200 hogs per hour compared to the 300 hogs in four hours accommodated through manual labor because of the state-of-theart equipments.

ers from Cherry Valley in the United Kingdom, the world’s largest producer of Peking duck meat. “This is to ensure that we will only be producing quality Pecking duck meat,” he said. The imported breeders are transported to a well-manicured and bio-secured Mountain View Breeding Farm, a state of the art hatchery complex located at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon. The day old chicks are,

then, transported to their farms in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and Arakan Valley, North Cotabato and harvested after 45 days. After harvesting, they will proceed to the dressing plants in Cagayan de Oro which has a capacity to process 2,000 birds per hour. He, meanwhile, said that they are targeting to have seven more operational breeding farms aside from the four which are already operational, and an-

other three which are being constructed. “We are targeting to have 14 fully operational farms by June 2014. Each can house 15,000 breeders [Peking ducks],” Lao added, citing the on-going construction of their next dressing plant in Tamugan, Toril which is expected to generate employment of 300 per shift. On the other hand, Lao said that they will also be introducing Peking duck

meat to the local market. Five percent of their production will go to 5-star star hotels and casinos, but will be made available at Robinsons Supermarket. “We had talks with Robinsons and SM supermarket while only five percent will be disposed to the local market. The rest will be exported,” Lao said, adding that this is part of their goal to make Peking duck meat part of the Filipino dinner table.

I still believe...FFROM 1

Beware... FFROM 2

Peking duck...FFROM 2

mitigation since 85 percent of Filipinos do not how to swim. PLS has trained 15,000 individuals inv12 cities and municipalities through their “One Life Saver per Family” which aims to capacitate one member of the family to become a life saver, especially during disasters. He cited that two weeks before super typhoon Yolanda hit Eastern Visayas, they were able to conduct a training program for 120 volunteers in Sta. Fe, Bantayan, Cebu. Al-ag said that the place recorded only one out of four casualties caused by drowning. “We cannot erase the fact that we are in an archipelago and most of us use water for transportation,” he said, adding that climate change is putting more lives in danger. “Be-

fore, we only had 25 typhoons in a year, now we have Yolanda, the 29th and there are three more typhoons to come.” He, meanwhile, said that they are now formulating a formal letter containing the proposal addressed to Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte. He said that if the mayor approves the proposal, there will be a memorandum of agreement (MOA) or memorandum of understanding (MOU). The government will be covering the incidental costs and the honorarium of trainers. Aside from LGUs, they also sent the proposal to the Department of Education to include it in the curriculum. He said that their proposal is already in line with the K + 12 program of the department.

of cash. Cabuhat said they have to coordinate with the witness who is a minor so that he could give them a description of the killers. Police said that Yu, was facing several crim-

inal charges in Tandag, Surigao del Sur for frustrated murder, serious physical injuries and trafficking in persons. However, Cabuhat said that Maricel denied those allegation against her husband.

task force are the Women and Children’s Desk, City Health Office and The Traffic Management Center. The EO added that the funds of this task force will be from the budget of the City Mayor’s Office.

The order pointed out that it is the duty of the city to give full support to the improvement of the elderly people and provide comprehensive health care rehabilitation system to foster their capacity.

only Romy who stabbed the victim. On October 8, 2008, the court issued a warrant to arrest the suspects, however, the police apprehended only Elmo while his brother Romy

was at-large until he was reported to have died. On February 16, 2009 Elmo pleaded not guilty and posted P20,000 which the court directed the Clerk of Court to release. [EPC]

fic scheme of the night market thus to avoid any trouble, Abude submitted another report based on Jimlani’s own scheme that was more complicated than Abude’s proposal. Earlier, after Abude tendered his resignation he was told by his staff that Jimlani directed them to make their own traffic scheme for the proposed night market. “If he followed the original proposal that did not need city council approval because there would no be re-routing, the night market scheme would have been implemented by now,”Abude

said. He said that the night market was supposed to be opened last November 27, but because of the rift between them it did not push through. Abude said he will still involve himself in community work. Abude became a station commander of the Talomo Police station before assuming as the TMC head last July. He recommended P/ Supt. Rhodelio Poliquit, head of the Davao City Traffic Group, to be his replacement. He will bid goodbye on January 1 next year.

Slain... FFROM 4

EO...FFROM 4

RTC frees...FFROM 4

Abude...FFROM 4

11 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

DAVAO CITY

GPH military adviser calls on MILF to continue adherence to truce pact

AVAO CITY-- Government senior military adviser Major General Leo Cresente Ferrer appealed to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to follow the rule of law and strictly adhere to the ceasefire agreement now that the peace process is in the final stretch. “We ask the MILF leadership to rein in their forces in the spirit of the positive strides of the peace process both sides [GPH and MILF] have steadfastly worked on for so many years. A fruitful conclusion would benefit not just the Bangsamoro people but the rest of the people in Mindanao,” he said. Ferrer made the appeal as information came out that MILF members were allegedly involved in abducting 12 persons in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte last December 5. Eight of the civilians were released Friday night, a military report from the ground said. MILF members under Abdul Macalunto of the 102nd Base Command seized the 12 civilians in Balo-i town as part of the group’s alleged anti-drug and anti-gambling campaigns in the area, the report said. The report came out as the GPH and MILF peace panels are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the conduct of the 42nd exploratory talks. Ferrer stressed that prospects are now brighter than ever for the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). “With the peace talks in the end stage, let us not allow any untoward incidents, isolated they may be, to obstruct the momentum gained so far by the peace process,” he said. He essentially echoed the sentiments of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, who on Friday issued a statement after MILF members abducted and later freed the police chief of Marawi City, Supt. Christopher Panapan. Deles had credited the peace process mechanisms—the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the AdHoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), and the International Monitoring Team (IMT)-- for the crucial role they played in securing the safe release of Panapan, and preventing possible escalation of hostilities that might have compromised the existing ceasefire between the Government and the MILF.

[OPAPP]

SHOPPING SEASON. A shopper browsers through Christmas decors on display in a Christmas bazaar of one of the malls along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

TAGUM CITY

MinDA chief tells communicators to rally for disaster prep, climate change resiliency M

INDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) Sec. Luwalhati Antonino calls on government communicators in Mindanao to rally for disaster preparedness and resiliency to climate change. In a message to participants of the 2013 Mindanao Communicators Congress and Workshop held from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Antonino pointed out the need for “all to become resilient to climate change” and to pursue measures to safeguard the gains of economic growth

NABUNTURAN

of Mindanao. She cited as imperative to tell the people of Mindanao the diminishing state of forests which now covers only 23 percent and to encourage them to do something about it. “We also need to tell the people of Mindanao that climate change is here to stay and that we can no longer afford to implement palliative or stop-gap measures when disaster strikes,” she said in a speech delivered by Director Efren F. Elbanbuena, president of the Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComnet).

She stressed the need for Mindanawons to know that Mindanao no longer stood at the typhoon-free path and that “everyone is vulnerable to climate change. “These messages must trickle in to the senses of the people, and that is part of our job,” she said. Mindanao had grim experiences with typhoons Sendong that hit the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in 2012 and with Typhoon Pablo that left heavy damage in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Antonino cited these as

Nabunturan eyes to become region’s filmmaking capital N

ABUNTURAN, Compostla Valley– In the future, this municipality will not only continue to pride itself as the capital of gold-rich Compostela Valley or one of Davao region’s major gold producers. It also sees itself as the region’s filmmaking capital, thanks to the pool of local talents – mostly students and teachers from the town’s different schools.

National and international award-winning experts and awardees of the Sine-Mindanaw Film Community trained the pool on story development, directing, cinematography, and film appreciation at the capitol last May 24-27. “This is part of our quest to place Nabunturan in the national road map as a primary tourist destination in Davao region,” Leah Calamba,

municipal tourism officer, explained. Following the training, the organizers led by the municipal tourism council and the local government, created the Nabunturan Indie Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX) and encouraged the participants to produce their short film as entries to the first-ever film exhibition in the province. [JPA/ PGO-Tourism Services Section]

experiences teaching “us to be more pro-active in educating the people about disaster preparedness ” which she considered as a “daunting task for communicators.” Such phenomena encouraged MinDA to reach out to people in Leyte and Samar severely smashed to ground level by super Typhoon Yolanda that swept through and made several landfall in Central Visayas on November 8 this year Antonino said MinDA partnered with several Mindanao-based private companies and local government units in a relief

operation called “One Mindanao for Visayas” using funds allotted supposedly for MinDA Christmas party. The other week, MinDA sent truckloads of food packs and boxes of bananas to areas in Leyte but it continued to pool resources for the next round of relief operation. “The message is clear: Central Visayas needs every help it can get to rebuild the lives its people, and I hope as communicators we can send that message across,” she said. [PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

NEW BATAAN

Tower of light brings hope to typhoon Pablo victims

EW BATAAN, Compostela Valley-Looking up at the Andap Tower of Light, 56-year-old Nenita Cualee of Purok 2 in the Municipality of Compostela, this province remembered her parents together with her two nieces and a brother whom she lost due to Typhoon Pablo on Dec. 4, 2012. A year after, she still felt the pain of losing them. She preferred to talk about hope and courage that the Andap Tower of Lighet kindled among residents of Barangay Andap of New Bataan , Compostela Valley Province.

Blessed by Archbishop Romulo Valles of the Archdiocese of Davao, the Andap Tower of Light stands about 50 feet from the tons of debris flow deposits that leveled the barangay proper of Andap. Data of the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), revealed that the debris flow carried about 30 million cubic meters of mud, gravel, rocks, boulders that could likely contain about 3 million 10-wheeler dump trucks. [PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

EDGEDAVAO

NATION

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Power-sharing Strengthen women’s annex hailed LEGARDA:

role in peace building K S

ENATOR Loren Legarda today echoed the United Nations’ call to strengthen the role of women in the peace building process and urged the Senate to look into the country’s implementation of the provisions of a UN Security Council Resolution on the issue. Legarda, in her report to the Senate on the outcome of her official mission to the Women in Parliaments Global Forum - Annual Summit held in Brussels, Belgium on November 27-29, 2013, said

that aside from celebrating the Philippines’ triumph in closing the gender gap, the conference also highlighted the need to strengthen the role of women in conflict resolution and the peace building process. “In the sidelines of the Women in Parliaments Global Forum, I had the chance to meet with Ms. Jody Williams, Chair of the Nobel Women’s Initiative and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, who inspired me to look into the implementation of the National Ac-

tion Plan on Women, Peace and Security in light of the country’s commitments to the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325,” she explained. UNSCR 1325, adopted on October 31, 2000, primarily acknowledges the significant role of women in conflict prevention and peace building efforts. As member of the United Nations, the Philippines has the duty to implement the Resolution’s key provisions namely the participation of

women in all levels of decision-making; gender-perspective in Secretary-General Reports and Security Council Missions; protection of and respect for human rights of women and girls; gender perspective in conflict processes; and gender perspective in peacekeeping, which ensures government commitment in improving the participation of women in the peace process and addressing sexual violence committed against women in times of armed conflict.

del Sur kahapon,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a radio interview Sunday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Coloma said Surigao del Sur police is currently pursuing the killers of Milo and a special investigation task group was created by the PNP for the immediate conclusion of the case.

“Napag-utusan na po ang PNP na gawin ang lahat ng nararapat para po matugis, mahuli at mapanagot ang mga pumaslang kay Ginoong Milo,” he said. At least three motorcycle-riding men gunned down Milo, the latest media killing in the past few weeks. The report said Milo was heading home aboard a motorcycle

when the three motorcycle-riding men shot him. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but doctors were not able to save him. The killing of Milo came about two weeks after radio dxGT blocktimer Joas Dignos of Radyo Abante was gunned down in Valencia City in Bukidnon last November 29. [PCOO News Release]

Palace condemns killing of Surigao del Sur broadcaster

ALACANANG condemned the killing of a Surigao del Sur broadcaster saying a police task force was already created to hunt down the perpetrators. “Kinokondena po namin ang pagpaslang kay Ginoong Michael Milo, isang broadcaster ng Prime Radio FM sa Tandag City Surigao

UALA LUMPUR – Civil society leaders in Mindanao hailed Sunday’s signing of the Annex on Power-sharing by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a “breakthrough” that would hasten the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Guiamel Alim, a member of the Council of Elders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) in Cotabato City and concurrent executive director of the Kadtuntaya Foundation, told MindaNews in a text message that the signing heralds how close the panels are to signing the Comprehensive Political Agreement, especially if they are able to fast-track the negotiations on the last of four annexes – the Annex on Normalization.” “The panels must now revise, refine the timeframe and the next milestones till the end of 2014. Everything should wind up by 2014. This simply means they should rush up,” Alim said. In their Joint State-

ment Sunday, the panels said they are confident they will “finish the Annex on Normalization and an addendum on the matter of Bangsamoro waters … in January 2014.” In a statement signed by Patricia Sarenas, the Mindanao Coalition of Development Networks (MINCODE) and the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) commended the Philippine government and the MILF for the “historic” document. “Even as the country reels from the effects of the calamities that have unfortunately affected our people in many parts of the country in the recent months, we have never lost sight of the fact that the GPH-MILF peace process was an important matter that did not have to be sidelined or delayed any further because it is of utmost importance that the remaining two Annexes will be needed to complete the work of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC),” Sarenas wrote. [Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews]

CLASSIFIEDS 13

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 16th City Council 11th Regular Session Series of 2013

Republika ng Pilipinas SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD Lungsod ng Dabaw

PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Edgar R. Ibuyan Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Arnolfo Ricardo B. Cabling April Marie C. Dayap Jimmy G. Dureza Emmanuel D. Galicia Sr. Berino L. Mambo-o Sr. Tomas J. Monteverde IV J. Melchor V. Quitain Jackson V. Reyes Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Jose Louie P. Villafuerte

Acting Vice Mayor

Rodrigo R. Duterte Karlo S. Bello Leah A. Librado-Yap

Acting City Mayor

Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Bernard E. Al-ag Joanne M. Bonguyan Paolo Z. Duterte Jashera L. Gonzales Rene Elias C. Lopez Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Rachel P. Zozobrado

On Sick Leave On Domestic Emergency Leave

On Domestic Emergency Leave On Sick Leave

On Domestic Emergency Leave On Domestic Emergency Leave

ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Vice-Mayor Councilor Councilor ABSENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

ORDINANCE NO. 0495-13 Series of 2013 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING AND APPROVING THE RENTAL RATE FOR BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS OCCUPYING PORTIONS OF THE RESERVATION AREA COVERED BY PROCLAMATION NO. 20, LOCATED AT TIMES BEACH, MATINA APLAYA, DAVAO CITY Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that:

CERTIFIED CORRECT: “For and in tne absence of the Secretary:

SECTION 1. TITLE -- This Ordinance shall be known as "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING AND APPROVING THE RENTAL RATE FOR BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS OCCUPYING PORTIONS OF THE RESERVATION AREA COVERED BY PROCLAMATION NO. 20, LOCATED AT TIMES BEACH, MATTNA APLAYA, DAVAO CITY”; SECTION 2. PROVlSION AND APPROVAL - The following is the rental rate for business establishments occupying portions of the reservation area covered by Proclamation No. 20, located at Times Beach, Matina Aplaya, Davao City: Rate per sq.m./day Php 1.20/sq.m./day

Area Covered occupied area only with structures and pools

Term of Lease Quarterly

Purpose for recreational purposes only

Each business establishment must enter into a LEASE CONTRACT with the City Government of Davao under the terms and conditions which are in accordance with this ordinance for a term of three (3) months and renewable in a quarterly basis, subject to the following terms and conditions;

JOSEPH ELMER H. CABALI Acting Supervising Administrative Officer (Local Legislative Staff Officer III)

a. The business establishment must first obtain prior special registration with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), if reclamation had been undertaken;

ATTESTED: EDGAR R. IBUYAN Acting Vice Mayor cnz/mbk

b. The business establishment must pay the fines/penalties for violation of the National Building Code and other laws on business permit and taxes for ope rating the business without first securing the necessary permits and licenses;

APPROVED:___________________,2013

c. The business to be undertaken in the area should be limited exclusively for recreational purposes only;

LAPSED

DEEMED APPROVED AFTER THE LAPSE OF TEN (10) DAYS, PER SEC.54, R.A. 7160

d. The rental should be retroactive to a maximum of three (3) years for business entities which operated without permits and licenses from the city government and other national agencies, less the total cost of the reclamation project, per Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) assessment, if reclamation work had been undertaken;

e. The terms and conditions of the Lease Contract will be subject to the output of the final conference between the City Government of Davao and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), if reclamation had been undertaken;

SARA Z. DUTERTE City Mayor

ATTESTED:

SECTION 3. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE -- This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval; ENACTED, March 22, 2013, by a majority vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present.

ATTY. ZULEIKA T. LOPEZ Acting City Administrator

14 CLASSIFIEDS

Advertise EDGE with

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

DAVAO

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

HEALTH

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

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

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

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

Available at all Drugstore near you

Realty FOR SALE:

NOW HIRING

ONE (1) - HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC

Qualifications: 1. With at least 5 years experience. 2. Highly skilled in repair of bulldozer, backhoe, compactor of different models like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, etc. 3. Honest and Hardworking. Interested applicant may send their application, Bio-data and Resume to:

PRIMELAND PROPERTIES, INC.

3RD Floor PPI Bldg., Ponciano Reyes St., (Crooked Road), Davao City.

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.

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

BUS DRIVER

Qualifications: Qualifications:

1. 2. 3.

Male, 28 – 40 years old 1. least Male, high 28 – school 40 years old At graduate 2. At least high school graduate With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks) 3. With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks)

Requirements: Requirements: 1. Driver’s License with Official Receipt 1.x Driver’s License (2 with Official Receipt 2. 2 2 I.D. picture pcs.) 2. 2 x 2 I.D. (2 pcs.) or clearance from 3. Certificate of picture Employment 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from

May previous apply in employment person at Human Resource Department, YBLI in Office, General Santos Resource Drive, May apply person at Human Koronadal City. YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Department, Koronadal City.

RATES FOR BOX ADS

BLACK AND WHITE SIZE Full Page Half Page 1/4 Page 1/8 Page 1/16 Page per col. cm.

RATES FOR LINE ADS

Classified Page 10,000.00 5,000.00 2,500.00 1,250.00 650.00 55.00

P150.00 per column inch; P55.00 first three lines; P10.00 on succeeding lines

FULL COLOR ADS + 35% color surcharge

3 + 2 bonus

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Roaring back to Durianburg WHEN Tigerair stopped their Singapore-Davao service as well as their Davao-Manila service, you could say I was sad to see an airline with so much potential leave, but after a short break, Tiger Airways Philippines is finally back in Davao and roaring to serve the Dabawenyo flying public more with their seven times a week ManilaDavao route as well as launch their three times a week Clark-Davao flights at the Seda Hotel Abreeza in a simple ceremony last December 3 with the airlines top officials, the DOT, local executives, booking agents as well as members of the media. Tigerair promises to provide the best airline deals with top notch service. “We aim to make traveling more affordable to Filipinos while providing them with a quality airline with a caring and highly trained cabin crew, the most expeienced pilots, and an aircraft fleet made in Toulouse, France, and no older than three years old,” says Tigerair president and CEO Olive Ramos. Ramos continues by pointing out that with no-budget airline, food is included in the fare and they won’t reimburse it if you opt to not eat your food. “Who really likes to eat airline food?” she asks. “In Tigerair, a packaged meal, which is not included in the fare, costs only P350. So, why choose a full-service airline when you can have a budget airline where the seats are few and you can be taken care of better?” Associated with the strengths of the Singapore-based Tigerair brand, this airline gives passengers a seamless, value-for-money travel experience. Its Airbus A320s and Airbus A319s, the newest in the low-cost carrier segment, are con-

– Bangkok; Clark – Singapore; Clark – Kalibo; and Kalibo – Singapore. The airline aims to offer commercial flights to Japan,

figured to carry less seats and passengers to give them wider legroom. Tigerair really has much to roar about these days. When asked why they chose to revive their Manila-Davao as well as add a ClarkDavao route, Joey Laurente, Tigerair VP for Commercial explains that Davao fits in Tigerair’s work and rest philosophy and that Davao City has the leisure attractions as well as business locators. “Because Tigerair wants you to enjoy the best worlds in Davao City. To take pleasure in its mix of nature and culture, wildlife and nightlife, spectacular islands and breathtaking highlands that make up one truly unforgettable Davao experience. The other world is where Davao is being named as the Next Wave City by the Informa-

tion and Communications Technology office for three years now --hoping to earn the title BPO City soon,” says Joey. Currently Tigerair flies domestic via NAIA Terminal 4 with flights from Manila – Cebu; Manila – Davao; Manila – Bacolod; Manila – Iloilo; Manila – Kalibo; Manila – Puerto Princesa; and Manila – Tacloban. Its international flights include: Manila – Phuket; Clark – Hongkong; Clark

Korea and China soon. If you’re traveling soon, make sure you sign up at Tigerair’s website at www.tigerair.com or call the hotline

at +632-798-4488 and join their “great deal that make you smile” promos to discover the places your budget can take you next.

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

‘The Prayer’ unites Philippines’ best voices for disaster relief and recovery IT was a song that the award-winning choir was used to singing whenever they went on tour, but one performance stood out and touched the hearts of people around the world. It all started when the internationally renowned Filipino choral group – the Loboc Children’s Choir of Loboc, Bohol – sang the Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli classic ‘The Prayer’ on national television. Like a ripple, the message of hope from these children who are earthquake survivors themselves inspired many other Filipinos to do their share in helping their countrymen recover from the disaster. To amplify these children’s voices, the Philippines’ biggest music artists came together to join the choir, give life to the song anew, and help Filipinos affected not just by the Bohol earthquake but also by the recent super typhoon that ravaged Leyte, Samar and nearby regions. “These children may be from Bohol, but their innocent voices represent not just their home province but also earthquake-damaged Cebu, war-stricken Zamboanga, and typhoon-devastated Leyte, Samar and Iloilo -- all of whom are praying for a miracle to allow them to rebuild their lives,” said Ramon Chuaying of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). “We asked the help of various Filipino artists, to lend their voices, to represent our country and show the world that the Philippines has one voice, one prayer -- that we work together to help our countrymen rebuild their lives brick by brick,” he added. According to Ito Rapadas of Universal Records, who produced and recorded the song, convincing the artists to contribute was easy once they appreciated and understood the uniqueness of the project. “A couple of the popular artists who agreed to sing the song inquired why instead of using a new and original Filipino song, we used a foreign song for this project. We said the project was started and inspired by the viral video of the Loboc Children’s Choir singing in an impromptu manner in front of the rubble of the old church of Loboc after the earthquake,” said Rapadas. “We highlighted the children’s choir and their choice of song which is The Prayer, not only because they started the idea, but because they are survivors of a natural disaster and they represent the resiliency of all survivors of both the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda,” Rapadas added. For this project the PARI worked with DDB Philippines to gather 23 music artists to record ‘The Prayer’ with the Loboc Children’s Choir. The song was released by Smart Music through its SPINNR digital music store (spinnr.ph) and all proceeds will go to the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation’s Help.PH initiative to help in the immediate relief and community rebuilding efforts in affected areas through resettlement, education and livelihood. ‘The Prayer’ features the voices of top Filipino music icons singing with the Loboc Children’s Choir. These artists are Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Kuh Ledesma, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, ZsaZsa Padilla and Lani Misalucha. They are also joined by topnotch Filipino performers from various record labels who agreed to unite in this project – Noel Cabangon, Christian Bautista, Billy Crawford, Anne Curtis, Rachelle Ann Go, Erik Santos, Richard Poon, Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Karylle, Jay R, Nikki Gil, Kris Lawrence, Iya Villania, Nyoy Volante and Sabrina. Production was supervised by maestro Ryan Cayabyab who heads the Philipop MusicFest Foundation. “It’s a beautiful and inspiring version that we can all be proud of. This is probably the biggest gathering of today’s biggest music artists in a single song, and we are glad that these artists all responded to our call to help rebuild the lives of our countrymen by sharing their time and talent,” said Mellissa Limcaoco of Smart Music. “Now we are encouraging everyone to please support the cause and help our fellow Filipinos rise again. By simply purchasing a copy of this song for only P10, not only are you helping spread the message of hope but you are directly contributing to the Help PH campaign of the PDRF,” she added. Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Sun Cellular subscribers can purchase the song by visiting and registering their mobile phone numbers at spinnr.ph via web, mobile browser or the Spinnr mobile app for Android Smartphones. Payment will be deducted from the prepaid load or charged to the subscriber’s postpaid bill so a credit card is not needed to support this cause. To help in Smart Music’s advocacy of aiding earthquake and typhoon survivors through music, visit spinnr.ph and download the collection of songs for the benefit of Help PH. For more information about Help PH and the many ways you can send help wherever you are in the world, visit www.help.ph.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Goodfellas: European cuisine in the heart of Gensan ONLY Goodfellas has been known to be a hub for yuppies, ever since their opening last, May 2013. But don’t let the classic with a side of retro interiors fool you into thinking it’s a pricey place to chill. Once you step inside the resto, owned and managed by Vincent and Janet Zammit, you already left the Philippines, it’s as if the door is a portal to Europe. The resto specializes in authentic Italian cuisine, with recipes that have been passed from the Sicilian Zammit family for generations. Only Goodfellas is dedicated to give the real traditional home made Italian taste, without compromising the ingredients, ingredients that are by the way from all over Europe. Plus the quantity of the meals are large and their prices are not too high, you could have yourself a reasonably priced meal within a Php140. One of the edge Goodfellas has over their competitions, besides their imported ingredients, is the fact that they cook their meals in real time, right after they’re ordered. Goodfellas is famous for their pasta meals like my personal favorite the Spaghetti Di Avola which is a mouth watering deep fried pasta that’s crispy on the outside but remains soft on the inside, their Ravioli, Bolognese and Tortellini pastas are some of their best sellers, and meals like their Peppered Beef Fillet, Panini’s’ and their famous Swiss, French, German and smoked sausage meals, make their clients coming back for more. Its no wonder why tourists from the Philippines and from all over the globe, especially those tourists that check-in the

neighboring Microtel, have a huge appreciation for the place, not just because of the ambiance and taste, but also the quality service their crew give. Goodfellas also has a wide collection wines that the owners collected from all over Europe, D’Avola Sicilia & Cabernet and Sauvignon being the couples favorites. They also have a number of classic

cocktails, made from top quality liquors,with their own European twists, twists that can only be defined after you try one. If you ask me, their cocktails are rich in flavor but after you have one you’ll feel the effect of the alcohol without the strong alcohol taste. If you’re looking for a place to dine that serves good food, provides good service, on a good loca-

tion, or chill and hangout with good company, Only Goodfellas is where you have to go. Located at Valley High, Microtel Arcade, National Highway, General Santos City Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ welcomes Amy Perez Mornings get even brighter as television host and returning Kapamilya Amy Perez is now part of ABS-CBN’s morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda” (UKG). Aside from her fellow UKG anchors Anthony Taberna, Bernadette Sembrano, Bianca Gonzales, Atom Araullo, Ariel Ureta, Winnie Cordero, and Zen Hernandez, Amy was also greeted and warmly welcomed by various Kapamilya stars such as Vice Ganda, Enrique Gil, Luis Manzano, Jericho Rosales, Andi Eigenmann, Cristine Reyes, Maja Salvador, Nikki Gil, Julia Montes, Gerald Anderson, Vina Morales, and Zsa Zsa Padilla via a VTR last Monday (Dec 2). Amy started her career in show business a s

an actress back in 1984. She appeared in movies like “Campus Beat” and “Jack & Jill” before she ventured into hosting. Her biggest break as a host happened in the

early 90s when she hosted “’Sang Linggo nAPO Sila,” which was immediately followed by “Magandang Tanghali Bayan.” She also appeared on television with her role as Amelia in the long-running sitcom “Palibhasa Lalaki” as one of her most memorable roles. Amy currently hosts the musical game show “The Singing Bee” every weekend alongside Roderick Paulate. Watch Chang Amy every weekday morning in “Umagang Kay Ganda,” 5 AM on ABS-CBN.

GMA pays it forward with a new collection of Christmas short films SINCE it was launched in 2005, GMA’s collection of Christmas short films has gone from earning the nod of televiewers to receiving awards from local and international award-giving bodies. Now on its 8th year, GMA Network through its sales and marketing arm, GMA Marketing and Productions, Inc. (GMPI), upholds its Yuletide tradition and makes it even more meaningful as it gives back to those in most need. Strengthening its social responsibility, GMPI has instituted a partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation, wherein sponsors of the short films donated to the foundation’s immediate relief operations for the Yolanda typhoon victims. Partnering with GMPI for the 2013 GMA Christmas Short Films are Cebuana Lhuillier, Smart HelLow, So Lucky Soda Crackers, and KFC. Select Kapuso artists, meanwhile, breathe life into some of the important characters in each story. In Cebuana Lhuillier’s “Iskolar,” a young man waiting in line reflects on his family’s ups and downs, and their determination to overcome life’s obstacles. This Christmas, follow Benjamin Alves

and Vincent Magbanua as they show how one can still give back despite life’s unexpected setbacks. Jaclyn Jose stars in Smart HelLow’s “From Dubai with Love”. It is a comedy about a family who receives a Balikbayan box from Dubai for Christmas. Find out the unexpected twist in the story that’s certain to make viewers laugh and fall in love. In So Lucky Soda Crackers’“Kahati ng Kahapon”, Niño, the same young boy from the multi-awarded short film “Hating Kapatid”, is reminded of his humble beginnings when he meets he meets a young street scavenger. In the season of sharing, witness how Jak Roberto as the grown up Niño, pays forward the same generosity he received years ago from Nanay Perla (por-

trayed by Ms. Perla Bautista). Inspired by the true story of a little girl, KFC’s “Munting Sakripisyo” featuring Barbara Miguel, Milcah Nacion and Kris Bernal will touch viewers’ hearts as they portray a day in the life of 9-year old Norhana whose unusual routine turns a simple story into an extraordinary one. With a growing list of awards to its name, GMPI only promises to further its commitment of creating relevant, inspiring and valuable content, while spreading the true essence of the Holiday Season. Be sure to experience this once more with the latest collection of Christmas short films, which can now be seen on GMA-7 and GMA News TV. The films are also available online at www.gmanetwork.com/gmashortfilms #GMASHORTFILMS

ENDER'S GAME 2D Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford

PG 13

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

FROZEN 2D Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel

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

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE 2D / * HOURS 2D

R-16

PG 13 / *PG 13

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson / * Paul Walker, Genesis Rodriguez 12:40 | 3:25 LFS / * 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

DELIVERY MAN 2D Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

MAKE IT YOUR DAILY HABIT. EDGE DAVAO

EDGEDAVAO IT AIN’T EASY

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

SPORTS 15

Kobe struggles in return L

OS ANGELES (AP) -Nearly eight months after Kobe Bryant limped off the Lakers’ home court with a torn Achilles tendon and a career in doubt, he struggled to keep his composure when he finally stepped back onto the same hardwood. And though his comeback night didn’t quite go to script, Bryant couldn’t help reflecting on the work necessary to get back on that court - and all the months of steady labor ahead to reclaim his game. Bryant had nine points and eight rebounds in his season debut, but Amir Johnson scored a career-high 32 points in the trade-depleted Toronto Raptors’ 106-94 victory over Los Angeles on

Sunday night. Bryant began his 18th NBA season by going 2 for 9 with four assists and eight turnovers in 28 minutes. The fourth-leading scorer in NBA history got hurt April 12 and persevered through several months of rehabilitation to return for Los Angeles’ 20th game of the new season, only to struggle with his shot, his timing and his new teammates. ‘’My rhythm is completely out of sync,’’ Bryant said. ‘’But this is a start, and I guess a start is good.’’ Nick Young scored 19 points for the Lakers, who went 10-9 without Bryant this season, forging a winning record without the fivetime NBA champion and with little help from fellow

injured MVP Steve Nash. Adoring fans cheered Kobe’s every move and forgave every misstep, but Bryant couldn’t rally the Lakers late despite another huge game by Los Angeles’ reserves. Bryant was touched by the fans’ reception and his teammates’ encouragement, although his ruthless competitive nature chafed against his natural emotions before the opening tip. ‘’You try to control it as much as you can, but you can’t help thinking about the hard work,’’ Bryant said. ‘’You try to put it to the side as much as possible and do your work. ... It makes you appreciate the game, this franchise and this city, and all we’ve been through.’’

ECORDS were shattered Sunday at the 37th MILO Marathon National Finals, as elite runner Mary Joy Tabal claimed her first MILO Marathon national crown and broke the current women’s event record for 42K set by Jho-An Banayag by 16 milliseconds. The MILO Marathon also posted its highest season headcount to date at more than 220,000 runners, after registering 26,681 runners at today’s championship race alone. Not to be outdone, reigning MILO Marathon King Eduardo Buenavista bagged a back-toback win, his fifth title in the prestigious footrace. Buenavista also holds the current men’s

event record for 42K in the national marathon. For their outstanding victories, Tabal received the P 250,000 prize plus an additional P 20,000 for breaking Banayag’s record, while Buenavista received the top purse of P 150,000 from his Local leg win. Both runners also scored an all-expenses paid trip to the 2014 Paris Marathon as the first Philippine delegates sponsored by MILO in more than two decades. Showing top form, Margaret Njuguna (2:42:18) was the only one to finish ahead of Tabal. The Kenyan runner led the distaff run since the sound of the starting gun, making her a

powerful force to beat. Trailing closely behind, Tabal led former MILO Marathon Queens Mary Grace delos Santos (2:54:27) and Cristabel Martes (2:57:15) to a 2-3-4 Filipina finish, and posted her best time so far at 2:48:00. Last year, delos Santos and Banayag topped the 42K female category race ahead of all foreign competitors. Tabal later revealed that she changed her strategy and training scheme for the National Finals, attaining a total training distance of 150 kilometers per week. “My initial target for this race is to hit below the 3-hour mark. I was actually quite surprised to have finished much faster and to have broken a record in the process,” said the 24-year old Cebuana titlist. “The Paris Marathon will definitely be a new challenge for me, and I hope to be one of the many athletes who have brought great pride to our nation.” Cementing his reputation as one of the country’s finest male athletes, Buenavista outperformed strong local competitors Rene Desuyo (2:32:34) and Irineo Raquin (2:32:57), but failed to defeat this year’s set of Kenyan runners, namely Josphat Chobei (2:18:23), last year’s MILO Marathon King James Tallam (2:18:41), and Alex Melly (2:22:30). He expressed that the race was most challenging when his muscles began to betray him as he reached the finish line. “I set the pace during the first few kilometers of the route. However, the Kenyans started to gain ground before we reached the halfway point. Motivated solely by the chance to represent our country at an international competition, I rallied for the local category win and was able to claim my fifth national title,” said Buenavista. “This is both my greatest accomplishment and my most ambitious goal so far. I aim to post an even better time come the Paris Marathon.”

Tabal rips mark, Buenavista wins R

TOP PINOY WINNERS. Mary Joy Tabal (left) and Eduardo Buenavista (right) topped the 37th National Milo Marathon Finals.

HE’S BAAACK. Kobe Bryant struggled with only 9 points and 8 rebounds in his return.

Aguilar comes of age J

apeth Aguilar scored 21 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and seven blocks, but even that impressive stat line couldn’t begin to tell the story of how huge his game was in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s victory over Talk ‘N Text on Sunday. Playing against his former Tropang Texters’ teammates, Aguilar powered Ginebra to a comeback from a double-digit deficit, scoring 11 points in the fourth period. He made the game-winning three pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining before making the game-saving shotblock at the buzzer moments later. For Aguilar, the game was about finally living up to the

tantalizing potential he has shown for years, after he became the top overall pick in 2009. “It’s about coming of age na rin,” Aguilar told InterAksyon. com. “Ako naman yung tipo ng player na kung may kailangan pang i-improve, I will work for it.” He called his performance on Sunday one of the most memorable of his career. “This is one of them. I also had a big game like this when I was playing for Talk ‘N Text and I made a winning putback,” said Aguilar. Ginebra superstar Mark Caguioa said facing his old team also served as motivation for Aguilar.

“I think he had something to prove, as if saying, you know what, nagkakamali kayo,” said Caguioa. Despite his obvious talent, Aguilar struggled to find his form in his first full season in the PBA, getting lost in the deep Talk ‘N Text rotation. He left the Tropang Texters last year to try out for a spot in the NBA D-League, before getting traded to the GlobalPort Batang Pier midway through last season. After an impressive stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Championship, Aguilar joined Ginebra, an exciting development for a player whose father Peter also once saw action for the franchise.

KLAHOMA CITY (AP) -Oklahoma City insisted there was no extra motivation playing against an Indiana team sporting the NBA’s best record. Kevin Durant certainly played like there was on Sunday night, scoring 36 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as the Thunder made quick work of the visiting Pacers with a 118-94 win. What started as a matchup of NBA Finals’ hopefuls quickly turned into a rout, with Oklahoma City leading by as many as 29 points in the first half before finishing with stars Durant and Russell Westbrook - who added 26 points and 13 assists - resting

comfortably on the bench. It was also a largely one-sided affair - particularly early - in the matchup between Durant and Indiana All-Star Paul George. George finished with 32 points, but he had only six at halftime as the Thunder surged ahead and never looked back. ‘’I take everything personal, no matter who I’m playing,’’ Durant said. ‘’I’m always grateful for the opportunity to play, so I never want to take it for granted. ‘’... Of course, playing one of the best teams in the league, you’ve always got to bring it a little bit more, I guess, and tonight I think we all did that.’’ While George was quiet

offensively in the first half, Durant opened the game with a point to prove against last year’s Eastern Conference finalist. The NBA’s leading scorer at 28.5 points per game hit 6 of 7 shots in the first quarter, scoring 14 of the Thunder’s first 18 points. It was just the start of the fun for Oklahoma City, which improved to 10-0 at home this season and is the only Western Conference team still undefeated at home. ‘’I think we know that we can play with the best of them,’’ Westbrook said. ‘’I think tonight we did a good job of just playing our game.’’

Thunder deal Pacers a hard beating O

EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 VOL. 6 ISSUE 192 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

STREAK STOPPER CMO stops BFP run 85-76

ITY Mayor’s Office snapped Bureau of Fire Protection’s seven game winning streak with an 85 – 76 victory in the resumption of the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 11th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament yesterday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Christopher “Bong” Go wound up with game-best 27 points as the City Hallbased dribblers strongly rebounded from their first loss two days ago.

Roy Bangkas and Weng Farochillen drastically contributed 17 and 12 points respectively for CMO which moved up to 7-1 and tied with the Firemen at second place. The three time defending champion went inevitable in the third canto behind its streamlined offense and solidarity in the defensive end to take a 62 – 51 advantage entering the final canto. The Firemen managed to keep pace with CMO, staying within the striking distance but could not just

pull the trigger in the pay off period to absorb their first defeat in eight games. John Lumogda continues to perform well for the BFP, scoring 19 baskets. Former league MVP Warlito Castillo had 13. League-leader Police Regional Office XI, the only team remained unbeaten, handed CMO its first loss on Saturday with a breathtaking 72 – 70 victory and rose to 8-0. Burly Robert Namuag scored 12 for BFP which was downed by 3, 41 – 38, at the half. [RJB]

Manny: Top contender to Floyd’s WBC title

HE World Boxing Council has installed Manny Pacquiao as its top contender in the welterweight class held by Floyd Mayweather. In a move aimed at boosting the chances of seeing the two slug it out, the Mexico City-based WBC put the Filipino at No. 1, ahead of Argentine Luis Abregu and British Amir Khan. Pacquiao’s stock rose following his masterful win

over Brandon Rios in Macau late last month. In the event Mayweather and Pacquiao face each other, it would result into a cash windfall for the WBC, not to mention tons and tons of prestige. Since Mayweather is going to defend the 147-lb. crown, it would require the promoter to shell out a hefty sanction fee and the appointment of judges affiliated with the governing body.

Mayweather has yet to name his foe for May 3 next year, although leading the candidates is Khan. Pacquiao is also booked to see action on April 12 against a foe yet to be named. Promoter Bob Arum said the name of Pacquiao’s foe should be known before Christmas. On the short list are Timothy Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez and even Ruslan Provodnikov.

STOPPING BONG. Spitfirish Bong Go of CMO gets swarmed by the Bureau of Fire Protection’s defense but still escaped with a game-high 27 points. (Tomas Inigo)