Edge Davao 9 Issue 133 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 133 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

FEDERALISM PUSH. Architect Florencio “”Chito” Gavito (right)holds a map of the Philippines while former councilor lawyer Aris Albay (center) gives a bird’s eye-view of the proposed shift in the form of government from a unitary to federal system. They were joined by lawyer Ruben Abarquez during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

P2-M REWARD ON EACH ‘DRUG COP’ Rody bares bounty for police officers involved in drugs By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE fight against the use, trade and proliferation of illegal drugs in the country is not a simple police matter but a war. This was emphasized by President Duterte as he led the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Monday, Aug. 29. Recognizing the need to clean the ranks of government, especially the police from the scourge of illegal drugs, the President also announced the putting up of rewards against police officers protecting drug syndicates in the country. Mr. Duterte described po-

lice officers who are into the illegal drug trade as “Ninjas,” a term used to refer to the police protectors of drug syndicates and personalities. “Today, I might be inclined to place a reward on their heads, the members of the Ninjas or the police protecting drug syndicates in this country. I am placing per head P2 million,” President Duterte said. The President stressed that the country is in the midst of a drug crisis. “We have a drug crisis. Some of our fellow citizens consider this just a police problem, and even to an extent, as an ailment,” he added.

The President said some sectors think the police should not implement such punitive measures because the problem of illegal drugs in the country is only an ailment. “I am sorry for my country for these are citizens that fall short of grasping the situation,” he added. Two years ago, the President said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) already revealed disturbing statistics which showed that around three million Filipinos were addicted to Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or shabu. When the new administra-

tion took over, around 600,000 more individuals were tested positive of the illegal substance, the President noted. “If you add that to the earlier prediction of PDEA – there’s an increase to about 700,000. So you have 3.7 million Filipinos who are addicted to shabu,” the President Duterte pointed out. The President explained that the problem of illegal drugs also brings to the fore the eternal battle between the rich and the poor. “They would want to make it happen, just because this guy is poor and therefore he

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PNP welcomes reward against ‘ninja cops’

HE leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) lauded President Duterte’s declaration that rewards will be given to those who will be able to identify police officers who are reportedly acting as protectors of illegal drug syndicates in the country. “The Philippine National Police welcomes the reward offer of President Rodrigo R. Duterte for information that will help uncover police personnel behind illegal drug activities,” said Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, spokesperson of the PNP in a statement

sent to the media yesterday. In his message during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Monday, President Duterte said the fight against drugs is not a mere police matter but a war. “We have a drug crisis. Some of our fellow citizens consider this just a police problem, an even to the extent as an ailment,” the President said. President Duterte also called on the military to join hands with the police in its

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 133 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

HEROES ALL. President Rodrigo R. Duterte gives a salute to the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” Monument in Taguig City during the National Heroes’ Day celebration yesterday. KING RODRIGUEZ/PPD

CHO conducts autopsy on slain boy Kean Gabriel

HE City Health Office (CHO) has conducted an autopsy on the body of three-year-old Kean Gabriel Agustin who died after he was allegedly beaten by his stepfather in Matina Pangi last week. A team of experts headed by Dr. Danilo Ledesma, medico-legal of the Davao City Health Office, conducted the autopsy on Friday last week -- just right after Mayor Inday visited the boy’s wake. “We want to establish the real cause of death,” Mayor Inday said in a statement released by the Davao City Information Office (CIO). “We want to find other wounds and

injuries.” Reports said the boy was placed inside an empty sack by his 22-year-old stepfather, Sonny Boy Mendoza. The suspect, who has been subjected to inquest proceedings, then placed the sack on top of the cabinet where it fell several times on the floor. Police Investigation showed how the boy, in between sobs, begged for the suspect to stop and release him. While the suspect ignored the boy’s pleas, his mother, Grace, also did nothing to help him. The results of the autopsy are yet to be released. CIO

Cayetano remembers heroic police officers

ENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, National Heroes Day, said it pained him to see how police officers have become targets of criticism despite risking their lives in the line of duty. “Our law enforcers deserve to be recognized as modern-day heroes for their sacrifices for our people in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality,” said the staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte. He said that according to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa, at least nine police officers and three soldiers have been killed since the allout war on illegal drugs was launched less than two months

ago. They are PO3 Jenny Agbayani, SPO3 Marlon Nicolas, PSINP Mark Gil Garcia, PO3 Nestor Dimaano, PSINP Orlando Guira, PO3 Jerson Autida, SPO3 Edmar Bumagat, PO2 Armand Villanueva Jupia, and SPO3 Limuel Mahaba Panligan; CPL Josel Miravalles, PFC Jaypee Duran, and PO3 Dar Espallardo. “Let us remember them as heroes, not as mere casualties. Many don’t realize the sacrifices our law enforcers make until they themselves end up martyred in the line of duty and reported in the news,” Cayetano said. He said that given the hazards of their profession, police

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Carpio to explain PH options on South China Sea dispute By RIA VALDEZ

USTICE Antonio Carpio’s legal arguments on the West Philippine Sea/ South China Sea dispute will be discussed in detail in a forum dubbed “Arbitration Decision and its Challenges” this coming Sept. 2, 1PM, at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU). “Carpio will speak on what are our options after the decision,” said Atty. Cecilia Angeles, a faculty member of ADDU’s College of Law, during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference at the SM Ecoland Annex. It can be recalled that Justice Carpio had explained his initial stand on the territorial

dispute last November 2015 also during a forum at the ADDU. “Now that there’s a decision, Carpio would now explain what the options for the Philippine government are,” said Angeles, adding that the magistrate would answer questions regarding the enforcement aspect of the decision. The Ateneo de Davao College of Law, however, stated that the university has not issued any official stand regarding the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PAC) in the Hague regarding the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea dispute.

“This is not an official stand but an official opinion,” clarified Angeles, adding the college is pleased because the Philippines’ position was upheld by the Arbitration Tribunal. “This is a momentous victory for a small country like the Philippines.” Angeles noted, as the Philippines was able to assert its territorial sovereignty despite China’s perceived military might. When asked about the college’s stand on the possibility of President Duterte allowing the conduct of bilateral trade between the Philippines and China, Angeles said the school still had no official

stand regarding the matter, and that she “personally had not seen that angle.” But she pointed out that if the two countries decided to carry out bilateral trade, this wasn’t a violation to of the Arbitration Tribunal’s constitution. Angeles said that President Duterte’s proposal for bilateral talks is the “best solution for the country right now, adding, “And we can pursue it to our advantage.” Admission to Justice Carpio’s forum on the West Philippine Sea-South China Sea dispute is free. Gate passes can be claimed at the Ateneo College of Law Office.

terned after France, which follows a federal-presidential form of government, where only the President is the elected official. President Duterte explained that under the French political system, the President is the executive head of state, while the head of the government is the Prime Minister (PM) who is appointed by the President. The PM stays in office while having the confidence of the National Assembly and the President of the Republic.

In France, the president has very limited power, but a powerful one, “Powerful statements but very limited,” PRRD said. “Hurry up (with) the federal system because I said you follow the country with the presidential office because that would hold together the country,” he said. The President warned not to proceed with a parliamentary form of government. “It will be disastrous for this country. Somebody

should hold the Armed Forces and the Police to control the country,” he said. In the meantime, he said the country should focus on its march towards progress. “At this time, it will be good to have a federal system because the present unitary type has done us no good,” he said. He vowed to step down from the office once the shift from presidential to federal-presidential has been undertaken and perfected within three years. (PNA)

Rody urges Congress to hasten federalism approval

RESIDENT Duterte urged Congress to hasten his proposal to change the form of government from the present unitary type to a federal system. The President made the statement in a speech delivered in this year’s commemoration of National Heroes Day to honor the Filipino heroes at the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” in Taguig City on Monday. He reiterated his call to Congress to push for a federal system of government pat-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 133 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO

Unconstitutional to postpone brgy polls – election lawyer

TOURISM CHAMPION. Gatchi Gatchalian (right) formally swears in as the new Davao Tourism Association (DATA) president officiated by Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 director Roberto “Robbie” Alabado III during the organization’s induction of new set of officers and new members held at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Printing of ballots for barangay, SK elections suspended: Comelec By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it has already suspended the printing of the ballots for the 2016 Baranngay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls. In a statement, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the suspension of print-

ing started last Friday, Aug 26. The statement also quoted Atty. Genevieve Guevarra, head of the Comelec Printing Committee saying: “We are suspending the printing following the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte.” The Comelec added that

President Duterte is supporting a move in Congress to postpone the elections, fearing that drug money might be used to fund candidates. “The Commission on Elections started the printing of 85 million ballots from August 21, despite proposals to postpone the October 31 elec-

tions. The ballots for the SK elections are scheduled to be printed on September 1,” the Comelec statement added. Atty. Guevarra also said that the printing of the ballots will resume by September 1 if there will be no law or joint resolution from Congress on the postponement.

N election lawyer said the Oct. 31 barangay elections should push through even as Congress passed a law postponing it, as the latter cannot extend the tenure of office of the local officials which is fixed for only three years. Atty. Romulo Macalintal explained that “their extension will result to an unlawful governance as the same is clearly without the mandate and voluntary consent of the electorate.” “To postpone the scheduled 2016 barangay election, will not cause an extension of the “term” of office of the barangay officials elected in 2013 but an extension of their “tenure of office” or the actual period of their stay in the office. And Congress has no power to extend the “tenure of office” of these officials since it had already fixed their “term of office” for three (3) years,” he said in a statement. “Furthermore, the constitution only empowers Congress to fix or determine the “term of office” of these barangay officials. “Term of office” means the period to which said officials are entitled to the office. When Congress passed RA 9340 9340 (Barangay Election Law), it fixed such term at “three years” only,” the lawyer added. Macalintal noted that extending their tenure of office

will create a very absurd situation where their tenure of office will be longer than the President, or the mayors or governors who are supposed to be their superiors since the term of office of local elective officials is only three years. “In a word, when Congress, by law, fixed such term of office then such “term” practically became the mandate of the Constitution. It cannot be changed once an election is already held under said law because, as stated, it will constitute an extension of the “tenure” of office of said officials which is not within the power of Congress to grant,” he explained. “Any postponement of said election is a “subtle and self-serving proposition to lengthen governance without a mandate from the governed,” Macalintal said. Likewise, the election lawyer was not convinced on the reason of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to postpone the October 31 polls for the electorate is suffering from “election fever” since the national and local polls were just held. “When RA 9340 (Barangay Election Law) was enacted on September 22, 2005, three (3) barangay elections were conducted by the Comelec in 2007, 2010 and 2013. All these were held after three

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 133 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

MisOriental shoulders burial of killed inmate

DANCING AIDES. Traffic enforcers from the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) showcase their dancing skills in an event in this undated photo. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in her

National Heroes’ Day message that even ordinary Dabawenyos can become heroes like the traffic enforcers, police officers, house help, a father or a mother. Lean Daval Jr.

CSO to spearhead federalism forum By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

MINDANAO-BASED civil society organization is leading the charge for federalism, as it is set to conduct a public forum that aims to feel the pulse of the people and gather inputs for a feasibility study on the federal form of government. Kilos Pederal sa Pagbabago (KPP) will be the lead convenor of the consultation forum on federalism that will be held on Sept 8 to 9, at the Homitori Dormitel, Davao City. Atty. Aris Albay, a member of the KPP, said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Davao at SM City Davao “the [national] government wants to [gather] more data” for the feasibility study on federalism they will be submitting to President Duterte. The President has been

very vocal in his desire to shift to a federal form of government, as discussions are underway in Congress and in the Senate on what method should be used to amend the constitution - a constituent assembly (Con-Ass) or a constitutional convention (ConCon). “We have invited different groups in the sector to promote and inform them about federalism,” he added, as there are still a lot of people who do not understand what federalism actually means. Atty. Ruben Abarquez, another KPP member, explained, “We want more public discussions for the people to understand our goal to help the country shift to a federal type of government.” On the other hand, Ar-

chitect Florencio Gavino explained the concept of federalism and how it will positively affect the Philippines as a nation. “The federal system is good for the Philippines and its people, for it truly empowers the people by bringing the government closer to them,” Gavino noted. He added that a federal system is suited for an archipelagic and culturally-diverse country like the Philippines as “it is the answer to the many ills of the country particularly on underdevelopment.” “The criteria [on refining the laws] must be mentioned in order for them to have easier and clearer discussions,” he added. Gavino also cited other factors that the country’s leg-

islators must consider as they look into the viability of adopting a federal form of government. “We would like to adopt the ‘top-to-bottom’ approach to federalism just like the system of Spain, Pakistan, and Belgium did. However, it should be economically viable in our country,” he said. Gavino also emphasized that “in creating the states in the proposed Federal Republic of the Philippines, lawmakers should not also abolish the existing local government units and fragmentation of the nation.” “We are hoping that this proposed Federal Republic of the Philippines would create an avenue to plot the people’s own destiny in Mindanao,” he said.

OR helping promote nationalism and democratic interest, the first “Gawad Supremo” award was conferred on President Duterte and the National Democratic Front Philippines’ (NDFP) Jose Maria Sison on Sunday at the UP Film Center in UP Diliman. Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella received the award from the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in behalf of the President. The award was conferred on President Duterte for his effort towards peace, not only with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic

Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), but also with the Moro rebels as well. In the President’s message read by Abella, the President said “we need to embrace our differences if we are to come together as one, if we are to have sustainable peace and development for our troubled people.” Starting from the campaign, Mr. Duterte has been consistent in his desire to end the division and fighting in the country. “It is our dream to see a one and united Philippines; no more leftists or rightists and hopefully, no more MNLF

(Moro National Liberation Front) nor MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) but one Bangsamoro people,” he added. Settlement with Bangsamoro and communist rebels will never succeed unless the bigger community welcome and accept these peace and development initiatives, Abella stressed. In the case of the CPP/ NPA/NDF, the peace talks have proceeded as planned. On August 25, in Oslo, Norway, the peace panel had signed and agreed on key issues that would be addressed in succeeding talks between

the government and NDFP. The President said, “We have resolved a strategic place in our peace agreement.” A durable ceasefire is now in the works after the historic meeting in Norway, he added. “Hopefully, a final peace agreement will be forged soon. But there is a lot of work to be done to achieve our dream for a better quality of life for all Filipinos,” the President said. President Duterte called on all Filipinos to join him on the road to peace. “I will walk the extra mile for peace. Stay the course with us,” President Duterte said. (PNA)

Rody, Joma given‘Gawad Supremo’award F

ROVINCIAL Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano on Monday said that the provincial government would take care of the burial expenses of the inmate killed during a hostage drama Sunday at the provincial jail in Misamis Oriental. Jomar Itong, 35, an inmate facing charges of illegal detention, was shot dead by the police after a failed negotiation when Itong held hostage another inmate Sunday at the Misamis Oriental provincial jail. Emano said the provincial government would provide free burial and funeral services to Itong’s family so that the inmate could be given a decent burial. According to Emano, the burial and funeral expenses of Itong would be charged under the province’s Misamis Oriental health care services (MisOr CareS), an innovative health program where residents of Misamis Oriental are extended free health and hospital services. “The free burial and funeral expenses are part of the MisOr CareS comprehensive health package in coordination with the government’s

PhilHealth program,” Emano said. Dominador Tagarda, the provincial jail warden, said that the crisis committee composed of top police and jail officials decided to gun down Itong after a failed a negotiation that dragged for almost six hours Sunday. Itong grabbed Vicente Libona, 59, and poked an improvised ice pick at the hostage’s neck and chest on Sunday. Instead of releasing the hostage, Itong reportedly started to inflict wounds on Libona’s neck and chest, prompting the police to shoot him. Tagarda suspected that Itong was suffering from a drug withdrawal syndrome since the jail authorities had imposed strict measures to check the entry of illegal drugs into the provincial jail. Itong was facing charges of illegal detention when he held hostage seven people in the town of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental sometime in July 2015. Jail authorities turned over Itong’s body to a local embalming firm for appropriate funeral services. (PNA)

Gov. Uy wants to change ‘mining’image of Comval

ATHER than being always seen as mining, war province, Compostela Valley should rather be perceived now as “people-friendly, investors-friendly, livable province” in Mindanao, said Gov Jayvee Tyron Uy. In his keynote speech during the Philippine Councilors League Compo stela Chapter election of officers Thursday at Big 8 Hotel in Tagum City, the young governor urged town legislators to exert efforts that would lead into changing of the old perception of the province as to be always in turbulent mining and in war.” He said one way of doing these is to revisit local investment codes and enact of pieces of legislation that are investors-friendly. He urged them to do away from the usual focus on mining and veer away from the usual war to a new one making the province be perceived as “lami pod puy-an (also a best place to live on)”. He urged councilors gathering for their annual election of officers to support and unite with the executive department’s quest for development, and forge their best executive-legislative agenda for the people. The province has long

been touted to have the most number of New People’s Army fronts- still seven in the old count since 18 years ago after the province’s creation in 1998. This even as the government the Communist Party of the Philippines hierarchy are currently talking peace since three days ago at Oslo, Norway after declaring a truce. But before the peacetalks commenced early this week, last week the military in the province led by the 1001st Infantry Brigade headed by Bde Commander Col. Macairog Alberto and the provincial government together with the PNP and other stakeholders declared the province Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready Area (CMDRA). The CMDRA was lobbied by Col. Alberto at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan two weeks ago leading to the legislative authorization for the declaration through a signing of memorandum of agreement, which the governor approved. CMDRA declaration in military definition means that “peace and order situation has come to a manageable state when AFP, the lead for counterinsurgency, could handover to the LGU.” Cha Monforte, Correspondent

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Gunmen raid Marawi jail, frees 28 inmates A BOUT 50 fully armed men raided the Lanao Del Sur provincial jail Saturday night, freed 28 inmates along with eight other suspected local terrorists, the police reported Sunday morning. A police report reaching here past 1:00 a.m. Sunday said that aside from freeing the inmates, the armed men disarmed the jail guards, captured jail officer Modaser Manwang and carted away assorted high powered firearms. Police investigating the incident, said that no casualties were reported because the jail guards did not put up a fight. Seized were one M16 rifle, one M14 assault rifle, and the patrol car assigned at the Lanao Del Sur Provincial jail, the police report said. Manwang and 20 other inmates were released later in the village of Caloocan in Marawi City, the police report said. Police investigators said that the armed men brought with them the eight members of the “ Maute group,” a local

terrorist group, aboard a motorized boat to an unknown direction. A military checkpoint intercepted the eight suspected members of the “ Maute group” last week on board a vehicle loaded with high powered firearms and improvised explosive device. The suspects were reportedly on a mission to sow terror in the neighboring cities of Iligan and Cagayan De Oro apart from a plan to attack the army camp in Marawi City. The Maute group and the military were engaged in armed battles in the municipal town of Buteg in Lanao Del Sur a few months ago. Since Saturday night, the police regional command issued a heightened security alert in time for the fiesta celebration in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan De Oro, the police said. Cagayan De Oro City celebrates its annual fiesta Sunday, while Iligan City would celebrate its annual fiesta sometime next month. (PNA)

Zamboanga City to host MSMEs gab I

T’S all systems go for the conduct of the 2016 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) conference on Tuesday in Zamboanga City. Grace Aduca, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office business development division chief, said the event aims to increase awareness among MSMEs on the latest policy directions and trends, as well as identify issues and concerns affecting entrepreneurs.

“Although updates are disseminated to the MSMEs in the city during training, there is still a need to gather all MSMEs and provide them with the latest policy directions and trends as well as discuss issues and concerns,” she said. Aduca said they aim to gather at least 500 participants consisting of industry stakeholders, existing MSMEs, potential MSMEs, local government unit and non-government associations.

She said the conference will be highlighted by plenary presentations on market facilitation, financing, improved productivity, technology and efficiency, as well as investment enabling environment. She Suraida Guro of the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau will provide a lecture on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) market, European Union Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP)+ and other export markets.

It will be followed by a discussion on the financing program for MSMEs by Maria Linda Orsos of the Small Business Corporation. Engineer. Rolando Acuña, DTI provincial director, will talk about improved productivity, technology and efficiency with a focus on fabrication laboratory and investment enabling environment with focus on Negosyo Centers. The MSMEs conference is a brainchild of the DTI provincial office. (PNA)

ARMM cops hunt down Marawi City jail breakers

OLICE operatives in Marawi City and in Lanao del Sur, backed by Armed Forces of the Philippines have launched massive manhunt against 28 prisoners who fled the Lanao del Sur provincial jail after about 50 heavily armed men swooped down on the jail facility at 5:45 p.m. Saturday. According to Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, regional director for PNP in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PNP-ARMM) based here, among those who were “rescued” by armed men were eight members of Maute lawless armed group. Quoting a report PNP Regional Public Safety Battalion, Javier said the armed men, believed to be followers of a terrorist group, also abducted Jail Officer 3 Modasir Manwang and used him and 20 other inmates as human shields whom

the attackers later released in Barangay Caloocan, Marawi City. The eight Maute terrorist group were jailed for illegal drugs and other crimes committed in Marawi City. Witnesses said the suspects also took from the provincial jail one M-16 Armalite rifle, and one Mitsubishi mobile car. After releasing the inmates, the attackers herded the eight Maute group members and boarded a waiting motorized banca and sailed across Lake Lanao undercover of darkness. Javier has appealed to residents of Lanao del Sur to help the police in locating the suspects and the inmates. He also called on the local executives of the towns surrounding Lake Lanao to provide the police with information leading to the escapees “re-arrest.” (PNA)

OLICE officials here said illegal drug personalities have been employing innovations in their desire to avoid arrest as the police has intensified its drive against the drug menace. Senior Supt. Danny Reyes, city police director, said the campaign against illegal drugs and implementation of “Project Double Barrel” will continue and the police have become innovative too in dealing with illegal drug users and pushers. “We have also developed the skills of dealing with drug personalities who use all kinds of tactics to avoid police operations,” Reyes said, adding that every day the police conduct anti-drug operations. Since July 1 to date, 94 persons engaged in illegal drugs were arrested in Cotabato City, while two were killed for resisting arrests. Reyes said 1,948 individ-

uals who admitted being drug dependents and peddlers have voluntarily “surrendered” to police with the promise of reforms. “One drug suspect was running away during our police operation holding what appeared to be a cup of coffee,” Reyes said, smiling. “When accosted, the man’s cup contained shabu,” he said. “Some were using children as shabu keepers to avoid detection by lawmen,” the city police director said. Some placed shabu in cigarette cases, underwear, and even inside a plastic bag of rice to avoid detection. Reyes said the local police respects human rights and would never fire their guns unless their life is in danger. “We exhaust all peaceful means during operations and the rules of engagement are always followed,” he said. (PNA)

More than three hundred indigent patients are expected to benefit from the ten-day surgical mission which started on August 24 to September 3 at the provincial government-run Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in

the City of Mati. The surgical procedures will be conducted free of charges to poor patients who needs surgeries.

Laak’s Jovita elected PCL Comval prexy unopposed

Drug personalities L getting innovative P

AAK Councilor Christopher “Boyet” Jovita was elected unopposed as the president of the Philippine Councilors League Compostela Valley Chapter Wednesday in an election held at the Big 8 Hotel in Tagum City. Nabunturan Councilor Dennis Bugas backed out from running to oppose Jovita minutes before the scheduled filing of candidacy at 1 P.M. At around 10 AM, Bugas in an interview said he would continue to aspire as it is his right to run to be PCL president and as part of democracy in PCL. But past 11 A.M. Bugas in follow up interview, he was backing out “for the unity of PCL, to as not to become the cause of divisiveness “ adding that there was no pressure to him by the province’s leaders who endorsed Jovita. He said he came up the twist of decision after consulting his colleagues from Nab-

unturan sanggunian and out of consensus from councilors. After the election, Jovita in his victory speech thanked foremost Bugas for his support to the cause of having PCL unity. Newly elected PCL Davao del Sur president Nelson Z. “Tata” Sala graced the affair. Sala bared that he is aspiring to be the PCL Mindanao president and rallied councilors of Compostela Valley to support his bid. He informed them of his programs for the benefit and welfare of councilors in Mindanao and in the country, like hospitalization and mortuary financial assistance, PCL buildings and others. Meanwhile, Island Garden City of Samal Councilor Engr. Dan Gervacio would also be unopposed candidate for president in PCL Davao del Norte Chapter’s turn of election today, Friday at Lakan Pakals Hotel, Tagum City.

In chance interview Thursday evening at Big 8 Hotel lobby, Gervacio said he thank Tagum City Councilor and PCL Davao del Norte Chapter incumbent president Tristan Royce “Bong” Aala for vowing out to no longer rival him, also for the “unity of PCL”. Aala declared this during the emergency meeting of Davao del Norte councilors Thursday afternoon at Bulwagan ng Kapitolyo. Two weeks ago and until last week Aala was combative to really contest the PCL presidency despite that Gervacio was endorsed by Congressman Tony Boy Floirendo,Jr. Aala in earlier interview expressed his ill feeling to Governor Anthony del Rosario for closing his door of supporting his bid to be the PCL president again being the incumbent PCL. “The governor frankly told me that I am not a choice of Speaker (Pantaleon) Alva-

rez,” Aala said in an interview two weeks ago during the birthday celebration of his brother Mankilam barangay captain Rex Jasper Aala. “I am OK with it, and then I ask him to include me in 2019 board member’s slate in District 2,” Aala added. Still the governor thumbed down the proposal, he said. Board Member Shirley Belen Aala supported her son’s quest and expressed sympathy to his feelings, leading to the recollection of Aala’s donation of the wide swath of land where the Capitol now stands. Reports said there were subsequent patching-up meetings between Aala and the governor resulting to Aala’s decision to back out from running for PCL president. Gervacio is expected to be unopposed in today’s/ Friday’s election. - Cha Monforte, Correspondent

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DTI worried over non-operational SSFs By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is concerned that out of the 2,015 Shared Service Facilities (SSF) established by the DTI across the country, around 160 are considered “non-operational” or underutilized. This was revealed by DTI Regional Operations Group Asst. Sec. Blesila A. Lantoya during the 1st SSF Regional Cooperators’ Convergence organized by DTI-11 last Aug. 25 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City. The SSF project, a major component of the DTI’s MSMED program, aims to

improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, systems, technical skills and knowledge under a “shared” system. The assistant secretary stressed that MSMEs should make full use of the SSF projects awarded to them, as auditors will be going around the country to check if the facilities are being utilized and put to good use. “This year, DTI cannot add more SSFs. Thus, you should maintain your machineries. But next year, we will do our best to ask for a bigger fund from the President,” she add-

ed.

Lantoya, however, noted that only one out of the 164 established SFF’s in Region XI are non-operational, and is currently being monitored by the agency to find out the issues which affected the project’s performance. She explained that among the major problems confronting MSME project beneficiaries include the shortage of raw materials for production, as well as the lack of sufficient funds to pay for operating expenses such as electricity, water and the salary of the personnel. To address this con-

cern, Lantoya said the DTI, in partnership with Philippine Center of Entrepreneurship (PCE), is strengthening the implementation of its Go Negosyo Program’s Kapatid Project which focuses on strengthening the capacity of MSMEs in the following areas: mentoring, shared service facilities, and inclusive business. Under the Kapatid Project’s Adopt-An-SSF program, bigger, more established companies such as Ayala Corporation will be assigned to mentor MSMEs in a particular region, and look at available business models wherein the DTI-established SSFs in the

area can be maximized by the project beneficiaries. Lantoya said that the DTI is also implementing its Inclusive Business program, which works by linking micro and small enterprises to medium and large corporations, and making them intregal parts of the country’s production value chain. With these various programs, Lantoya pointed out that MSMEs - whose membership are also composed of farmers and fishermen - will be able to successfully make the transition from traditional agricultural production to entrepreneurship.

More investors interested in PHL’s nickel mining

G LEAD. INSPIRE. Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) project director Gerald Kent Garces delivers an inspirational message before brokers, agents and guests during Matina Enclaves’ semi-annual awards held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

$450-M WB/PRDP funding good for 4 years, says Piñol T

HE $450-million additional funding from the World Bank (WB) will help sustain the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) for another four years. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, whose department is the lead agency in the implementation of the project, said the approval for additional funding for PRDP, which came about when the government signed the contract early this month, would allow local government units (LGUs) implement infrastructure facilities needed to make their areas, particularly farms, climate-resilient. Secrerary Piñol, a former governor, said the additional funding will answer the clamor of local government units for the concreting of their farm-to-market roads and livelihood programs. He urged LGUs to “immediately propose because this is a proposal-based program and in a first-come-first-serve basis.” He also urged the Davao Integrated Development Pro-

gram (DIDP) composed of the provinces and i cities in the Davao Region to come up with proposals that they think would be appropriate for funding. In his social media post after the signing of the contract, Piñol said: “I have emphasized to the local government leaders that they should participate in the PRDP because the implementation of the projects is excellent owing to the safety nets observed by the PRDP-World Bank because of its vast experience in implementating rural development projects.” During the implementation of its predecessor, the Mindanao Rural Development Program, the implementing agencies were able to develop mechanisms to ensure that corruption would be eliminated, particularly the use of geo-tagging, a mechanism that identifies in real time where the project is located as well as the progress of its implementation. As early as last year, the

PRDP, which has been implemented since the second quarter of 2014, sought for additional $500 million funding on top of its initial P27 billion fund, because of the bulk of proposals, particularly those from Mindanao, on infrastructure development. The initial P18 billion budget for infrastructure, or two-thirds of the initial fund, was already exhausted as of late last year, although the implementation of some of the projects has not started, officials said. Early this month, Lealyn A. Ramos, PRDP-Mindanao head, said that LGUs must shift their priorities on infrastructure development from farm-to-market roads to water development projects like irrigation and potable water system. Ms Ramos said PRDP set aside P337 million for communal irrigation systems and potable water development, although there were only a few proposal submitted. Min-

F$450-M, 10

She added that through these entrepreneur-focused projects, MSMEs will also be able to overcome major challenges as low productivity levels, difficulty in applying for licenses, lack of information on marketing production, and unfamiliarity with business management techniques. As of 2013, DTI has released P1.4 billion in funds under the SSF project, and out of this amount, P1.2 billion has already been released. The DTI has assured its MSME partner-beneficiaries that the agency will continue to disburse the remaining project funds until 2017.

LOBAL Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI), the second largest nickel producer in the country and the largest single lateritic mine exporter in the world, on Monday said more foreign investors have expressed interest in the nickel mining sector in the Philippines. The Philippines is the largest exporter of nickel ore to China, the world’s largest consumer of nickel. After the decline in nickel prices early this year, nickel price has rebounded by more than 30 percent. The financial industry, including ratings agency Moody’s, has been calling a bottoming of base metal prices, including nickel. Moody’s has upgraded its

outlook for the global metals industry from negative to stable. “FNI is well positioned to benefit from the further recovery in nickel ore prices and the expansion of our production capacity. We plan to increase our production of medium and high-grade nickel ore to capitalize on the recovery,” said Atty. Dante R. Bravo, president of FNI. “FNI is one of the lowest cost producers in the country. Our production will be year-round when the Palawan mine is operational in 2017,” he added. Rising demand from the stainless steel industry in China and the tightening of supply due to the closure of

F MORE, 10

DOE, PSME to conduct joint technical audit of power firm “P

UBLIC interest demands an appropriate intervention from both the government and the private sector to ensure consumer protection,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said as the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) yesterday (25 August 2016) at thae DOE’s Central Office in Taguig City. With the PSME providing pro-bono services, the MOA boosts the DOE’s technical audit of the country’s generation, transmission and distribution facilities. The PSME is the only accredited professional association of registered and professional mechanical engineers

in the country. The PSME is composed of 84,000 members who have the necessary technical knowledge, expertise and competence to assist the DOE in addressing the current power situation. Earlier, the DOE also signed a MOA with the Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) to assist the DOE in the technical audit of power facilities. Secretary Cusi said “the DOE is determined to immediately address the recurring challenges in the power supply chain that affects the productivity of our people. The entry of PSME will strengthen DOE’s technical audit teams.” Present during the signing ceremony with Secretary

Alfonso G. Cusi and PSME National President Dr. Murry F. Demdam were (L-R) PSME Manila Host Director Cesar S. Galang, PSME Technical Committee Member Edwin F. Delgado, Assist of Chairman 64th PSME J Christopher T. Perez, National Secretary Edgardo C. Camering, Assistant to the 2016 National President Rolando C. So, Chairman 64th PSME National Convention Roger G. Reyes, DOE Spokesperson Wimpy B. Fuentebella, DOE Spokesperson Atty. Richie Ramos, Engr. Arwin Ardon, Atty. Gerardo Erguiza Jr. and DOE Legal Services Director Arthus T. Tenazas. The DOE remains committed in ensuring reliable, stable, sustainable, sufficient and reasonably priced electricity to the public.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 133 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

ECONOMY 7

Finance department activates website on new customs law

HE Department of Finance (DOF) has put up a website on the proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016 (CMTA). Stakeholders can access information about the IRR and recommend changes or improvements through the microsite at www.dof.gov.ph/ cmta.irr, or by emailing the CMTA Project Management Office at cmta.irr.pmo@customs.gov.ph and cmta_irr@ dof.gov.ph. Designed to modernize Bureau of Customs (BOC) rules and procedures, the CMTA’s objectives are to facilitate trade, cut red tape and corruption, and improve the delivery of BOC-related services. The easy-to-navigate microsite contains the drafting process, timelines, and guidelines on the crafting of the IRR. It also includes a list of priority concerns on the CMTA and the point persons assigned to each topic.

Under the new customs law, the BOC is required to come up with an improved system on customs administration and procedures that comply with international standards. Amending certain provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code, RA 10863 sets tougher penalties against smuggling, with a maximum prison term of 20 to 40 years depending on the amount of goods illegally brought into the country. Among the other expected reforms under the CMTA are the full electronic processing of all documents, forms, and receipts, along with streamlining methods for the examination and valuation of imports and exports. Last Aug. 17, the DOF and the BOC held the first of a series of public consultations on the CMTA’s IRR at the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, attended by some 100 stakeholders from the private sector. The dates of the next public consultations will be published on the microsite. (PNA)

COMPLAINTS HOTLINE. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 communications officer Kriztja Labrador (left), together with technical services and support division chief Paul Cruz, introduces the agency’s new project, DOLE hotline 24/7, which will cater to those who have

labor queries, concerns and complaints. Labrador and Cruz, who graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao, also said the said project will start simultaneous nationwide on September 1. Lean Daval Jr.

DOLE to launch 24/7 DTI steps up info campaign Hotline SMS Service on AEC, free trade accords T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is accelerating its initiatives to increase awareness and promote proper understanding of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as well as the country’s various free trade agreements (FTAs) and preferential schemes. “We are increasing the frequency of our information and education drive and casting a wider net by continuing to conduct various fora and discussions in the regions. The knowledge our stakeholders, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), will gain from our initiatives will help us fully utilize our trade engagements and enhance our foothold in the regional and global market,” said Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez. The DTI has been working with business organizations to provide entrepreneurs with knowledge on how to navigate and profit from the country’s FTAs through its Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA) initiative. The DBTA aims to increase the utilization of FTAs and covers discussions on market opportunities, tariff reductions, rules of origin (ROO) and customs procedures. According to Lopez, DTI’s awareness campaign will contribute to achieving industry competitiveness and sustaining inclusive growth. “It is imperative for our stakeholders to be aware, involved and globally competitive. Our aim is not just to reduce trepidation among our industry sectors, but also to enable them to participate more actively in international trade,” he said. From November 2010 to

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

July 2016, the DTI conducted 964 information sessions attended by more than 100,000 participants from the private sector, academe, and other government agencies. These sessions focused on topics such as FTA, AEC, Philippine-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) European Union General System of Preferences Plus (EU-GSP+), and the United States Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Likewise, DTI also conducts One Country, One Voice (OCOV), a trade policy consultation initiative conducted across the country which engages and involves stakeholders, particularly national agencies, local government units, business support organizations, civil society organizations, and the private sector, in the process of trade policy formulation. Launched in 2011, OCOV seeks to obtain counsel and assessments on the Philippines’ trade objectives, priorities and necessary undertakings to arrive at rational, sound and balanced trade policies in pursuit of national development. To date, consultations were conducted in key cities in the country particularly on the country’s trade engagements with Japan, EU, and EFTA. Through the Industry Roadmaps Localization Program and the AEC Gameplan, a multi-sector conference conducted across the regions, the Board of Investments also continues to capacitate industry players on how they can take advantage of the many opportunities in the AEC market by crafting their localized version of national industry roadmaps to achieve further competitiveness.

HE Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 11 (DOLE-11) has announced the launching of the DOLE 24/7 ROXI SMS Hotline Service, an initiative that is based on the directive of no less than President Duterte. Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw press forum at SM Ecoland, DOLE XI Technical Services and Support Division Chief Paul Cruz said that Labor Sec. Silvestro Bello III had recently issued Administrative Order 409 S. 2016 directing all regional offices, attached agencies and overseas labor offices to put up a 24/7 hotline service. According to Cruz, the hotline, which can be accessed starting Sept 1, aims to provide immediate response to all workers who are caught in emergency situations, particularly to provide them with

relief from unsafe, unhealthy and unjust working conditions. “The hotline will also cater to victims of illegal recruitment, trafficking in persons, and concerns on the unpaid wages and benefits, and those workers engage in temporary or atypical work arrangement not in accordance with existing labor laws,” he explained. “The 24/7 hotline also will assist workers on queries inquiring about implacable wages and wage-related benefits such as overtime pay, holiday pay, and similar concerns,” Cruz added. Meanwhile, DOLE-11 Communications Officer Kriztja Labrador explained how people can access the agency’s hotline. For Smart users, Labrador said they need to key in the following information: <location> <query/concern/

complaint> <company> <your name (optional)> then send to 391-3653. For other networks, on the other hand, users need to provide the following data: DOLE XI<location> <query/concern/complaint> <company> <your name (optional)> then send to 0908-896-8278. Labrador emphasized the importance of indicating their location when they file their complaint so they will be directed to the nearest field offices. To ensure the authenticity of complaints, the DOLE monitoring committee will first verify with their field offices if the offending employer is on the list of registered employers in the region. Upon verification of the complaint, a response team from the DOLE regional office will proceed to the respective field office to help settle the

case between the concerned parties. The DOLE XI 24/7 hotline service has modified its existing hotlines and Facebook account by incorporating web-monitored SMS service to ensure wider coverage and avoid false complaints. Questioned on the DOLE11’s ability to effectively handle complaints, Labrador said the agency receives an average of 50 to 60 messages per day comprised of various queries and requests for assistance. She said the office currently has seven personnel who handle the complaints made via SMS, adding this department might be expanded later on as the need arises. “Other than social media, we are planning to go out to the field to announce this just like [what we have done in] other regions,” Labrador added.

and empower them with best practices of successful family businesses in uniting family and business systems; to advocate the mission of Premier Family Business Consultants Inc. (PFBC) as a resource center of uniting family businesses to succeed; and to unite and empower family business practitioners to effectively assist family businesses achieve sustainable progress across generations. In line with these objectives, there will be a launching

of the Continuing Education and Certification Program of family business practitioners, according to General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GSCCCI), the official partner of PFBC in organizing the event. According to the GSCCCI, 80 percent of the country’s economy is supported by families who own, control and manage businesses as shown by a 2014 study conducted by the Family Firm Institute. For the past three confer-

ences, 85 percent of the 800 participants were comprised of business owners, while the remaining 15 percent were composed of professionals. Among the attendees, the merchandising and service industries recorded the biggest number of participants (40 percent); followed by manufacturing (10 percent), agriculture and mining (5 percent) and education (5 percent). For this year’s conference, GSCCCI is optimistic that it will

GenSan hosts family enterprise excellence conference, Sept. 9-10 T

HE country’s Tuna Capital will be hosting this year’s Family Enterprise Excellence Conference. The FEEC will be held at the KCC Convention and Events Center, General Santos City, on Sept 9 to 10. With the theme “Unity and Prosperity Across Generation: “The Business of Being Family”, the two-day event aims to inspire family business owners of their contribution to the economic development of the country and the ASEAN

F GENSAN, 10

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

Those cocky solons

UDGET hearings are always the favorite battleground of many legislators as it gives them the upperhand over national government agencies in the bargaining process. This is also the time when House representatives exercise their leverage and power to get what they want from the government agencies either in terms of programs, projects, and even political appointments and transfers. In the wheeling and dealing, the legislators most often get what they want as the passage of the budget is the all-or-nothing agenda of the government agency concerned. But not all government agency heads meekly kiss the ass of legislators. There are also the stubborn, brave few. Like Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. In a recent budget hearing, Davao Oriental Rep. Joel Mayo Almario tried to get cocky on Ombudsman Carpio-Morales by asking the latter of the origin of the word “Ombudsman.”

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Amario perhaps wanted to sound cute before firing his more relevant questions. The Ombudsman was quick to brush it aside though telling Almario to google the same. She later on told Almario that the word ombudsman is of Scandinavian origin and that there is no Geek origina as the latter insisted. Now that serves as a neat lesson to the cocky congressmen like Almario. Which leads us back to the budget hearings. Officials of government agencies should not be afraid of legislators if they committed no wring in the first place. In the same manner, legislators cannot use their leverage to intimidate and harass government heads of offices. Instead of overrunning them, legislators can make use of these government agency heads to pursue the development agenda in their respective areas. ANTONIO M. AJERO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Editor in Chief Managing Editor SONNY L. MENDOZA Associate Editor

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The iconic ‘auto calesa’

VANTAGE POINTS

EFORE the arrival of public transports known as Sarao, Francisco or Lawin, which were named after their builders, Davao City was home to the auto calesas (ACs), which plied the city streets until the early eighties. A generation earlier, regular fare for an AC ride only cost ten centavos! This was during an era when peso-dollar exchange was 2 to 1. The snub-nosed ACs carried a maximum load of eight passengers, including the driver, and uled the thoroughfares without competition. This was at the time when Minicab taxi fleets, mostly without air-conditioning systems, roamed the poblacion. The AC jeep, with its iconic horse symbol being proudly displayed on the hood, was colonially inspired by the horsedrawn calash or calesa introduced in the country by the Spaniards in the 18th century. A calash, the dictionary defines, is “a light vehicle pulled by one or two horses, seating two to four passengers, and having two or four wheels, a seat for a driver on a splashboard, and sometimes a folding top.” Originally, the colonial calesa—later known as caritela—was only reserved for the nobility and high-ranking civil officials; it was driven by a cochero. The Filipino elite, the ilustrados, used this mode of transport for personal travel and the transport of goods over short distances. When the American arrived, it multiplied in number and became the main transport system. For long-distance journey during the American period, especially in Luzon, the railway system was the preferred mode of travel, and the tranvias (streetcars), before the advent of any form of transport comparable to today’s,

was king of the FAST BACKWARD town proper. With the entry of American-made cars, commuters started to take interest in cars and, as a consequence, the horse-drawn calesa was transformed Antonio V. Figueroa into a machine-driven transport known as the jitney, which is American slang for a nickel, the cash paid by a passengers for a ride anywhere on the route. An account of a car race, which appeared in the February 1938 issue of The American Chamber of Commerce Journal, reminiscently affords us a picture of the evolved, pre-war AC: “The course is eventually cleared and, after a couple of false starts, the signal to go is given just as a small auto calesa comes tearing up from behind and gets off well ahead of anybody else. An auto calesa, by the way, is a miniature pirate bus, and from the way they worm in and out of the traffic I should imagine that they are constructed with flexible chassis. The race to the summit of the bridge is now on, and what a motley collection of runners! At least half are taxis which may be divided into the Fifteen and Five Cent, Two-Year-Olds, and the diminutive Ten and Five crocks which are just about ready for the knackers yard.” The same publication reported that by

1937, using industry sources, stated that “for the first time, more than 1,000 cars were registered in Davao, where no more than a score of cars were registered a few years ago. New roads are the immediate explanation: plantation, town, provincial, and national. The national highways are planned ahead [with] work often begins at both ends. When a grand connection is made, hundreds of kilometers of highway assume higher efficiency-new fields for car salesmen are open.” In contrast, according to official documents, only 521 cars were actually registered in Davao in 1929. A decade later, another 989 cars were entered in the list of the Philippine Transportation Commission. The pre-war, engine-operated ACs traced its provenance to Bachrach Motor Company, owned by a Russian-born American Jew who arrived in the country in 1901. Starting with a business in furniture, he later diversified, turned to distributing American Austin and Bantam cars, and became exclusive Ford dealer in the country between the 1930s and until 1941. His firm, meanwhile, operated a public conveyance fleet, the ACs, which later became the public utility jeeps (PUJs) after the war. The original jitneys had only two passengers on each side; this was later expanded to three during the Liberation period by converting the chassis of abandoned G.I. jeeps into main assemblage for the post-war auto calesa. Outside the road, the AC also earned its spaced in the country’s jurisprudence. In case G.R. No. L-41061 decided by the Supreme Court on Feb. 23, 1934, a Manila transport operator petitioned the Public Service Commission, the

equivalent of today’s Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board, for an addition thirty ACs, which was granted. The commission, however, imposed certain conditions, including limiting the capacity of the vehicles to “five, including the driver, or three passengers should the petitioner desire to have both a driver and a conductor on each auto-calesa.” But the operator argued the action of the transport agency to limit the seating capacity “exceeded its jurisdiction in limiting the number of passengers below the capacity of the auto-calesas.” In its ruling, the high tribunal said that in granting the operator his application for additional AC units, “the commission had determined that auto-calesas could not legally be permitted to operate with a carrying capacity of seven or eight passengers, as such would be a direct incentive to operate illegally, and that it would only be lawful to grant such permission under conditions that would impel them to operate within proper bounds.” The Court added: “While under the Motor Vehicle Act the Bureau of Public Works is authorized to fix the capacity of motor vehicles, the primary purpose of that authorization is to fix the fees that were to be charged for the registration of the motor vehicles. The limiting of the capacity of auto-calesas by the Public Service Commission is for a distinct and different purpose. If it has no such power… no application for auto-calesas could lawfully be granted.” Today, especially in Manila, the old, horsedrawn calesas can still be found plying some designated areas, especially Fort Santiago and Intramuros, and catering mainly to tourists.

I know what you’re thinking – “Did he fire six shots or only five?” Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself. But, being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: “Do I feel lucky?” Well, do you, punk? — Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry

and Charles Bronson,” Ra- THINK ON THESE! mos wrote. “Amid public outcry over the unbridled killings, President Duterte has offered a thespic explanation for the deaths of drug users and Henrylito D. Tacio pushers in vigilante attacks henrytacio@gmail.com and police operations.” In his early morning news briefing, President Rodrigo Duterte cited the two actors in two different movies: “Dirty Harry,” which starred Eastwood and “Death Wish,” a Bronson vehicle. Although Duterte admitted that those movies were just part of imagination of scriptwriters, they were based on real situations. “What is true there, is true here,” Duterte pointed out. “The mirror of life is portrayed before us. That’s what I’m saying.” I have seen both films Duterte mentioned. Let’s start with “Death Wish,” a 1974 American action film loosely based on the 1972 novel of the same title by Brian Garfield. The Michael Winner-directed film had Bronson as Paul Kersey, a man who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is sexually

assaulted during a home invasion. At the time of release, the film was attacked by many film critics due to its support of vigilantism and advocating unlimited punishment of criminals. Although the novel denounced vigilantism, the film however embraced the notion. Wikipedia wrote: “Many critics were displeased with the film, considering it an ‘immoral threat to society’ and an encouragement of antisocial behavior. Vincent Canby of the ‘New York Times’ was one of the most outspoken writers, condemning ‘Death Wish’ in two extensive articles. Roger Ebert gave the film a positive review, while not agreeing with the film’s philosophy.” All in all, there were give “Death Wish” movies: “Death Wish II” (1982), “Death Wish 3” (1985), “Death Wish 4: The Crackdown” (1987), and “Death Wish V: The Face of Death” (1994). Now, about “Dirty Harry,” which was released three years earlier than “Death Wish.” The American action thriller film produced and directed by Don Siegel, it is the first in the Dirty Harry series. Dirty Harry was a critical and commercial success and set the style for a whole genre of police films. It was followed by four sequels: “Magnum Force” in 1973, “The Enforcer” in 1976, “Sudden Impact” in 1983 (directed by Eastwood himself), and “The Dead Pool” in 1988. When the original film was released, it caused controversy, sparking debate over issues ranging from police brutality to victims’

rights and the nature of law enforcement. Feminists in particular were outraged by the film so much so that during the 44th Academy Awards they protested outside the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, holding up banners which read messages such as “Dirty Harry is a Rotten Pig.” Time’s Jay Cocks praised Eastwood’s performance, describing the actor as “giving his best performance so far, tense, tough, full of implicit identification with his character.” Film critic Roger Ebert, while praising the film’s technical merits, denounced the film for its “fascist moral position.” Just some fascinating notes about the two actors. Bronson, who was born Charles Dennis Buchinsky, was the 11th of 15 children born to a Lithuanian immigrant father and a Lithuanian-American mother. He learned to speak English when he was a teenager; before that he spoke Lithuanian and Russian. He had been married three times: Harriet Tendler, Jill Ireland (who appeared with him in 14 films), and Kim Weeks. On the other hand, Eastwood won two Oscar trophies but not for acting. For his work in the Western film “Unforgiven” (1992) and the sports drama “Million Dollar Baby” (2004), he won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. Unknowingly, his greatest commercial successes have been the adventure comedy “Every Which Way But Loose” (1978) and its sequel, the action comedy “Any Which Way You Can” (1980).

*** LINT Eastwood is still alive while Charles Bronson died in 2003 at the age of 81. Both have only degree of separation. Bronson was born in Russia but he made a name for himself in Hollywood. However, before hitting the big time, he was popular in European films. In 1968, Bronson topbilled as Harmonica in “Once Upon a Time in the West.” Sergio Leone, the film’s director, called him “the greatest actor I ever worked with.” Four years earlier, he wanted him to do the leading role in “A Fistful of Dollars.” The coveted role – the Man With No Name – went to an unknown actor named Clint Eastwood. When the first of the three spaghetti Westerns was released, Eastwood became one of the most-sought actors. Why I am writing about the two actors? Well, the idea came to mind when I read the article written by Marlon Ramos, which appeared in Philippine Daily Inquirer. “If you find the Duterte administration’s war on drugs ruthless, blame Clint Eastwood

Thespic explanation

10 NEWS P2-M... FROM 1

should not be made accountable to law, but place him in a hospital,” the President said. He added that this is also the same line of reasoning behind the argument that suggests that poor people who are involved in the illegal drug trade should be given special privilege because of their station in life. “They asked: where’s the big fish? I hope this gray matter can enter your ears. They are now no longer here but they continue to play the game. What we have here are the lieutenants at saka mga basurero,” President Duterte clarified. And the problem, the President said, became even more complicated when the illegal drug personalities involved members of law enforcement agencies. “And that makes us very, very sad,” the President added. He said the 3.7 million addicts across the country cannot just be considered only as users because in reality, they need to connect to others in higher places to finance their addiction. “That is why they go around killing people and when they go skunk in their

brains they rape children, kill them, rob,” he added. The President said: “Do not give me that reasoning just because he is poor he has to earn and has to sell shabu. I consider the fight against drugs a war. There’s crisis in this country.” He warned that if the illegal drug problem will not be stopped, the Philippines would end up like South American countries and their fractured governments. “I am declaring war. I am not ordering the police to just a few punitive actions,” the President reiterated, as he also called on the military to do their share in the fight against illegal drugs. President Duterte said the war must involve the police and the military because illegal drugs have already “infected every nook and corner of this country, involving generals, mayors, governors and barangay captains.” The President vowed that his administration’s fight against illegal drugs will be relentless and will continue. “I will be harsh as I can ever be. I will finish these problems on drugs, corruption and crime.”

fight against illegal drugs, as he described the drug problem as “infecting every nook and corner of this country, involving generals, mayors, governors and barangay captains.” He added that police officers, usually called “Ninjas” in the illegal drug trade are protecting syndicates operating in the country. “Today, I might be inclined to place a reward on their heads, the members of the Ninjas or the police protecting drug syndicates in this country. I am placing per head P2 million,” President Duterte said. In his statement, Carlos said they see the President’s move as a bold initiative to

once and for all rid the organization of errant personnel who are in cahoots with drug syndicates. “We are fully aware of the alarming drug situation in the country such that we are giving this national campaign against drugs our complete and unqualified support.” Carlos also urged the people to rally behind the national campaign against illegal drugs and to help the PNP cleanse its ranks of members who have betrayed the public trust. “Rest assured any information provided will be kept in strict confidence and shall undergo rigid validation procedures,” Carlos said. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

officers should receive higher salaries and proper credit. Meanwhile, the senator urged cops to continue to be relentless in the government’s fight against narcotics while upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights. “For many years, drug lords have dominated our communities like tyrants, destroying Filipino families and endangering the safety and lives of our people, especially the youth,” Cayetano said. “The anti-drug campaign is a no-nonsense war to secure

our people’s freedom and the country’s interest from the clutches of these present-day tyrants, namely drug lords and criminal syndicates,” he added. Cayetano also reiterated his support for the President’s war on drugs, noting it is his way of honoring the country’s most revered heroes. “We are one with him in pursuing societal reforms where no modern president has ever tried. We also honor members of the Philippine National Police on National Heroes Day,” Cayetano said. (PNA)

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Unconstitutional... FROM 3

(3) national elections where 2010 election was even a presidential election. And yet the Comelec was able to perform its functions and said three barangay polls were held successfully without Comelec complaining of any “election fever” contrary to what the present Comelec is saying to justify its position to postpone the October 31 barangay election,” Macalintal added. He also believed that the poll body was consulted as to the scheduled barangay elections and that they were fully aware of the proximity in time of said elections to a regular national election, when RA 9340 was deliberated upon by Congress.

“And yet they agreed to these dates and the law was passed accordingly, which means they had calculated the periods of election activities involved therein. And as stated, three (3) barangay elections were successfully conducted by the Comelec in 2007, 2010 and 2013,” Macalintal said. As to the postponement of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election, he added that it is within the power of Congress “because SK election is not provided for in the constitution and that, as decided by the Supreme Court in a 1995 case, its elective officials have not attained the status of local elective officials.” (PNA)

several nickel mines in the Philippines are factors which are expected to push the price of nickel higher. FNI, however, said that potential investors, in one of their meetings, have raised concern over the seemingly aggressive stance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) against mining companies in the country. But the company explained the policies of the new administration, and reassured investors that the DENR’s recent actions were taken against illegal and non-compliant miners. Miners who are compliant have nothing to fear. Commenting on the situation, Bravo said, “The government has established rules and regulations, and FNI has consistently complied with the rules and regulations as we are committed to responsible mining.” “FNI has been granted ISO Certification 14001:2015 Environment Management Systems Certification for our operations in Surigao and re-

ceived favorable feedback following a recent audit by regulators,” he added. A global fund manager earlier commented, “We are starting to see an upturn in prices, driven by the increasing global deficit of nickel. We are also heartened to see that responsible miners, such as FNI, are coming out to reassure investors and it is important that the mining industry is seen to be fully transparent in the current climate.” “Our long-term growth prospects are positive. Indonesia’s mineral ore export ban and China’s projected steady growth have kept up nickel demand. The inventory of refined nickel and nickel pig iron in China are gradually depleting. We also see the increasing demand for new energy vehicles, which use nickel in their new battery systems and the use of stainless steel in the construction of new nuclear power reactors in China to meet increasing demands for electricity as integral to the company’s growth story,” said Bravo. (PNA)

danao got about P810 million for infrastructure facilities that were not farm to market roads. She said there is a need for LGUs to shift their focus because “demands for farm-tomarket roads have exceeded its allocation. The budget has been saturated.” Ramos added that LGUs can also submit proposals for production facilities, post-harvest facilities, solar driers, slope stabilization works, tram lines, and fish landing in

fishing communities. The shift in priority from farm-to-market roads to water-related projects will allow the PRDP to ensure that its mandate of implementing climate-resilient projects is achieved. PRDP is a six-year climate-resilient intended project that was an upscale of the Mindanao Rural Development Program to address the problems of climate-destroyed areas, particularly those that suffered from typhoon Yolanda.

be a success as the speakers of the event are comprised by pool of experts in family enterprising such as Jonathan Ramos, the founder and President/CEO of Premier Family Business Consultants Inc.; Atty. Jim Lopez, an expert in asset protection and ownership planning; Atty. Oliver Aznar CPA, a partner in the Tax Advisory and Compliance Division of Punongbayan & Araullo; Maribel Dionisio, a relationship and parenting

consultant; and the couple Anthony Pangilinan and actress Maricel Laxa who have been actively speaking in events on family management. The FEEC is an annual gathering of family businesses, practitioners and stakeholders that has been held in Cebu City for the past three years. Interested participants can still register on at the event’s official website www. feecmindanao.info. JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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$450-M... FROM 6

GenSan... FROM 7

SOUTH CHINA SEA FORUM. Lawyer Cecilia Jover-Angeles of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) College of Law discusses the upcoming forum on the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea dispute between the Philippines and China which will be graced by Justice Antonio Carpio, Supreme Court senior Associate Justice, set on September 2 at AdDU Jacinto campus. Jover-Angeles was among the guests of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

HEALTH... FROM 14 history of previous atopic diseases, and of those who die from anaphylaxis more than 90% have asthma. “Like other allergic reactions, an anaphylactic reaction does not usually occur after the first exposure to an allergen but may occur after a subsequent exposure,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “However, many people do not recall a first exposure.” “It’s easier to identify anaphylactic shock if there is a known allergen,” writes Dr. John Krohmer in First Aid Manual. “For instance, those with allergies to bee stings will usually know they’ve been stung. Sometimes, however, there is no known allergen and the victim is simply developing symptoms of anaphylaxis.” According to the Merck manual, anaphylactic reactions begin within one to 15 minutes of exposure to the allergen. “Rarely, reactions begin after one hour,” the manual points out. “The heart beats quickly. The person may feel uneasy and become agitated. Blood pressure may fall, causing fainting.” Other symptoms include tingling (pins-and-needles) sensations, throbbing in the ears, coughing, sneezing, hives, and swelling. Breathing may become difficult and wheezing may occur because the windpipe (upper airway) constricts or becomes swollen. “An anaphylactic reaction may progress so rapidly that it leads to collapse, cessation of breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness within one to two hours,” the Merck manual states. “The reaction may be fatal unless emergency treatment is given immediately.” A medical emergency, anaphylaxis requires resuscitation measures such as airway management, supplemental

oxygen, large volumes of intravenous fluids, and close monitoring. Administration of epinephrine is the treatment of choice with antihistamines and steroids often used as adjuncts. A period of in hospital observation for between 2 and 24 hours is recommended for people once they have returned to normal due to concerns of biphasic anaphylaxis. People prone to anaphylaxis are advised to have an “allergy action plan,” and parents are advised to inform schools of their children’s allergies and what to do in case of an anaphylactic emergency. The action plan usually includes use of epinephrine auto-injectors, the recommendation to wear a medical alert bracelet, and counseling on avoidance of triggers. What would you do if you were in the shoes of Michael? First, call any of the emergency medical services in your area. Then, ask the victim if he has an injector kit he can use. If the victim is unconscious, you’re certain it’s an allergic reaction, and if you are trained to use the EpiPen, do so. While waiting for the emergency response team, monitor the victim. If needed, proceed with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR, the cornerstone of emergency medicine, is putting oxygen into the victim’s lungs by performing rescue breathing, and circulate it through the body by doing chest compressions. “By recognizing both the early symptoms of anaphylactic shock, and the later, more dramatic symptoms such as respiratory distress and unconsciousness, you may be able to summon emergency help for yourself, someone you love or even a perfect stranger,” the e-How Health contends. (Photos taken from the net)

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EVENT

PWC Batch 91:

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Sparkles of History

THE PHILIPPINE Women’s College (PWC) of Davao celebrated its grand alumni homecoming last August 19, 2016 at the RSM Events Center. This year’s theme was “Jewels Sparkles of History” hosted by the Silver Jubilarians High School class of 1991. It was a milestone event as the men of PWC joined the festivities. The class of 1991 changed PWC history when 20 boys were allowed admission in a prestigious (used to be) exclusive all girls school. That time, only those who graduated in grade school were accepted. The night was a commemoration of 25 years of friendship. Classmates came from near and far to show their loyalty to their alma mater. The program finale was a high energy number which wowed the audience with the techno beat and lighted costume, choregraphed by Junno Avala and Yidwae Stunnings

Events as coordinator. From being awkward and naive, these group of men and women have evolved into adults who possess the right amount of wit, charm and sense of responsibility. The event was made possible by their dynamic batch representatives led by Melanie Huilar Redulla and assisted by Celine Javellana Garcia, Xelanil Perez and Vanessa Love Lupiba Abejuela. And of course, its most prominent graduate Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte who despite his busy schedule gave his full support in making this milestone spectacular. The reunion was highlighted by a courtesy visit to His Excellency, President Rodrigo Duterte and to the Office of the Vice Mayor Duterte.

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Dance to The beat of the street

Indak Indak sa Kadalanan By Olan Fernandez Emboscado

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ts:

THE SUN WAS UP HIDING BEHIND THE CIRRUS CLOUDS THAT DAY. The weather wasn’t that scorching but it was warm enough make the celebration more vibrant and lively. At seven o’clock, thrilled people not only from Davao but from other parts of the country and even foreigners started occupying the sidewalk of the city’s main thoroughfare where performers of the Street Dancing Competition will pass by. Colorful buntings were all over giving more colors to the major streets. The mood was extra cheerful. Like the previous years, everyone was tremendously excited to witness and be awed again by the sights and sounds of the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan, the most watched event of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw.

Dance A4

Serving a seamless society

Like those who vowed to never miss Kadayawan Festival every year, the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan has always been my personal favorite. I considered this event as a Mardi Gras of Indigenous Music and Dances featuring different cultures of Mindanao. In fact, it is the only event among other festivities that gathers different festival winners from different towns and provinces in Mindanao to compete and be hailed the grand champion among other festival winners. This is also the reason why Kadayawan is tagged as the Mother of Festivals in Mindanao. Being the city’s grandest and biggest festival celebrating all that is good in the city, the Kadayawan sa Dabaw celebrates the city’s bountiful harvest and continues to honor the rich, diverse, artistic, cultural and historical heritage of the land. Indakindak sa Kadalanan depicts the core

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Dance A2 of this celebration – the bountiful harvest as well as the wealth of the city’s culture. In this year’s street dancing mardi gras, 13 contingents from various parts of Davao and SoCCSKSarGen Region came not only to compete but also to showcase the culture of their region. Performances of each contingent feature a story line in a well-rehearsed choreography of dances, songs and other theatrical acts accompanied by the rhythm of their music and sound while dressed in colorful costumes and flanked by multihued props. While tribal chanting gave goosebumps to the spectators, the deafening sounds of the smashing drums ecstatically set the whole street in a jovial mood. Despite the intense heat, people didn’t leave their place for 4 hours to patiently wait for every other contingent to perform. In the end, all the participating groups did not fail to mesmerize the spectator with their spectacular performances. The overall winning performance of James L. Chiongbian Nation-

al Trade School from Kling, Kiamba, Sarangani Province bested 11 other contingents bringing home Php 500,000.00 cash prize. The entry from Kapatagan National High School of Laak, Compostela Valley was adjudged second place with Php 400,000.00 cash prize while Purok Sison Elementary School of Surallah, South Cotabato placed third and brought home Php 300,000.00 cash prize.

This year’s Champion will also represent the city in the annual Aliwan Festival in Manila. Kadayawan’s IndakIndak Sa Kadalanan is truly an amazing cultural event that pays tribute to great heritage and cultural diversity of Mindanao. And just like these multicultural differences showcased during this remarkable street dancing festivity, truly, there is unity in diversity.

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11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

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Air China to launch Chengdu-Sydney service

AST Aug. 25, Air China held a press conference in Chengdu, announcing that its Chengdu - Sydney flights will begin on Nov. 11, 2016. After the launch of Chengdu - Frankfurt and Chengdu - Paris flights, its Chengdu - Sydney route is Air China’s third intercontinental flight based in its Chengdu hub, and also its first nonstop service between western China and Oceania. Not only will travelers flying out of Chengdu be able to directly fly to the sunny port city of Sydney, but people from cities all across western China including Xi’an, Kunming, Urumchi, Guiyang, Lanzhou, and Xining can also fly from Chengdu to travel to the southern hemisphere. Recently, the number of Chinese tourists that have toured and vacationed in Australia has been on the rise. Statistics from Tourism Australia show that in April 2016, the number of Chinese tourists that came to Australia reached 97,200, rising by 32.6 percent over the previous year. Among cities in China’s mainland, the Chengdu - Australia air traffic flow ranks fourth after Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Air China has launched direct flights from Beijing and Shanghai to Sydney and Melbourn – a total of 30 flights every week between China and Australia. Air China plans to launch its Shenzhen - Melbourne service at the end of 2016 to further solidify its China - Australia airline network and complete and interact with flights from Beijin, Shanghai, and Chengdu to Australia, providing more diversified options for Chinese passengers from different regions to travel to Australia. In addition, by taking advantage of Star Alliance’s strong airline networks, passengers can travel to more destinations through its counterparts in Star Alliance. In 2016, Air China has continued to speed up its global airline network layout with Beijing as its pivot point, and carry out steady construction on its regional aviation hubs. After the launch of its Chengdu - Sydney service, the number of Air China Chengdu-based flights will reach 74, 14 of which are international and regional airlines. The airline network covers Asia, Europe and Oceania.

DOLE, UM inks MoA for social partnership T

O further strengthen the implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), the Department has signed a memorandum of agreement with the University of Mindanao (UM) for social partnership. UM is now a DOLE XI partner in providing assistance to people’s organizations on the provision of capability building and making of project proposals for DILEEP. Present during the MoA signing were DOLE XI Region-

al Director Joffrey M. Suyao, DOLE Livelihood Regional Focal Rodrigo R. Roble, UM Chief Executive Officer Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr., UM College of Business Administration Education (CBAE) Dean Vicente E. Montano, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Pedro San Jose, and other UM executives. Director Suyao, in a short message, expressed his thanks to the University for being a partner in helping the informal sector through the partnership. “We are very glad that we are a part of this noble undertaking of the University of

Mindanao. We know that this will have a positive impact to the marginalized and the most vulnerable members of the society who are the beneficiaries of this project,” he said. Dr. Torres also expressed his thanks to the Department for considering their University as a partner. “We are grateful for the Department of Labor for choosing us as partner, as you know this University was founded 70 years ago by my father to provide education to the poor and the masses and we have been doing that for

the past 70 years. This is also a corporate social responsibility to assist the poor through the community extension office our objective is to help the marginalized citizens in Davao City,” he said. “Rest assured that we will be committed in this project,” Dr. Torres added. DOLE XI has long been partnering with different non-government organizations for capability building of the potential beneficiaries and UM is the first university partner of the Department for the said cause. Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/LCO-DOLEXI

BDO to further expand rural bank branches nationwide

FTER acquiring ownership of One Network Bank (ONB), the BDO is expanding its rural bank branches to the different parts of the country. SM Investment Corp. (SMIC) senior vice president for Investor Relations Corazon Guidote said the acquisition of ONB expanded the regional presence of BDO particularly in its target market in the south and opened up business lines for the bank. She said BDO Unibank has a total of 182 branches in Visayas and Mindanao and over 100 branches under ONB in the region. On the other hand, she said China Banking Corp. has 87 branches in VisMin and 16 branches under China Bank Savings in the region. BDO Unibank, Inc. senior

vice president for Investor Relations and Corporate Planning Luis Reyes, Jr. said it would carry the name One Network Bank, a rural bank of BDO. He said there was not much changes in its operation except that they needed to strengthen the funding base and more flexibility with regards to their clients. Reyes did not, however, explain the details but he said they welcomed the move of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for some policy changes with regards to rural banking, saying that streamlining of some policies would benefit their bank clients more especially on documentation. ONB officers were also retained but with changes in the composition of the Board of Directors, he said. (PNA)

SOCIAL PARTNERS. DOLE XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao and UM Chief Executive Officer Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr. shakes hand after the memorandum of agreement signing on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, as witnessed by DOLE XI Staff and UM Executives from their College of Business Administration Education and Community Extensions Office. KMGL/LCO-DOLEXI

Globe rolls out LTE 700 MHz band

Map shows current Globe Telecom coverage area of LTE 700 MHz (in green) in Metro Manila

In line with commitment to improve internet services

T’S full steam ahead for Globe Telecom in its aggressive deployment of the 700 megahertz (MHz) band as it recently rolled out more than 150 sites mostly in Metro Manila as part of its commitment to improve mobile internet services in the country. Joel Agustin, Globe senior vice president for program governance, network technical group revealed that Globe is fast-tracking the rollout of its LTE service nationwide using the 700 MHz frequency under the co-use agreement approved by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). “We are confident that more and more of our customers will experience improved services as adoption of LTE-capable devices increases and as we continue to deploy LTE 700

in more sites. This is consistent with our strategy of continuously improving internet services using the previously idle 700 MHz spectrum that the NTC now allowed us to co-use,” Agustin said. According to Agustin, the LTE 700 sites cover major business districts and highly-urbanized and populated areas in the country, noting that customers using LTE 700 devices are steadily increasing in these areas. Citing Quezon City, where Globe activated the first LTE 700 site in the country, Agustin said the technology now covers a major portion of the city after the LTE 700 sites activated by Globe increased four times from the initial rollout of just 11 sites. The company plans to activate more than 500 LTE 700

sites across the country by the end 2016, Agustin said. He added that majority of these sites are located in Metro Manila, enabling Globe to deliver close to 100% coverage of LTE 700 for the entire metropolitan area. This, in turn, is expected to substantially improve mobile internet experience of customers in the region. Globe Telecom is maximizing the use of the 700 MHz band in fulfillment of its commitment in the co-use agreement with BellTel following the sellout of San Miguel’s telco assets. The company committed to deploy about 4,500 multiband, multimode software defined radio base station equipment to 95% of total municipalities and cities in the country. This will improve overall

customer experience in terms of speed and reliability of mobile internet services. Aside from the 700 MHz, the NTC-approved co-use agreement also provided Globe with access to additional allocation in the 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 2600 MHz bands. This supports the capacity enhancement initiative launched by the company early this year in light of the growing customer requirements for bandwidth-intensive multi-media content. Globe also launched early this year the establishment of an internet superhighway by deploying fiber optic cables in 20,000 barangays all over the country to provide faster and more reliable Internet access in about two million homes nationwide.

12 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

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Dabawenyos excited over Aeon Towers By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

ABAWENYOS are looking up and looking forward with anticipation over the city’s future iconic building. “Expect it to be the selfie capital of the city once it’s up there majestically,” said Angel, an Architecture student who admitted she is personally impressed by Aeon Towers’ design. Passing through J.P. Laurel Avenue these days, one cannot help but marvel in awe at how the busy city landscape will look like the building is completed by next year. The Aeon Towers is already being compared to the iconic Marina Bay Sands of Singapore and FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Cruz cannot help but be very proud of his brainchild. Now nearing the 20th level, the Aeon Towers project is expected to top off by December.

The J.P. Laurel section will have by then a number of highrise buildings but nothing compares to the state-of-the-art architectural masterpiece that’s Aeon Towers. That is why it is not surprising that the Aeon Towers is down to its last remaining units. “These are the prime units and we have just a few leftt,” said marketing manager Gen Marchan. With just a handful few units are left in the inventory, the remaining ones are quite naturally, by the dictates of the market, the cost is way higher than when sales opened two years back. “The value has pretty much increased since. Those who came in early to purchase their own units are really lucky,” said Marchan. Long before the current property sales boom in Davao

City, the market has already started to come in droves for what now stands as the most curiously interesting piece of real estate down South. As it was, the past months have seen homeseekers and investors chasing a piece of Aeon Towers, which at 33-levels, is ready to stand as the city’s highest residential building. Of late, the property market in Davao City is going through brisk sales with the high demand for property ever since President Rodrigo Duterte, former Mayor of this city for 22 years, became President. Meantime, construction works have moved up to the 19th level this week with concrete pouring almost 100% complete. Aeon Towers is the initial venture into real estate development by the FTC Group of Companies, a Davao-born firm with

highly successful track record in business. Aeon Towers, located at JP Laurel Avenue in Davao’s CBD, will have residential units of varying sizes and features in several floors, a luxury hotel, fitness gym, jogging lane, shops, BPO offices, skydeck pool, and offices. Aeon Towers is an embodiment of the aspirations of Dabawenyos—modern lifestyle in a highly liveable metropolis. “Aeon Towers is ideal for those starting to live in a place to call their own or to start a family of their own.,” Marchan said. The Aeon Towers building is cast in glass and will have a clear look at the majestic environs of Davao and the nearby Island Garden City of Samal. No surprise that even Architecture students like Angel consider it a masterpiece of design.

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13 MOTORING

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Yamaha lights up Kadayawan Y

AMAHA Motor Philippines, Inc. celebrates the Filipino Culture with their week long participation in the Kadayawan Festival. The brand introduced the Mio Ride your Story campaign to the region that featured the Mio Sporty, Mio i 125, Mio Soul i 125, and Mio 125 Mxi. It revolves around the philosophy of breaking through and realizing how unique and special an individual’s identity really is.

The Rizal Park became the Mio Motorcycles’ home in Davao where they were all displayed for the public. A free test ride was conducted for the davaoenos to determine which motorcycle was best suited for their personality. Of course, riding wouldn’t be the only feature. This is a festival after all. Yamaha also threw a party for everyone in attendance that featured Multi-Award winning band, Pupil. If that wasn’t enough

the Philippine PopRock Princess, Yeng Constantino, was also part of the festivities that gave the audience an unforgettable experience. To end the festival, Yamaha rolled out its own float during the Kadayawan Grand Parade. This fusion of ethnic excellence and motorcycle ingenuity is a pairing that is unusual yet a special bond that was witnessed, felt, and will always have a place in the hearts of everyone in the festival.

Campus swing in Mindanao for Yamaha

Rosberg wins Belgian GP

LTHOUGH Nico Rosberg trimmed rival Lewis Hamilton’s lead in the Formula One title race after winning the Belgian Grand Prix, it was Hamilton who seemed the happier driver on Sunday after turning a back-row start into a thirdplace finish. Starting from pole position, Rosberg avoided trouble in an incident-packed race featuring a chaotic first turn, wild overtaking, a heavy crash, safety cars, a red flag and heated language between Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen — the youngest and oldest in the race. Rosberg moved to within nine points of his Mercedes teammate, but Hamilton got a victory of sorts after picking his way through the field for a 97th podium finish. “I really cannot believe that we came up so far,” said Hamilton, praising his team. “Today was about having the right approach, not too aggressive.” Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo finished second. Rosberg’s win was his 20th but first at Spa. “It’s not disappointing, I’m happy with today,” a tightlipped Rosberg said when asked about not closing the gap further. “Fair play to Lew-

is.”

Rosberg had teen driver Max Verstappen next to him on the front row, while Hamilton was joined at the back of the class by Fernando Alonso. That was because both drivers incurred a myriad of complex grid penalties for extra engine part changes this weekend. It was Verstappen’s firstturn incident with the Ferraris of Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel that shaped a dramatic race. It helped Hamilton and Alonso, who avoided the early carnage up front, then gained places when the safety car came out after Danish driver Kevin Magnussen’s crash. Magnussen walked away from the wreck with nothing worse than a cut to his left ankle. Rosberg got away cleanly, but it was intense behind him. The 18-year-old Verstappen, the youngest driver to ever start on the front row, was overtaken by Raikkonen and Vettel and then aggressively tried to squeeze past them on the inside, heading into the first turn. The Ferraris were pushed wide and, as a consequence, Raikkonen nudged into the side of Vettel. Verstappen became the youngest driver to win a race with a brilliant victory at the

Spanish GP in May; but his aggression is not to everyone’s liking. He infuriated Raikkonen, a rare feat considering the Finn’s nickname is “The Ice Man” for his usually unflappable demeanor. “I’m all up for fair battles and close racing,” an exasperated Raikkonen said after the race, adding that Verstappen’s racing style is “not correct” because his aggressive driving could have caused a “big accident.” Verstappen saw things differently, saying Ferrari “ruined my race in the first bend. I’m not going to let them past.” Others struggled, too. Spaniard Carlos Sainz lost control when his rear right tire blew out, sending him pirouetting to an improvised halt on the grass. He then acrobatically drove back across the track, with his rear right wheel up in the air, before parking at the side of the track. Sainz, Marcus Ericsson, Jenson Button and Pascal Wehrlein — who hit Button from behind — all retired after four laps. Magnussen lost control of his Renault coming out of the top of the hill at Eau Rouge, spinning at speed and slamming backward into the barriers. After the safety car came out, the race was halted on lap

10 of 44 as the battered barrier needed repairing. When the race resumed 20 minutes later, the top five was Rosberg, Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg, Alonso and Hamilton. In a fascinating sub-plot, Verstappen and Raikkonen were involved in another incident as Verstappen appeared to nudge him wide. “His only interest is to push me off the track,” Raikkonen yelled in frustration over team radio. Then, Verstappen zigzagged in front of him as he tried to hold position, prompting Raikkonen to use an expletive when describing Verstappen’s driving as “ridiculous.” Verstappen, who finished 11th, hit back at Raikkonen, who placed ninth. “It’s a big lie. I was defending my position, if someone doesn’t like it that’s their problem,” he said after the race. “It’s good TV if someone is moaning.” Raikkonen criticized Verstappen at the Hungarian GP last month, and others have also said he races recklessly at times. Considering the next race is the Italian GP in Monza — Ferrari’s home race — Verstappen will have the crowd against him.

AMAHA Motor Philippines, Inc. Revs through Campuses all over the Philippines to showcase the Mio Ride your Story Campaign. The first stop was the Silliman University where students got to know more about the Mio Sporty, Mio i 125, Mio Soul i 125, and Mio 125 Mxi. Aside from being outstanding motorcycles the Mio Motorcycles represent more than transportation. Each has their own unique characteristics that fit different personalities and passions that are represented by each individual. Parts of the campus tour are different activities for students to experience the products from its philosophy and actual riding efficiency. The Yamaha Safe Riding Science program is an opportunity for students to learn the basics of riding, safety, and rules of the road in an environment that is supervised by Certified Yamaha Instructors. The Yamaha Talk is a

segment that tackles the different challenges a student faces during school and how to overcome them. Yamaha values the importance of how a student learns, and fully experiences the College life and how pursuing their passion will lead to their breakthrough. The discussions were led by breakthrough artists who shared their own experiences during their school days. Spoken Word Artist Mai Mai Cantillano, Music Extraordinaire DJ Nina, and Singing Sensation Tj Monterde all had something valuable to share with the students. As an additional treat for everyone in Silliman University, was the performance of each artist who showcased their talents, their passion that allowed to breakthrough and ride their story. Yamaha will continue to go around the country and make sure that students remain dedicated to learning and pursuing their passions. The next stop will be LaSalle Bacolod and the Mio Ride your Story campaign will be in full swing.

EDGEDAVAO

14 HEALTH

VOL. 9 ISSUE 133 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Anaphylactic shock: Life-threatening reaction (either hot or cold) may also act as triggers through their direct effects on mast cells. People with atopic diseases such as asthma, eczema, or al-

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

HE basketball game was getting intense when 17-year-old Ralph started to feel itchy all over his body. One of his friends, Michael, asked if something was wrong. “I’m having difficulty breathing,” Ralph told him. Having completed an emergency first aid course, Michael suspected his friend was having a severe allergic reaction and asked I he’d been stung by a bee. Ralph answered negatively. Michael asked what he had eaten for supper. Ralph said his mother had served fried prawns. When Ralph started to lose consciousness, Michael immediately asked someone to drive his friend to a nearby medical center, where a doctor quickly stabilized him. Ralph recovered fully, and now avoids crustaceans and carries an EpiPen – an auto injector of epinephrine – in case of another allergic reaction. What Ralph experienced was anaphylaxis. Worldwide, 0.05 to 2 percent of people are

estimated to have anaphylaxis at some point in their life and rates appear to be increasing. The term comes from two Greek words: ana (against) and phylaxis (protection). D r. Charles Richet coined the word in 1902 and eleven years later, he won the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for his worn on anaphylaxis. “Anaphylaxis is an acute life-threatening episode that requires immediate medical attention,” says Dr. Manmohan Yadav, a consultant allergist at Pantai Medical Center in Kuala Lumpur and author of Cause and Prevention of Allergy and Asthma. Anaphylaxis can occur in response to almost any foreign substance. Common triggers include venom from insect bites or stings (from bees and wasps), foods, and medication. Foods are the most common trigger in children and young adults while medications and insect bites and stings are more common in older adults.

Common triggering foods include peanuts, wheat, shellfish, fish, milk, and eggs. The most common medication that may trigger anaphylaxis are antibiotics (such as penicillin), aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Less common causes of anaphylaxis include: physical factors, biological agents such as semen, latex, hormonal changes, food additives such as monosodium glutamate and food colors, and topical medications. Physical factors such as exercise (known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis) or temperature

lergic rhinitis are at high risk of anaphylaxis from food, latex, and radiocontrast but not injectable medications or stings. One study in children found that 60% had a

F HEALTH, 10

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 133 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Ion Angeles

Francis Gabriel Escandor

Axel Doromal

THE AWAKENING After losing Mandaya Cup, Ateneo wins Flying V Invitationals By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

WEEK after losing the Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup title and crashing to a dismal fourth place, Ateneo de Davao University came back with a vengeance. Francis Gabriel Escandor, who played sick in the past two games, came through with a sizzling performance, firing two timely triples to key an 8-0 spurt in the homestretch that gave the Blue Knights a 59-56 win over the team that took their title away Assumption College of Davao. The win gave Blue Knights the first ever Flying V Junior Invitational basketball crown at the Flying V RMC Gym. That 8-0 run doused cold water on a rallying Assumption College of Davao which

closed in at 56-58 at the barker’s 2-minute mark. Axel Doromal, Ateneo’s new recruit from ACD, stripped AJ Royo of the leather and streaked home for a layup to seal the win. Ateneo banked in on its ‘Big Three’ version of Escandor, Doromal and Ion Angeles who fired 11 points each in the title match. The Blue Knights kept a six-point lead through most of the thee quarters before igniting that 8-0 spark late in the fourth quarter to foil an ACD comeback. Chris Bacalso and Josh Barrientos added nine apiece for Ateneo in the finals. After dismal performances in the past two games, the six-

foot-two Escandor unleashed his fury in the finals as he kept the lanes clogged in defense while coming down with huge numbers in rebounds. Ateneo’s cruhing win reverberated around the school hoops circles who saw a different Blue Knights this time. “Vastly different, it’s like we had a new team playing here. Think that’s the effect of the poor showing we had in the last tournament so everyone woke up this time,” said Miggy Solitaria, the multi-titled head coach of Ateneo. T h e championship match was

played Friday at the RMC/ Flying V Gymnasium and witnessed by Flying V owner Toto Villavicencio, former PSC Commissioner Binggoy Montemayor, Samahang Basketball ng Pilipins regional director Glenn Escandor, KASAMA Davao chairman Rolando Tagaytay and KASAMA Davao tournament director Jerry Alino. BJ Sumugat had 22 points while Cris Vistal added 14 to

PJ Simon: It ain’t over T

HIS Dabawenyo kid is not used to giving up. PJ Simon, the Star hotshot from University of Mindanao, can’t help but be frustrated that Star is now in unfamiliar territory in the PBA Governors’ Cup after falling to Ginebra in a thrilling match on Sunday night. The Hotshots, two years removed from their Grand Slam conquest, reeled to their fourth straight defeat – and sixth overall in seven games – to get stuck in second to the last in the 12-team standings, in danger of missing out the playoffs. “’Di naman mawawala yun (frustration) kasi sanay tayo na nasa gitna o nasa top,” Simon admitted after the game. “Pero habang ‘di pa naman tapos, wala

namang gi-give up,” he was quick to add. “Kita naman na walang bumibitaw hanggang dulo. Looking forward kami na makakuha kami ng streak bago matapos yung conference na ito.” The Hotshots built an early 17-point lead, but saw the Gin Kings make a familiar comeback to turn the game around and add to their misery. “Obviously, napakaganda ng defense namin ng first half, pero nung second half, medyo naglet down kami ng konti sa defense,” Simon said. “Doon talaga kami nakakakuha ng momentum eh.” Simon, who led the Hotshots in trying to regain the lead by scoring 14 of his 22 points in the final frame to end up as the team’s top local scorer,

conceded that the Gin Kings’ horde of fans that trooped the Big Dome again spelled a difference to the turnaround. “Yun talaga ang sixth man nila,” the veteran shooting guard said. “Ever since nandito pa si coach Tim (Cone), napapansin nya rin na sobrang laking tulong ng crowd. “The best way na i-tame yung crowd is wag sila palamangin at bigyan ng magagandang plays dahil nabu-boost yung players nila.”

NOT GIVING UP. PJ Simon is frustrated but remains hopeful Star can spring back in this conference.

lead the Warriors of ACD under coach Rolly Sancho. The closest ACD could get was within two, 56-58, with last two minutes of play before Ateneo had its 8-0 spurt. Doromal along with Angeles, Royo and Sumugat earned themselves in the Mythical Five selection along with Holy Child College of Davao’s Petdeo Cuajao who earlier led his squad with 20 points over

Ford Academy of the Arts in overtime, 84-80 for third place. Doromal also brought home the tournament MVP honors. The individual awardees are Alyssa Olarte of Holy Cross of Sasa (Best Muse), Nestor Sorrosa of Holy Child College of Davao (Outstanding Coach) and Ranilao Arro of Holy Cross of Sasa (Coach Special Citation).

Reed wins Fed Ex Cup

ATRICK Reed had a crystal trophy, a clear shot at the richest payoff in golf and a spot on the Ryder Cup team. All he could offer Rickie Fowler was best wishes to join him at Hazeltine. Reed picked up two victories on Sunday at The Barclays (Monday, Manila time). He rallied from an early two-shot deficit to win the FedEx Cup playoff opener and assure himself a clear shot at the $10 million bonus. And he secured a spot on the US team at Hazeltine that will try to win back the Ryder Cup. “Everyone’s been talking about the Ryder Cup, been talking about, ‘Oh, you’re in the eighth spot and you’re on the bubble’ and all that,” Reed said after his one-shot victory. “If you go and win, it takes care of everything else. ... It takes care of everything.” The way Fowler finished only leads to two weeks of uncertainty. Fowler needed only to finish alone in third place,

which was the farthest from his mind as he battled Reed at Bethpage Black. “I wasn’t trying to get a decent finish,” Fowler said. “I was trying to win.” Two shots behind with four holes to play — and two shots clear of third place — Fowler missed a four-foot par putt on the 15th hole and made double bogey on the next hole. His late meltdown sent him to a 74, a tie for seventh and kept him off the Ryder Cup team. Reed built a big enough

lead that a few sloppy mistakes over the final hour didn’t matter. He made bogey on the final hole for a 1-under 70 and a one-shot victory over Sean O’Hair and Emiliano Grillo. Fowler still could have made the Ryder Cup team with a birdie on the 18th hole. He missed another fairway and took bogey. It was the fourth time Fowler has failed to convert a 54hole lead on the PGA Tour, though he remained optimistic.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

Baldwin: Save Gilas G

ILAS Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin remains hopeful the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) can find a middle ground for the continued participation of professional players in the national team program. The Fiba calendar’s home-and-away format make it difficult for the pro league to adjust its season schedule and release players to the national team, a fact that is not lost on the SBP, which in turn, decided to form a new Gilas squad made up of cadet players. Still, Baldwin sees the two cage bodies working together again for the sake of national cause. “I don’t see it happening (now), but in this environment that we have, in this basketball landscape, one of the things that we all learned is that the unpredictable should be predictable,” he stressed. The SBP and PBA have yet to talk about how to go the process of lending pros to the Gilas program again, although the matter will be one of the areas to be discussed by the country’s basketball federation with the newly-created ad hoc committee which represents the pro league. The ad hoc committee is composed of Ginebra’s Alfrancis Chua,

Patrick Gregorio of TNT Katropa, Atty. Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine, and league commissioner Chito Narvasa. The SBP is represented by newly-elected president Al Panlilio, who also happens to be Meralco’s representative to the league board. In the absence of a new agreement between the two bodies, the SBP will have to make do with fielding in a national team comprise of cadet players in the coming Fiba Asia Challenge Cup in Iran, Tehran next month. The two parties are set to meet soon to thrash out issues, beginning with the rookie draft process for players who will be signed to the Gilas

cadets program. Baldwin remains hopeful. “At this point, there are no plans that I know of to include any pro players in the ranks of the (national) team,” said Baldwin. With an all-cadet roster bound for the Sept. 9-18 meet where points are earned to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup (formerly FIBA Asia Championship), the Gilas mentor said expectations should be tempered for coach Josh Reyes’ squad. ‘We have to understand that this is a new team, that it is dipping its toe to the water for the first time, and the challenge is going to be big,” he said. “I suspect the caliber of competition will be near Fiba Asia,” Baldwin added. “And our boys will gonna have to learn quickly, and we’ll gonna have to play well without a heck of a lot preparations.”

IN HIS HEART HE BELIEVES. If Gilas Coach Tab Baldwin will have his way, the PBA players should play for the National Team.

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