Edge10 issue 228, February 18-19, 2018

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

INCENTIVE. Employees of various agencies of the city government of Davao join in the repacking of food items, school supplies and toiletries for the delegates of the Davao Regional Athletics Association (DAVRAA) at the Davao City Recreation Center a day before the start of the annual regional meet. Lean Daval Jr

PAGING DENR

To convene Diwalwal Task Force

By JIMMY K. LAKING

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ompostela Valley province Gov. Tyron Uy on Thursday appealed to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to convene the National Task Force Diwalwal once and for all to pave the way for rehabilitation efforts and to come up with measures to prevent further pollution of the rivers.

“We should act fast now and let us not wait for the situation (to get out of hand),” Uy told the Hermes Club press forum at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

The task force was created by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004 purportedly to “harmonize” the government’s efforts in

Diwalwal---to ensure that the environment is protected and to check the reported extortion activities by the rebel New People’s Army in the area.

But Governor Uy said it was never convened since then.

He said that in addition, a Diwalwal national reservation plan was crafted in

2012 but it has never been executed.

“So we are appealing anew to Secretary Cimatu to treat with urgency the matter of convening the task force and in revisiting the reservation plan,” he said.

Gov. Uy said that in fairness to the mining community of Diwalwal, majority are willing to be relocated to pave the way for rehabilitation.

He said part of the plan is to come up with a tailings pond or dam so that the processed wastes of the ball mills will not go direct to the rivers and streams.

“Hence, there is a press-

PAGING,P10

FCBAI to stage Bakery Fair 2018

INDULDGE A1

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. will hold an international exhibition on bakery, confectionery and food service equipment and supplies dubbed as ‘Bakery Fair 2018’ on March 1-3.

The event, located at the 3rd �loor of SMX convention Center in Davao

City is billed as a showdown of the best cake decorators in Mindanao.

FCBAI is undertaking the activity in partnership with the Mindanao Cake Decorating Society under the leadership of its president Hanna Granado.

Bien Enrico Ah, President of FCBAI said that

FCBAI,P10

CROWDSOURCED

MUSEUM OF LOVE

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

EXCHANGE OF INSIGHTS. President Rodrigo Duterte engages in a discussion with Republic of Palau President Thomas Remengesau who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on Friday evening. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DOT launches ‘Go T South’ drive theme

All systems go for first information convention

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

he Department of Tourism has launched a tourism campaign dubbed as “The Go South Philippine Islands” in Davao City which will showcase the beautiful and rich cultures of Mindanao.

DOT assistant secretary Eden Josephine David said during the launching at The Marco Polo Davao, the campaign is a strategic marketing of all regions in Mindanao to be able

to have a stronger and uni�ied voice for the whole island as one tourism destination.

“The Go South will bring promotion of Mindanao destinations to greater heights,”

she said.

David said this campaign is a new, fresh articulation of the attributes of travel and the pinning of Mindanao tourism brand values such as fun, exotic and authentic. “ The Go South campaign �its the personality of our target market niche who are the Millenials-- the younger generation who loves fast-paced adventurous, one click action packed life,” she said.

David said this is Mindanao’s new message and tone that in�luences people to go outside their comfort zone and boundaries and try new things.

“The Millenials are the travelers we are gearing this campaign for! As we focus on promoting our islands, Mindanao is showing the beauty of its own by positioning it with ‘unique experiences’ to try, the “You only Live Once!” experience,” she said.

namely House Bill (HB) nos. 13, 1280, 2345, 3050, and 4676.

“The battle of Marawi City last year between government forces and Maute Group terrorists showed that dangerous situations for children can spring up anytime and out of nowhere. Having this proposed law in place would at least give us a legislative countermeasure to such instances,” noted the Mindanao lawmaker.

It can be recalled that the terrorists occupied Marawi, Lanao del Sur on May 23, 2017. This sparked a grueling door-to-door campaign by government troops, who would manage to liberate the city later in October.

“During that span of time, there were several reports of children being among the civilian fatalities of the various skirmishes.

We must give our kids greater protection from all forms of abuse and violence based on law,” Nograles reckoned.

In its January 17 deliberation, the Nograles panel approved the appropriations requirement of the substitute bill.

The proposed statute provides protection to all children involved in, affected by or displaced by armed con�lict as guaranteed under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, its Optional Protocol on the Involvement of

Children in Armed Con�lict and all other core human rights treaties.

It introduces the rights of Children in Situations of Armed Con�lict, which, among others, includes the right to be considered objects of special respect, to be protected from any form of attacks or acts of violence, to be protected from participating in armed con�lict, to be treated humanely in all circumstances, to seek asylum, to have access to justice, and to be united with their families.

“More importantly, the measure enumerates grave child rights violations, penalties and prescription of the crime and other unlawful acts,” Nograles said.

DOT,P10

he country’s top communicators both from the government and private sectors will gather in Davao City for the �irst National Information Convention 2018 slated from Feb. 19-21 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang.

Bannered by the theme “Spurring National Development and Empowering Communities through Information,” the event will be participated by information of�icers both from the national and local governments as well as from national and local media.

The groups from digital me-

T

ALL,P10

Bangsamoro commission’s BBL version gets 90% ok

Bill to protect kids in armed conflict gains traction T he House of Representatives has taken a huge step toward enhancing state protection of children’s lives and their rights in times of war during which they are most vulnerable, Appropriations Committee Chairman Davao City Congressman Karlo Nograles announced today.

This, after the funding provision of a substitute bill titled “An Act providing for the special protection of children in situations of armed con�lict and providing penalties for violations therefor,” was approved by the Committee.

Nograles said the rather timely piece of legislation represents the harmonization of �ive bills,

dia, academe, non-government and civil society organizations, communication students, and partners from information, communication and technology have also been invited to attend the convention.

The Presidential Communications Operations Of�ice (PCOO) has organized the information convention to encourage the country’s communicators to push for effective and responsible sharing of information that will improve the quality of life of over 100 million Filipinos.

The event also aims to

he Bangsamoro Transition Commission’s (BTC) version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has been gaining tremendous support with at least 90 percent of the people on the ground approving its passage, an of�icial of the Of�ice of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.

“I will report that the reception on the ground is about 90 percent said yes for the BTC version of the BBL,” said OPAPP Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso in his talk during the culminating event of the DELACSE Bangsamoro project in Makati City on Feb. 16.

Hermoso said he based his assessment from the consultations conducted by OPAPP and

other non-government and civil society organizations alongside Congress in the Bangsamoro areas in Mindanao.

“We went out and the reception of the people on the ground, those will be affected by the new law, is tremendously supporting the BTC version of the BBL,” Hermoso, himself a native of Cotabato, said.

Hermoso said he was elated by the remarks of former Chief Justice Hilario David Jr. and Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna that “when they studied deeply the BTC version, they cannot �ind constitutional in�irmities.”

“I’m one of the most affected.

There is good in it. The political aspect is going smoothly. I hope

BANGSAMORO,P10

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Quiboloy not detained in Hawaii – spokesman

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astor Apollo Quiboloy was not detained at the airport in Honolulu, Hawaii after authorities reportedly found $350,000 in cash or P18.286 million (exchange rate: P52.25) and parts of rifles in his private jet that was set to leave for the Philippines, his spokesperson said.

PASTOR APOLLO QUIBOLOY. Founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Photo from the pastor’s website

Speaking in a morning program of ABS-CBN Davao on Friday, lawyer Israelito Torreon said the fact that Quiboloy was allowed to return immediately to the Philippines via a commercial �light meant he did not violate any US law because a “detention implies that he committed a crime.”

Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “son of God,” is a founding leader and executive pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

“Because if there was a crime committed, he would have been ordered to stay there because that’s allegedly in �lagrante delicto that there was crime being

committed and therefore he needed to be detained in the US but that’s not what happened.

He is here in the Philippines, and therefore we should just relax, this matter being clari�ied, I hope this put to rest now,” Torreon said.

Torreon serves as dean of the college of law at the Quiboloy-owned Jose Maria College along Diversion Road in Catitipan here, where his congregation is located.

He said he communicated with Quiboloy after the pastor and his companions landed in Manila from Hawaii at 7 p.m. on

QUIBOLOY,P10

DOT czar denies bringing makeup artist during trips

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV

T

ourism Secretary Wanda Teo denied tagging along her makeup artist and utility personnel in domestic and international travels despite the warning issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte against government of�icials going on excessive travels.

Teo made the clari�ication during a press conference at Marco Polo Hotel Davao Friday. She said Angelito Ucol was her executive assistant and went through a proper application process before he was hired by the agency, contrary to reports that he was her makeup artist.

“Other secretaries, they got their families, they got their sons, they got their daughters, I did not get any of my family, I get somebody who applied to me. He is not a makeup artist, he goes with me in one of the trips, he works in the of�ice, he �iles, he types,” she said.

The secretary also denied having been to Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, Dubai, Canada, Italy and the US as the tourism chief, along with other workers without the knowledge of Malacañang.

“I did not go to these places. I’ve have been to these places when I was still in the private sector. When I became secretary of tourism hindi po ako pumunta sa Dubai, hindi pa pumunta sa Sydney (I have not been to Duabi, I have not been to Sydney), and I went to Russia with the President,” she said.

DOT,P10

4NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

Palace says Quiboloy can fend for himself

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte is certain that Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) head, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, can take care of himself, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after the KOJC head was reportedly detained at the airport in Honolulu, Hawaii over the USD350,000 cash found in the private plane he boarded.

The Bureau of Immigration earlier said Quiboloy arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around Thursday without being detained nor deported.

“Alam naman niya (Duterte) e talagang kayang alagaain ang sarili niya ni Pastor Quiboloy (He knows that Pastor Quiboloy can take care of himself),” Roque said in a statement sent to media.

Roque did not make a comment about Quiboloy’s brief detention noting that the pastor is a private individual and was positive that he could defend himself.

“Wala naman kaming komento diyan dahil si pastor naman po ay isang pribadong indibidwal at dimuano e dahil meron siyang USD 350,000 e kaya naman niyang depensahan ang kanyang sarili pero siyempre po lahat ng Filipino na nagkakaroon ng problema sa kahit saan sa daigdig na ito e binibigyan din natin ng kahit anong proteksyon sinisigurado ang kanilang karapatan ay nasisiguro at lahat naman po yan ay binibigyan ng tulong ng ating consular officials (We have no comment on that issue because pastor is a private individual who happens to have USD 350,000 and he can de-

PALACE,P10

Lorenzana rebukes HRW for‘war crimes’comment

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ANILA -- The Department of National Defense has lambasted the international group Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) assessment that President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s offer to give monetary rewards for every communist rebel killed encourages “war crimes”.

“We disagree with the assessment of HRW that President Rodrigo Duterte’s reward offer of PHP20,000 for every NPA (New People’s Army) member killed ‘encourages war crimes’,” DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement Saturday.

He added that eliminating rebels and terrorists is a legitimate law enforcement function, and the government is not precluded from offering rewards under Philippine laws.

“Furthermore, our Defenders are under strict orders to adhere to the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law when they operate in the field. They know only too well that anyone of them who is found

guilty of abuse will be sanctioned accordingly,” Lorenzana added.

The defense chief also said the HRW has always been unreasonably critical and biased against the military and police.

“It stays silent even when the NPA goes on a killing rampage while quick to accuse Philippine law enforcement agencies of trumped up or unconfirmed violations. When Jose Maria Sison ordered the CPP-NPA to kill one soldier per region every day, not a pip was heard from the HRW,” he added.

“When the NPA beheaded a former comrade of theirs who had just returned to the fold of the law, the HRW was silent. Why did the HRW not say anything when the NPA killed a father and his son—Lumad leaders who attended a Lumad Summit with the President? Where was the HRW when the NPA was burning left and right the equipment of public companies for not acceding to their extortion demands? It is

LORENZANA,P10

CLARIFYING CONCERNS. Department of Tourism secretary Wanda Teo (center), undersecretary Katherine De Castro and undersecretary Frederick Alegre, discuss with members of the media the agency’s

concerns and issues including the closure of Boracay during a news conference at Marco Polo Davao on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

Halal Week expo to raise awareness

By JUDIE VEGA

T

he Universal Islamic Center Foundation (UICF) will hold a week of Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo at Marco Polo Hotel Davao on May 3-6, 2018 to promote and to raise awareness about Halal food, products, and services.

Marilou Ampuan, president of the UICF said the expo was organized to increase the public’s level of awareness of Halal as well as to

give better positioning of the Philippines, especially Davao, in aligning programs for Halal tourism, one of the fastest growing global

tourism concepts.

She said that after the success of the recent Halal Awareness Seminar conducted by the DTI and PHTTE, they have decided to be more aggressive in their campaign for Halal awareness.

“The Halal week activities such as press conference, Halal Potential Food Live Preparation and Presentations are set to take place prior to the May 3-6 events,” Ampuan said.

HALAL,P10

President assures PH committed to peace

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OLD PIER. A foreign tourist takes time to appreciate and experience the view of the beachfront near Sta. Ana Port in Davao City on Saturday.

Lean Daval Jr

James Amparo, PHTTE Director said that PHTTE believes that with the help of tri media personalities, they can reach a wide range of audience for their continuous effort in spreading information about halal.

“This will be a tough week but we are more than willing to go beyond our traditional event preparation to bring PHTTE to the next level,” Amparo said

ANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte has assured Norway that the Philippines remains committed to peace despite his refusal to resume peace talks with communist rebels, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after Duterte on Thursday (February 15) met with Idun Tvedt, Norwegian special envoy to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Tvedt made a courtesy call at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City.

Roque said that during the more than an hour meeting, Duterte renewed his commitment to achieve just and lasting peace in the country, especially in Mindanao.

He said Duterte welcomed Norway’s expression of commitment and stressed that the goal of

peace must be achieved with due regard for the national interest of the Philippines.

The spokesperson also described the discussion between Duterte and Tvedt as “warm and open.”

On the other hand, Tvedt reiterated the commitment of the Norwegian Government to assist the Philippines in its peace process with communist rebels.

Tvedt described the courtesy call as “productive.”

Tvedt was accompanied by Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Førner, Deputy Chief of Mission Kristian Netland and Senior Advisor William Hovland.

On the Philippine side, in attendance were Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza and Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer.

DUTERTE,P10

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

Bankers welcome reduction of RRR

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conomic activity is seen to get an additional boost from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) cut of banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) to 19 percent effective March 2, 2018, according to the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP).

In a statement Friday, BAP said the decision of the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) to cut banks’ RRR supports the government’s bid to further uplift the growth momentum of the domestic economy.

“The reserve adjustment means that borrowers will have access to more sources of funds and more efficient cost of borrowing that is expected to propel more economic activity in the country,” it said.

The latest RRR cut is expected to release about PHP90 billion

worth of liquidity into the system.

On Thursday, the central bank said the RRR cut “reaffirms the BSP’s commitment to gradually lessen its reliance on reserve requirements for managing liquidity in the financial system.”

“The Monetary Board believes that the BSP has attained sufficient progress in its shift towards the use of market-based monetary instruments since the adoption of the interest rate corridor (IRC) framework in June 2016,” it said, citing that the central bank now has ample scope to ease the potential liquidity impact of the gradual RRR cut.

The last time the central bank adjusted RRR was in 2014 when it was hiked by a total of 50 basis points as the growth of domestic liquidity grew stronger than in the

BANKERS,P10

Payment of TRAIN-related subsidy to start February

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eneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program receiving subsidies through automated teller machines (ATMs) will get additional funds starting this February to alleviate the impact of higher prices of some commodities due to tax reform.

Finance Undersecretary Kark Chua said beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), who receive subsidies through over-the-counter mode, would get their top-up starting March while the additional beneficiaries, who belong to the lower 50 percent bracket of the society, would get theirs starting July.

He said some 7.2 million beneficiaries of the subsidy would get their funds in the first quarter this year.

The remaining 2.8 million households who are still being registered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will get theirs in July but Chua said the amount to be disbursed by then would be equivalent to the full-year budget augmentation amounting to PHP2,400.

The first package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), which took effect January 1, 2018, cuts workers’ income tax rates and gives workers’ first PHP250,000 annual income a taxfree rate. It also hiked excise taxes on fuel products and sugar-sweetened beverages, among others, to counter the impact of the tax cut on government revenues.

The excise tax hikes on some commodities are seen to impact the

PAYMENT,P10

Water treatment facilities sought for resorts-DOT

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte will issue a directive requiring all resort owners to build water treatment facilities to prevent polluting coastal areas like what happened in the world-renowned Boracay Island.

In a press conference at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao on Friday, Tourism secretary Wanda Teo said the measure aims to prevent pollution in the country’s emerging tourist destinations with the influx of tourists.

The President recently ordered the closure of some establishments that have no proper sewerage systems, resulting in the reported contamination of the sea around Boracay.

Teo said they are closely monitoring the development of tourism, including the sprouting businesses in Siargao, Cebu, Bohol, and Coron in Palawan, and that requiring them to establish their own water treatment facilities would mitigate marine pollution.

5 ECONOMY

She said they could offer tourists those sites as alternatives to Boracay until it recovers from pollution, and vowed to continue to market primary destinations and emerging ones to ensure inclusive growth.

She added the closure of some establishments was needed to save and preserve the island for the succeeding generations and that now is the time to do it.

“The massive cleanup of Boracay is a bitter pill that we have to swallow if we were to collectively save and sustain Boracay,” she said.

Teo said at least 57 of the 300 initially identified establishments have been issued notices of violations.

The secretary said the island has 500 establishments most of which lack water treatment facilities. Some of them connect to the drainage system of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), which was intend-

WATER,P12

LION DANCE. Hotel guests are entertained with traditional Chinese dances highlighted with a lion dance performance during the celebration of Chinese New Year at The Royal Mandaya Hotelon Friday evening. Lean Daval Jr

Closer Alibaba, RP ties sought To help hammer out inclusive RP financial system

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has invited the Alibaba Group to partner with the Duterte administration and the private sector in building an inclusive financial system in the Philippines that would help fuel growth in rural communities and level the playing field for small businesses.

Dominguez said a closer relationship between the Philippine government and Alibaba is among the ways of further cementing bilateral ties between the Philippines and China on the Duterte watch.

During a closed-door meeting with visiting Philippines government officials in Hangzhou, China last Feb. 1, Ma said the Philippines, like other emerging econ-

omies, has a “huge potential” to embrace the technology revolution, especially because he believes that e-commerce was specifically designed for developing countries.

“This delegation coming here made a very brave and inspiring step forward to embrace and understand the technology revolution,” said Ma in commending the Philippine government officials and

representatives from the business sector led by Dominguez who took part in the New Economy Workshop organized for them by the Alibaba Business School in its campus in Hangzhou.

“Someday, I think the Alibaba people would be very happy to go to the Philippines to learn from you,” Ma has told the members of the delegation. “The Filipinos are a great and kind people and I have a lot of people working together who come from the Philippines. I think they are intelligent, hardworking and professional.”

The three-day New Economy Workshop for Philippine officials held from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 was the first overseas government training program organized by the Alibaba Business School, an

institution focusing on implementing Alibaba Group’s e-commerce training system and empowering leaders and entrepreneurs across the globe with knowledge and insights on how to succeed in today’s digital era.

The workshop lectures included topics on e-commerce development in China, inclusive finance through digital technologies, rural e-commerce development and smart or data-based logistics in the digital economy.

On behalf of the Philippine delegation, Dominguez has thanked Ma for organizing the New Economy Workshop, which, he said, gave them a glimpse of the future.

“When we met in November (in Manila), I mentioned to you that

will be allotted for the residential segment; PHP18.7 billion, or 17 percent, for malls; and PHP14 billion, or 12 percent, for land acquisition.

The company will set aside the remaining amount for malls, offices, hotels and resorts and estate development segments, as well as for capital, services, and other investments.

ALI President and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Vincent Dy said, “(this year’s) capex is at PHP111

billion, which is significantly higher than we have been spending yearon-year the last four or five years. So this will gonna be another all-time high in terms of capex, that’s an indication of the opportunities that we see, optimism on what we see in the market.”

Dy said the company is also targeting to roll out PHP125 billion worth of residential, office and leasing projects this year.

The property giant booked a record profit of PHP25.3 billion in 2017, up 21 percent from PHP20.9 billion the previous year, on the back of resurgence of property sales and strong leasing growth.

“Sound macroeconomic fundamentals continue to support the property sector. So we believe we are well positioned to benefit from the strength of our economy,” he said. (PNA)

CLOSER,P12

Ayala Land earmarks P111-B capex for 2018

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yala Land Inc. (ALI) has earmarked a record PHP111 billion for capital expenditures (capex) in 2018 and is ready to launch PHP125 billion worth of projects, optimistic about the continued growth of the property market.

ALI Chief Finance Officer and Treasurer Augusto “Toti” Bengzon told reporters that PHP47.4 billion, or 43 percent of the projected capex,

6ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

Minimal cancellation of bookings in Boracay noted

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he Department of Tourism recorded minimal cancellation of bookings in Boracay resorts and hotels after last week’s ultimatum of President Rodrigo Duterte for a massive cleanup to save the world-famous resort island.

Of the 57 big hotels and resorts called by DoT in Boracay, only eight guests canceled at Bamboo Beach Resort while 22 rooms were canceled at the Blue Marin Boracay.

This was revealed by Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo in a press conference at Marco Polo Hotel here on Friday. Teo based this on a text message from the DoT direc-

tor in Boracay.

“I think it’s limited,” Teo said when asked about the impact of the Boracay issue to the tourism industry there.

“The cancellations were attributed to the President’s declaration. So hindi ganun talaga ang effect (So the effect is not really that – big),” Teo said.

Teo said tourists still have other places to visit like Bohol and Cebu.

“We also promote other destinations like Siargao and there’s Coron. So kung wala na pong Boracay meron naman pong ibang lugar na pwede nating i-promote

MINIMAL,P12

Economist eyes further weakness after RRR cut

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES. A resident checks the day’s headlines from newspapers on display at a neighborhood news stall along Quezon Blvd. in Davao City early morning of Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

DOF backs House bill calling for tax amnesty T

he Finance department supports House Bill 7105, which pushes for a tax amnesty program, in a bid to help the government collect taxes easily.

The bill, which involves Part B of Package 1 of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, is now being deliberated on by the House Committee on Ways and Means. Aside from amnesty for unpaid taxes in 2017 and prior years, the same bill eyes the relaxation of the Bank Secrecy Law.

The proposed bill is expected to be approved within the �irst quarter of this year.

“In principle we support it not because we need the money at this point but because we want a complete database of taxpayers and their networth level so that in the future it will be easier for us to collect more taxes in a more

ef�icient manner,” Finance Assistant Secretary Mark Dennis Joven said.

The Department of Finance (DOF), under the proposed tax reform program, is pushing for a tax amnesty in a bid to improve collections and correct inequities in the past.

Asked whether pending tax evasion cases will be included in the tax amnesty, Joven said a Senate bill on the same issue exclude pending cases.

“But we are studying

eading independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. recorded a banner year in 2017 with triple all-time highs in sales volume, revenues, and net income on core business.

Phoenix posted a net income of ₱1.792 billion in the full year of 2017, a 65% growth from ₱1.092 billion in 2016. Taking out the non-recurring gains and costs related to the newly-acquired LPG business, core income still reached an all-time high of ₱1.421 billion, or a 30% increase yearon-year. The 2017 results include the partial consolidation of the LPG business

beginning August 2017.

The group reported ₱44.426 billion revenues, 45% higher than 2016.

The solid full year core income growth underscores the strength of the fuels business, in which sales volume increased by 17% to 1.76 billion liters from 1.5 billion liters in 2016.

Contributing to the growth were higher sales volume from the addition of new stations, acquiring of new direct commercial accounts across various industries, as well as the consolidation of the LPG business. As of end 2017, the Company had completed 530 Phoenix retail service

stations nationwide.

“Phoenix Petroleum’s momentum in 2017 is a result of its investments over many years in its people, products, and partnerships.

We will continue to be opportunistic as we grow the business,” said President and CEO Dennis Uy. While delivering strong organic growth, the Company continues to invest in new revenue and profit streams. In the past 12 months, it completed two acquisitions, marking its foray into the higher margin business of LPG and convenience retailing. LPG and convenience stores (CVS) are underpenetrated mar-

whether or not to include them because there are a lot of pending cases which will take a long time to resolve,” he said, citing that the Finance department wants to make sure that the government will not be disadvantaged if these cases are settled.

On the interest to be slapped on the uncollected taxes, the Finance of�icial said they are still considering the proposal for an 8 percent interest, which he said is already on a high side. (PNA)

kets with tremendous domestic growth potential as they bene�it from consumers’ growing purchasing power and evolving lifestyle.

The acquisition of Petronas Energy Philippines, Inc. (PEPI) was completed on August 2017. PEPI has been renamed to Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. and owns and operates the Phoenix Super LPG brand. Meanwhile, the Philippine FamilyMart purchase was completed on January 2018.

Further strengthening the Company’s portfolio was the establishment on September 2017 of PNX Petroleum Singapore Ltd. Pte,

Phoenix Petroleum delivers banner 2017 with record volume, revenue, income L PHOENIX,P12

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n economist of ING Bank Manila forecasts the Philippine peso to weaken following the cut in Philippines banks’ reserve requirement ratio, which the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced Thursday.

The central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) cut banks’ reserve requirements by a percentage point to 19 percent and this will take effect on March 2, 2018.

In a statement, the central bank said the RRR cut “reaf�irms the BSP’s commitment to gradually lessen its reliance on reserve requirements for managing liquidity in the �inancial system.”

“The Monetary Board believes that the BSP has attained suf�icient progress in its shift towards the use of market-based monetary instruments since the adoption of the interest rate corridor (IRC) framework in June 2016,” it said, citing that the central bank now have ample scope to mitigate the potential liquidity impact on gradual RRR cut.

The last time the central bank adjusted RRR was in 2014 when it was hiked by a total of 50 basis points or 25 basis points each in March and May, as growth of domestic liquidity grew stronger than in the past years at a level of more than 20 percent. (PNA)

TRAIN scraps oppressive delinquent taxpayers rates

T

he Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion has done away with punitive and con�iscatory interest rates that encourage delinquency rather than compliance in paying the correct amount of taxes, imposing instead a more reasonable charge based on the legal interest rate for loans set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, according to the Department of Finance.

DOF Undersecretary Antonette Tionko said that before TRAIN, a taxpayer who pays de�iciency taxes beyond the due date set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is charged twice: First with a 20 percent annual de�iciency interest that accrues from the date of the deadline for the payment of the basic tax; and second, a delinquency interest accruing from the due date of BIR’s �inal notice and demand.

Thus, she said, under the old tax provision, a taxpayer would sometimes have to pay the interest penalty that is almost or, at times, even over the de�iciency tax due.

“Under the TRAIN, the interest rate on de�iciency taxes is no longer oppressive and con�iscatory because rather than impos-

ing two interest penalties, the tax reform law provides only for the taxpayer to pay double the legal interest rate for loans set by the BSP,” said Tionko, who heads the DOF’s Revenue Operations Group.

Moreover, TRAIN provides that “in no case shall the de�iciency and the delinquency interest … be imposed simultaneously,” Tionko said.

On top of substantially lowering personal income tax rates, Tionko said the TRAIN has also made interest penalties “fairer and simpler” which, she said, “would hopefully encourage more people to pay their taxes.”

As an example, a taxpayer who paid his income tax due of, say, P600,000 for the year 2013 within the deadline set by the BIR on April 15, 2014 was assessed to have incurred a de�iciency tax of P100,000. The BIR then sends him a �inal notice and demand for the de�iciency tax due, including the interest penalties on April 15, 2015. The taxpayer, however, was only able to pay on April 15, 2017.

Under pre-TRAIN provisions in the Tax Code, the taxpayer

TRAIN,P12

7 SUBURBIA RISING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

Another Abu Sayyaf man linked to plantation attack arrested

Z

AMBOANGA CITY -Another Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member tagged in the kidnapping of plantation workers 16 years ago was arrested by government security forces in Basilan province, a top police of�icial reported Friday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Of�ice-9 (PRO-9) director, identi�ied the arrested ASG member as Said Arik alias Amlah, 48, a resident of Barangay Balatanay, Isabela City, Basilan.

Beltran said Arik was arrested at around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday in a law enforcement operations by joint police and military operatives in Barangay Bin-

uangan, Isabela City.

Beltran said Arik has standing warrant of arrest for seven-count kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of 15 workers on June 11, 2001 in the Golden Harvest Plantation, Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan.

The ASG executed by beheading �ive of the 15 workers while remaining 10 have either escaped or rescued by pursuing military forces.

The suspect was the 11th ASG member involved in the plantation attack apprehended since January 1 this year by government operatives. (PNA)

Cop, woman arrested for shabu possession in Cotabato

C

OTABATO CITY – A police of�icer assigned in Maguindanao and a woman were arrested by Cotabato City police while in a pot session inside a lodging house here.

PO1 Suharto Mamasalanao Gumnay, 33, of the municipal police station in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, and a woman identi�ied only as Nadja of Barangay Rosary Heights 6, this city, were arrested inside Carta de Amor Inn on Yapsea Street, Barangay Rosary Heights 10 at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.

Both were caught in the act of snif�ing shabu,” Sr. Insp. John Calinga, deputy head of city police police station 2, said.

The police were backed by village watchmen during the operation.

Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi also led the Ron-

da Patrol during the operation.

Sayadi said she will continue to lead the local police and police force multiplier in ensuring the city is safe from illegal drugs and lawless elements.

Seized from the suspects were two sachets of suspected shabu and a disposable lighter. Charges for violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act are being prepared against the suspects now detained at Police Station 2.

Minutes earlier, the “Ronda Patrol”, a composite team of police, Army and village watchmen, arrested a worker of the same establishment for possession of a 9mm-caliber pistol.

The worker said the gun was entrusted to him by a police of�icer assigned in South Upi, Maguindanao.

(PNA)

SAVING WIND-BLOWN RICE. When there are strong winds and they happen to pass by rice fields, there is a tendency that those rice plants can be flattened. Here, a farmer in Mabuhay, Davao del Sur, tries to

save his crop by lumping the plants and tie them together to allow them to stand again. Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

New ride-hailing firm eyes CDO for expansion C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A new player in the ride-hailing industry is training its sights on making this city the second area in the country to launch its services, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 10 said.

Hirna, a company that offers convenience to the taxiriding public, said Cagayan de Oro will be the next city to establish its operation.

Hirna, a play on the phrase “here na” or “here already”, said it will open business in this city following its launch in Davao City last month.

Aminoden Guro, LTFRB-10 director, said

Hirna’s entry will redound to the bene�it of local passengers, noting that the popular ridehailing companies Uber and Grab have not yet established a signi�icant presence here.

Francisco Mauricio, Hirna chief executive of�icer and president, said by choosing Davao and Cagayan de Oro, they aim to establish a foothold in Mindanao and

work their way up to Visayas and Luzon once the business starts to pick up.

Maurico said one of the key differentiating factors of Hirna is the “driver rating system” that keeps track of the drivers’ disposition on the road.

Mauricio said Hirna has data analytics that look at the number of rejections made by drivers, citations, attitude problem, and other negative issues.

“It [analytics] will collate to a driver rating system that would be shared between taxi operators and the LTFRB. The driver is then rated. We will know who the model drivers

are and who are not,” he said.

He also assured the drivers and operators that Hirna will have favorable effect on their income as the new player will not be imposing extra charges but only a minimal fee.

Guro hopes the driver rating system will change the drivers’ outlook since their driving behavior and how they treat their passengers will be monitored. This will enable the agency to take appropriate action if the drivers violate existing transportation laws, he added.

Among the complaints

bars, is manned by a 27man crew, including the skipper.

Chris Paul Magligmot, skipper of M/V Kudos 1, �ired �ive rounds of red �lare and commanded his crew for an evasive maneuver when they noticed the pursuing gunmen.

The pirates, who are equipped with hooks and ropes, tried but failed to climb on the ship as the other crewmen splashed them with hot water mixed with oil.

One crew was injured by glass shards when the gunmen, armed with high-powered �irearms, opened �ire hitting the vessel.

Orbe said Navy personnel aboard Patrol Craft-381 stationed near Coco Island rushed to the vicinity of

Sibago Island upon seeing the red �lares.

“When you see red �lare, its a sign that there is trouble (at sea),” Orbe explained.

He said they also deployed Patrol Craft-386, Attack Craft 485, and Naval Special Operations Group personnel aboard on two Rubberized In�latable Boats upon receiving call from coastguard for assistance.

Lt. Commander Alvin Dagalea, Zamboanga Coastguard Station commander, said they also deployed a vessel to assist the cargo ship in distress.

The 3rd Tactical Operation Wing deployed two night-capable helicopters to provide air support to the responding vessels.

But Orbe said the pirates already left when the responding forces arrived on Sibago Island.

He said pirates could be the same group of gunmen who attacked a Vietnamese cargo vessel last year, also near the island of Sibago.

He said they have instituted measures to prevent a repeat of the incident in the area, which is a commercial sea lane.

Dagalea said they escorted M/V Kudos 1 to the anchorage area along R.T. Lim Boulevard after the incident.

“The ship was not damaged except for some bullet holes,” Dagalea said.

He said coastguard marshals will escort M/V Kudos 1 to its destination.

(PNA)

Police arrest 2 ASG-linked pirates attack cargo vessel off Basilan Hapilon followers

Z

AMBOANGA CITY -- Police here arrested two followers of Isnilon Hapilon, the slain Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader and emir of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the police reported Saturday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 9 director, identi�ied them as Sammer Lanjang, who carried the aliases of Abu Sammer and Abu Ziad, and a certain Abu Askabal.

Both were followers of Hapilon, who was killed by government troops during the �ive-month war last year when the ISIS-inspired Maute group tried to take over Marawi City.

Beltran said Lanjang and Askabal were arrested in a law enforcement operation at around 10:30 a.m. Thursday

in front of a fast food chain on Zaragosa Street, Barangay Zone 4, this city.

He said they have standing warrants of arrest for the crimes of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with no recommended bail issued by the court in Isabela City, Basilan province.

He said they were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of 15 workers on June 11, 2001 at the Golden Harvest Plantation in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan.

The ASG executed by beheading �ive of the 15 workers while remaining 10 have either escaped or rescued by pursuing military forces.

Beltran said Lanjang and Askabal were positively iden-

POLICE,P12

Z

AMBOANGA CITY -- Timely response of government forces coupled with evasive maneuver prevented pirates, believed to have ties with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), to hijack a cargo vessel off Basilan, of�icials said Saturday.

Capt. Joe Anthony Orbe, Naval Task Force 61 commander, said the incident happened at around 10:30 p.m. Friday near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan province.

The cargo vessel, M/V Kudos 1, was on itsaiden voyage from Davao to Manila when around 12 gunmen aboard three motorboats pursued and tried to board the ship.

The ship, which was loaded with tons of steel

NEW,P12

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

B

Davao’s best chance

ack in the 90s, Davao City was practically “offered” hosting of the Palarong Pambansa as everyone wanted to see Mindanao’s premier city. However, the lack of standard sporting facilities became the drawback of what could have been the staging of the country’s biggest sports conclave here.

And so without Davao City in contention, other Davao and neighboring cities like Tagum, General Santos, Koronadal and Mati got hosting opportunities instead.

This time, Davao City just bounced back into the Palaro hosting map after the construction of the University of Mindanao Sports Complex and the impending completion of the University of the Philippies-Mindanao sports complex project. Davao City is currently hosting the 2018 Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet after a long hiatus that dated back to the old glory days of the �ire-razed PTA Grounds when the sports competition among student athletes was yet known as Southern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (SMRAA) meet.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

Given a successful staging of the DAVRAA, the city should be ready for the big one--the Palarong Pambansa. This early, the city government has sent its intent to the Department of Education (DEPED) Palarong Pambansa Board to host next year’s national games here.

This is Davao’s best chance to get hosting rights of the Palaro with the home city of President Duterte now primed up and ready to hold this Olympic-type competitions.

Davao will compete for the hosting rights against Properidad, Agusan del Sur, Ozamis City, Gen. Santos City, Zamboanga City and Surigao City.

The last and only time Davao City hosted the Palaro, then known as Bureau of Public Schools Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association meet, was in 1950--the third edittion of the games. The Palaro will stage its 60th edition in Vigan, Ilocos Norte this year.

Here’s hoping Davao City will get its chance to host the event next year.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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EDGEDAVAO

L

egends and myths form part of the culture of a race or people. They reflect the consciousness of a community and they explain phenomena the people are hard pressed for clarification. When these tales are reduced to writing and published, they become part of literature.

Such is the status of many stories that have for generations become part of folk lore. In 1916, a year over a century ago, Mabel Cook Cole published her Philippine Folk Tales in Chicago and two of the stories she included, products of her visits in Davao region, are Bagobo narratives, namely: Origin and Lumabet. In the first legend, it’s about the Bagobo genesis: “In the beginning there lived one man and one woman, Toglai and Toglibon. Their first children were a boy and a girl. When they were old enough, the boy and the girl went far away across the waters seeking a good place to live in. Nothing more was heard of them until their children, the Spaniards and Americans, came back. After the first boy and girl left, other children were born to the couple, but they all remained at Cibolan on Mt. Apo with their parents, until Toglai and Toglibon died and became spirits.

“Soon after that there came a great drought which lasted for three years. All the

W

ater will become the dominant national issue this century and the availability of its supply could threaten the country’s social stability, some experts believe.

The ever-increasing population, rapid urbanization and destruction of natural resources are all placing enormous pressure on the availability of clean water.

How the soaring demands of the three leading sectors – agriculture, industrial and domestic – could be met without comprising the needs of the future generations is something policy makers and politicians should think about.

In Davao City, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) that it is tapping the Tamugan River as a new surface source of water. The commissioning will start in 2019 and its full blown operation in 2020.

The new source can supply as much as 400 million liters of water per day, according to DCWD. In addition, the groundwater sources could supply as much as 135 million liters of water per day. These “are more than enough to cover the projected water demand of 331.5 million liters per day for the water utility’s service coverage area by 2012,” the water district said in a statement.

But for how long this solution can be stretched, no one knows. As the economy booms, the influx of people from rural areas and other cities also increases. Already, Davao City is home to about two million people.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Two Bagobo tales waters dried up, so that there were no rivers, and no plants could live. “’Surely,’ said the people, ‘Manama is punishing us and we must go elsewhere to find food and a place to dwell in.’

“So they started out. Two went in the direction of the sunset, carrying with them stones from Cibolan River. After a long journey they reached a place where were broad fields of cogon grass and an abundance of water, and there they made their home.

Their children still live in that place and are called Magindanau, because of the stones which the couple carried when they left Cibolan.

“Two children of Toglai and Toglibon went to the south, seeking a home, and they carried with them women’s baskets (baraan). When they found a good spot, they settled down. Their descendants, still dwelling at that place, are called Baraan or Bilaan, because of the women’s baskets.

“So, two by two the children of the first couple left the land of their birth. In the place where each settled a new people developed, and thus it came about that all the tribes in the world received their names from things that the people carried out of Cibolan, or from the places where they settled.

“All the children left Mt. Apo save two (a

Booming economy and rising population means more water utilization. “The rapid urbanization of the Philippines is having a major impact on water resources,” observed the Manila-based Asian Development Bank in its report.

In the Philippines, agriculture has the highest demand of all water use with 85% while the other sectors – industry and domestic – have a combined demand of only 15%.

“Water use has been growing at more than twice the rate of population increase in the last century and an increasing number of countries are reaching the limit at which reliable water services can be delivered,” Thierry Facon, a former official of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), told this columnist some years back.

I don’t want to be called a prophet of doom but the experts have spoken. Don Hinrichsen, with whom I have co-authored a report an extensive report on the problem for the Woodrow Wilson Institute Center for Scholars, considered water crisis as “one of the most pressing environment and development problems facing humanity.”

“It may very well end up being one of the main issues confronting humanity as we proceed further into the 21st century,” Hinrichsen pointed out bluntly. “We are already robbing Peter to pay Paul, as it were – taking water away from one set of users and give to another set.”

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa boy and a girl), whom hunger and thirst had made too weak to travel. One day when they were about to die the boy crawled out to the field to see if there was one living thing, and to his surprise he found a stalk of sugar-cane growing lustily. He eagerly cut it, and enough water came out to refresh him and his sister until the rains came. Because of this, their children are called Bagobo.”

The narrative, Cole explains, “is a good example of the way in which people at a certain stage try to account for their surroundings. Nearly all consider themselves

Water crunch

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

And we are only taking about people.

“The rest of the earth’s species are left out of the equation altogether,” the award-winning American journalist deplored. He was referring to the biological diversity that also inhabit this planet.

“Can we really maintain this level of development and consumption without severe and irreversible consequences for the rest of the planet’s complement of plants and animals?” Hinrichsen asked. “And water will be perhaps the defining issue in this regard.”

It’s not only a problem of quantity but also of quality. “Water resources are being squeezed from both ends – supply and demand,” Hinrichsen said, “while available supplies are being degraded beyond the point

the original people. We find the Bagobo no exception to this. In this tale, which is evidently very old, they account for themselves and their neighbors, and then, to meet present needs, they adapt the story to include the white people whom they have known for not more than two hundred years.”

Then there’s the legend of Lumabet, which reminds of many famous comic characters, like Captain Barbell and Darna, whose prowess and acclaim lie on their strength. Cole wrote: “Soon after people were created on the earth, there was born a child named Lumabet, who lived to be a very, very old man. He could talk when he was but one day old, and all his life he did wonderful things until the people came to believe that he had been sent

by Manama, the Great Spirit.

“When Lumabet was still a young man he had a fine dog, and he enjoyed nothing so much as taking him to the mountains to hunt. One day the dog noticed a white deer.

Lumabet and his companions started in pursuit, but the deer was very swift and they could not catch it. On and on they went until they had gone around the world, and still the deer was ahead. One by one his companions dropped out of the chase, but Lumabet would not give up until he had the deer.

“All the time he had but one banana and one camote (sweet potato) for food, but each night he planted the skins of these, and in the morning he found a banana tree with ripe fruit and a sweet potato large enough to eat. So he kept on until he had been around the world nine times, and he was an old man and his hair was gray. At last he caught the deer, and then he called all the people to a great feast, to see the animal.

“While all were making merry, Lumabet told them to take a knife and kill his father. They were greatly surprised, but did as he commanded, and when the old man was dead, Lumabet waved his headband over him and he came to life again. Eight times they killed the old man at Lumabet’s command, and the eighth time he was small like a little boy, for each time they had cut off some of his flesh. They all wondered very much at Lumabet’s power, and they were certain that he was a god.

“One morning some spirits came to talk with Lumabet, and after they had gone he called the people to come into his house. “’We cannot all come in,’ said the people, ‘for your house is small and we are many.’ “’There is plenty of room,’ said he; so all went in and to their surprise it did not seem crowded.”

where they can be used for even agricultural use!”

Now, perhaps you get the drift of how big the problem really is.

In the Philippines, several factors contribute to water shortage, including variability in climate, demographic patterns and unsustainable water-use patterns. In some urban areas where water is available, 50% never reaches the designated consumers due to leakage, theft and poor management.

These identified problems are compounded by the degradation of water resource base. For instance, some of the country’s largest cities are located in watersheds (also called catchment area or drainage basin) where all available water is being used.

“Land use and vegetative cover in the watershed are very important because they affectwaterflowandwaterquality,”explained Patrick Durst, former forestry officer of the FAO regional office in Bangkok, Thailand.

A recent report released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that 90% of the 99 watershed areas in the country are “hydrologically critical” due to their degraded physical condition as a result of loss of forest cover.

As summer is coming, the country will again experience water shortage. Climate change – the increase in global temperatures due to greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, that trap heat from the sun – will even make the problem more serious.

In areas where drought and dry spell may happen, government officials have already this ready statement to be released to media: “If things will go bad, we will go to water supply distribution.”

“Climate change is likely to introduce high levels of risks and uncertainties that the water profession simply may not be able to hand with any degree of confidence, at least over the near term,” an official from ADB told this columnist. “This aspect needs urgent attention and accelerated research from water scientists and climatologists.”

Although water and climate change are related, the impacts of severity of water problems comes close to second to climate change, according to Sandra Postel, the American director of Global Water Policy Project in Massachusetts.

“Water has no substitutes,” she wrote in her email to this columnist. “We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

Just remember this: less than one percent of the world’s freshwater (0.007% to be exact) is readily accessible for direct human use. A person needs 4-5 gallons of water per day to survive. While a person can live weeks without food, he can only live days without water.

10NEWS PAGING... FROM 1

ing need to convene the task force so that we could evolve ways in addressing environmental concerns and in moving forward,” he said.

He said the miners in Diwalwal are more than willing to cooperate to ensure that measures are in place to stop the pollution of rivers.

“The Local government unit has the technical knowhow but it is not enough and we need help from the DENR if we are to bring about meaning change,” he said.

Last week, Secretary Cimatu launched a national task force in Baguio City aimed at curbing illegal mining nationwide.

Cimatu explained that the creation of the task force

is to address the proliferation of illegal small-scale mining operations, which are done by individuals, groups, or communities without securing regulation permit from the government.

Cimatu said his department would strictly implement the law, even if it hurts the people, as its mandate is to protect the environment.

National Mining Task Force head Rodolfo Garcia said most of the small-scale mines are illegal, and these unleash untreated water into the rivers, creeks, and other water systems, harming the environment and the communities. (JKL/with a PNA report)

Bakery Fair is organized to showcase technological advancements and techniques in baking.

“This is to gain competitive intelligence about market leaders and to track industry trends and opportunities,” Ah said.

On its tenth year, the three-day event spearheaded by FCBAI will be more special as they brings 18 leading companies to be presented by the local and international experts in the baking industry during their dynamic seminars.

Ah said that one of the highlights of the event is 2018 Bakers Cup Davao – Cake Display Competition, which they will launch the talents of Mindanao Bakers for a International Recognition.

“The competition highlights the Best of Davao and Wedding Cakes,” Ah said Ah said that 5,000 ex-

pected visitors to attend the said event and 76 local and foreign exhibitors who will be participating on the competition.

“Bakery Fair 2018-Davao will surely bring excitement, innovative ideas, and creative techniques for each and every visitor with baking seminars, product demonstrations, competition and cake display from world class bakers and different companies,” Granado said.

For registration and admission, registration form is available on site with free of charge.

Visitors wearing slippers, shorts, sleeveless undershirt will not be allowed and must wear business attire or smart casual.

Friendly reminder from the FCBAI, those children under the age of 12 will not be admitted inside the exhibition hall for safety reason.

there is no more Marawi or Mamasapano forthcoming. We are watching it closely,” he said.

He was referring to the �ivemonth siege in Marawi City last year and the botched Mamasapano police operation designed to arrest international terrorist Zulki�li bin Hir alias Marwan in January 2015.

The Mamasapano incident,

which left 57 people including 44 police elite forces dead, had hampered the passage of the proposed BBL bill.

Hermoso admitted that the normalization process in achieving peace and development in Mindanao is tedious but “we can move forward and hit the ground running” once the BBL becomes a law. (PNA)

David said that last October 2016, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo signed the Memorandum of Agreement with TIEZA and Mindanao Development Authority to initiate and pave the way in enhancing Mindanao connectivity via Land and AIR. Thus, improving accessibility of Mindanao tourism destinations.

“This is emanating from the Mindanao Communication Plan which was the program primarily to establish the Mindanao Land Connectivity, Mindanao Air connectivity and the Mindanao Mice Program,” she said.

She said the Mindanao Regional Directors convened and developed One Mindanao Tourism campaign which further was enhanced as Go South Philippine Islands Campaign to pursue the continuity of the

program. “ Secretary Teo has brought with her the whole DOT family to launch Go South Philippines Campaign here in Davao! The campaign has been designed to complement the marketing efforts of the Department of Tourism nationwide,” David said.

“This is who and what the millenials are! Go surf in Siargao!

Go Rafting in CDO! Go Dive in Talicud Samal and Camiguin, Go Sky Dive in Dipolog, Go culture in Sox, Go Regatta in Zamboanga, Go Durian in Davao, Go Tuna in Gensan, Go swim in Mati and Surigao and many more,” she said.

David said The South offers so much especially to the needs of the largest travelers in the land.

She said about 38 percent of domestic tourists are 15 to 24

FCBAI... FROM 1

BANGSAMORO... FROM 2

DOT... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018 years old who are adventurous young people, fun-loving and hungry for new travel experiences.

David said the campaign is intensive on social media, with presence on social media sites.

“We are going to curate the community with its existing habit of producing high-quality social media photos that represent the best in Mindanao, from landscapes to expression of culture,” she said.

She said The Go South Philippine Islands will also be the banner campaign to be adopted by the Go Mindanao Bus. “The Grand launch will be on May 2018 and during the maiden trip wherein 30 buses will be plying from Manila, the Go Mindanao bus will bring foreign tourists, social media in�luencers, international and local media, national tour operators to Cagayan de Oro all the way to Davao,” she said.

strengthen partnership between private and public sector communicators with the goal of nurturing a well-informed and enlightened citizenry.

During the convention, the participants are expected to organize a movement of communicators that will empower communities to encourage different civic groups to engage in nation building.

The participants are expected to share the best practices they used in public advocacy and social mobilization.

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar will deliver an inspirational message where he is

expected to discuss how the Duterte administration communicates its key policy initiatives, including the Philippine Development Plan of 2017-2022, which is the administration’s �irst medium-term plan anchored on a long-term vision for the country.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Philippine Information Agency Director-General Harold Clavite will deliver opening remarks on Monday while Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and other key government of�icials are also scheduled to give inspirational talks. (PNA)

Thursday.

The pastor will lead a long-scheduled prayer rally in Ynares Compound in Antipolo on Sunday, he said.

The lawyer did not divulge details of the calls but said he was requested to inform Quiboloy’s followers that he is “okay and there is no need to panic,” as there was no case �iled against him.

He did not elaborate what transpired in Hawaii saying his knowledge of the incident was limited.

“And I would be hypocrite if I will say anything about it because, in the �irst place, I was not there. What I will be saying will be hearsay evidence therefore I need not comment on it,” he added.

The Hawaii News Now reported on Thursday (Philippine time) that Customs and Border Enforcement agents found $350,000 cash and parts of military-style ri�les in Quiboloy’s Cessna Citation Sovereign jet.

The plane carried Quiboloy and �ive other passengers, including American Felina Salinas, 47.

However, the report said

Salinas, a supporter of Quiboloy and business manager at the Waipahu church, was the only one arrested after she admitted that the cash was hers.

But she was released after paying a $25,000 bond, the report said.

It said she was charged with attempted bulk cash smuggling when she declared only $40,000, as the Federal law requires “anyone taking more than $10,000 out of the country to declare it.”

The report added the federal government wanted to work for the seizure of $15-million private plane that was left in Honolulu.

“As to the detail, whether or not the money was taken and gun parts were taken, these are handled by my American counterparts,” Torreon said.

Quiboloy is a close friend of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. He offered his private jet to the then presidential candidate during the general elections in 2016.

The religious leader claimed to have dreamt of Duterte’s victory in the presidential elections. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

She said she has become more selective of her travels after Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued on January 3 the guidelines on foreign trips for public of�icials.

She explained the President said in one of the cabinet meetings that secretaries are exempted from the guidelines to enable them to carry out their functions.

But undersecretaries and assistant secretaries are covered by such guidelines, she added.

“I don’t want to travel anymore because I have been to these places many, many times.

Because it is in our mandate, I have to go out, I have to meet the tour operators, I have to meet with investors, I have to meet with people,” she said.

The secretary admitted sending rank and �ile workers on a travel aboard a vessel of Star Cruises when it gave the

department 10 cabins for free during its maiden voyage last year.

But she said these workers have been working for the agency up to 30 years.

“I did not give it to my undersecretaries and assistant secretaries because they get to travel. Instead, I gave it to little people. Walang gastos ang gobyerno dun (the government did not spend), because it was for free,” she said.

In a press brie�ing in Malacañang on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Harry S. Roque said the guidelines on foreign trips apply to all government of�icials, including secretaries, but it depends on the need to go out of the country.

“Talagang trabaho niya na ibenta ang Pilipinas bilang isang travel destination (It’s her job to promote the Philippines as a destination),” he

ALL... FROM 2

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said.

He said government of�icials must also obey the travel guidelines set by Commission on Audit.

“At saka (and then) even under the guidelines set by the President, ang unang (the �irst) guideline is it must be related to your function. So

maintindihan naman natin siguro kung bakit maraming biyahe abroad ang Secretary of Tourism (maybe we can understand why the Secretary of Tourism has many travels abroad) because she has to sell the Philippines as a destination,” he added (MindaNews)

fend himself. But of course, all Filipinos who have problems in any part of the world are given protection and we will assure that their rights are protected. They will also be provided assistance by our consular officials),” Roque said.

In an online report of HawaiiNewsNow, Quiboloy was with a cer-

tain Felina Salinas, 47, of Makakilo City, Hawaii.

She was the only US citizen on the plane, and was arrested after claiming the cash was hers.

Salinas reportedly declared that the USD40,000 cash was hers but not the entire amount of USD350,000. (PNA)

obvious that the HRW is acting as the spokesperson of the CPPNPA,” Lorenzana added.

Lorenzana said the Chief Executive’s pronouncement that he will pay for every communist rebel killed came after the killings of “lumads” and Sison’s directive to kill one soldier or policeman per region a day.

“In the interest of neutrality, objectivity, and the truth, we strongly urge the HRW to stop its hypocrisy and, instead, do the

right thing by acknowledging and investigating these glaring atrocities being committed by the NPA. including the murder of innocent civilians, who resist their aggressive exploitation, and the deceptive recruitment of our indigenous population,” he said.

Lorenzana assured that the government will do everything in its power to protect communities and uphold the rule of law.

CPP is the Communist Party of the Philippines. (PNA)

On its press release, the three day expo will not be merly just exhibit. Different activities and programs will take place each day. Significant events are lined up for May 4-6, such as Memoradum of Agreement signing and launching of Halal related programs for Davao City.

“Ampuan said that the team is preparing a more exciting PHTTE 2018 with great deals of Halal

and Halal Potential products and services, cultural performances, special offers and product presentations. “ With the generous support of our sponsors like Davies Paint, Air Asia and the Royal Mandaya Hotel, to mention a few, we are positively looking forward to accommodating more participants and interested exhibitors,” Ampuan said.

Strengthened PH-Palau ties Aside from meeting the Norwegian special envoy, Duterte, also met Palau President Tommy Remesengau in Davao City on Thursday.

Roque said both sides reaffirmed the importance of the friendship between the Philippines and Palau, citing cultural ties, similar histories and shared challenges.

Moreover, both sides renewed the commitment to enhance and expand cooperation, particularly

in education, maritime security and delimitation, agriculture and aquaculture, counternarcotics, connectivity, medical tourism and trade and investments.

Duterte, meanwhile, vowed to strengthen the Philippines relationship with Palau, noting that the bond between the two countries remains “good and solid.”

He also praised the people of Palau and its government for being “good-natured” and for having a peaceful nation. (PNA)

past years at a level of more than 20 percent.

To date, the country has one of the highest RRR in the world, which is why some analysts have been projecting a cut as domestic inflation continues to rise and the MB keeps key rates steady.

BAP managing director Benjamin Castillo said he expects their member-banks to “be able to extend additional credit to consumers and enterprises that require

adequate funds for their personal and business needs.”

“We are confident to this move of the Monetary Board for the gradual reduction in the reserve ratio which clearly demonstrates a strong regulatory framework and supports the BSP’s ability to further manage liquidity while policy rates are within its framework to continuously promote economic growth,” he added. (PNA)

poor, thus, the program to provide a one-year subsidy to the lower 50 percent bracket of the society.

Some of them have been given Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) accounts where they receive the subsidies, while others get them through conduits such as cooperatives and rural banks.

Under TRAIN’s first package,

about 40 percent of the proceeds from higher excise taxes will be used for social mitigating measures such as targeted cash transfers to poor families, subsidies to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) and electricity consumers in Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) areas or those that are not connected to the main power grids. (PNA)

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Crowd-sourced

Museum of Love showcases love in different forms

ABREEZA MALL has unveiled an entirely crowd-sourced display of love in its many forms to prove that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples to celebrate.

From February 10 to 18, Abreeza Mall brings the Museum of Love to the GF Hallway near Promod, a vignette exhibition that highlights love in its many forms through memorabilia shared by members of the local community.

Abreeza Mall first launched the Museum of Love in February 2014 with members of sociocivic organization Hijos de Davao lending their special belongings to fill shoppers’ hearts with warmth and fondness.

What makes this year’s edition of the Museum of Love even more special is it includes contributions

by Abreeza Mall’s Facebook followers, made possible through an online contest prior to the exhibit where followers

submitted photos of their personal tokens of love.

Fourteen objects shared by Abreeza Mall’s Facebook followers and by members of Davao’s media and blogging communities made it to the Museum of Love, each accompanied by a writeup explaining the object’s significance. As expected, items include various tokens from lovers looking back on past struggles and lovers looking forward to moments of bliss. But rounding up the collection are displays of familial love: from a mother capturing a special moment with her daughter to a daughter holding on to a mother’s gift, from a grandson reminiscing about his time with his grandmother to another

grandmother overcome by pride at her own grandson, from a parent who recalls how his life was forever changed by the birth of his child to a child whose entry into the world was marked by her own father’s solid presence.

Adding welcome accompaniment to a visit to the Museum of Love were short musical serenades by instrumentalists on the weekend of the exhibit’s launch and on Valentine’s Day itself.

The Museum of Love is one of many Valentine’s offerings Abreeza Mall has lined up for Davaoeños from February 10 to 18, including

a free concert by R&B queen Kyla on February 10, the Lingkod Kapamilya Bloodletting Activity in partnership with the ABS-CBN Regional Network on February 14, and the Davao Ecocrafts Fair: Love Is a Work of Heart from February 13 to 18 at the GF Supermarket Hallway.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @ iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

EDGEDAVAO

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TRAVEL

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

Round the clock service at

EIGHTY EIGHT HOTEL

IT ONLY TAKES A SIMPLE GESTURE to make it on anyone’s unwritten list of favourites.

Notwithstanding the reason, be it positive or negative, word of mouth is but a most and is both an effective and destructive way for any business venture’s success.

The contribution is truly prevalent.

It now depends on how you receive it.

Like what Eighty Eight Hotel did. It did not just answer questions appertaining to accommodations; it directed itself in opening more opportunities for locals and visitors to explore the vast area of Koronadal City.

Known as the newest and most comfortable hotel in town, it got its name from its price point.

Their rooms are priced at Php988 per night. Don’t let the price fool you; staying at Eighty Eight Hotel costs more than what you pay for. Truly, value for money!

Not only do they have rooms for the travelers, they also have two spacious function halls that you can book for your upcoming events. Not to mention the vast private

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

space allotted for parking. Now, that’s convenience at its best.

Eighty Eight Hotel rooms are all air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV among others. Every room has a private bathroom equipped with bathtub, shower and a bidet. Toiletries are provided for on a daily basis.

Aside from the basics, one other notable factor that sets Eighty Eight Hotel from the rest is their 24-hour, round the

clock, concierge service that allows their guests to feel at ease. With such a luxury, you can have your fix of anything anytime of any day.

Truly, guests are at their happiest here. Couples, in particular, love their location and has been given it a 9.4 rating (for two-person trip).

The hotel is managed by the Daraug’s (Paulo and Dalia) and is located at Gensan Drive, Barangay Zone 3, Koronadal City.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

KZ HOPES “SINGER 2018” STINT OPENS DOORS FOR MORE OPM ARTISTS ON GLOBAL STAGE SOUL SUPREME KZ TANDINGAN, who recently made headlines for her electrifying performance and beating her idol Jessie J in the fifth episode of China’s “Singer 2018,” said she hopes her stint on China’s top-rating show will open more opportunities for Filipino artists to showcase their talent worldwide.

“It makes me proud to be Pinoy.

I’m just hoping that after this competition, many doors will open not just for me but also for Filipino performers now that foreigners recognize the artistry and excellence of Filipino performers. I’m just really thankful that we were given this opportunity,” said KZ, whose jaw-dropping rendition of “Rolling in the Deep” featured a rap in Tagalog.

The Star Music artist also said that she hopes more OPM artists will be invited to compete in the next season of “Singer 2018,” which attracts over 200 million viewers weekly.

“Singer 2018” is China’s most popular reality TV singing competition and pits professional singers from around the world against each other, as they vie to win audience votes.

“Out of the many countries they could

have scouted for talents, they chose the Philippines. To be able to represent original Pilipino music (OPM) in a country that is not easily penetrated by international artists is already a prize that can’t be bought by money,” she added.

For her first appearance on the show, KZ said she defied recommendations to sing other songs, and ultimately chose to perform her unique version of the Adele hit – a personal decision that

she believed would showcase who she is as an artist.

“I went to China and I was pretty sure no one knew me. Now they know a small Filipina girl who is singing her heart out in China’s number one show.

That makes me very proud. That’s the kind of impact I want to make as a Filipino and show the world.

Your dreams will come true as long as you believe that you can do it and you do what you want to do,” she said.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

KORONADAL PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

CINEMA GUIDE

11 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

Matina Enclaves releases February updates

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

Building B, C, A and Arcadia

West Elevation First Coat Paint

Installation of Atrium Roof

North View Installation of Modulars at 1st Floor

Installation of Bedroom Tiles

M

atina Enclaves’ Building C continues to move into its targeted launch.

Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) recently released its construction updates for the second tower of its maiden project Matina Atrium Enclaves’ Building C, which is part of the Enclaves Towers sector.

Esdevco’s February 16 construction updates released recently bared that construction is moving full throttle in the interiors section of the building.

Matina Enclaves, located along Quimpo Boulevard in Ecoland, Window Installation at 1st Floor is owned by local investor Escandor family whose diverse business include The Royal Mandaya Hotel and security agency DASIA (Davao Allied Security and Investigation Agency Inc.) The latest circular showed that Building C painting works have completed the �irst coat.

Other ongoing Building C works inAtrium Railings clude installation of Preparation for Painting �loor tiles, installation

of windows, installation of door jams, installation of wardrobe cabinets, installation of modular cabinets on kitchen areas, installation of laundry areas, railing preparation for painting, installation of partition, and installation of roo�ing at staircases.

Building C topped off last October and overall, the Matina Enclaves Towers project has turned over one building and has sold out �ive.

Likewise, the stateof-the-art Arcadia recreation and �itness complex which is located adjacent to the Matina Enclaves will be launched within the �irst quarter of 2018.

Project head Gerald Kent Garces said the company is ensuring it delivers its promise to its clients.

“The construction has been well right on our desired time frame.

We are just on time without trying to rush things. Rest assured that every detail of the building is well looked after,” said Garces.

12NEWS WATER... FROM 5

ed for the rainwater to address the flooding on the island.

She said TIEZA’s drainage system brings rainwater out to the sea but it does filter out the wastes.

The only facility that is capable of treating wastes in the water is the Boracay Water Sewage System but only a few establishments had been connected to it.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has given non-compliant establishments two months to connect to the Boracay Water Sewage System, Teo said.

She noted that tourist arrivals in Boracay have not been affected since the President issued the stern warning against erring establishments.

She said they fully support the directive of the President for the six-month deadline to clean up the island and fix the problems, including water and solid waste disposal.

Teo said she is set to visit Boracay with Cimatu and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on February 21 to monitor the progress of fixing the island.

She added she has ordered TIEZA to oversee the completion of its P716-million drainage project to address the flooding on the island and hopes for the full cooperation of all business establishments and residents, so that Boracay would remain as a major employer and source of income.

(MINDANEWS)

we have a great admiration for Alibaba for being at the cutting edge of technology and we have seen this for ourselves here and we have not been disappointed,” Dominguez has told Ma. In an interview by Chinese domestic media Global E-businessmen, Dominguez has described Ma as a“true visionary” with “a very good concept of what the future is going to look like.” Dominguez said President Duterte was impressed with Ma when they met in Malacañan Palace last November in Manila and had issued instructions

to pursue discussions with the technology entrepreneur to find common areas that Alibaba and the Philippine government could pursue together.

“I will report to the President that there are many elements here that we could use in the Philippines, including in the area of security management,” Dominguez said during his meeting with Ma in Hangzhou.

Dominguez said technology is a powerful tool not only in helping reduce poverty, but also in maintaining law and order. (DOF)

hindi naman po isasara lahat eh it’s only those which have violated (So if Boracay is longer there, there are other places that we can promote becasue not all will be closed it’s only those which have violated),’ Teo pointed out.

Teo underscored the objective of the cleanup of Boracay now. “At the end of the day, it’s the future of the next generation. Kawawa naman kung hindi natin ayusin ang Boracay now (It’s a pity if we will not fix Boracay now) Now is the time to save Boracay,” Teo said.

Teo announced she will return

to Boracay anytime soon to see the amount of compliance of the environmental and eco-tourism laws by the tourism establishments.

She said she will invite Environment Secretary Roy Cinatu and Local Government Acting Secretary Eduardo Año to join her in Boracay for another inspection.

The cleanup campaign of Boracay will not be “ningas cogon”, according to Teo. She said when she was still in the private sector she already heard complaints from her clients about itchy skin after taking a dip at a Boracay resort. (PNA)

would have to pay a de�iciency interest of P60,000 for the three years counting from 2014 up to the time he was able to pay in 2017. On top of this, he must also pay the delinquency interest of P40,000 that accrued from 2015, the due date of BIR’s �inal notice and demand to pay the de�iciency tax, to 2017. Thus, the taxpayer would have to pay overlapping interest penalties amounting to P100,000, which is equivalent to the original de�iciency tax of P100,000. This means he needed to cough up a total of P200,000 to pay his tax liabilities. If he had paid beyond 2017, he would have accumulated interest penalties exceeding the original amount of the de�iciency tax.

But under Section 75 of TRAIN, Tionko said such overlapping interest penalties have been eliminated. The taxpayer would only have to pay interest penalties equivalent to double the legal interest rate for loans, which is currently set by the BSP. Assuming we were to use the legal interest of 6 interest, the taxpayer, would only have to pay 12 percent interest of the de�iciency tax

amount starting from the taxable year he incurred the de�iciency.

This means that if the de�iciency tax was assessed for the taxable year when the TRAIN was already in effect, he would only have to pay P36,000 interest instead of the whopping P100,000 under pre-TRAIN provisions.

Tionko said the BIR would soon come out with the necessary guidelines imposing this new interest penalty rate on unpaid taxes provided under the TRAIN. The TRAIN, which was signed into law by President Duterte last Dec. 19, exempts those earning an annual taxable income of P250,000 and below from paying the personal income tax (PIT), bene�iting over six million compensation earners starting January this year.

The 13th month pay and other bonuses not exceeding a total of P90,000 are also tax exempt under TRAIN. In effect, those with a taxable annual income of P250,000, on average, would be able to take home a cash bonanza equivalent to a substantial one-month’s pay per year.(DOF)

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

PHOENIX... FROM 6 the petroleum trading entity of the Phoenix Group which is envisioned as enhancing the petroleum importation ef�iciencies of the Phoenix group’s import �lows as well as providing access to fast growing markets in Southeast Asia.

In addition, earlier this year the Company announced its joint venture with Tipco Asphalt of Thailand and PhilAsphalt for the marketing and distribution of asphalt in the Philippines.

The newly formed JV forms part of Phoenix’s strategy to complete its petroleum product offerings and to optimize the expected growth in infrastructure spending of the government. TIPCO Asphalt is the leading manufacturer and distributor of asphalt products in Thailand and the Asia-Paci�ic region. Its asphalt products are also sold to importers and road contractors in Africa, Australia, and North America.

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DECEDENTS ANTONIO E. CUIZON AND BALDOMERA L. CUIZON

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANTONIO E. CUIZON who died on April 13, 2004 and the late BALDOMERA L. CUIZON who died on October 03, 2008 at Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DECEDENTS executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.323; PageNo.65; Book No.05; Series of 2011, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. WILFREDO S. CASAS.

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ti�ied by witnesses who are under the witness protection program and security bene�it program (WPSBP) of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Since January this year, 13 ASG members involved in

the Golden Harvest Plantation attack were apprehended by government operatives.

Of the total, 12 of them were arrested in Zamboanga City while one in Isabela City, Basilan province. (PNA)

that LTFRB has been receiving from passengers included rejection, bad hygiene, and drivers wanting in good manners.

At present, the city has 2,691 taxi units and close to a thousand

operators, who were encouraged by the LTFRB-10 to consolidate their franchise by forming a cooperative or a corporation so they could be united, Guro said. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao

AFFIDAVIT –SAME IDENTITY I, SANDEEP RANI JOSHI, of legal age, married , Indian Citizen, and a resident of V.P.O Bhaini Baringan, Teh.Raikot.Dist. Ludhiana, Punjab, India, and now residing at Cattleya St., Landmark III, Sasa, Davao City , Philippines, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law hereby depose and say that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

I was married to RAJ KUMAR JOSHI on April 23, 2000 at Ghuman, Teh Raikot ,District Ludhiana, Punjab, India under Hindu rites. This is evidenced by our MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE issued by the Office of the Hindu Marriage Registrar.

However, in my Indian Passport, my name was inaccurately registered as ‘SANDEEP RANI”. The inaccurate entry of my name included also those in other official documents issued in the Philippines, such as my Philhealth ID, LTO Driver’s License, Bank records, etc: Such discrepancy in my name may be due to human errors committed by third persons under circumstances beyond my personal control; I hereby certify that I, SANDEEP RANI JOSHI, compared to that person named “SANDEEP RANI” refer to one and the same person.

That I am executing this affidavit toattest to the truth of the foregoing facts, to apprise the concerned authorities of the matter, and for other legal purposes it may serve, having been read and interpreted to me in a known language or dialect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ihave hereunto set my hands on this 12th day of January 2018 in the City of Davao, Philippines.

SANDEEP RANI JOSHI Affiant Passport No. H2343064 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on this 12th day of January 2018 at Davao City, Philippines, affiant exhibiting to me her sufficient evidence of identity as stated above.

PER Doc. No. 132, Page No. 28, Book No. 91 ,Series of 2018 of the NOTARY PUBLIC KENNETH L. DABI

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Eleventh Judicial Region Branch 8 Davao City

IN RE: PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF FRANCIS EMIL NARBAY,

SP. Proc. No. 12,306-2012

FLORANTE S. DEL ROSARIO & IMELDA DEL ROSARIO, Petitioner,

For: Adoption under R.A 8852 & Rule 99 of the Rules of Court

X-----------------------------------------------X

ORDER

This is a verified Amended Petition for adoption of Francis Emil Narbay, filed by petitioners Florante S. Del Rosario and Imelda Del Rosario, thru counsel, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, the said prospective adoptee be declared for all intents and purposes, the petitioner’s son.

Finding the verified amended petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the hearing of this petition on April 20, 2018 at 8:30 in the morning.

Petitioners are hereby directed to cause the publication of this Order at their expenses, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation, which has been selected after raffle, in the City and the four (4) provinces of Davao.

Likewise, petitioners are further directed to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General a copy of their Amended Petition.

Any person interested or who seeks to oppose the instant petition may appear why said Amended Petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, January 26, 2018.

(SGD) GLENN DE CASTRO AQUINO Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region BRANCH 10 Davao City IN RE: JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN JUDGMENT OR DIVORCE DECREE AND CANCELLATION OR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OF DAVAO CITY

R-DVO-17-02799-SP

MARY JANE L. MARTIN, Petitioner, - Versus ROY MARTIN GRATUITO AND THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY, Respondents,

X-----------------------------------------------X

ORDER

The petitioner through counsel filed this verified petition seeking an order from this Court, that after due notice, publication and hearing an Order be issued declaring that Petitioner’s divorce from her husband on 21 March 2002 as validly and legally recognized, directing the Honorable City Civil Registrar of Davao City as well as the Honorable Administrator and Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority to drop from the Civil Register the family name Gratuito.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course and set for hearing on February 22, 2018 at 2:00 in the afternoon, at which date and time any interested party may appear and show cause, if any why said petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and Provinces of Davao, as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

Petitioner is directed to submit the Judicial Affidavits of her witnesses five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. The Branch Clerk of Court is hereby commissioned to hear and receive the evidence of the parties.

Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and the City Legal Office of Davao City with a copy of this Order and each with a copy of the Petition, who may oppose the same within fifteen (15) days from notice hereof.

SO ORDERED Davao City, Philippines, July 6, 2017 Feb. 6, 12 and 19, 2018

(sgd.) RETRINA E. FUENTES Judge

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

Low water pressure to no water in some areas served by Panacan WSS February 20-22, 2018 Davao City Water District advises that low water pressure to no water will be experienced in some areas served by Panacan Water Supply System on February 20 to 22, 2018. This water service interruption will give way to the scheduled rehabilitation of Panacan Production Well No. 4 to improve water yield of said well.

First set has these two schedules: 1) from 9:00 AM of February 20, 2018 until 9:00 AM of February 21, 2018 and 2) February 22, 2018 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 PM. Affected are some Sasa areas: Airview Heights, BAT Compound, Bayview Village, Cabayugan I, II and III, De Guzman Village, Delbros Village, Doña Caridad Subd., Doña Socorro Village, Landmark Village I and II, Mahayahay Settlers, NCCC Panacan, Doña Mercedes Village, Nelia Ville Subd. I and II, Purok Bangoy, Sagrada, San Jose Village, San Lorenzo Ruiz Village, San Vicente, SAPAHA, St. John, Suha Village, and Sunrise Village; and some Panacan areas: Benjamin Hills, Camp Panacan, Celedonia Village, Doña Mercedes Village I and II, Don Ramon Village, DPWH Depot, Emma Village,

Panacan Public Market, Panacan Relocation, Pizarro Village, PMPC Village, RUC XI Panacan, San Miguel Village, St. Michael Village, Veterans Village, portion of C.P. Garcia Highway (from Panacan Relocation to DPWH Depot), and portion of Davao-Agusan Road (from junction of Panacan-Malagamot Road to Landmark Village 1 and from Landmark Village 1 to Doña Mercedes Village).

Second set is from 9:00 AM of February 21, 2018 until 9:00 AM of February 22, 2018 affecting Luzville Subd. and Sarmiento Subd. in Panacan; and these Ilang, Tibungco, Bunawan, and Lasang areas: Bugac-Ilang, Amparo Village, Upper Manggahan, Manggahan Village, Vicente Gloria Compound, Pena Village, Cal Village, Doña Consuelo Village, Malupiha Homeowners Assn., Tibungco Public Market, Tambongon, Sto. Niño Awad, Sto. Niño Hudson, Bucana, San Juan, Riverside, Inabangga, Muslim Village, Buhisan, NSV Ilang, Central Ilang, Panacan Valley, Budbud, Virgo Licanan, and portion of Davao-Agusan Road (from junction of Panacan-Malagamot Road to Lasang).

Elevated and far areas may still continue to experience low water pressure to no water after the scheduled water service interruption while DCWD’s operation is still recovering.

On behalf of the DCWD management, general manager Engr.

Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of the would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store water in clean and covered containers as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and of�icial Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. Contact 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Camille Margarette U. Solon)

gling. In the early 60s, the NBA merged with the rival ABA and that was when it grew by leaps and bounds.

If the MPBL can withstand the test of time (weather and all), it will

eventually become a rich spawning ground of future national athletes who will banner the country’s flag in the Asian Games, FIBA and the Olympics.

Cheers to the MPBL! (Email

your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Isaiah 40:8. “The grass withers and the flowers fall but he Word of our God stands forever.”

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!Fred C. Lumba

MPBL... FROM 11

NEWS 13

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14

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD POISONING 33 Mati City athletes downed by food poisoning

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO AND ARMANDO FENEQUITO, JR.

W

ith barely 24 hours before the curtains open for the 2018 Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet, 33 athletes from Mati City were taken to hospital late Saturday for suspected food poisoning.

Lawyer Lawrence Bantiding, Assistant City Administrator for Operations and Overall In Charge for DAVRAA 2018 Preparations of the LGU side, con�irmed the reported incident in a statement.

“We con�irm the suspected incident of food poisoning affecting at least 33 student

delegates to the DAVRAA 2018,” the statement obtained

by Edge Davao read.

Bantiding said those affected were were immediately brought to the hospital, along with 3 coaches and a kitchen staff who all experienced symptoms of food poisoning.

According to Bantiding,

the affected delegates and coaches had dinner that was procured, prepared, and served by the Mati contingent managers.

The City Government of Davao has immediately extended the needed assistance to the affected delegates.

Standby medical teams from Central 911 brought the delegates to the hospital for proper medical attention.

The incident, however, will not prevent the athletes from taking part in their events.

Based on assessment of attending physicians and

of�icials from the City Health Of�ice, the delegates will be able to compete in their respective sporting events.

The DAVRAA of�icially opens on Sunday at the University of Mindanao Sports Complex in Matina.

City Of�icials are monitoring the condition of the delegates and undertaking preventive measures to ensure this incident does not happen again.

This food poisoning incident is now being investigated and all responsible parties will be made accountable.

OPENER. Part of the intense action between Ateneo de Davao University and Emar Learning Center ushering in the 2018 Escandor Cup at the DCRCGym on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

MPBL is making waves World tops USA in Rising Stars Challenge

L

OS ANGELES (AP) -- Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic got the All-Star weekend off to a running start in the World’s latest victory over the NBA’s young Americans.

Hield scored 29 points with five 3-pointers, and his Sacramento Kings teammate won the MVP award with 26 points and seven 3-pointers in the World team’s 155124 victory over the U.S. team in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night.

The annual showcase of the NBA’s top rookies and second-year players again served as the opening to the three-day All-Star festivities, which are being held in Los Angeles for the record sixth time.

But this show was headlined by two shooting stars from the upstate rivals of the hometown Lakers and Clippers, with Hield and Bogdanovic combining to hit 12 of the World’s 23 3-pointers. The World has won this All-Star showcase four consecutive times. ‘’You know, it was (an) All-Star Game, so it wasn’t like a really competitive game,’’ Hield said. ‘’But the World has been getting better. I’m proud to see a lot of guys around the world from France, Australia, you have (Joel) Embiid from Cameroon.

Everybody is showing progress, and the world is showing progress catching up to American basketball.

This shows how hard we’ve been working and how dedicated we are to this game.’’

Indeed, the 10-man American team struggled to keep up with the 10-man team representing everywhere else, from Canada to Croatia to Cameroon. Eight of the World’s 10 players hit double figures, including 21 from Denver’s Jamal Murray, the Canadian MVP of this

game last season with 36 points.

Boston’s Jaylen Brown led the U.S. with 35 points and 10 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma, the hometown Lakers’ promising rookie, added 20.

Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons also was sharp in his rookie debut in the game, with the Aussie No. 1 pick contributing 11 points, 13 assists, six rebounds and four steals while catalyzing the World’s offense. His 76ers teammate, Croatia’s Dario Saric, also hit four 3-pointers.

Hield, who is from the Bahamas, will be sorry to see the end of his eligibility for this game, in which he scored 28 points last season in New Orleans as a rookie with the Pelicans. The sweet-shooting Kings guard hit five 3-pointers.

Bogdanovic, from Serbia, was even better from long range, going 7 for 13 on 3-pointers and even adding six assists to earn MVP honors. ‘’I approach every single game the same way,’’ Bogdanovic said. ‘’Try to compete to be the best version of myself that day, and it just happened tonight. You never know when it’s going to happen.’’

Both Kings guards excelled against their Sacramento teammate, De’Aaron Fox, who scored four points for the U.S. ‘’I told him I would score on him,’’ Bogdanovic said. ‘’I should (have) bet as well, but we didn’t bet, so I didn’t get some extra money.’’

The biggest cheers at Staples Center went to Lakers youngsters Kuzma and Brandon Ingram on the U.S. team. The fans also roared for Lonzo Ball, who was selected for the U.S. roster but unable to play due to his lingering knee injury.

Ingram, who scored eight

M

LAKER ROOKIE. U.S. Team’s Kyle Kuzma, left, shoots as World Team’s Domantas Sabonis, of the Indiana Pacers, defends during the NBA All-Star Rising Stars basketball game on Saturday in Los Angeles. AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill

points, and Kuzma were both playing in their third game in three nights, including a loss at Minnesota on Thursday night. But they are the struggling marquee franchise’s only representatives at the latest All-Star weekend in its hometown.

The 16-time NBA champion Lakers (23-34), who also had Larry Nance Jr. in the dunk contest before trading him to Cleveland, are likely to miss the playoffs for a team-record fifth consecutive season. ‘’It was a good pickup game,’’ Ingram said. ‘’Guys got to go out there and hit a few shots and have fun. Got a couple dunks at the end. It was just good for the fans.’’

Embiid provided the third quarter’s best highlight with a nimble spin move into a ferocious dunk while the World padded its lead out to 32 points in the third and 39 in the fourth. Embiid only played nine minutes, but also hit a 3-pointer.

The final seconds devolved into an uncontested dunk contest, and the Americans finally had a few highlights. Brown and Atlanta’s John Collins both threw down ferocious , acrobatic slams .

Utah’s Donovan Mitchell and Dallas’ Dennis Smith Jr. also warmed up for their participation in Saturday’s dunk contest with a couple of nasty slams in the first half.

PBL stands for Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

While just an infant as it begins a journey into the sports maze, it is already making a dent among local sports fans, particularly local basketball fanatics.

It is an idea hatched by the good senator from Sarangani, Manny Pacquiao, whose love for sports transcends his boxing heroism.

While it may be a take-off from the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association which, for a time, rivalled the PBA in the early 90s, the MPBL today took off with fresh gears that could institutionalize it in due time.

Former PBA legend Kenneth Duremdes is the league’s first commissioner and judging by the attendance in home and away games, there is no reason to worry that the MPBL will go the way of the MBA. The participating LGUs have become cognizant that sports play a vital role in bringing up a law-abiding and healthy citizenry.

Hordes of local fans troop to the venue where the action is held who cheer for their home team (and conversely jeer the visiting opposition).

During the 90s there were but few decent multi-purpose gyms and basketball arenas where competitions can generally serve the watching public.

Today, there are just about one in every city or capital town that is capable of hosting out-of-town PBA games, including semifinal or championship matches.

This is a plus factor for the MPBL. Besides, the new generation of millennials are active members of the youth sector whose inexhaustible energy they channel to sports

endeavors.

Meaning, the number of sports fans have increased because we now have a population of young people oozing with energy and outgoing vitality.

You can call it luck but the MPBL, with Pacquiao as its guiding spirit may yet prove to be the chief rival of the PBA in the long term.

For one, there are many LGUs who are on a wait and see attitude.

When they realize that the MPBL is not a ningas kugon activity, more of them will apply and participate.

Second, promoting the LGU through the traditional media practices is very expensive. With the MPBL, the LGU and its local chief executive are mentioned every now and then, so the advertising and promotion are already free of charge.

Third, basketball players in the local level who aspire to join the pro ranks can make the MPBL a training ground where they can display their heretofre undiscovered talents.

Fourth, local economic activity is spurred as the MPBL creates a fanatical frenzy when local folks watch their local heroes play against the visiting teams.

Fifth, the timeliness of the MPBL kick-off calendar fills the void that the PBA cannot satiate. In other words, watching the PBA can become boring because you see the same old faces and the same old format, year in, year out.

With many Fil-Am talents replacing local hoopsters, the MPBL appears to be a nationalistic endeavor as those sidelined can enlist with and find work among the participating LGUs. The MPBL, if I may, could approximate the growth of the NBA when the latter was strug-

MPBL,P10

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 228 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2018

ESCANDOR CUP. Presidential Adviser for Sports and SBP Board of Trustee director Glenn Y. Escandor presides over the ceremonial jump during the opening of the 2018 Escandor Cup Inter-High School Basketball Tournament. Witnessing the proceedings is SBP 11 liaison officer Ronel Leuterio. Lean Daval Jr.