Edge Davao 5 Issue 121

Wow, gold smuggling na pud!

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VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

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Paje confirms gold smuggling in Davao Decline in sale of gold to 5 BSP buying stations after BIR imposed taxes

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He Department of environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (DeNR-MGB) disclosed Monday that the total metallic mineral production value during the first semester of 2012 (January-June) diminished by a staggering 26 percent, due to the 95 percent decline in the gold purchases by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In a report to DeNR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, MGB Director Leo Jasareno stated that the decline in gold purchases started during the second semester of 2011 when the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) strictly imposed the collection of the two percent excise tax and 10 percent creditable withholding tax (cWT) from the sale of gold by small-scale miners and traders pursuant to Revenue Regulations No. 7-2008 dated March 25, 2008.

Said regulation was superseded by Revenue Regulations No. 6-2012 dated april 2, 2012, which reduced the cWT from 10 percent to 5 percent effective april 2012. The BSP, through its five buying stations in Baguio city, Davao city, Zamboanga city, Naga city and Quezon city, deducts the corresponding taxes from small-scale miners/traders and remit the same to the BIR. The decline in volume of gold sold to BSP, not decrease in gold production, was first reported by edge Davao quoting Regional Director Maria Luisa D. Lim of the National economic Development authority (Neda) and Regional Director estrella R. Turingan of the National Statistical coordination Board (NScB).

“Given the continuing high price of gold and the increasing number of small-scale mining areas, the decrease in gold purchases by the BSP clearly indicates that gold outputs are going to the black market and smuggling activities,” Paje PAMULAK. Contingents for this year’s Pamulak sa Kadayawan show off their floats during the last day of the stressed.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival. The event showcases FPAJE, 12 annual flowers in bloom and ripe fruits in a floral float parade

competition where onlookers witnessed countless mobile floats. Two categories excite both the interested float artists and audiences – the big and the small category. [Joseph

GPH, NDF to resume peace talks in September LaWrence p. Garcia]

By Edward C. Lactaoen

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eace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) are set to resume next month after a year of being stalled, according to GPH panel member ednar G. Dayanghirang

who guested at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM annex atrium yesterday.

Dayanghirang said the reason behind the delay was the demand of the NDF for the release of 14 persons, said to be NDF consultants, under the protection of the Joint

agreement and Safety Immunity Guarantees (JaSIG). However, the floppy disk containing the list deposited by the NDF in a Norwegian bank could no longer be opened due to alleged virus.

Dayanghirang said the Royal Norwegian

Government , the third party in the negotiation, requested the parties to set the technical issues aside and move forward with the peace talks.

The GPH and NDF met last June 14 and 15 in Oslo, Norway, for in-

FGPH, 12

2

THE BIG NEWS ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ coffee cups, taxi cabs launched

VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

By Vicky Berdina M. de Guzman

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OURISM Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. launched the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” coffee cups by Blu Gre café and taxi cabs by Mabuhay Taxi company in Davao city last week.

Secretary Jimenez also bared that the Department of Tourism targets 4.6 million tourist arrivals in the Philippines.

He said the target is achievable considering that

by June, there were already 2.14 million arrivals, before the peak of the tourism season starting September.

“Tourism is not just about coming in and out of our country of tourists but about the creation of jobs and businesses,” he said.

Jimenez said one big

Target of 4.6-million arrivals achievable, says DOT’s Secretary Jimenez LGUs’ involvement indispensable in tourism development challenge of the country’s and the city’s tourism industry is that tourists are still ignorant about what the Philippines can offer in terms of tourist destinations and excellent services. “They (tourists) are not afraid to come; they just don’t know anything about us,” he said.

He said that the campaign to promote tourism could be an effective way to inform the people about our country, just like the slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

He said the involvement of local government units in tourism is the key to success of the government’s effort to

develop the full potentials of the industry.

Jimenez officially launched coffee cups used by Blu Gre café, a Davao-based coffee shop, carrying the slogan of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” together with the Mabuhay Taxi whose initial 25 units feature the different interesting sites and facts about Davao city in signage painted on both sides of the cabs’ bodies.

Secretary Jimenez also had private meetings with key tourism officials from Davao city led by Mayor Sara Duterte-carpio and the city Garden Island of Samal underMayor aniano antalan.

Theatre collective of Butuan city was adjudged first; Kathara Dance Theatre collective Inc. of Davao city, second, and Tinalak cultural ensemble of Lake Sebu, South cotabato, third.

Hiyas ng Kadawayan crowned Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2012 was Jean ali of the Maguindanao Tribe; ajema Malatus of the Maranao Tribe was chosen Hiyas sa Kauswagan (1st Runner-up); and Hannah catucag of the Kagan Tribe, Hiyas sa Tingusbawan (2nd Runner-up) who also won Best in cultural Skills Showcase.

Indak-indak Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan was in two categories: Davao-based and the Open.

Winner Davao-based category: Jesus Soriano National High School, followed

by Sta. ana Performing arts Guild/Sta. ana National High School, 2nd place; Tribu Ka-

libungan of Fatima elementary School of Mandug, 3rd place; San Isidro elementary School, 4th place; and Vicente Hizon Sr. elementray School, 5th place.

Winners in the Open category were: Bambad National High School of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, 1st place; Notre Dame of Sto. Niño, South cotabato, 2nd; Kutawato Institute of Technology Foundation, Inc. of Lake Sebu, South cotabato, 3rd; Mabuyok Na Mainit cultural Troupe of Mainit, Surigao del Norte, 4th; Davao del Norte, 5th.

Pamulak (Floral parade) Pamulak ng Kadayawan was in the Big category, Small category and Non-Motorized category.

Winners: Big category, Kisan Lu Lands, Inc. first place; International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI) second,

Kadayawan winners announced

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RLY eScaRILLa, spokesperson of Kadayawan 2012, announced yesterday the following winners of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw official events.

Tunog Mindanaw For Tunog Mindanaw, “Silangan” by Reuben Rhyll Garbilao/crowns Down of Butuan city won first place; “Buhay at Pag-asa” by Gauss Obenza of Davao city was second, and “Sinag” by Maan chua of Davao third.

Sayaw Mindanaw cesario Villa abrille Dance club of Davao city won first place for Sayaw Mindanaw children’s category. Matina central elementary School Dance Troupe of Davao city was second and Vicente Hizon Sr. elementary School Dance Troupe of Davao city third.

In the open category of Sayaw Mindanaw, Kadanao

FKADAYAWAN, 12

PEACE TALKS. Ednar Dayanghirang, government peace panel member (right), says that the delays in the peace negotiation between the government and the CPP-NDF is caused by the demands and the tactical strategies of

the latter during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. At his right is Edtami Mansayagan, Office of the Peace Process Adviser of the President (OPPAP) Indigenous People (IP) consultant [Lean DaVaL Jr.]

Why TFD continues to exist

By Jade C. Zaldivar

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OURISTS may have been wondering over the high visibility of armed soldiers and police officers in the streets of Davao city during the celebration of the Kadayawan Festival.

They’re perhaps puzzled why there is a need for Task Force Davao (TFD) despite Davao’s reputation for being a relatively safe and peaceful city, one of the “most liveable” in the world, at par with highly developed citystate as Singapore which, by the way, has few visible policemen on its streets.

Nine years after its creation, the anti-terrorist unit realizes that, indeed, Davao city has become a more peaceful city than when the TFD was created.

Still, TFD commander col. Marcos Norman Flores says it wouldn’t be wise or easy to dissolve the unit just yet. after the city was hit by a series of deadly bombings at the Davao airport and Sasa Port in March and april of 2003, TFD came into being by virtue of an executive Order signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-arroyo.

“The Task Force was created upon the instruction of

TFD says

a President. It would perhaps also take a President to dissolve it,” he said yesterday during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM annex atrium. “as the eastern Mindanao command chief [Maj. Gen. Jorge V. Segovia] said, the task force in some way is special. We, as a unit, cannot just declare ourselves dissolved, neither the Southern command center nor the east Min com can do this,” he added.

The second reason is the very function of the task force.

The TFD serves as the city’s defense against terrorism, Flores said.

With the constant threat of terrorists from neighboring provinces of the city and other parts of Mindanao, the city cannot remove from it’s own hands the very weapon it has which shields its citizens from danger. “as long as the city is under threat, and unless we have provided the local police the capability of defending the city from terrorists, then the task force will not be dissolved,” Flores said.

“Probably, when the city has succeeded in dramatically lowering the threat from

terrorism, only then can we say there’s no reason for the task force to continue to exist,” he added.

The third reason would have to come from the citizens themselves.

Davao city Mayor Sara Duterte-caprio. as well as the Davao city council [through the district representatives] have not shown any intention of withdrawing their support of the TFD. Many members of the private sector have expressed their continued support of the efforts of the TFD over the years. entrepreneurs, professionals, and educators among others have supported the TFD’s civil military operations towards instilling in the populace the fact that peace-keeping takes an active community to maintain.

They’re the unit of soldiers who establish checkpoints at the city’s boundaries and whose presence adds to the very reason why we are able to sleep peacefully at night.

That Task Force Davao shouldn’t, and wouldn’t, be dissolved anytime soon, is the general public’s sentiment.

Kadayawan generally peaceful

T ZERO UNTOWARD INCIDENT. Col. Marcus Norman Flores, commander of Task Force Davao (left), reports that there was no untoward incident reported during the celebration of Kadayawan Festival 2012 in yesterday’s Ka-

pehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Also in the photo is Orly Escarilla, spokesperson of Kadayawan 2012. [Lean DaVaL Jr.]

He head of Task Force Davao (TFD), the city’s antiterrorist unit, yesterday dubbed the city’s Kadayawan Festival “generally peaceful” so far (it ends on august 31). col. Marcos Normal Flores said the TFD and the Davao city Police Office (DcPO) had not noted any imminent threat that would disrupt the city’s celebration.

“There have been no threats nor attempts that could have disrupted the festival’s activities. every activity, whether, accred-

Thanks to public’s cooperation ited or non-accredited, which we monitored had gone smoothly,” he said in yesterday’s Kapihan sa SM press conference.

Despite the bombing in Zamboanga last august 16, which injured six people, including a two-yearold, Flores said the city’s peace-keeping units maintained order.

“The city mayor did give us directives to anticipate and prevent spillage of violence but even without the directive, it is our function and duty to keep

Davao city peaceful,” he said.

Flores attributed their success in keeping the city’s peace to the populace, saying that he had seen how people were very cooperative. “actually the number of policemen and us from Task Force Davao was relatively small in relation to the number of people witnessing the festival, but due to their mindset in wanting to keep the peace also napakalaki ng tulong nila,” he said. [JaDe c. ZaLDiVar]

THE BIG NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 121 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

3

P5.6-M bounty stuns communist leader J

ORGe Madlos, National Democratic FrontMindanao spokesperson, was shocked with the P5.6 million bounty for his capture, saying he thought it was just P1 million.

In a phone interview Friday night, Madlos, alias Ka Oris, also decried the arrest warrant issued against his son, Vincent Isagani, whom the police included in the cases against the rebel leader involving the attack on a mining company in claver, Surigao del Norte last year.

He asked President Benigno aquino III to work out the suspension of the arrest warrant against his son. “all along, I thought the bounty was only P1 million because that’s what we learned from the posters in [transport] terminals,” Madlos said. aquino earlier issued an order increasing the reward money for those who can provide information leading to the arrest of high-profile fugitives in the country, including retired Gen. Jovito Palparan.

“The President also reminds the public of the existing reward of 5.6 million pesos each for information leading to the apprehension of cPP-NPa leaders Benito

Tiamzon and Jorge Madlos, both of whom also have outstanding warrants of arrest,” Presidential spokesperson edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

Madlos decried the bounty, saying it is part of the “continuing political persecution of revolutionaries,” as it treats them like “common criminals like Palparan,” a retired general.

Palparan, whom activists call as “The Butcher,” is facing charges of kidnapping for the disappearance of students Sherlyn cadapan and Karen empeño in 2006.

“Despite the aquino government’s bold talk of all-out peace, it is quite ironic that its policy on the peace process seethes with political persecution by highlighting the P5.6 million reward money for the eventual capture of known revolutionary personalities such as Tiamzon, myself, and others in the so-called bounty list,” Madlos said in a separate statement emailed to journalists.

The reward, he added, is a “malicious declaration that is designed to once and for all scuttle the peace talks, and focus instead on bribing the people through the military reward system.”

The rebel spokesperson also admitted this recent persecution has affected him not just as a revolutionary but also as a son and a father.

Madlos bared that his mother, Dorothea RaveloMadlos passed away at the age of 98 on august 16 in Surigao city due to liver cancer. The 74-year old rebel leader last saw her mother in 1992.

“In my absence, I am

counting on my only son, Vincent Isagani, to represent me in expressing my love as a son in her last rites,” he said, noting the “false” charges against his son hindered such a moment.

“With my son’s right denied and his liberty in peril, my very last chance to join my family in paying our last respects to my beloved mother was completely deprived,” Madlos

pointed out.

He added that his son, who used to work as a call center agent in cebu city, was never involved in any activist movement during his college days.

Madlos said his son has already gone into hiding upon his advice five days ago.

Vincent Isagani is among the 136 persons charged with robbery and arson following the NPa

attack on Platinum Group Metal corp. in claver town last year.

Police Supt. Martin Gamba, police spokesperson in the caraga region, confirmed to Mindanews that there were charges filed against the Madloses but he could not confirm yet if the warrant of arrest is already out.

This form of persecution, the rebel spokesper-

FP5.6-M, 12

BILLBOARD. Vice Mayor Rody Duterte greets Muslim residents of the city “Happy Eid’l Fitr Al-Mubarak” through a huge billboard in front of San Pedro Cathedral. [Lean DaVaL Jr.]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Conservationists bare eight species, one subspecies of Philippine owls a

conservationist group has unveiled eight new species and one subspecies of owls that are found only in the Philippines, even as a nature conservationist criticized the manner of identifying priority conservation areas in the country.

William Oliver, founder and director of the Philippine Biodiversity conservation Program (PBcFI-PBcP), said the Philippine Biodiversity conservation Priority program included threatened species but it failed to consider degrees of threat. ”as a consequence, this process ended up prioritizing the currently ‘least-threatened’ versus the most threatened ecosystems, harboring the largest number of threatened but definitely not the most threatened endemic species,” he said in a summary of a recently concluded study of Philippine owls.

Oliver, who is also international coordinator of the Philippine Owls conservation Program, cited Palawan, northeast Luzon (Sierra Madre) and eastern Mindanao, where the country’s largest remaining tracts of forest remain.

On the other hand, the protection of areas with high biological diversity and highly threatened ecosystem, such as cebu, Negros and Panay islands, were not given equal priority.

The new owl species unveiled by a team of international and local experts include the Lu-

zon hawk-owl (scientific name Ninox philippensis ), Mindoro hawk-owl (Ninox mindorensis), the Romblon hawk-owl (Ninox spillonata), the Mindanao hawk-owl (Ninox spilocephala), the Sulu hawk-owl (Ninox reyi), cebu-hawk-owl (Ninox rumseyi) and camiguin hawk-owl (Nimox leventis).

The team also found a new subspecies of the Romblon hawk-owl, named Ninox spilonata fisheri.

The cebu hawk-owl was discovered in alcoy town, cebu province, said PBcF director for field operations Lisa Paguntalan.

Oliver said the newly recognized owls were threatened and some could be considered critically threatened.

These include the West Visayan lowland scops-owl, which is confined in the last few remaining fragments of lowland forests on Negros and Panay islands, and the cebu hawk-owl, which is found in remaining patches of forest in cebu. cebu’s native forest cover is less than one percent of its area, making the conservation of the cebu hawk-owl more urgent. ”Similar concern, if likely less immediate, doubtless apply in varying degrees to the camiguin, Romblon and Sulu hawkowl,” said Oliver.

PBcF said ongoing reforestation in alcoy and Dalaguete may save the cebu hawk-owl, which needs a territory covering about 500 hectares.

Paguntalan said the owl shares the same habits of two endemic birds of cebu, namely, the cebu flowerpecker and the cebu black shama locally known as “siloy.”

Philip Godfrey Jakosalem, PBcF program officer for field operations, conducted the first ecological study of the cebu hawk-owl.

He said the owls prefer natural forests that remain in argao, Dalaguete, alcoy and Boljoon towns in southern cebu.

There were no owls found in scrap land areas where mahogany or gmelina trees, both exotic tree species, are planted so Jakosalem urged those who initiate tree-planting projects to plant only native tree species.

But PBcF was not able expand the study of the cebu hawk-owl as the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR) 7 did not issue a permit to the group.

Nelson Devanadera of DeNR said the agency would investigate why PBcF was not granted a permit to study the owl, adding that “science should direct the conservation” of the owl and its habitat.

Jakosalem said that although there were almost 200 pairs of cebu hawkowl, they were considered endangered.

Oliver said the Philippines was number three in the world in terms of number of threatened bird species. ”There is a very high biodiversity, very high percentage of the species are unique species. But

He Resource and environmental economics Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (ReaP), in partnership with the climate change commission, is holding its 6th conference on “climate change adaptation and Mitigation: Technologies for Green Growth” on august 23 – 24, 2012 at Traders Hotel in Pasay city.

The conference will host national government agencies, local government managers and planners to interact with technical and academic groups for a discussion on current climate change related ac-

tion plans. The conference is also open to all who are committed to the protection of natural resources and the environment.

Panel discussions and smaller sessions will cover varied issues, namely, LGUs best practices in climate change adaptation and Risk Reduction; cost of Damages and cost of Preventive Mechanisms, LGU capacity Building for cc adaptation and Mitigation with use of Technologies; Financing to support LGUs cc and adaptation and Mitigation; economics of climate change; emerging Local Management concepts for ccad-

aptation and DRR; Green Technologies; Green Growth Strategies for the Philippines and Green Technologies to abate climate change. The keynote speaker will be Secretary Mary ann Lucille L. Sering of the climate change commission.

The conference is open to all individuals who love environment protection and resource sustainability. Fee is P3,000.00 per participant. For inquiries, please contact the ReaP Secretariat a tel. nos. 4388858 / 995-0556; Mobile – 0915-7939888; email – reapsecretariat@yahoo. com.

REAP climate change workshop Aug. 23-24 T

there is also a very high degree of threat,” he said.

Dr. Pamela Rasmussen of the Michigan State University, head of the

research team, said the sounds made by the owls allowed researchers to distinguish them as separate species.

The unveiling of the new owl species was supported by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). [PNA]

ing on. The MMT shall see to it that companies comply with the environmental compliance certificate (ecc) issued to them.

Velos told MindaNews she has made it a personal mission to come out and speak about the danger of further cultivation in the upper portion of the city, especially after the flooding that struck their farm in Sta. ana, Kinoguitan, casisang.

On July 21, the staff of Velos was able to document the flood in their poultry farm, the first time to hit hard in at least a decade of its operation.

“If it that’s how heavy the flood up here, what more in the lower part of the city?” she asked. appearing before the city council last august 7, she reported that since Del Monte Philippines, Inc. opened its plantation in the area, flooding has worsened.

Marco Parpan, Del Monte legal counsel, said in the august 14 city council session that the company has complied with its ecc. councilor Roland Deticio raised a question on the

allegations that Del Monte proceeded with expansion even after the moratorium was passed.

Parpan said they respected the resolution and transferred their land canvassers to others areas.

Deticio also cited that Del Monte appeared to have created a pressure group composing of landowners, who sought an action from the city council after it passed the moratorium. The landowners reportedly asked some city councilors to reconsider the moratorium because Del Monte won’t pay them yet for the lease of their lands. apologizing, Parpan said the issue is moot and academic, as the landowners have already been paid.

He added that Del Monte only want to sought clarification from the city council if the contracts signed before the resolution was passed will be affected.

Velos said her coming out is not intended only for Del Monte, which runs a plantation next to their poultry farm.

Malaybalay LGU urged to give teeth to moratorium on plantations

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USINeSSWOMaN Severina Velos has appealed to Malaybalay city local government to give teeth to its resolution imposing a moratorium on the expansion of agricultural plantations in the city.

She expressed fears that at least 144 hectares more will be converted to pineapple plantations in the area, which were supposedly contracted before the moratorium was passed, although not yet planted.

“I hope no more areas will be added, even areas already contracted,” she said.

Velos, whose family owns a poultry and a realty developing firm, among others, urged the city government to go around and check the situation in the affected areas.

“There are more than enough areas already cultivated for the plantations,” said Velos, who heads the city’s poultry industry.

She said that if only the city government had created a multi-partite monitoring team, it would be easier to check what’s go-

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 121 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Stat Watch 1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

5.8% 1st Qtr 2012

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

6.4 % 1st Qtr 2012

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities

F

4.1 % May 2012 P131,403 million May 2012 P 5,075 billion Apr 2012

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 42.78 Jun 2012

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

5,091.2 May 2012

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

130.1 Jun 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.8 Jun 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.7 Jun 2012

16. Visitor Arrivals

349,779 Apr 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

18.8 % Jan 2012

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.2 % Jan 2012

Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2012

2011

2010

42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74 46.31 46.03

ILIPINO firm aNI (agriNurture, Inc.), the country’s first publicly listed farm to market firm, has successfully transformed itself into a global agricultural company. “as of today, we are more global, by end of the year, two-thirds to three-fourths of our business is overseas,” declared aNI chairman antonio Tiu. “We are now doing businesses in at least seven countries and exporting to various countries after a series of offshore acquisitions,” Tiu said at the opening of the third quarter earnings season where he also announced a robust second quarter and first half performances this year. according to Tiu, the series of acquisitions of agriculture-related distribution companies abroad has started to impact on their revenue generation.

“We have organic growth, but growth in acquisitions would push for a triple-digit growth in our second half performance of this year,” Tiu said. aNI created local entities for its newly acquired businesses in china, Hong Kong, Taiwan, australia, Indonesia, US and eU. Its acquired assets in these countries have revenue turnover of between USD20 million to USD100 million.

Normally, aNI either owns 100 percent or over 50 percent of its overseas assets saying it has been a company policy to be in control of their acquired assets. aNI, however, has initially gone into the

distribution businesses in their overseas acquisition rather than on agricultural production because they are not yet familiar with the local market.

Recently, Tiu said aNI had to divert some of its exports, particularly bananas to the Middle east and Russia because of the strict quarantine measures following the Philippine-china territorial dispute. at least 50 percent of its mango exports go to Hong Kong and Taiwan but bananas and pineapple are mostly for the mainland china. aNI is also strengthening its existing brands which include Big chill (fresh juices), Tully’s (coffee), Vita coco (a US brand where it supplies coco water).

Going into the distribution channel would also provide more cash flow for the company, Tiu explained.

With its global expansion, Tiu said that aNI has incurred higher operating expenses as shown in its second quarter earnings report because they have to establish the their local entities abroad and hire more talents. “as the operating expenses stagnate, this would translate into higher profit margin and bring in more revenues,” Tiu added. aNI’s aggressive forays overseas do not mean diluting its Philippine operations, which is 50 percent geared for the export market.

“The vision is still to venture in the Philippine agriculture and expand outside,” Tiu said.

Tiu, however, noted the challenges in the Philippine agriculture business, especially agricultural infrastructure like irrigation, farm to market roads, lack of microfinance programs for farmers, research and development, and marketing support. aside from poor agriculture infraOUR oil firms raised anew Monday the structure, the vegetarian Tiu blamed the prices of their petroleum products. very low vegetable and fruits consumpeffective at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Pilipinas Shell increased prices of premium gasoline tion in the country pegged at only 28 kilos (including unleaded) by P1.80 per liter, regular per capita compared to 180 kilos per capigasoline by P1.70 per liter, kerosene by P1.60 per ta consumption based on the standards of liter and diesel by P1.50 per liter while chevron the World Health Organization. “aNI should have grown six times Philippines (formerly caltex) also has the same based on that purchasing necessity of Filiincrease of its prices but effective Monday noon.

4 oil firms increase prices anew Monday

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month

5

Filipino agri-company turns global

USD 4,931 million May 2012 USD 4,770 million Apr 2012 USD -135 million Apr 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 4,580,674 million Apr 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

THE ECONOMY

F

Total Philippines followed the same price hike at 6 a.m. Monday but no adjustment for kerosene. eastern Petroleum Philippines, an independent player, said it would add P1.80 per liter on premium, P1.70 per liter on regular, P1.60 per liter on kerosene and P1.50 per liter on diesel at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

In an advisory, Shell said the price movement is effective only in areas covered by earlier price freeze last week.

These areas include the entire National capital Region (NcR), Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales and Rizal. Sta. cruz and Pagsanjan in Laguna as well as Bacoor, Kawit and Rosario in cavite.

Like Shell, the other oil companies clarified that the fuel price hike would only take effect in areas that had been under the erstwhile price freeze.

Oil firms have now jacked up pump prices for seven straight weeks, although the previous hike, which mirrored this week’s hike, was only limited to “non-calamity” areas.

Many oil companies last week had said they would freeze prices in areas under a state of calamity due to rain and floods, which left more than 90 people dead. according to the oil firms, the price increases reflect movements in the international oil market. [PNA]

pinos,” Tiu pointed out.

Tiu expressed hope that the Philippines can catch up with the agricultural development of neighboring countries.

Other factors affecting land productivity in the country is the agrarian reform program, having old farmers with no succession in the family, and the OFW phenomenon.

The kind of agricultural production and focus given to this sector has presented more opportunities for an agricultural companies like aNI. For its part, aNI is spending P1 billion in cap expenditures to support its 13 percent growth in rice as against the industry’s very low growth or even nil at times.

The Philippines has the lowest productivity rate per hectare of land among the aSeaN countries. Yield of rice per hectare is only at 3.6 tons. aNI is also providing micro-financing to rice farmers in terms of hybrid rice seedlings to increase their yields or double their yield per hectare. as much as 80 percent of its lending to farmer is insured by Landbank.

Meanwhile, he said that the last flooding catastrophe that inundated some of its rice fields in Pampanga had little impact because the farmers have just planted their seedlings and could still be salvaged.

Moreover, aNI is allocating P1 billion capital expenses for its coconut water facilities. Out of the seven coco water manufacturing facilities in the country, aNI owns two.

It has also expanded the capacity of its Bulacan and cagayan de Oro cold chain and a bigger facility on a property along the South Luzon expressway. aNI remains the country’s biggest supplier of vegetables and fruits to supermarkets and is rapidly expanding to wet markets and the hotel, restaurants and conventions market.

“We have a big cash cow in bananas, mango, coconut water, and rice trading,” said Tiu. aNI’s global expansion would focus on the adding value to its products and creating more brands because these would bring higher revenues.[PNA]

FOOD. A hungry shopper chooses from a wide selection of food offered by a restaurant at the Annex of SM City Mall Davao yesterday. [Lean DaVaL Jr.]

as of august 2010

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Silk Air Mon/Wed/Sat Cebu Pacific Thu Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 MI588 / MI588 5J965 / 5J968 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 18:55 12:55 13:35

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Davao-Cebu-Singapore Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:35 13:25 14:05

Silk Air Thu/Sun Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri Philippine Airlines August Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippines Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Tue/Sat/Sun Cebu Pacific Daily Airphil Express Daily Philippine Airlines Daily except Sunday Philippine Airlines Sunday

MI566 / MI566 5J507 / 5J598 15:55 Z2524 / Z2525 5J967 / 5J600 PR813 / PR814 5J215 / 5J216 5971 / 5J970 5J973 / 5J974 5J969 / 5J972 2P987 / 2P988 PR821 / PR822 PR821 / PR822

18:55 15:00 Mani2Mani 16:05 16:35 16:55 18:00 18:40 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:20 22:20

Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu 16:50 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Cagayan de Oro-Davao-Cagayan de Oro Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

15:20 15:30 16:45 17:05 17:45 18:20 19:10 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:50 22:50

6

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Beach-inspired PHL exhibit wins big in international expo

P

TRANSPORT. Fish vendors transport their products using a “payong-payong” along E. Quirino Ave. yesterday. [Lean DaVaL Jr.]

Pimentel lauds holding of Mindanao travel expo

S

eN. aquilino Pimentel Jr. has lauded the Mindanao Travel and Tour expo (MinTTe) 2012, organized by the Dabaw Tourism Operators association (Dabtoa) and participated in by local and foreign exhibitors, which successfully closed Sunday.

The three-day event was opened last Friday by Sen. aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Davao city Mayor Sara Duterte-carpio together with Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director art Boncato, former Presidential assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza and city councilors al Ryan alejandre, emmanuel Galicia and Pilar Braga.

It started with the ribbon cutting of the back-toback visual art exhibit of lawyer Domeng Duerme and businesswoman elizabeth Dureza entitled “D2D: The Duerme-Dureza art exhibit”.

“It’s never too late to be an artist,” said Duterte, who also has her own one painting on display at the exhibit.

Duterte congratulated Dabtoa for organizing MinTTe which is participated by diverse key players in the tourism-travel-trade related industries from all over the country and some selected international guest exhibitors.

“We need more initia-

tives to discover Davao and Mindanao,” said Duterte.

Pimentel, on the other hand, thanked the organizers for “thinking about this activity”, saying “(this is) a good path to pursue in bringing back the economy to Mindanao.”

He said Davao city is the premier city in Mindanao and that it is being looked upon and modeled by the other cities and provinces.

Pimentel also agreed on the theme, “choose Philippines: affirming the Wonders of culturally-diverse Mindanao” and thinks the “weakness is in the initiatives of tourism in Mindanao.”

“We will bring this nation’s God’s gift and man’s own. (The) food fruits, sights and people,” said Pimentel.

MinTTe is designed to affirm the irreversible role of responsible tourism in realizing sustainable peace and development. cebu Pacific air is the main presentor while the co-presentors are the Philippine air Lines and Philippine Long Distance Telephone company. It is supported by the city Mayor’s Office, Department of Tourism (DOT), SM city Davao, Philippines air Lines, air asia, air Philippines, Zest air and Via Philippines. [pna]

Fabella pointed out that India’s Rupee has devalued by 25 percent from January 2011 level of 44.67 to the current level of 55.62 against the US dollar. ‘’The trajectory of the Indian rupee has been downwards,’’ Fabella said noting the rupee is geared for further weakening.

The Philippine peso, however, has been appreciating and is now hovering at below P42 to the dollar. This situation would make India more competitive than the Philippines, he said. ‘’Our BPO may not be able to hit the glorious targets and. coupled with our appreciating peso that may not happen because they will be squeezed considerably,’’ he said.

In 2011, the Philippines’ IT-BPO industry generated more than $11 billion in revenue and employed almost 640,000 Filipinos.

Under the industry’s roadmap, by 2016 the

BPO industry t is expected to grow to $25 billion in annual revenue and employ 1.3 million, according to an industry road map.

In addition, Dr. emma V. Teodoro, trustee of the Information Technology, Products and Services sectors, warned that in six years, the BPO industry will no longer be as attractive if the peso appreciates by three percent more.

BPO contracts are negotiated in US dollar terms and most of the current contracts with their clients were based on the P43-P42 level to the dollar.

The BPO industry is not the only affected export sector. export leaders found themselves helpless in stopping the continued appreciation of the Philippine peso to its strongest in five years when it hit P41.68 billion the US dollar in the open market last month. ‘’The problem is bigger than the exports,’’ said Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of Philexport.

In one of the dialogues with top government officials including the panning chief and members of the Monetary Board, the policy making body of the BSP, it was revealed that had it not for the BSP intervention in the foreign exchange market, the peso would have reached P38 to the dollar. ‘’The BSP has admitted it has been losing money buying and keeping excess dollars entering the country to stem the rapid appreciation of the peso.

It the past couple of years alone, it has lost P107 billion,’’ Ortiz-Luis said.

Ortiz-Luis suggested for the whole economy to truly benefit from the strong peso, the BSP continue to pay in advance the government’s billions of dollars in indebtedness and further relax the limits on the dollar purchases of private banks to ease the piling up of dollar remittances and export proceeds in the open market which is driving the peso even stronger.

Is PHL’s BPO losing competitiveness?

T

He business process outsourcing, (BPO), the country’s sunniest industry, is slowly waning its competitive edge to India largely due to the appreciation of the peso against the US dollar compared to India’s rupee, which has been devalued by as much as 25 percent, an economist said. economist Raul V. Fabella issued this warning during the ‘’competitive currency Forum’’ organized by the Philippine exporters confederation (Philexport) on Friday as exporters tackled what they believed as the ‘’oppressive’’ foreign exchange rate policy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. ‘’The foreign exchange has a very important impact on our competitor India in the BPO space,’’ Fabella said. India used to be the global hub of BPO firms after it was by the Philippines, which is now the clear leader especially in the voice business.

HILIPPINe beaches have again made waves in the global tourism scene as the country’s pavilion bagged two gold medals in a recent international expo.

The Philippines won the top awards for creative display and theme development in the small pavilion category (category c) of expo 2012 which ended this week in Yeosu, South Korea, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said in a statement.

Featured in the Philippine pavilion were corals and sand sourced from the country’s beaches, including the white sand of Boracay, pink sand of Sta. cruz Island in Zamboanga, brown sand of San Lorenzo in Guimaras, and black sand of Sto. Domingo in albay.

Recycled materials were also used for the pavilion to “show the

connection between and among the seas and the coastal communities,” the DOT noted.

It added that the exhibit’s concept “Island of Diversity–Seas of connectivity” was developed

by University of the Philippines marine biologist edgardo Gomez, following the expo 2012 theme “The Living Ocean and coast.”

“The idea was to portray the Philippines as a destination where fun and sustainable tourism coexist and form part of the indivisible whole,” the DOT said.

The Philippines bested 11 countries in the small pavilion category. In the creative display criteria, it was followed by Lithuania (silver) and Mexico (bronze). Tunisia and Vietnam, meanwhile, won the silver and gold medals for theme development, respectively.

PHL warns cigarette makers over tax debate

T

He Philippine government has warned cigarette makers they could face tough measures to reduce smoking-related deaths if they fight a proposed tobacco tax increase, a day after australia’s top court upheld the world’s toughest laws on tobacco sales.

The Philippines, with one of asia’s highest rates of smokers, is debating legislation that would increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol, making them potentially too costly for the poor.

“If the number of people who die from cigarette-related deaths continues to increase, the government may even do more drastic measures,” Health Secretary enrique Ona told Reuters on the sidelines of a Senate committee hearing on the bill.

He did not specify what further anti-tobacco measures the Philippines could take.

But he spoke a day after australia’s highest court upheld its government’s new anti-tobacco marketing laws that will ban logos on cigarette packs and will likely give other countries more confidence to push similar measures.

“This can be a warning to our tobacco industry that they should work closely with us and with this proposal we are presenting,” he said of australia’s decision. about 18 percent of the Philippines’ nearly 100 million people are classified as regular smokers. On average, 50,000 people die a year from smoking-related illnesses, according to a 2008 government-funded National Nutrition and Health Survey.

The lower house of congress in the Philippines has approved its version of the bill. The upper house is finalising its version. Both need to be reconciled and are expected to be submitted to the president and signed into law by year-end.

“This is a bill that will need to be passed for a healthier nation, a longer life expectancy for many people and a chance to rapidly modernise our health system,” said Ona. The annual cost of the four leading smokingrelated diseases in the Philippines is estimated at 177 billion pesos, Ona said. The tobacco industry paid close to 40 billion pesos in taxes in 2011.

A vendor displays cigarettes as he waits for customers.

PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 121 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

7

Solar roofs, anyone?

a

The engineering department with the Bureau of Fire Protection during the fire drill at Grand Regal Hotel.

Practicing safety K

eePING your staff abreast of the latest skills in dealing with emergency situations like fires is one of the best way to minimize damage to your property. In most scenarios, when everyone is in panic during such situations, no one knows what to do and further cause more damage.

However, a well-trained staff can actually deal properly with fire and can even put it out immediately.

The key here is presence of mind. Since the staff have been exposed to a similar, albeit simulated, situation, they would know what to do should the situation arise.

With its continuous effort in providing guests the best, and safest service, Grand Regal Hotel Davao recently conducted a fire drill in cooperation with the Bureau of Fire Protection Lanang. The fire drill was participated by the hotel’s employees and manag-

ers headed by the Head of Security, ernesto Macasaet.

The drill was conducted by the company to ensure safety and know-how should emergencies arise and to avoid panic in the organization. The fire drill kicked off with a formal lecture about basic fire prevention, its chemical composition, the process, and how to deal with several types of fire categorically including LPG, and basic tutorial on how to properly handle the fire extinguisher, and fire truck hoses in case there is a need to use them.

With this activity spearheaded by the company, the hotel ensures that when those difficult situations arise, Grand Regal Hotel Davao is ready and equipped to provide excellent service.

Here are some reminders you should keep in mind should there be a fire or other emergency situations:

Grand Regal Hotel’s food and beverage manager trying to put off a flaming LPG tank.

1. When you’re in a building (such as offices, malls etc.), make sure to know where the “FIRE EXIT” is located.

2. Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. You can also use water if the fire is not electrical or chemical.

Do NOT try to put out a fire that you can’t control.

3. If there’s a fire that is too big to put out, leave the place immediately. Because you might not have the chance to call for a fire department.

4. If you can see smoke in the house, stay low to the ground as you make your way to the exit.

5. Do not run, if your clothes catch fire but “Stop Drop and Roll” instead.

6. When you’re trap in a room, do the following: a. check to see if there’s heat or smoke coming in the cracks around the door. b.

Don’t open

the door when you the smoke coming under the door. c.

Touch the door if you don’t see the smoke. If it’s hot or very warm then don’t open it. d.

If you don’t see smoke and the door isn’t hot, then slightly use your fingers to lightly touch the doorknob. If it’s hot, don’t open it. e.

If the doorknob feels cool and you don’t see any smoke around, only then you can open the door slowly and carefully. f.

When you open the door and you feel a burst of heat or see smoke pours into the room, quickly close the door and make sure it is really closed. g.

If there’s no smoke or heat when you open the door, quickly make your way out. h.

Yell for help.

The housekeeping staff check on all the guest rooms to make sure that all guests have been evacuated.

T the Philippine Solar Summit, party list Rep. Teddy casiño said House Bill 5405 or the proposed One Million Solar Roofs act would stop the incessant power rate hikes in the country.

He made the statement as the power distributors announced another increase in its generation charge by 28 centavos per kilowatt hour this month. This is on top of the previous hikes on the price of electricity due to higher generation costs, universal charges and currency exchange rate adjustments. casiño said that congress should fast track the bill, which provides incentives and financing facilities to ordinary electricity consumers like residences, offices and small to medium business establishments who want to put up their own solar power systems.

The bill allows homeowners and entrepreneurs to take out loans from PagIbig, GSIS, SSS and other financial institutions to purchase solar panels and pay the amount from the ensuing savings in their electricity bills.

“With the putting up of more solar power roofs, power demand from traditional sources would drop and thus would most likely push rates down,” he added.

“Our bill also allows these solar powered households and small firms to feed in their unused power to the grid during peak midday hours at a cost cheaper than existing diesel peaking plants. In the National capital Region (NcR), some peaking plants sell at as high as P30/kWh while solar can come in at half that price,” casiño revealed.

He said the amount sold

by the solar power producer can be offset from their monthly electricity bills via the net metering mechanism as proposed in the bill.

“In this way, we hit three birds with one stone - we build additional supply of power; liberate ourselves from expensive, dirty and imported fossil fuels; and develop the local renewable energy industry. It is really the way to go,” he said. according to the lawmaker, “Government should think out of the box and go beyond the big developer mentality in dealing with the power crisis. Solar power technology now allows electricity consumers to be producers themselves.

“Solar technology can be an immediate and sustainable way to deal with the country’s energy problems, especially with the abundance of solar energy throughout the country and the modular nature of solar energy systems,” said the progressive solon.

“Besides the country being second in Southeast asia in terms of irradiation and insolation, we already have the foundation to become a renewable energy leader in the region owing to the strong semi-conductor industry and the manpower base serving in the manufacturing and service sectors, especially the installers subsector,” he added.

“With government harnessing the solar resources of the country and providing for incentives for massive deployment of solar energy systems, the prospects of attaining energy independence from oil companies and significantly lowering electricity prices in the medium-term are realizable,” ended casiño.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

The familial consequences of insider trading Commentary

By RoBeRt Boxwell

(Conclusion)

I EDITORIAL

A challenge to PNoy

T

He perception that a culture of impunity exists in the Philippines is not without basis. In this country, a wealthy person can bribe his way through the so-called pillars of the justice system and literally get away with murder and other crimes. If the suspect is unable to do this, perhaps because the police officer is incorruptible, he tries the same tack with the prosecutors. If he fails again, he will make a similar attempt with layers of courts. If his high profile case is tried under the glare of wide publicity chances are that corrupt judges would be too scared to do their thing, the accused is found guilty and goes to jail to serve time. This may not, however, stop the accused from trying bribery again, this time on his corrupt jailers.

This is the reason some high-profile criminals behind bars are still able live it up instead of suffering within the confines of their cells. For the flimsiest of excuses, a number of convicts have been are granted by their corrupt jailers certain privileges and perks, including occasional visits to their families and/or concubines, when

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nobody else is looking.

The perception is that this rotten practice system in the country’s penal system has been going on for a long time, whoever was President of the country. Occasionally, the practice is exposed in the media and the culprit/s identified, the Senate or the House orders calls for an investigation while the Department of Justice probes prisons officials concerned. But after the last headline, the case is forgotten.

Now, here comes this case of road rage killer Rolito Go. a day after Go was reported missing, another convict, this time, for murder, was discovered to have slipped out from the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.

The eyes of the public are now on what the aquino administration, the first Philippine government to have caused the ouster of an unfit Supreme court chief magistrate, will do to end the corruption in the country’s penal institution.

Those of his countrymen who are putting a lot of trust in PNoy’s “matuwid na daan” (the straight path) battle cry ought not to be disappointed. Hopefully, that is.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate

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F his penalty, and those of others sentenced during that period, was a deterrent to future would-be inside traders, it didn’t last long. Since the first wave of arrests in the U.S. in 2009, american prosecutors have won 66 convictions or guilty pleas on 71 indictments.

In February, the FBI disclosed it was investigating about 240 more cases and expected to file charges in about half of them. Now that number has “increased significantly,” according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. That’s a lot of money managers today who might not be giving 100 percent of their attention to their work. and it’s too late for many of them who have been, or will be, sentenced to years in prison.

But it’s not too late for others who may be thinking about the lure of easy insider-trading money. The odds of getting caught may seem small, but if you lose, life as you know it ends. If thinking about the people on the other side of an illegal trade is too abstract and the thought of a prison sentence seems too remote to be a deterrent, try thinking about those sitting on the other side of your family dinner table.

One of the most poignant moments of the Rajat Gupta trial was when his daughter testified in his behalf and talked about Thanksgiving dinner with “Baba” - Daddy - in 2008. It’s hard not to feel for the people he’ll soon leave behind. It’s also hard to figure which was worse: Gupta’s family accompanying him to court every day and breaking down in tears upon hearing his guilty verdict; or Raj Rajaratnam’s family not stepping foot inside the courthouse. either way, they’re both real and tangible. every case has a back story of human wreckage. a best-man-to-be secretly taping his own best man for the government to reduce his sentence. Divorces. Families left behind. Matthew Kluger, who received a record 12-year term in June, is raising three adopted children with his gay partner.

The world’s capital markets are a mess right now, to use a technical term. It’s imperative that regulators and the courts excise the rot. clean markets have long been the pride of the U.S. and the foundation of our economy and society. Inside traders know that cheating is not acceptable but may not have thought through the cost of getting caught. They should. a story from Fortune 20 years ago might help. Robert Freeman was a Goldman Sachs arbitrageur implicated in the Ivan Boesky scandal by Martin Siegel. His case was perhaps the most controversial of the period, with many saying Siegel lied to reduce his own sentence.

Freeman’s partners stood by him as he fought the charges for more than three years, but he finally pleaded guilty to one count of insider trading on the takeover of Beatrice cos by KKR. He was sentenced to four months in prison.

When he learned the date he was to begin his sentence, he decided to tell his youngest, a 9-year-old son, while playing catch in the backyard. “‘Ned, I’m going to be able to go away earlier,’ I said, ‘and that means I’ll be home sooner, actually by the end of the summer, and we can go to New Hampshire and have some fun.’ and then Ned just collapsed.” He called it the worst moment of his departure. “I don’t want to sound histrionic, but when you go through the big-time prosecutors and the liars and all the rest, it finally comes down to telling your child that you have to go away. That’s what it’s all about.”

The morning his sentence was to begin, he kissed his wife goodbye at LaGuardia, flew to Pensacola, got into a taxi and asked the driver to take him to prison. He was 48, Dartmouth college, columbia Business School, and a father of three.

That’s what it’s all about.

[Robert Boxwell is director of Opera Advisors, the consultancy, based in Kuala Lumpur.]

EDGEDAVAO

W

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Sarangani politics: Brewing political storm

ITH barely two months before incumbents and candidates for the 2013 elections start filing their certificates of candidacy, a lot of horsing trading and maneuverings are already stirring up a number of hornet’s nests and wracking the nerves of those with political ambitions and interests to protect.

Sans a credible opposition group following the reported decision of Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez to quit local politics after having already served three uninterrupted terms, the once monolith People’s champ Movement (PcM) appears to be imploding from within with several party mates being eased out by a core of hardliners who want to tighten their political grip in the province. a lot of these self-styled political players are however rubbing off old political allies of Rep. Manny Pacquiao who founded the PcM. The biggest casualty, by far, is Provincial Board Member Nene Saguiguit who, despite being an incumbent, has been left out in the lineup for the provincial slate for next year’s election. Saguiguit is the elder sister of Malungon Mayor Reynaldo ‘Bong’ constantino, a longtime ally of Pacquiao whose friendship with the 8-division world boxing champion dated all the way back to his struggling days as a campaigner in the lower weight classes and before he became a global crossover sports superstar.

In 2007, Pacquiao bankrolled constantino’s candidacy to the tune of P26 million, according to several sources. Malungon is the biggest of Sarangani’s 7 towns. It also has the biggest number of registered voters in the province. That year, Pacquiao ran for a seat in the House of Representative in General Santos city but lost to then re-electionist Darlene antonino custodio.

custodio is now the mayor of General Santos.

Mayor constantino practically confirmed the junking of her elder sister which, according to party insiders, was instigated by his sister’s fellow Board Member eugene alzate. alzate made a political comeback in 2010 after he failed to get re-elected in 2004. He was implicated in a multimillion fund scam in the province which led to his defeat. alzate was named in several graft cases during the administration of former Gov. Miguel escobar. among them was a local government funded study tour in cebu which reportedly coincided with his wedding. He even reportedly brought a government-issued vehicle owned by the province to cebu during his wedding. alzate was eventually found administratively liable and ordered suspended but the Ombudsman order became moot and academic as he lost in his re-election bid. alzate’s graft case involving his criminal liability is now with the Sandiganbayan.

The irony of Saguiguit’s junking is that it was she who reportedly pushed for alzate’s inclusion in the lineup of PcM in the 2010 elections.

Incumbent Vice Gov. Steve Solon is reportedly grooming alzate to be his running mate. Solon will run for governor of the province next year.

While Dominguez has been reported to be contemplating a return to private life, he has not made a categorical statement that

he is taking a break from politics. Recently, he said he is still keeping his options open.

Pacquiao and Dominguez last year agreed to trade places but the former changed his mind. Pacquiao instead egged Dominguez to run as vice governor of Solon. Dominguez is on his last three -year term and is no longer eligible to seek reelection.

Several mayors have reportedly resented alzate’s overbearing ways and are hoping a better alternative to alzate will still emerge before the October deadline of the filing of certificates of candidacy. constantino said tensions inside a political party are part of the positioning of allies from within. He said when all is settled, the party will again be united.

He added that he is leaving it to his sister to decide what is best for her. He also stated that the family had already discussed the issue. He declined to elaborate on the matter.

Pacquiao lawyer and longtime friend Franklin ‘Jeng’ Gacal Jr said he also heard of the political rumblings inside PcM but declined to issue any comment.

Gacal reportedly was being groomed to be the running mate of Pacquiao had the latter pursued his plans to run for governor.

Gacal, in fact, has transferred residence from General Santos city to Maitum in Sarangani where his father was originally a resident. He would have run for vice governor next year. asked if he is still interested in running as vice governor, Gacal said it is still an option for him. With so many concerns outside of politics, Pacquiao will have his hands full addressing brewing political storm inside his otherwise monolith party.

[MindaNews/Edwin G. Espejo writes for asian.correspondent.com]

SPECIAL FEATURE

people and means well for our nation.

I don’t believe that this perfect partnership will end that easily because he still has so much to do, and so much to give for our people and for our nation.”

“We should not give up hoping and continue praying that he (Robredo) is safe. He means so much for our nation,” he said.

Iloilo Rep. Jerry Trenas said he is still in shock.

“He (Robredo) is not just a friend to me but he is also someone I look up to.

Secretary Jesse Robredo is a symbol of our people’s struggle to defeat everything that is wrong about our nation,” he said.

Despite the odds, Trenas said the DILG chief had “fought hard to reform our local government units and our police.”

“His (Robredo) determination and dedication to duty are beyond the ordinary. Men like him are what we need to make our country a great nation and just for this thought, I’m still not losing hope that he bailed out safely from the plane and take refuge somewhere safe,” he said.

Quezon city Rep. Winston “Winnie” castelo, for his part, said he was saddened with the reported plane crash where Robredo was on board going to Naga city from cebu city.

“It saddens me no end by the fate that has befallen our esteemed colleague in public service and friend, Secretary Jesse Robredo of DILG. He brings dynamism and dedication to public and personifies integrity and selflessness in public and personal life,” he said.

“We join the entire nation and his family in our prayers for his quick return and safety,” he added. [PNA]

Robredo a foremost practitioner of ‘daang matuwid’

T

wo days after the plane carrying Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo crashed in the waters off Masbate, lawmakers on Monday hoped for his survival and that of his two companions. aurora Rep. Juan edgardo “Sonny” angara said, “Whatever little hope there is for his (Robredo) survival, we must hang on to that hope.”

“Secretary Jesse is one of the foremost practitioners of the ‘daang matuwid’. While others talked the talk, he walked it, sa (mga) Pilipino hindi hanggang salita lang, hindi lip service, hindi pr (press release). Totoo siyang tao at totoo ang kanyang serbisyo,” said angara in a statement.

He said that in another country with a more developed party system, a man of Robredo’s achievements at the local level could easily have risen to national prominence.

“Honesty, integrity, service, he (Robredo) embodied all of these,” he said.

For his part, ang Kasangga partylist Rep. Teodorico Haresco said he was deeply saddened about the tragic accident “but I’m still praying and hoping for miracles that he (Robredo) is still alive and unharmed.”

“He (Robredo) is a technocrat’s Technocrat. He knew what local government needed. He acted swiftly on local concerns, especially on peace and order,” he said.

“Without even knowing him personally, thrice he responded to Kasangga’s call to take out abusive cops; ensuring a fertile ground upon which countryside micro-entrepreneurship can prosper.

Global and multi-awarded, he is one of our nation’s greatest assets,” he added.

Davao city Rep. Karlo alexei

By lilyBeth G. iSon Nograles, on the other hand, said Filipinos should not lose hope and continue praying that the DILG Secretary made it and “it’s just a matter of time before he can be rescued.”

“It’s really difficult to imagine what his (Robredo) family is going through and no word is enough to give them solace. Secretary Jesse Robredo is known for his hard work, sacrifice and dedication to the Filipino people and to our nation,” he said.

More than his achievements and accomplishments, Nograles said the DILG chief “has touched many lives and changed for the better.”

Meanwhile, Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento said he and Robredo shared a lot of advocacies.

“He (Robredo) is a good friend and a confidante. For the first time in our history as a nation, reforms in our local government units have begun to take shape under his watch as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government,” he said.

“Both of us have always believed that no matter how good the President is, if you have incompetent and corrupt local government officials, nothing good will happen to our nation and vice-versa,” he noted.

Nograles said this is the reason why Robredo focused his energy in reforming the local government units (LGUs), “which is perfect because we now have a President who is well-loved by our

9

Self-fulfilling cycles

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KeY caTaLYST – The euphoric, positive feelings and favorable reactions engendered by the dignified success of the recently concluded 27th Kadayawan festival will last forever and extend to all corners of society. It is significant that city officials, private sector, the academe, business and industry leaders appear committed to present a bigger, better and spectacular Kadayawan affair next year. That augurs well for establishing the annual festivity as a base for a continuing promotion of Davao city as the ultimate destination for both business and leisure.

The fact that the well-attended one-month celebration is finally over, individual undertaking is now essentially everybody’s concern. Let’s get back to work fellas and look forward to the next Kadayawan. We have to think many times over that the beauty of the ethnic-inspired celebration is that it serves transitorily as an outlet for our pent-up feelings and an escape from a world in which the promises of governments and businessmen are as reliable as those of weathermen.

In time, no doubt, the normal day-to-day activity will restore itself as it always does after any festivity such as the Kadayawan affair. By then something may have been achieved that could change the viewpoint of a city always ready to believe in self-fulfilling cycles. Not only will Dabawenyos be surprise to know how their city fared with other bustling metropolis throughout the country.

It was an impressive performance for a city more used to interlocking concerns. But the good news keeps on coming. One boon for the city is that it has been named recently by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as one of the Top 10 Best Performing Highly Urbanized cities in the country. The honor is aimed at recognizing local government units for their unwavering commitment to scaling up and maintaining the highest standard of public service delivery in their respective localities.

Inevitably, the DILG-administered Local Governance Performance Management System’s (LGPMS) recognition will become a key catalyst for wide-ranging changes in the city itself. The acknowledgement serves as a conduit for ideas about administrative, social, economic and environmental governance and fundamentals of good governance, which include transparency, participation and financial accountability. Indeed, there are increasing signs that by earning the distinction of being among the best performing LGUs, Davao city will have a greater chance to be nominated to the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi award, which is conferred on LGUs that advance the tenets of good governance.

If there is one big positive sign about the inclusion of the city as one of the country’s top performing local government units, it is that in recent month progress and development looms over the economic horizon as a result of exemplary governance. The city is in the process of experiencing very rapid growth because businesses are growing steadily. entrepreneurs who have already established business in the city have increased their capital exposures while the latecomers are likewise raising their stakes on the property market. That has led to speculations that they may be expanding operations and embark on trade diversification.

The city’s economy was fine, its infrastructure projects were on track and the delivery of basic services is of utmost importance. Things were going so well specifically in running the affairs of government that it gets the nod of the DILG-LGPMS. and the city’s quest to assume its place as among the country’s top performing LGUs – including the aspirations to become a Gawad awardee means that its leaders notably Mayor Sara Duterte-carpio and Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will need to demonstrate greater sensitivity to socio-economic and political sensibilities. Well, they had already shown their flexible characteristics – the political will and leadership skills have already been tested by major tribulations. The much-anticipated award therefore is not far off.

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SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Comelec fails to provide L crucial PWD forms

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He commission on elections allowed persons with disabilities (PWDs) to register during the voters’ registration in the autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (aRMM), but failed to provide them with supplemental forms that would have determined the kind of assistance they would need come election day next year.

For the entire 10 days of the general voters’ listup in the five provinces and two cities of aRMM from July 9 to 18, no supplementary form was given to the qualified PWD voters, said Rizalina enriquez, project director of the citizens coalition for aRMM electoral Reforms, Inc (c-caRe).

The forms would have asked PWDs to list their disability type and identified the form of assistance they will be needing next elections.

aRMM is composed of the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

The supplemental data for PWDs is annexed to the comelec Registration Form filled up by qualified citizens applying as voters.

Under Section 3 of comelec Resolution 9220 or the guidelines for registration of PWDs, “for PWDs needing assistance, the applicant for registration/ reactivation/ transfer/correction of entry may indicate in the appropriate box (pertaining to disabled/ differently-abled persons), the type(s) of impairment, as well as the form(s) of assistance needed during election day” Disability classifications are physical, hearing, speech, visual, nonmanifest and multiple disabilities. Types of assistance

GRAND OPENING. Canon D’ Hub by Premier Photo Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Kelly Uy (5th from left), Maris Uy (4th from right) and Martin Uy (3rd from right) grace the grand opening of Canon D’ Hub at SM City General Santos. Also in the photo are guest of honor Dionesia “Mommy D” Pacquaio (5th from right), Jerome Manginsay, assistant manager-Concept Store, ICP Canon Marketing Phils. (leftmost), Bong Seve-

Lumads in North Cotabato join in praying for Robredo’s safety

include an assistor, communication assistance, accessible precinct and visual assistance.

Section 8 of the same resolution states, “The election Officer shall generate data on registered PWDs for the sole purpose of determining policy directions for more inclusive and accessible electoral processes for the sector.”

With the absence of supplemental forms, data on PWDs who are of voting age could not be generated and the exact number of registered PWD voters in aRMM could not be determined, enriquez said. compared to residents of areas outside aRMM who can still update records until Oct. 31, there is no other scheduled registration for PWD voters in aRMM, she said. although priority lanes were given to PWDs, the elderly and pregnant women, the lack of supplemental forms left election

Officers with no choice but to just make notes and remarks on the types of disability of PWDs on registration forms, she said.

But she added that paraphernalia for the aRMM registration came from the national office and the budget should have been allotted for the printing of supplemental forms. She also said the eOs could not be blamed because “they just implemented.”

In his February interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, comelec commissioner Sixto Brillantes said the re-registration in the region would cost around P450 million. aside from the absence of supplemental forms, there was confusion on the definition of PWDs, enriquez said. She said in one registration center, an eO told her 98 percent of the registrants were PWDs because most could not read and write. [artha Kira pareDes/Vera FiLes]

ro, vice president of Canon Marketing Phils. (2nd from left), Marilyn Pantinople, chief operation officer of Canon D’ Hub by Premier Photo, Inc. (3rd from left), Ryan Rivera, vice chairman of Pen Bank (4th from left), Anthony Reganot, senior manager-Regional Operations of Canon Marketing Phils. (2nd from right) and Karen Cabonce, operations head-Mindanao Region of Canon Marketing Phils. (rightmost). [Lean DaVaL Jr.]

Mangudadatu greets Muslims who fulfilled 30-day fasting

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aGUINDaNaO Governor esmael Toto Mangudadatu on Monday joined all Muslims in the country in celebrating eid-ul-Fitr, the joyous festival of breaking fast signaling the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The governor congratulated every Muslim who have fulfilled the 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting as the eid-Ul-Fitr celebration comes at the completion of Ramadan.

Mangudadatu hopes that along with this achievement comes a better realization of the true meaning of Rama-

dan which is peace, love, patience, understanding, unity and forgiveness, and that by these we have built a stronger relationship with allah (peace be upon Him).

Despite the current situation in Maguindanao, where an armed conflict disrupted the fasting month, the governor believes there are still many reasons to celebrate on Monday -– for during the most difficult times, the spirit of giving and camaraderie prospered.

The governor considered the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) attacks in Maguindanaon’s

EDGEDAVAO

five adjoining towns a test of faith and endurance especially during the holy month where thousands of Maguindanaons were displaced. at least 30 people have died, including 23 rebels, four government forces and three civilians and displaced some 45,000 persons, many of whom are now slowing returning to their places of origin as the military captured rebel camps and drove away the guerrillas away from civilian communities.

“This made their faith to allah (peace be upon Him) boundless. It is admirable

how these people have endured this hardship,” he said in his eud-ul-Fitr message.

Mangudadatu also appreciated the efforts of his partners from the Maguindanao provincial office, local government units, the autonomous regional government, non-government organizations, and the police and military who played very important roles in ensuring the welfare of the Maguindanao people.

“I hope that all the blessings of eid-ul-Fitr be showered on them as they foster the real essence of this celebration,” he said. [PNA]

UMaDS in North cotabato joined thousands in praying that Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) survived the plane crash.

Basilio Obello, Jr., head of a non-government organization and public affairs chief of cotabato 2nd district Representative Nancy catamco, said that tribal leaders have since prayed hard to Manama (their ‘Supreme’ being) that Robredo is ‘alive and well.’

Lumads have gathered in their homes, village, and in town to plead for Manama’s mercy.

Robredo, Obello said, is well loved by the lumads in the province.

“It was the secretary that issued a memorandum circular that directed all LGUs to appoint a lumad representative in their legislative councils,” said Obello.

Such DILG circular, he stressed, has made IP repre-

sentation in the Sanggunians ‘mandatory.’

LGUs in North cotabato, according to Obello, were the first to implement such order making the “voices of the lumads heard in session halls.”

Robredo was also conferred a tribal chieftain title during a Mindanao-wide IP conference held in June 2011 in Makilala, a tribaldominated town in North cotabato.

The secretary was given the title, “Datu Macauyag”, which means, “life-giver.”

“For the lumads, Robredo was instrumental in making their voices heard.

He was a defender of the ‘underdogs’,” said Obello. a week before Robredo’s plane crashed in Masbate, the secretary visited Magpet, also one of the towns in North cotabato dominated

by Manuvu and other tribal groups. He graced the town’s 49th foundation anniversary. (pna)

Kin of Ampatuan Massacre victims cry for speedy justice, help for kids

a

thousand days after the November 23, 2009 massacre of 58 persons in ampatuan, Maguindanao, relatives of the victims continue to cry for speedy justice and assistance for the education of the victims’ children.

“There are still nights when I break down because I remember what happened to my brother.

If I cry, I turn away and don’t show them to my family,” said Ric cachuela, immediate past president of the Justice Now Movement, the association of families and relatives of the murdered media workers. cachuela, brother of Hannibal cachuela of Punto News, was among 50 persons who flocked to the Forest Lake Memorial Park here Sunday afternoon to mark the 1000th day of the carnage.

Of the 58 victims, 32 were from the media.

The principal suspects of the massacre are members of the ampatuan clan, including the patriarch, three-term Maguindanao Governor andal ampatuan, Jr., and then Datu Unsay mayor, andal ampatuan, Jr., who was supposed to run for governor of Maguindanao in the May 2010 elections. ampatuan, Jr. was positively identified by witnesses as having led about a hundred armed men in stopping the convoy of relatives and media and herding them towards Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, where they were massacred, a number of them buried along with their crushed vehicles.

The convoy was en route to the provincial of-

fice of the commission on elections in the nest town in Shariff aguak, to file the certificate of candidacy for Governor of then Buluan town mayor esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu (now Governor). cachuela told the crowd that at the rate things are going, he hopes “that one of the ampatuans could be handed a verdict by September.”

He said families of at least 40 of the 58 victims have already been presented to the court by the prosecution panel.

Oliver cablitas, husband of Maritess cablitas of New Focus, said the ghosts of the ampatuan Massacre continue to haunt them.

“We have not moved on because justice remains elusive,” he said after the mass in the memorial park, his voice quivering. cablitas stressed that justice for the ampatuan victims can be hastened if only the aquino administration puts the same zeal it applied against former Supreme court Justice Renato corona and former President (now Pampanga representative) Gloria Macapagal-arroyo. corona was removed from office after the Senate impeachment court convicted him for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Philippine constitution while arroyo is facing several cases, including electoral sabotage.

“I believe that with the powers of the government, there are many ways so justice would be delivered to us,” he said.

[BonG s.sarmiento/minDaneWs]

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 121 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

NATION BRIEFS

c

Local hero

aPTaIN Jessup M. Bahinting, the pilot of the ill-fated plane carrying Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, has been hailed a hero for his extra-ordinary acts. Bahinting is still missing as of 1:00 am Sunday, hours after their plane crashed off Masbate.

Transportation Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas in his Twitter account says Bahinting was known as a “local hero” in cebu for braving heavy rains just to fly in a cobra antivenom medicine to save a child. “capt. Jessup Bahinting,a local hero in cebu--flew in, during stormy weather, cobra antivenom meds to save a snake bitten child,” he said.

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Intensified

low-moving Tropical Storm “Igme” intensified on Monday as it moved closer to cagayan province. It is estimated to be 280 kilometers east of aparri, cagayan, the Philippine atmospheric, Geophysical and astronomical Services administration said in its latest bulletin.

Storm signal number 1 remained over the provinces of Isabela and cagayan. “Igme” packs maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph.

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Made easy

OOD news for Filipino entrepreneurs: The government will soon automate business permit processing.

The Trade department on Friday announced that it will ramp up efforts at simplifying processes for business permits and licenses through an electronic system that is expected to reduce the time and cost of applications.

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Assange berates United States WORLD TODAY from Ecuador embassy balcony S Dispute

Megacities

N 2010, 12 of the world’s 23 megacities - cities with at least 10 million people were in asia. Southeast asia had a single megacity - and that is no less than Metro Manila. By 2025, there are projected to be 37 megacities globally and 21 of these will be in asia.

In a new special report ‘’Green Urbanization in asia,’’ the asian Development Bank attributes the unprecedented scale of urbanization in asia to the rapid economic growth of developing economies, especially china and India, the two most populous countries in the world.

S

WORLD/NATION 11

Asked

He Supreme court (Sc) has asked the assistance of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of new courts, including the court of appeals (ca) in cebu city and in cagayan de Oro city buildings.

Sc acting chief Justice antonio T. carpio said that the Supreme court had already created an oversight committee that would oversee the construction of the two ca buildings and the Manila Hall of Justice.

The oversight committee is headed by Sc associate Justices Teresita J. Leonardo-De castro and Jose P. Perez.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange speaks to the media outside the Ecuador embassy in west London August 19, 2012. [Reuters]

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IKILeaKS founder Julian assange berated the United States on Sunday from the balcony of the ecuadorean embassy where he has sought refuge from arrest, challenging President Barack Obama to end what he called a witch-hunt against his whistle-blowing website.

Speaking from within the London mission to avoid being detained by British police who want to extradite him to Sweden for questioning over rape allegations, assange said the

United States was fighting a war against outlets like WikiLeaks.

Pitching himself alongside Russian punk band Pussy Riot and the New York Times newspaper, assange said the United States risked shunting the world into an era of journalistic oppression. He did not mention the rape allegations. “as WikiLeaks stands under threat, so does the freedom of expression and the health of all of our societies,” assange said, dressed in a maroon tie and blue shirt, flanked by the yellow,

blue and red ecuadorean flag with dozens of British policemen lined up on the pavement below.

“I ask President Obama to do the right thing: the United States much renounce its witch-hunt against WikiLeaks,” assange said in a 10-minute speech which he ended with two thumbs up to the world’s media. ecuadorean President Rafael correa, a self-declared enemy of “corrupt” media and U.S. “imperialism”, granted the former computer hacker political

and expanded search and rescue activities.

Gaite said that helium and oxygen tanks were already airlifted into the crash site. “These tanks would be used by the divers in scouring the deeper portion of the crash site within the four-kilometer square grid of Ticao Pass,” he explained.

Latest data showed that the plane’s wreckage could have been carried away by strong current up to two kilometers towards the southeast direction of Ticao island.

“This means that the search area becomes wider. and an area like this is not very easy to scour,”

Gaite explained.

Transportation Sec. Mar Roxas said that the exact place where the flight manifest was retrieved could help a lot in determining the possible location of the wreckage.

The flight manifest was found some 300 meters away from the Masbate city shoreline, at the depth of 150 feet.”This could be used as marker in launching the new search efforts,” Roxas stressed.

In Naga city, family members of Robredo have decided to break their silence and face the media in a short briefing at their residence in Barangay Dayangdang Monday.

asylum last week, deepening a diplomatic standoff with Britain and Sweden. asylum in ecuador marked the latest twist in a tumultuous journey for assange since he incensed the United States and its allies by using his WikiLeaks website to leak hundreds of thousands of secret U.S. diplomatic and military cables in 2010, disclosures that often embarrassed Washington. assange, 41, took sanctuary in the embassy in June, jumping bail after exhausting appeals in British courts against extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted in Sweden for questioning regarding allegations of rape and sexual assault against two women.

He says he fears Sweden will eventually hand him over to the United States where, in his view, he would face persecution and longterm imprisonment. The United States says it is not involved in the matter.

‘WITcH-HUNT’?

To allow assange to avoid arrest by stepping outside the embassy, a balcony door on an upper floor was removed, leading up to his first public appearance since seeking refuge in the diplomatic mission.

Robredo’s fate P-Noy creates task force

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O less than President aquino initiated the creation of Task Force Kalihim at the command center in the Lasala Hotel in Masbate city Monday.

This was formed to have a more coordinated search and rescue efforts to locate Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo who remained missing after their plane crashed into Masbate waters some 500 meters away from the Masbate aiport on Saturday afternoon. aquino also ordered the Task Force officials to tap the help of the barangay officials in the coastal villages surrounding the crash site and the Ticao island in the search and rescue efforts.

The President also hinted that he would only leave the crash site should there be any positive developments in the on going search. He did not elaborate. col. Ogie Gaite, operations officer of Task Force Kalihim, said that aside from the two sonar gadgets already submerged under the crash site, a robotic offshore vehicle (ROV) was also borrowed from the US Navy and is expected to arrive in Masbate anytime Monday afternoon to augment the on going massive

Robredo’s daughters Tricia and aica and wife Leni told the media that they remain hopeful that the Secretary would be found alive.

“Ganon pa rin hopeful pa rin kami hanggang ngayon na makikita siyang buhay. Pero realistic din kami sa anumang pwedeng nangyari.” “at labis kaming nagpapasalamat sa mga dasal.

Gumagaan ang aming kalooban sa nakikita naming paghihintay ninyo sa kanya. alam namin na talagang mahirap maghintay,” aica told reporters who waited for that briefing since Saturday. [PNA]

eVeRaL Japanese nationalists landed on Sunday on a rocky island in the east china Sea at the heart of a territorial row with Beijing, sparking protests in several chinese cities and a diplomatic rebuke from Beijing.

Tokyo and Beijing have been feuding for decades over the island chain, known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in china, near potentially huge maritime gas fields.

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Plane crash

HIRTY two people including a Sudanese government minister and other officials were killed when a plane taking them to an Islamic festival crashed in the south of the country on Sunday, state media said.

The plane went down in mountains around Talodi, a town in the border state of South Kordofan, while taking a delegation there to celebrate the eid al-Fitr festival marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, state news agency SUNa said.

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Criticized

ReMLIN foes criticized Vladimir Putin on Sunday at events commemorating the defeat of a coup that hastened the 1991 Soviet collapse, saying the Russian president had reversed progress toward democracy that seemed unstoppable 21 years ago.

Opposition politicians and everyday Russians said the two-year jail sentences handed down to punk performers Pussy Riot for a protest against Putin in a cathedral were part of a crackdown that evoked Soviet-era show trials and scare tactics.

Rare appearance

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YRIaN President Bashar al-assad made his first appearance in public since a July bomb attack, attending prayers at a Damascus mosque to mark the start of the Muslim holiday of eid, state TV showed.

The first day of eid on Sunday also gave assad’s opponents a chance to rally and activists reported protests around Syria, including in the capital, on a holiday that marked the end of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan.

T

Explosion

HRee car bombs exploded near interior ministry and security buildings in the Libyan capital on Sunday, killing at least two people in attacks authorities blamed on supporters of the country’s deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Libyan security officials said they had arrested 32 members of an organised network of Gaddafi loyalists linked to the attacks, which took place on the eve of the anniversary of the fall of Tripoli to rebel fighters.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

SEAIR carries ‘More Fun’ DOT slogan aboard Airbus

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OUTH east asian airlines (SeaIR) carries the Department of Tourism (DOT) slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” aboard two of its brand new SeaIR airbus 320s in time for this year’s celebration of the Kadayawan Festival.

The two airbus 320s fly daily from clark International airport to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, and Kalibo (aklan) the gateway to Boracay.

In Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.’s words, “SeaIR has imbibed the spirit of DOT campaign with the creative application of our new tourism slogan.

It is the first airline in the Philippines to help spread the word that ‘It’s more fun

in the Philippines’. We congratulate SeaIR for taking the initiative to promote Philippine tourism in such a unique way.”

DOT has granted SeaIR permission show the popular slogan and campaign logo for the next three years, even as Jimenez says SeaIR has maintained their reputation for excellent service.

“We will ensure that the fun begins when travelers first step onboard our flights for seamless, comfortable, and safe journey to the Philippines, ceO Patrick Tan said.

Jimenez also said, “We are grateful to have the support of the President and partner government agencies in ensuring that our

tourism campaign will realize its goal to have more people around the world recognize the Philippines as the fun place to be. Tourism is all about optimism, confidence and momentum. We are keenly aware that we will succeed only if we are able to rally the entire department, tourism stakeholders, government agencies, and the general public around a very simple idea, that tourism is the people’s business. We invite everybody to continue supporting our campaign and spreading FUN.” SeaIR has been in operation for 17 years; the country’s second longest-running airline and is also the first airline based in clark.

118 kph and has a visible “eye” or center.

PaGaSa said that Igme will not make a landfall but will brings rains over Northern Luzon. It is expected to be out of the country by Thursday on its way to Taiwan.

Igme is the sixth typhoon to enter the Philippine area of Responsibility (PaR) this year next to ambo, Butchoy, Ferdie, Gener, and Helen. The last two typhoons enhanced the southwest monsoon and brought heavy rains in the western section of the country.

Weather Forecaster Gladys Saludes said that another tropical depression is expected to enter the PaR on Wednesday while typhoon Igme is

still in the country.

“The tropical depression is located at northnorthwest of Guam and expected to be in PaR on Wednesday...,” Saludes said.

She added that once the tropical depression is inside the PaR, it will be locally named “Julian,” the 10th cyclone to enter the country this year.

Meanwhile, PaGaSa said that storm warning signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Isabela and cagayan which are expected to experience winds of 45 to 60 kph within the next 36 hours.

The weather agency said that Igme will bring rainfall of five to 15 millimeters per hour (moderate to heavy) within its 550-km diameter. (pna)

performed the other metals with a 44 percent chunk, or P22.40 billion. Gold still managed to take the second spot with 35 percent, or P18.18 billion, followed by copper getting an 18 percent share, or P9.02 billion.

The remaining 3 percent, or P1.61 billion, was shared by silver, zinc, chromite and iron.

The report added that before 2012, gold has always dominated the production scene, contributing about 50 percent of the aggregate metallic production value.

Paje expressed confidence that the mining industry will bounce back, with the fast growing number of mining projects: “We see big mining projects in the pipeline, encouraged by the clearer direction the government is now taking in view of the issuance of e. O. No. 79 or the mining policy of the aquino administration.”

“The development works of the US$ 300-million Didipio copper-Gold Project of Oceanagold in Nueva Vizcaya and the US$ 1.2-billion nickel processing plant of Taganito HPaL in Surigao del Norte are in full swing. We can add to this the advance exploration works in the US$ 800-million copper-gold project of Goldfields Limited in Benguet, the US$ 800-million Kingking copper-gold project of NaDecOR in compostela Valley and the US$ 800-million Silangan copper-gold project of Philex Mines in Surigao del Norte, and we are sure that the industry is bound for better times,” he said.

Paje is also seeking the immediate constitution of the anti-Illegal Mining Task Force as mandated under executive Order (e. O.) No. 79 to address the continuing gold smuggling. [pna]

‘Igme’ intensifies into typhoon; won’t make landfall in PHL --PAGASA

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ROPIcaL storm “Igme” (international name: Tembin) intensified into a typhoon as it continued to move northward slowly off extreme Northern Luzon Monday afternoon, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine atmospheric, Geophysical and astronomical Services administration said that as of 5 p.m. Monday, the center of typhoon “Igme” was estimated at 320 kilometers east of aparri, cagayan (18.6°N, 125.0°e) with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

Weathermen said a typhoon is categorized by winds of more than

Paje...

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Director Jasareno said that the substantial drop in the gold purchases of BSP from small-scale miners and traders was a telling factor for the sluggish performance. He added that total gold production nosedived to 8,382 kg valued at P18.18 billion, from 22,804 kilograms worth P44.52 billion year-on-year, down by 14,421 kilograms.

The BSP gold purchases accounted for a measly 786 kilograms as against the 15,003-kilogram contribution the previous period, representing the 95 percent plunge.

“In effect, the BSP gold purchases shared only a dismal 9.37 percent of the entire gold production, compared to 74 percent a year ago,” Jasareno said.

The report also said that in terms of percentage contribution to the total mineral production value, nickel out-

EDGEDAVAO

STREET SWEEPERS. After the main events of the Kadayawan Festival 2012, the street sweepers of Davao City take over to clean up the garbage left by the spectators. [Lean DaVaL Jr.]

GPH...

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formal peace talks, during which a number of points were raised that will later be discussed upon formal resumption of the talks.

Meanwhile the GPH panel has requested for a cease fire and for the communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s army – National Democratic Front (cPP-NPa-NDF) to cease violence against civilians. another concern of the GPH is the cPP-NPa-NDF’s alleged use of landmines.

While international treaties allow the use of remote-detonated landmines, the com-

prehensive agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (caRHRIHL) which was signed by both parties in 1998 makes no distinction on the use of landmines. aside from the release of the 14 unidentified “consultants,” the NDF also wants the following pre-conditions to the talks resumption. They are (a) forward a new JaSIG list after the old file became inaccessible,(b) seek compensation for victims of human rights violations

during the Marcos regime, and (c) the release of more than 300 political prisoners, otherwise referred to as “alleged political offenders,” including several suspected abu Sayyaf members.

Dayanghirang said the government panel hopes that the peace talks would lead to a final peace agreement with the cPP-NPaNDF and end the hostilities.

While the talks resumption is tentatively scheduled to resume in Norway this September, there is no exact date designated so far, Dayanghirang said.

Non-Motorized category, Davao Horse club, first prize; Dingredients, 2nd; Brgy. councilors’ League of the Philippines Davao chapter, 3rd. consolation prizes went to the Mindanao Daily News and Blue Velvet Knights.

Unfinished events There are still 27 ongoing events of the Kadayawan Festival. ompared to last year’s Kadayawan, the length of the celebration is longer and the prizes

for competitions bigger.

The budget allocated by the city of Davao was P10 million, while the private sector raised P6 million.

More floats a total of 23 floats competed this year compared to last year’s 20.

The total number of the floats including non-competing was higher than last year’s--- 60 (35 last year), including the noncompeting ones. [VicKy Ber-

added in the statement.

He suggested that the reward money should be used instead to help the thousands displaced by recent typhoons that hit Luzon and the Visayas.

“I would like to personally appeal to Noynoy aquino, himself being a victim once of political persecution during the Marcos dictatorship, to lift all false charges leveled against my son, Vincent Isagani R. Madlos, and to allow him freely and safely to be present, as my representative, at the wake and attend the burial of my mother,” Madlos said in

the statement.

The interment is set on august 25.

“It may be recalled that in 1990 while I was still incarcerated in camp crame, your late mother cory allowed me, for humanitarianreasons, to attend the burial of my father, andres M. Madlos, Sr, in Surigao city. I believe that with all the powers at your disposal, you can reasonably act on this personal appeal, especially because my son is innocent,” he added. [Keith Bacongco with a report from erwin Mascariñas/ MindaNews]

Kadayawan...

FFROM 2

and DMMa third. consolation prizes were given to agdao Multi-Purpose cooperative and Samal city Resort Owners association.

Small category, Villar Foundation (cSR arm of camella Homes), first; Synnex concentrix corporation, secondl Sr. Sto. Niño de Davao, third. consolation prizes were given to the UPLB alumni association Davao chapter and Global Brilliance customs Brokerage.

P5.6-M...

Dina m. De GuZman]

FFROM 3

son said, has hit him for the second time now.

In 1984, government forces allegedly abducted his daughter Malaya, who was then three years old, supposedly to pressure him to surrender, Madlos recalled.

Malaya now works as a nurse in the US. “They have totally failed to break me and my commitment to the revolution then, and so the state is desperately attempting to neutralize me once more by placing a bounty on my head, calling me a “fugitive,” and, attempting to hurt my loved ones again,” Madlos

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 121 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

13

Zoelo Extreme vs. Vega in Phoenix finals Z

OeLO extreme arranged a finals duel with accelerate Vega in the Trip Ko Phoenix Fuels Season 4 basketball tournament.

The finals is set on august 31 while the battle for third is on august 30 between cycle Fork and accelerate Supreme. accelerate Vega made it to the finals with a scary 74-71 win over cycle Fork Oil in the semifinals. Zoelo extreme was first to go to the finals with a 71-68 shave of accelerate Supreme in the other semifinals battle. christan carl Guano fired 15 points while teammate Jefferson Medis added 12 to tow the Vegas to the clincher over cycle Fork. Janrex Tahanlangit and Gianfranco Yaco chipped in a combined 16 for the Vegas. cycle Fork got 22

from Nicole Rald Barrera but his efforts went to naught.

Bull-strong Glenn Sulit, John Stephen Pichon and Mark aldrin Delarita combined for 40 points to power Zoelo past accelerate Supreme which relied on Gilmar Paras’ game-high 18 markers.

Zoelo outscored the Supremes 44-34 in the second half and that was all that they needed to snatch the other finals berth.

The tournament is organized by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines for players aged 16 years old and below.

Phoenix marketing supervisor Neb Bulaclac said they are working out on inviting Phoenix endorser Manny Pacqiao and broadcaster chino Trinidad in the finals.

(Neil Bravo)

Zoelo Extreme’s Glenn Sulit (21) grabs the rebound in this bit of action in the semifinals of the Trip ko Phoenix Fuels Season 4Under-16 basketball tournament. Sulit powered Zoelo to a win over Accelerate Supreme.

$48M contract for Ibaka

O

KLaHOMa cITY (aP) -- The Oklahoma city Thunder took a big step toward sticking around as an NBa championship contender.

The Thunder and general manager Sam Presti still face difficult decisions in the team’s quest to remain a title threat for the long haul after reaching the NBa Finals last season, but reaching a contract extension with blocks leader Serge Ibaka is certainly a good start.

Ibaka came to terms on the deal on Saturday as the Thunder locked up another key member of their nucleus while also putting into question whether the small-market team can afford to keep Sixth Man of the Year James Harden beyond next season..

Ibaka posted on Twitter that he was happy for the chance to play for the Thunder for five more years. Presti didn’t provide details of the contract, cit-

ing team policy, but Yahoo!

Sports first reported that the deal is for four additional years and $48 million. ‘’at 23 years old (by the time next season starts), we really do expect his best basketball to be in front of him,’’ Presti said in a conference call, hours before his wedding.

Presti dismissed the notion that Ibaka’s signing means that Harden’s departure is inevitable. But with more than $50 million committed per season to all-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and starting center Kendrick Perkins, there is not much room left in the budget for Harden, who earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team that won gold in London.

Ibaka played for Spain’s silver-medal winning Olympic team. Both he and Harden were eligible for extensions to their rookie contracts for the first time this summer and were set

Roy Dennis Bala, owner of Biker boy (5th from left), together with Councilor John Louie Bonguyan (3rd from left) and other participants of Biker boy’s night ride pose for a photo at The

to become free agents after next season. ‘’We’re going to continue our conversations with James. We very much value him,’’ Presti said. ‘’We want him to be a part of our organization moving forward. We’re excited that he’s a member of the Thunder and we’re hopeful that he’ll be with us for years moving forward.’’

To make that happen, Oklahoma city would likely have to go over the salary cap - set at about $58 million for next season - and pay a luxury tax or make other moves, such as using the amnesty clause to erase Perkins’ contract.

The Thunder have already let veteran free agents Nazr Mohammed and Royal Ivey sign elsewhere, and Derek Fisher remains unsigned. Backup point guard eric Maynor, who missed most of last season due to a knee injury, also would become a free agent after next season.

Brick Lane Square in Palma Gil Street, Bo, Obrero, Davao City recently. LEAN DAVAL JR.

DCSCC in Kadayawan Joyride

c

LaSSIc cars roamed the main streets of Davao setting the mood for the Sunday parade of the biggest show in Davao—the Kadayawan Festival.

Dubbed as the 2012 Kadayawan Joyride or the “Pamukaw sa Pamulak”, the loop ride provided the exciting entree to Sunday’s Pamulak sa Kaday-

awan or the Floral Float Parade, the main dish of the annual Kadayawan.

No less than Mayor Sara Duterte-carpio got up early to hop on the passenger seat of a topdown yellow chevrolet corvette owned by businessman William Lima. cars from various car clubs from Volkswagen beetles, Box-type Lancers,

Porsches, and Kias joined the break-of-day joyride.

The Kadayawan Joyride was organized by the Davao classic and Sports cars club (DcScc) in association with the Federation of automobile clubs Davao (FacD).

DcScc is led by its president Willie Torres while FacD is headed by Ian Neil ancheta.

Biker boy owner Roy Dennis Bala uses a folding bike during Biker boy’s night ride. LEAN DAVAL JR.

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2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/industrial lot at P800/sq m along the national highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/industrial lot along the national highway in Bincungan, tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina town Center, along the national highway, Dumoy, toril. 9) Ready-foroccupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3t&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, obrero, Davao City. 11) FoR ASSUMe (RUSh): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. note: items 1-9 can be paid in cash, inhouse or bank financing. if interested, please call Jay (PRC ReB lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

EVENTS

The mall to beat

By Carlo P. Mallo Photos by Lean Naval

They say that the true test of a city in the Philippines is the size of the sM mall in the area. If that were the case, then General santos City is Mindanao’s biggest metropolitan.

Two weekends ago, sM General santos opened its doors to the people of General santos City and the rest of socsksargen with much pomp and bravado. Well, a 90,000 square meter mall deserves nothing less.

as of the moment, sM General santos is the largest among the three malls that sM supermalls has in Mindanao. With its more than 90,000 square meters of shopping space, 3-storeys of shopping indulgence, and its al fresco section complete with a courtyard, makes sM General santos The mall in the Mindanao.

More than anything else, the new mall will also boost the shopping experience in the city as it sM General santos brings in the latest brands and styles that used to be available only in Metro Manila.

as what sM supermalls is known for, sM General santos brought a new wave of shopping, leisure, and entertainment to General santos.

Being a highly urbanized first class city, General santos City, often called as “Gensan” and the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, is one of the most populous urban centers in the country with a population of 679,588 as per census data of 2010. It is also the center of commerce, trade, and logistics of Region XII and the south Cotabato, Cotabato City, sultan Kudarat, sarangani Province and General santos City (sOCCsKsaRGeN) growth area.

Gensan’s economic growth is bound to skyrocket even more as the ultimate indicator of the city’s economic viability comes with the opening of the country’s 45th sM supermall - sM City General santos.

Located on a 73,250 square meters site at the junction of santiago Boulevard and san Miguel avenue, the three-level 95,764 square meter sM supermall boasts of a breakthrough design never before seen in Gensan will serve shoppers in General santos as well as nearby cities, provinces and towns of southern Mindanao.

With a well-lit, spacious, contemporary interiors, along with a modern functional fixtures will make shopping a truly satisfying experience, even for the most discerning shopper! The ambiance spills outdoors with its unique open plaza design, bring-

ing you al Fresco dining that’s ideal for casual family meals or for romantic dates. sM City General santos brings shopping to a higher level, as it draws shoppers, young and old, near or far, by offering the widest range of goods and services for all types of budgets all in one great place. These include a two storey sM Department store; an sM supermarket; sM supermalls mainstays like the sM appliance Center, sM Cinema, Watsons, aCe hardware; a Cyberzone, a Food Court with al Fresco dining; as well as over 200 local, national, and international brands that offer countless products, food concepts, and services and accentuating an immense atrium and event Centre which can accommodate major entertainment events, exhibits, trade fairs, and other large scale activities. ample parking is also provided by the Car Park Building and open parking area, which can house

almost 1300 vehicles and motorcycles. With its location, easy access is ensured for city commuters. sM City General santos’ project team includes DsGN associates, Design architect; Jose siao Ling and associates, architect of Record; sM eDD Mall Design, In-house architect; Daaa, Project Manager, and Monolith Construction Development Corporation, General Contractor.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.5 ISSUE 1 21• TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT FOOD

The CafeFrance experience:

Est ce bon

CafeFrance’sTrayCouture Beautifullyrestoredwooden interiorsmakethisCafeFrance storestandoutfromtherest.

MUCh has BeeN saID about how at times commercialism ruins an otherwise pleasant experience. a stroll in a city park, for example, would have been nice without vendors camping around the perimeter of the park hawking their wares and obstructing the flow of food traffic. so when Karla messaged me up inviting me to the opening of CafeFrance, I was immediately curious as well as concerned since here, we have a national cafe chain setting up shop on the second floor of the almost a hundred year old Brogaile house at the corner of Rizal and Ponciano streets.

To be totally honest, I was knocked out of my pants the moment I entered the store. The wooden walls and capiz windows of the structure were retained, so were the ceiling moldings and beautiful mahogany floors. There was nothing commercial with the way the store was designed, making CafeFrance’s Davao store (the first in Visayas and Mindanao) a pleasure to dine in, definitely more than your usual coffeeshop.

Of course design is just half of the dining experience.

CafeFrance has an array of delicious treats for the hungry Urbanite for any time of the day. early risers can drop by CafeFrance at six in the morning to try

The CafeFrance team.

CafeFrance’s canape tray.

one of CafeFrance’s signature Breakfast Plate that comes with freshly-baked bread, choice of sausage, bacon or ham, eggs, fresh fruits, and premium coffee.

The lunch crowd will love CafeFrance’s Tray Couture, a sandwiches and pasta combo served with soup, chocolate for dessert, and drink. CafeFrance also serves filling rice meals like their Chicken Mediterranean.

CafeFrance’sBreakfastPlate

I personally love their delicious canapé trays that are a delight to taste. Urbanites planning their next get-together or outing will love these delicious party trays that would, in true French fashion, pair well with a good wine.

With CafeFrance’s arrival and bringing new flavors and a new dining experience, Davao’s foodscape is definitely changing in a good way.

Metryingtonabanextrasausagefromaneighboringplate.

Bakingfreshbreadsinthestore.

VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Stallone stomps on Pattinson in box office

ROBERT PATTINSON and the late Whitney Houston were among the bright spots in a sluggish late-summer box office.

The Sylvester Stalloneled The Expendables 2 led all films with an estimated Friday-Sunday take of $28.8 million.

Cosmopolis, Pattinson’s venture with cult director David Cronenberg, came away the weekend’s biggest per-screen average, while Houston’s Sparkle looked solid with a $12 million debut.

The R-rated Cosmopolis grossed about $72,000 at three theaters. The performance was Pattinson’s best yet on the art-house circuit,

and a big upgrade over last spring’s Bel Ami. Sparkle, meanwhile, bowed in fifth place in the standings, but sported the Top 10’s best per-theater average after The Expendables 2. Opening-weekend audiences graded the film, a remake of the beloved 1970s backstage musical featuring Houston’s final screen performance, an A. The Expendables 2 likewise did well among its paying customers: Its CinemaScore was an A-minus.

The 2009 franchise-starter, by comparison, was rated a B-minus.

Both The Expendanbles 2 and Sparkle drew older crowds. And since older crowds aren’t exactly known for busting down

theater doors, theater doors weren’t exactly busted down: Overall business was off from last weekend.

The Expendables 2 came up short versus its predecessor, which grossed an eye-popping $34.8 million in its debut.

New films that played to families struggled. The 3-D animated ParaNorman failed to live up to Coraline (both films are from the same company), while Jennifer Garner’s The Odd life of Timothy Green got buried in seventh place.

The latter film at least did all right by its Hollywoodcheap budget of $25 million.

The Bourne legacy, last weekend’s No. 1 film, did its best to provide the help

Robsten opts out of Twilight conventions

that The Help delivered to last summer’s August box office.

The film had an OK hold, and upped its worldwide total to just under $100 million.

The Dark Knight Rises put up the weekend’s showiest stat: It topped the $400 million mark domestically.

At about $410 million now, the tragedy-marked Batman movie pushed past The Hunger Games to become the year’s secondbiggest hit, and the 12th biggest domestic moneymaker of all-time.

Elsewhere, Ted exited the Top 10 after a stay of seven weekends, and a smash $213.1 million domestic run.

FIlE this one under things we saw coming.

Twi-hards hoping to see Robert Pattinson or Kristen Stewart at their upcoming Twilight conventions will have to cut their losses.

The estranged offscreen couple and Taylor lautner have opted out of attending the final four official Twilight conventions on the weekends of August 25 (San Antonio), September 29 (Detroit), October 5 (Parsippany, NJ), and November 3 (los Angeles), according to Zap2it.com.

“The passion and dedication of Twilight fandom has been amazing and we’re out to throw one last giant convention, a final gathering to see old friends that have made up the Twilight family,” Creation Entertainment told the site. “Although Rob, Kristen and Taylor will not

be with us this time out we will have a super lineup of other Twilight stars and the weekend will be filled with special events, movie prop and costume displays, contests, panels, auctions, parties, exclusive merchandise, music and much more, including some surprises!”

Stewart hasn’t been seen out in public since her relationship with her married Snow White and the Huntsman director was revealed.

Pattinson, who holed up at Reese Witherspoon’s Ojai, Calif., home after the scandal, reemerged this week to promote his new flick Cosmopolis, which scored at the box office this weekend.

The famed Twilight vamp has yet to answer any questions related to Stewart and their relationship.

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ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Zsa Zsa diagnosed with kidney cancer ZSA ZSA PADIllA didn’t breathe a word about the pain she herself was suffering when her beloved, Dolphy was hospitalized.

But now that he has been laid to rest, Zsa Zsa can attend to her own needs – especially now that she has been diagnosed with Stage 1 kidney cancer.

Angeli Pangilinan tweeted: Th @ASAPOfficial family has a special message today 4 our dear @zsazsapadilla who has been diagnosed with Stage 1 kidney cancer.

Zsa Zsa’s friends, Bianca Gonzalez, Ruffa Gutierrez, luis Manzano, and Paolo Valenciano, the Divine Diva’s godson, among others asked for prayers through their Twitter accounts.

Zsa Zsa herself, with characteristic calm, tweeted her thoughts: “When life situations get rough, I find myself taking deep breaths... And I am ready 2 take on new challenges. living life. One day at a time.”

She told “TV Patrol” on Sunday, Aug. 19, in an exclusive interview, “When I heard that word ‘malignant,’ I said, ‘Oh man, I have cancer.’ Almost three centimeters yung growth and he (the doctor) advised for it to be taken out.”

The actress-singer is scheduled to undergo surgery in the US on Aug. 27 and will be back in the country first week of September. She left the country to seek a second opinion about her medical condition.

Despite her condition, Zsa Zsa remains hopeful and promises to take better care of her health.

“Kapag nawala, sana forever maging cancer-free na ako. Pinangako ko sa sarili ko na mas pangangalagaan ko na health ko, yung mga kinakain ko,” Zsa Zsa vowed.

Meanwhile, she is still trying to come to terms with the passing of longtime partner Dolphy.

Zsa Zsa and Dolphy’s US-based relatives commemorated the 40th day after Dolphy’s death with a Mass in los Angeles.

“Talagang I’m still in stage of denial. Noong na-ospital siya, na-ICU siya, nawitness mong namatay siya, alam mong hindi na siya babalik. But part of me still feels I’ll see him again,” she admitted.

(Yahoo! OMG!)

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 121 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

Happy Kadayawan! from:

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VOL.5 ISSUE 121 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Lupo completes Kadayawan double

By Neil Bravo

B

RIaN Lupo won his second consecutive Kadayawan race besting a strong field that included his chief rival anthony Nerza in the caltex Delo Kadayawan HalfMarathon last Sunday. coming off a win in another Kadayawan race last week, Lupo disentangled from a tight toeto-toe race with Brokenshire’s Nerza in the final kilometre to cross the finish in one hour, 9 minutes and 45 seconds. He was over a minute ahead of Nerza who fagged out in the homestretch to settle for second in one hour 10 minutes and 59 seconds.

The 21-kilometer premier division started and finished at caltex Station in ecoland West Drive.

Gilbert Maluyo was a far third in 1:12:38.

In the distaff side, veteran Judelyn Miranda of Tagum city soundly beat top favourite cynthia Jaro of Brokenshire in a race that was expected to be close but ended up onesided. Miranda finished more than 10 minutes ahead of Jaro, nicknamed “Baby Kenya”, in one hour 29 minuutes and 50 seconds. Jaro could only

manage 1:40:47. emily avergonzado clocked 1:41:00 to claim third.

Sonny Wagdos upstaged arnie Macaneras in the 10-kilometer race winning in 33 minutes and 11 seconds. Macaneras took runner-up honors in 34:42. Jesmar Lopez took third in 34:55. in the women s 10-K race, another veteran in Monalisa ambasa bagged the top prize in 42 minutes and 7 seconds. The indefatigable ambasa, now a full-time coach with Brokenshire college, beat her protégé celie Rose Jaro (43:03) and Bethloise Moralde (43:28).

Michael constantino, a

middle distance ace from Brokenshire, won the 5-K race in 16 minutes and 7 seconds besting teammate Rolly Paderna (16:28) and Michael Barrosa (16:29). creselyn Jaro won the women’s 5-K race in 19:59 besting Diana Mae Memoracion (20:05) and youthful standout Mae Baret (20:48). completing the winners in the caltex-sponsored race organized by Vantage Sports are Marlon Moralde, Jonel Rasay and Kecir abrigon who went 1-2-3 in the 3-K race while Pymie Rose Jaro, Roselyn Depello and Frencis Mae Dayon finished in the same order in the women’s 3-K race.

Zanno Mosende (left) and Juliet Casaysay (right) enjoy the early morning run in the recent Caltex Delo Half Marathon.