Edge10 issue112 September 6 2017

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 112• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

CONSULTATION. President Duterte meets with Moro Islamic Liberation chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during a meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Monday evening. Also joining Murad are Bangsamoro Transition Commission chair Ghazali Jaafar, and MILF peace implementing panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, BTC commissioner Abdulra of Macacau

and BTC executive director Esmael Pasigan. Joining the President, meanwhile, are Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Interior and Local Government Acting Secretary Catalino Cuy. RENE LUMAWAG/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Davao moves on after 2 killed in MILF vs.

BIFF clashes 2016 ‘night of terror’ F

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t has been a year since that fateful night at the Roxas Night Market. The people of Davao may have moved on, but they have not forgotten.

With the memorial as a backdrop, a mass was celebrated at the blast site on August 31 to remember the 17 people who perished

and the 69 injured from the bombing.

The gathering was less somber this time, but grief and pain of the survivors and the families of the victims still �illed the air.

Families of the victims, survivors, and of�icials of the city attended the mass. Hundreds were also present to

join the remembrance.

At the mass, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte once again apologized.

“During the mass the day after the bombing and the 40th day mass, nag-refuse ko nga mohatag og mensahe ug motindog sa inyong atubangan at that time because naulaw ko sa inyo-

hang tanan. I felt ashamed and embarrassed that it happened,” Mayor Inday said.

She said she was sorry that the victims, the survivors, their families, and Davao City “had to go through it.”

“Rest assured that we are doing our best. The City

DAVAO, 11

ighting between joint government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front and ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao has continued, the latest of which happened Sunday that left two MILF �ighters killed.

The MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unity) clashed over the weekend with BIFF Esmael Abdulmalik faction in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, Capt. Arvin John Encinas told reporters.

Among those reported killed was an operation of�icer of MILF 118th base command.

Encinas, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, said the Army has been providing blocking positions around the so called “SPMS box” or the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi town), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo.

Fighting between MILF and BIFF has been going on since three weeks ago after

hilippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sept. 3 said he would open the country’s porous maritime borders to Malaysian and Indonesian authorities in a bid to stop Islamic State inroads in Southeast Asia.

A few days after the arrest of two Filipino terror suspects in Malaysia was announced, Duterte said he would discuss greater cooperation between the navies and coastguards of the three countries.

“We have agreed that we will talk, the three of us. We are just waiting for the right

time,” Duterte told reporters.

“I will open my borders to the Malaysian authorities and Indonesian authorities … they’ll be given access,” said the Philippine president.

He said that terror groups in Southeast Asia are known for having powerful, wooden-hulled boats that weave across the rugged coastlines of the Sulu-Sulawesi seas, key maritime routes for international trade and international terror groups.

“So, if we’re chasing after Filipinos, we can always tell the Indonesians, go, get

5 Mindanawons among Palanca winners PRRD eyes open borders F in war against terrorists P ive Mindanawons are among this year’s awardees, two of them �irst prize winners in the short story category in English and Cebuano in the 67th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

John Bengan, 33, Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines – Mindanao and current chair of its Department of Humanities, won �irst prize in the short story category in English for his entry, “Disguise,” about a mayor who drives a taxi at night searching for a thief preying on taxi drivers.

This is the second Palanca for Bengan, President of the Davao Writers Guild. He won �irst prize in

the same category in 2013 for “Armor.”

Jondy Arpilleda of Tandag City in Surigao del Sur won the �irst prize in the short story category in Cebuano for “Bunok.” Arpilleda won third place in the same category in 2014 for “Kasina.”

Errol Merquita of Davao City won two awards: second place for “Tagulilong: Ang mga Nawala,” under the category Tula para sa mga Bata and third place for “Aninipot” under Short Story in Cebuano.

He won second in the same category in 2011 for “Isla Verde.”

Merquita won the top prize for “Ang Iisang Paa Ng Tsinelas” under the Tula Para sa mga Bata cat-

tigious and longest-runegory in 2015.

Mubarak M. Tahir of ning literary contest in the Datu Piang in Maguindan- country, was held at the ao, a teacher at the Philip- Manila Peninsula in Makapine Science High School ti City on September 1.

Interaksyon.com quotsouthern Mindanao campus in Davao City, won ed Criselda Cecilio-Palanca third place for “Aden Bon in her Sponsor’s remarks as Besen Uyag-Uyag (May saying that the award-givBuhay Pa Pala) under the ing body received a total of 954 entries for all 22 cateSanaysay category.

Tahir �inished Bache- gories and “63 judges selor of Arts in Filipino, cum lected 55 winning works of laude, at the Mindanao 51 writers, 23 of whom are State University (MSU) new winners while 28 are main campus in Marawi former Palanca Awardees.”

Cecilio-Palanca noted City.

Jade Mark B. Capiñanes that 18 of the winners beof MSU in General Santos long to the age bracket of City, won third place in 21 to 30; 16 in the 31 to Essay for “A Portrait of a 40 age bracket, and eight for the 41 to 50 age brackYoung Man as a Banak.”

Awarding of prizes et. “Seven were 20 years for the Palanca Awards, old or under, and since six considered the most pres- 5 MINDANAWONS, 11

2 KILLED, 11

PRRD, 11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 112 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

Parreño assumes as new Marines’head B rig. Gen. Alvin Parreño will formally take over the helm of the Philippine Marine Corps Tuesday afternoon.

Change-of-command ceremonies will take place at the Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Parreño will replace Major Gen. Emmanuel S. Salamat, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, who was appointed head of the Tarlac City-based Northern Luzon Command on Monday following the retirement of Lt. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo, PMC public affairs of�ice head Lt. Rowena Dalmacio said.

Parreño, and a member of PMA Class of 1986, becomes the 31st Commandant of the PMC. He is the Deputy Commandant of PMC prior to his appointment.

Parreño is a seasoned

Marine of�icer who started his career by commanding a marine ri�le platoon and honed his skills during his stint in Force Reconnaissance Battalion where he became its Commander.

He also commanded the Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 and was promoted to brigadier general while leading the Naval Reserve Command prior his assignment as commander of the 1st Marine Brigade in 2016.

The incoming PMC chief held various key positions which honed him to become one of the �inest generals of his time.

He has proven his leadership skills and prowess in �ighting separatist and terrorist groups in Mindanao and received numerous medals and various commendations for gallantry and dedication to service. (PNA)

Maute men using bombs from government planes

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s government troops tightened the grip around ISIS-inspired gunmen in Marawi City, the terrorists are �ighting back with all they have, including unexploded ordnance dropped from warplanes.

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Chief Lt. General Carlito Galvez said �ighting has been intense during the past two days along Quezon Avenue that runs along the Banggolo business district.

Galvez said the terrorists have been using everything they have from Molotov cocktails to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) fashioned from plastic water bottles.

He estimated around 45 ISIS-Maute gunmen are still �ighting it out in a small pocket in the city.

“Only 300 structures remain to be cleared from 600 previously but our troops are �inding more IEDs in the buildings,” Galvez said of the slow progress of the government troops.

Three soldiers died while 52 others were injured when they took back control of Bayabao Bridge in Banggolo last week.

Capt. Joane Petinglay, spokesperson of AFP Joint Task Force Marawi, said most of those injured were in�licted by IEDs. A military of�icer who is familiar with the �ighting said the terrorists got hold of explosives by salvaging unexploded ordnance and bombs dropped by the Philippine Air Force warplanes.

“They cut up the shells

MAUTE, 11

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

3

Three of the five Mindanawon winners in this year’s Palanca Awards (l to r): Errol Merquita, winner in two categories – Shorty Story in Cebuano and Tula para sa mga Bata; John Bengan, 1st place, Short Story in English; and Jade Mark B. Capiñanes, 3rd place, Essay. Awarding of prizes of the 67th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards was held in Makati on September 1, 2017. Photo from Bengan’s Facebook wall, with permission

Pulong, Mans to attend Senate probe Thursday

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residential son Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Duterte” and lawyer Manases Carpio, husband of City Mayor Sara Duterte, said they “commit to respect the invitation and attend the hearing” of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday after being implicated in the alleged corrupt practices at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The two said in a joint statement released by the City Information Of�ice Monday that they received an invitation from the Blue Ribbon Committee to attend the hearing.

“We duly recognize the coercive powers of the Sen-

ate of the Philippines as part of the legislative branch of government and their authority to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation,” the statement read.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier dragged the presidential son and his brother-in-law in the controversy involving the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu from China on May 24.

But last Friday, Customs �ixer Mark Taguba cleared the two of their alleged involvement in the drug mess.

“I had never testi�ied, nor will I ever testify that vice mayor Paolo Duterte and/ or Atty. Manse Carpio were involved in the shipment of

REHAB. A construction worker lifts up a pail full of cement which will be used for the rehabilitation project of some parts of Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

illegal drugs into the country.

Neither have I testi�ied, nor will I ever testi�ied that the aforementioned individuals were involved in the ‘tara system’ that was in-place at the Bureau of Customs,” he said in a statement.

He dismissed the involvement of the two as “hearsay in nature,” as the names of the vice mayor and his brother-in-law were only mentioned by the “Tita Nannie” and “Jack”, his direct contracts with the “Davao Group.”

Taguba said: “At no time have I met either vice mayor Duterte or Atty. Carpio in person, much less discuss any illegal transaction at

the Bureau of Customs with them.”

He denied that he owned the �ive cylinders containing 605 kilograms of shabu that were reportedly found inside the container from China.

“As I have repeatedly testi�ied, the contents of the container (otherwise known as the packing list) which was duly certi�ied to be correct by the Port of Xiamen under the ASEAN-China free trade agreement will re�lect that it only contained general household items and not the �ive cylinders where the shabu was discovered,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

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walker helps since a big portion of the registration fee goes to defraying not only school fees but also expenses for schooling such as materials,” he said.

Organized by Catholic Lay group Couples for Christ, the ANCOP program has sponsored more than 3,000 scholars in the country since 2011, with almost a hundred graduates from various schools and colleges in Davao City alone.

“It is our hope that with every year, more walkers can join, so that we can have more scholars,” said Mejorada.

Interested participants can register for P300 to join the walk, which will start at 5:00 a.m. at the Matina Town

Group to walk ‘extra mile’ for scholarships, Sept. 17 o advance its aim of helping build a church of the home and a church for the poor, Catholic family group Couples for Christ will hold its annual Global Walk for Scholars on Sunday, September 17, starting at the Matina town square in Davao City.

With this year’s theme “Walk an Extra Mile for Love,” the event hopes to beat its previous record by attracting more than 3,000 walkers.

Dubbed the ANCOP Global Walk, this is part of a simultaneous annual walk for scholars to take place in major cities around the world.

According to event head Benedict Mejorada, the walk is an effort to help less fortunate families achieve their dream of helping their children �inish school. “Every

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4 ECONOMY Inflation rises by 3.1% this August EDGEDAVAO

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he country’s in�lation rate surged to 3.1 percent in August 2017 from 2.8 percent in the previous month, due to higher prices of food, transport, water and electricity.

A report from Philippine Statistics Authority, an attached agency of the National Economic and Development Authority, showed that core in�lation, which excludes select volatile food and energy prices, also rose to 3 percent in August, higher than the revised 2.8 percent in July.

This is slightly higher than market expectations of 3 percent, but still within government’s target of 2 to 4 percent.

“In�lation is still expected to remain well within government’s target for the year despite accelerating for the second time in a row. Nonetheless, we should continue to closely monitor upside and downside risks,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said in a statement.

Food in�lation rose to 3.7 percent in August 2017 from 3.4 percent in July 2017 due to faster price increases in vegetables, �ish, corn, �lour, bread and other cereals.

Pernia, also NEDA Direc-

tor-General, attributed higher food prices to typhoon Jolina last month, which affected agriculture in Central Luzon, particularly in Aurora.

Meanwhile, the PSA said non-food in�lation rose to 2.7 percent from 2.4 percent in July, driven by faster price adjustments in transport, housing, recreation and culture, communication, restaurants, water, and electricity and gas.

“The continuing surge in domestic petrol prices, coupled with depreciation in the peso-dollar rate, may exert upward pressures on in�lation, leading to increases in the cost of electricity, gas, and other fuels in the near term,” Pernia said.

The NEDA chief noted that the impact of hurricane Harvey on United States (US) oil production could exert upward pressures on world oil prices and could translate to higher domestic prices of petroleum.

“Any signi�icant increases in domestic oil prices could push up transport and electricity in�lation in the country in the near term,” Pernia said adding that he is optimistic this could still be offset by higher domestic productivity in agriculture and stable commodity prices. (PNA)

P19.73B DOF budget for 2018 endorsed for House approval

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he Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives has endorsed for congressional approval the P19.73-billion budget of the Department of Finance for 2018, which decreased 16 percent from this �iscal year, setting an example for other government to utilize their respective allocations ef�iciently.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the 2018 budget of the DOF and its attached agencies dropped

by P3.5 billion from 2017 because majority of the investment outlays, and property, plant and equipment were already provided through this year’s budget.

“The DOF voluntarily submitted a lower budget for 2018 compared to the preceding year to set an example for other departments to operate ef�iciently,” Dominguez said.

Along with reductions in the capital outlays of other DOF-attached agencies, this 2018 budget cut for the DOF, which has a P21.30 billion outlay this year, was also largely the result of the significant decline in the allocation for the Bureau of Treasury (BTr), whose P6.46 billion budget for 2017 went down to P4.36 billion for 2018, or a P2.10 billion drop.

For 2017, the BTr’s al-

location represented a 288 percent hike from the previous year owing to its capital subscriptions to foreign �inancial institutions, including the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank.

The period of interpellation for the DOF’s proposed budget for �iscal year 2018 was terminated Monday afternoon after just about two hours of deliberations. The House is currently holding plenary debates on House Bill 6215 or the 2018 General Appropriations Bill, which proposes a national budget of P3.767 trillion for the next �iscal year.

Of the P19.7 billion proposed DOF budget for the next �iscal year, P17.97 billion comprise new general appropriations, while P1.75 billion represent automatic appropriations, of which P602 million is set aside for retirement and life insurance premiums, and P1.152 billion will go to the Special Accounts in the General Fund for several programs under the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Insurance Commission (IC).

“While there is a slight reduction in the DOF budget, the Department will continue to expand its programs, projects and services—particularly the BIR’s Revenue Administration Program, which

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 112• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD. A villager uses an improvised rake to comb the sands for seashells at the beachfront in Brgy. 76-C Bucana, Davao City on Tuesday.

Lean Daval Jr.

No final draft yet for banana industry act B

anana players in the Davao Region have yet to �inish the new draft of the proposed Banana Industry Development Act that will pave the way for the creation of a council that will oversee the growth of the industry.

Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. 11 executive director Marizon Loreto said Monday they are in the process of harmonizing the “comments” of the different banana players on some provisions of the proposed measure that was presented during the Banana Congress October 6-8 last year.

She said they will tackle the new draft in this year’s Banana Congress slated October 12-13at the SMX Con-

vention Center Davao.

Once passed, Loreto said it will establish the Banana Development Industry Council, a body “that will oversee the affairs of the whole banana industry sectors.”

She said the council will also be platform for advocacy, to help out the industry players in terms of �inding their markets, rationalizing the prices and protection of the industry.

“It’s not just to look at different sanctions you have to impose on, especially in irregular practices. Actually, the BIDC will also try to look into, to ensure that the operations, practices are being observed such that everybody will toe the line,”

Loreto said.

She said they also hope to address the “pole-vaulting” practices by “professionalizing the banana industry.”

Loreto said they also hope to unify both small and big banana producers of Mindanao.

“The banana industry is already more than 50 years in existence. It does not even have that kind of mandate, except that each of them takes its own initiatives.

But something that will put together everything, something that will unify the concerns of the industry, is really not happening,” she said.

Loreto said it would be better if the whole industry will come up with a “single

voice so that they will be properly heard and their concerns will be acted upon in the soonest time possible.”

She said Philippines is already far behind in terms of establishing this council.

Loreto said they are looking at Australia, as well as countries in Latin America, as model in the creation of the council.

During last year’s Banana Congress, President Rodrigo R. Duterte supported the creation of the body, emphasizing that the law establishing the National Banana Industry Council “is long overdue,” considering the issues hounding the players and the pests and

ify na walang mangyayaring ganyan (We will ensure that all materials to be used are above standard and they can’t fool us with substandard materials. We will do everything to verify that it won’t happen)” Purisima said.

He said that all subcommittees of the Task Force, including the subcommittee on housing, have been fully alerted to the issue of substandard materials, including fake cement.

The OCD of�icial likewise pointed out that one of the main responsibilities of the National Emergency Operation Center based in Iligan City is to ensure that all goods and services, as well as supplies that enter Marawi, is properly veri�ied and according to speci�ications.

“Gagawin natin ang lahat

para hindi tayo malusutan. At makakaasa kayo na palaging nag-uusap ang inyong Task Force, ang mga miyembro ng inyong Task Force, upang lahat kami ay on the same page. Para alam naming ang lahat ng gagamitin, ang lahat ng speci�ications at lahat ng ito ay naaayon sa ating standards at proper procedures ang gagawin natin (We will do everything so they can’t deceive us. You can be sure that the Task Force and its members are on the same page. So that we will know all material that will be used, its speci�ications and that they conform to standards and proper procedures),” Purisima said.

“And we will be very transparent. ‘Yan ho ang mapapangako natin, na magiging transparent ho tayo (that we can promise, we will be

transparent),” he added.

In the meantime, the OCD said that site development of the transitional housing site in Barangay Sagonsongan in Marawi City is ongoing.

Purisima said that four hectares out of the 11 hectares identi�ied as transitional housing sites will have been developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways by September 8 or September 9.

These would be eventually turned over to National Housing Authority for the construction of transitional shelters.

He said Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. has energized the initial transitional shelter site while the Local Water Utilities Administration is considering tapping the Agus River for the water supply.(PNA)

NO FINAL, 11

OCD: only standard building materials for Marawi rehab

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he Of�ice of Civil Defense on Monday assured that only “standard materials” would be used in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City following reports that fake cement has allegedly been smuggled into the country.

The assurance was made

by OCD Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima during a Palace brie�ing, saying that all materials to be used in the reconstruction process would undergo a strict and transparent verifying process from Task Force Bangon Marawi.

“Dahil siyempre ayaw nating malusutan tayo ng substandard na mga materyales at i-e-ensure natin na lahat ng gagamitin dito ay above standard. At gagawin natin ang lahat para ma-ver-

ECONOMY 5

VOL. 10 ISSUE 112 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

CEB pushes for travel tax exemption in BIMP-EAGA

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he Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Paci�ic, has asked government to extend the tax exemption for all air and sea travel from the Philippines to any destination within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), in line with the carrier’s newest international route between Zamboanga City and Sandakan, Malaysia.

The BIMP-EAGA Travel Tax exemption covers all international travel in airports and seaports in Mindanao and Palawan to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. Former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had granted the tax exemption.

The exemption from payment of Philippine Travel Tax of PHP1,620.00 (approximately US$32.00) was most recently reinstated through Executive Order (EO) 72 on October 24, 2014, covering a three-year period. The EO is set to expire in October 2017.

“We have made representations with the Mindanao Development Authority to request for the extension of the Travel Tax exemption for travel from the Philippines to destinations within the BIMP-EAGA. We believe that this would provide relief to the Filipino travelers and accelerate trade and tourism between the member countries, in accordance with the spirit and intent behind the creation of BIMP-EAGA,” said Atty JR Mantaring, Vice President for

Corporate Affairs of Cebu Paci�ic.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) serves as the Coordinating Of�ice of the Philippines for BIMP-EAGA. In addition to the extension of the Travel Tax exemption, Cebu Paci�ic has also been working with the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Quarantine and Bureau of Immigration to ensure that customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) mechanisms in Zamboanga are prepared for commercial international air passenger operations.

“We are also coordinating with local government of�icials in Zamboanga and Sandakan to make sure all systems are in place for the launch of our new route.”

Cebu Paci�ic, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cebgo, will begin operation of its Zamboanga-Sandakan route October 29, 2017. Cebgo will �ly between Zamboanga City and Sandakan, Malaysia four times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays). CEB’s new Sandakan route, the carrier’s 27th international destination, was �inalized after BIMP-EAGA ministers approved the Protocol to Amend the Memorandum of Understanding on Expansion of Air Linkages in October 2016. This allows for the facilitation of air services on existing BIMP-EAGA routes, as well as encourages the opening of new routes.

MUCH-SOUGHT FABRIC. A Maranao woman displays imported ‘batik’ sold for P350 each at the Kadayawan Village’s Maranao house along Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

DCACI hosts platform to connect contractors

by PAULA KIM FELICIANO

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n response to the rapid construction boom, and growing demands for advance machinery in Mindanao, the Davao Contractors Association Center Incorporated (DCACI) announced on Tuesday’s business forum at Dermapath SM Ecol-

and, the upcoming 8th PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao, that will serve as a match-making platform, easily connecting contractors to equipment purveyors.

“DCACI President Michael Te said that the con-

struction show is also a reply to President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘Build, build, build’ program that presented loads of infrastructure projects in the city.

“40% of the National Budget for Infrastructure

goes to Mindanao; 40% of that goes to Davao City and we need to buy equipment suited for the projects,” he said.

Global Link Chief Executive Of�icer Patrick Tan said that the 60-70% assurance

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Raids on plantations affecting industry

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he continued raids by lawless elements on banana plantations have adversely affected the industry’s sustainability as the country’s top export trade.

Aside from attacks against these plantations, climate change and lack of good agricultural practices are further draining the industry.

“But peace and order is the primary factor that is greatly affecting the banana industry,” said Ferdinand Marañon, president of PhilExport. Marañon said the industry is losing millions.

One company alone last year lost billions when the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked its box plant in Davao

City and the plastic plant in Panabo.

The company, Lapanday Foods Corp., has folded up the two companies.

Marañon also cited the burning of about nine trucks in another banana plantation in Agusan del Sur. He said one truck already costs more than a million pesos while a refrigerated container costs two to �ive million pesos.

“We are afraid that the investments of multinational companies will be pulled-out as it would be beyond their means to cope,” Marañon said, voicing concerns that if banana �irms give in to demands of lawless groups, who forced

businesses to give revolutionary taxes, it could cost them more money.

Marañon revealed that one company is already expanding in Latin America due to peace and order situation in banana plantation areas.

Philexport executive director Marizon Loreto said the continued attacks would result in displacement of workers and affect production, thus result in low supply of banana.

She said climate change like the El Niño is another factor that affects production and quality of the bananas.

Marañon said the banana industry players are counting

last July from the previous month’s 0.2 percent growth.

The trader said growth of personal spending in the US last July was below the 0.4 percent increase forecast by most analysts but still pointed to improving economic situation among the consumers, thus, investors remained upbeat.

All the other indices in the PSE tracked the main index, with the broader All Shares up 0.82 percent, or 38.72 points, to 4,761.99 points.

The sectors were led by

Mining and Oil, which surged by 1.82 percent followed by the Property,1.42 percent; Holding Firms, 1.19 percent; Industrial, 1.06; Services, 0.50 percent; and Financials, 0.02 percent.

Volume for the day reached 887.27 million shares amounting to PHP6.45 billion.

Gainers led losers at 115 to 83 while 50 stocks were unchanged.

The peso �inished the day little changed to a greenback at 51.16 from last Thursday’s 51.17.(PNA)

RAIDS, 11

PSEi starts week up, peso flat vs. dollar

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n enhanced investors’ risk sentiment boosted the Philippines’ main stocks gauge on Monday to the 8,000-level but the peso remained almost �lat against the US dollar.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) gained 0.96 percent, or 76.63 points, to 8,035.20 points.

A trader said investors partly considered the positive news in the US last week, referring to the personal spending, among others, which rose by 0.3 percent

EDGEDAVAO

6 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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Gina’s Crusade

ormer Environment Secretary Gina Lopez is back in the mining talk.

She had strongly expressed her opposition to the proposal to lift the ban on open-pit mining in the country. In the mind of Lopez, the open pit mining is a “social justice issue.”

The tough environmentalist thinks mining allows very rich people to get money at the detriment of farmers and public and is therefore an issue of social justice.

Gina’s reaction came at the heels of reports that the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) had asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to consider the lifting of the ban which Lopez imposed before she was rejected as DENR secretary by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

It has been reported that the MICC revisited the open pit

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mining issue by putting the technical working group (TWG) on economic affairs and on environment to task on studying whether open-pit mining should be allowed or not.

Open-pit mining is belived to be harmful to the environment and the people. In countries where open-pit mining is allowed, data shows the after effect of polluting the watersheds.

In the words of Gina Lopez: When you kill the river, you kill everything — the farmlands, the joy, the happiness, and everything the river could have fed.

There must be a far greater reason for some government of�icials to allow the reopening of the open pit mines that is far heavier in weight than the relevant and real concern aired by Gina Lopez and it could be worth lots of money.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 112• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO

O

ne of the least known Davao luminaries to hold a Cabinet position in acting capacity was Dr. Rodolfo T. Caños, a resident of Digos City. In the 1949 Davao City Trade and Commerce Directory, he was mentioned as one of the physicians “residing outside the city of Davao.”

Dr. Caños, also a graduate of Theology (1938-39) of Silliman University and later the owner of a hospital in his hometown that bore his name, was appointed health undersecretary for special concerns

by President Ferdinand E. Marcos and at one time designated acting Secretary of Health.

His sociable relationship with the President was punctuated by visits in his Digos residence while the chief executive was in Davao region. One such incident took place on March 11, 1964 when President Diosdado Macapagal made “short stops in Bansalan, Matanao, and Digos where he had merienda at the house of Health Secretary Rodolfo Caños.”

But this friendly alliance later soured up after a presidential committee was created on May 13, 1966 to investigate the administrative cases �iled against Dr. Caños. He was charged for (i) wilful neglect of

R

ice comes in different colors: white, brown, red and black.

Coming soon: a yellow one called golden rice. Actually, it is a genetically engineered rice variety that has been developed by the biotech industry to produce provitamin A (beta-carotene).

The proponents offer golden rice as one of the possible ways of solving the vitamin A de�iciency (VAD), which is prevalent in developing countries, including the Philippines.

Oftentimes, VAD can lead to blindness But still there are those who oppose for the commercialization of golden rice. The Greenpeace International said: “It is irresponsible to impose golden rice on people if it is contrary to their religious beliefs, cultural heritage and sense of identity.”

Riceisjustoneofthecropsaltered by science through biotechnology.

Crops which have been inserted with genetically-modi�ied organisms (GMOs) that are now available in the market include soybean, corn, tomato, potato, papaya, squash, canola, and sugar beet.

“We need criticism to keep us awake,” Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the country’s national hero, once said. Aside from those mentioned earlier, activists also opposed GM crops because of health reasons like allergens and antibiotic resistance.

Their reasons are valid. But

VOL. 10 ISSUE 112• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

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Fall of a Digos luminary duty with grave abuse of authority, (ii) dishonesty and (ii) conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the government, “committed while he was acting Secretary of Health during the period from September 5, 1963, to September 18, 1964, and thereabouts.”

According to other accounts, Dr. Caños was appointed as acting health secretary on May 1, 1964 and recalled to his original post on June 20, 1965.

The result of the probe, �iled motu proprio by the Secretary of Health, came out more than a year later, resulting in the issuance of Administrative Order No. 78, which deemed him resigned from of�ice.

Records show the National Orthopaedic Hospital, which Dr. Caños supervised, overspent for supplies and materials amounting to PhP1,351,331.32 during �iscal year 1963-64, with close to a million set aside for emergency procurement were found to be “grossly exceeding the monthly authority of the hospital for emergency purchases.”

The surplus expenditures, it was reported, resulted in excesses in the reimbursable fund of the hospital; this was done “through manipulations in the accounting entries re�lected in the emergency purchase orders.” The

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa emergency purchases covered over 900 vouchers, some of these “were made from a few preferred and �ly-bynight dealers, whose establishments were either [in] their residences, dress shops or sari-sari stores.”

Moreover, the report, contained in the Order, showed that some of the purchased items were “highly overpriced” and the “emergency purchase orders approved [by Dr. Caños] covered purchases of senior and junior executive desks and chairs, visitor’s lounge, waste baskets, �lower pots, curtain materials, linen, �loor

polishers, laundry soaps, �loor mops, plumbing materials, etc. None were used for the purchase of medicines.”

Administrative Order No. 78 declared that under Section 6 of Executive Order No. 302, series of 1940, and Administrative Order No. 124-A, series of 1963, emergency purchases of the health department need not be coursed through the DOH before the purchases are done.

The probers also found Dr. Caños had required all emergency purchases orders to be approved by him without going through the regular processing channel adopted by the department.

It was also discovered “that no valid canvass of prices was made” and he “approved most of the emergency purchase orders in his house brought to him by preferred dealers.”

The �indings contained in the Order also showed that several times Dr. Caños was invited to appear before the committee but refused to heed even when warned that no further postponement of hearing would be allowed. Failure to refute the evidence at hand, the Committee “was constrained to receive the evidence on the case in his absence, after which it considered the case submitted” and later ruled that Dr. Caños was “found guilty of all the charges and

recommended that he be considered resigned from of�ice.”

The Order, signed by Executive Secretary Rafael M. Salas signed on August 10, 1967 by order of the President further stipulated: “In fact, a committee formed by the respondent during the last administration when he was Acting Secretary of Health con�irmed the existence of anomalies in the National Orthopedic Hospital and the serious irregularity in the approval of the emergency purchase orders. That committee could have included respondent among the of�icials in the Department of Health and the National Orthopedic Hospital recommended for criminal and administrative prosecution had it not been for the fact that respondent is a presidential appointee and therefore beyond the jurisdiction of the committee.

“In view of the foregoing, I �ind respondent guilty of wilful neglect of duty with grave abuse of authority, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.”

Married to Adela J. Caños, Dr. Caños’ brood included Rodolfo Jr., Arthur (who died on March 25, 2014, in the US), Eleanor, and Hilda, all medical practitioners.

Application (ISAAA).

In 1994, the �irst genetically modi�ied (GM) food, a tomato with a delayed ripening trait, was grown and consumed in a developed country. The biotech tomato spend more days on the vine than other tomatoes, thus resulting in better �lavor. In addition, the longer shelf life has commercial advantages in harvesting and shipping that can reduce the costs of production.

Both the United States and China produce biotech tomato while Canada and Mexico are importing them.

Most of the Gm crops currently available in the market have an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant pests and diseases caused by insects, viruses, or other pathogens. Others have an increased tolerance towards herbicides.

“GM crops are developed using the tools of modern biotechnology and it is because of this that many have questioned whether these foods are safe as those that have been developed using more traditional agricultural methods,” the ISAAA said.

Actually, there is no difference between conventional plant breeding and plant biotechnology.

“Their purpose is one and the same: to produce superior plant varieties with improved characteristics that

make them better to grow or more desirable to eat. The difference lies in how this is achieved,” the ISAAA said.

According to ISAAA, the techniques used in modern plant biotechnology provide plant breeders with “precise tools that permit them to introduce desirable characteristics into a plant.”

A booklet produced by the Biotechnology Information Center of Southeast Asia Regional Center for Agriculture (SEARCA) explains: “It enables plant breeders to bring in one plant useful genes from a wide range of sources, not just within the crop species or closely-related plants.

“This powerful took allows plant breeders to attain a desired trait combination faster and address urgent concerns like the development of crops that are resistant to biotic (diseases and pests) or abiotic stresses (drought and waterlogging), and with increased yield and improved food and nutrient quality,” it added.

Now, regarding its food safety, the WHO assured: “The potential direct health effects of GM foods are generally comparable to the known risks associated with conventional foods, and include, for example, the potential for allergenicity and toxicity of components present, and the nutritional quality and microbiological safety of the food.”

When Foods are Altered by Science

then, foods derived from GM crops have undergone more testing than any other food in history. Before entering the marketplace, they are assessed consistent with guidelines issued by several international scienti�ic agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The guidelines imposed on biotech crops are as follows: • GM food products should be regulated in the same way as foods produced by other methods.

The risks associated with foods derived from biotechnology are of the same nature as those for conventional foods.

• These products will be judged on their individual safety, allergenicity, toxicity, and nutrition rather than the methods or techniques to produce them.

• Any new ingredient added to food through biotechnology will be subjected to pre-market approval in the same way a new food additive, such as a preservative or food color, must be approved before it reaches the marketplace.

There are several questions asked when GM crops are introduced into the marketplace: Does the GM

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

food have a traditional counterpart that has a history of safe use? Has the concentration of any naturally occurring toxins or allergens in the food changed? Have the levels of key nutrients changed?

That’s not all. Other questions include: Do new substances in the GM food have a history of safe use? Has the food’s digestibility been affected?

Has the food been produced using accepted, established procedures?

“Even after these and other questions about the GM food are answered, there are still more steps in the approval process before the GM food can be commercialized,” said a fact sheet produced by the Laguna-based International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech

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STYLE

A late summer

DREAM

By KENNETH IRVING ONG

FRESH from the launch its the highly anticipated Vania Romoff cruise collection, Plains & Prints introduces its Vietnamese-French late summer collection in a spectrum of cool blues with bits of bright accents.

The new collection combines mystical Vietnamese-ispired and French floral prints with modern shapes and silhouettes that makes it both artsy and alluring.

Aside from dresses, the collection also features blouses, pants, skirts, and shorts.

With Plains & Prints, all women – from mothers, daughters, power executives, stay-at-home moms, and beyond – will find easy, elegant styles that will complement their dynamic lives.

The new collection is now available at all Plans & Prints stores nationwide.

VOL.10 ISSUE 112 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

FOOD

A jouney in a glass

By KENNETH IRVING ONG THE LEGENDARY SILK ROAD is a storied route connecting Europe and Asia and is where the great explorer, Marco Polo, is said to have traversed on his journey from Italy to China. As a tribute to this east west connection, Marco Polo Davao launched its new signature drink, the Silk Road at a fun event attended by special event and media friends.

August 26 – 29, 2017

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Created from overnight-infused coffee flavoured with cinnamon syrup and milk, the hotel’s latest signature drink is made with iceblended coffee poured into a swirled, chocolateglazed glass symbolising the roads well-travelled of the Silk Road. This is topped with marshmallow, meringue that is flambée-finished by blow torch, emanating the sun-glinting cloudtopped mountains along the legendary route.

Together with the cold and refreshing drink is a fresh smoresispired cookie made from marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between homemade Graham crackers and toasted to gooey perfection, inviting guests to explore the history of the Silk Road.

“We are delighted to unveil the next in the series of our signature beverages for Marco Polo Hotels. The Silk Road Iced Coffee was created during a competitive contest of fabulously designed and deliciously different

coffees originated by our General Managers. The combination of iced coffee and warmed cinnamon cookies will make it one of the most appealing and flavourful drinks for our savvy guests and connoisseurs of culture,” said Mr Philippe Caretti, Vice President Operations, Wharf Hotels.

The new Silk Road Iced Coffee follows the success of the Signature Earl Grape Iced Tea which will now be part of all Marco Polo Hotels worldwide.

VOL.10 ISSUE 112 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

Singtel launches The 5-Min Video Challenge

Get the chance to compete with the best in Asia, Africa and Australia and win as much as $30,000 WHAT CAN YOU DO IN FIVE MINUTES? Not many would claim to watch a film, but it’s a challenge that Singtel would like to make to seasoned and budding content creators with The 5-Min Video Challenge, a regional film competition where participants must create compelling content in a limited time frame.

The challenge’s theme is “Connecting Lives,” which aims to explore how the connections in life can bring the world together. The competition is open to creators from Singtel Group’s markets across Asia, Africa, and Australia.

In the Philippines, Singtel has partnered with Globe to search for the country’s top content creators. Those interested in joining must fill out the application form available on the Globe website and submit their five minute video, along with the video poster, subtitles (if applicable), and members’ photos. Entries will be accepted until October 22, 2017.

“Our partnership with Singtel’s The 5-Min Video Chal-

lenge is part of our vision to give more opportunities to talented Filipinos to produce original content. At the same time, we are giving local audiences the chance to have access to quality content which they can watch whenever.

Sometimes, all you need is five minutes to get a point across,” shares Chief Commercial Offi-

cer, Albert De Larrazabal.

Three local winners will be announced on the official Facebook and Twitter pages of Globe Telecom on October 30.

The grand prize winner will get Php150,000, while the first runner-up will win Php50,000 and the second runner-up will win Php25,000.

The grand prize winner and

the first runner-up will fly to Singapore to represent the country in the regional round, where they will compete with entries from Africa, Australia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The winners will be announced in a gala celebration on November 22 and the grand prize winner will be awarded $30,000, while

the runner-up will take home $15,000.

Singtel will also be giving away special awards such as the Social Media Star award with the prize of $3,000. It is for the entry with the most number of likes on its trailer until October 22. There will also be two People’s Choice winners based on the top 2 entries with the highest votes during the regional voting in November. Winners will take home $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.

The 5-Min Video Challenge was established in 2016

by Singtel to test the creativity of the most talented minds in the region, and create a collection of entertaining and thought-provoking content in bite-sized pieces perfect for the mobile phone, one of the strongest drivers of entertainment consumption.

Last year, Miguel Lorenzo Sotto and Jazmine Yvette Reyes of the Philippines won first runner-up for their short film entitled Pagnanakaw.

For more information on the challenge and how to submit your video, visit the website at http://www.globe.com. ph/the-5min-vid-challenge.

VOL.10 ISSUE 112 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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HANGING... FROM 1 one,” said Lopez. “The City Council will now look upon the Water District to provide the much needed water supply in that area,” Lopez added. There are no other pending applications that will provide water to the city.

Lopez assured that there

will be a win-win solution.

“Everybody in that board is geared towards looking for a win-win solution on how best that we will be able to help out and provide clean potable water and adequate supply for our residents”.

City Government of Davao and the Davao City Police Of�ice are doing our best to prevent another incident such as what happened on September 2 of last year,” the Mayor said.

A P9-million trust fund has been put up for the victims and families of the bombing. As the city continues to provide healthcare to those still recuperating, around P7.5 million was also allocated for the livelihood and medical maintenance of the families of victims and bombing survivors.

“The goal is to capacitate them with knowledge on simple bookkeeping, recording and controlling through the provision of capacity-building seminars and trainings to enable them

to grow their businesses into viable and sustainable undertakings,” City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO) head, Maria Luisa Bermudo, said.

the ISIS-inspired group tried to encroach MILF communities in the SPMS box.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF, said his group will continue to defend its areas to prevent the ISIS-inspired armed men from encroaching civilian communities.

Under the 1997 cease�ire agreement between the government and the MILF, the rebel movement is mandated to help the government get rid of terrorists and kidnappers.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the police have remained on alert alongside the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade and 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade to prevent spillover of clashes between the MILF and BIFF to other Maguindanao towns and in North Cotabato.

More checkpoints have been set up to ensure public safety, he said.(PNA)

of these won in the Kabataan Essay category for 18 years of age or below, means that one winner under 20 years of age won in one of the adult categories; then there was one winner each from the 51 to 60 and 60-70 age groups respectively.”

From 1951 to 2017, the total number of winning authors has reached 2,303 while the total number of winning works is now 2,385, she said.

Named in honor of businessman and philanthropist Don Carlos Palanca, Sr. , the Palanca Awards aims to de-

velop Philippine Literature “by providing incentives for writers to craft their most outstanding literary works as well as serve as a treasury of Philippine literary gems.”

Bengan told MindaNews the winning entries will be posted on the website of the Palanca Awards this month.

Bengan’s winning entry, “Disguise,” was �irst featured in BooksActually’s Gold Standard, published in December 2016 by the Singapore-based Math Paper Press. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

on the government to address the issue on peace and order.

“We really hope the government will give us the solution,” he said.

On October 12 to 13, PhilExport will lead in the second banana congress to tackle the crucial issues affecting the industry.

This will focus on the main export product – the cavendish bananas.

Marañon said there is a clamor to hold second banana congress to put into context different challenges such as

security, market competition, among others.

Invited to discuss on security is Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenza, who already con�irmed to speak at the banana congress.

Loreto said there are also technical experts to discuss breakthroughs such as managing the banana diseases; biodiversity; competitiveness of the industry; driving forces of the industry; and, marketing support. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

DAVAO... FROM 2

Each of the victims recently received P50,000 in livelihood assistance to help them rebuild their lives. This was hoped that it would help them start business that will ultimately support them and their families.

A few days after the blast last year, Mayor Sara immediately ordered the resumption of business operations at the Roxas Night Market. It was not only to show the resilience of the Dabawenyos, but also to show the perpetrators that Dabawenyos do not easily cower.(PNA)

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A fisherman repairs his fishing boat ahead of a scheduled inspection which will be conducted by personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday in Brgy. 76-C Bucana, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

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them,” Duterte said of his vision. “The same for Indonesians here in the Philippines.”

The Abu Sayyaf, a small Philippine group that has pledged allegiance to the socalled Islamic State(IS), has enjoyed a lucrative kidnapping enterprise in this area, taking hostages across national borders.

The Jemaah Islamiya, the �irst Southeast Asian group to espouse a regional Islamic caliphate, and Malaysian extremist groups have sent �ighters for years to train with Philippine rebel groups in Mindanao.

Military public affairs

chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, said one of the Filipinos nabbed in Malaysia was identi�ied as Hajar Abdul Mubin, alias Mheraiz, a suspected right-hand man of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama.

The military is still verifying the group af�iliation of the second suspect, Abraham Bin Ebong.

Malaysian police arrested the two Filipinos and six of their own nationals in Kuala Lumpur.

“The group was arrested for alleged links to terrorist activities [in Malaysia],” said Arevalo without elaborating.

and bombs to get to the gunpowder and put them in small plastic bottles. They really know the stuff,” he said.

Galvez said the ISIS gunmen inside Marawi were able to get reinforcements despite the presence of gunboats watching Lake Lanao, the country’s second biggest lake.

He said reinforcements of one or two persons hide behind water lilies or water hyacinths to camou�lage themselves and taking advantage of bad weather at night.

“We believe one or two gunmen were able to reinforce those in the main battle area using these tactics,” Galvez said.

Last week, government troops repulsed a small group of terrorists out to attack the nearby town of Marantao and spoil the opening of classes at the Mindanao State University.

Government troops also killed 10 gunmen trying to sneak into Marawi City in small boats. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

that have to be addressed immediately.

Once passed, he said it will also pave the way for the establishment of the National Banana Research Center that will �ind cure to the most dreadful diseases that hit bananas, like the Fusarium-wilt, or the Panama disease, that has affected over 15,500 has. in the Davao Region.

Duterte said at that time that he did not sign the executive order prepared by the industry leaders on the proposed council and research

center as he explained there is a need to have a law so that these will get suf�icient funding.

“The proposed measure is the creation of a Banana Industry Development Council. Now it should be a law, I cannot give executive order. So, because if you need something, money or otherwise; if you need government to intervene – the legal standing has to be something like there is a law, the force of law in the creation of the banana research institute,” he said. (Mindan-

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GROUP... FROM 3

Square. After the walk, participants wilCatholic Group to walk “extra mile” for scholarships on Sept. 17 To advance its aim of helping build a church of the home and a Church for the poor, Catholic family group Couples for Christ will hold its annual Global Walk for Scholars on Sunday, September 17, starting at the Matina town square, this city. With this year’s theme “Walk an Extra Mila for Love,” the event hopes to beat its previous record by attracting more than 3,000 walkers.

Dubbed the ANCOP Global walk, this is part of a simultaneous annual walk for scholars to take place in major cities around the world.

According to event head Benedict Mejorada, the walk is an effort to help less fortunate families achieve their dream of helping their children �inish school. “Every walker helps

since a big portion of the registration fee goes to defraying not only school fees but also expenses for schooling such as materials,” he said.

Organized by Catholic Lay group Couples for Christ, the ANCOP program has sponsored more than 3,000 scholars in the country since 2011, with almost a hundred graduates from various schools and colleges in Davao city alone.

“It is our hope that with every year, more walkers can join, so that we can have more scholars,” said Mejorada.

Interested participants can register for 300 pesos to join the walk, which will start at 5:00 a.m. at the Matina Town Square. After the walk, participants will gather again at the MTS for a mass and simple breakfast. For more information you may contact Edz Surigao at 2975505 or 09176282568. John Tria

in the return of investment to participants explains the 20% increase in the number of participants in this year’s exhibit.

“Contractors and suppliers were able to create a database, rapport and meet as often as they need [to conduct business.]” He said.

He also said that the foreign investors for the development of Davao’s Infrastructure are well-informed on the parameters of Martial Law in the city and unintimidated with the declaration.

Besides the equipment exhibit, there will be group discussion on construction tips dubbed as “amo semi-

nar” involving �irm owners to update and re-teach them topics from construction safety to site responsibilities and mandates, in time for their Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board re-licensing.

The biggest building and construction show to be held in Davao City is set to exhibit 77 heavy equipment and machineries, carrying almost 500 top brands for construction tools and building materials, from both local and foreign contractors from countries including Germany, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea.

which comprises 79 percent of its budget; the BTr’s Financial Asset Management Program, which also comprises 79 percent of its budget; and the BOC’s Customs Revenue Enhancement Program,

which comprises 38 percent of its total budget,” said Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, who is a vice chairperson of the House appropriations committee. (DOF)

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P19.73B... FROM 4

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 112• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 EDGEDAVAO COMMENTARY: “…The strength of a people is measured by the welfare of the weak…”

by RUFA C. GUIAM

T

he foregoing words are culled from the Preamble of the Swiss Constitution.

These are the words just before the usual injunction (as in any preamble), “we…hereby adopt the following Constitution…”

Having had the privilege of visiting Switzerland twice, I can’t help but ask myself questions that redound to comparing our system with that of the Swiss.’

I know, it is like comparing (sweet) apples to (tart) oranges: there is no basis for comparison, for almost all aspects in the lives of the Swiss and the Filipinos.

But having lived in some con�lictaffected areas in Mindanao for more than four decades of my life, I can’t help asking myself why Switzerland and similar European countries are generally peaceful, economically progressive, and where the inequalities among different sectors are not as sharply divergent as it is in our country.

This year, 2017, Switzerland is said to achieve one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, with very low unemployment.

And in Switzerland, you can never hear any random, extrajudicial killings, or even a hint of state-sponsored unrelenting campaign against illicit drugs.

In contrast, these are our daily fare in the Philippines these days, spiced up real hot with expletives and crass cursing, coming no less than from our highest government of�icial.

At home in Gensan, I continue to commiserate with my Meranaw brothers and sisters (among whom are my

dearest family friends) of their on-going state of anxiety and misery. The bombing spree in Marawi City continues, with no sign of a let up, despite the admission of government troops that they are very close to pin down the very few remaining terrorist rats in a very small land area comparable to that of a midsize house lot (500 square meters – maybe they should check their data on this?). Now it seems that the behemoth (our government troops), is no match for a group of ragtag, nimble adversaries who have managed to bring this �ight to seemingly endless rounds of �iery exchange.

Unlike in boxing, the rounds in the �ighting ring that is Marawi are interminable, and no referee is there to call the �ight to end when one party in the �ight is down and weakened to stand more hard punches. And no one is cheering the victor, unlike when our boxing champ raises his �ist in victory over the fallen boxer. The Meranaws are of course not cheering, but imploring government to end this mayhem, and to allow them to return home. More than 100 days of the siege have weakened them not only physically but also emotionally, and psychologically.

Evacuees in Iligan and in other evacuation sites are known to show telltale signs of mental disturbance and there are only a few professionals who are deemed �it to handle these cases.

But of course, the President has declared no such end to the bombings, and in fact, has pronounced a possible extension of Martial Law in all of Mindanao,

claiming among others, that the ISIS scare has spread to Buldon, Maguindanao (one of the Iranun towns near the Lanao-Maguindanao border).

(Digressing a bit, is this claim backed up by real intelligence reports? I am quite bothered by his pronouncement, because it might turn out to be a “failure of intelligence,” as this has been made the reason for not having addressed the brewing restiveness in Marawi and elsewhere in Mindanao. Failure of intelligence is a non-phrase or oxymoronic – I believe there was no intelligence at all.)

Going back to the title of this piece, I am saying that Switzerland is running true to its basic law, of being concerned about the welfare of the weak.

This is where their strength lies: there are no rebels and dissident groups; people are generally welcoming even of the most different-looking people who visit their country. I refer to my fellow Muslimat who continue to assert their faith through their niqab(complete facial veil). During my visit, I was a little bit nervous that my hijab (head cover) will get in the way during the required immigration checks, but I was happily surprised it did not.) And they don’t only look after their own “weak” sectors; they have extended this empathy with weak populations in other parts of the world, like our country, for instance.

Compare this thrust with that of ours: all throughout the years, from one President to the other, the Philippines has never

expressed collectively, in its Constitution or any other legal instrument, that our strength as a nation depends on how we look after the weakest part of it. We can cite a statement associated with the late President Ramon Magsaysay: “to those who have less in life, there should be more in law.”

This means that government, through its laws and other legal instrumentalities and policies, should protect the weak, rather than the strong, when it comes to ensuring the former’s overall welfare. But I still have to see this made operational in day-to-day life anywhere in the Philippines.

On a daily basis, we see the deep chasm between the rich and the poor, the politicians and the people they are supposed to serve. Ironically, politicians only become “servants” when they beg the people, rich and poor alike, for their votes in the next elections. Afterwards, they forget their promises to look after the welfare of the poor.

They don’t even mind them, even if they see the downtrodden walk barefoot or in hole-ridden cheap rubber slippers. They are quite comfortable in their air-conditioned cars, listening to their favorite music piped in through the sophisticated sound systems of their vehicles, or in their top-of-the-line, ostentatiously decorated smart phones (only the phones are!).

The government has come up with some poverty alleviation programs, like the Conditional Cash Transfers. But this and other similar programs are not really working toward making

the poor and the marginalized economically and politically strong. It is pushing them to the edges of abject poverty, not to recover or trampoline out of it, but continue to be depending on it, like one addicted to illegal drugs. Expectedly, it is from their ranks where the foot soldiers of drug lords are recruited, and they are the ones who get killed �irst. The victims become victims more than threefold, and they continue to be persecuted, despite studies and expert opinion on the reproductive nature of poverty spawning not only petty but even capital crimes.

The frame upon which this program, and all other poverty alleviation ones has reinforced the power relations between the state and the ordinary, marginalized groups, complete with the condescending and exclusive policies that are the hallmarks of a government that looks at the poor as a burden to governance. This is so much unlike that of the Swiss government’s orientation to lessen the inequalities among the diverse populations there.

The Swiss Constitution enjoins almost all citizens to live with “diversity in unity” and to always consider an inclusive approach to governance – by the principle of recognizing that the state can only be strong if the welfare of the weak is foremost on its agenda.

And then we have the Marawi “war.” It is true that not all Meranaws can be classi�ied as among the “weak” in our country; but the fact remains

that they are still politically poor as far as representation and voice, or even agency is concerned. They may not be economically poor like many indigenous populations are or isolated groups in geographically-challenged areas, but they have their fair share of being misunderstood, being discriminated against, like all other Muslims in the Philippines.

Again, given present circumstances, I ask myself another question: if the terrorists attacked Makati City, the hub of business of the country and probably one of the wealthiest and economically strong areas in the country, will the President have declared “carpet bombing” to get rid of the terrorists?

Your guess is probably like mine, that he will be careful in making decisions where Makati is concerned. It is the center of �inancial strength, and like all other past Presidents before him, he will not dare weaken a strong center. If he does, he will curse the terrorists no end, but will never blame the people of Makati for his crazy decision to bomb it, unlike what he did in the aftermath of his decision to raze Marawi to the ground.

“You brought this upon yourselves, for having coddled the terrorists among your communities…” or something to that effect. But he can always throw his concern to help the weak out of the window for areas like Marawi. After all, he and the government he heads do not consider that the strength of a nation lies in looking after the welfare of the weak.

Taytay priest sued for trafficking case

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onsignor Arnel Lagarejos, 55, who was caught in the company of a 13-year-old girl whom he allegedly booked from a pimp in Marikina City, is now facing a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said Monday.

Lagarejos has been charged with violation of Section 6 for quali�ied traf�icking under Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Traf�icking in Persons Act of 2003, which is a non-bailable offense, before the DOJ through the Public Attorney’s Of�ice (PAO) headed by lawyer Persida Acosta.

The complaint has been �iled by the victim’s mother on behalf of her daughter. Both the mother and the victim personally went to the DOJ and met with Aguirre.

“They �iled this morning a case of quali�ied traf�icking in persons against Monsignor Arnel Lagarejos. So this is different from the case previously �iled wherein the accused was able to post bail,” Aguirre told reporters during a press conference.

Aguirre said Lagarejos managed to post bail only on

the �irst anti-traf�icking complaint.

“He managed to post bail on the �irst complaint [but] there is a pending traf�icking case and then this one.

Magiging tatlo na ang kaso nya,” Aguirre said.

Aguirre said the family of the girl is seeking to be placed under the Witness Protection Program due to previous threats to their lives.

Aguirre said the DOJ has committed to provide them provisional coverage pending processes for their application.

“They are asking and they wanted to be placed under the WPP. So I told them after this we will be processing at least the grant of provisional coverage. So they will be likely be placed under the WPP,” Aguirre said.

Acosta said that aside from Lagarejos, the four other individuals who acted as pimps for the priest were also named as respondents in the complaint.

Acosta said the �iling of the charges was based on the month-long investigation conducted by PAO Marikina and on testimonies provided by the victim. (PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 112 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

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Army thanks CebPac for free airlift support

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he Philippine Army on Monday expressed gratitude to Cebu Paci�ic Air for its free airlift support that helped transport troops wounded in the ongoing battle in Marawi City.

“It is with deep gratitude that we accept this kind of gesture of support for our soldiers who are now returning to their respective units for combat. It is a meaningful gesture to make your soldiers feel that their sacri�ices are being recognized and appreciated,” PA

Public Affairs Of�ice chief, Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said.

Last Monday, 11 soldiers were �lown from Manila via four separate Cebu Paci�ic �lights.

Tiongson said these soldiers were discharged from con�inement at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. They are the �irst bene�iciaries of the airline’s free airlift support.

Wounded troops, who are �it for commercial �lights can be accommodated on Cebu Paci�ic �lights from Cagayan De Oro (Laguindin-

gan Airport) or Manila to any of the 37 domestic destinations of Cebu Paci�ic Air. On top of the free �lights, these military personnal are provided with a 40-kilogram baggage allowance.

Cebu Paci�ic has also been granting free 40-kilogram baggage allowance to all soldiers and police who are being deployed to Mindanao, or �lying within Mindanao, provided they can show valid mission orders and AFP or PNP identi�ication cards. (PNA)

signed recently, we can go full blast in developing our halal industry,” he said in Filipino.

He said that Marawi City, which became a battle ground between government troops and terror groups, has a big potential to be a halal hub.

“We can have economic zone in Marawi for halal, with its vast land and climate,” Macatoman said.

The DTI of�icial added that there were Gulf Cooperation Council countries looking at investing in the Philippines, in which putting up halal economic zones could

be their potential investments in the country.

The Philippines still has a small share in the global market for halal products despite having a captured market, a large population of Muslims in the southern part of the country.

“Thailand and Singapore for example, they are not a Muslim country but their share in the halal industry is by billions. The Philippines, we have captured market with our Muslim brothers in the country, has small share in the halal industry,” Macatoman said in Filipino. (PNA)

RP halal export seen to balloon to $1.4B

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he country’s halal export revenues for next year is seen to grow to USD1.4 billion from the current USD800 million outbound sales, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Abdulgani Macatoman told reporters.

Macatoman said with the Republic Act No. 10817 instituting the Philippine Halal Export Development Program, the country can be more competitive to play in the USD3.2-trillion halal global market and is expected to be a USD10-trillion market by 2030.

“Since the IRR was

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Tuna museum eyed at GenSan fish port

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he Philippine Fisheries and Development Authority (PFDA) is pushing for the development of a museum that will showcase the city’s thriving tuna industry.

Luisito Romeo Correa, manager of the PFDA-run city �ish port complex, said Tuesday they have initiated discussions with local stakeholders for the establishment of the museum within the 11-hectare �ish port complex in Barangay Tambler here.

Dubbed “tuna museum,” he said it will mainly highlight the developments in the local tuna industry in nearly �ive decades.

“It will complement with the increasing number of tourists who have been visiting the �ish port,” he said.

Correa said city of�icials have initially supported the proposed initiative, which will also develop the �ish port as an “agri-tourism hub.”

The Department of Tourism in Region 12 has included the �ish port as among the city’s tourist destinations.

The top attractions is mainly the daily unloading of

fresh tuna by local and foreign �ishing vessels calling port at the facility.

The �ish port complex was the site of the city’s successful attempt in September 2014 to capture the Guinness World Record for the largest �ish display.

The world record bid was made by �ish port workers who were able to display and weigh around 25,500 kilograms or 25.5 metric tons of tuna in about 15 minutes.

The city government has been holding the annual Tuna Festival every �irst week of September to pay homage to its multimillion tuna industry.

The �ive-year festivity, now on its 19th year, ends today.

Malacanang has declared Sept. 5 as a special non-working holiday in the city in line with the festival.

A mass �ish grilling dubbed “Sugbahan sa Dalan” and a grand �ireworks display will cap this year’s festivity.

The city government and tuna industry players have committed to provide about a thousand kilos of �ish for the “tuna feast.”(AVE/PNA)

OCD: only standard building materials for Marawi rehab

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he Of�ice of Civil Defense on Monday assured that only “standard materials” would be used in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City following reports that fake cement has allegedly been smuggled into the country.

The assurance was made

by OCD Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima during a Palace brie�ing, saying that all materials to be used in the reconstruction process would undergo a strict and transparent verifying process from Task Force Bangon Marawi.

“Dahil siyempre ayaw nating malusutan tayo ng substandard na mga materyales at i-e-ensure natin na lahat ng gagamitin dito ay above standard. At gagawin natin ang lahat para ma-verify na walang mangyayaring ganyan (We will ensure that all materials to be used are above standard and they can’t fool us with substandard materials. We will do everything to verify that it won’t happen)” Purisima said.

He said that all subcommittees of the Task Force, including the subcommittee on housing, have been fully alerted to the issue of substandard materials, including fake cement.

The OCD of�icial likewise pointed out that one of the main responsibilities of the National Emergency Operation Center based in Iligan City is to ensure that all goods and services, as well as supplies that enter Marawi, is properly veri�ied and according to speci�ications.

“Gagawin natin ang lahat para hindi tayo malusutan. At

makakaasa kayo na palaging nag-uusap ang inyong Task Force, ang mga miyembro ng inyong Task Force, upang lahat kami ay on the same page. Para alam naming ang lahat ng gagamitin, ang lahat ng speci�ications at lahat ng ito ay naaayon sa ating standards at proper procedures ang gagawin natin (We will do everything so they can’t deceive us. You can be sure that the Task Force and its members are on the same page. So that we will know all material that will be used, its speci�ications and that they conform to standards and proper procedures),” Purisima said.

“And we will be very transparent. ‘Yan ho ang mapapangako natin, na magiging transparent ho tayo (that we can promise, we will be transparent),” he added.

In the meantime, the OCD said that site development of the transitional housing site in Barangay Sagonsongan in Marawi City is ongoing.

Purisima said that four hectares out of the 11 hectares identi�ied as transitional housing sites will have been developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways by September 8 or September 9.

These would be eventually turned over to National Housing Authority for the construction of transitional shelters.

He said Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. has energized the initial transitional shelter site while the Local Water Utilities Administration is considering tapping the Agus River for the water supply.(PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 112 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

3 villages soon to get potable water supply DAVAO ORIENTAL – Three “waterless” villages in the municipality of Manay will soon have ready and steady access to clean and safe drinking water.

Residents and barangay of�icials of the three villages of Central, Holy Cross and San Ignacio are overjoyed as they enthusiastically welcomed the implementation of the new Potable Water Systems in their communities.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who broke ground on the Potable Water System Projects at Sitio Bato, Barangay Central in Manay town on August 30, said that these new water systems are worthy investments as they address the long-running struggle of the people here – which is the lack of adequate water supply. “This is de�initely an important issue that needs to be urgently addressed,” he said.

Amounting to a total of P 14 million, these three Potable Water System Projects are being funded by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Barangay Central, which consists of Manay’s largest population with about 10,000 households, will soon have a level three water system amounting to P 10 million funded under the DILG’s 2016 Sagana at

Ligtas na Tubig Program (SALINTUBIG). This type of water system will directly channel water to the residents’ homes.

Level two water systems are also set for construction in the villages of Holy Cross and San Ignacio, earmarked with a budget of P2 million each, funded under the DILG’s Performance Challenge Fund as reward to the province for passing last year’s Seal of Good Local Governance for its exemplary performance in practically all aspects of governance.

DILG Provincial Director Yvette T. Sunga congratulated the residents and of�icials of the three barangays.

Empowering communities, the new water systems are set to provide residents many advantages, she said.

“With the water system, residents can save a lot of time

as they no longer have to bear to bear the burden of fetching water several kilometers away. Students will now have plenty of time to study and will no longer be late for school. Households no longer have to buy water from re�illing stations,” she explained, citing the many bene�its of adequate water supply in the everyday lives of the people in the community.

Aside from easy access, water coming from these water systems is guaranteed safe for drinking, helping consumers avoid water-borne diseases. She encouraged the residents to help make it sustainable in order to continue to bene�it people in the future.

Manay Mayor Antero Dayanghirang called on the residents to help protect the pipes and distribution

lines and discouraged illegal tapping of water that would contaminate water from the source. He said the communities’ involvement is needed in ensuring the projects’ successful implementation.

For the projects’ sustainability, the Provincial and the Municipal Government plans to establish an Economic Enterprise Of�ice for the proper management and operation of the water distribution when the projects are completed.

Leaders of the three barangays thanked the Provincial Government and the DILG for their efforts in putting up water systems in their villages, which they say would give respite to their constituents who have struggled water shortage for so long. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

central of�ice.

Filoteo said the center “is now fully operational” and is manned by eight personnel.

“Claims submitted in Western Mindanao will be processed here and this will hasten the processing of documents unlike before it takes about three months to �inish,” Filoteo said.

“This time it will only take one week to process claims as long as the documents are

complete,” he added.

The processing center was closed in 2012 by then SSS president and chief executive of�icer Emilio De Quiros Jr. Since then until it was reopened, the SSS Western Mindanao of�ice only received documents for claims and forwarded them to the central of�ice for processing and approval.

There are more or less

two million members in areas that are under the SSS Western Mindanao of�ice.

Filoteo’s of�ice covers the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, which are part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Isabela City and Zamboanga City.

(R. G. Antonet Go/PNA)

SSS reopens claims center in Zambo

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he Social Security System (SSS) on Monday reopened its claims processing center to better serve its members in Western Mindanao area.

Lawyer Rodrigo Filoteo, SSS assistant vice president for Western Mindanao, said the center will process claims, such as maternity, sickness, disability, death and retirement, which are previously being processed at the SSS

Police told to tighten watch in‘ber’months

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hilippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has ordered the police to beef up visibility in malls and other heavily crowded areas to curb the increase of crime incidents during ‘bermonths’.

This precaution is needed as crime volume during the pre-Christmas season increases due to the high number of people engaging in Christmas shopping and

other similar activities.

Aside from keeping tight watch of mall goers, Dela Rosa also instructed the police to continue the crackdown on illegal drugs.

He added the PNP National Operations Center is constantly monitoring the crime trend so that police commanders can be immediately noti�ied of any crime increase in their areas of operation. (PNA)

AMENDED EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE PETRONA CHAN REYES

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PETRONA CHAN REYES has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.272; Page No.56; Book No.V; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC AARON PHILIP B. CRUZ. Aug. 23, 30 & Sept. 06, 2017

VOL. 10 ISSUE 112 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

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Standhardinger leads PBA Draft aspirants

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H R I S T I A N Standhardinger made himself available for the coming PBA Rookie Draft and lined himself as possible top pick in the Oct. 29 event.

Standhardinger, 27, �iled his application right on the deadline set for Filforeign players to submit their papers before the Commissioner’s of�ice.

The Fil-German has

turned heads in the short time he had been to the country following his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the 39th Jones Cup, FIBA Asia Cup, and the 29th Southeast Asian Games.

The 6-foot-7 Standhardinger has committed to play for the Hong Kong Eastern Lions in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) and could miss the

�irst half of the season if ever he gets drafted.

Aside from Standhardinger, seven other Fil-foreign players managed to submit their respective applications at the end of the deadline on Monday.

San Beda stalwart Davon Potts and La Salle’s Jason Perkins and Julian Sargeant also applied for the draft as well as Andreas Cahilig.

Potts, Perkins, and Cahilig are teammates with backto-back PBA D-League champions Cignal HD Hawkeyes.

Completing this year’s batch of Fil-foreign applicants are Robert Herndon, Felix Aprecu, and Zachary Nichols.

The league will have 30 days to scrutinize their papers whether they are

PBA BOUND. Gilas Pilipinas center Christian Standhardinger has applied for the PBA Draft.

Azkals look to stay on track for Asian Cup

Roger Federer returns the ball to Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber. AFP

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Federer cruises past Kohlschreiber

OGER Federer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber to extend his record at the grand slams this season to 18 straight wins, and then surprised everyone by admitting that he had gone off the court for a “bottom rub” before the third set.

Federer showed no sign of being physically compromised during this latest masterclass, which he completed with a classic one-two punch: the big serve, followed up by a forehand winner to close out a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 victory.

The legion of Federer admirers on Arthur Ashe Stadium must have been more confused than concerned when he left the court for a medical time-out, just after concluding what was arguably his slickest set of the tournament to date. Then,

when the on-court interviewer Brad Gilbert asked him about the time-out, Federer seemed more amused by the question.

“I needed a bit of a rub on my back - or my bottom - and I didn’t want to do it on court,” he said with a grin. “I wanted to get it done as quick as possible so I didn’t have to wait.”

After a �ive-minute delay, Federer returned to the court and picked up where he left off, soon surging through to the quarter-�inals – where he will play Juan Martin del Potro in a rematch of the 2009 �inal here – in a typically ef�icient 1hr 50min. Later, in the interview room, Federer expanded a little on the nature of his treatment. “I just felt something, sort of my muscle being tight at the back. Sort of my quad, I guess. I don’t know

what you call it.

“I just wanted to get it done really quickly after the set break. I said, ‘Look, you know what, I need to go off court for it.’ Normally you have to ask. I just ran straight to the physio. I was done in three minutes and back again.

“I just didn’t want Philipp to wait. It was more precaution. It’s all good.

No problems there. I’m not worried about it. I’m sorry I had to do it.”

Unusually, the early stages of Federer’s match were overshadowed by the drama unfolding simultaneously on the Grandstand court, where the hugely popular del Potro de�ied the after-effects of �lu to reverse a two-set de�icit against sixth seed Dominic Thiem.

The cheers when del

Potro won the fourth set – in which he trailed 5-2 at one stage, and also stood just two points from defeat – were so loud that they could clearly be heard on Ashe. “That’s the �irst time I experienced that,” said Federer.

In his own press conference after a 1-6, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 victory – which occupied no less than 3hr 35min - del Potro admitted that he had not been con�ident of completing the match because of his ongoing illness.

“I was thinking to retire in the middle of the second set,” he said, “because I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t move well.

Dominic was dominating the match so easy.

“Then I saw the crowd waiting for more tennis, waiting for my good forehands, good serves. I took

Tony Lascuña, Jay Bayron and Elmer Salvador and young gun Clyde Mondilla head the local bets while at least 48 foreign players vie for honors in the $100,000 event sponsored by ICTSI. “We’ll try to make it two-in-row. We have the so-called homecourt edge but anything can happen at Splendido, especially if the wind come into play,” said Lascuña, winner of two legs on the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour and ninth at Southwoods.

“I feel good now and hungry for a win. The key is a good start then I’ll take it from there,” said the ace Davaoeño shotmaker.

Michael Bibat, fourth at Southwoods, also looks to take the spotlight this time and challenge for the top prize of US$17,500.

“The course is in championship condition. As usual, conditions are tough, especially if the winds come in,” said Taal Splendido golf manager Bobby Chico.

Lascuña and other

leading local and foreign players test the par-72 layout in the pro-am tournament on Wednesday.

PGTA qualifying tournament topnotcher Pasavee Lertvelai leads the foreign challenge along with Thai Wisut Artjanawat, Americans Seungjae Maeng, John Michael O’Toole and Cory Oride, Korean-American Micah Shin, Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang, Peter Stojanovski of Macedonia and Sweden’s Andreas Gronkvist.

Mondilla, Lascuna head local bets in PGT Asia Tour event

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LL is set for the PGT Asia Tour second leg – the ICTSI Splendido Classic – starting on Thursday at Taal Splendido Golf Club in Tagaytay.

The Filipinos dominated the kickoff leg at Manila Southwoods last month, with Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que posting a 1-2 �inish in the Aboitiz Invitational and Indonesian Ian Andrew ending up third.

With the three skipping this week’s event to see action abroad, veterans

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HE Philippine Men’s National Football team continues its bid for a spot in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup when it hosts Yemen on Tuesday at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

The Azkals are on top of their group after running through Nepal, 4-1, in March at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium before escaping Tajikistan, 4-3, in Dushanbe in June.

If the Philippines holds on to a top two spot after the home and away group stages, the country will be making its �irst appearance in the Asian Cup. The continental championships will be held

in the United Arab Emirates in 2019.

“I don’t care if we win, 4-0 or 1-0, just as long as we win because these games are the best way to go to the Asian Cup,” said Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley.

“We can do that if we’re a team and everyone sees the reality that it is going to be a dif�icult task ahead of us,” The Azkals will be playing minus Javier Patino, who scored two goals against Tajikistan, and starting centerback Amani Aguinaldo due to injuries.

They’ll also be without another defender in Daisuke Sato, suspended due to accumulation of cards.

Venus leads American charge at US Open

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ENUS Williams, looking to win her �irst grand slam title since 2008, leads the American charge at the U.S. Open as quarter�inal action starts in Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.

The ninth seed, on a renaissance path as she reached major �inals this season for the �irst time since 2009, faces Czech Petra Kvitova, who knocked out pre-tournament favorite Garbine Muguruza in the previous round three months after coming back from a career-threatening injury.

Kvitova, seeded 13th, was stabbed in her left playing hand by an intruder at her home in December.

“What she’s gone through is unimaginable, unreasonable.

The world we live in is just shocking,” said Williams.

“So for her, I think to be playing well is such a blessing.

To be able to come out here and do what she needs to do, to clear her head, it’s such a beautiful thing to see. What else can I say except I’m glad to see her back.”

American Sloane Stephens, back to her best after a year out because of a foot injury, faces Latvian 16th seed Anastasija Sevastova, who beat Maria Sharapova in the previous round.

She will be followed on Arthur Ashe Stadium by Williams, with Sam Querrey, the only American male player left in the draw, closing proceedings against big-serving Kevin Anderson.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 112• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

SWING TIME PAL Ladies Interclub blasts off Sept. 19 at Cebu Country Club M Mananquil, Waminal in Polomolok card B en Mananquil said he is now 100 percent ready to face Jess Rhey Waminal of ALA Boxing Gym from Cebu in their much-awaited championship �ight for the vacant interim Oriental and Paci�ic Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight title on September 9 at the Polomolok Gym in South Cotabato.

“I am 100 percent ready for Waminal. I used as my motivation what Waminal and his coach told the media that he is going to knock me out. But let’s see on September 9. I can’t wait,” said Mananquil, who holds the record of 14W-1L-2D, 3KOs. Mananquil is �ighting out of Sanman Boxing Gym from

General Santos City.

The 25-year-old Mananquil won his last bout with a unanimous decision against Kim Lindog last July 23 at Robinson’s Place in Gensan.

The camp of Waminal, on the other hand, �ired the �irst shots when ALA Boxing Gym trainer Michael Domingo described Mananquil as an easy target and that his ward will de�initely go for a knockout.

“Waminal is close to 100 percent being physically ready. We have slowed down in our training and we are con�ident he can meet the 118-pound weight limit,” said Domingo.

“Waminal sparred with Virgil Vitor and Jonas Sultan as part of his preparations

against Mananquil. Our target is to really go for a knockout,” he added.

The 22-year-old Waminal (11W-1L-0D, 6KOS) also won his previous �ight with a UD over Gerpaul Valero last April 26 in La Carlota City.

The Mananquil-Waminal 12-rounder is the main supporting bout of the “Road to Stardom” boxing presentation of the Sanman Boxing Promotions. Pitted in the main event is the title �ight of defending IBF Youth super �lyweight champion Jade Bornea (8W-0L-0D, 5KOs),and challenger Jakkrawut Majoogoen (19W-1L-0D, 11KOs) of Thailand.

anila Southwoods-Masters will have a proverbial bulls-eye in its back starting Sept. 19 when the 12th PAL Ladies Interclub tees off in Cebu City as the squad shoots to rule the prestigious event for the seventh straight year.

Tree-lined Cebu Country Club, the venue of so many huge professional and amateur events in the past, will host the 72-hole tournament regarded as the unof�icial club championship of the country.

SW-Masters will be without Pauline del Rosario, who turned pro after last year’s weather-shortened conquest of the �ield in Baguio, but the team is still brimming with so much talent and it wants to prove a point.

Host Cebu CC and newcomer Pradera Verde are the

others in the Championship �ield and are being tipped to crowd SW-Masters, with Crystal Faith Neri, the Gabasa sisters Irina and Junia and Mary Kim Hong bannering Cebu CC. Pradera, meanwhile, will be spearheaded by the talented Yuka Saso, a Fil-Japanese who has played for the Philippine Team several times and who is regarded as one of the �inest amateurs in the land today.

With Del Rosario making waves in the pro tour here and abroad and with another regular, Abby Arevalo in the United States on a scholarship at San Jose State, So�ia Chabon, Mikhaela Fortuna and Bernice Ilas will carry the �ight for SW-Masters.

Last year, the tournament was called off after 54 holes with fog and rain rendering

the Camp John Hay layout in Baguio unplayable.

And SW-Masters wants to put that behind this year.

“Of course, the players feel that they have some un�inished business,” Southwoods golf director Jerome Delariarte said. “The players are very motivated to win No. 7, and they know that this year will be a tougher challenge because of the arrival of Pradera, and of course, with rival Cebu CC still there.”

Tournament sponsors Primax Broadcasting Network, Mareco Broadcasting Network, Fox Sports, Asian Air Safari, Travelife Magazine, People Asia, Tourism Promotions Board, Bombardier, PLDT and Mastercard.

Support also comes from The Filipino Channel, Asia Brewery, Alaska Corp. and Philippine National Bank.