Edge Davao 9 Issue 34 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

EAGER VOTER. A registrant checks out the final and clustered list of registered voters from the 2nd District of Davao City posted outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 office at Magsaysay Park yesterday. Dabawenyos are eager to vote in the coming election especially with presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte now grabbinf the top spot of the latest surveys. Lean Daval Jr.

PULONG TO P THE RESCUE VM Pulong defends father on rape joke

Duterte says he doesn’t care if rape joke will cost him the presidency

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

ICE Mayor Pulong Duterte came to the defense of his father Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who is mired in a firestorm of criticisms after his controversial joke of a rape victim. “Firstly it wasn’t a joke. It was a narration of events which transpired 27 years ago but nevertheless if it was a joke I would still root for him. Not only because he is my father but I strongly be-

lieve that one should not be judged by the words he say but by the acts he has done,” the younger Duterte told Edge Davao yesterday. The younger Duterte is throwing his full support for his father who currently leads most surveys in the presidential derby. He has stepped up to the challenge of the grueling campaign in view of the numerous black propaganda

hurled against Mayor Duterte, the most recent of which is the latter’s comments on the rape of an Australian missionary which happened in 1989. Those who covered the hostage-taking by rogue inmates in that 1989 incident recalled that Mayor Duterte, in his first term as Mayor, even offered himself as hostage in exchange of the missionaries. Vice Mayor Duterte has

joined the campaign trail of his father Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in Luzon as election swings into its final 22 days. The Vice Mayor has been silently campaigning these past few weeks but decided to reinforce the Duterte campaign team. “He is my father and like the majority of our country, I too, want him to be the father of this great nation,” Pulong said.

RESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte is not afraid that his statement on the alleged rape of an Australian missionary held hostage and killed in August 1989 would cost him the presidency as he refused to apologize for uttering what he described as “gutter language” in his speech in Amoranto, Quezon City on April 12. The seven-term Davao City mayor said he was “not joking” and acknowledged the statement he uttered was “gutter language.” “I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul. If it brings me down, let it bring me down. If it brings me up to the presidency, well and good I will serve you but I will not as a matter of honor, apologize,” Duterte told television reporters Sunday afternoon in a 26-minute interview posted on youtube.

In a video clip from the April 12 Amoranto speech that went viral, Duterte said: “Put_ng ina, sayang ito. Ang nagpasok sa isip ko, nirape nila, pinagpilahan nila doon. Nagalit ako kasi nirape, oo isa rin ‘yun. Pero napakaganda, dapat ang mayor muna ang mauna. Sayang” (Son__b_ch, what a pity. What came to my mind was, they raped her, lined up for her. I was angry because she was raped. But she was so beautiful, the mayor should have been first. What a pity). ABC News Australia ran a story titled “Rodrigo Duterte: Philippines presidential candidate jokes about rape and murder of Australian missionary.” Duterte told reporters on Sunday that what he said in Amoranto on April 12 was merely a recounting of what happened during the hostage-taking,

F DUTERTE, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

NEW TRANSFORMERS. City Administrator Melchor Quitain(3rd from right), DLPC vice president for engineering Rodger S. Velasco (2nd from right), acting City Building Official Joseph Dominic Felizarta (2nd from left, partly hidden) and representatives from other utilities share a light moment after inspecting the newly-installed transformers during the inauguration of the underground distribution center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

CA clears ousted mayor of Lanao del Norte town

HE Court of Appeals (CA) has ruled that Mohammad Exchan Gabriel Limbona is the duly elected municipal mayor of Pantar, Lanao del Norte despite his dismissal from the service arising from a case filedagainst him. In a 36-page ruling written by Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, the CA’s Ninth Division granted the petition filed by Limbona. The CA issued “a writ of mandamus directing respondents Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Executive Director Atty. Salvador Del Castillo, BLGF-X Regional Director Gilbert Gumabay, and

all persons, entities, agencies and instrumentalities acting on their behalves to recognize [petitioner Limbona.]” Likewise, the CA also ordered the respondents “to accept [Limbona’s] recommendation for the post of OIC-Municipal Treasurer, as indorsed by the Provincial Treasurer, and for respondents to designate the named recommendee to the post.” Limbona, then barangay captain of Lower Kalanganan, together with his wife, was indicted before the Office of the Ombudsman for grave misconduct, oppression and conduct

F CA, 10

Cayetano: We will just do it, get things done for the people

“L

ET others present their plans. We will just do it.” This was the promise made by vice presidential candidate and Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano during the “Harapan ng Bise” vice presidential debate hosted by ABS-CBN on Sunday (April 17). During the first part of the debate, the candidates were given two minutes each to present their proposed platform to address the country’s most pressing issues, including corruption, education, health, employment, and peace and order. The senator, who runs alongside Davao City Mayor

Rodrigo Duterte, said that their tandem’s platform consists of three main agendas: federalism, anti-crime, and anti-corruption. Cayetano said that if elected, he and Duterte will implement bold solutions to suppress crime and corruption within six months of their term. He also stressed that only a federal form of government can create inclusive growth in the country. Cayetano, meanwhile, pointed out that while their rivals continue to promise real changes for the people, he and Duterte already made these possible in Davao and in Taguig.

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Cop chief, 4 others abducted by rebels By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility over the abduction of the station commander of Paquibato Police Station in Davao City and his four subordinates on Saturday morning. NPA Regional Operations Command Southern Mindanao Region spokesperson Rigoberto F. Sanchez said that the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion Red fighters ‘arrested the police’ the five cops on April 16. Abducted were Chief Insp. Leonardo V. Tarongoy, station commander of Paquibato Police Station, Police Officer

(PO)3 Rosenie L. Cabuenas, PO3 Rudolph Y. Pacete, PO2 Neil C. Arellano, and PO3 Abdul Azis A. Ali . Sanchez said that prior to the capture of the police officers, the NPA raided the 72nd Infantry Battalion detachment around 7:00 am on the same day in Sitio Quimanao, Barangay Salapawan, Paquibato District. The rebels seized nine Garand rifles, eight M14 rifles, 78 clips of Garand ammunition, 30 fully loaded M14 magazines and other military hardware, he claimed. “By sheer grit and superi-

or command of the situation, the Red fighters were able to take control of the firefight that lasted less than half an hour. Two members of Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) surrendered to the raiding Red Fighters while two others fled during the firefight,” he said. Around 11:30 in the morning, Sanchez said the NPA fighters positioned a few hundred meters away from the detachment and arrested the five police officers aboard a mobile patrol vehicle and took them as prisoners-of-war (POWs).

Sanchez said the NPA also seized two 9mm pistols and one .45 caliber pistol from the policemen. “The POWs will be held in custody pending an investigation for possible war crimes and other crimes against the people and the revolutionary movement,” he said. Earlier reports said the police officers and their patrol vehicle driver were caught by around 50 armed men headed by a certain Commander Jinggoy and brought to unknown direction. Around 6:00 p.m., the

cess and will release the assistance immediately after. “The consolidation of requirements and other documents is now ongoing,” Bermudo said. Bermudo said as of last Sunday, the CSSDO recorded a total of 396 families, 69 individual renters affected by the fire 217 houses were razed. She said cash assistance usually given to a house owner

P10,000, while renters will get P5,000. “That is our standard assistance given by the city government on the victims of calamity whose houses were totally damaged,” she said. Bermudo said the CSSDO already distributed emergency food assistance to victims immediately after the incident last Friday. She said her office has

mounted an operation center near the daycare center in Barangay 5-A to attend to the needs of the victims. She said that the center is accepting donations from concerned citizens. The fire reportedly started at around 4 p.m. of April 15, when a resident left his improvised cooking set which later exploded causing the fire.

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Fire aid assessment underway T

HE Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) has started assessing the extent of last Friday’s fire in Purok Pag-asa, Bankerohan so as to know the financial and material assistance needed by the fire victims. CSSDO head Maria Luisa Bermudo said yesterday that their personnel of her office are still on the validation pro-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

1-Pacman vows 1 M jobs for marginalized Filipinos

ROAD SAFETY. Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 assistant regional director Macario Gonzaga gives the details of the recently-concluded drivers’ seminar for the road safety advocacy program of the LTO and other

Rep. Baguilat proposes creation of People’s Fund

LAWMAKER is pushing for the passage of a bill seeking to provide for a mechanism that will allow individual taxpayers to allocate five percent of their annual income tax to their preferred civil society organizations (CSO). Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr. (Lone District, Ifugao) said House Bill No. 5246 also seeks to establish the People’s Fund, a way for taxpayers to decide for themselves which CSO they deem worthy of support. Baguilat said the People’s Fund is modeled after successful practices in several European countries, including Hungary, Poland and Romania. In pushing for the bill, Baguilat cited the 1987 Constitution which provides that the State shall encourage civil society organizations (CSOs) and

that the State shall respect the role of CSOs to enable the people to pursue their legitimate and collective interests. Baguilat said the Philippine civil society organizations are acknowledged by many to be among the most vibrant in the whole world. Still, many of these non-profit organizations survive on a year-to-year or even month-to-month basis and rely on donations and grants to fund their programs and projects. “Unfortunately, international funding for local CSOs has declined since the 1990s due to shifts in their priorities and other reasons. Local as well as “diaspora” philanthropy, which were expected to compensate for this, have not developed as quickly and as robustly as needed,” Baguilat

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SC invokes separation of powers during legislative hearings

HE Supreme Court (SC) has reiterated that it does not endorse any court personnel or individual for the discussion and deliberation on legislative measures relating to the Indeterminate Sentence Law. In an en banc ruling, the SC said that judicial employees who appear at the said hearings or meetings before the Senate of the Philippines “do so in their personal, not official, capacities.” The resolution arose from a report on the Jan. 19, 2016 Senate Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting on Senate Bill Nos. 2670 and 1288 both entitled “An Act Amending Section 2 of Act No. 4103, as amended, otherwise known as the Indeterminate Sentence Law” and House Bill No. 4543, an act excluding from the application of the said law those convicted of criminal offenses against a minor, amending for the Purpose Act. No. 4103.

The SC noted the letter of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Chairperson, Committee on Justice and Human Rights, inviting representatives from the Judiciary to a TWG committee meeting to discuss the same. The SC ordered the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) to issue a circular regarding designation of resource persons in legislative hearings or meetings. “The Court, always mindful of the principle of separation of powers, does not endorse any court personnel or individual to aid or assist legislative technical working groups in drafting proposed legislation lest impression be given that the persons so endorsed represent the Court’s official stand on the matter,” the SC said. The March 15, 2016 ruling promulgated by Clerk of Court of the En Banc Atty. Felipa B. Anama was released on Monday. (PNA)

government agencies which aimed to lessen road accidents in the city. Gonzaga was among the guests in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

HE partylist group One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals or 1-Pacman has vowed to create at least 1 million jobs — mostly in Mindanao — if the group makes it to Congress. Businessman and sportsman Mikee Romero, the partylist group’s first nominee, said his group’s main objective is to provide opportunities for unemployed Filipinos, particularly in Mindanao, for the first three years of being elected in Congress. Based on a 2015 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Romero said unemployment in the Philippines continues to make the lives of the Filipinos difficult. Citing the PSA data, Romero said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the lowest unem-

ployment rate at 3.2 percent and this needs to be remedied. “For a rich region such as ARMM, it is ironic that many people are faced with the reality of joblessness,” said Romero. “This is one of the things that we would like to address.” Romero’s group intends to replicate the Emergency Employment Authority of late President Diosdado Macapagal, believing that the agency was successful in providing jobs for Filipinos. 1-Pacman, he said, will lay down its program on shortterm, medium term, and long term job generation scheme. Romero, who has a doctorate degrees in Economic and Management, said 1-Pacman will give attention to Mindanao, saying social problems such as unemployment con-

neous death. Driz said Nalzaro, a former member of city Mobile Patrol Group (MPG), tested positive of illegal drugs during a surprise drug test by the DCPO last year. He was assigned at Police Regional Office - Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PRO-RPHAU) 11 while his case was pending with PNP Regional Internal Affairs Section. Driz said after six months of trial, the PRO-11 decided to place him on forced re-

tirement because under a National Police Commission memorandum circular, any police officer who committed offense or misdemeanor who has reached 50 years shall be advised to retire. Nalzaro was appointed as a police officer in 1986 under the Police Constabulary-Integrated of National Police (PCINP) setup. He was removed from the service in 2000 because of alleged involvement in illegal drugs but was reinstated in 2010 after he appealed his case.

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Murdered cop faced cases of illegal drugs By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Police Office (DCPO) investigators are looking into personal motive as possible angle in the murder of a police officer last Sunday morning. DCPO spokesperson Chief Insp. Milgrace C. Driz identified the slain cop as Senior Police Officer (SPO) 1 Librado Nalzaro. Driz said a police report stated Nalzaro was shot by unidentified men riding in tandem at corner C.M. Recto Avenue and Palma Gil Street

at around 7a.m. of April 18. She said Nalzaro was reportedly harassing his neighbors in Barangay 76-A a few days before he was killed. Driz said there are also reports that the victim was allegedly into illegal drugs activity in his area. According to witnesses, she said the victim was riding his motorcycle traversing Palma Gil Street but when Nalzaro reached C.M. Recto area, the suspects who were following shot him from behind causing his instanta-

SP ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang enumerates the achievements of the 17th Davao City Council anchored by this year’s budget which increased from P5.8 billion last year to P6.3 billion and the passage of the proposed P40-billion reclamation project of Mega Harbour Port

Development Corp. Dayanghirang, together with City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) assistant head Liwayway Caligdong who talked about the aftermath of last week’s huge Bankerohan fire, during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

5 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

El Niño, fire force crocs “E out of Ligwasan Marsh

Marquez to cops:‘Ensure peaceful and orderly Maguindanao polls’

ISING temperature, grassfire and destruction of its natural habitat have forced freshwater crocodiles to wander to areas inhabited by humans. An 8-feet long, 80-kilo crocodile (Crocodylus Mindorensis) was captured by fisherfolk led by Mamangkas Mamatong, in Barangay Kuyapon, Kabacan, North Cotabato Monday last week. Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the University of Southern Mindanao named the crocodile “Silangan” since it was captured on the eastern side of the 200,000 hectare marshland.

Mamatong said he was shocked to see the huge reptile trapped inside the indigenous fish trap they installed at the marsh. He then alerted his relatives and villagers and jointly they seized the crocodile, which initially tried to resist captivity. It took them days to report to authorities as Mamatong and villagers thought at first of making money out of the catch by selling it to anyone interested but they were told it would be illegal to capture and sell crocodiles, a critically endangered species. Mamatong and other freshwater fisherfolk said life

has become very difficult due to the drought. Crocodile researchers of the state-run University of Southern Mindanao here and DENR-12 decided to take possession of the reptile which it immediately brought to the Crocodile Rescue and Breeding Area in the North Cotabato provincial capitol grounds in Amas, Kidapawan City. The crocodile sustained injuries during its captivity by fisherfolk who used traditional means to overpower a huge animal. Dr. Cayetano Pomares of USM-Kabacan who has a preservation program, studies and research of critically endan-

gered Ligawasan Marsh crocodiles said the crocodile population has dwindled. “There around a hundred to two hundred… since the breeding pace is so slow, according to our study,” he said. Pomares said the captured crocodile was among the remaining reptiles in Ligawasan Marsh. What triggered the crocodiles to come out was blamed on the “on and off” grassfire in the dried up portion of the marsh, forcing the reptiles to migrate to other areas where food is available, he said. “Humans catch fish from the marshland and fish species

ARANGAY Aundanao Officials and beneficiaries of the Water and Sanitation (WatSan) Project in Island Garden City of Samal (IGACoS) gathered for a meeting on their water project funded by the Bottom up Budgeting Program under the Department Interior of Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the IGaCoS Local Government Unit and Samal Water District last March 12. The DILG-BUB Program provided P1 million for the project, while LGU IGaCoS shared

Four Hundred Thousand pesos (P400,000) as counterpart and Samal Water District also shared a minimal amount of three thousand pesos (P3,000.00). The projects aims to provide far-flung barangays to have better access of clean, safe water, ensure sustainable water, improve sanitation and hygiene practices in poor far flung communities in the barangay. The water project in the barangay will be implemented and monitored by the local government unit through the Local

Poverty Action Team (LPRAT) while Samal Water District will take charge of the operation, installation and maintenance of the project. “Pasalamat mi nga naa na mi tubig diri. Dili na mi maghakot didto sa Tayapoc didto sa laing bungtod, sakay og bangka, kung dagko ang balod motor among sakyan para lang gyud makahakot og tubig. (We are thankful that finally we have water here. We need not to fetch water in Tayapoc, located in another mountain, using pumpboat or motorcycle just to

fetch water.)” Nenira Martizano, 43 years old, married from Purok 3, said. The Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) composed of SP Committee chair, City Administrator, City Planning Development Office, City Social and Welfare Development Office, City Agriculture’s Office, City Veterinary, City Budget Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Legal Office, City Health Office and Department Interior of Local Government and a representative from the Civil Society Organization. (Emma Samal Info)

Water project to benefit IGaCoS village B

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NSURE next month’s balloting in Maguindanao will be orderly, peace and most of all credible. Ensure safety of everyone.” This was the marching orders of Police Director Gen. Ricardo Marquez to members of the Maguindanao police office as well as police officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) when he visited the province over the weekend. Marquez also met with PNP-ARMM officials and police officers in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. SOCCSKSARGEN is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos. Senior Superintendent Nickson Muksan, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the PNP chief’s directive is clear ensure election in Maguindanao is peaceful and orderly. “We take our actions from that order and in partnership with other stakeholders, I am sure the May 9 election in Maguindanao will be orderly and peaceful,” Muksan told reporters. Marquez also met with the officials of the 6th Infantry Division, headed by Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, to receive briefing on the Army and police preparations for next month’s national and local elections. Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur have been identified as “areas of immediate” concern as far as the election is concerned. Senior Inspector Ronald de Leon, spokesperson of PNPARMM, said the PNP director general also directed all police units in the region to bring to-

gether the political aspirants and engage them into signing a peace covenant. ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The PNP is the major peace and security implementer in the coming polls. Marquez also directed PNPARMM Director Chief Supt. Ronald Estilles and PNP-12 Regional Director Chief Supt. Noel Armilla. In that meeting, a police source said, Marquez wanted the police regional directors to personally lead the implementation of all policies and laws related to the election and provide him the development leading to the election day on May 9. Marquez also directed top regional police officials that they should not give opportunists, saboteurs and destabilizers to take one step ahead of the country’s chief law enforcers. Muksan vowed to “do our best in accordance with the mandate given us by the Comelec” to ensure peaceful balloting.” Political rivalry in Maguindanao has been intense but no major violence that the poll body consider as “election related violence” have occurred so far. “I hope it will remain that way until election day,” Muksan said. It was in Maguindanao where the country’s worst election related violence have occurred in 2009 when supporters of then Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu who was seeking the gubernatorial post and several media persons were massacred allegedly by armed men on orders of former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. The case remained pending in court. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

Blackouts down to 0-3 hrs: DLPC By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

URATION of rotating blackouts in the Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. (DLPC) franchise areas has been reduced to a maximum of three hours as the power supply improved due to the recent restoration of the 150-megawatt (MW) Unit 1 of Aboitiz-owned Therma South Inc. coal-fired power plant in Binugao, Davao City last Sunday. “With this, the duration of the rotating power outages in the Davao Light franchise will be decreased

to two to three hours, two hours maximum during the peak period (8AM to 8PM) and 1 hour maximum during the off-peak period (7AM to 8AM and 8PM to 12MN), only when necessary,” the DLPC said in a statement yesterday. The DLPC has a 50-MW contract supply with the restored unit of the 300-MW TSI coal-fired power plant. The boiler tube leak last month had been fixed, the statement added. TSI president and chief

Oil companies to hike pump prices today

IL firms will hike pump prices today, reflecting international market prices. In separate advisories Monday, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Seaoil Philippines Inc. and PTT Philippines said they will hike diesel prices by PHP1.50 per liter and gasoline prices by PHP1.10 per liter at 6:00 a.m., Tuesday. Other firms are expected to make announcements later in the day. As of April 12, the Department of Energy’s oil monitor cited diesel has a price range of PHP20.05-25.77 per liter in Metro Manila. It has a prevailing price of PHP22.65 per liter. Gasoline, on the other hand, has a price range of PHP33.40-41.10 per liter. It has a common price of PHP38.30 per liter. International major oil producers had not agreed in

a meeting Sunday whether to implement a production freeze, as Iran ditched the talks without any plan to participate in the freeze. Iran earlier said it plans to return to its pre-sanctions level of production at million barrels per day. Around 20 oil ministers attended the meeting in Doha, Qatar. Last week, oil-benchmark West Texas Intermediate for May delivery fell to USD40.36 per barrel in the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, on the other hand, for June delivery decreased to USD43.1 per barrel at the London ICE Futures Exchange. The International Energy Agency also reported global oil supplies decreased ny 0.3 million barrels per day in March to 96.1 million barrels per day. (PNA)

IPC: Banks’cybersecurity measures are not enough

OCAL cloud services pioneer and IT security specialist IPC strongly urges financial institutions to safeguard their systems by deploying up-to-date security measures to ensure data and network protection. IPC called on banks to check on their current data security setup, stating that even the most secure institutions are not exempt from the alarming increase in crimes perpetrated online. “This is a reality that has caused the loss of significant revenue for many businesses. The global recorded cost of cyber attacks is at USD 400-500 billion dollars per year― roughly fifty percent of which isfrom DDoS attacks,” said IPC President Rene Huergas, citing data from DDoS Mitigation partner Nexusguard. Unless executives take stock of this as a serious issue at hand, companies are most likely to lose more. IPC acknowledges that some institutions may have inadequate system and network security layers to protect them from cyber attacks. “This poses an even greater danger to

both the customer as well as the institution. As data and network security is a commodity in this day and age, now is the best time to recognize that the threats are realand can make businesses vulnerable and susceptible to attacks; banks and financial institutions being the most inclined to this kind of attack,” added Huergas. Just recently, several Iranian hackers have been indicted following a well-orchestrated cyber attack on US banks. The criminals hit the banks with DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks on an almost weekly basis, flooding their servers with illegitimate traffic thatslowed websites down and caused millions in lost business. “Perpetrators have been launching DDoS attacks to mask the other ways by which they compromise systems,” said IPC Director for Product Management and Marketing Niño Valmonte. “Financial institutions, especially those with online transactions (e-payments, online banking), must remain vigilant against these threats or they’ll easilylose

F IPC, 13

operating officer (COO) Sebastian R. Lacson said in another statement yesterday that the corrective works on Unit 1, which has a net capacity of 130MW was completed ahead of its 14-day schedule. Supposedly, the plant was scheduled to be online by April 20 but the power plant synchronized with the grid at 05: 33 last Sunday resulting in the improvement of the DLPC power supply. “The power plant is now exporting energy to the grid. It will take several hours for

the Unit 1 to reach its full capacity,” he said. “TSI’s Unit 2 (130 MW net) continues to be in normal operations.” Apart from the additional power supply from the Unit 1 of TSI resulting in lesser hours of blackouts, the DLPC will also have an additional supply of 50MW from the Southern Philippines Power Corporation starting May 1. However, the DLPC said, “the Mindanao grid will remain to be on a critical status as the severe drought caused by the El Nino Phenomenon

DTI SHOWCASE. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi announces the staging of Negosyo, Konsyumer, ATBP, a showcase of the various programs, projects and services of the agency, set

continues to affect the major hydro power plants.” “With thin to no reserve capacity in Mindanao, any operating unit that will go on emergency shutdown will result immediately to rotating brownouts,” the statement read. “The supply from these hydropower plants is seen to improve with the onset of the rainy season starting June as forecasted by the PAG-ASA,” it said. Meanwhile, the entry of one of the 150-MW units of

the San Miguel Global Power Corporation (SMGPC) coalfired power plant come July, which Davao Light has an 80 MW contract, will further boost the supply capability to meet the growing demand and bring stability of the power situation in the franchise area. The Filinvest Development Corporation will also start pumping 300 MW sometime in the 2nd half of 2016, which will help stabilize the power situation in Mindanao.

on April 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang. Ambi made the announcement during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

17K vacancies up on Labor Day job fair A

TOTAL of 17,339 job vacancies as of April 13 for local and overseas employers will be available during the upcoming May 1 Labor Day Job Fair here in Region XI. This year’s Labor Day celebration bears the theme: “Kinabukasan Sigurado sa Disenteng Trabaho.” Out of the total vacancies, 4,130 jobs are for local employment and 13, 209 for

overseas. 127 employers have pledged to participate during the job fair wherein 99 of them are local employers and 28 are overseas employers. Top local jobs include: call center agents, production worker, US healthcare BPO consultants, account executives, bottling crew, factory worker, sales utility clerks/ stock clerk, sales assistants, technician, and stockman/

bagger while overseas top jobs include service workers, restaurant workers, delivery man, service crew, factory worker, female cleaner, nurse staff, barista, and building electricians. The Labor Day Job Fair on May 1 will be held simultaneously in four venues: SM City Ecoland in Davao City; and GMalls in Davao City, Tagum City and Digos City. The job fair in Gmall Davao City will

run until May 2. 70 employers will be present in SM City Davao, 87 for GMall Davao, 36 for GMall Digos and 34 for GMall Tagum. Prior to Labor Day, there will also be mini job fairs from May 26-30 at SM City Ecoland and GMall Davao where five different local and overseas employers will be participating per day. (Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/LCO-DOLEXI)

“Our performance remains strong amid challenges that we face. It’s actually an opportunity for us to thrive even more. We simply focus on what we do best and we are very passionate about what we do best,” said Kingson U. Sian, president and chief operating officer, AGI. Driven by AGI’s majority-owned companies – Emperador Inc., Megaworld Corporation, Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., and Golden Arches Development Corp. (GADC) – net income attributable to AGI sharehold-

ers reached almost P14 billion last year, up by 7% on a recurring basis. On a standalone basis, the individual companies of AGI all delivered strong earnings last year. Megaworld reported a net income of P10.4 billion: up almost 10% year- on-year. Emperador delivered nearly P7 billion in earnings: up 12% year-on-year. Travellers’s profitability remained intact with P4 billion net income. GADC posted a net income of P760 million in 2015. Sian added, “Our group has competitive edge that’s

difficult to match. Megaworld’s live-work-play-learn township all over the Philippines is sought after that’s underpinned by a huge land bank. Emperador Inc. is no longer just a domestic play but a global one given a much bigger and diversified product portfolio that now includes Fundador brandy and single malt whisky products, The Dalmore and Jura. We are also in the best position to capitalize on premiumization opportunities in the Philippines. Travellers International

Alliance Global generates net income of P21.6B

LLIANCE Global Group, Inc. (AGI) generated a net income of P21.6 billion last year, reflecting a 3.5% increase over 2014, on a recurring basis. This record-breaking income was achieved on consolidated revenues of P139 billion, also a record level for the Andrew Tan-led conglomerate, which is engaged in property development, food and beverage manufacture and distribution, quick-service restaurants and integrated tourism development businesses. Revenue growth was around 11%.

F ALLIANCE, 10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 7 SSS now accepts online registration for its provident-fund program

HE Social Security System (SSS) has announced it has started accepting on April 15 online registration for its Personal Equity and Savings Option (PESO) Fund program, a provident-fund scheme that aims to increase savings among SSS members, particularly for building their retirement fund. Members may register via the My.SSS website and click the “e-services tab”. A confirmation will be sent to their

email once registration is successful. Enrollees may start paying their contributions once enrolled online. But they are required to go to any SSS Branch to confirm their enrollment. Non-confirmation will not allow the member to withdraw his/her equity or apply for any benefit. For details on the SSS PESO Fund online registration, call the SSS hotline at 9246446 to 55 or email member_ relations@sss.gov.ph. (SSS)

Strategic measures in place to ensure power on E-Day

POWER NAP. A sidewalk vendor selling buko juice grabs the opportunity to take a nap while business is slow due to the summer break. Lean Daval Jr.

P40-B Mega Harbour project biggest yet: Dayanghirang By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

HILE Davao City mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte is now allowed to enter into a joint venture agreement (JVA) with Mega Harbour Development Corp. for the P39-billion reclamation project, a councilor said the city government has still to complete certain documents. This after the 17th Council passed on third reading last Tuesday the measure allowing Mayor Duterte to sign an agreement with Mega Harbour, the original proponent of the 400-hectare reclamation project from Agdao to Bucana. “The City Planning Development Office has to come up with the traffic impact assessment, resettlement program and environmental clearance certificate (ECC) before we can approve the endorsement of the proposal to the Philippine

Reclamation Authority (PRA),” second district councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex. Dayanghirang said the documents should be all in after the election to ensure the proposal will be submitted to the PRA for assessment. Once approved, the proposal will be endorsed to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board for approval. After this, the project will undergo a Swiss challenge which is a bidding process for unsolicited proposals with the proponent needing only to match the conditions of the best proposal. “We’re targeting to submit the project within this year,” he added. Recognizing the impact of the project to both the social and economic sectors of the

city, Dayanghirang said, there should be a clear-cut program on the settlers affected by the project as well the traffic congestion it may cause during the shipment of construction equipment. He also said the reclaimed areas will be a total of four islands not connected to the mainland. “It will be meters away from the shoreline of the city.” The 4-island project will have an industrial, commercial, tourism, and port operations. Dayanghirang said that thousands of informal settler families living along the coast will be affected by the project. However, he said, the mayor doesn’t want any individual informal settler to be relocated. “There were proposals for the construction of tenement housing like condominiums for affected families,” he added.

Dayanghirang said the CPDO is still conducting the census of families living in the coastal areas alongside the proposed project. On the environmental side, he said, the project will not adversely affect the Davao Gulf. “In fact, it will add beauty to that area.” He also assured that beaches in Samal Island will not be damaged by the project. Considered to be one of the big-ticket projects in the region, he said, the project will further result in the economic growth of the city. “Let’s be open-minded for change. This project will change the landscape of Davao City,” the veteran councilor said. Dayanghirang also said more development projects and investments will pour into the city if Mayor Duterte will win the presidential race.

cost. Apart from the the power distribution lines of DLPC, the cable lines of Sky Cable,National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Davao City Water District (DCWD), PLDT-SMART, Globe Telecom, DC Tech, Abratique and Associates, and BayanTel were installed in the underground system. However, Quitain said, an ordinance mandating all involved companies to be compliant should be passed to ensure the continuity and success of the project. “With so many businesses opening in the city, there should be a proper system on the cable lines. The presence of overhead wires posts danger to establishments. It may

cause fire,” Quitain said Quitain said there still no timeline and details for the implementation of the second phase but he revealed that the UDS project will be implemented in five phases. Quitain expressed his gratitude to original proponent Davao light and Power Co. Inc. (DLPC) for taking the initiative. Meanwhile, DLPC executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo M. Milan told Edge Davao yesterday that the firm is waiting for the final recommendation from the Wires and Cables technical team (WAC) which is behind the underground cabling project. Milan said the recommen-

dation of the working group will be endorsed to the City Council for the passage of an ordinance. The WAC is set to meet before the month ends to discuss the plan of expanding the pilot project in other areas in the city and its technical evaluation. The WAC was created through the Executive Order No. 2 series of 2015 signed by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Januray last year based on Ordinance No. 0177 - 14 series of 2014 which states that “all electrical and telecommunication wires and cables within the vicinity of City Hall and the City Council will be placed underground”.

2 streets next targets of underground cabling

OLLOWING the inauguration of Davao City’s first underground distribution system (UDS) at the City Hall Complex yesterday, the City Government is eyeing to expand the experimental project in streets of San Pedro and C.M. Recto. “We found out that it is possible to put all the wires underground without disrupting motorists and pedestrians,” city administrator J. Melchor V. Quitain told reporters yesterday. The project started in the second quarter of last year when Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. (DLPC) started with the excavation. The DLPC earmarked P70 million of the P108-million total project

F 2 STREETS, 10

HE Power Task Force Election (PTFE) 2016, led by the Department of Energy (DOE), lays down measures to ensure that power supply is sufficient, stable, and reliable before, during, and after the conduct of national and local elections on 09 May. “Actually, we have two task forces that are looking into the integrity of the power supply chain to secure supply of electricity particularly during the period one week before and one week after the election day, especially within and near the voting precincts,” said Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada. Sec. Monsada further averred that since December last year, the PTFE has started ground works, including coordination meetings with energy stakeholders, and identification of tasks and responsibilities of member agencies in employing strategic and preparatory measures to ensure availability and stability of power supply not only for the elections period, but for the entire summer months. The PTFE’s latest and ongoing initiatives to ensure that all systems nationwide are ready and in place prior to the elections include conduct of tabletop drills and information, education and communication campaigns among stakeholders (i.e., Distribution Utilities, Generation Companies, Transmission Companies, and various government energy agencies) to equip them with best practices during crisis management; directive to DUs to ensure power supply by contracting needed capacities ahead, and making sure that backup power is available should power failure occur; prioritization scheme for the provision of electricity service to voting centers; and advisory to gencos to undertake maintenance either ahead or after the critical period to enable all available plants to run on full capacity during these times. The DOE is also closely monitoring maintenance shutdown schedules of plants to make sure that all plants will come online before April ends. Based on the latest monitoring, most plants are already back online, but not all are running at full capacity. For example, the 180 MW Kalayaan U3 is already back on stream with Kalayaan Unit 4 still on forced outage. Moreover, the government-owned Malaya power

plant is already on stream as a must-run unit during weekdays where power demand is higher compared to weekends. Currently, the plant’s Unit 1 provides 290 MW of capacity, while the Unit 2 is still starting up and is expected to be online tonight further augmenting the power supply in Luzon. The DOE is also pleased to note that MERALCO’s Interruptible Load Program in its franchise area accounting for about 826 MW from the self-generating facilities of enrolled establishments during instances of power supply deficit. During last week’s red alert status, ILP deloaded 247 MW of power from 121 participants which averted the on-grid peak demand breaching the 9,700 MW level. The high and increasing heat index has a direct correlation with power consumption which has risen by more than 700 MW from the historic peak level last year. Alongside the PTFE, President Benigno S. Aquino III also created the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) which paved the way for concerned national government agencies, local government units and other energy stakeholders to commit for the protection and preservation of the country’s energy facilities from insurgency and persistent right of way issues. It has to be noted that through the IATFSEF, the tower no. 25 in Lanao del Sur which was bombed last December 2015 was restored, allowing the transmission of power from Agus 1 & 2. Consequently, the IATFSEF, through the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), continues to implement maintenance work along the transmission system to uphold its integrity and reliability. Meanwhile, the DOE reiterates its earnest call to the public to undertake energy efficiency and conservation initiatives, such as setting the thermostat of air-conditioning units installed in their offices and households at 25˚Celsius; and/or by adjusting the usage period of any electric appliances away from the peak hours (i.e., 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in Luzon and 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in Visayas and Mindanao), such as, ironing of clothes, unnecessary use of computers, and even the laundry of clothes using washing machine and dryer, as any contribution really does matter.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

Cold humor

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte’s latest mishap caused a firestorm of criticisms from his rivals and their supporters. His joke on a missionary raped in the middle of a hostage crisis created a tsunami of negative remarks that swept social media hours after a video clip was uploaded. Blame it Mayor Duterte’s unbridled expression of disgust. His anger towards criminals. As it is, Mayor Duterte is one unpolished fellow whose raw streetspeak often put him into trouble. In his hometown Davao, people are already used to Mayor Rody’s brash remarks. Not the rest of the country who cold humor is not prepared for his antics. To put things clear, the remarks of Mayor Duterte made under extreme demand of neutralizing a crazed criminal who took the lives of his hostages. Not until the first term Mayor decided there was enough patience left in his tank and it’s

EDGEDAVAO

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time to run over the rogue inmates. Mayor Duterte had earlier offered himself in exchange for the hostages. At another hostage situation one August morning in Luneta, police officials under the command of the President himself botched a hostage taking that left a number of foreign tourists dead. If we look at the two hostage-taking incidents—one handled by a rookie mayor and the other by a newly-installed president—it looks clear who handled the crisis well. Mayor Duterte may have humored himself badly in his account of the 1989 hostage crisis, but it was not the joke that everyone should remember but his decisiveness in handling the crisis. The Luneta hostage crisis, on the other hand, tells us the biggest joke. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

Who’s minding the store?

INCE early last year, scientists all over the world have been predicting signs that conditions of drought were already on-coming. Their reports were based on changes in so-called water-surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the equator, notably the Pacific area. By July, the World Meteorological Organization came out with a declaration that the El Nino phenomenon was already in full swing. The WMO noted that El Nino “occurs on average every two to seven years, when warm Pacific water shifts eastward, creating an immense warm zone in the central and eastern Pacific.” This meant that all member-countries of the United Nations have been properly informed and advised so that appropriate measures and mechanisms could be installed. However, if this were so, why is it that the national government appears helpless as news reports of severe drought were noted in many areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mind-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

anao? Why SPECKS OF LIFE has not the appropriate government agency – the Department of Agriculture – acted with dispatch when the El Nino Fred C. Lumba advisory was sent out middle of last year yet? I recently heard over the radio a live interview of Agriculture Sec. Prospero Alcala who acknowledged that some 18 agricultural-rich provinces have been hard hit. By comparison, (if this is any consolation) I read somewhere that the Philippines appears a lot luckier than Ethiopia, India, South Africa and other Third World countries who are all reeling from the weather-induced phenomenon, creating superficial harvests of wheat, corn and rice be-

cause of the severe water lack. Ironically, the Philippines has plenty of water dams built at the cost of millions, hundreds of millions, even in the billions. These huge reservoirs are designed to provide water to irrigate the fields when there is no rain during the planting season. Why are the farmers now having difficulties in combatting the effects of El Nino when this should not be the case as they have been properly notified? I am now asking these questions because I heard Sec. Alcala make pronouncements, upon being confirmed as DA chief in 2010, that he was confident the Philippines will enjoy a rich agricultural production in the coming years. I was happy to appreciate Alcala’s positive management positioning because I thought then that he was the right man equipped with the proper strategies and approaches to the agricultural dilemma. I even heard him declare that, in the long term, the country could lessen its depen-

dence on rice imports or even virtually stop importing rice from Vietnam, Thailand and other traditional sources. Even Pres. Noynoy Aquino was superfluous in complimenting Alcala’s curriculum vitae earlier. Somehow expectations were not fulfilled and promises were broken. As the scorching heat continues to pummel the length and breadth of our archipelago, the farmers up north and down south, agonizing in pain and suffering, are all scratching their heads in plain confusion and utter helplessness. This brings to mind the recent Kidapawan farmers’ protest where three were killed and scores injured because they were hungry and were requesting the provincial government for rice to eat. The gravity of the drought cannot be underestimated. Who is minding the store, really? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.). God bless the Philippines!

young. Hormon- THINK ON THESE! al or induced sex reversal was first demonstrated in the 1950s by T. K-O. Yamamoto of Japan in the medaka, an aquarium fish. Artificial sex reversal is con- Henrylito D. Tacio henrytacio@gmail.com sidered the most effective, efficient and economical method for solving the major drawback of growing tilapias to market-size caused by unwanted reproduction. “With mix-sex (male and female) stocks, the fish matures early and breeds frequently resulting in stunted growth due to overpopulation in ponds,” Dr. Guerrero explains. “By growing all-male tilapia produced through hand-sexing (manual separation of sexes), hybridization (crossbreeding of two appropriate species) or sex reversal, the yield of large-sized tilapias is significantly increased by 30 percent to 50 percent because of the faster-growing malescompared to females and the control of reproduction.” Since its development as a “breakthrough,” the application of tilapia sex reversal has undergone a number of innovations. While at first it was believed that the treatment of fry could only be done under a shade, it is now being done in outdoor tanks and ponds. Although anyone with the proper knowhow and equipment can prepare the hormone-feed and apply it, there is a tilapia sex reversal feed (SR Premix) now available in the market for those who find it more con-

venient and practical. “Applying the sex reversal feed method requires the production of the right age of the fry for treatment, preparation of the hormone feed or its procurement, and the proper application of the treatment,” Dr. Guerrero says. It is also important that the fry to be treated be not more than three days from the time they are released by the mouth brooding females in breeding ponds when the fry are about 10 days old from hatching of the eggs and 9 millimeters to 11 millimeters in total length. “The fry to be treated also need to be stocked in tanks or ponds at the proper densities and fed at recommended feeding rates for good growth and survival, and effective sex reversal,” Dr. Guerrero says. But the question is: are those sex reversed tilapia safe to eat? But before answering that question, let’s take a closer look at methyltestosterone, a man-made form of testosterone. A naturally occurring sex hormone, testosterone is produced in a man’s testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman’s ovaries and adrenal system. “Methyltestosterone is used in men and boys to treat conditions caused by a lack of this hormone, such as delayed puberty or other hormonal imbalances,” notes www. drug.com. “Methyltestosterone is also used in women to treatbreast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.” According to Dr. Guerrero, the oral treatment with methyltestosterone in tilapia is only for 3-4 weeks during the sexless stage of the fry or what he calls as “the stage of sexual differentiation.”

“After withdrawal of the treatment,” he assures, “there are no residuals left in the system of the fish after 92 hours.” He based this statement from some studies being done. “Since the fry are grown for at least 3-4 months for market and human consumption, it is very safe,” he says. “There can, therefore, be no side effects if there is no synthetic hormone left in the systems of the fish.” But there is also the question of what happens to the metabolites (excreted compounds) of the synthetic hormone which are eliminated in the environment. Can they affect other organisms and affect people? Dr. Guerrero gives this answer: “Studies have shown that, in the tropics, the high temperature and the effect of sunlight breaks down the metabolites into simpler compounds through biodegradation and photo-oxidation that have no effect on humans.” Aside from those done in the Philippines, there are also studies conducted in other countries that showed endocrine disruptors from plastics and insecticides in the environment can influence the direction of sex of fishes and possibly humans who consume them towards femaleness or hermaphroditism and not maleness. “Methyl testosterone, which is for maleness, is therefore not in question,” Dr. Guerrero says. The use of methyl testosterone for tilapia sex reversal is generally accepted throughout the world except in Europe which has a strict organic (no synthetics) policy. “So far, since its application more than 30 years ago, there is no negative or harmful effect on humans reported.”

Who wants to eat sex-reversed tilapia?

LTHOUGH it is not an endemic fish in the country, the Philippines is now one of the world’s largest producers of tilapia, according to Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III. “The Philippines is now the fourth largest producer of tilapia in the world,” says Dr. Guerrero, an academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology and former head of the Philippine Council for Aquaculture and Marine Research and Development. On top of the list are China, Egypt and Indonesia. In 2013, the Philippines harvested 316.536 metric tons of tilapia valued at US$669.8 million. “Eighty-five percent of the production was from aquaculture and 15 percent from inland water fishing,” says the fishery expert who has over 40 years of experience in aquaculture with emphasis on tilapia culture as researcher, professor and consultant. As much as 90 percent of the tilapia cultured in the country is sex-reversed. “At least 50 percent of the tilapia produced in the United States, Canada, Israel, the Caribbean and Asia is sex-reversed,” he points out. Dr. Guerrero is regarded as the “Father of Tilapia Sex Reversal.” In 2004, he was conferred the Mgr. Jan D. F. Heine Memorial Award by the International Tilapia Foundation for his work. The sex reversal technology is based on the theory that the development of the sex organ (testis for male and ovary for female) in the fish can be artificially influenced by feeding of a synthetic sex hormone (methyltestosterone for male and estrone for female) during the “sexless period” of the

10 NEWS DUTERTE... FROM 1

and how, in the first incident in April 1989, when prisoners led by Felipe Pugoy held hostage several civilians at the Davao Penal Colony in Davao del Norte, Duterte asked that he be taken hostage in exchange for the freedom of a three-month old child. The alleged rape of Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill happened in the second hostage-taking, in August 1989, that again involved Pugoy, at the detention center of the Metrodiscom (now Camp Domingo Leonor). “In my utter anger, gutter language yan eh, salitang kanto.. Galit ako nung nagsasalita ako, nung binuksan ko, ang ganda-ganda parang artista galing Amerika. Putang ina naunahan pa ako. patayin mo lahat. Sa galit yun. (I was angry when I said that, when I opened the sheet and saw this beautiful person who looked like an American actress. Son…b..ch, they beat me to her. Kill them all. That was said in anger),” Duterte said, adding, “I was not joking. Yung pag-narrate ko doon sa Amoranto, eh naturalmente para ka namang actor.” He said he took out his Uzi and fired a magazine to finish off the perpetrators. “Gutter language yan. Ganyan mga lalaki pag naagsalita. Pu__ina naunahan mo pa ako leche ka. Sorry kung di magustuhan ng iba. Pero yan ang tototo. That is an incident but there is a story behind it. Nung sinabi ko na naunahan pa ang mayor, that is a bad incident. It was a bad remark. It was not a joke. Talagang galit ako nung sinabi ko yan. Ganyan mgasalita mga lalaki. Pu___ ina, naunahan mo pa kao. That’s a cliché,” he said. He explained he would not apologize to any entity or person. “I will not.. I am even willing to lose the presidency. Do not make me apologize for something which I did nga talagang it was called for by the moment.” He said he does not care if he loses the Gabriela votes. “I will not die if I do not become President. But certainly as a matter of honor, I will stick to my guns. I said it in the heat of anger. “ “I am sorry for the Filipino people. It’s my style. It’s my mouth … I said it in the heat of anger but listen to the story behind,” he said. “I will apologize to the Filipino people … because in the first place every crime that is committed against a hapless citizen is always the responsibility of government. That the (1989 hostage taking) turned out to be bloody and gory, sorry,” but reiterated he would not apologize for what he said. He said that portion of his Amoranto speech on the Australian missionary was “not a joke. I said it in a narrative. I was not smiling. I was just talking.” ‘Rape is a serious crime’ Gabriela Southern Mindanao issued no statement but the national Gabriela said rape is “a serious crime not just

against women but against humanity” and is “not a joke nor something to be trivialized in a joke, especially by a public official and most especially by those aspiring for the highest post in the land.” It said Duterte “should immediately apologize for his statements making fun of rape” and challenged him to “use his campaign to promote issues that will elevate the condition of women and their families.” The Philippine Commission on Women in its statement said rape is a “gross violation of human rights and wholly not acceptable.” “Trivializing rape through jokes hurts persons who are suffering or may have suffered from the trauma of rape. It also hurts their families and workers who assist victims-survivors who directly see the repercussions of the crime. Rape should never be made a laughing matter; neither should it be used to threaten someone. The repercussions of rape jokes are serious and damaging; victim-survivors once more recount their horrible experiences and recall the pain and suffering,” it said. The PCW called on everyone to be “mindful of this serious and alarming issue” and to “dream and work collectively in creating a society where every person is valued, human dignity is upheld, and victims of despicable crimes such as rape are never denigrated to a laughingstock.” It cited records from the Philippine National Police (PNP) that for the first half of 2015, reported rape cases went up to 8,288 from 5,069 cases during the same period in 2014.

“Crude joke” While Duterte referred to his language as “gutter language,” Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, President of Duterte’s party, the Partidong Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP-Laban), told MindNews Sunday afternoon that what Duterte uttered was a “crude joke.” “I got worried akala ko he is being accused of rape. Hindi naman pala. It’s a case of a ‘crude’ joke. Tawag dyan sa Amerika ‘political incorrectness,’” Pimentel told MindaNews in a text message. He added: “But we have accepted the personality of our Presidential candidate a long time ago. We live with that. We die with that. There might be a price to pay for political incorrectness here in the Philippines. We live with that, too. We hope that he won’t be too much criticized for what is obviously a side comment meant to ‘lighten’ a serious subject matter.” After Duterte’s videotaped interview explaining his Amoranto remarks, Pimentel sent MindaNews a text message that Duterte had clarified his statement, that “he was recalling events decades ago. And he quoted himself as saying those words during that incident in 1989. Actual quotation from an actual event.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO

ADVOCACY RUN. Run with Duterte Para sa Pagbabago’s Dr. Ma. Cristina Fuentes (center) and Dr. Yadnee Estrera (right) talk about the group’s upcoming fun run dubbed Run with Duterte Takbo Para sa Pagbabago slated on May 1. The event is a fund raising activity to help support the

Cop... FROM 2

driver was released but he opted to stay in the house of a friend for his security. The driver turned-over four mobile phones and a

tablet owned by the police officers. The police has yet to release a statement on the incident.

Cayetano... FROM 2 “May plano po kami, may programa po kami. Sila pinapangako pa lang nila, kami nagawa na namin sa Davao at Taguig,” he said. The senator also stressed that a promising platform is futile with no political will and good leadership qualities. “Ang problema ay hindi ang plataporma. All the master plans are there. Ang problema ay leadership. We need leadership with political will,” he said, adding that out of all the candidates, only he and Duterte can offer these to the people. During his opening state-

ment, Cayetano reiterated their tandem’s pledge to end the cycle of disorder brought about by corruption, crime, and illegal drugs. He said if elected, he and Duterte will effect bolder solutions and swifter actions to restore order in the country. “Dalawa lang po ang pagpipiplian natin sa eleksyon na ito, magbago tayo o mapako. Mapako at makikinabang lang ang iilan… O magbago tayo at manaig ang interest ng lahat, hindi lang ng iiilan. Mga kasama ,baguhin na po natin ang Pilipinas,” Cayetano said.

tribute to the peace problem of the region. “If we are able to provide work for the people, they will be swayed away from violence. In this way, we will be able to contribute to nation building, particularly on economic development, tourism, medical tourism, and generally, peace and security,” Romero said. Romero recognized the success of the government in easing out unemployment from 6.4 percent in 2014 from 7 percent the previous year, but he stressed more needs to be done. “But we should do more and make enough jobs for the Filipinos. It is the our duty to provide better opportunities

for those who do not have,” he said. The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said 495,000 Filipinos were employed between April in 2014 and April 2015. 1-Pacman advocates for development of sports, education for children and youth, and job generation for poor Filipinos. The group is supported by top Filipino athletes and sports personalities. At present, Romero, who owns Air Asia and Harbour Center Port Terminal, has provided around 100,000 jobs to Filipinos and has sent over a thousand children to school for free. PR

remains to be the country’s most profitable tourism-entertainment and gaming company that has the strongest non-gaming component in the country. GADC, which

holds the exclusive right to operate restaurants in the Philippines under the “McDonald’s” brand, is looking at 500 branches by the end of this year.”

1-Pacman... FROM 4

Alliance... FROM 6

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

financial needs of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s supporters and volunteers during the upcoming national election. The two ladies were joined by KAAGAPAY partylist’s Princess Muffy Daknash in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Fire... FROM 2

Meanwhile, Bermudo said the CSSDO has given around P3.6 million in cash assistance to victims of various calamities in the city since January of this

year. She said recipients include victims of the big fire incidents in Bucana and in the barangays in Quezon Boulevard area.

prejudicial to the best interest of the service. In 2009, Limbona was dismissed from the service, with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in government service. Limbona was elected as town mayor on May 10, 2010 and assumed office the following month. He completed his term and sought reelection in May 2013. A disqualification case was filed against him before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) but it was dismissed pursuant to the Aguinaldo Doctrine. In its Feb. 24, 2016 decision, the CA said that “the ruling of the Comelec en banc and the resolution of the Supreme Court en banc superseded all issuances of the Office of the Ombudsman pertaining to the dismissal of Mayor Limbona as Barangay Captain.” “It must be stressed that the Ombudsman itself appeared to have understood the import of the issuances and gave them due respect by

not pursuing any further the execution of the ruling,” the CA said. Just last week, the SC en banc ruled to abandon the socalled “Aguinaldo Doctrine” under the case of dismissed Makati City Mayor JunJun Binay. The SC en banc stood path in abandoning the “condonation doctrine” whereby an elected official’s administrative liability is extinguished once he or she is reelected into office. The SC said that this doctrine, first enunciated by the SC in Pascual vs. Provincial Board of Nueva Ecija (1959), is not based on laws and that there is “no basis for saying that election of an official to a new term fully absolves the official of any administrative liability arising from an offense done during a prior term.” With this, Binay and Limbona will be the last heirs of the Aguinaldo Doctrine which is now abandoned by the SC. Concurring with the ruling were Associate Justices Celia Librea-Leagogo and Melchor Sadang. (PNA)

in the marsh are also the crocodile’s favorite food,” Pomares explained. Citing climate change, Pomares said there is “some sort of a tug of war between reptiles and humans for food, in this

case the fresh water fish.” He attributed the migration of crocodiles outside of its natural habitat to rising water temperature and receding water in the marshland. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/ MindaNews)

WAC is composed of the City Building Official, City Council Committee Chair Communication and Transportation, City Drainage Management Unit, City Planning

and Development Unit, Public Safety and Security Command Center, Davao City Water District, PLDT, Globe, Sky Cable, BayanTel among others. CHENEEN R. CAPON

CA... FROM 2

El Niño... FROM 5

2 streets... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

11 SCIENCE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

More farmers into biotech crops By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ORE and more farmers around the world are planting biotech crops in their fields, according to the annual report released by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA). From 1.7 million hectares planted to biotech crops in 1996, it went up to 179.7 million hectares in 2015, said the report entitled 20th Anniversary of the Global Commercialization of Biotech Crops (19962015) and Biotech Crop Highlights in 2015. “This 100-fold increase in just 20 years makes biotechnology the fastest adopted crop technology in recent times, reflecting farmer satisfaction with biotech crops,” the report pointed out. Farmers in 28 countries who adopted the technology have reaped more than US$150 billion in benefits from biotech crops since 1996. “This has helped alleviate poverty for up to 16.5 million small farmers and their families annually totaling about 65 million people, who are some of the poorest people in the world,” it said. “More farmers are planting biotech crops in developing countries precisely because biotech crops are a rigorously-tested option for improving crop yields,” said Dr. Clive James, founder and emeritus chair of ISAAA, who has authored the ISAAA report for the past two decades. “Despite claims from opponents that biotechnology only benefits farmers in industrialized countries, the continued adoption of the technology in developing countries disproves that,” Dr. James added. For the fourth consecutive year, developing countries planted more biotech crops (14.5 million hectares) than industrialized countries. In 2015, Latin American, Asian and African farmers grew biotech crops on 54% of global biotech hectarage (97.1 million hectares of 179.7 million biotech hectares) and of the 28 countries that planted biotech crops, 20 were developing nations. “Annually, up to 18 million farmers, 90% of whom were small, resource-poor growers in developing countries, benefited from planting biotech crops from 1996 to 2015,” the report said. Take the case of China. “Between 1997 and 2014, biotech cotton varieties brought an estimated $17.5 billion worth of benefits to Chinese cotton farmers, and they realized $1.3 billion in 2014 alone,” explained Dr. Randy Hautea, who is the global coordinator of ISAAA.

Biotech corn vs traditional corn Golden rice vs regular rice

In 2015, India became the leading cotton producer in the world with much of its growth attributed to biotech Bt cotton. “India is the largest biotech cotton country in the world with 11.6 million hectares planted in 2015 by 7.7 million small farmers. In 2014 and 2015, an impressive 95 percent of India’s cotton crop was planted with biotech seed,” the report said. “Farmers, who are traditionally risk-averse, recognize the value of biotech crops, which offer benefits to farmers and consumers alike, including drought tolerance, insect and disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, and increased nutrition and food quality,” Dr. Hautea pointed out. “Moreover, biotech crops contribute to more sustainable crop production systems that address concerns regarding climate change and global food security.” In the Philippines, some lives of Filipino farmers have been transformed when they plant biotech crops. It happened to Ryan Lising, who has lived all his life in a farming community in Mandani, Magalang in Pampanga.

Here is his story as related by ISAAA’s Clement Dionglay: Just like his father, he is a corn farmer. But unlike his father, who planted white corn, he is planting biotech corn. Because of that, he is now considered an important person in the community. But it was not so before. Before he ventured into farming, Ryan worked as a messenger and errand boy for some of the big corn farms. When his motorcycle was stolen, he felt that he lost his source of income. Helpless without the motorcycle that allowed him to move faster around the community, he decided to become a farmhand, taking whatever jobs being offered to him. “I used to wake up at four in the morning to look for work. I went from one farm to the next, hoping to get a job that will help me feed my family,” he recalled. But despite his perseverance and hard work, it seemed that “it was just never enough,” to quote his words. In 1996, after participating in a corn farm demonstration, Ryan sought his father’s help so

he could plant white corn in the family’s 1.5 hectare farmland. His income improved a bit, but his crop challenged him. “White corn is very laborious to plant,” he admitted. “It needs more insecticides and we need to apply granular insecticide to each plant on a daily basis depending on the level of infestation.” And there the problems that most corn farmers have to face: low selling price of corn, relentless pests and the high prices of insecticides needed to control them. Ryan was looking for change and it came in 2003 after the government approved

the commercial planting of Bt corn in the country. Ryan was one of the early adopters of Bt corn when it was introduced by seed company technicians in Mandani. Though uncertain about the new corn that the technicians introduced in the farm demonstration, his frustrations with white corn - his crop then - urged him to try it. Following his first Bt corn harvest, it became clear to Ryan that there was no turning back. He knew that it was the beginning of a new life for him

trucks and two tractors, and I am getting a new, bigger tractor soon,” he said. Ryan also has more time to spend with his family because he does not need to spend a lot of time on his farm. He also found other means of livelihood in their community. A decade of planting biotech corn has changed Ryan’s and his family’s life. His increased and steady income from planting biotech corn allowed him to explore other business opportunities. These days, he still wakes Infested eggplant vs Bt talong

and his family, who has faced so many hardships in trying to make ends meet. “When I realized that I will earn more if I plant Bt corn, I decided to add two more children to my brood. Sending my children to school was not that difficult anymore,” he recalled. When stacked traits corn was approved for commercial planting in the country, Ryan did not hesitate to plant it on his farm which has grown from 1.5 to more than 20 hectares. “I have a new motorcycle now to replace the stolen one, and I was able to buy my own farm machines. I have two

up at four in the morning, but not to look for work anymore. “I go to different corn farms in our village to see their corn. I am now a corn buyer,” he said. Ryan uses his two trucks to transport the corn that he buys from the various farms in their village. He also buys and transports other agricultural produce such as sweet corn and vegetables, and helps the people in their village by providing them with jobs, an undertaking that makes him proud. “Biotech corn changed my life completely,” Ryan said. “After years of planting it, I am now an important man.”

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

People’s project: People’s choice S

ARANGANI, Davao Occidental – Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services continues to rally behind the power of people in advancing community development as it expands its operation in 11 more towns in Davao Region. New Kalahi-CIDSS municipalities recently conducted the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum for Participatory Resource Allocation (MIBF-PRA). These are Montevista, Kiblawan, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Sarangani, Sta. Maria,

San Isidro, Malalag, Baganga, Braulio E. Dujali, and Lupon. The MIBF-PRA concretizes the role of the citizenry in establishing the demand for development through community proposals to address development challenges. It also hinges on the crucial role of community in development planning through participatory allocation of resources. In MIBF-PRA, the community prepares a proposal with the respective indicative budget, and through the MIBF, they will lobby for prioritization of their project. Further, MIBF-PRA facilitates

OLY Cross of Davao College (HCDC), the 65-year old institution founded by the PME Fathers, is this year’s recipient of the Archbishop Clovis Thibault award given by Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU). The award was received by Monsignor Julius C. Rodulfa, HCDC President for the past seven years, during the 2 April 2016 commencement exercises at the AdDU Jacinto Campus. The prestigious award recognized HCDC’s active commitment to service as an archdiocesan educational institution fulfilling “Education in the Service of Faith that Does Justice” and its mission of forming persons who are effective agents of social transformation. Monsignor Rodulfa, in his prepared statement, expressed that the award attests that “Holy Cross of Davao College has stood the test of time and has kept alive its founders’ vision-mission of providing quality education and forming effective agents of social transformation.” The same

award was given to the PME Fathers in 1987, the founders of Holy Cross of Davao College. Holy Cross of Davao College has three campuses--- in Samal Island, in Bajada and, in Sta. Ana Avenue. Its current basic education campus at Bajada serves 1,200 pupils and the college unit at Sta. Ana Avenue has a total student population of 10,857 students enrolled in its 14 course offerings. In 2015, HCDC announced that it is K to 12 ready and has been renovating the Sta. Ana campus to accommodate the senior high school and to prepare for the coming of the “new first year” college students by School Year 2018-2019. The Archbishop Clovis Thibault Award is a tradition of the Ateneo de Davao University and named after the first Prelate-Ordinary of Davao (1954), first Bishop of Davao (1966) and first Archbishop of Davao (1970) --- Most Rev. Clovis Thibault. The award is given annually to priests and religious institutions for outstanding service to the Church.

Holy Cross College is Thibault Awardee H

establishment of people empowerment and participation as necessary components in effective poverty reduction. Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the core programs of DSWD that aims to empower communities through enhanced participation in local governance and poverty alleviation projects. MIBF-PRA Involved in MIBF-PRA are the three elected members of Kalahi-CIDSS Project Preparation Team (PPT) and the three members of Barangay Representation Team

(BRT) which were chosen by community members. During the forum, each barangay will choose a representative, whether individual or group, to propose and defend the sub-project. Each representative will vote using a canvass form and proceeds on rating the presented projects based on the criteria with corresponding point value. Jasmen Europa Manansang, 39, PPT Head of Barangay Batuganding, shared how their preparations for the MIBF inspired her to work for development in her community.

“Ganahan ko sa epekto sa sistema sa MIBF-PRA sa amoang mga proyekto. Tungod ani, mas ma–haom ug mas klaro unsa ang kailangan sa usa ka komunidad. Mas nahan-ay pud namo ang pag-prioritize sa mga proyekto. Usahay makahuna-huna mi, sakto na ba ni atong gibuhat? Masakto ba sa moabutay nga kwarta? Pero tungod sa MIBF, wala mi nakulbaan, busa, mas nakabuhi pa kini sa among kadasig sa paghunahuna nga sakto jud among gibuhat (I am pleased with the outcome of MIBF-PRA. It helps us target the needs of our community. Project pri-

oritization is done accordingly. There are times when we ask ourselves, Are we doing the right thing? Will the projects’ cost match the funding? With MIBF, we are confident that we did it right).” “The MIBF-PRA of Kalahi-CIDSS brings real people empowerment in the community and through it, the people whose voices have been hardly heard, are now in the frontline,” said Sarangani Mayor Virginia T. Cawa. The new 11 municipalities covered in Region XI obtained a total grant allocation of P 173,980,750.00 for the year. (DSWD)

2Go Travel makes travel easier with expanded payment options

Taps Globe Business for Globe Charge to enable payments via credit card

GO TRAVEL, one of the most renowned sea and land transportation companies in the Philippines, was born out of the integration of the 2 major shipping companies in the Philippines in December 2010 when Negros Navigation Inc. bought out the Aboitiz Transport Systems (ATS) group which operated the “SuperFerry” passenger brand. The rebranding of both companies used the ubiquitous “2GO” brand in 2011 across all business units, finally naming the passenger brand “2GO Travel.” 2GO Travel is the first shipping-passenger brand in the Philippines that completely changed the sea travel experience. With excellent customer service, upscale hotel passenger suites, comfortable accommodation, entertainment and cruise-like amenities, 2GO Travel provided the traveling public a unique and very affordable way to travel around the Philippines.

2GO Travel also expanded the travel routes not only by sea but also by land as well connected major cities around the Philippines via bus connection, making the travel experience more hassle-free. Moreover, the brand also pioneered the first prepaid travel card that can be purchased as the perfect travel gift to popular tourist destinations around the Philippines. With its commitment to take land and sea travel to the next level , 2Go Travel has clearly helped boost domestic tourism by making travel comfortable and fun and providing cruise packages for families, friends or corporate groups, complete with an all-in cruise, hotel and tour itineraries in one affordable package. In order to further its growth with more payment options available to its customers, 2Go Travel partnered with Globe Business, the enterprise ICT arm of Globe Telecom, to acquire Globe Charge,

an innovative solution that transforms mobile phones into point-of-sale (POS) card terminals that accept debit and credit card payments. Globe Charge harnesses the integration of a smartphone and an innovative mobile card reader into a mobile point-ofsale (POS) unit, empowering enterprise and SME customers with a convenient payment device and eliminating the need for traditional and more expensive card terminals. With Globe Charge, 2Go Travel can now accept credit card payments from its customers, further growing its customer base, increasing its revenues, and sustaining its position in the market as an innovative company which constantly seeks to provide efficient and hassle-free service. “Globe Business really is a great partner for us,” Stephen Tagud, Senior Vice President for 2Go Travel said. “We want to make traveling as smooth

as possible for our customers and with Globe Charge, this makes payments options much easier and more accessible for a lot of them.” Mike Frausing, Globe Business’ Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services Group shared, “We are thankful to 2Go Travel for the trust and confidence they have given us in enabling their sustained growth as they expand their payment capabilities through Globe Charge. As the leading ICT enabler in the Philippines, Globe Business provides customers with the right technology, infrastructure, and know-how to help them focus on their business.” For more information about Globe Business, get in touch with a Globe Business Account Manager or call the Globe Business Premium Support Center at +63 2.730.1288 toll-free using a Globe mobile and landline. You can also visit www.globe.com.ph/business for more information.

to P150,000, tax-free. Focusing on NCD theme “Celebrating the Biggest and Most Unforgettable, Magical Birthday Surprise and Fun,” the competition encourages photographers and videographers to capture and document the best moments in the grandest and most colourful birthday party on April 25 at Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound, along the Diversion Road in Catitipan, Davao City. Online registration is

open until April 22 via facebook.com/SonshineLand. Official registrants will have an orientation on April 23 during the NCD Media Night at Jose Maria Plaza Square. Meanwhile, bigger prizes await this year’s contest:

P3,000 each

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY

RP’s biggest photography, videography tilt has more than P1 M in cash prizes

HE National Children’s Day, an annual birthday celebration of the executive pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, Pastor Apollo C.Quiboloy, is dedicated to 3 million destitute children in the country for 11 years now. And for three years in a row, NCD is also giving photographers, videographers, independent film-making enthusiasts, professionals and hobbyists a treat! And this year, a chance to win big cash prizes each of up

Photo Contest Pastor ACQ’s Choice Award: P150,000 1st Prize P100,000 2nd Prize P50,000 3rd Prize P25,000 16 Consolation Prizes

Video Contest Pastor ACQ’s Choice Award: P150,000 1st Prize P100,000 2nd Prize P50,000 3rd Prize P25,000 6 Consolation Prizes P10,000 each For more information, you may visit our official Facebook pagefacebook. com/SonshineLand or website at www.apolloquiboloy. com.

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EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL Spectacular views and drinks at Seda BGC’s Stright Up Bar.

Chic and

THE CITY

Seda BGC’s guest room is a relaxing oasis.

I CONSIDER MANY THINGS WHEN CHOOSING A HOTEL TO STAY IN. Aside from the facilities and amenities, I consider the golden saying ‘Location, location, location!’ and this is even more important when visiting Manila given the capital’s legendary traffic situation which takes a toll on what should be a great city experience and this is why I chose to stay at Seda BGC. Opened on December of 2012, Seda BGC is the flagship property of the Seda brand of AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation and I was one of the few who were able to experience it then. Located in one of the most glittering communities in Manila, Bonifacio Global City, Seda BGC is my favorite hotels when heading north and I was glad to be back. From the moment I set foot onto the property, I

immediately felt the chic vibe and energy of BGC. The hotel’s contemporary interiors are clean and

Art and culture thrives at the Bonifacio Global City.

streamlined, showcasing the best of Philippine design. Pieces by Kenneth Cobonpue (whose clients include Brad Pitt and royalty), Ann Pamintuan, Tom Epperson and photographer-industrialist Jaime Zobel de Ayala proudly hold court in the lobby, as well as in the guestrooms, restaurant and bar, a testament to the brand’s commitment of highlighting Filipino talent and excellence. One can say that a lot of thought and effort has been done to ensure that every stay at Seda BGC was an experience of Fili-

pino hospitality and modern convenience and this is also reflected in the hotel’s guest rooms. Seda BGC’s guest rooms and suites are beds designed for maximum comfort, complemented by a long alcove seat below the window, doubling as a daybed or extra seating for visitors. Amenities ensure the utmost convenience including a wide-screen LED HDTV, mini-bar, in-room safe suited for a laptop, an executive desk, and media panel with universal adaptor and

URBANISSIMO A4

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

EVENT

A toast to 70 years of Australian and Philippine friendship

By Kenneth Irving Ong THE AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY ALONG WITH SM SUPERMALLS launched a touring exhibit to celebrate 70 years of Australian and Philippine relations dubbed as Celebrate Australia 2016! Say Gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Day at SM last February 18 at SM Aura Premier. Last April 12, the exhibit was opened at the Event Center of the Annex of SM City Davao. The exhibit that runs until April 19 showcased the colorful culture, breathtaking sites as well as exceptional educational opportunities in Australia. The exhibit launch in SM City Davao was led by Ambassador Amanda Gorley and Senior Trade Commissioner Anthony Weymouth and was graced by the Australian government institutional partners as well as the alumni of Australian schools through various scholarship programs granted by the Australian government. Among the alumni present were Davao City Tourism Operations Officer Lissette Marques, Davao City Investment Promotions Center Head Ivan Cortez and SM City Davao assistant mall manager Nick D. Santos. Also in attendance were Rep. Karlo Nograles, DCCCII president Bonifacio Tan, DCCCII past president Simeon Marfori, and Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie Wurgler Cronin, among others. Parallel with the run of the exhibit, SM Davao shoppers got a chance to win a trip for two to Melbourne via Qantas with each P1000-worth of purchase. They may also win gift packages of Australian products. Shoppers only need to show their receipts at the redemption booth near the exhibition area. Winners will be drawn on May 21.

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ENTERTAINMENT

ABS-CBN has new morning show

Rachelle Ann Go dreams of an Oscar

CELEBRATE THE GOOD LIFE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING as ABS-CBN premieres its newest talk show “Magandang Buhay” beginning Monday (Apr 18).

Join hosts Karla Estrada, Melai Cantiveros, and Jolina Magdangal as they triple the fun, learning, and experience in discussing reallife stories of ordinary people and even celebrities that will surely inspire viewers to live life to the fullest. “Let’s be content with what we have. We should always be thankful,” said Karla. “After watching our show, I want viewers to learn more about life. I hope they learn to just enjoy life and not take it seriously. Life is simple so why complicate it?” explained Melai. “Hopefully we can help them have a more positive outlook in life. Even though life is hard at times, there will always be reasons to smile. We will show our viewers what is the true essence of having a good life,” shared Jolina. “Magandang Buhay” marks the first time the three topbill their very own talk show. This is also their second project together following “Your Face Sounds Familiar.” “When this was initially mentioned to me I wasn’t even

FILIPINO WEST-END SUPERSTAR RACHELLE ANN GO took to Instagram to reveal her ultimate dream.

aware that it was a talk show that was being offered. Just the very thought of working with them already made me so happy and excited to do the project,” said Jolina. When asked who they want to interview in the show, both Jolina and Melai answered former ABSCBN president Charo SantosConcio. Karla, however, had a different answer and quipped, “I hope we can invite Brad Pitt or George Clooney.” On its premiere this

Monday (Apr 18), watch out as “Magandang Buhay” welcomes Teen King and Queen Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo. For the first time, queen mother Karla interviews her son and Kathryn. Together with Jolina and Melai, can Karla make the two reveal the real score between them? Don’t miss new revelations from Kathniel and their perspective on young love this Monday (Apr 18) in “Magandang Buhay,” 7:30 AM only on ABSCBN.

UP AND ABOUT

In her post last Thursday, April 14, the talented Kapuso singer revealed that she hopes to bag an Academy Award someday. Rachelle said, “One day I will get an award(this big) hahaha! Yes! Good night dreamers #claimit” The Academy Awards or Oscars, is an annual American awards ceremony organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (A.M.P.A.S.) to recognize excellence in cinematic achievements in the U.S. film industry. Rachelle is featured in the Manilarun of the h i g h l y acclaimed musical, Les Misérables in The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City.

Smart launches GoLocal Pocket WiFi Rental for tourists WIRELESS SERVICES LEADER SMART COMMUNICATIONS has launched a mobile data solution that can help incoming visitors conveniently stay online and always be connected with their family and friends wherever they are in the country. Designed to provide visitors a hassle-free travel mobile data experience, Smart now offers GoLocal wifi service. The pocket wifi device rental service is now available online as well as at NAIA Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 3 and Cebu-Mactan airport. To avail of the service, roamers simply need to go to the GoLocal booth conveniently located at the arrival area of the terminals mentioned above. Cus-

tomers may also enjoy the convenience of booking online via the website www.golocal-app.com Ctrl+Click or tap to follow the link” www.golocal-app.com and their device will be ready for pick-up by the time they arrive. Customers may also choose to have the devices delivered to their hotel in Metro Manila via courier service. “Leisure or business travelers use free wifi services in restaurants, malls, and hotels, but there are

still limitations in terms of coverage as well as data security and privacy. Mobile data is needed to browse the internet, look up directions, book a ride, discover interesting places to go, etc. Now with GoLocal Pocket WiFi, our visitors can stay connected anytime and wherever they are,” said PLDT and Smart EVP and Head of Enterprise, International and Carrier Business Ernesto R. Alberto. “With the GoLocal service, our foreign visitors

will be assured of data connectivity while they are here. It is easy and convenient to avail of this affordable solution which is available for as low as USD 5.99 per day,” said PLDT and SMART Head of International Carrier Business Division, Alejandro O. Caeg. GoLocal pocket wifi can connect up to five mobile devices so it can power mobile phones, tablets, and laptops all at the same time. Users get dedicated customer support 24/7, access to pickup and return booths that are conveniently located at the arrival and departure areas of NAIA 1, 3 and Cebu-Mactan airport. With GoLocal pocket wifi, foreign visitors need not to worry about their connectivity needs. The rentable pocket wifi device from Smart got them covered.

April 17 – 19, 2016

THE CRIMINAL / *MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot / * Nia Vardalos, John Corbett R13/*PG

11:35 | 1:50 | 4:05 LFS / *6:20 | 8:10 | 10:00 LFS

THE JUNGLE BOOK Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray PG

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

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt PG

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

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TRAVEL Seda BGC’s Misto gives diners an alfresco feel ing while still remaining cool and comfortable indoors.

URBANISSIMO A1 USB/audio-visual connectivity. The latter can be used to hook up a laptop to the 40-inch television screen for enhanced viewing of data, photos or other documents, enabling the guest to work from his hotel room if he so chooses or should the need arise. Of course to experience the city, one must step outside and the environs of Seda BGC are as full of character as the hotel itself as the Bonifacio High Street dynamic shopping district is literally at the hotel’s doorstep. From some of Metro Manila’s best restaurants as well as chic boutiques, the High Street is full of life from sun-up to beyond sun-down. Walk beyond the High Street and one arrives at the Mind Museum, Kidzania, Burgos Circle, and SM Aura Premier for even more shopping, dining, and fun. To cap off my day, I visited Seda BGC’s famous Straight Up bar on the roof deck which boasts a spectacular view of the city skyline and

surrounding vistas. The ambiance, together with a musical repertoire that ranges from classic ‘70’s to bossa nova, jazz and lounge, great drinks (I suggest a Midori Sour) and delicious pica-pica, makes Straight Up one of the the most popular night spots in BGC, meriting an inclusion in Philippine Tatler’s Best Bars and Lounges in 2014. I have been to many hotels in the past but one thing I can say about Seda BGC is that aside from its chic offerings and stylish environs, in the end it is the factor that gives it the edge, giving guests a golden international level of service that really made me feel at home. No wonder Seda BGC, together with other Seda hotels across the Philippines, has been cited as the “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” in the World Travel Awards of 2014 and 2015. For more information or reservations, please call Seda BGC at (632)9458888 / 5885700, or email bgc@ sedahotels.com or visit www.sedahotels.com.

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

Straight Up’s Midori Sour is the perfect night cap.

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EDGEDAVAO

SC to DOLE, NWPC: Reply to labor groups’ petition

HE Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Wage and Productivity Commission (NWPC) to answer the petition of various labor groups saying that Republic Act No. 6727, or the “Wage Rationalization Act”, violates the equal protection of the law. In a resolution released on Monday, the SC En Banc gave the DOLE and the NWPC a period of 10 days from notice within which to file their respective comments. The petitioners include the Ugnayan ng Maralita La-

ban sa Kahirapan (UMALAB KA) party-list, senatorial candidate Walden Bello, National Federation of Labor (NFL) and Solidarity of Independent and General Labor Organizations. They asked the SC to stop the NWPC and all the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) from further issuing regional wage orders. They also urged the SC to abolish the 17 RTWBs in the Philippines and set and standardize a National Minimum Wage all over the country. Due to the enactment of RA No. 6727, there are differ-

ent minimum wages set all over the Philippines with the highest as Php 481 in the National Capital Region (NCR) and as low as Php 250 in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “This disparitative absurdity is the effect of 26 years of implementing the provisions of RA 6727,” the petition said. It added that such disparity has deprived over 62 million laborers nationwide of a decent living. The petitioners said that the minimum wage set by the NWPC and the RTWPBs failed to meet the suggested living

wage by various think tanks, including the IBON Foundation. Data from IBON Foundation show that in May 2012, the daily minimum wage is Php 446 while the family living wage is Php 1,017 with a wage gap of Php 571. “Minimum wages in the country have long failed to provide for an adequate living wage for laborers. This is due to the fact that the criteria in determining minimum wages as defined by RA 6727 are patently erroneous, biased, and ultimately unconstitutional,” the petition said. (PNA)

their client’s trust and consequently, their business.” While DDoS attacks are considered the world’s most costly cyber crime, cyber attacks that involve malware, phishing, password attacks, MITM (Man-in-the-middle), Drive-by downloads, malvertising, and rogue software are also widespread. In fact, it was found that the Philippines’ vulnerability to cyber crimes has statistically doubled. A large percentage of computers in the country have been invaded by malware, the same intrusive software initially

found to have allowed the illegal electronic transfer of funds in the Bangladesh case. This condition poses a real and imminent threat as records from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show that around 22 million people utilize electronic banking services and channels and that the volume and valueof e-money transactions keep growing over the years. The figure continues to increase each year as more and more people join the workforce and make use of a bank’s facilities. This translates to the overwhelming amount of data that is at risk.

“Cyber attacks have been growing in size and becoming more and more complex. While they can’t be scrapped entirely, employing security features and updating them every once in a while will help ensure thatdisruptions to business processes are at a minimum,” Valmonte said. IPC, through its ThinkOutCloud™ initiatives, has been continuously educating enterprises and the public about the threats that jeopardize data and other properties stored online. To prevent the possibility of having sensitive data compro-

mised, IPC recommends that at the most basic level, installation of updated anti-virus protection andfirewalls, as well as utilization of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption and cookies should be done to ensure the security of connection. “But it doesn’t stop there. Depending on the needs of the institution, additional security measures have to be in place. It is also as important to regularly review and assess whether these security measures are being implemented and are functioning well,” Valmonteexplained. (PNA)

IPC... FROM 6

NEWS 13

Rep. Baguilat... FROM 4

said. Baguilat stressed that efforts by the government to provide financial support to legitimate CSOs have been hampered by the “pork barrel scandal,” which included the use of fake NGOs in the scheme to steal public funds. The bill refers to charitable or civil society organizations as those charitable institutions and other non-profit and non-government organizations (NGOs), including foundations, civic organizations, people’s organizations (POs), community organizations, sectoral organizations, cooperatives, micro-finance institutions and social enterprises, duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) or formal accrediting bodies approved for the purposes of this law. Under the measure to be known as “People’s Fund Act,” individual taxpayers shall have the option to allocate five percent of their annual income tax to support a charitable or civil society organizations that the taxpayer shall select from a list of eligible organizations. An inter-agency committee to be led by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall provide the list. Also, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is directed to establish the mechanism for

an individual taxpayer to allocate five percent of income tax yearly to the selected charitable institution or CSO as part of the process of filing annual income tax returns. The bill also provides that should an individual taxpayer decide not to allocate for any of the listed eligible organizations, the whole amount of the individual’s income tax will got to the government’s general fund. Moreover, the bill prohibits any individual taxpayer to allocate funds to any eligible organization if he or she is a founder, officer, member or employee of that organization or if he or she is related to any of its founders, officers, members or employees up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity. Funds received by the benefitting organizations as provided by this Act are exempted from Donor’s tax or any other taxes. The measure mandates the creation of an inter-agency committee to be led by the DBM to determine the qualifications and requirements for a charitable institution or CSO to be eligible for the five percent allocation and to finalize the list of eligible organizations to be submitted to BIR each year. The inter-agency committee shall also set the conditions, guidelines, processes and reporting requirements for the receipt and the use of funds in accordance with the government’s development priorities and to ensure full transparency and accountability. (PNA)

14 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 34 • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

CURRY WORRY

Curry’s ankle injury creates concern for Warriors

HE record-setting Golden State Warriors pursuit of a second-straight NBA championship started off very well with a convincing 104-78 blowout of the No. 8 seed Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round series Saturday afternoon at Oracle Arena. The win seemed to confirm everything analysts predicted heading into the series — that the Rockets wouldn’t be able to stop the Warriors in transition, that Houston could not match Golden State’s focus, and that a 73-win team just has too much for a massive disappointment that stumbled to a 41-41 season. Yet Warriors fans can be forgiven for feeling a little uneasy in the wake of the victory. Presumptive back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry played just three minutes in the second half after tweaking his right ankle. Curry appeard to hurt himself at first on a shot attempt near the Warriors bench with a few minutes remaining in the second quarter. He appeared to be in more serious discomfort a few plays later after a highlight-reel steal of James Harden that led to a Andre Iguodala lay-up:

Curry tried to play early in the third quarter, but he looked limited and was pulled to have his ankle retaped. He spent several tense minutes in the locker room. The good news is that the league’s most dominant player returned to the bench late in the third and was deemed ready to play if necessary. He appeared to lobby for re-entry, but the game never got close enough to force the Warriors into bringing him back. Kerr stated after the game that Curry is currently questionable for Monday’s Game 2, a precautionary diagnosis prior to seeing how he will respond to the injury on Sunday. He put the team’s forthcoming decision in perspective: “We’re hoping we’re going to be in the playoffs for the next couple of months. We don’t want to take any chances.” Kerr on Curry’s ankle — Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 16, 2016 Curry said during his press conference that he ex-

pects to play in Game 2. C u r r y didn’t have to return Saturday in large part because of what he and his Warriors teammates did throughout a dominant first half. Golden State opened the contest on a 20-6 run through the first eight minutes with a devastating display, getting open in transition and in the half-court against a

Lebron has mastered first round playoff KOs

EBRON James is a perfect 10 in the first round of the NBA playoffs. As he enters his 11th postseason in 13 years, James, who is seeking a sixth straight appearance in the Finals, has a spotless record in the opening round while playing for Cleveland and Miami. And the four-time league MVP

figures to continue his streak of first-round knockouts when the Cavaliers take on the Detroit Pistons starting Sunday. Although the top-seeded Cavs are heavily favored over the eighth-seeded Pistons, James isn’t taking anything for granted. ‘’They got a well-coached, balanced team and they’ve fought

their way into the playoffs and we have to respect them,’’ he said. Returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2009, the young-and-talented Pistons won’t be intimidated by the matchup after winning three of four - both teams rested their starters in the finale - against the Cavaliers in the regular season. Detroit’s future is bright, but it’s hard to imagine a team with little postseason experience taking down James. Overall, James is 40-7 in the first round and only had one series extended to six games. Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy, who has faced James before in the playoffs, knows his squad has a tough task. ‘’It will be difficult,’’ Van Gundy said. ‘’They’re the No. 1 seed in the East. They’re a team that went to the Finals last year. They’ve got three All-Star-caliber guys, one probably the best player in the world. And their complementary guys are very good.’’ Of course, the Pistons’ primary objective will be to slow James, who had a fabulous finish to the regular season and is focused on returning to the Finals. James, who has also won 13 straight first-round openers, can’t be guarded by one player, which presents Van Gundy and the Pistons with the dilemma of how much help to bring when he has

the ball. Van Gundy, a baseball junkie, said it’s like pitching to Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera. ‘’It’s like major league hitters,’’ he said. ‘’If you have a hole somewhere and people find out about it and they can hit it, you’re not going to be very good. If you’re Miguel Cabrera and you don’t have a hole - good luck. Pitch him the best you can, he’s still going to hit the (snot) out of it.’’ Here are other things to watch as the Cavs and Pistons meet in the postseason for the first time since 2008-09, when Cleveland won in four games. WELCOMED BACK: Injuries derailed Cleveland’s championship chase last year, when Kevin Love was knocked out in the first round with a shoulder injury and Kyrie Irving went down with a serious knee injury in the Finals. Love and Irving are eager for their second tastes of the postseason. ‘’I just feel like I’m in a good place,’’ Irving said. ‘’And last year, going through the playoffs injured, obviously it’s still in my head. But I’m way past that point, which I’m happy about.’’ Love and Irving are playing well lately, which should ease the burden on James, who can carry the Cavs by himself but is even more dangerous with a strong supporting cast.

tenth runner-up P500. Registration fee for men is pegged at P300. Women’s Division: Champion P5,000, first runner-up P2,500, second runner-up P1,500.00, third runner-up P750, fourth runner-up P750.00, fifth runner-up P500, sixth runner-up P500, seventh runner-up P500, eighth runner-up P500, ninth runner-up P500, tenth runner-up P500. Registration fee for women is pegged at P200.

This event is organized by National Chess Federation of the Philippines Region XI in coordination with Sports Development Division of Davao City, Davao City Sports Consumers Cooperative and Damosa Market Basket. An Arbiter’s Seminar for coaches and chess enthusiasts will also be held on April 23-24 at Damosa Market Basket. For details please contact IA James Infiesto 0933 6055795.

porous Houston defense. The margin got to 60-33 by the half, the lowest total allowed by the Warriors in a first half all season. Curry was the

star, out-scoring the Rockets 16-15 by himself in the first quarter. He finished the half (and game) with 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including a 5-of-7 showing from three-point range. The Rockets appeared to understand that they didn’t have much chance of stopping Curry with standard defensive tactics, so tenacious point guard Patrick Beverley brought a little old-school toughness to the court early on in the first. This tangle led to technical fouls for both Beverley and Curry: It didn’t frustrate Golden State — if anything, it motivated them to play better. Analysts such as Charles Barkley have attempted to cast the Warriors as a finesse team without a ton of toughness, but they’ve proven time and time again these past two seasons that they have the resolve and focus to execute in these situations. For that matter, they often bring

a hard edge themselves — Draymond Green flattened Beverley with a screen right after the technicals and received his own T in the fourth quarter after a dust-up with forward Donatas Motiejunas. The biggest issue for the Warriors wasn’t the physicality, but a recurrence of the turnover problems that plagued them at times towards the end of the regular season. Golden State turned it over 10 times in the third quarter (and 15 times in all) as Houston cut the margin from a high of 29 to as few as 15 late in the period. Yet Green and the Warriors reasserted control to build the lead back up to 82-60 by the buzzer. The Rockets had some moments in the fourth, but the result was never in doubt. The Warriors may be concerned that they managed only 44 points without Curry in the second half. Yet the Rockets have much deeper offensive issues, because they scored 18 points or fewer in three quarters on their way to shooting 35.7 percent from the field, 6-of-22 from deep, and 12-of-24 from the line. The free-throw shooting was especially poor because James Harden had zero attempts, only the third time he has not taken a free throw in four seasons with the Rockets. Harden had no comment ... and then a comment: James Harden on his free throw-less outing: “No comment... How’s that possible though?” — Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 16, 2016 He finished with a team-high 17 points on 7-of-19 shooting.

Messi hits 500th goal

IONEL Messi rode to Barcelona’s rescue as he ended a five-game drought to register his 500th career goal to give the Catalan giants hope of avoiding a fourth defeat in five games against Valencia on Sunday.

Messi slotted home Jordi Alba’s cross to make it 2-1 Valencia for his 450th Barca goal in 525 appearances. The five-time World Player of the Year has also scored 50 times in 108 caps for Argentina.

Nat’l Chess Championships Mindanao leg set April 22-24 BY NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

HE National Chess Championships-Mindanao Leg gets going on April 22-24 at the Damosa Market Basket in Lanang, Davao City. The three-day tournament is open to non-titled players with NCFP rating of below 2200. The top 15 players will qualify to compete in the Semifinals of National Chess Championships on May 8-14 in Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The the top 5 in the Grand

Finals will represent Philippines in the World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan on September 1-14, 2016. The tournament prizes are as follows: Men’s Division Champion P10,000.00, first runner-up P5,500, second runner-up P3, 500,t hird runner-up P1,500, fourth runner-up P1,500, fifth runner-up P500, sixth runner-up P500, seventh runner-up P500, eighth runner-up P500, ninth runner-up P500,

450TH GOAL. Barcelona’s forward Lionel Messi scored his 450th Barca goal in 525 appearances on April 17, 2016.

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