Edge Davao 9 Issue 85

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FREED, FINALLY

FREED, FINALLY. Kidnap victim Maritess Flor is presented to incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte by incoming presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza at Camp Leonor Domingo in Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Filipina hostage released by ASG bandits, presented to Duterte DAVAO EDGE Sports T

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA HE Filipina kidnap victim of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Marites Flor, was presented to President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte in Davao City yesterday afternoon following her release Friday by the bandits.

Incoming presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza presented Flor to Duterte at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) in Camp Domingo Leonor, saying she was released as a symbol of “gesture of goodwill of the Abu Sayyaf Group.”

Dureza said that when he was in Oslo, he was informed

that the Norwegian Prime Minister had a phone conversation with Duterte for the possible release of Kjartan Sekkingstad.

“When I was in Oslo, I was in touched with our local contact. Gov. (Abdusakur) Tan. He made all the efforts,” Dureza said.

He said that when he came back from Oslo, he was informed that Flor was is ready to be turned over to him.

Asked for the reason of Flor’s released instead of Sekkingstad, Dureza said that Tan told him that it was a gesture goodwill.

“They knew badly that

President-elect Rody wanted badly the release of these hostages,” he added.

Meanwhile, Duterte said that the activities of the ASG such as kidnapping and beheading must stop.

He said that time will come that he will confront the ASG. “We were able to negotiate the release of Marites Flor, but apparently the Norwegian is still with the Abu Sayyaf,” Duterte said.

He said that he was expecting the release of Kjartan Sekkingstad but he was told that the latter have not “crossed because of the rough sea.”

On the other hand, Flor was teary-eyed when he was turned over to Duterte.

She said that they were treated like a dog during their days with the terrorist group.

“They told me that I am next to be beheaded after they cut the head of my fiance (Hall),” she said. “Before they killed Hall, they were like happy and excited to do it,” Flor said that he was just woken up, dawn of Friday and was told that he will take me somewhere.

Later did she found out that she will be released to

F FREED, 10

Lebron passes up on Rio P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

REMINISCING. Veteran photojournalist Rene B. Lumawag reminisces the past with Elizabeth Z. Zimmerman while looking at a family portrait of incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte during the unveiling ceremony of Rody Duterte, Through the Years photographic exhibition at Abreeza Mall on Thursday evening. Zimmerman was one of the guests of honor in the said event. Lean Daval Jr.

Cops hunt down shooting suspects

P

OLICE operatives here and in nearby Tantangan town in South Cotabato have launched joint manhunt operation against unidentified men who shot and seriously wounded a businesswoman here while she was visiting a family-owned restaurant in nearby Tantangan town in South Cotabato Thursday.

Chief Insp. Johnrick Medel, Tantangan town police chief, said the pursuit operation was conducted jointly by Tantangan and Koronadal City police.

The victim, Jennah Co, 45, owner of Jennah Hardware and Auto Supply in Koronadal City, also owns a restaurant in Barangay New Iloilo, Tantangan town where she was shot shortly before 12 noon Thurs-

day.

Co, a resident of Morrow Street, Koronadal City, had just arrived in front of her restaurant and was leaving her Toyota RAV4 vehicle when one of the two suspects on board a motorbike opened fire and fled.

She sustained a gunshot wound in her neck from cal.

45 pistol. Restaurant workers rushed her Doctors Clinic and Hospital in Koronadal City, about 10 kilometers from the crime scene.

Responding police officers recovered one empty shell for cal. 45 pistol beside the driver side of Co’s Toyota RAV4 vehicle parked along the national highway.

Lopez to adjust to Rody’s stand on responsible mining: Abella

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

I

NCOMING Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez will have to adjust on the “responsible mining policy” of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

In a media briefing here, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that when Lopez accepted the offer of Duterte, it already means that she will adopt on whatever

guidelines that the President will give.

Lopez is a known anti mining advocate.

“The fact that she accepted it, it means that she will advocate to the position of the president,” Abella said.

He said that Duterte is not really against mining but only to those irresponsible ones.

On Tuesday, Duterte warned the mining companies

during his speech in the business forum here that “you have to do it right. If you cannot do it, then get out of mining.”

Duterte has also asked miners to apply the standard of responsible mining and practiced in developed countries such as Canada and Australia to ensure the protection of the environment.

Abella explained that a responsible miner will replant

the trees that were cut during their excavation while the irresponsible just leave it as it is.

“When you extract metals, they usually do toxic chemicals and it goes into the water, it can be eaten by the fish and people can eat toxicated fish,” Abella said.

“All those who do that must be very careful that they will not leave toxic materials around,” he added.

officer Captain Rhyan Batchar said in a statement to the media.

Batchar also expressed concern over a separate accusation that troopers of the 60th Infantry Battalion planned to massacre a certain family in a village in Laak, Compostela Valley.

AS the claims continue to pour in, Batchar clarified the army leadership in the area “does not tolerate any misbehaviour of its soldiers.”

“We are urging the alleged victims and the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network who

made the accusations to file charges against the concerned soldiers to appropriate and legitimate investigating bodies.”

Batchar also hoped that the allegations against the government troopers “will go beyond propaganda to besmirch the good image of our troops and destroy the close relationship between our soldiers and the community.”

In its investigations and reports from its field commander the army found out that the 46th IB was actually invited be a certain Virginia Nacor, the caretaker of Salug-

pongan Community Learning Center in Barangat Kidaraan, Mabini town to participate in their Brigada Eskwela activity sometime in the 2nd week of June prior to the start of regular classes.

The Purok chairman in the area, Arturo Menil, Jr. also submitted a written statement confirming the participation of 46th IB soldiers during the said school activity.

Menil testified in his statement that the soldiers also brought their own tools that were used during the clean up

Army denies allegations of CDO Press Club asks Duterte: harassment in lumad schools Give justice to massacre victims F COPS, 10

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

M

EMBERS of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club on Thursday signed a manifesto urging incoming President Rodrigo Duterte and his Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre to ensure justice for the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre.

COPC President Fr. Elmer Abacahin reminded Duterte that he was elected because he promised “a new beginning and a new change.”

“We remind Duterte to remain true to his campaign promise,” Abacahin said, noting that his predecessor, Pres-

ident Benigno Aquino III, did not fulfill the same promise.

He, however, said that relations between Duterte and the media have not been good in recent days.

He said the new President should understand the role of the press as the fourth estate.

“Duterte is mistaken to think he will win if he boycotts the media because we still will be there to bring the news stories to our readers, listeners and viewers. Journalists can never be cowed,” he said.

The manifesto signed by

F CDO, 10

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army on Friday denied the earlier allegations of harassments to teachers and students of lumad schools in Compostela Valley and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

“We took note with grave concern the allegations made against the elements of 46th and 39th Infantry Battalions of harassments committed against the teachers and students of two lumad schools in Mabini, Compostela Valley and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat,” 10th ID chief information

F ARMY, 10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

3

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Bangladeshi wanted by Interpol nabbed in CDO

A

BANGLADESHI national who has an arrest warrant issued by the Interpol for triple murder in the US was arrested in Cagayan de Oro Tuesday morning, police said.

Inspector Rustico Galagala Jr., chief of the Provincial Anti-illegal drugs and Special Operation Task Force of Misamis Oriental said his unit together with the police’s Provincial Intelligence Branch arrested Asif Iqbal Ahmed at a rented apartment in Barangay Lapasan.

Ahmed is also facing cases in Bangladesh and the Philippines, Galagala said.

“Our suspect also has an existing human trafficking case in Dhaka, Bangladesh in Uttara East P.S. Case no. -1(3)16 Date 03-03-2016 under the Human Trafficking Prevention Act 2012 Section 6/7/8.

“He also has an existing case here in the Philippines under the Violence Against Women and Children case in the Philippines filed by his wife Marilyn Neri Sacay with

Case No. NPS No. X-05-INV16D-00239, resident of Purok 1 Lanao, Alubijid town in Misamis Oriental,” he said.

A record from Interpol shown by Galagala said Ahmed has an arrest warrant from Interpol with control number A-270/4-2001 for the beheading of his wife Zaman Mary, her sister Tareq Sophia and Tareq’s son in Minnesota, Rochester on Nov. 23, 1991.

On May 12 this year, Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Bangladesh sent a letter to its counterpart in the Philippines requesting to locate and deport Ahmed based on information that the fugitive is living in the Philippines.

Ahmed denied killing the three victims saying he had never gone to the US. He also dismissed the other charges as false.

“I deny the charges. I’ve never been to US, you can check with the immigration in the US. If you can find it, then

FISHING BAN. Young fishermen sit on their wooden vessel docked at Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City early morning Yesterday. Fisherfolk in the city are finding ways to earn a living as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

Resources (BFAR) 11 implemented a three-month commercial fishing ban which started this month until August in time for the spawning season of pelagic fishes in the Davao Gulf. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte graces turnover Surigao cops in illegal of commands at DCPO drugs facing charges T

WELVE police officers in Surigao del Norte are now facing administrative charges after being found positive during random drug testing.

According to Supt. James Mejia, provincial police director, these cops have no place to be part of the police force.

“They have been found positive in using illegal drugs.

We want them to be out of service,” he said on Thursday.

He said these 12 cops are assigned in different municipalities in Surigao del Norte.

Also facing dismissal is Chief Insp. Zosimo Torrecampo, who refused undergo testing during the surprise drug

F BANGLADESHI, 10

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

test last March.

Mejia said Torrecampo was the chief of police of the municipality of Sison. He reportedly escaped during the drug test and walked almost a kilometer away.

Police officers chased the Torrecampo and brought him back to the Philippine National Police provincial office but insisted on not undergoing the drug test, Mejia said.

He said that Torrecampo’s refusal to undergo the drug test could still be ground for his expulsion.

The police director said Torrecampo was relieved as Sison police chief and re-

F SURIGAO, 11

PHOTO EXHIBIT OPENING. Incoming communications secretary Martin Andanar congratulates veteran photojournalist Rene B. Lumawag, who is poised to get the director of photography post for the Duterte administration, during the opening ceremony of Rody Duterte, Through

P

RESIDENT-ELECT Rodrigo Duterte graced the turnover of command of Davao City Police Office Chief Sr. Supt. Vicente Dupa Danao Jr. to Sr. Supt. Michael John Dubria Friday afternoon.

Danao served as DCPO chief for almost three years after he took over the post from incoming Philippine National Police Chief, Dir. General Ron-

ald dela Rosa, on October of 2013.

Danao spearheaded the “Isumbong mo kay CD” text hotline the first police text hotline in the country in which citizens can text their security concerns to the police authorities.

Authorities are tasked to immediately respond to the text message within 24 hours,

if not they will report to the Danao personally.

The text hotline receives over a thousand security concerns everyday.

Danao also thanked Duterte for his full support during his term as City Director.

He will be replaced by his mistah in the Philippine Military Academy Class 91, Sr. Supt. Michael John Dubria.

Dubria was assigned at the Regional Operation and Plans Division before he was chosen as the new DCPO chief.

He was previously the Provincial Director of Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office.

Dubria will now head the 1,450 police officers of DCPO and will secure the 2nd largest City in the world by proximity.

in the villages in Talaingod town to prepare for evacuation due to the threats of landslides.

The warning was issued by the PDRRMO after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology

and Siesmology (PhiVolcs) early this week raised an alert level 2 in Sitios Upper and Lower Mesolong in Talaingod town due to a deep-seated landslide.

PDRRMO’s planning and early warning head Eric Rosillo said in a statement to the media that the 150 households are now aware of the situation and are ready to evacuate in case the situation will worsen.

Around 10 out of the total number of the families warned had already evacuated and are now staying temporarily in their relatives in sitios that were considered safe, Rosillo added.

The PHIVOLCS issued the alert as heavy rains for the past three days had affected the area due to the continued Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) that is affecting the province of Davao del Norte.

Rosillo pointed out that a deep-seated landslide is more dangerous than the surface landslide or shallow landslides as the movement is happening 15-18 meters below the ground.

Technical studies tell that deep-seated landslide usually involve deep weather rock or bedrock failure associated with transitional, rotational or complex movement of earth

typically to the depths greater than ten meters.

Deep-seated landslide, studies added, typically move slowly in several meters per year but there are occasions that such kind of landslide move faster and tend to be larger that shallow landslides.

Last year PHIVOLCS already set up landslide monitoring devices in said villages in Talaingod, placing the entire area as disaster prone.

PHIVOLCS’ alerts are being issued every four hours this week to ensure that the people will be aware of the situation and immediately react when needed.

In the same statement, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) of Talaingod town reported that the local government unit (LGU) in the area had already provided the evacuees relief goods and other basic needs.

According to the MDRRM center, the municipal government of Talaingod provided relief goods to those who voluntarily evacuated in the area.

The LGU of Talaingod, the statement added is ready to provide support to families who will decide to voluntarily leave the area for their safety.

Residents alerted as landslides threaten Talaingod villages

T

HE Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Davao del Norte has issued an alert on Thursday to around 150 households

the Years photographic exhibition at Abreeza Mall on Thursday evening.

Lumawag is the only photojournalist who had covered the incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte from the latter’s entry to politics until he won the highest seat in the country. Lean Daval Jr.

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

BIR hit for inefficient collection

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

AX whiz and book author Raymond “Mon” Abrea lambasted the Bureau of Internal Revenue for inefficient tax collection and urged the next administration to push for a tax reform for the benefit of the employees.

Abrea said incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, together with the Bureau of Internal Revenue chief, should take the track of lowering income tax, improving the efficiency of tax collection, and widening of taxpayers base to increase revenue collection of the government.

“Do not burden the individuals because if they have the money they will spend it anyway,” Abrea told businessmen at the 6th General Membership Meeting of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.(DCCCII) at the Grand Men Seng Hotel yesterday.

He criticized the bureau from axing so much portion of employees’ income. The law states that individuals earning P500,000 annually is automatically charged with 32 percent income tax, while minimum wage earners are exempted.

“This would mean that employees earning at least P30,000 per month is subjected to 32 percent income tax. Kawawa naman ang mga middle class income earners natin,” he said. The cap for the taxable income should be increase between P500,000 to P1 million.

Abrea added that the BIR should widen its taxpayers’ base to maximize revenue collection. He said only 20 percent of the country’s obligated population is subjected to tax

collection, while the majority remained on the underground.

He questioned the capacity of the bureau which, he said, does not have its own reliable and complete database.

This tax policy, he said, led tax payers to evade from paying their due.

“The government should form policies that will encourage taxpayers to comply voluntarily,” Abrea said.

Progressive countries, he said, are shifting their prime source of revenue from direct tax to taxes collected from consumption like the Value-Added Tax (VAT) and sales tax.

“Instead of penalizing tax payers, the government should incentivize those who comply voluntarily,” he said, adding the BIR has failed to maximize its collection because of its loose taxpayers base and corrupt practices inside the institution.

As someone who was a former examiner of the bureau years ago, Abrea admitted the “under-the-table” transactions inside the BIR. “Examiners don’t have to withdraw their salaries because they’re receiving more than the total of their wage depending on the “remitted” value,” he said. An individual can receive as low as P3,000 up to P20,000 depending on the “performance” every week.

Abrea said if there’s someone who should be charged with tax evasion it should be the people inside the bureau.

He supports the statement of the president to shut down the bureau and privatized its operation to curb corruption and increase tax collection efficiency.

Imports grow 29.2 %

P

HILIPPINE imports grew by 29.2 percent from a year ago in April 2016, due to double-digit growth in purchases of capital goods, raw materials and intermediate goods, and consumer goods, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Friday that Philippine imports grew to USD 6.5 billion in April 2016 from USD 5.1 billion in the same month last year.

Among selected Asian economies, only the Philippines and Vietnam posted positive imports growth in April 2016.

“The continued strength of merchandise imports, buoyed by purchases of capital goods and durable goods, hints of a robust economic performance in the second quarter.

In particular, the double-digit growth of capital goods since September 2015 points towards sustained business sector confidence while robust imports of durable consumer

goods point towards strong consumer confidence,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra.

In April 2016, capital goods registered double-digit growth for the eighth consecutive month, growing by 56.7-percent to USD 2.2 billion. This was due to stronger demand for telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery, power generating machines, and land transport equipment.

“The trend is expected to continue for the rest of the year especially given that the incoming administration has vowed to continue infrastructure spending. Also, a renewed focus on the manufacturing sector could further boost demand for capital goods,” the Cabinet official said.

Also, imports for raw materials and intermediate goods increased by 28.9-percent to USD 2.5 billion, bouncing back from a modest 5.3-percent growth in the previous month.

“Consumer spending is

F IMPORTS, 11

REHAB PROJECT. Linemen from the Davao Light and Power Co. transfer the power lines from an old post to a new metal post as part of the company’s rehabilitation project. DLPC implemented short power interruptions in

some of its franchise areas including Davao City which started yesterday until June 27 to facilitate corrective maintenance servicing. Lean Daval Jr.

World in uncharted waters as UK leaves EU, Phl finance chief says

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

“I

adlopez0920@gmail.com

N light of the United Kingdom voting to leave the European Union, the world has entered uncharted waters.”

This was the statement made by Department of Finance (DOF) secretary Cesar Purisima on Friday as the United Kingdom, in a referendum decided to leave the European Union.

The voting in Britain is now showing those who wanted to leave the union are ahead with 17,410,742 votes or 51.9 percent of the voters against the 16,141,241 votes of those

who wanted to remain.

Purisima said the immediate repercussions of UK’s decision will roil the global financial markets and affect all countries, without exception but with varying degrees.

“The improvement in the fundamentals of the Philippine economy will put us in good stead but should not lull us into overconfidence.”

The finance chief added that the country has been taking cautiously a vigilant stance on the Brexit’s effects in the Philippines that he described to be gradual and minimal at

this stage.

“We are cognizant that there will be immediate sentiment-driven herd reactions in the near-term in response to the heightened volatility and risk in the global markets, but are confident the country’s fundamentals remain a strong anchor as we navigate a sustainable path across today’s turbulent waters.”

Purisima said that the Philippine economy has a robust domestic consumption core that will insulate the country from the recent decision of Britain to leave the

union.

He added that around 200,000 Filipinos work in said country sending around $1.4 billion in 2015 or about 5.6% of the total remittances that were sent to the Philippines last year.

“Their welfare is one of the government’s topmost priorities as we watch the resulting developments unfold,” Purisima clarified, adding that the exit of Britain from EU “has no direct effect to our debt structure, as national government debt is denominated mainly

The governor issued the statement to support Duterte’s recent pronouncement that mining companies must comply with international environmental standards or else face risk of sanctions.

“For a province tagged as one of the country’s mining hotspot, our people and land will benefit from the strict measures to be implemented by the incoming president,” she said.

While the mining opera-

tions in her province are operated and managed by responsible miners, the governor however urged the incoming administration to assist in setting-up a more stringent regulatory mechanism to pursue best practices among mining companies operating in her turf.

The governor at the same time called on companies or even small mining operators to heed the incoming president’s warning to shape up or

face severe sanctions or closure.

On Thursday, incoming Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte does not oppose mining but mining firms must do their business right.

“The key word here is responsible and the president has made his position very clear: You have to do it right. If you cannot do it right, then get out of mining,” Abella said.

F WORLD, 10

Agusan del Norte governor to help Rody boot out irresponsible miners T

HE provincial leadership of Agusan del Sur is fully supporting President-elect Rodrigo Duterte against irresponsible mining as she vowed to help boot out them out from the province that is known as one of the country’s mining hotspots.

“I will personally assist President Duterte in booting out irresponsible miners in Agusan,” said Agusan Del Norte Governor Angel Amante-Matba in a statement.

F AGUSAN, 11

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

MSMEs told: Utilize e-commerce

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

M

ICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) should utilize e-commerce as an equalizer of the playing field in both international and domestic market, incoming trade secretary Ramon “Mon” Lopez said.

This, as Lopez assured that the incoming Duterte administration will zero in on encouraging enterprises to use the digital platform to widen the scope of their market.

Lopez, speaking to report-

ers earlier this week, said the e-commerce “is the way to go” which the next government will pursue for the capacity building of small businesses which are ready to go online.

“There is no big or small in e-commerce as long as you have the product,” he said.

More than 90 percent of the Philippine economy is fuelled by SMEs, but only one percent of the figure had a website, the Google’s Global 2014 Index study said.

This was despite the findings that nine out of 10 Filipinos with credit cards are using digital platforms to shop online at least once a month.

To address this, the DTI crafted a 2020 E-Commerce Roadmap as development blueprint that targets to activate no less that 100,000 SMEs into ecommerce and make their businesses account for about 25 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

DTI 11 regional director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi urged small businesses to join the Ureka Forum on July 23 at SMX Lanang Convention Center.

“Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who are ready with their products are called to participate in this event because it will give them greater chances to tap wider market,” Ambi said in an earlier press conference.

Partcipating businesses can avail services provided

by convenors of Ureka along with its partner companies like Air21, AMTI, DragonPay, Zalora, PLDT Smart SME Nation, and Shopinas which helped in fulfilling their roles as catalysts to reach the full potential of small businesses here through utilization of digital platforms.

For his part, Union Bank executive vice president Genaro Lapez said the consortium leads in the creation of individual websites for growing SMEs, while allowing them to post

PHL stocks dip T

CHOOSING FOOD. A waitress waits while college students choose what to order from the menu mounted in front of the restaurant’s entrance at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

their products in Shopinas and Ureka page.

Now on its third time in less than a year, the Union Bank-organized forum is set to bring down its partner companies which will give a boost to MSME’s marketing efforts through the use of e-commerce.

“Bringing the Ureka Forum to Mindanao, we hope to help nurture a business climate that empowers SMEs via inclusive e-commerce to power sustainable growth,” Lapez said.

HE local stock market returned to 7,600-territory on Friday on heavy sell-off following the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU).

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged 100.06 points or 1.29 percent to 7,629.72 from 7,729.78 finish.

“Basically, the market is overwhelmed by the sell-off triggered by news on results of referendum in Britain. It triggers a sell-off among investors although there is no direct impact on the Philippines,” Astro del Castillo, managing director at First Grade Finance Inc. said in an interview.

Del Castillo expects the market to remain volatile until uncertainty persists with the PSEi probably will continue to head lower to 7,450-level.

But, he said President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration on June 30 can soften the impact of British exit (Brexit) from the 28-na-

tion on local share prices.

“We were down mainly because (there was an) immediate reaction to the news, a lot of people were already positioning that UK would not leave the EU. So the voting surprised most investors and those people who are following the news,” said Victor Immanuel Felix, equity research analyst at AB Capital Securities Inc. Felix said prices of blue chip stocks are the ones affected.

Share prices of most of the day’s top active stocks declined, led by Ayala Land Inc., Universal Robina Corp., Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. All counters closed in the red, led by holding firms which slumped by 1.58 percent.

Value turnover reached Php9.56 billion as 2.35 billion shares changed hands.

Decliners swamped advancers, 158 to 37, while 41 issues unchanged. (PNA)

SL Agritech backs Duterte’s hybrid rice production program in Mindanao Solon seeks ban on products L

EADING private seed producer SL Agritech Corp.

(SLAC) on Thursday said it strongly supports the incoming Duterte administration’s bid to intensify hybrid rice production in Mindanao in order to help alleviate poverty, raise farmers’ income, and eliminate violence and conflict.

SLAC chairman Henry Lim Bon Liong said there was huge opportunity to help Mindanao rice farmers improve their livelihood through hybrid rice production, which if successful, would provide farmers with increased production at lower cost.

Earlier, incoming Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said that for the Duterte administration’s first 100 days, DA aims to start planning for rice sufficiency.

He said one of their programs to achieve rice self-sufficiency was to expand the hybrid rice producing area in the country from the current 400,000 hectares to one million hectares by 2020.

This is in addition to the Php 130.95-million funding support that DA will immedi-

ately pour for hybrid seeds just for the Mindanao region starting November 2016.

Lim said that SLAC support for the program would come in the form of company-funded technology demonstrations (techno-demo) all over Mindanao to raise awareness among farmers of the advantages of planting hybrid rice over traditional rice varieties.

“Based from our experience in various parts of Luzon, farmers are hard to convince to invest resources on hybrid rice unless they actually see for themselves the rich rice stalks,” Lim noted.

“The technology that can bring increased yield to rice farmers is already here. We will promote hybrid rice in Mindanao where yield now is just below four tons per hectare,” he said.

Lim said that SLAC had always been in the forefront of private support for the DA’s goal of achieving 10-5, or a yield of 10 metric tons (MT) per hectare in order to bring down production cost to Php 5 per kilo, adding that current field validation reports suggested

that 10-5 was achievable.

In Nueva Ecija, where most farmers plant hybrid rice on around 90,000 hectares with SLAC’s support, average yield is nearly 6 MT per hectare and gradually rising as farmers adopt to newer varieties of hybrid rice.

In Mindanao, Lim said that while DA trained municipal and agricultural extension workers helped farmers in growing hybrid rice, SLAC had been holding techno-demo in Region 10 – comprising the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

The company has also collaborated with other seed producers on setting up a Rice Board in Region 11 which comprises Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.

According to reports from SLAC officials, Lim said that techno-demo fields in Region 12 yielded a harvest of 9-10 tons per hectare – a positive development for the DA’s 10-5 goal.

Region 12 is composed of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City, and accounts for 32 percent of rice production in Mindanao.

“However, in Region 12 we are still seeking to orient farmers on the yield advantage and increased income from hybrid rice,” Lim said.

Even in conflict-ridden Maguindanao, a province within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), SLAC has conducted a harvest festival, particularly in Mamasapano.

With intensified DA and private sector support for hybrid rice production, the SLAC head said that rice self-sufficiency could be achieved even with El Niño or La Niña.

He also urged traditional farmers to shift to the higher yielding hybrid rice even during this rainy season.

“I am an entrepreneur and I want farmers to become entrepreneurs too. There is a risk in any business, but I assure you that you will still harvest higher with hybrid rice even in the wet season,” Lim said. (PNA)

containing GMOs in agriculture

A

PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday urged incoming Agriculture Sec. Manny Pinol to include in his agenda a no-let-up campaign to ban genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country despite the recent government-issuance of a new set of guidelines on GMOs. Anakpawis party-list Representative Fernando “Ka Pando” Hicap said the approval of the new set of rules on the propagation and sale of GMOs only made him more resolute and determined to push for the approval of his bill prohibiting the use of products containing GMOs on food and agriculture.

Hicap said several studies have shown the harmful effects of genetically modified (GM) crops like the Bt (Basillus thuringionsis) corn on the health of farmers such as unusual high incidence of skin diseases, allergies, blood dyscrasias, infertility and seizures.

“Aside from these health risks, the GM corn farming contaminates traditional and open-pollinated corn varieties,” a farmer turned lawmak-

er explained.

He said GMO crop proponents always invoked adequate food production, or the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition as the ultimate goals for the introduction of such technology.

“Yet, is it a solution? Filipino farmers and scientists across the country assert that GMO in Philippine agriculture is not a solution but is in fact a serious problem,” he pointed out.

In his bill filed in the 16th Congress, Hicap said it should be the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a safe and poison-free agriculture, health and livelihood security, and a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

The measure further states the State should follow the precautionary principle in relation to the field testing of genetically-engineered crops and the processing and distribution of seeds, crops and food products consisting of, containing or derived from GMOs so as to protect the people, the

F SOLON, 11

7 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

Coral reefs:

Going, going, gone?

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

R

ECENTLY, while reading the “Philippine Daily Inquirer,” one news report caught my attention: “Ship runs aground, ruin coral reefs.”

Michelle Joy L. Padayhag, author of the report, wrote: “A Panamanian-registered cargo ship ran aground in a shark sanctuary and a known diving destination in Daanbantayan town in northern Cebu province, ruining nearly three hectares of coral reefs.”

MV Belle Rose was the name of the vessel that is registered under Alpha Ship Management Corporation.

“It came from Tsukimi, Japan, and was heading to San Fernando town in southern Cebu,” the report said.

According to the environmental group Greenpeace, the government should not allow Belle Rose to leave the country “to ensure that its owner rehabilitate the damaged reefs.” “We want to make sure the accountability … It takes time to rehabilitate these coral reefs,” Vince Cinches, Greenpeace’s oceans campaigner, was quoted as saying.

To most Filipinos, coral reefs may not be that important but having attended three International Coral Reef Symposiums (in Bali, Indonesia, then in Fort Lauderdale, United States and finally in Cairns Australia), I came to appreciate their value to our ecosystem.

The Philippines lies within the Coral Triangle, which includes more than 75 percent of all coral species and 35 percent of the world’s coral reefs. “The coral reefs of the Philippines is the second-largest in Southeast Asia,” noted the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The country’s coral reefs cover 10,000 square miles (26,000 square kilometers).

“The reefs support extraordinary biodiversity, including more than 400 species of hard coral -- 12 of which are unique to the area -- and more than 900 species of reef fish,” WWF said.

The “rainforests of the sea” is how coral reefs are considered. “Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, housing tens of thousands of marine species,” says the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

According to the environment department, reefs buffer shorelines from waves and storms that cause flooding and erosion, support commercial and subsistence fisheries, and are home to a thriving recreation and tourism industry.

Although coral reefs contribute US$1.5 billion to the country’s economy through tourism and fishing, they are on the verge of extinction.

Recent studies showed some 98% of Philippine reefs are classified as threatened, with 70% at high or very high risk.

“Definitely, the Philippines is in danger of losing its valuable marine biodiversity,” pointed out Nomer Varua in his presentation at the International Conference on Environment and Renewable Energy in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. “The Philippines needs to address the problem because we all know for a fact that corals are the most productive ecosystem on earth.”

According to the DENR, major causes of coral reef destruction include destructive fishing, overfishing, sedimentation, ill-planned coastal development, and rapid population growth (the Philippines is now home to more than 100 million people).

“Coral reefs have survived tens of thousands of years of natural change, but many of them may not be able to survive the havoc brought by humankind,” the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) points out in its website.

As a response to the coral degradation in the country, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the DOST (DOST-PCAARRD) funded the Filipinnovation on Coral Reef Restoration Program.

Started in 2012, the program seeks to roll out coral transplantation technology using asexually reproduced corals to improve productivity of coral resources for sustainable fisheries.

Corals asexual reproduction technology for reef restoration involves the collection of dislodged live coral fragments or “corals of opportunity” (COPs) and attaching them to coral nursery unit (CNUs) for quick recovery and regeneration to increase survival rates upon transplantation in degraded

coral reef sites. Each CNU is designed to hold 500 COPs per batch and can be used several times a year.

Varua, who is part of a team at Bataan Peninsula State University that’s restoring the reefs, reported in his presentation that about 90% of the corals survived.

“Over time, the rehabili-

tated reefs will be re-inhabited by fish aquatic life,” the DOST said in a press statement. “The restoration of reefs has other major positive economic impacts. It improves the productivity and sustainability of municipal fisheries and at the same time enhances the beauty and value of the area for the underwater tourism industry.”

Even if the coral reefs can be restores and rehabilitated, they still face two major stresses posed climate change. These include further increases in ocean temperatures, which can trigger coral bleaching, and ocean acidification, which at critical thresholds makes it difficult for corals to build shells and

skeletons.

“Corals’ spectacular coloration comes from symbiotic algae, which also nourish them,” the UCS explains. “When rising ocean temperatures or ultraviolet light stress the corals, they lose their colorful algae, leaving only transparent tissue covering their white calcium-carbonate skeletons. If

the stresses are sustained, the corals die. Even small increases in water temperature can cause coral bleaching.”

Since 1950, global mean sea surface temperatures have risen roughly 1° F (0.6° C). “The intensity and frequency of coral bleaching has increased significantly over the past 30 years, causing death or severe damage to

one-third of the world’s corals,” the UCS says.

The Philippines first suffered mass coral bleaching in 1998-99. Reefs off northern Luzon, west Palawan, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao were affected. The worst bleaching -- which affected 80% of corals -- occurred around Bolinao.

That’s just for starter.

“Continued acidification of the ocean as it absorbs our carbon emissions poses another danger to corals and other sea animals that need calcium carbonate to build shells or skeletons,” the UCS says.

Scientists warn of a threshold point where the ocean becomes so acidic that calcium carbonate -- in the mineral form that corals use -- is unavailable to corals for building reefs.

Studies show that a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide would reduce coral calcification more than 30%.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

EDITORIAL

T

The limits of being real

HIS one bizarre news of a beauty pageant winner stripped of her title for having sex on a reality TV show brought shock to the world.

Miss Great Britain 2015/2016 Zara Holland has been dethroned after it was discovered she had sex with a fellow contestant in the reality show Love Island.

The Miss Great Britain organization explained the decision in an official statement posted on social media. The statement read in part: “Following recent actions within the ITV2 show ‘Love Island’ it is with deep regret that we, the Miss Great Britain Organisation, have to announce that Zara Holland has formally been de-crowned as Miss Great Britain 2015/16. As an organisation we have not taken this decision lightly, we are close to all of our winners and wherever possible stand by them during their reign.

That said, we feel we have no choice but to make this decision under the current circumstances. Although Miss Great Britain is the oldest pageant system in the UK, we pride ourselves on promoting the positivity of pageants in modern society and this includes the

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

promotion of a strong, positive, female role model in our winners.

The feedback we have received from pageant insiders and members of the general public is such that we cannot promote Zara as a positive role model moving forward.”

Citing that although the organization understands that everyone makes mistakes, Zara, as an ambassador for Miss Great Britain, simply did not uphold the responsibility expected of the title.

The latest of many controversies in the world of pageant competitions is an affirmation that even in this very modern society, the hghest standards of morality cannot be sacrificed for commercialization in the media industry.

Reality television shows, despite the very nature of the production, still needs to draw the line between what is allowable and what is not. This is a morally compelling choice in the face of fierce business competition.

Zara may just be a victim under this circumstance but she has to take the hit if only to overemphasize that even in reality shows, being real must be kept under control.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

A

S a young man, Dr. A.J. Cronin was in charge of a small hospital. One evening, he performed an emergency operation on a little boy. It was a very delicate operation, and the doctor felt great relief when the little fellow breathed freely after it was over. He gave orders to the young nurse and went home filled with gratitude for the success.

Late that night came a frantic call for the doctor. Everything had gone wrong, and the child was in desperate conditions. When Dr. Cronin got to the bedside, the little boy was already dead.

The nurse had become frightened and had neglected her duty. Dr. Cronin decided she should not be trusted again, and he wrote a letter to the board of health which would end her career as a nurse. He called her in and read the letter to her. She listened in shame and misery, saying nothing.

After reading the letter, Dr. Cronin inquired, “Have you nothing to say?” The nurse shook her head. She had no excuse to offer. Then she did speak, and this is what she said, “Give me another chance.”

The story is not about the little boy, the doctor, or the nurse. It is about clemency and understanding. It is about pity and forgiveness. “Forgiveness is our command,” C. Neil Strait declared. “Judgment is not.”

A story which Steve Goodier wrote came to my mind when I read that statement. A young man secretly misappropriated several hundred dollars from the business where

M

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

Second chance

he was em- THINK ON THESE! ployed. When the shortage was discovered, the senior partner called the young man into his office.

Immediately, the young man knew he would be fired Henrylito D. Tacio and sent to henrytacio@gmail.com prison. His employer asked the worried man if he was guilty. He replied that he was. Then the executive surprised him. “If I keep you in your present capacity,” he said, “can I trust you in the future?”

The astonished employee replied, “Yes, sir, you surely can. I’ve learned my lesson.”

His boss must have detected the repentant man’s sincerity. “I’m not going to press charges and you can continue in your present responsibility,” he said. Then, he added, “I think you ought to know, however, that you are the second man in this firm who succumbed to temptation but was shown leniency. I was the first. What you have done, I did. The mercy you are receiving, I received.”

Tom Peters once pointed out that corporations and companies should actually reward people for failure, because failure means risk; and without risk there can be no success. If

VANTAGE POINTS

9

employees are afraid to make mistakes, he said, they will be afraid to make much of anything.

And that’s where forgiveness comes in. I was reminded of a scene from Amos and Andy. There was a big man who would slap Andy across the chest whenever they met. Finally, Andy got enough of it and said to Amos, “I am fixed for him. I put a stick of dynamite in my vest pocket and the next time he slaps me he is going to get his hand blown off.”

Andy had not realized that at the same time, his own heart would be blown out. The dynamite of hatred may inflict some injury on someone but also blow out our own heart.

The words “forgiving” and “forgiven” are inseparable twins. They go together; one is useless without the other. At the death of Queen Caroline, Lord Chesterfield said a sad thing: “And unforgiving, unforgiven dies.”

I have a friend who was engaged to be married. Three months before the actual weeding, his best friend “stole” his bride-to-be. Today, he is still bitter with the man whom he considered as his brother. “Sure, I’ll forgive that man, when I’m good and ready,” he said.

“What must I forgive?” asked Dr. David Augsburger, author of The Freedom of Forgiveness. “Not just the small things, the trivial irritations, the tactless, thoughtless mistakes others make. But everything. Even the hurts that cut and sear. There are no exemptions!”

That’s a tall order! “Forgiveness is something we discover, more than something we

do; it is something we gratefully receive, more than something we faithfully give,” Dr. Augsburger explained.

How many times should you forgive someone? Once, twice, thrice? Or seven times, as apostle once suggested? No, but seventy times seven. That was the message of Jesus Christ when He shared this unforgettable story (Matthew 18:21-35): A certain poor man owed his boss more than two million pesos. He couldn’t pay, so the boss ordered the man, his wife, and children to be his servants, and the property to be sold to pay the debt. The man, face in the dust, pleaded with his boss, “Please, be patient with me. I will pay it all.”

“Two million pesos? Where will you get that amount?” the boss asked. But then, in pity, he forgave him all his debt.

The man, overjoyed, left his boss. Outside, he met a neighbor who owed him ten thousand pesos. “Pay up,” he demanded. The neighbor replied, “Just be patient, and I’ll have it for you next week.”

“Nothing doing,” said the man and has him thrown in debtors’ prison. When his boss heard the story, he summoned the man again. “You evil wretch,” he said, “here I canceled that tremendous debt for you, and you have the nerve to be unforgiving over ten thousand pesos? You have sentenced yourself! You have to go to prison now!”

When Jesus taught us to pray, He said, “Forgive as we forgive.”

ippines: “In Javellana, a majority of the Supreme Court declared that the 1973 Constitution was not properly ratified. However, because the constitutional requirement of two-thirds of the Court voting to declare a law unconstitutional was not met, the Court also concluded that the new charter was already in effect. That decision allowed Marcos to govern under a dictatorship until he was forced out of office in 1986. Since that time, the Supreme Court has had to live with the realization that it became an accomplice to the emasculation of Philippine democracy. Many wonder if the Court will allow itself to be used in a similar fashion at some point in the future—or the present.”

Pertinently, the professor’s apprehension over the possibility that the Supreme Court will again lose its constitutional fortitude has been affirmed by the recent decision in the case ofEnrile vs. Sandiganbayanto allow an accused plunderer, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, to post bail. The public was clearly dismayed by the high court’s preferential treatment of the veteran lawmaker. This disappointment was exacerbated by commentaries from a host of legal scholars showing that the decision actually ignored the parameters on the right to bail established in Article III, Section 13 of the Constitution. And so with flouting the rule of law at the top level of the judiciary still possible, the general public’s serious anxiety over charter change seems justified.

But apart from this lingering distrust, our experience with commencing constitutional reform limited by a fixed timetable is a stark lesson. In this regard I note the regret ofRene Sarmiento, a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, over the decision to just rely on Congress to enforce through legislation certain fundamental directives in the charter (i.e. prohibition against political

dynasties). The former COMELEC Commissioner lamented, “There was political instability, coups were being staged. There was an urgency to stabilize the country and we were pressed for time.” Poignantly, Sarmiento now admits that, “We did not foresee that after EDSA 1, change will take time.”

Such a realization is indeed an important caveat for all of us contemplating a complete overhaul of our current charter specially that the gravity of constitutional reform is now indisputable. The 1986 Constitutional Commission worked under an urgent deadline and that was to legitimize the revolutionary government of President Cory Aquino. But we are certainly in a more fortunate position now because there are no reasons or contingencies that compel us to rush constitutional reform. Therefore, any attempt at charter change without going through any form of comprehensive public discourse must be rejected.

More importantly however, I suggest that avid proponents of constitutional reform in the administration initiate first a preparatory step in the form of a massive civic education campaign on constitutional principles for local communities. After undergoing this political exercise, Filipinos from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, will be able to see themselves not merely as passive observers in the sidelines but as continuing stakeholders to the enforcement of constitutional rules and tenets. And I genuinely believe that it is only upon reaching such a level of constitutional awareness can Filipinos confidently undertake the constitutional revision process.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Atty. Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco is a practicing lawyer. He is presently completing a Masters of Law and Development in Melbourne Law School. He recently published a book entitled, Rethinking the Bangsamoro Perspective.)

Are Filipinos ready for constitutional reform?

ANY constitutional scholars maintain that pathologies in a constitution can emerge during its reign. These pertain to provisions in the constitutional text itself that may have been designed with good intentions but have eventually become debilitating to the political system it purports to govern. Our very own 1987 Constitution is no exception.

Dr. Raul C. Pangalangan, the former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law and presently a judge in the International Criminal Court, has proffered an organic irregularity in our charter, a “built-in contradiction between the economic and the governance clauses of the constitution.” This of course dovetails to the “economic” amendments agenda of Congressman Belmonte and his cohorts which is fundamentally grounded on the belief that de-nationalizing economic sectors in the country will bring in a deluge of foreign direct investments (FDI).

Appealing as their arguments for opening certain industries to foreign ownership are, this is still not actually a clear-cut proposition. There are still many questions regarding this matter that have to be dealt with before attaining any solid consensus.

President Noynoy Aquino actually posits a sound argument when he points to the impressive performance of his administration in attracting FDI. So is the influx of FDI really dependent on allowing foreign ownership in education, media and telecommunications? Or is the reason why FDI cannot fully take off in the Philippines is still the same old graft and corruption in government?

Meaning, if foreign ownership in these industries is indeed allowed but graft and corruption in government remains business-as-usual, would there still be a surge of FDI to the country as Congressman Belmonte and his group predict? And how

COMMENTARY

BY MICHAEL HENRY LL. YUSINGCO about the reverse, would it attract a higher level of FDI than the one our country is receiving now? It is quite evident that there is still a lot to be discussed on this issue alone. What more the other pathologies?

However, it is particularly interesting to ask why after all these years, and after all the critiques launched at the 1987 Constitution, is still there a passionate distrust for moves to amend or revise our constitution?

The answer perhaps lies in our unresolved issues with the Martial Law period of our nation’s history. Indeed, the immediate reaction to doubt charter change advocates implanted by the case ofJavellana vs. Executive Secretaryhas not been lost with the passage of time.

Note that the Supreme Court in this case actually ruled that Ferdinand Marcos Sr. railroaded the adoption of the proposed Constitution in 1973.

The citizens’ assemblies he organized, where the ratification of the proposed charter was determined by a show of hands, were declared improper and could not be the basis to legitimize a constitution. In fact, the high court opined that this exercise was an absolute farce, not only because of its inherent inanity but, more so, because Marcos’ guns and goons were outside the halls where these assemblies were held—a scenario that obviously precluded any legitimate outcome arising from the process.

And yet, legal scholar Professor Dante Gatmaytan-Magno points out inChanging Constitutions: Judicial Review and Redemption in the Phil-

10 NEWS FREED... FROM 1

governor Tan of Sulu.

Flor was one of the four kidnap victims at Ocean View Resort, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte last September 2015.

Her boyfriend, Canadian national Robert Hall, was beheaded by the ASG afternoon of June 14, after the ransom money of P60 million was not delivered.

The other Canadian National John Ridsdel was behead last April.

Freed after nine months and three days in captivity, Flor was dropped off by her captors in front of the residence of Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II in Barangay Asturias at around 4:30 a.m. Friday, Bong Abing, Sulu Provincial Information Officer told MindaNews.

Dureza fetched Flor in Jolo, Sulu at noon and will present him to Duterte at the DCPO. “We’re here, we’ve landed at the Central Bank (Davao City) and are on our way to the DCPO) Dureza told MindaNews in a telephone call at 2:13 p.m.

Duterte arrived at the DCPO parade grounds at 2:34 p.m for the turnover of command rites from chief of police, Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao, Jr. to Sr. Supt. Michael John Dubria.

Days after the kidnapping, Flor’s parents appealed to Duterte to help them secure the release of their daughter.

Duterte was not yet a Presidential candidate then.

Armed men on board two pumpboats stormed the Holiday Oceanview Samal Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte at 11:30 p.m. on September 21, three foreigners and Flor.

Abducted were Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56, a Norwegian, and Canadian nationals John Ridsdel, 68 and Robert Hall, 50, and Hall’s Filipina partner, Marites Flor.

Hall was executed on June 13 and Ridsdel on April 25 after failure to pay the Abu Sayyaf’s demand for ransom of 300 million pesos.

Hall was executed by the Abu Sayyaf after the 3 p.m.

June 13 deadline for payment of ransom lapsed. His severed head was recovered near the Cathedral of the Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu that evening and was brought to the headquarters of the 2nd Ma-

rine Brigade.

Hall was the second Canadian beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf in two months. On April 25, mining executive Ridsdel, was executed, his severed head also thrown that evening by motorcycle-riding men towards a group of basketball players near the municipal hall.

COPC members reads in part: “We, the members and officers of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc., will not stand idly as our colleagues in the industry continue to be targeted for doing their jobs to promote transparency and accountability in the government.

“We expressed concerned of the recent pronouncements of Duterte regarding the extrajudicial killing. The accused deserved to be given due process while justice should be dispensed speedily.”

In a meeting with the local chapter of the Kapisanan ng Brodkasters ng Pilipinas a week ago, COPC officers discussed prospects for the media

under Duterte.

They invited former COPC president Reuben Canoy to give some insights.

Canoy urged local journalist to give Duterte a chance to work on his campaign promise but at the same time remain vigilant against any excesses.

“Power is always a temptation. The late President Ferdinand Marcos had that power and he abused it. I hope Duterte will not follow in his steps,” he said.

Like Duterte, Canoy, a former city mayor of Cagayan de Oro and member of the Marcos-era parliament, is an advocate of federalism. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

CDO... FROM 2

Day of reckoning President Benigno Aquino visited Jolo two days after Hall’s beheading and vowed that the government will not stop until the threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf ends.

“The full resources of the State are being brought down on the ASG. Our primary objective is to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of our civilian population. We will leave no stone unturned and are studying every instrument, both military and legal, to ensure success in our areas of operations and wherever else required,” he said in a statement.

On June 21, Duterte warned the Abu Sayyaf of the day of reckoning soon.” He told business leaders in Davao City that while he cannot do it immediately, “there will be a time, there will be a reckoning.’

When it comes, “I will just say ‘Surrender unconditionally. Release all prisoners, hostages or we fight.”

Justice, however long it takes In a statement on June 13, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is holding the Abu Sayyaf “fully responsible for this cold-blooded and senseless murder” of his nationals and vowed to work “with the Philippine government and international partners” to pursue the perpetrators and “bring them to justice, however long it takes.

“The vicious and brutal actions of the hostage-takers have led to a needless death,” Trudeau said.

“We are more committed than ever to working with the Government of the Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for these heinous acts and bring them to justice, however long it takes,” Trudeau said. (With a report from Carolyn O. Arguillas and Frencie Carreon / MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

SIBLING FUN. A young girl seems contended spending her morning biking with her younger brother as her parents failed to enroll her this school year due to lack of financial resources. Lean Daval Jr.

Army... FROM 2

drive in the said Salugponga center.

“There is no truth into the allegation that the soldiers harassed the teachers and students and disrupted to the classes. Mr. Menil himself testified that the Brigada Eskwela thereat took place prior to the start of the regular classes.

Therefore, there were no regular classes when the 46th IB soldiers were in the school, as invited by the school administrator, extending their help during the clean-up drive,” Batchar clarified.

On the case in Datalblao, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, Batchar said that as per report from the field commander of 39th IB the soldiers who were accused of harassment against the teachers of the Center for Lumad Advocacy and Services (CLANS) were in the area for a routine and visitation purposes.

The operation was conducted by 39th IB troopers after lawless elements belonging to the communists New People’s Army (NPA) ambushed the army’s Peace and Development Team (PDT) in Sitio Lam-alis in the same barangay last May 23 that hurt 5 of its members.

“The soldiers actually visited Sina Diagoni, the local of Sitio Lamgawel. It was in the house of Diagoni that the visiting soldiers, by chance, met some teachers of CLANS,”

Batchar said.

The CLANS teachers, identified as Claire Moca and Joenard Cayamba were actually summoned by Diagoni to clarify if the school’s (CLANS) plan to start a Day Care program for the children was already coordinated with the barangay.

Both Moca and Cayamba told Diagona that the planned program was already coordinated in the barangay level.

Unfortunately, after verifying at the barangay level, Diagona found out from Barangay Chairperson Bai Naila Mamalinta that CLANS has no formal coordination.

Mamalinta immediately proceeded to the residence of Diagona upon learning that the two CLANS teachers were there for formal confrontation and clarification.

At Diagona’s residence, Mamalinta told Moca and Cayamba to temporarily forego the Day Care program for its disapproval due to the lack of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the Indigenous People (IP) leaders in the area.

Instead of proceeding with the registration of the children, Mamalinta advised the CLANS teachers to prioritize the processing of their FPIC. Batchar said both Diagona and Mamalinta executed a written statement on what really transpired during the meeting at Diagona’s resi-

Initial investigation showed that Co had just arrived at a family-owned restaurant to check on the on-going construction when

the incident happened.

Police are still investigating to determine the motive and identities of the attackers.

(PNA)

you can kill me here. If they want to send me home, I will go home,” he said.

“All of this is false, I did not have my first wife murdered, and I don’t know where this came from. But regarding human trafficking, well if it is like that, it is in my country and not here.

“Regarding the violence against women, it’s an accusa-

tion by my Filipina wife. I came here the 4th of October 2015. I got married legally with a marriage certificate on the 23rd of February, so if I’m really a human trafficker, why didn’t they stop me when I was marrying. If I’m really a murderer how can I enter the Philippines and exit my country,” he said.

(Erwin Mascarinas/MindaNews)

Cops... FROM 2

Bangladeshi... FROM 4

dence where the CLANS teachers chanced upon the 39th IB troopers and the confrontation between the said teachers and the barangay chairperson on their lack of FPIC that disqualified their plan to implement a Day Care program in the area.

“The soldiers, based on the statement of the two barangay leaders did not harass the CLANS teachers. The meeting was only by chance and that the teachers were actually confronted by the leaders for the lack of proper coordination before putting up their program in Sitio Lamgawel,” Batchar said.

The 10th ID information chief also denied the issue that 60th IB troopers were out to massacre civilians, particularly the family of Rosquites in Sitio Cebole, Barangay Kapatagan in Laak town, Compostela Valley last June 2.

What actually took place last June 2 was a legitimate encounter between the government troopers and NPA rebels in the area, the report from the commander of 60thIB indicated, Batchar pointed out.

Elements of 60th IB were dispatched to Sitio Cebole after receiving reports from civilians in the area of the presence of NPA rebels headed by a certain Elnar Etol alias Wendel.

The report specified that the rebels were being harboured in the house of a certain Alfredo Rosquites.

An early encounter immediately ensued when the rebels ambushed the soldiers while on their way to Sitio Cebole.

The soldiers pursued the rebels who immediately retreated after the 60th IB troopers retaliated. The soldiers were again fired upon, that time the volume of the firing came from the house of Alfredo Rosquites.

Before the soldiers managed to encircle Rosquites’ house, the armed men scampered and escaped.

Batchar said witnesses who are willing to testify said there were about 12 heavily armed NPA rebels harbouring inside Rosquites house.

“After the encounter, the soldiers recovered several live ammunitions and cartridges of small and high-powered firearms left by the NPAs inside the house. The police who arrived to process the area also recovered a number of cartridges and live ammunitions from 9mm pistols and AK 47 rifles inside the house,” he stressed.

Despite the clarifications made Batchar said the 10th ID is open to any investigation and will face complaints that will be filed by those who believed they were aggrieved by the soldiers.

“We will fully cooperate and will take no prejudice on any investigation to be conducted by any duly instituted authorities.”

in local currency (PHP - 67%) with the rest made up of the US dollar at 26%, Japan Yen at 5%, and the Euro at a small 1%.”

The diplomatic and economic relationship of the Philippines with the UK is not contingent on its membership in the EU, Purisima clarified, saying that the country’s ties to UK will continue to strengthen and deliver tangible benefits for both our peoples for the long-term.

“We are heavily invested in our productive economic partnership with the UK and will remain so regardless of the Brexit vote.”

But the finance chief also warned that the Philippines is never immune despite the fact that the country can be considered less vulnerable compared to the other nations in relation to the latest developments in Britain.

“We need to continue to build on the gains of the past 6 years – strengthen the macroeconomic fundamentals and boost the confidence of the markets. Staying the course in the path President Aquino has started is best way to keep the luster on Asia’s bright spot in these challenging times,” Purisima said.

World... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Alsons gives back to Dabawenyos AS THEIR WAY OF GIVING BACK TO DABAWENYOS WHO HAVE BEEN THEIR CLIENTS AND PARTNERS FOR OVER 50 YEARS, real estate developer Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) of the Alcantara Group on Tuesday turned over to the local government unit of Davao City a 2,000 sq. m. integrated safety and rescue facility.

Present for the turn over ceremonies were the board of directors of the Alcantara Group led by its chairperson Tomas Alcantara, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, members of the city council, as well as representatives from the PNP-PRO 11, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Alsons Development and Investment Corporation for your generous contribution to improve the community of Indangan and its surrounding areas,” Mayor Sara said in her message.

The facility features a two-storey Central 911 station equipped with infirmary and standby

ambulance; a one-storey police station with two detention cells; and a twostorey fire station with two standby fire trucks.

“Today we help bring emergency, fire and police services to all the people of Buhangin,” Alcantara pointed out in his message, as he emphasized that prior to the completion of the facility, the

closest 911 station was around 10 kilometers in distance and the fire station about 5 kilometers away.

“We are proud to partner with the City Government in continuing to make Davao one of the safest and most livable places in the world,”

added Alsons Dev executive vice-president Rosie Dominguez.

A brainchild of Alsons Dev and Mayor Sara in 2012, the first-of-its-kind facility in the country saw its groundbreaking in July of 2015 led by president-elect Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

ENTERTAINMENT

As timely as today’s headlines

By Henrylito D. Tacio IT’S AS TIMELY AS TODAY’S HEADLINE. Such was my observation after watching the much-talked about “Ma’ Rosa” at SM Lanang last week.

In fact, it is the main reason why award-winning Brillante Ma. Mendoza had chosen Davao City to have its Philippine premiere.

In a press conference, Brillante told local media that the subject matter is very timely as the incoming president, Rodrigo R. Duterte, is waging war against illegal drugs and criminality.

In earlier interviews, he said he decided to make the film as small-scale drug selling is really happening in the country. He described the situation as “alarming” and has “become a way of life.”

Mendoza believed the subject of the film appeals to a worldwide audience since “there is a lot of bigger corruption that is happening all over the world maybe on a different scale,” he explained.

“Ma’ Rosa” was one of the 21 films shown in competition at the 2016 Cannes Festival.

Although it failed to win the coveted top Palme d’Or prize (it went to “I, Daniel Blake”), the film leading star, Jaclyn Jose, earned the Best Actress award.

Jose made a record as the first Filipina to win the award and the first from

Southeast Asian to score such feat.

According to Jose, she never expected to win the award. When she saw the line-up of the nominees, including Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Marion Cotillard, she said they were all her idols.

“Actually, I never saw any of their performances where they were nominated so I was just watching and enjoying the moment,” she admitted.

It was when her name was called that she “got surprised and got emotional.” As shown during the awarding ceremony in television, she was visibly overwhelmed and beset by shock. “I don’t know what to say,” she pointed out.

Allan Hunter, in a feature which appeared in “Screen Daily,” wrote of Jose’s performance: “Jaclyn Jose cuts an imposing figure as Rosa, a bustling, no nonsense woman who is known throughout her neighbourhood. She is the force of nature who keeps the family together. She remains the heart of the story.” “… The latest gritty slice-of-life film from prolific Filipino director Brillante Mendoza. Not as

gorgeously cinematic as his first competition entry in Cannes, 2008’s “Serbis,” nor as intense and dark as his second Palme-hopeful and best-director winner, “Kinatay,” his third competition entry needs to lean heavily on its story and characters to keep audiences engaged,” wrote “Hollywood Reporter” film critic Boyd van Hoeij.

Peter Bradshaw, in a review which appeared in “The Guardian,” wrote that the film “is made with control and clarity, a narrative purpose which is held on to despite an apparently aimless docustyle, and a clear sense of jeopardy.” He ended it with these words: “… It’s a cold, hard look at what being poor actually means, and how few options there are for escape.”

Hunter echoed the

same observation. “Ma’ Rosa offers a bleak portrait of the poverty and corruption in the Philippines as we witness chaotic, shanty town streets teeming with people and strewn with rubbish and a society in which only the most ruthless can survive.”

The story is simple but the characters -- and those that portrayed them -- are what made this film very interesting.

“Ma’ Rosa” tells the life of Rosa Reyes, a slightly domineering, no-nonsense kind of woman. She owns a small community convenience store connected to their home in Mandaluyong, a sprawling city that’s part of Metro Manila. Together with her husband, Nestor (played by Julio Diaz), they use their convenient stores as cover-up for selling il-

legal narcotic, Methamphetamines (more popularly known as “shabu”).

Their life turns upside down when their neighbor sets the couple for a police raid leading to their arrest on the eve Nestor is supposed to celebrate his birthday. At the police station, the couple are given a choice: go to jail without bail or hand over P200,000, a huge sum which they don’t have.

They have also been asked to contact their supplier (Kristoffer King) so he can help raised the amount.

Backed against the wall, Rosa seeks help from her three children: Jackson (Felix Roco), Erwin (Jomari Angeles) and Raquel (Andi Eigenmann). This is where the drama sets in; how the three offspring try to cough up the money to bail out their parents.

Jackson tries to sell their television while Raquel begs family members for donations. For his part, Erwin has to sleep with older man just to collect some cash.

Mendoza, who was named Best Director during the 2009 Cannes Festival for “Kinatay,” is the man “Ma’ Rosa.” As a story teller, he can be compared to the late Celso Ad. Castillo -- the man behind “Burlesk Queen.” But as a film director, he is more of a reincarnation of Lino Brocka, whose film credits include “Insiang,” “Bona,” “Mananayaw,” “Tinimbang Ka, Nguni’t Kulang,” and “Jaguar.”

Hollywood film critic Barbara Scharres, who wrote a piece in Rogerebert.com, seemed to agree with my observation on the latter. “Mendoza is one of a generation of Filipino directors working in the socially conscious tradition of the great Filipino filmmaker Lino Brocka,” she penned.

In one of earlier interviews, Mendoza was quoted as saying: “I think the reason why Cannes likes my films is because they are uniquely Filipino stories that focused mostly on family issues and moralities, but at the same time they have universal sensibilities.”

According to Mendoza, “Ma’ Rosa” was based from a true story. “The idea of this film came up four years ago when I became indirectly involved with the said incident,” he explained. “It captures my interest to tell this story because it shows a unique but also disturbing characteristic of a common Filipino family. That when a family member is backed against the wall for the wrong doings that he or she made, you will do everything to keep them out of trouble even if it means violating basic virtuous. In a society where survival of the fittest is a fact that we have to live with, family becomes amoral.”

“Ma’ Rosa” will be shown in SM cinemas all over the country starting July 6. Don’t miss it!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Dingdong Dantes gears up for festivities in the UK K A P U S O PRIMETIME KING D I N G D O N G DANTES will headline this year’s BirminghamSandwell-West Midlands Fiesta Celebrations, happening on July 3 in the United Kingdom.

The award-winning Kapuso actor, who is slated to play an important role in the upcoming retelling of the phenomenal Kapuso hit Encantadia, will lead the BirminghamSandwell-West Midlands Fiesta Celebrations’ compelling line-up of performers made up of accomplished Filipino artists in the UK. The event, which prides itself in being the biggest Filipino fiesta celebration in the West Midlands, will take place at the scenic Lightwoods Park. It will feature shows and games that will reflect and highlight the Philippines’ vibrant culture and history.

The Birmingham-

Sandwell-West Midlands Fiesta Celebrations is presented by the Birmingham FilipinoBritish Community Volunteers, a non-profit community group comprised of FilipinoBritish professionals.

All three international channels of GMA Network namely GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International, which are available in the region on TV and mobile via Lyca TV, are the event’s exclusive media sponsors.

Entrance to the event is free, and attendees who want to meet and greet Dingdong can purchase a VIP backstage pass worth £10.

For more information on the BirminghamSandwell-West Midlands Fiesta Celebrations and other international events sponsored

by GMA Pinoy TV, follow GMA Pinoy TV on Facebook at w w w.facebook .com/ GMAPinoyTV, and on

Twitter and Instagram via the handle @ GMAPinoyTV. For more information on how to subscribe to GMA

Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International, visit lycatv. tv or go to gmapinoytv. com.

Direk Mark Reyes tells millennials: ‘Encantadia will never have the omnipotent budget of Game of Thrones’ ENCANTADIA DIRECTOR MARK REYES GAVE A HEADS UP about the production of GMA’s upcoming requel of the highrated show.

Since the network announced the comeback of the show last year, the fans had high hopes regarding the quality of production of this year’s requel.

And, since the release of the official trailer just recently, many compared it to the American drama series Game of Thrones.

Direk Mark hates to break it to you millennials, but “[Encantadia] will never have the omnipotent budget of [Game of Thrones].”

He stressed, “We go through the same hard production process with less resources and much more limited time.”

In order for the Encantadiks to further understand their situation, the director attached an article from Entertainment Weekly with regards to producing the hit American TV series’ “Battle of the Bastards” episode which according to Director Miguel Sapochnik, it took a lot of research and improvisation to execute the scene due to a lack of budget.

A love story between a firewoman, policeman in Wagas this Saturday ANOTHER INSPIRING LOVE STORY AWAITS VIEWERS this Saturday (June 25) in Wagas with Kapuso actors LJ Reyes and Mike Tan. While other kids look up to Superman or Batman, Gianne considers Super Policeman Gio and Super Firewoman Glai as her superheroes. Gio and Glai are Gianne’s mom and dad. During their wedding, Glai even rode a fire truck while Gio was also onboard a police car.

While Gio and Glai’s marriage is a picture of true love, it is not an easy journey for them.

Gio almost went on comatose because of the heavy training policemen have to go through. Glai, on the other hand, lost their second child when she had a miscarriage while doing a rescue operation in a fire scene.

Both Gio and Glai’s lives have been put on the line because of their respective jobs. But the couple remains to be happy with their work since they are able to help many people.

Watch this episode of Wagas this Saturday (June 25), 7 p.m. on GMA News TV.

June 22-28, 2016

ME BEFORE YOU Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

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

INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE

“This article will give you a good idea on what productions like [Encantadia, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones], etc. go through to shoot such epic scenes. You will understand why we can’t afford and avoid shooting with horses,” Direk Mike explained.

He added, “You will also get an understanding on what the

team goes through in terms of logistics and the type of budget GMA spends to give you a show like Encantadia.”

Amidst the tough production, the director promised its audience that they will deliver a good story and a requel that will be loved as much as the fans adored the show back in 2005.

Liam Hemsworth, Joey King, Maika Monroe Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

FINDING DORY Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Diane Keaton Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

G

1:00 | 3:15 | 5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 LFS

THE CONJURING 2 Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Frances O'Connor Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

EVENT

Pizza, burgers, coffee and more

A modern new Mamma Maria’s Pizzaria Cafe opens its doors

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

By Kenneth Irving Ong THERE IS MORE TO EAT AND DRINK LAST JUNE 25 at the newly reopened Mamma Maria’s Pizzaria Cafe along J.P. Laurel Avenue.

What was once a hodgepodge combination of a pizza parlor and burger joint is now a sleek, stylish, and happening pizza cafe.

“We wanted to revive the restaurant by imbibing a new chic industrial look,” says Mamma Maria’s manager Paolo Abao. “Luckily the partners liked the concept and so here it is.”

The menu of the new Mamma Maria’s carries over 24 different thin-crust pizzas in sizes ranging from 10-inches to a gigantic 30-in diameter monster. Staying true to providing good value for money, the pizzaria offers a buy-one-take-one pizza deal for diners who order pizzas from two to five in the afternoon and nine in the evening to twelve midnight.

Smoky grilled burgers and pasta also appear on the now more extensive menu.

Also new on Mamma Maria’s menu are coffee creations, cakes and pastries which Paolo said was what customers were also looking for in the past. “We have customers who would stay really late and would look for coffee and with its addition to the menu, we can now give customers great coffee creations whenever they feel like having it,” Paolo said.

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

Surigao... FROM 4 placed by Chief Insp. Antonio Claros.

“There are some who filed for an appeal and they will have to be heard before the decision will come out,” Mejia

said.

He added that he had submitted the names to the PNP-Regional Office and is now awaiting the dismissal order of these cops.

also expected to support the growth of merchandise imports in the coming years, especially if the incoming administration pushes through with reforms to make income taxes more progressive,” said Esguerra, who is also NEDA Director-General.

Imports of consumer goods increased by 21.3-percent to USD 1.1 billion in April 2016. This is due to higher spending for durable goods such as passenger cars and motorized cycles, home appliances, and miscellaneous manufactures.

“The sustained increase in imports of passenger cars, reflects an important finding of the AmBisyon Natin 2040 that most Filipinos aspire for car ownership. However it could also be due to their bad experience with public transportation. Given this, implementa-

tion of road infrastructure and mass transport projects needs to be accelerated. Problems with respect to licensing and vehicle registration also need to be addressed,” he said.

Meanwhile, imports of petroleum crude are still expected to contribute positively to imports growth towards the end of the year. The foreseen gradual recovery in oil prices could reduce pressure on the economies of net oil exporting countries, particularly those in the Middle East.

“Also, as trade volume picks up, a long-term solution to the congestion in seaports becomes even more imperative. Implementation of the trade facilitation provisions of the recently signed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act will help smoothen the flow of goods through Customs,” he added. (PNA)

Abella said Duterte has also asked to apply the standards of responsible mining as practiced in developed countries such as Canada and Australia, to ensure the protection of the environment,” he said.

Abella said responsible mining plays a key role in the growth of the Philippines. According to him, the Duterte administration is committed to promoting a robust and dynamic economy with every sector contributing to its growth.

Amante-Matba expressed her gratitude on Duterte’s declaration that there will be no ban on mining as long as it followed international environmental protection standards.

“Banning mining operations will certainly create a huge economic setback to a

lot of people not only in Agusan province but the whole of Caraga region,” she said.

Amante-Matba further assured the people and with the help of the national government, she would keep an open eye to irresponsible miners in her province and will not hesitate to castigate those who will evade the law especially those who will not comply with the environmental standards.

Amante-Matba also lauded the appointment of Gina Lopez, a known environmentalist, for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) post.

“Ms. Lopez will get all the necessary support and eagerness from the province of Agusan del Norte for her untiring efforts in nurturing the Mother Nature,” she promised. (PNA)

country’s agriculture and environment for the sake of present and future generations.

“The possible harmful effects of genetically modified crops and food on human health and environment are irreversible. Thus, the burden of proof as to the safe use of GMOs must be on the proponents of genetic engineering in agriculture,” Hicap said.

The proposal prohibits the release, laboratory and field-testing, processing, sale and similar acts, of crops and food products consisting of, containing or derived from GMOs. But the said prohibition is not applicable to studies on crops and products containing GMOs by the independent panel of scientists to be selected and supervised by the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), together with concerned non-government and people’s organizations.

The bill likewise directs the NCBP, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA), FDA and NGOs involved in monitoring GMO crops and products to determine existing GMO products at its various levels under laboratory testing, pilot testing and multiple location testing.

The bill provides that if the said GMO crops and products are already into commercial distribution in the Philippines prior to the effectivity of this Act, the concerned agencies shall issue a list of said products to the public, make a precautionary risk assessment of the same and come out with recommendations on the proper disposition of such products.

The subsequent sale, processing, laboratory and field testing, release and similar acts, of such products in the list shall be prohibited indefinitely until such time that said products have been declared free from GMOs. (PNA)

Imports... FROM 5

Agusan... FROM 5

Solon... FROM 6

PANTAWID CRAFTS. Functional nito baskets and romblon bags handcrafted by participants of Pantawid Pamilya and Sustainable Livelihood programs of DSWD, are among the featured local products at DTI Negosyo Center in San Isidro town, Davao Oriental. The producers are from Barangay Maputi who

earlier trained on Bag Weaving Cum Production and Native Bag Enhancement.

The initiative is a partnership of DSWD, DTI and MLGU San Isidro intended at promoting the town’s indigenous products while providing additional livelihood break to program participants in the community. (DSWD)

Imports growth in April 2016 shows strong business, consumer confidence P HILIPPINE imports grew by 29.2 percent from a year ago in April 2016, due to double-digit growth in purchases of capital goods, raw materials and intermediate goods, and consumer goods, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that Philippine imports grew to US$6.5 billion in April 2016 from US$5.1 billion in the same month last year. Among selected Asian economies, only the Philippines and Vietnam posted positive imports growth in April 2016.

“The continued strength of merchandise imports, buoyed by purchases of capital goods and durable goods, hints of a robust economic performance in the second quarter. In particular, the double-digit growth of capital goods since September 2015 points towards sustained business sector confidence

while robust imports of durable consumer goods point towards strong consumer confidence,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra.

In April 2016, capital goods registered double-digit growth for the eighth consecutive month, growing by 56.7-percent to US$2.2 billion.

This was due to stronger demand for telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery, power generating machines, and land transport equipment.

“The trend is expected to continue for the rest of the year especially given that the incoming administration has vowed to continue infrastructure spending. Also, a renewed focus on the manufacturing sector could further boost demand for capital goods,” the Cabinet official said.

Also, imports for raw materials and intermediate goods increased by 28.9-percent to US$2.5 billion, bouncing back from a modest 5.3-percent growth in the previous month.

“Consumer spending is also expected to support the growth of merchandise imports in the coming years, especially if the incoming administration pushes through with reforms to make income taxes more progressive,” said Esguerra, who is also NEDA Director-General.

Imports of consumer

goods increased by 21.3-percent to US$1.1 billion in April 2016. This is due to higher spending for durable goods such as passenger cars and motorized cycles, home appliances, and miscellaneous manufactures.

“The sustained increase in imports of passenger cars, reflects an important finding of the AmBisyon Natin 2040 that most Filipinos aspire for car ownership. However it could also be due to their bad experience with public transportation. Given this, implementation of road infrastructure and mass transport projects needs to be accelerated. Problems with respect to licensing and vehicle registration also need to be addressed,” he said.

Meanwhile, imports of petroleum crude are still expected to contribute positively to imports growth towards the end of the year. The foreseen gradual recovery in oil prices could reduce pressure on the economies of net oil exporting countries, particularly those in the Middle East.

“Also, as trade volume picks up, a long-term solution to the congestion in seaports becomes even more imperative. Implementation of the trade facilitation provisions of the recently signed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act will help smoothen the flow of goods through Customs,” he added.

12 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

Tagum Coop Medical Outreach draws 218 beneficiaries T

AGUM Cooperative (TC) successfully conducted its Medical Outreach Activity at CHO-former, Brgy.

Mintal Gymnasium, Tugbok District, Davao City, drawing 218 beneficiaries.

Free Blood Pressure Checking, Weight Taking, FBS monitoring, Medical Consultation/Check-up, Eye Screening, Tooth Extraction, and Medicines were the services offered in the said medical outreach.

Members and non-members of Tagum Cooperative as well as adults and children participated in the half day activity done on June 18, 2016, from 6:00 to 11:00 in the morning.

Despite aching knees, Mrs. Gaudiosa Moralde, 78 years old, came early to have her health condition checked by the partner doctors especially her left eye which, according to the eye screening specialist, needs operation.

The Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc., being the partner of Tagum Coop in the eye screening, set an appointment with Mrs. Moralde to

have her left eye be further screened for possible operation.

Meanwhile, Mr. & Mrs. Vidal and Julieta Quiῆo, who both hail from Calinan, Davao City, shared that it was their first time to attend such medical outreach of Tagum Cooperative.

“Salamat kaayo kay naa’y mianhi nga medical outreach, makatabang kaayo labi na sa among mga kabus (Thank you so much for this medical outreach, it really helps especially us, who are in need)” Mrs. Julieta Quiῆo said.

In behalf of the Board of Directors led by Chairperson Monica L. Salido, Tagum Coop Vice-chairperson Fe J. Adlawan and Director Nenita R. Malbas came to grace the occasion and expressed the Coop’s concern for the beneficiaries’ health.

Dir. Adlawan quoted Jesus’ message in the bible verse saying “Whatever you do to the least of the brethren, you do it unto me” taken from Matthew 25:40, as Tagum Coop becomes an “instrument to deliver needed health services”.

Medical Outreach participants had their BP and FBS monitored and checked

Dr. Viel Roxas writes prescription for a patient in the Medical Outreach

A

Trainees also received training kits and materials such as: safety shoes, goggles, hard hat, and other safety gadgets and tools for masonry.

Through the city ordinance No. 07-14 also known as Community Skills, Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Training, this aims to develop a competent workforce for employment after the training course.

In partnership with Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. and accredited doctors of TC’s Himsug Pamilya Program (HPP), the medical outreach was the first in Mintal and another round will be held later this year. (Tagum Cooperative)

Dr. Ebba extracts the tooth of a participant during the Medical Outreach while Dir. Adlawan and A volunteer from the Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. Malbas observes checks the eye of an elderly in the Medical Outreach

LGU Panabo conducts Mason Training at Gawad Kalinga Village TOTAL of forty (40) Masonry trainees including four (4) females benefited from the joint project of the City Government of Panabo led by Mayor James G. Gamao and Holcim Philippines in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK), Association of Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) dubbed as “Galing Mason Training”, on June 21 at GK Village, Purok Humayan, Brgy. Datu Abdul Dadia.

According to Holcim Philippines representative Base Devilleres that in this endeavor trainees are required to complete 27 days of actual work and trainings on basic masonry that includes safety and housekeeping procedures and practices, proper work, discipline and ethics leading to a National Competency level II certificate. The training proper starts from June 21 to July 20, 2016, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. on weekdays.

Devilleres also mentioned the important role of the Masonry in building communities, as well as in nation building by providing livelihood to the people.

Dir. Malbas added that those who are still not members of Tagum Coop can join so they may also avail of more services from the Coop highlighting that the medical outreach is a means to address the health needs of the community.

Also present during the opening program were; TESDA Provincial Director Remegias Timonio, Panabo PESO Manager Cherelle Espinosa, ACIW Center Administrator Engr. Charlito Grumo, GK Project Director Engr. Bernardo Rabanoz, Jr., City Planning and Development Office Head Aurora Lauron, Assistant City Engineer Rosalina Aleria, among others. Jasz Paras / CIO Panabo

WANTED 3 REPORTERS

EDGE DAVAO is in need of 3 reporters for immediate hiring. * College degree holder (Communication Arts graduate preferred, but not required) * Capable of writing English news and feature stories on business and governance * Has potentials of becoming editor * Single * Not more than 35 years old Entry pay negotiable.

Submit application letter and curriculum vitae to: Antonio M. Ajero Editor-in-Chief Edge Davao ajero_antonio@yahoo.com 09274733467

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

13 MOTORING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

To Hybrid Cars or not?

H

YBRID cars are becoming more popular and more common.

Basically, a hybrid car is one that uses two or more engines i.e. an electric motor and a conventional engine (either petrol or diesel). The electric engine powers the car at lower speeds and gas engine powers it at higher speeds. A hybrid car like Toyota Prius and Civic Hybrid not only conserves fuel but also produce less CO2 emissions. Though hybrid vehicles are now growing in popularity but still few people are actually using it mainly due to lack of knowledge of how hybrid vehicles work and whether they’re as good as other gasoline powered vehicles.

While the technology has existed since the early 1900s, it has only been in the past decade or so that the price of manufacturing them has brought them into the range of possibility for the average driver. There are also more government incentive programs that use credits and special discounts to support the purchase and use of hybrid vehicles. Many cities are switching their public transportation and service vehicles over to hybrid cars and buses as a part of the program to become more environmentally responsible.

How much money can a solar roof save you?

Profit from your roof space: find local deals on solar in your area, eliminate your power bill, and join the solar revolution.

On the other hand, there are electric cars that use rechargeable batteries. Here are few of the advantages and disadvantages of having an electric car.

While most people associate hybrid vehicles with the kind that use electricity as their primary alternate fuel, there are more options available now. There are cars that use hybrid technologies with propane and natural gas as well. A hybrid car is best defined as a vehicle that has an engine that can switch between a fossil fuel and an alternate fuel source.

Advantages of a Hybrid Car Here are few of the top advantages of having a hybrid car : 1.

Environmentally Friendly: One of the biggest advantage of hybrid car over gasoline powered car is that it runs cleaner and has better gas mileage which makes it environmentally friendly. A hybrid vehicle runs on twin powered engine (gasoline engine and electric motor) that

cuts fuel consumption and conserves energy.

2. Financial Benefits: Hybrid cars are supported by many credits and incentives that help to make them affordable. Lower annual tax bills and exemption from congestion charges comes in the form of less amount of money spent on the fuel.

3. Less Dependance on Fossil Fuels: A Hybrid car is much cleaner and requires less fuel to run which means less emissions and less dependance on fossil fuels. This in turn also helps to reduce the price of gasoline in domestic market.

4. Regenerative Braking System: Each time you apply brake while driving a hybrid vehicle helps you to recharge your battery a little. An internal mechanism kicks in that captures the energy released and uses it to charge the battery which in turn eliminates the amount of time and need for stopping to recharge the battery periodically.

5. Built From Light Materials: Hybrid vehicles are made up of lighter materials which means less energy is required to run. The engine

is also smaller and lighter which also saves much energy.

6. Higher Resale Value: With continuous increase in price of gasoline, more and more people are turning towards hybrid cars. The result is that these green vehicles have started commanding higher than average resale values. So, in case you are not satisfied with your vehicle, you can always sell it at a premium price to buyers looking for it.

There are many advantages to owning a hybrid car.

The one you will like the best is how it helps you to control your budget as gas prices continue to get higher. The other benefit that is not seen directly is how owning and driving a hybrid car impacts the environment. It reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and lowers your carbon imprint on the environment.

Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car There are disadvantages to owning a hybrid car, but they are probably not what you think. Contrary to popular myth, hybrid cars have

just as much power as regular cars and have no issue with mountain driving or towing. The disadvantages will depend on the type of hybrid fuel that your car uses.

Here are few of the disadvantages of a hybrid car : 1. Less Power: Hybrid cars are twin powered engine. The gasoline engine which is primary source of power is much smaller as compared to what you get in single engine powered car and electric motor is low power. The combined power of both is often less than that of gas powered engine.

It is therefore suited for city driving and not for speed and acceleration.

2. Can be Expensive: The biggest drawback of having a hybrid car is that it can burn a hole in your pocket. Hybrid cars are comparatively expensive than a regular petrol car and can cost $5000 to $10000 more than a standard version. However, that extra amount can be offset with lower running cost and tax exemptions.

3. Poorer Handling: A hybrid car houses an gasoline powered engine, a lighter

electric engine and a pack of powerful batteries. This adds weight and eats up the extra space in the car. Extra weight results in fuel inefficiency and manufacturers cut down weight which has resulted in motor and battery downsizing and less support in the suspension and body.

4. Higher Maintenance Costs: The presence of dual engine, continuous improvement in technology, and higher maintenance cost can make it difficult for mechanics to repair the car. It is also difficult to find a mechanic with such an expertise.

5. Presence of High Voltage in Batteries: In case of an accident, the high voltage present inside the batteries can prove lethal for you.

There is a high chance of you getting electrocuted in such cases which can also make the task difficult for rescuers to get other passengers and driver out of the car.

Making Your Decision Deciding whether or not a hybrid car is right for you involves more than just a desire to be environmentally friendly. You have to look

at the resources in your area that can help you maintain and sustain the car. Depending on the type of car you purchase you may need mechanics that are familiar with it or an alternate fuel source.

You should also look into any credits or discounts that may be available to help you lower the cost of the purchase of the car.

Changing Your Driving Habits Even if you do purchase a hybrid car there is more you can do to lessen your effect on the environment. One of the most important considerations is how you drive. You can replace many of your car trips with using public transportation, carpooling or even riding a bicycle. Also, planning to use the car more effectively can reduce the overall number of trips you are making each week. Hybrid or not, the less you drive the better it is for the environment. You should also consider offering to be the car pool driver more if you are the one with the hybrid, this can also help to conserve energy and lessen pollution.

14 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

Lebron passes up on Rio L

EBRON James will not chase gold this summer in the Rio Olympics.

Agent Rich Paul told The Associated Press on Thursday night (Friday, Manila time) that James informed USA Basketball that he has withdrawn from consideration.

James won gold medals in the last two Olympics. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA title this week, his sixth straight appearance in the finals.

The 31-year-old James wanted to wait until after the season until making a decision about Rio, which would have been his fourth Olympics. He’s the latest big name to drop from the U.S. squad, following twotime MVP Stephen Curry, James Harden and Chris Paul.

Fernandez wants nation to be proud again P

BA legend Ramon Fernandez enters his new role as PSC Commissioner with one goal in mind: to make the nation proud of its athletes again.

“I just wanted to help Philippine sports. Since Onyok Velasco won a silver in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, we have failed in the succeeding editions of the world tournament.

In the Sea Games, we have been at the 6th and 7th places, we really have to do something about it,” he said.

“The country’s sense of pride and image as sports-oriented nation are at stake here.

We have to resuscitate it and we will try our best to make our kababayans proud of our athletes again,” added Fernandez.

‘El Presidente’ also has a detailed plan to help him achieve his goal, drawing inspiration from incoming President Rodrigo Duterte’s popular ‘Change is Coming’ campaign tagline in the hope that it would also apply to Philippine Sports.

In a well-crafted 20-page PSC blueprint titled ‘Change the Game,’ which he submitted to newly appointed PSC chairman Butch Ramirez and personally shared to SPIN.ph, the 19-time PBA champion cager highlighted some of the measures he wants the Duterte administration to implement through the national sports agency.

“It’s about time to change and redirect the strategic goals

and directions of Philippine Sports,” Fernandez said.

According to the four-time PBA MVP, who was at the helm during the early success of the Metropolitan Basketball Association in the late 1990’s as league commissioner, there is a need to decentralize the control of the PSC by creating satellite facilities in the Visayas and Mindanao, with the help of local government units. “(We need to) institutionalize the geographic and sectoral representation of commissioners to do away with the highly centralized system. Thus, there should be commissioners for Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and for special concerns (special athletes, gender sensitivity, sectoral sports among others). Under this set-up, commissioners can focus on the needs of the regions and sectors with more attention,” said Fernandez, noting that this move makes the PSC’s presence finally felt in the provinces. “(Focus should also be on the) creation of functional satellite offices in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to provide access for provincial athletes,” he added, stressing the need to construct facilities for ‘results-capable’ disciplines in the community like swimming pools, track and fields and boxing gyms all over the country.

Apart from giving athletic scholarships to deserving athletes and differently-abled individuals, Fernandez is also bent on showing that the PSC is cor-

ruption-free, which is crucial to attract more support from the private sector.

To top it all, Fernandez also plans to create a trusted arbitration committee to address stand-offs within national sports associations (NSA’s), particularly in the naming of athletes to different sporting events.

“In consultation with the POC and NSA, (we will) create an independent sports arbitration committee composed of retired officials of the judiciary that will resolve issues involving the POC and NSAs,” he said.

Asked about the persistent problems surrounding the formation men’s national basketball team, to which he was once a member, Fernandez admitted that it’s beyond the PSC’s authority. However, he hopes an independent arbitration panel could be useful in finding a viable solution to such dilemma.

“The PSC kasi can’t meddle directly on that. That’s the issue that needs to be resolved between the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) and the PBA,” he said. “But like I said, we will form a truly working arbitration committee, which will facilitate a smoother talk between the PBA and SBP, and other NSA’s at that. Sa ganung pamamaraan, mas maayos na makakapag-usap at makakapagplano ang mga (warring) groups.”

“Basta, we will make sure na on whatever capacity pwedeng pumasok at makialam

ang PSC, we will see to it that we will work for a win-win solution. At the end of the day, we will try to seek measures that will benefit the country and its participation in international tournaments,” added Fernandez.

The pride of Maasin, Leyte bared that it took him three straight days to draft his proposal for the PSC, which he hopes will be backed by Ramirez.

The two-time Fiba Asia gold medalist, one with the Philippine under-18 team in 1972 and another with the men’s team that competed in the 1973 Asian Championship in Manila, believes that Duterte picked the right man for the job when he named Ramirez as the next PSC Chairman.

“Let’s face it, one of the best years of Philippine sports was under him (Ramirez). We topped the Sea Games, which was held here in the country, in 2005 and we won at least 4 golds in different Asian Games under his tenure,” said Fernandez.

“I’d be honored to work with him,” he said.

Fernandez later laid down his mission.

“Under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, our national sports programs should be consistent with the principles of community empowerment, decentralization and will envision a drug-free community for our youth and children,” he said.

fered by incoming president Rodrigo Duterte.

Ramirez is particularly eyeing to resolve some unfinished business--specifically his shelved programs like the Philippine Sports Institute, an educational program for athletes and coaches, and the regional training centers he planned to create before to ensure comprehensive grassroots development. He’s also bent on providing better international training for national athletes.

“I’m accepting the challenge to serve the government and Philippine sports for President Duterte and for the country,” said Ramirez, who headed the Davao City Sports Development Division before accepting the PSC post.

“I’m going back to the PSC to finish the unfinished job when I put up the Philippine Sports Institute and set up regional training centers as set by the president to the community for the provinces to identify talents and strength-

en our grassroots program,” he added.

Ramirez believes he will do better in leading the PSC this time, after being an experienced public servant.

“I was a neophyte (in my first time) although we performed alright. I think this time, we will be able to perform better, manage better, set our vision for six years, and create a genuine sports program in the countryside, and strengthen and improve international sports,” said Ramirez.

Butch vows to have better run this time I

NCOMING Philippine Sports Commission chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez is looking to revive successful programs from his first tenure in the government sports agency to help improve the state of Filipino athletes and the country’s lagging performance in international competitions.

In an interview over DZSR Sports Radio, Ramirez said he is welcoming the challenge of leading the PSC anew, after he finally accepted the post of-

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

COMPLETE NBA DRAFT RESULTS First Round 1. Philadelphia 76ers - Ben Simmons, LSU 2. Los Angeles Lakers - Brandon Ingram, Duke 3. Boston Celtics (From Brooklyn) - Jaylen Brown, Cal 4. Phoenix Suns - Dragan Bender, Croatia 5. Minnesota Timberwolves - Kris Dunn, Providence 6. New Orleans Pelicans - Buddy Hield, Oklahoma 7. Denver Nuggets - Jamal Murray, Kentucky 8. Sacramento Kings - Marquese Chriss, Washington (traded to Suns) 9. Toronto Raptors (From New York) - Jakob Poeltl, Utah 10. Milwaukee Bucks - Thon Maker, Australia 11. Orlando Magic - Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga (traded to Thunder) 12. Atlanta Hawks (From Utah) - Taurean Prince, Baylor 13. Phoenix Suns (From Washington) - Georgios Papagiannis, Greece (traded to Kings) 14. Chicago Bulls - Denzel Valentine, Michigan State 15. Denver Nuggets (From Houston) - Juan Hernangomez, Spain 16. Boston Celtics (From Dallas) - Guerschon Yabusele, France 17. Memphis Grizzlies - Wade Baldwin IV, Vanderbilt 18. Detroit Pistons - Henry Ellenson, Marquette 19. Denver Nuggets (From Portland) - Malik Beasley, Florida State 20. Brooklyn Nets (From Indiana) - Caris LeVert, Michigan 21. Atlanta Hawks - DeAndre’ Bembry, St. Joseph’s 22. Charlotte Hornets - Malachi Richardson, Syracuse 23. Boston Celtics - Ante Zizic, Croatia 24. Philadelphia 76ers (From Miami via Cleveland) - Timothe Luwawu, France 25. Los Angeles Clippers - Brice Johnson, North Carolina 26. Philadelphia 76ers (From Oklahoma City via Denver and Cleveland) - Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey 27. Toronto Raptors - Pascal Siakam, New Mexico State 28. Phoenix Suns - Skal Labissiere, Kentucky (traded to the Kings) 29. San Antonio Spurs - Dejounte Murray, Washington 30. Golden State Warriors - Damian Jones, Vanderbilt

Second Round 31. Boston Celtics (From Philadelphia via Miami) - Deyonta Davis, Michigan State (traded to Memphis) 32. Los Angeles Lakers - Ivica Zubac, Croatia 33. Los Angeles Clippers (From Brooklyn) - Cheick Diallo, Kansas (traded to Pelicans) 34. Phoenix Suns - Tyler Ulis, Kentucky 35. Boston Celtics (From Minnesota via Phoenix) - Rade Zagorac, Serbia 36. Milwaukee Bucks (From New Orleans via Sacramento) - Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia 37. Houston Rockets (From New York via Sacramento and Portland) Chinanu Onuaku, Louisville 38. Milwaukee Bucks - Pat McCaw, UNLV (traded to Warriors) 39. New Orleans Pelicans (From Denver via Philadelphia) - David Michineau, France (traded to Clippers) 40. New Orleans Pelicans (From Sacramento) - Diamond Stone, Maryland (traded to Clippers) 41. Orlando Magic - Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV 42. Utah Jazz - Isaiah Whitehead, Seton Hall 43. Houston Rockets - Zhou Qi, China 44. Atlanta Hawks (From Washington) - Isaia Cordinier, France 45. Boston Celtics (From Memphis via Dallas) - Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame 46. Dallas Mavericks - A.J. Hammons, Purdue 47. Orlando Magic (From Chicago) - Jake Layman, Maryland (traded to Trailblazers) 48. Chicago Bulls (From Portland via Cleveland) - Paul Zipser, Germany 49. Detroit Pistons - Michael Gbinije, Syracuse 50. Indiana Pacers - Georges Niang, Iowa State 51. Boston Celtics (From Miami) - Ben Bentil, Providence 52. Utah Jazz (From Boston via Memphis) - Joel Bolomboy, Weber State 53. Denver Nuggets (From Charlotte via Oklahoma City) - Petr Cornelie, France 54. Atlanta Hawks - Kay Felder, Oakland (traded to Cavaliers) 55. Brooklyn Nets (From Los Angeles Clippers) - Marcus Paige, North Carolina 56. Denver Nuggets (From Oklahoma City) - Daniel Hamilton, UConn (traded to Thunder) 57. Memphis Grizzlies (From Toronto) - Wang Zhelin, China 58. Boston Celtics (From Cleveland) - Abdel Nader, Iowa State 59. Sacramento Kings (From San Antonio) - Isaiah Cousins, Oklahoma 60. Utah Jazz (From Golden State) - Tyrone Wallace, Cal

Lakers pick Ingram at no 2

T

HE Lakers selected Duke’s Brandon Ingram with the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA draft.

Ingram averaged 17.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game and shot 41% from beyond the three-point line in his lone season at Duke. Paired with Grayson Allen, Ingram led the Blue Devils to a Sweet 16 berth in the NCAA tournament.

Ingram rose to prominence as a high school standout from Kinston, N.C. as he won four straight North Carolina state titles. In his freshman season at Duke, he earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors while also quietly moving up in the ranks to enter the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.

Strengths: Ingram’s skill

set points to where the NBA is headed, his shooting and size inspire fever dreams around front offices and suggest a significant ceiling for his production. All 30 teams would love to have a legit 6’9” floor spacer who can create his own shot and handle the ball. He’ll be just 18 years old on draft night, young enough that he could be part of next year’s freshman class, and put together an impressive one-and-done year at Duke, all things considered.

“He competes,” one scout says.

“You’re going to need that kind of dog [in you] to succeed at our level.” Ingram could eventually play both forward spots and has the type of lanky frame that projects well defensively down the line. He’s oozing with possibility.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 85 • SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

TAB’S DOZEN Tab to name Gilas final 12 G ILAS Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin will already have his final 12-man roster for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament even before the team returns to Manila from its three-week European training camp.

By Sunday, the 58-yearold mentor is set to announce who cracked the Gilas lineup for the July 5-10 qualifiers set at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Only two of the current 14-man list training in Europe now, won’t be able to make it and instead, will be relegated as team reserves.

As earlier planned, Baldwin will be making the announcement of the final lineup from Italy via Skype to be aired live by Sports5.

The team had just departed for Italy from Istanbul on Thursday, and will play a short pocket tournament starting on Saturday

involving the host c o u n t r y, China, and Canada.

T h e following day, the Filipinos play the loser of the Canada-China match if they fall against the Itali a n s , or the winner should they beat Italy.

Shortly after, Baldwin makes the excruciating decision on who among the 14 will have to be relegated to the sidelines when the team battles for a berth in

WHO WILL BE GILAS 12? This photo by Spin.ph shows the current pool of players from whom the final 12 will be picked on Sunday. the Rio De Janeiro Olympics three weeks from now.

On Monday, Gilas comes back home to Manila.

The team’s 14-man roster include naturalized player Andray Blatche,

June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Marc Pingris, Calvin Abueva, Jayson Castro, Bobby Ray Parks, Troy Rosario, Ryan Reyes, LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan, Ranidel De Ocampo, Terrence Romeo,

and Gabe Norwood.

The team left last June 10 for a nine-day training camp in the mountains of Kapernisi, Greece, and then proceeded to Istanbul and played Turkey in a tune-up

match which it lost, 10368.

The two teams meet again on July 1 in Manila, four days before the qualifiers formally kick-off.

(Spin.ph)