Edge10 issue138 October 12, 2017

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

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Serving a seamless society

HOPING FOR A BRISK SALE. Ricky Lucernas prepares to display his newly made Christmas lanterns at a makeshift stall along Tionko Avenue in Davao city on Wednesday. Unlike the previous years when lanterns are already sold on

the streets starting September, lantern vendors this year started to sell Christmas lanterns a little bit late. Lean Daval Jr.

CRACKDOWN NTC to go after unlicensed radio equipment EDGEDAVAO Sports S DONNIE IN DAVAO?

By ANGIE SAVERON

ALA mulls Davao defense for Nietes

SPORTS P15

tarting this October, the National Telecommunications Commission in Region XI will be conducting a series of inspection operation against establishments that are selling unlicensed communication equipment.

The campaign will include unlicensed dealers of cellphones in the whole region. All establishments will be inspected including their warehouses.

“We will come to you whether or not you are registered or unregistered,” said NTC

regional director Nelson Cañete during the AFP-PNP Corps Southern Mindanao press conference on October 11, Wednesday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Canete acknowledged the proliferation of non-NTC approved cellphones that are much cheaper compared to the approved units.

He said the NTC is coordinating with local government units, the Philippine National Police and other proper government agencies to make the inspection possible.

CRACKDOWN, 10

Banaybanay folks plan demo during Cimatu visit

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ONCERNED residents of Banaybanay, a progressive town in Davao Oriental, who are opposed to illegal mining are planning to stage a demonstration during this week’s scheduled visit of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to press for stoppage of what they term as “unmitigated and unregulated mining activities” in their municipality.

Banaybanay Councilor Roger Tambuang earlier con�irmed illegal mining activities in the locality, saying he himself wants the attention of the newly-con�irmed secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on this lingering problem.

“There is illegal mining in Banaybanay,” said Council-

BANAYBANAY, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

GRATEFUL HOST. President Duterte expresses his gratitude to Australian Embassy Manila Assistant Defence Attache Lt. Col. Gideon Scrimgeour following the President’s tour aboard the Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Adelaide which is docked at the Port of Manila on Tuesday. Also in the photo are HMAS Adelaide Captain Jonathan Earley,

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

BG Trinidad is AFP Loaning out Philippine deputy intel chief eagles overseas mulled

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he Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. Fernando T. Trinidad as the AFP’s new Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Intelligence (J-2) on Tuesday.

Trinidad, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, replaced Major Gen. Felimon T. Santos, PMA Class of 1986, who was appointed to command the Nueva Ecija-based 7th Infantry Division.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs of�ice chief, said AFP Deputy Chief-ofStaff, Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson presided over the change-of-of�ice ceremony which took place at the General Headquarters, Conference Room, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Trinidad, upon his appointment to his new post, described the intelligence community as the nucleus of all operations. (PNA)

Bautista resignation: Chronology of events

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ommission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Juan Andres Bautista has been on the spotlight for the past months following controversies which later led to his resignation from his post.

This, as the poll body chief’s personal life was rocked by the accusations of undeclared wealth hurled by his estranged wife, Patricia Paz. Here is a quick rundown of the events prior to Bautista’s resignation as head of the poll body: August 7, 2017 - Patricia Paz revealed that the Comelec chief has ‘ill-gotten’ wealth

worth over PHP1 billion which was not declared in the latter’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). These include several deposits in various banks, real estate properties and commissions he allegedly received from the Divina Law of�ice.

In a press conference, the Comelec chief, however, belied these accusations noting that he is ready to face any probe on the matter as he hoped that the issues between him and his estranged wife would be settled or addressed in a civil and decent manner.

 BAUTISTA, 10

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hilippine Eagle Foundation executive director Dennis Salvador unveiled a plan to loan out Philippine eagles abroad as a safety net to protect the population of the endangered birds should “catastrophic events” occur in the country.

Salvador told MindaNews Tuesday that this is technically a breeding loan program that would allow the host country to “keep and breed” the Philippine eagles to “protect the gene pool against the potential catastrophic events such as natural calamities or disease outbreaks” that can potentially wipe out their population in the wild.

He said they are hoping the plan will be approved by Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who has copies of the necessary documents that included an initial “risk management” proposal submitted four years ago.

“The issue raised has been with [Secretary] Cimatu. The papers are now at the secretary’s desk and hopefully we can move forward before, God forbid, bird �lu reaches us here,” Salvador said.

Through the program, Salvador said the Philippines can rebuild the population of the critically endangered Philippine eagles, a “giant forest raptor endemic to the Philip-

pines”, said to be “one of the three largest and most powerful eagles in the world”.

On the Philippine eagles’ adaptive capacity, Salvador explained: “Climatic conditions and ability to mimic local conditions will necessarily be a part of pre-conditions” in the selection of host countries”.

The PEF houses 35 eagles, he said.

Salvador said they have already intensi�ied the biosecurity measures at the center and limit unnecessary human contact with the birds to prevent them from getting infected with bird �lu.

“The in�lux of birds in the

country, the need has been doubled in protecting what we have here. As you know, the center is surrounded by poultry farms. Bird �lu, once it gets a certain area, one-kilometer radius is kill zone. Very dangerous. What we have in the center represents �ive percent of the entire Philippine eagles,” he said.

The PEF temporarily closed its center from August 15 to 16 following an outbreak of the H5 strain of avian in�luenza in Pampanga that poses a “grave threat to the Philippine eagle population.”

The closure was necessary to allow their team to

mitment of maintaining good relationship with other foreign Navies,” PN Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said in a statement.

The visit is part of the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Task Group Indo-Paci�ic Endeavour 2017 which aims to provide regional countries the opportunity to gain understanding of the ships’ capability especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance

and disaster response operations.

HMAS Adelaide, an amphibious assault ship and a landing helicopter dock, and HMAS Darwin, a guided missile frigate, are commanded by Capt. Jonathan Earley and Cmdr. Phillip Henry, respectively.

The two Austalian warships were rendered the customary meeting point procedures by the BRP Rajah Humabon (FF-11)

off Corregidor Island and escorted the vessels to its designated anchorage area.

President Rodrigo Duterte was given a tour of HMAS Adelaide anchored at the Port of Manila on October 10, 2017. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely, and Assistant Defence Attaché Lt Col Gideon Scrimgeour were among the Australian dignitaries in attendance. (PNA)

 LOANING, 10

Aussie vessels visit accents strong ties

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he �ive-day goodwill visit of the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Darwin to the Philippines highlights the strong relationship of the two countries and their respective navies, an of�icial of the Philippine Navy said.

“This visit further strengthens the already strong relationship between the two navies and forti�ies the PN’s �irm com-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

LTO to check new PUVs roadworthy T

he Land Transportation Of�ice has clari�ied it can only determine the roadworthiness of electronic jeepneys which might be utilized as an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation to commuters.

The agency is responsible for the registration of e-vehicles in the country, according to LTO chief Edgar Galvante.

“The only function of the LTO for this particular case is the licensing and registration of the e-jeepneys. We don’t have the authority to rollout these vehicle units,” Galvante said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

He made this clari�ication as a transport group had their �leet of electronic solar jeepneys inspected by the LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Service for their planned operation under the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

According to an earlier radio report, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) President Orlando Marquez said the solar-powered jeepneys have passed the speci�ications and standards set by the Bureau of Product Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The report said the e-jeepneys intend to traverse the routes of Ayala-Buen-

dia-SM Mall of Asia to the Southwestern Integrated Transport Terminal in Paranaque City once its operation starts. The units would also pass through the stations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Philippine National Railways in the southern and western parts of Metro Manila.

Local manufacturers are currently building the prototype design of the new PUVs which are based on the Philippine National Standard which will be presented on October 12, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The Philippine National Standards stipulates that PUVs should accommodate at least 22 passengers with some seated and others standing. Notable design changes include moving the entrance from the rear to the right side of the vehicle and replacing the side-facing seats with front-facing seats equipped with seat belts.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has recently signed an agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for a PHP1.5 billion �inancing program to assist transport corporations and cooperatives to allow smooth transition to modern public transport vehicles. (PNA)

CA rejects Ubial as DOH secretary

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he Commission on Appointments on Tuesday rejected the con�irmation of Paulyn Ubial as Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) after three hearings.

Senator Gringo Honasan, chair of the CA committee on health, said that the committee reached “a dif�icult decision” after scrutinizing voluminous documents and hearing the testimonies of the appointee and the oppositors.

The decision was reached in an executive session.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said that there was a motion to disapprove the ad interim appointment of Ubial as Health Secretary and there were no objections.

“The motion to disapprove the ad interim appointment of Ms. Paulyn G. Ubial as Secretary of the Department of Health is hereby approved,” Pimentel said.

Ubial was not present when the decision on her con�irmation was announced.

During the third and last hearing on her con�irmation, there were two new oppositors who spoke against Ubial

Former Department of Health secretary Paulyn Ubial

namely former PhilHealth of�icer-in-charge Dr. Hildegardes Dineros and a certain Ma. Fe Francisco.

Dineros said he did not resign from PhilHealth as Ubial earlier claimed but that the Secretary actually plotted his ouster.

Francisco, who represented PhilHealth employees, claimed that Ubial abused authority and that employees even wanted to �ile an opposition versus the Secretary but was afraid to do so.

Ubial, however, insisted that Dineros resigned and that

 CA, 10

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says the city government of Davao is looking for investors who are interested to put up Halal slaughter house in Davao City as it would open new opportuni-

ties for the industry to be an income and job generator through manufacturing and processing. The mayor also said developing Halal sector would help in attracting tourists from Singapore and Malaysia. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

BIR delays release of new tax stamps

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he Bureau of Internal Revenue has postponed the release of new tax stamps to enhance its security features.

In a brie�ing, Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko said BIR pushed the date of release from November 2017 to January 2018 as it continues to �ine-tune the security features to prevent fraud, among others.

“There are still some things we tweaked on security features,” she said.

BIR Assistant Commissioner Teresita Angeles said the manufacturer of the stamps, which she did not identify, is still testing the papers to be used.

TOWARDS A MANGO SUMMIT. Samahan ng Magmamanga ng Davao Region (SMDR) president Richard Olores announces the staging of the Regional Mango Summit on October 19 to 20 at Grand Men Seng Hotel during

Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. The summit aims to bridge the gap between small mango growers, mango importers and exporters and the government and to address the industry’s problems. Lean Daval Jr.

Apo Agua to comply with added permits

By ANGIE SAVERON

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ith the approval of the bulk water project by the City Council on Tuesday, the the Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. is now moving double time to comply with additional requirements.

“We are now in the process of acquiring permits from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Reform,” explained Engr. Cirilo Almario, general manager of Apo Agua.

The Apo Aqua of�icial told the AFP-PNP Southern Mindanao press conference on Wednesday at the Royal Man-

daya Hotel that the DA must issue a certi�icate of eligibility while the DAR will have to certify the conversion of the bulk water plant’s site from agricultural to industrial use.

“Apo Agua is hoping that all remaining permits will be acquired on the �irst quarter of next year so that we could start the construction right away,” said Almario.

He said based on their experience, it will take up to January of next year before the DA and DAR certi�ications will be issued.

He said the last hurdle is a requirement mandated by

the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. “ We will be the of�icial documents from the City Council to the HLURB for it to give its approval of the land’s use for industrial purposes,” he said.

The �irst part of the P10 billion project will start in Tamugan where a diversion weir and transition lines will be put up.

DCWD’s role in the project is the implementation of the part B which is to provide reservoir located in identi�ied areas including the improvement of the distribution lines amounting to P2 billion.

“We need to �inish these �irst before we can receive the water since existing pipelines are old that needed to be replaced,” said Atty. Bernard Delima Jr. DCWD spokesperson.

Delima said there is 60 percent completion of the part B and the DCWD’s timeline is to be able to �inish it all before the end of 2018.

AAII’s partnership with Davao City Water District and JV Angeles construction Incorporation ensured that they will be able to supply water to those who needed it the most.

mated P118 billion in total excise tax collections on tobacco products,” Dominguez said.

The amount represents a third of the total revenue collections from the excise tax on cigarettes.

Mighty Corp. which had faced a string of criminal complaints �iled by the BIR before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its use of counterfeit tax stamps, offered last July to settle its tax liabilities for P25 billion and shutter its business.

The Bulacan-based cigarette manufacturer sold its assets to JTI to be able to pay off its tax dues.

With the approval of President Duterte, the DOF and BIR had accepted the P25-billion settlement offer, which represented the

�irm’s tax de�iciencies.

Dominguez has said that the total amount the government would be getting from the tax settlement—the largest ever from a single taxpayers in the country’s history—is beyond P25 billion and could reach over P30 billion with the value-added tax (VAT) and other fees factored in the settlement and sale of Mighty’s assets to JTI. He said the settlement of Mighty’s tax obligations will signi�icantly boost the national coffers at a time when the government is meeting the unexpected costs of several calamities.

The increased “sin” tax collections will, on the other hand, help improve health care facilities and enable the Department of Health

(DOH) to procure additional medicines and provide services that will help prevent and control the deadly diseases caused by tobacco use, Dominguez noted.

Mighty’s settlement sum was funded by means of an “interim loan” from JTI and the sale by Mighty and its af�iliates of its manufacturing and distribution business and assets, along with the intellectual property rights associated with these assets, “including those owned by the company, Wong Chu King Holdings Inc., and other af�iliates to JTI or any of its af�iliates for a total purchase price of P45 billion exclusive of VAT.” The balance of P21.5 billion was paid after the closing of the proposed deal with JTI. (DOF)

IMF says PH economy among Asia’s strongest

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he International Monetary Fund remains optimistic on the Philippine economy as it continues to see a 6.6 percent output for 2017.

“We have retained the forecast as we see continued robust domestic demand driven by investments and consumption, and �iscal policy is supportive of growth,” IMF Representative for the Philippines Yongzheng Yang told PNA. The retention of the forecast was made even if the domestic economy registered a slowdown in the �irst half of 2017 to 6.4 percent against year-ago’s 6.9 percent.

In the second quarter alone, gross domestic product (GDP) decelerated to 6.5 percent from year-ago’s 7.1 percent due to slower expansion of the services sector to 6.1 percent from year-ago’s 8.2

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percent and slower growth in public spending.

The second quarter �igure, however, is slightly faster than quarter-ago’s 6.4 percent. “We think the growth slowdown in H1 was partly due to a temporary slowdown in public spending and strong base effects from H1 2016,” Yang said.

However, the lender, in its World Economic Report (WEO) released Tuesday night (Manila time), lowered its 2018 growth projection for the Philippines to 6.7 percent from 6.8 percent previously.

The IMF of�icial, on the other hand, pointed out that “the growth projection of 6.7 percent for 2018 remains one of the fastest growth rates in Asia.” “It (projection) is in line with our current medium-term growth forecast (6.8 percent),” heIMF, 10

Ilocanos laud creation of new bank for OFW

DOF says JTI take-over to raise sin tax by P40B I he government stands to gain almost P40 billion in additional revenues from the “sin” tax on tobacco products starting in 2018, following the move by Mighty Corp, to settle its tax liabilities and sell its assets to Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI), according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Dominguez said preliminary computations done by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) show that JTI will pay a minimum of P3.1 billion a month starting January 2018, which is about P2 billion more per month than what Mighty Corp. had previously been paying.

“For Fiscal Year 2018, JTI is expected to pay almost P40 billion out of the esti-

“It has a different design and then there are some security features that will be enhanced,” she said.

The current stamp tax design has a picture of the slow-moving �ilter-feeding Butanding (whale shark), which can be found in the waters of Donsol, Sorsogon in Region 5.

The new design will bear the picture of the smallest known primate, the tarsier, found in the provinces of Bohol, Samar, and Leyte in the Visayas and in Mindanao.

Tionko said price of the new stamps would be higher

by PHP0.2 than its current rate of PHP0.15. (PNA)

locanos welcomed the creation of a dedicated bank to cater to the needs of overseas Filipino Workers.

For Bambie Abadilla, a domestic helper of �ive years in Hong Kong from Apayao province, said she is excited to know what the new bank has to offer to OFWs like her.

Though she is a college graduate, Abadilla opted to work abroad hoping to give her growing children a better future.

Another house helper, Eva Agoo, said she has not heard of any news about the OFW bank but she hopes it would open up more opportunities for them to save and invest.

Now that Agoo’s only son is about to �inish college, she said she is considering going back to the Philippines to start a business.

“I look forward to check on the services of the new

OFW bank. What makes it unique to other banks? If it’s meant for lending, I hope it is pro-OFW and competitive,” said Alelie Lojero, another household helper in Singapore.

On September 28, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 44 which approved the Land Bank of the Philippines’ acquisition of Philippine Postal Savings Bank, which shall be named Overseas Filipino Bank.

The EO also directed Land Bank to infuse capital to the new Overseas Filipino Bank.

The new entity aims to offer various services to OFWS particularly on lending. For most OFWs, a huge chunk of their monthly salary goes to foreign remittance to their families back home or for the construction of a house. (PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO

Solon calls for passage of urban agriculture act

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NOVEMBER EXPO. Cocolink executive director Migdonio Clamor Jr. promotes the upcoming 2nd International Conference and Expo set on November 7 to 9 at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City which will be attended by

local and international exhibitors. Clamor made the announcement during Wednesday @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

lawmaker in the House of Representatives is pushing for the swift passage of the proposed Integrated Urban Agriculture Act toward a more food-secure country.

AGRI Partylist Rep. Orestes Salon made the call on Tuesday after the House Committee on Food Security consolidated four measures seeking to promote the use of urban agriculture in all urban areas in the Philippines.

Salon, principal author of one of the bills, stressed the need for Congress to lay down a policy platform to achieve food security considering that the Philippines ranked 79th in the 2017 Global Food Security Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

“The urgency of addressing our nation’s food security should guide us in our actions,” Salon said.

Salon said the proposed law could help improve the country’s food supply and could positively impact employment and income generation for ur-

ban settlers.

Under the bill, an Of�ice of Urban Agriculture shall be established by the Department of Agriculture.

The said of�ice shall be mandated to study and make recommendations regarding the impact of urban agriculture and vertical farming in metropolitan communities, and develop a research agenda on urban agriculture.

The places to be considered for use in urban agriculture include idle or abandoned government lots and buildings owned by the government, or available land within state colleges and universities.

Local government units will be required to formulate policies on the practice of urban agriculture and on utilizing urban and unused spaces and idle lands.

They shall also be required to enact local legislation institutionalizing urban agriculture as a regular component in the annual appropriations of the concerned LGUs. (PNA)

he Metropolitan Manila Development Authorityis proposing a carpooling scheme in EDSA to mitigate traf�ic in Metro Manila.

The agency is presently considering three traf�ic reduction measures along EDSA -- two-day number coding, one way EDSA all the way, and carpooling.

Thus came after MMDA’s Tuesday meeting with the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the agency’s policy-making body that consists of 17 Metro Manila mayors.

A scheme that combines the uni�ied vehicular volume reduction program (UVVRP) or number coding and carpooling received the most positive impact among the local chief executives, according to MMDA Assistant General Manager for Planning Jojo Garcia.

“We are encouraging the public to avail of carpooling to reduce the vehicles passing through the major roads in Metro Manila,” Garcia said in a press conference.

The MMDA of�icial said banning driver-only cars passing through EDSA will help people plan their trips leading to the reduction of the volume of vehicles.

Under the Modi�ied Carpooling Policy, if a vehicle has two or more passengers, it would be exempted from the number coding and can pass through EDSA anytime.

If a vehicle has a driver and passenger, the vehicle can pass EDSA but still subject to number coding. The number coding will still be in effect for automobiles with only a driver on board and will be prohibited from traversing through EDSA.

Business sector stays Carpooling proposed solid behind Duterte Tto ease EDSA’s traffic

As stock market hits all-time high

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espite the recent drop in his popularity ratings, President Rodrigo Duterte continues to enjoy the full support of the country’s business community, a Malacañang of�icial said Tuesday.

“Despite the ratings of our President which is slightly down, one thing is important: the business community is solidly behind the President,” Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said in a Palace briefing.

Concepcion said proof of the business sector’s con�idence in the way the Presi-

dent is running the economy is the performance of the stock market.

“The stock market hit an all-time high. If there’s no business con�idence, you won’t see the stock market making an all-time high,” he said.

“I will always say, the re�lection of the business community is really always looking at our stock market. That is the index of con�idence for business con�idence,” Concepcion said.

According to the results of the Third Quarter 2017 Social Weather Survey (SWS) released Monday, Duterte ob-

tained a net satisfaction rating of +48 (good), a dip of 18 points from the “very good” net satisfaction rating of +66 he got in June 2017.

The survey, which was conducted from September 23 to 27 also showed that the President’s net trust rating fell to +60 (very good) from +75 (excellent).

Despite this, Concepcion said there is a great sense of optimism, especially from the bigger conglomerates, all the way down to micro and small entrepreneurs.

He said the large conglomerates -- the Ayalas, the Lucio Tans and the

then also in the Philippines,” Plaza said.

“They will be putting up warehouses and will start looking at possible agricultural areas or agricultural economic zones where they can raise their vegetables and other crops and put up food processing industries to distribute in their different branches in different countries in the world,” she added.

The PEZA chief mentioned that LuLu is visiting an economic zone in Angeles, Pampanga where it can build its warehouse facility in the future.

Aside from warehouse facility, Plaza said LuLu also eyes to bring in its retail business here by building mall and su-

permarket.

LuLu Group is operating in 21 countries with a total of 138 retail stores.

It has total of 22.5 million square feet of retail spaces globally.

Moreover, Plaza mentioned that Qatar is looking at sourcing its food products from the Philippines.

Plaza said she invited the Qatari food industry to invest in agro-industrial economic zones in the country where they can raise vegetables, fruits, crops, and other agricultural products and process it here then distribute in Qatar.

“Allegedly, they will hire farmers, cattle raisers from the Philippines. I said, “No”.

Middle East’s LuLu eyes PH investments

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ne of the fastest growing supermarket chains in the Middle East and India, LuLu, is eyeing to invest in the Philippines, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza said.

Plaza told reporters that the LuLu Group visited PEZA last week to look at investment opportunities in the country.

As it plans to expand in Southeast Asian countries, Plaza said the United Arab Emirateas-based company aims to initially put up warehouse for food products that they will be exporting to Middle East and other markets where LuLu has presence.

“They will now be building in Malaysia, in Thailand, and

Gokongweis among others -- have formed a cluster to work closely with Duterte’s economic team headed by Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez.

“And we, for the past month or so, have been engaging with them on how the private sector can partner closely with the government in their Build, Build, Build program. The business sector wants to engage with this government to really be partners with them in their nationwide building program,” Concepcion said.

He added that the large conglomerates have also

LOCAL TAXI APP. Lawyer Roger Largo, president of the Davao Metro Taxi Operators Association, reveals the association will roll out sometime in December a taxi hailing app similar to that of Grab and Uber in Davao. This is in answer to the challenge of Mayor Sara D. Carpio for local operators to improve their service in exchange for

the local government unit’s opposition to the entry of Uber and expanded Grab operation as this will just worsen the traffic situation in the city. Largo is also the newly inducted president of the Davao City chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Lean Daval Jr.

6 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

Titing Tomimbang, a resident of Campo Ranao, Marawi City, shapes electric guitars from narra wood inside an evacuation center for Marawi City residents in Barangay Maria Cristina in Iligan City on 10 October 2017. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

No price increase of ‘noche buena’ items T he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has assured the public there will be no increase in prices of most of “noche buena” products as the Yuletide Season approaches.

Lilian Salonga, DTI consumer protection and advocacy bureau director, on Tuesday said this was the assurance given to them by manufacturers when they met on September 27.

“They assured us that there will be adequate supply (of noche buena products),” Salonga said, adding that there would be no price

increase until the end of the year.

“Tuloy ang pasko. We don’t have price increase on majority of the items that we serve in our noche buena table,” she said.

The noche buena products included ham, spaghetti pasta, spaghetti sauce, mayonnaise, fruit cocktail, salad macaroni, elbow macaroni, all purpose cream, tomato sauce, and cheese.

The DTI also assured that these products would be monitored to ensure they are sold within the suggested retail price. (R. G. Antonet/PNA)

Permanent curfew even after martial law

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embers of the city council have institutionalized the implementation of curfew hours for minors here even after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte would order the lifting of the existing martial law in Mindanao.

During a regular session on Tuesday, council members passed on third and �inal reading the “Discipline Hour Ordinance” that primarily focuses on the enactment of a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew for

those aged 18 years old and below.

“This is due to the upright effect of the prevailing martial law in Mindanao,” Vice Mayor Graham Nasser Dumama, concurrent city council presiding of�icer, said.

He stressed though that the new ordinance has yet to be signed by City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani–Sayadi.

“The important thing is that the edict has been approved in principle on our level,” the vice mayor said.

Currently, the city is imposing a 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. curfew hour for all residents.

Dumama noted that since the martial law implementation last May 23 due to the attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, by militant groups that have pledged allegiance to ISIS, crime rate in Cotabato City has dropped by over 50 percent, the biggest decline in recent years.

Apart from isolated cases, residents here are enjoying a

relative peaceful and orderly situation in the locality’s 37 villages.

“The martial law declaration has brought good not only to this city but also to the whole of Mindanao,” Dumama said.

Early on, Congress has granted the President’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year in a bid to quell the rebellion by ISIS-aligned �ighters in the besieged city of Marawi.

(Noel Punzalan/PNA)

he regional of�ice of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) has adopted the upgraded version of the Landscape and Wildlife Indicators-Forest and Biodiversity Protection System (LAWIN-LFBPS) in a bid to speed up its monitoring, data analysis and forest protection efforts.

Only recently, the DENR’s Forest Management Bureau (FMB) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) had capacitated data managers from all levels of of�ices with the updated version of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) software for the ini-

tiative.

In a report, the DENR12 said the system operates through web-based, opensourced software called “cybertracker” for the data collection interface and the SMART for data analysis, mapping and report generation.

Data can be transferred to Google maps and other tools for creation of doable reports which facilitate decision-making.

Rodolfo Santos Jr., B+WISER monitoring and evaluation specialist, said that they had upgraded the SMART software from SMART 4.1 to SMART 5.0.1 as there were dif�iculties in data upload beforehand due to �ile size of images taken during patrols resulting in delayed availability of information at

higher DENR levels.

“There were shortfalls observed and reported using the old version which can now be addressed by the upgraded version of SMART.” Santos said.

The upgraded version of SMART can now automatically downsize the images taken during patrols and can easily be uploaded to SMART Connect, implying enhanced analysis to better focus forest protection efforts.

“The redeveloped system version is vital in decision making. Monitoring our protected areas from threats is not enough if there are still issues on report generation. Now the system provides easy access to information for decision makers, Dr. Ali Hajinasser, conservation and development chief, noted.

The LAWIN system records data on wildlife indicator species for healthy forests to determine how the forest ecosystem is responding to management interventions.

It is developed by the DENR and USAID’s B+WISER to improve the response mechanisms on addressing threats and ensures sustainability of conservation efforts inside the country’s protected areas over the long-term.

The project expects to improve 780,000 hectares of forests and watershed as well as reforest 78,000 hectares of forests and 6,000 hectares of mangrove in the coun try. By yearend, B+WISER is expected to reduce greenhouse gases by 3.4 million metric tons. (Noel Punzalan/PNA)

MisOr capitol employee DENR-12 adopts upgraded environment protection system T arrested for drugs

P

olice arrested an employee of the provincial government of Misamis Oriental for alleged illegal drug use inside an inn here on Tuesday.

Vergil Lago, a weather forecaster at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice, was caught in possession of “shabu” weighing 0.36 grams when police swooped down on his rented room at Wilshire Inn, said Senior Insp.

Gilbert Rollen, head of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU).

Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano,

who said Lago holds the position of Local DRRM Of�icer II, said the employee’s arrest shocked other capitol workers and the suspect’s colleagues at the local disaster management community.

Lago will be allowed to return to work once he posts bail, Emano said, pointing out that a suspect is considered “innocent until proven guilty.”

According to Rollen, Lago was caught in the act of using illegal drugs, and police con�iscated from him two sachets of suspected “shabu”, including aluminum foil and other drug paraphernalia.. (PNA/ Mark D. Francisco)

GAME CHANGER 7 EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Mayor Inday tests negative for drug use

M

ayor Inday Sara Duterte on Tuesday afternoon took a drug test in compliance with a government order for public of�icials to undergo mandatory drug testing.

The mayor tested negative for drug use and noted that the simple act of submitting one’s self to a drug test sends the positive message that the local government is supportive of the national government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“We have to be an example to our society with regard to healthy living, and being clean, and not engaging into drugs,” she said. “And we should also set an example to the people of Davao -- that we should never engage in illegal drugs.”

On Monday, more than 30 heads of department and of�icials of the City Hall also took the drug test. On Wednesday morning, 168 City Hall drivers also took the drug test.

“The local government is not only implementing the memorandum from the Civil Service Commission, but also showing that we are serious in our

commitment to support the government’s �ight against illegal drugs,” said Michael Denton Aportadera, the Davao City Anti-Drug Council (Cadac) action man.

Under Civil Service Commission (CSC) Circular no. 13, government employees, whether they hold plantilla or job order positions, have to undergo the mandatory random drug test.

Sanctions Meanwhile, Mayor Inday said employees who will test positive for illegal drugs will be referred to Cadac for rehabilitation.

But she also noted that termination from work is a possibility.

“It would all depend on his job. He could be terminated but we will de�initely assess his records and consider many factors, including the length of service. For regular employees, we will refer to Cadac,” she said.

CIO

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

A

Manny’s KO tax bill

proposed bill taxing cigarettes heavily is the latest of Senator Manny Pacquiao’s knockout punch. He hasn’t scored a KO in eight years in the boxing ring but on the Senate �loor, the neophyte lawmaker has surprisingly dished out some.

His latest bill seeking higher taxes on tobacco-Senate Bill No 1599--seeks to amend Republic Act 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012. The measure seeks to increase the current unitary excise tax rate to P60 from P30 per pack, and the annual excise tax to 9% from 4%.

The proposal could increase government funds

by P60 to 70 billion a year from the taxes it will generate. There is a House of Representatives version of the tax amendment �iled in December 2016 which is House Bill 4144. However, unlike

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Pacquiao’s version, the House passed a bill seeking a two-tier tax scheme for cigarettes. HB 4144 proposes a P32-tax on cigarette packs with a net retail price of P11.50 and below, and P36 for packs that cost more than P11.50.

Senator Pacquiao’s measure is a “killer blow” to the tobacco industry but a massive generator of much needed revenues so there lies the catch.

The Senator slash boxing legend, who admits of not smoking a single stick of tobacco, is not afraid to bang heads with tobacco business as he �launted a sports career bereft of any tobacco sponsors given that the same is prohibited.

With a determined bid to tax vices like smoking heavily, the question now is whether or not this heavier tax on tobacco will hurdle the Senate.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

I

don’t know about you but students of law will agree that the “untimely” ouster of the late Supreme Court CJ Renato Corona by the past BS Aquino III regime may have set an ugly precedent in our highly-polarized political system.

Everybody seems to be knowledgeable or familiar, to say the least, about impeachment proceedings. Even the ordinary layman seems to be all ears to the progress of the impeachment complaint against CJ Lourdes Sereno in the Lower House of Congress.

The House of Representatives is almost done with its chore.

It needs only to gather at least a third of the total HOR membership (which is currently pegged at 98) and therewith toss the complaint over to the senate which then organizes itself into a court that will decide the fate of the impeached of�icial.

Earlier, the committee on justice chaired by Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali has already voted favorably to tackle the impeachment complaint against CJ Lourdes Sereno in the plenary where the chamber’s

I

n “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle,” author Haruki Murakami penned these words: “But even so, every now and then I would feel a violent stab of loneliness.

The very water I drink, the very air I breathe, would feel like long, sharp needles. The pages of a book in my hands would take on the threatening metallic gleam of razor blades. I could hear the roots of loneliness creeping through me when the world was hushed at four o’clock in the morning.”

Another author, John O’Donohue, wrote in “Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom,” this statement: “There is solitude of suffering, when you go through darkness that is lonely, intense, and terrible words become powerless to express your pain; what others hear from your words is so distant and different from what you are actually suffering.”

Breathes there a man with soul so dead so never experience loneliness. May Sarton describes loneliness as “the poverty of self.”

Charles Bukowski, in “Love Is a Dog from Hell,” wrote: “There is loneliness in this world so great that you can see it in the slow movement of the hands of a clock.”

Loneliness is not good for your health. As award-winning actress Audrey Hepburn once pointed out: “When you have nobody you can make a cup of tea for, when nobody needs you, that’s when I think life is over.”

If too much love can kill you, so goes a line of a song, so it loneliness. In fact, a recent study

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

Corona impeachment set a precedent?

majority coalition belongs to the administration party.

Since impeachment proceedings become almost certain because the prosecuting parties have the numbers, the likelihood is that Sereno, an appointee of former president Noynoy Aquino, will get the boot once the trial concludes.

This is a forecast that political observers seem to share. And the millions of die-hard Duterte supporters, too.

What is very lamentable is that the LPs – headed by PNoy - started it all by scheming to kick Corona out not only because he was an appointee of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - and therefore, was an unwanted thorn in the second Aquino government – but also because he was taken to be responsible for the High Tribunal’s collegial decision that �inally settled the Hacienda Luisita agrarian trouble in favor of the more than 5,000 tenants.

It was easy to spot that the LPs were targeting GMA herself and her appointees.

First, there was Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez who escaped the embarrassment of

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba the impeachment by resigning as a matter of compromise.

Aquino and the LPs succeeded in taming the usually antiEstablishment mainstream media and got them to their side such that unabated series of damning articles and opinion columns painted a sinister picture of targeted political enemies of the previous Malacanang tenant.

After sending GMA to hospital arrest, the LPs also trained their sights on three opposition

senators – JP Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla – who were humiliated by their media minions and eventually held under police custody inside Camp Crame for their alleged involvement in the Napoles PDAF scandal. (Enrile has since posted bail, Estrada just recently granted bail likewise and Revilla expected to follow soon.)

From the campaign trail leading to the May 2016 polls until today, paid media hacks and anti-Duterte broadcast giants continue to hound PRRD and his duly-constituted government in the hope of successfully staging a third “People Power” uprising.

Even if this were a folly, the Aquinos and their rabid followers believe they can do it – again.

However, Duterte is having the last laugh.

While stalwarts of the LP and its allies will �ight tooth and nail to prevent or delay the impeachment of Sereno in the Senate, there are rumors that two or three of her colleagues in the SC – as publicly declared by impeachment complainant Atty.

Larry Gadon – may be willing to testify against the lady Chief

Magistrate.

If Gadon’s declaration comes to the fore, it could be the end of Sereno’s tenure in the SC. It will be her word against theirs.

As you can see, the LPs, their corporate allies and media cohorts are steadily increasing their criticism of Duterte – �inding fault every inch of the way - in the hope of gathering a new wave of de�iance and resistance.

It is well and good that Duterte has Mocha Uson to his side, she who blogs and gets support from more than 5M social media followers. Despite her raw, if crude, un-journalistic writing style, Mocha gets her message across among the broad cross-section of the lower B, C, D and E economic brackets.

The truth is, I’m a fan of Ms. Uson. I love her better singing and performing as lead of the Mocha All- Girls Band. But what the heck, she is effective as a communicator. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) Ps.1.1:6: “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

platforms, these, however, are depriving humans of creating substantive and quality relationships due to the lack of physical and meaningful interactions,” the report said.

Among the elderly, housing arrangements plays a big role in loneliness. “Their loneliness might be triggered by the death of a spouse, children moving away, loss of network, fear of becoming a burden, fear of going out, and illness (examples: cancer and Alzheimer’s disease),” the report said.

The report ended with this statement: “Theories suggest that these �indings might be linked with how depression and anxiety are both cause of premature deaths, as loneliness and isolations are two of the symptoms that catalyzes the mental illnesses.”

How do you �ight loneliness?

There was this story of 41-yearold Marc Austin, who has a heart condition which contributed to feelings of loneliness and low self-con�idence. He had a heart attack in 2010 that left him with heart failure. Today, he is loving with a pacemaker to correct an abnormal heart rhythm.

“I was only 37,” he told “Heart Matter Magazine,” “and the �ittest I’d ever been, so it came as a huge shock. I did feel isolated because of my heart problems, specially being so young. I was living on my own and I didn’t know anyone else my age with a heart condition.”

Marc joined a fundraising group because he thought it was

a support group. “I soon realized it wasn’t, but they were all so friendly I thought I might as well stay,” he was quoted as saying. “It feels like a way of putting a positive spin on what I have been through and giving something back.”

Don’t be lonely throughout your life. Get out and �ind someone you can help, love, or talk with. Again, here’s a thought from Murakami: “I’m tired of living unable to love anyone. I don’t have a single friend – not one.

And, worst of all, I can’t even love myself. Why is that? Why can’t I love myself? It’s because I can’t love anyone else. A person learns how to love himself through the simple acts of loving and being loved by someone else. Do you understand what I am saying? A person who is incapable of loving another cannot properly love himself.”

Remember, the opposite of loneliness is happiness. Try to be happy and beat loneliness.

Elizabeth Gilbert, in “Eat, Pray, Love,” advised: “Happiness is the consequence of personal effort.

You �ight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieve a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it.

You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay a�loat on top of it.”

Being lonely is a health hazard

compared loneliness to that of obesity. “The research, presented at the American Psychological Association, proved that loneliness and isolation have now been considered as a public health concern as they have caused a number of premature deaths in 300,000 participants of 148 studies,” the article said.

For the information of uninformed, loneliness in the said study pertains not only in the state of being single but also social isolation and living alone.

Virginia Woolf, in “The Waves,” gave us some insight: “Alone, I often fall down into nothingness.

I must push my foot stealthily lest I should fall off the edge of the world into nothingness. I have to bang my head against some hard door to call myself back to the body.”

According to the study, those who had greater social connections were recorded to have 50% reduced risk of dying, where death caused by obesity only at 30%. About 70 studies were done; some 3.4 million people in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia participated in the study. Results echoed the same �indings.

Obesity, by the way, means having too much body fat. It is different from being overweight, which means weighing too much.

The weight may come from muscle, bone, fat, and/or body water. Both terms mean that a person’s weight is greater than what’s considered healthy for his

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

or her height.

Now, going back to the study of loneliness. Principal author Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad of Brigham Young University said “self-reported feeling of loneliness (subjective) and the state of being socially isolated (objective) potentially damaging.”

“People who say they are alone but feel happy are at increased risk of death, as are those who have many social connections but they say they are lonely,” Dr. HoltLunstad was quoted as saying.

The report said that social media, technology, and even housing arrangements are the culprits of the increasing rates of loneliness among adolescents and the elderly.

“While most feel more ‘connected’ through social media

9

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

UNLICENSED... FROM 1 He said the NTC will also con�iscate the non-NTC approved cellphones during the operation. “If you are selling cellphones and you are not an authorized dealer, your products will be con�iscated,” he said.

He said authorized dealers selling unauthorized cellphones will not be exempted from the drive.

The con�iscated items will be donated to establishments who will bene�it the most.

“Before they donated the con�iscated items to TESDA to use it for further studies and now if the items will be hand held radio then we will donate it to the police or to disaster prevention and we will make sure that the items are NTC approve,” said Cañete.

He said the non-NTC approved items will be disposed of by crushing machines to ensure these will not be used any more. Illegal dealers will be penalized to include possible

imprisonment.

The NTC of�icial encouraged the dealers to secure dealer’s permits.

But once they are registered, they will not be allowed to sell non-NTC approved cheap phones from China.

Canete advised the public to only items approved by the NTC. At the same time, he said NTC has reached its target revenue of P45 million arising from the collection of license and registration fees as of September 30.

“We have reached al our target except the legal sector,” said Cañete, adding that this year the NTC has provided permits and licenses to 17,000 people more than the 10,000 it has earlier targeted.

Through the inspection operations the NTC hope to reach the 144 cases quota for this year. As of the moment they were able to reach 82 cases.

or Tambuang in an interview with GMA Super Radyo during the weekend. “We are appealing to Secretary Cimatu to stop this.”

The second-term councilor said he and most residents of Banaybanay are not against mining when it is legally done. “What we are �ighting is illegal mining because it is unregulated and no one is held responsible and no one is made to account.”

Tambuang said he prefers a “peaceful and orderly dialogue” with Secretary Cimatu to eliminate any serious threat to the environment.

Cimatu is expected to arrive in Davao City before the end of the week to grace an environment convention at a local hotel.

Councilor Tambuang said there is already a petition forwarded to the of�ice of the DENR secretary asking for the cease-and-desist order against illegal mining activities in Banaybanay.

According to the councilor, unscrupulous parties made it appear that there is a “stockpile” of nickel laterite ores in Banaybanay and this “stockpile” is now being hauled in a clear act of illegal mining.”

Councilot Tambuang said no stockpile existed.

“They claim that alleged stockpile amounted 300,000 metric tons which is like a hill

and would need about 6 huge shipping vessel to haul,” Tambuang said over GMA Super Radyo.

“Visit us in Banaybanay and you will not see any stockpile there,” he stressed.

What you will see there today are mining and digging with plenty of armed men around.”

The councilor said he has sought the help of higher police authorities to check on the presence of armed men in the area.

In an af�idavit attached to the letter –complaint brought to Cimatu’s of�ice, geologist Franco Jimenez Jr. said an ocular inspection last September 5 showed actual mining activities in the area.

“While traversing the road going to the subject area we saw heavy equipment doing sporadic road works and several dump trucks loaded with reddish soil heading to the national highway,” the geologist said in his two-page af�idavit.

“We clearly saw heavy equipment doing fresh soil extraction, cutting open mountain and stockpiles of fresh reddish soil,” the geologist also wrote.

Councilor Tambuang said the people in Banaybanay are counting on Secretary Cimatu’s help “ before things could get out of control in our place.”

there were board members ready to submit a statement of con�irmation on what happened in the board meeting.

Aside from Ubial, other cabinet secretaries who were rejected by the CA include former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, and Foreign Affairs

Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. In an interview with reporters, Honasan said that the decision was reached based on a “collegial and individual judgment call.”

“Many issues were raised, too many to mention.

During the conduct of hearings, individual and collective judgment call -- that’s what we did. It’s a process which must be respected,” Honasan said. (PNA)

BANAYBANAY... FROM 1

CA... FROM 3

ELATED AND GRATEFUL. Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (AAII) general manager Engr. Cirilio Almario (left), together with Davao City Water District (DCWD) spokesperson lawyer Bernard Delima Jr., announces the City Coun-

cil’s approval of the Bulk Water Project during the AFP-PNP Press Corps press conference on Wednesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Angie Saveron

August 9, 2017 - The Comelec chief �iled several charges against Patricia Paz in connection with the latter’s accusations that he has ill-gotten wealth at the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Of�ice.

At the same time, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in conducting a probe on Bautista’s alleged hidden wealth.

August 22, 2017 - The DOJ tasked the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to investigate allegations of corruption and unexplained wealth against Bautista during his stint as PCGG chairman as well as to perform other investigative powers under its mandate.

August 23, 2017 - Former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio �iled an impeachment complaint against the Comelec chief on the grounds of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust amid hidden wealth allegations. The complaint was endorsed by 26 congressmen.

August 24, 2017 Comelec Commissioners Christian Robert Lim, Al

Parreño, Luie Tito Guia, Arthur Lim, Ma. Rowena Amelia Guanzon and Sheriff Abas asked Bautista to take a leave of absence or resign, amid controversies surrounding him including an impeachment complaint �iled against him.

September 20, 2017 - In a 26-2 vote, the House justice committee junked the impeachment complaint �iled by Paras and Topacio against Bautista due to insuf�iciency in form. The panel also rejected the motion of Kabayan Partylist Rep. Harry Roque to accept a substitute veri�ication to address a potential defect on the basis of form.

September 26, 2017 Patricia Paz, accompanied by her lawyer Lorna Kapunan, �iled disbarment raps against University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Civil Law dean Nilo Divina and 20 lawyers from the Divina Law of�ice for alleged violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility for giving referral fees to the Comelec chairman.

October 5, 2017 - Voting 26-2, the House justice committee approved a committee report formally junking the impeachment complaint against Bautista due to insuf�iciency in form. (PNA)

set up necessary emergency measures to ensure the safety of the Philippine eagles and other raptors in the facility.

The center reopened on August 17.

Salvador said they are wary of the outbreak because poultry farms surround the center.

Dr. Dannie Apelo, spokesperson on the avian �lu for the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region, said all chickens within one-kilometer radius from the point of infection will be exterminated.

International symposium Salvador said PEF will host the 10th Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) International Symposium, a biennial event, from October 18 to 22 at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU).

He said the experts would present the various conservation efforts like research and monitoring activities.

Salvador said 14 countries have con�irmed participation in the conference that highlights “how support to community-based actions can result to healthy people-raptor relationships”.

He said the four-day gathering aims to promote raptor conservation and determine link between raptors and local communities to encourage appreciation and protection of raptor species.

Salvador acknowledged the need to up the ante in the preservation and conservation of raptors, the “birds of prey”, amid the emerging dangers that threaten their population in the wild.

“Unfortunately, people’s attitudes towards raptors are not always positive. In northern Philippines, for example, hundreds of migrating Grey-faced buzzards are slaughtered for food at their roost sites,” he said.

He said the foundation’s progress in protecting the eagles can be attributed to the joint undertakings with the local communities across the country, by taking a “comprehensive approach to conservation, engaging in research, community-based efforts for onsite protection, and public education” to save the Philippines eagles and its habitat. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

promised to really bring the micro and small entrepreneurs into the system.

“You have of course the politics and all of that noise there. But we have to remember that the business sector has to be focused on

its vision aligned with the government on how in the end, all of these infrastructure will really help many of our small entrepreneurs and eventually the general population,” Concepcion said. (PNA)

The MMDA will still study the impact of the combined carpooling and number coding scheme.

“Chairman (Danilo) Lim does not want trial and error.

Thus, we need to study this scienti�ically before we implement this measure,” according to Garcia.

The proposal will be presented to the MMC for its approval. Once approved, the policy would be implemented in the whole stretch of EDSA from Mondays to Fridays from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. except holi-

days. Heavily-tinted public and private motor vehicles will be �lagged down by the MMDA traf�ic constables to verify the number of its occupants.

Data from the MMDA show that almost 8 out of 10 vehicles passing through EDSA have only one occupant.

The agency has earlier said the number of vehicles passing through EDSA would increase from 6,800 vehicles per direction to 7,500 vehicles in excess of its maximum capacity of 6,000 vehicles per direction. (PNA)

While people are the most sought after labor force, especially in the IT sector, but we have millions of hectares

of available lands for agriculture where you can raise food,” the PEZA chief mentioned. (PNA)

BAUTISTA... FROM 2

BUSINESS... FROM 5

IMF... FROM 5

added.

For 2022, the lender forecasts a 6.8 percent growth for the Philippine economy. The Philippine government has

set a 6.5-7.5 percent growth target for the country for 2017 and seven to eight percent growth for 2018 until 2022. (PNA)

LOADING... FROM 2

CARPOOLING... FROM 5

MIDDLE... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138•THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Finding comfort at

ARUGA CAFE I WAS JUST IN MANILA RECENTLY to attend a friend’s birthday and since I arrived a few days early, I decided to drop by Aruga at Rockwell to visit my good friend Alu Suarez for some catching up. It had been a while since my last visit and a lot of catching up needed to be done.

Instead of having lunch at one of the many restaurants at the Powerplant Mall which is right across Aruga, we decided to stay even closer to check out the hotel’s newly relaunched allday dining restaurant, the Aruga Cafe by Mesclun located at the hotel’s ground level.

“The Aruga Cafe used to be managed by a different operator to provide breakfast for our guests” shared Alu. “We decided to partner up with Chef Katrina Alcantara to improve the dining experience our guests can have whether they stay at Aruga or are just visiting and need a good meal for lunch or dinner.”

The Aruga Cafe’s menu is a mix of Filipino favourites as well as Western comfort dishes, so we decided to start with an order of Empanaditas. The pasty was crisp and flaky and they definitely were not stingy in the stuffing. A hearty bowl of French Onion Soup followed. After digging into the toasted

French Onion Soup.

Empanaditas.

Adobo sa Guava

With Aruga’s Alu Suerez and Chef Katrina Alcantara. cheesy top, I was met with a blast of savoury steam coming from the rich and flavourful soup.

For our main dish, Alu decided to have Aruga Cafe’s signature Baby Back Barbecue Ribs while I chose to go Filipino with the Adobo

sa Guava. The pork ribs Alu had were fall-off-thebone tender with a light smokiness that aired well with the coleslaw it was served with. The serving was also huge, so much so that Alu and I were not really able to finish it off.

Baby Back barbecue Ribs

My favourite dish that day however was the Adobo sa Guava. The dish is very much like your typical adobo except for the addition of native pink guava into the dish.

The slight tanginess and fruitiness of the guava elevates the dish, giving it a level of sourness that is mild and mellow. A bite of the chunks of guava gives a nice textural and flavour contrast to the rich pork stew.

“We are lucky to find farmers who can supply us with native pink guava which used to be abundant,” said Chef Katrina who also happened to be at the restaurant that day.

“Many of our dishes here at Aruga Cafe are comfort food that brings the diner closer to home.”

So when you need a place to eat at Rockwell that is away from the mall, Aruga Cafe by Mesclun is one place you should not miss.

EDGEDAVAO

A2INdulge!

TRAVEL

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138•THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

Mirrors at Mount Costa.

Why

BAGUI is one to visit

Day with the horses at Wright Park.

MOST OFTEN, playing the part of a tourist is one of the most fascinating things in the world. Not to mention, the many adventures and misadventures you stumble upon along the way -- the dilemma’s you encounter, places you accidentally discover, food you tasted and of course, the people you meet along the way. Everything is but a beautiful reason to be a tourist.

A recent trip to the country’s summer capital is not a first. Despite such, it was but a beautiful chance to re-discover the many beautiful reasons why we always, always flock Baguio despite the distance. On why we always consider Baguio a stop whenever we yearn for a cold embrace from Mother Nature herself.

Re-visiting Baguio was like opening a box of chocolate -- you know what to expect but once it hits your palate, you’d be taken into a flavourful journey unlike any other.

Places Baguio, like the rest of the country, is packed with places to visit. If you are up for the challenge, go ahead and visit Mount Costa but be forewarned that the flowers are seasonal hence better call before booking a trip. Despite the absence of flowers, you can still enjoy their numerous attractions. Flower power?

Drop by the Baguio Botanical Garden and be one with nature. Again, be ready for some trekking. Any Baguio visit is not complete without a trip to the Good Shepherd - go ahead and hoard.

Shopping

old-chick on skewers sold on the street is another food staple when in town.

Though I regret not having the guts to take a bite, it is said that it’s best eaten when it’s still hot with vinegar on the side. Baguio has so much nibbles that for anyone who has a sweet tooth, this place is for you. Try the strawberry taho for that surge of morning (or any day) energy rush. Love it hot too.

Colours of Benguet.

Fresh Greens.

Azalea Residences and Hotels Baguio.

Shopping in Baguio means a trip to the ukayukay or wagwag. Nothing like the malls, at the wagwagan, you’d find a plethora of choices -- designs, colors and of course, sizes. If you are tight on the budget, then this is the best place to be. You just have to have more than enough patience to score that designer knitted top you’ve been eyeing on the mall. Another best place to shop, specially for pasalubong, is the market where everything you can think of that appertains to Baguio is readily made available. Walis, anyone?

Food and Dining Any trip won’t be complete without sampling their local faves. Pinikpikan, a Cordillera staple, is one local fave that’s flavourful and full of stories.

Just ask how they cook this and you’d surely be amazed. A grilled day-

Accomodation Azalea Residences and Hotels Baguio is one of the many best accommodation places in the city. It’s Alps like log cabin design is enough to have you smiling from ear to ear. Like a warm embrace, it makes you very comfortable and at home once you step inside.The rooms, amenities and of course, the bed is something to look forward to. Not to mention, the accommodating staff ready to make your stay one to remember.

Now, anyone can visit Baguio minus the rush.

AirAsia now flies from Davao to Clark 4 times a week (S|M|W|F). Less than 3 hours from Clark, you’d be able to enjoy the many wonderful reason why Baguio is a must visit anytime of the year. Of course, it helps if your hotel has a concierge to pick you from the airport. Don’t forget to keep warm and bring your appetite anywhere you go.

For my latest food finds, follow me on Instagram @ iamleebai and Facebook @theroyalchefeats.Happy munching, royalistas!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138•THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

AirAsia travel 3Sixty° magazine launches new look AIRASIA’S AWARD-WINNING INFLIGHT MAGAZINE, travel 3Sixty° launched a brand new look for its October issue last October 6 in conjunction with its tenth year anniversary celebration. The revamped magazine which boasts a new logo, layout, content, and overall branding, was launched by Datuk Kamarudin Meranun; Executive Chairman of AirAsia Berhad, Group CEO of AirAsia X and publisher of the magazine at Fahrenheit 88, Bukit Bintang.

Introduced in August 2007 to bring the latest in destinations, arts and culture, heritage and adventure, travel 3Sixty° now seeks to ignite wanderlust amongst the readers and inspire them to plan their dream holiday. The magazine also introduced several new sections such as The Hype, Travel Planner, Aperture and The Client’s List. Furthermore, in tandem with AirAsia’s green initiative, the magazine has also changed its paper to a lightweight matte paper that reduces weight by 20 percent, which enables better fuel consumption that will translate to better savings for AirAsia guests.

Furthermore, to complement the magazine’s sleek new look and as part of AirAsia’s continuous effort towards becoming a digital airline, the magazine unveiled a brand new travel3Sixty.com, which now incorporates a transactional feature

and mobile-first-approach to further improve user’s experience, especially on-the-go users. In addition, the website allows guests to learn about new destinations faster and easier as articles, activities and deals are now destination specific so guests can access relevant information about their destination and purchase exciting activities on the go seamlessly.

Datuk Kamarudin Meranun; Executive Chairman of AirAsia Berhad, Group CEO of AirAsia X and publisher of the magazine said, “The new look and feel makes the magazine more contemporary and sleek, following the latest trends and directions in the publishing industry. Apart from refreshing the presentation style to our readers, it positions itself as a constantly evolving magazine that finds ways to satisfy the wanderlust in our readers. In addition, we also want to show

our supporters and advertisers that the magazine is constantly looking at reinventing itself as a publication where quality is reflected in content and style which will elevate the standing of the publication in the public eye.”

“In addition, as we move towards becoming a digital airline, we believe the time is right to bring even greater functionality and accessibility to travel3sixty.com, which will be the home for all our travel-related content, including trip plan-

ner. Asia Pacific boasts some of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world, and we believe these new transactional features and the ability to securely book activities online anywhere is integral to our guest experience,” he added.

Available on board all AirAsia flights, travel 3Sixty° reaches over three million readers monthly. The magazine has also amassed several awards including Best ASEAN Travel article at the 25th and 26th ASEANTA Awards, Best Tourism Photo at

the 27th ASEANTA Awards for Excellence, Platinum Achievement Award at Kuala Lumpur Mayor’s Awards 2014, Eco Green in Print at Malaysia Print Awards 2017 and others. Follow the magazine’s updates on social media via Twitter (twitter.com/ travel3Sixty) and Facebook (facebook.com/travel3sixty).

Keep updated on AirAsia’s latest promotions and activities via twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsia).

EDGEDAVAO

A4INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138•THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

LJ Reyes holds charity event at a public hospital

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KAPUSO ACTRESS LJ Reyes held a thanksgiving charity event at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital where she got to bond with mothers.

In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, LJ shared the reason why she chose to have the event at the public hospital.

“I chose it because it’s close to my heart. It was a setting for an advocacy film I did before and it really showed me how much more we can do. I am so blessed that I can do something and share with them these blessings in my own little way,” said she.

Aside from getting the chance to bond and meet with mothers and newborns, LJ also had the thanksgiving event because she has a lot to be thankful for this year and that it’s only right for her to pay her blessings forward.

According to her, “First, I always thank God that He provides me and my family good health. It has been a great year for me,

TV shows, travel, self-reflection, business, meeting new friends, endless provision! There has been a lot of dream projects that was answered this year. It’s like He’s giving me time to do everything I like doing slowly. I also want to thank God for being my fortress.

He has been a pillar of strength. Then He also gave me such an amazing

family who all the more makes me feel that this life is so beautiful.”

As an advocate for all mothers, LJ created the phone application she calls MApp or the Smart Mommy App. LJ also promised that proceeds from her app will go to Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. And for all the avid users of MApp, LJ

also shared a few exciting details and features that they can soon expect from the app.

“Expect that we will continue to grow our data, and we will work on an improved interface to be more visual and easier to use. MApp will also continue to look for the product that will give solutions to our fellow parents.”

11 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

Matina Enclaves Bldg C progress is now at 79%

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

E

SCANDOR Development Corporation (Esdevco) recently released another update of its ongoing construction works for the second condominium building of its maiden venture Matina Enclaves.

Locaed at a sprawling complex in Ecoland, Building C is now at 79 percent and is right on schedule for a topping off set this month.

The latest update was released based on October 11 report.

The construction update bared that Building C’s progress consists of the following: installation of electrical wiring; installation of Fire Pro; installation of door jambs; installation of waterline and pipelines; ongoing mechanical and electrical

works; �illing of solid block; preparation of perimeter walls; and preparation for paint jobs at �irst �loor.

With 79 percent progress, it’s all systems go for the Topping Off Ceremony and preparations are being set for that important event.

Four other fully sold condominium buildings of the signature project of homegrown developer Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) are set for construction.

Homebuyers of the sprawling complex will be waking up with the majestic view of the picturesque Mt. Apo virtually framed on their windows.

Matina Enclaves, built with an environment-friendly mindset, is

2ND FLR LOBBY ELECTRICAL & FIRE PRO INSTALLED

a virtual patch of nature where a community thrives amidst a metropolitan setting.

A few steps away is the Davao City Golf Club, a vast ground of lush greenery for one enamoured with the sport.

Around the complex are pathways dotted with trees where one can walk, jog or bike. The amenities too are family-oriented--a clubhouse with recreational facilities for both the young and old, lap pool, and soon, the Arcadia which is a modern gaming complex right across the road.

To top it, Matina Enclaves is a gated complex which only means that exclusivity is mixed with leisurely condo living.

BUILDING C PERSPECTIVE

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BUILDING C ATRIUM

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12 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

Are you taking care of your eyes?

Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

T

he vision of his right was perfect: 20/20. But he has problem with his left eye; his best visual acuity was still 20/60 – even with an aid of eyeglasses. He consulted an ophthalmologist who told him that even if he would undergo a laser surgery, the problem of his left eye won’t be �ixed.

“The truth is, you have never own glasses,” the eye doctor explained to the patient. “The problem of your left eye should have been picked up when you were seven years old. After seven years old, the connection between nerve cells of the eyes is already established and we could do nothing about it anymore.”

As the 30-year-old man was listening to the doctor’s explanation, he started to cry. “I am applying for a job in Singapore,” he said, “and I failed the medical examination because I could not read the chart with my left eye. I have three children and want to get this job to earn more but I will not be accepted if my left eye cannot see 20/20.”

In an interview, the eye doctor told this author: “If only his eye problem was picked up when he was younger than seven years old, given proper glasses and

aided by patching his left eye, he would have gotten the job.”

The man is not alone.

In fact, most Filipinos are not paying attention in taking care of their eyes.

“The critical time periods for an eye examination is during the start of schooling (around 4-5 years old), at adulthood (18-20 years of age), and at 40 years and thereafter,” says Dr. Maria Imelda Yap-Veloso, an ophthalmologist at the Asian Eye Institute in Makati.

In fact, eye examinations should start when a child is born. “Ideally, a child should be assessed at birth, age six months old, agree three years old, then 4-5 years old, and then annually thereafter, if each exam turns out okay,” says Dr. Alvina Pauline Santiago, a consultant in pediatric ophthalmology at the Philippine General Hospital.

Adults should have their eyes examined at least once every year.

“It is important to have regular examinations so you will know the status of your eyes,” Dr. Yap-Veloso points out. “You will know whether you are at risk for certain eye problems. You will also be advised by your doctor what you should avoid and how often you should come for checkups based on your eye

�indings.”

But can eye problems be reversed once they are discovered? “It depends on the eye problem,” replies Dr. Barbara L. Roque, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Eye Republic Ophthalmology Clinic. “If the problem involves vital eye parts like the optic nerve, the retina, or the lens, something can almost be done to address the problem but the return of visual function to normal depends on the severity of the condition and the length of time that has lapsed since the onset of symptoms, among others.”

More often than not, Filipinos don’t see an eye doctor until they experience a change in their vision or only when having eye discomfort.

“I believe there are many reasons for this. One is that they may not be aware that certain serious eye diseases may not have any symptoms until one has already reached the later stages of the disease.

Two, they may think an eye examination is painful and complicated process. I have some patients who say, ‘You mean, that’s an eye examination? I was expecting a more horrifying experience than that!’ The third is probably the usual reason

why don’t see doctors often – we don’t want to hear bad news.”

The bad news is that an estimated 45 million people are blind and 135 million are visually impaired. In the Philippines, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness – after cataract. Other forms of eyesight conditions are amblyopia (one eye cannot see well), presbyopia (the eye’s lens loses its elasticity, making nearby objects appear fuzzy), myopia (objects in the distance are blurry), strabismus (when eye don’t align), binocular problems (when eyes don’t work together) and age-related macular degeneration (breakdown of the macula, which controls central vision).

These eyesight conditions can be detected only with a comprehensive examination by an optometrist (an eye-care expert) or an ophthalmologist (a doctor specializing in eye health, who can also do surgery).

Most Filipino ophthalmologists charge similar rates (ranging from P500 to P800 per consultation) for children and adults. However, if extra tests/measurements or adjunctive diagnostic procedures are needed, there may

be additional charges.

The good news is: doctors can now use different treatments to solve all types of eyesight problems while limiting the side effects. “Thanks to modern science, we now have the solution to most eyesight problems,” points out Dr. Gerard Chuah, consultant ophthalmologist at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. “Name it and we may have the technology for it.”

In an article which appeared in Reader’s Digest, Jen Matlack offers a host of new treatments for those people whose life is getting blurry. “Now is the most exciting time in the �ield of vision care,” Dr. Alan Carlson, director of the Refractive Surgery Service at the Duke University Eye Center, was quoted as saying.

Even for people who wear reading glasses, there’s a new treatment for them. For instance, people having presbyopia can use the so-called switchable bifocals. These glasses, being developed at the University of Arizona, can be switched from near- to farsighted vision at the touch of a button.

Myopic people can avail the phakic implantable contact lens. It’s a pliable lens that’s inject-

ed by an ophthalmologist into the eye, where it “unfolds” to correct nearsightedness.

Ask your doctor if you are 21 to 45 years old, suffer moderate to severe nearsightedness and aren’t a candidate for or don’t want laser surgery.

For those suffering from cataracts, they can ask for either Tecnic ZM900 or Alcon ReSTOR. These multi-focal intraocular lenses are arti�icial implants that mimic the natural lens, giving patients spectacle-free distance and near vision.

Anecortave acetate is good for those with glaucoma. It’s a drug that’s injected around the wall of the eye. It appears to decrease production of myocilin, a protein that clogs the pore system inside the eye where �luid drains.

There are three anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents that are available against age-related macular degeneration: Lucentis , Macugen, and Avastin. Any of these are injected into the back of the eye under local anesthesia to stop central vision loss.

“The eye governs a very signi�icant sense -the sense of sight – our windows to the world and our windows to life,” Dr. Yap-Veloso reminds.

“Taking care of this special sense should take a more active participation on our part.”

A regular eye examination is a part of that eye management. “Early diagnosis leads to early treatment and prevention of eye complications which may be permanent,” concludes the clinical associate professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. (Photos taken from the net)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

MEET... FROM 15

NEWS 13

DCCCII ANNOUNCEMENT

six-year career.

“Every moment in my life is pretty important,” Irving said. “I wouldn’t say that it’s the most important. I would say it’s probably the most interesting.”

Here are some things to watch for with the Celtics this season: EARLY REMATCH One of the byproducts of the deal that brought in Irving was that president of basketball operations Danny Ainge had to part with Thomas, who had become not only a twotime All-Star, but the team’s emotional leader as well.

A hip injury he suffered in the playoffs won’t allow Thomas to be on the �loor when his new Cavaliers team hosts the Celtics in both team’s season opener on Oct. 17.

But it will make for an interesting on-court reunion for Irving and James.

REUNITED When Hayward entered

free agency, Boston was thought to be high on the list to land him because of his previous association with coach Brad Stevens.

Stevens was Hayward’s college coach at Butler, and the pair came within a missed last-second shot by Hayward of winning a national championship.

While Hayward said the ultimate decision to leave Utah for Boston was basketball-driven, he said the connection he had with Stevens was a factor.

“I always had a dream to play in the NBA, but he was the �irst person to tell me that I could get there some day,” Hayward said.

After growing into a �irsttime All-Star with the Jazz, he now will have the chance to play a key role again in a “position-less” system that promises to utilize Hayward’s skills as a scorer and passer.

TRIMMER SMART Guard Marcus Smart will

look a little different on the court this season after shedding 20 pounds in the offseason.

He said he struggled with back pain during the latter part of last season at 240 pounds and made it a priority to change his diet and slim down.

One thing that won’t change, Smart said, is how he plays the game. His physique has changed, along with many of the players around him. But the goals are the same, even has he prepares to take on a new role as one the Celtics’ veterans. Smart, Horford, Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown are the only returning players from last year’s roster.

“Marcus is a critical part of our team,” Stevens said. “I think ultimately we want our identity to be a team that gets better every day. And I think his mindset, his competitive spirit, his toughness, his will — all of those things make teams better.’

World Cup appearance since 1982 after edging Chile for the South American spot in the inter-continental playoff next month against Oceania representative New Zealand.

On a dramatic last day of continental qualifying tournaments, six South American teams — separated by only four

points over 17 matches — had shots at the World Cup entering play.

Chile and Paraguay missed out at the last moment. Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador were already out of contention.

Chile lost 3-0 to Brazil, the 12th straight unbeaten qualifying game for Brazil coach Tite.

Venezuela defeated Paraguay 1-0.

There was a major shock in CONCACAF qualifying for teams in North and Central America and the Caribbean, with the U.S. slipping from third spot to �ifth with a loss in Trinidad and missing out on the World Cup.

HATTRICK... FROM 15

The Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. wishes to announce the appointment of Ms. Marc Faith A. Wales as its new Executive Director effective August 29, 2017.

The Chamber, through its Board of Trustees and Officers, welcome her onboard to fill the position vacated earlier by the previous Executive Director due to expired contract.

We enjoin the Chamber staff, the Chamber members, fellow business chambers institutions, various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the media, the diplomatic corps, and everyone in the business community to welcome her, and give her your usual supports to the position that she will need to be successful in her functions and responsibilities inherent to her job.

This appointment is in conformance with the provisions as stipulated in the DCCCII Constitution and Bylaws.

Signed, for and in behalf of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc.

Capt. Ronald C. Go President jsh/SMJ/10.07.17

Antonio T. dela Cruz Chairman of the Board

14

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138•THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

MVT Bridges Philippines, Purok Malakas, General Santos City for more Information Please contact Cellphone Number 09460154748. Look for Shane S. Liquit Marketing Consultant

VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

DONNIE IN DAVAO?

ALA mulls Davao defense for Nietes WILL HE FIGHT IN DAVAO? IBF world flyweight champion Donnie Nietes could be fighting in Davao if plans push through.

D

on’t look now but there are chances the country’s longest reigning world champion could be �ighting in Davao City.

If plans push through, 10year Filipino world champion Donnie Nietes who holds the IBF world �lyweight belt might defend his title in the city in what could be the biggest �ight card since Manny Pacquiao fought Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym at the RMC Gym in 2002.

“We are open to �ighting in Argentina or anywhere but we’ll still see if we can bring the �ight to the Philippines,” said ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer in a report posted on Philboxing.com’s website.

Aldeguer said if the Argentina �ight does not push through, they are considering four venues including Davao.

“We are looking at Manila, Davao, Bacolod or Cebu.,” he said in the report.

The last time ALA staged a card in Davao was in 2014 when Rey”Boom Boom” Bautista fought Mexican Jose “Negro Ramirez at the USEP Gym. The report said Aldeguer traveled to the US negotiating for the best option for the lon-

gest reigning Filipino world champion.

Juan Carlos Reveco of Argentina has been identi�ied by the IBF as Nietes’ mandatory challenger and there is a big possibility that the �ight will not be held in the Philippines and fought somewhere else.

Nietes has been a world champion since 2007 and had defended his two previous titles, the WBO minimumweight and WBO light �lyweight belts, almost all in the Philippines with the full exposure in the giant television network ABSCBN. This time, Nietes’ handlers are keeping their options open for Nietes’ mandatory title defense against former world champion Reveco. “We are open to �ighting anywhere.

Either late October or mid November,” Aldeguer said in an interview.

Nietes has defended his WBO mini-�lyweight belt in Mexico against Mexican foes three times. He won against Erik Ramirez by unanimous decision and Manuel Vargas by split decision in 2009. The next year, he defeated Mario Rodriguez by unanimous decision.

HAT TRICK

Messi scores three as Agentina makes WC

L B

ionel Messi’s three goals lifted Argentina into the World Cup on the last day of South American qualifying, keeping the Albiceleste from missing out for the �irst time since 1970.

The two-time champions — and losing �inalists three years ago in Brazil — rode Messi’s hat trick in the thin air of the Andes and rallied for a 3-1 win over Ecuador,

Meet Boston’s new‘Big Three’

OSTON — Kyrie Irving turned the NBA world upside down multiple times this summer.

It happened the �irst time after news leaked out that he had asked the Cleveland Cavaliers front of�ice to trade him from the team he helped lead to a championship in 2016.

Then Irving was in the spotlight again as the centerpiece of a league-shaking trade that sent him to the rival Boston Celtics in exchange for a package that included Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder.

Now detached from the partnership he created with LeBron James, Irving enters the

2017-18 season as one jewel of the Celtics’ offseason overhaul, along with Gordon Hayward, who signed as a free agent.

Only four players remain from Boston’s roster from a year ago, when it outfought Cleveland for the East’s top seed, only to fall to the Cavs in �ive games in the Eastern Conference �inals.

Along with Al Horford, the Celtics have a brand new “Big Three” as they continue their pur-

suit of the Cavs. While Irving maintains his departure from Cleveland wasn’t about James, he now has exactly what he says he

wanted: the leadership role in building a championship team.

Still, he downplayed the idea that this season is more i m - portant than any other during his  MEET, 13 BIG THREE. Gordon Hayward, Al Horford and Kyrie Irving form Bostons new Big Three.

which took a surprising lead in the �irst minute.

“I told the group that Messi does not owe Argentina a World Cup, but rather football owes the world to him,” Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli said. “Argentina took a step forward, and in time we can be competitive.”

The top four

teams in South America get automatic berths to Russia. Brazil has 41 points and clinched months ago. The other three advancing Tuesday went in this order: Uruguay (31), Argentina (28) and Colombia (27).

Uruguay beat Bolivia 4-2, Argentina won 3-1, C o lombia drew 1-1 with Peru and last-place Venezuela beat Para-

guay 1-0.

Peru (26) placed �ifth and will keep alive its bid for a �irst  HATTRICK, 13 THREE TIMES MESSI. Lionel Messi scored aa hat trick for Argentin which qualified to the World Cup.

16

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 138• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017