Edge Davao 6 Issue 193

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

CHRISTMAS IN DAVAO CITY. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, accompanied by youngest daughter Veronica, leads the ceremonial lighting up of Christmas decorations around City Hall to mark the start of this year’s “Pasko Fiesta” last Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.

BLAMING THE MEDIA Local gov’t being portrayed as callous, evil?

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

RAGGING again the media in a new blame game.

In privilege speech during the regular session yesterday, councilor Tomas Monteverde IV expressed dismay over the level and nature of media attention afforded to the demolition of sidewalk vendors by local government authorities.

“Unfortunately, the media coverage of these demolitions never highlight the strict implementation of law and order but rather portrays the wrong picture that the government is callous and evil to the realities and needs of the poor. This

provokes emotional public debate,” he said.

Monteverde said that the demolition team headed by Ret. Col. Yusop Jimlani was just doing their job to promote law and order.

In a follow-up interview during recess, he said that the city government is being portrayed in the media as “perpetrator” in the lose of the vendors’ livelihood.

“Makit-an man gud sa tao na gina demolish ang mga sidewalks, din man na ma avoid sa tao na mag sympathize, unya kini sila Col. Jimlani og Abude maportray sila didto na

FBLAMING, 10

COLORFUL. An amazed young girl tries to touch the colorful coconut-shaped Christmas decors at the Rizal Park in Davao City last Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

SINCE 1984

HIV/AIDS cases in Davao reach 713

T

HE Davao City local government has recorded 713 cases of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the past 30 years, according to the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (DOH).

The figures were based on data from 1984 until September 2013, the DOH said.

Close to 27 percent or 190 cases occurred from January to September this year, 16 of which were recorded in September.

The 16 new patients were all males, according to

the data.

From January to September 2013, homosexual mode of transmission topped the list with 90 cases.

Bisexual mode of transmission came next at 73 cases, with heterosexuals registering 27 cases.

For the same period, most of the patients came from the age group 25-34, followed by those coming from the age group 15-24.

From 1984 to September this year, 320 of the patients were aged 25-34, and 287 were aged 15-24.

Earlier this month, the

NEXT IN LINE. Aspiring media practitioners from the Ateneo de Davao University use their cellular phones to record the discussions during Kapehan sa Dabaw

FHIV, 10 at SM City Davao last Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao firms employ Treat IPs as humans 12 Yolanda victims A COUNCILOR PLEADS:

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

T

WELVE out of 30 applicants from areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda have been hired by various companies in Davao City through the assistance of the Philippine Employment Office (PESO).

The applicants were deployed to Sutherland, MMI Construction, Gaisano Mall of Davao , SM-Lanang Premier, Mc Donalds, SM-Ecoland, Felcris, Greengold Security & Invesigation Services, and Davao Reach Global (Philips Division) during the mini job fair last November 20 at

PESO and November 21 at NCCC Mall of Davao. The job fair at NCCC was attended by 1,200 job seekers and participated by 168 companies. It has a total of 168 hired-onthe-spot.

The 12 refugees were employed as bagger, cashier, technician, management trainee, sales lady, electrical engineer, security guard, service crew, and call center agent.

Lilibeth Pantinople, officer in charge of PESO, said that through the direct order of Davao City mayor Rodrigo

“Rody” Duterte, the refugees were immediately assisted to sustain their living in the city.

She said that most applicants are on the contractual basis especially the refugees who were employed in a BPO company, malls and fast food chain.

“This is just to make sure that they will be able survive in the city,” she said adding that the remaining 18 applicants are still on the stage of final screening.

Pantinople, meanwhile, said that from January to November 2013 PESO has re-

ferred 17,000 applicants to various companies in Davao City.

Of the total referred applicants, 8,700 were deployed to private companies, 1,442 to overseas, and 2,976 to government offices.

“It is still small kasi the final verdict naman is on the company, we just do the initial screening,” she said.

Deployed applicants abroad were mostly domestic helper, service, and butchers crews in Saudi Arabia, Hongkong, Australia and Canada.

MEMBER of the Davao City legislative council who represents the indigenous people (IP), a.k.a. lumad, is appealing to the public to greet the IPs who spend their Christmas in the city, as fellow-humans.

“To urban center residents, whenever lumads visit the city and greet you, please greet them back as humans and give them whatever items your heart chooses to give,” councilor Berino Mambo-o said in a privilege speech in yesterday’s regular session.

Mambo-o stressed that the true essence of Christmas is all about giving and sharing.

Amendment to EPIRA eyed to address power shortage

T

SENIOR AND JUNIOR. The two Ibuyans, Councilor Edgar Sr. and Councilor Edgar Jr., are seen engaged in serious conversation during yesterday’s regular session of the Davao City Council at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

He said that the city government and his office made an effort to discourage them from coming to the city, but many still come.

“Let us acknowledge their presence,” he said.

Mambo-o explained that Christmas is not practiced by lumads, but join it along with their Christian counterparts.

Earlier, the City Social Services and Development office said 2,600 IP families are occupying eight shelters in the city, like the covered courts in Bankerohan, Buhangin, Bunawan, Tugbok, Matina Aplaya, Mintal, Toril and Calinan. They arrived there last December 1.

HE Department of Energy (DOE) needs more teeth to address power shortage like giving of police power to immediately address power concerns, said Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali on Tuesday.

Umali, chairman of the House committee on Energy, said this could be the flagship of their multiple amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), hoping that it will address the skyrocketing price of power.

“I favor giving DOE the police power so that they can act immediately if the need arises,” Umali told reporters at the sidelines of the hearing.

He admitted that DOE’s hands are tied because of the absence of the law despite they are now investigating the possibility that collusion

do exists.

Oscar Reyes, chief operating officer of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), said in his video presentation that at least 10 power plants went on forced outage and the others extended their scheduled maintenance.

Reyes named the plants who extended their maintenance. They were Sual, GN Power, Sta. Rita Mod 20, Ilijan 2 and Sta. Rita 30.

Those plants who were forced to shutdown were QPPL, Sual 1, Calaca 1, Masinloc 1 ad GN Power 2.

During the hearing, several lawmakers hinted a “conspiracy” among stakeholders is highly possible because this is the first time it happened that 10 generating plants were forced to shut down while others extended the scheduled maintenance

FAMENDMENT, 10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

3

Central 911 to install more satellite stations

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T BRAND NEW. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte chats with Fr. Bong Gonzaga who officiated the blessing of Central 911’s ten brand new ambulance units in time for the opening of this year’s “Pasko Fiesta” along San Pedro Street in Davao City last Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.

COPS TOLD:

abf@edgedavao.net

HE arrival of 10 brand new ambulance units makes it possible for Davao City’s Central 911 to install satellite stations in far-flung areas of the city.

Emmanuel Jaldon, Central 911 head, told reporters Monday night that they will install satellite stations in Calinan, Toril and Panacan, along with one ambulance each.

The city now has 23 such units.

“These will be apportioned according to the demand of each area,” he said, adding that most emergency calls come from downtown.

Jaldon said that some units still being evaluated while the older ambulances need to be rehabilitated to make them more efficient.

“Actually, ang mga

ambulance natin, serviceable yan lahat. But, some of the ambulances are expensive to maintain because of the rising cost of maintenance,” he pointed out.

The 911 chief did not say when the satellite stations would be installed.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte stressed during the opening of Pasko Fiesta, that the additional 10 ambulances could save the lives of every people of the city. “these (ambulances) will answer for life threatening situation. Libre na and all you have to do, just call 911. We are the only city in the Philippines nga naay ingon ana,” Duterte bragged.

Duterte also congratulates the Dabawenyos for having a modern rescue unit in the city.

Selfie photos banned in storm-struck areas Poll execs, employees IN THIS SEASON OF SHARING

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR epc@edgedavao.net

P

OLICE officers in the Davao region are prohibited from taking “selfie” photos that are on peace and order in the areas of Eastern Visayas, particularly Samar, Leyte, Tacloban which were affected by typhoon Yolanda last November 8.

P/Chief Inspector Jed Clamor, spokesperson of Police Regional 11, said that they had received a directive from national

headquarters to disallow police sent to the stricken areas from taking “selfie” photos.

“We have a directive from national headquarters prohibiting our personnel from taking such photos in disaster areas,” Clamor said.

The memorandum stated that the selfie does not ease the damage brought about by the storm and photo coverage must focus on

Kerry to visit typhoon-hit Tacloban during PHL visit

U

.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to the typhoon-ravaged city of Tacloban during his visit to the Philippines next week, the State Department said on Tuesday.

“The Secretary will visit the storm-hit city of Tacloban to witness firsthand the recovery efforts that are taking place there and discuss how the United States can continue to contribute to the relief and reconstruction work,” a State Department statement said.

The U.S. government, a long-time military ally of the Philippines, was among the first countries to bring in troops and

aircraft, navy ships and financial assistance after the country was stunned by the magnitude of the death and destruction wrought by super typhoon Yolanda on Nov 8.

At least 5,800 were killed and the numbers continue to grow by the day as more bodies are being retrieved from the rubble.

Kerry’s Philippine visit is part of his Southeast Asian swing, which includes Vietnam.

The State Department did not say the date of Kerry’s Philippine visit but said he will travel to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Tacloban and Manila from

FKERRY, 10

informing the people of the current effort undertaken by the government rebuilding lives in the disaster areas.

It had been observed that taking selfie photos have gone viral in social media.

From the Davao region 130 police officers were sent to disasters areas to give assistance to municipalities where law enforcers were also affected by the disaster.

Clamor said that they received an order to extend the stay of those police officers supposed to relieve them last Monday.

The storm affected four provinces and 10,436 barangays in 575 municipalities.

As defined by oxford dictionary selfie is a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to social media.

told: Don’t accept gifts O

FFICIALS and employees of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) were reminded not to accept Christmas gifts this holiday season saying that accepting presents particularly in the form of cash are prohibited by law.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes noted that Republic Act 6713 or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”

enjoined government employees not to accept gifts.

“If one accepts cash that is bribery. We are not allowed to receive cash. That’s prohibited.

That’s equivalent to indirect bribery, especially if it came from somebody who has a pending case before us,” he said in an interview.

Section 7 (d) of RA 6713 states that public officials and employees

FPOLL EXECS, 10

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY. Progressive groups show their clenched fists to express unity and defiance against the alleged human rights violations committed by President Aquino, the U.S. government and the military during a rally to commemorate the International Human Rights Day at the Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

TO FAMILIES OF DISAPPEARED FISHERMEN

Fishing firms refuse to give just compensation

By AQUILES Z. ZONIO

A

Correspondent

year after 411 fishermen from General Santos City and nearby Sarangani Province disappeared in the aftermath of typhoon Pablo, widows and orphaned children of the victims are facing yet another obstacle.

Owners of fishing companies where the victims worked refused to give just compensation.

The search and rescue operation launched last year by the local government, fishing companies, Phil. Coast Guard and Phil. Navy, yielded 44 survivors and 15 cadavers.

Out of the 15 cadavers, only eight were claimed while seven remained unidentified.

The search and rescue operation was terminated after 45 days. Based on the data gathered by the operation center set up by the local government, 352 fishermen from this city and Sarangani remained missing.

Quit claim…

In December last year, shortly after the tragedy happened, the LGU in partnership with several fishing companies here distributed relief goods to the families of fishing fishermen.

SOUTH COTABATO

The LGU with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) were also planning to provide livelihood program for the families of the victims.

Skills training were even conducted among the families of the victims to prepare them for the challenges ahead.

However, Amelyn, widow of missing fisherman Sanny Rosal of Calumpang village here, told reporters that nothing more happened after that.

Since last year, she said, they only got a total of P60,000 cash assistance – P50,000 from the fishing company and P10,000 from the local government.

“We are in quandary how to start a normal life after losing the breadwinner in our family. All my three children had to stop schooling due to financial difficulty,” Amelyn said.

Oblates of Notre Dame (OND) sister Susan Bolano, executive director of Hessed Foundation which is helping the families of the victims, told Edge Davao that the P50,000 cash assistance given by the fishing companies actually was a quit claim.

FRESH. Assorted vegetables are sold at the market in New Bataan, Compostela Valley as this town remembers the devastation brought by typhoon Pablo exactly a year ago last week. [MindaNews Photo by Keith Bacongco] “We learned during our documentation that some families were made to sign a quit claim worth P50,000.

So, those who signed could no longer run after their em-

ployers,” Bolanio said.

Bolanio added that the families who signed a quit claim were not even given a copy of the document they signed.

Hessed Foundation had asked the services of Rey Alviso, partner lawyer of Apostleship of the Sea, to help the victims in their legal problem.

“Joint venture”…

Some families of the victims, Bolanio claimed, went to the Social Security System (SSS) to claim the benefits of their missing husbands.

SARANGANI PROVINCE

Supporters of losing ABC bet threaten road closure LGU eyes eradicating malaria

P

OLICE operatives have secured a provincial road leading to several upland villages in Tampakan town in South Cotabato following threats of blockade by supporters of a losing candidate for the area’s Liga ng mga Barangay or Association of Barangay Councils (ABC).

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Tuesday she directed the Provincial Police Office to intervene over moves late Monday by the camp of former Tampakan ABC federation president and Barangay Maltana chair Cesar Ureta to block a portion of a provincial road that connects the town proper to three upland barangays.

She said supporters of Ureta, who had been claiming some portions of the road leading to Baran-

gays Danlag, Pulabato and Palo 19 as part of his family’s property, declared on Monday afternoon to close down the road after the latter lost his reelection bid for the town’s ABC federation president.

The road blockade was reportedly intended to deny passage to the area of Palo 19 barangay chair Alexander Felisilda, who was a known supporter of Ureta’s rival Kipalbig barangay chair Alexey Cariaga, she said.

“I directed the provincial police to intervene since the threats, especially some text messages that were sent (by the Ureta camp), were quite disturbing. We don’t want it to escalate and trigger possible violence in the area,” the governor said.

Fuentes said the problem started when Cariaga earlier decided to challenge

Ureta for the ABC federation’s top post.

Ureta represented the ABC federation, which is composed of 14 barangay chairs, in the municipal council in the last three years.

During the election on Monday morning for the new set of ABC federation officers facilitated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Ureta and Cariaga came out tied with seven votes each.

Local DILG officials and the ABC federation members decided to break the tie via drawing of lots, which Cariaga eventually won.

Senior Insp. Sherwin Boy Maglana, Tampakan police chief, said they immediate secured the contested portions of the provincial road late Monday on orders from provincial

police director Senior Supt. Romeo Ver. “We did not see any actual blockade there but there’s some tension as a result of the threats,” he said in a radio interview.

The police official said that based on reports they received, the camp of Ureta was only targeting to deny Palo 19 barangay chair Felisilda’s access to the area.

He said Ureta’s supporters insisted that they’re not blocking the passage to the area of local residents, especially those from Barangays Danlag, Pulabato and Palo 19.

To resolve the situation, Maglana said he has been working out a meeting between the affected parties with Tampakan Mayor Leonardo Escobillo.

[MindaNews]

S

ARANGANI will likely post zero incidence of the mosquito-borne malaria this year based on its record in the last 11 months and with only three weeks left before 2014, provincial health officials said.

They said the province posted a clean record from January to November and is now focusing on totally eradicating the disease.

Dr. Arvin Alejandro, acting Sarangani health officer, said in a statement that they have intensified their monitoring and control activities for malaria in areas where it had been noted to be prevalent in a bid to sustain its zero incidence.

He said that from the 1,700 malaria cases recorded in 2006, the dis-

ease’s incidence in the province gradually went down these past years due to the local government’s institutionalization of its anti-malaria program.

Malaria cases in the area eventually dropped to 37 in 2010, 28 in 2011, four in 2012 and zero so far this year, he said.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), a province may be declared as malaria-free if it sustains zero incidence of indigenous case of the disease for five consecutive years.

As of the third quarter of the year, the DOH in Region 12 reported three confirmed cases of malaria in Sarangani but none of them was reportedly caused by local transmission. [MindaNews]

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

5

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 2006=100

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

Rural bank shuts down

By AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

O

NE of the oldest rural banks General Santos City closed down prompting the monetary board of Bangko Sentral ng Philipinas to place it under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).

The unexpected shut down of Sarangani Rural Bank (SRB) had upset its more than 2,000 depositors, most of them smalltime market vendors and businessmen here.

But PDIC information officer Nathaniel Tumbocon tried to appease the depositors by issuing a pronouncement that all depositors would be paid.

“They have nothing to worry. All the depositors will be paid as soon as they complied with the requirements,” Tumbocon said in an interview with reporters here.

SRB, Tumbocon claimed, had a maximum deposit insurance coverage of P.5 million.

The PDIC information officer bared that a meeting for SRB depositors and borrowers is scheduled today, December 11 at the audio-visual

MAN’S BESTFRIEND. A street food vendor uses his cellular phone to fight away boredom while waiting for customers at Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. room of Mindanao state University-high school campus along J.P. Laurel Avenue here.

“All depositors must attend in the scheduled meeting so they will

know what are the requirements and what should be done to process their claims,” Tumbocon said.

He added that claim forms will only be dis-

tributed during said meeting.

Just four months ago, SRB celebrated its 55th year founding anniversary.

One of the deposi-

tors, Israel Tudio, said he was caught flat-footed by the sudden closure of the bank.

PDIC refused to divulge the reasons behind the close down of SRB.

ambulant vendors, public markets, groceries, and supermarkets.

The advisory stated that most of the samples were unregistered and noncompliant with food product labelling standards as embodied in the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 88-B series of 1984.

Out of the 34 products collected, three were found to contain NPC Rhodamine B while five needed further tests to confirm the presence of NPC Sudan.

The processed food products that tested posi-

tive with NPC Rhodamine B were icing candy from Cebu Crown Grocery, red gulaman from Carbon Public Market, and shrimp paste (labelled 7C’s) from Robinson’s Grocery in Talisay, Cebu.

FDA said the manufacturers of the three products will face charges in violation of FDA Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9711) and the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394), particularly on the adulteration of processed food.

“The FDA Act of 2009 requires all locally manufactured and imported processed food products to

be registered with the FDA. This requirement is in addition to the permits issued by the local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies,” the FDA advisory said.

Meanwhile, DTI-Davao Region Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division (CWTRD) chief Rachel S. Remitio said since these coloring dyes are not permitted, these should not flood the market.

“These pose danger to health. Thus, the manufacturers definitely violate one of the eight major consumer rights which is the right to safe products,” she

said.

The other rights are: right to information; right to choose; right to representation; right to redress; right to consumer education; and right to a healthy environment.

For DTI’s part, Remitio said the agency is committed to provide the FDA with whatever help it may need, especially in monitoring.

Remitio asked the public to report to FDA or DTI immediately should they have concerns about the food products that they have purchased. [DTI 11/JenMendoza]

DTI reiterates FDA’s warning on the use of industrial grade coloring dyes on food

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the region is reiterating the warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the use of industrial grade coloring dyes by some food processors.

In a communication issued by FDA, it was learned that the agency tested 34 samples of food products collected by its inspectors in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 7 for non-permissible colorants (NPC). Such samples were gathered from

as of May 2013 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 Cebu Pacific Thu

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

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

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 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 13:25

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

Army personnel linked to illegal logging activity

A

WATCHDOG in North Cotabato is planning to ask the United Nations environmental desk to conduct an independent investigation on the involvement of some personnel of the 6th Infantry Division (ID) in alleged illegal logging activity in the area.

Already, the Watchful Advocates for Transparent, Clean and Honest Governance in North Cotabato (WATCH Cotabato) has filed a separate complaint with Malacanang to investigate the incident.

“This is a very shameful and sad incident.

Imagine, those who we expect to protect our environment are the ones destroying it. We cannot trust the investigation being conducted by the 6th Infantry Division.

We are afraid of the possible whitewash if they investigate themselves,” Abner Francisco, WATCH

president, said in a statement.

Francisco, who is also a local radio commentator, said they wanted “to save the remaining forest covers of the province.”

Last November 20, police apprehended a military truck belonging to the 6th ID loaded with an estimated 2,000 board feet of red and white Lauan flitches.

Unting Guiabel, an Army personnel, was wounded when policemen fired on the military truck under the supervision of Captain Sarcon Angue, reports said.

There was no report of any arrest but the seized lumbers were brought to the Alamada police station and later turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Midsayap town.

Citing an unnamed

source, WATCH Cotabato said that a total of 180 tablons or flitches were transported from Campo 10 in Barangay Rangayen in Alamada to a sawmill in nearby Midsayap town.

The first three batches happened in the first week of November using M-35 or six-by-six military trucks, it said. The intercepted transport was the fourth attempt.

WATCH Cotabato said the forest from where the trees were cut is a protected watershed area.

Oblate priest Eliseo Mercado Jr., a renowned peace advocate and environmentalist, urged Alamada residents to demand a probe on illegal logging activity, which shall be conducted by independent cause-oriented groups, DENR and the LGUs in North Cotabato.

“This is a very serious concern as it involves the

[6th Infantry] Division.

Those trucks won’t be used without the blessings from higher-ups,” he said in his Facebook account.

Ambulo Batugan, DENR-Midsayap district officer, said the logs were cut illegally.

Owing to the controversy, a special Army Board of Inquiry arrived today (Friday) to conduct further investigation, according to Col. Dickson Hermoso, Inspector General and spokesperson of the 6th ID. “We will assure they will answer to this mess,” he said over the phone, noting the involved personnel have been relieved and ordered back to the 6th ID camp.

Hermoso declined to give more comments pending the results of the investigation. [Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews]

5 more SUCs tapped for native tree production

F

IVE more state universities and colleges (SUCs) have been tapped by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to mass produce genetically superior indigenous tree seedlings for the government’s National Greening Program (NGP), bringing the total number of participating SUCs to 25.

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje recently signed a memorandum of agreement with five SUCs located in Western Visayas for the establishment of clonal nurseries that are expected to produce at least 60,000 native tree seedlings per school, or a total of 300,000 annually to be used for the Aquino administration’s flagship reforestation program.

Under the agreement, the DENR will construct a clonal nursery worth P3.5 million in every campus of the University of Antique in Sibalom, Antique; Capiz State University in Roxas City; Western Visayas College of Science and Technology in La Paz, Iloilo; Central Philippines State University in Kabankalan,

Negros Occidental; and Guimaras State College in Buenavista, Guimaras.

“Our plan is to establish a kind of national grid for production of cloned NGP seedlings and that grid is now almost complete with the entry of five new participating SUCs,” Paje said.

The environment chief noted that around 1.36 million native tree seedlings have been contributed this year by 20 other SUCs enrolled in the clonal production project.

Paje said the method produces abundant tree seedlings that are genetically identical to their parent-tree on a year round basis, making it “far more efficient and much faster than the conventional method which make use of seeds gathered from the fruits of the trees.”

“Unfortunately, our native trees, especially the best ones like yakal, kamagong, mayapis, molave, tindalo, toog and teak, bear fruit only every seven to 10 years,” Paje pointed out.

Voyager, InterAksyon tie up with Project NOAH for mobile innovations in hazards preparedness V

OYAGER Innovations, Inc. (Voyager) recently inked a partnership with the government’s Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) for innovations in rain preparedness and hazards awareness with the help of mobile and smartphone technology.

Through a new consumer-centric app being developed by Voyager, Filipinos will soon get easy to understand, relevant and real-time updates about oncoming rain and other hazards in their specific localities.

The new app will use data culled by the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) vast network of more than 700 sensors that gather a variety of information across the country and churn out weather data with 95% accuracy.

Through a partnership with InterAksyon.com, the app will be able to deliver up-to-the-minute updates on class suspensions and other relevant advisories that could be useful to users in specific areas.

“We are making ‘nowcasting’ of rain prob-

ability simple and understandable for the typical Filipino who can use this information to plan their day or prepare for any weather disturbance within their vicinity,” Fernandez added. “This is the first step in preparing them for bigger natural hazards that may possibly come their way in the future.”

Aside from a simple design easily understood by the common Filipino, the new app will also feature timely notifications that will alert users of oncoming heavy rainfall within their vicinity, aside from other timely hazards information.

The app is expected to launch via the Google Play Store before the end of the year, making it available to all Android-based smartphones in the country.

“Our goal with Project NOAH has always been the delivery of accurate and relevant information about weather hazards that can be useful to a lot of Filipinos. While we already have powerful Project NOAH apps available on Android and iOS, this partnership with Voyager and InterAksyon. com will allow even more

(From left) Voyager Innovations President Orlando B. Vea and Chief Operating Officer Benjie Fernandez formalize a partnership with Project NOAH Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistant Secretary Raymund Liboro for mobile innovations in hazards preparedness.

Filipinos to appreciate the kind of information we deliver to the people,” said Dr. Mahar Lagmay, Executive Director of Project NOAH. Prior to the partnership, Voyager and Project NOAH already forged a relationship in the form of a mirror site hosted

under the former’s facilities, which ensures that NOAH’s services and data continue to be accessible to the people even in times of system failures or overwhelming traffic coming from its Web app.

For his part, InterAksyon.com Editor in Chief Roby Alampay said:

“The delivery of timely and accurate information about heavy rains and class suspensions is crucial to students and their parents. Through this partnership, we can see to it that everyone is aware of the hazards within their vicinity even before they step out of their doors.”

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, a subsidiary of Mediaquest Holdings, Inc. (Mediaquest). Voyager, meanwhile, is a subsidiary of mobile leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Mediaquest and Smart are part of the First Pacific Group.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

EDITORIAL

A

Another major step towards peace

NOTHER major step towards ending the bloody insurgency in Mindanao has been taken.

The Philippine government and the MILF on Sunday signed a crucial power sharing accord which should pave the way for a final peace agreement and ultimately, for the end of a decades-long insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

So it can be done afterall. The accord, signed by negotiators from the government and MILF representatives in Kuala Lumpur, will cover the projected autonomous area. It sets the parameters of the “Bangsamoro assembly” that will govern the autonomous area while ensuring that tribal groups, Christian settlers and women are represented.

For both parties, it meant the achievement of a genuine and viable autonomy for the Bangsamoro.

With the power sharing annex, both parties are now confident of pushing forward with the final

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step-- the last remaining annex on normalisation and complete the comprehensive peace agreement. We hope this is done and over with by January 2014.

The salient feature of this power sharing annex will have foreign policy, defense, monetary policy, immigration and global trade remaining under the control of national government, while the Bangsamoro government will have powers over agriculture, employment, urban development, public works and environmental protection.

Now that the power-sharing annex, which the parties refer to as “the heart of the Bangsamoro accord,” has been settled and the agreement down to its final stage, are we assured that the insurgency conflict in Mindanao be finally over?

What about the MNLF? Where does that leave them in the new set up?

That remains to be seen. For now, we are one bold step ahead to peace.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR / CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

City’s crime situation is real

PAWNING FEAR OF EXTRAJUDICIAL MEASURES AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS – In Davao City, the unabated murder of suspected criminals had invariably puzzled the local police force. Worried and alarmed, city residents see the reality of the crime situation. Human rights and pro-life advocates and experts on criminal law and procedures dismissed police statistics indicating a drop in crime as “mostly meaningless.” Indeed, there were declines in some categories but murder cases are on the rise and the number of other heinous crime for the first half of the year remains high.

Now, in an ironic twist, the increased number of murder cases is blemishing the city police leadership. The killings continue even in broad daylight and the assassins are getting bolder day after day, and don’t care a hoot about human lives. As always and in many cases the police seemed to be facing a blank wall. The killings of suspected criminals were allegedly blamed to faceless and elusive assassins. And the description of the perpetrators who are riding-in-tandem makes activist groups and pro-life advocates to claim that “death squads” are responsible for the spate of killings in the city.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte used to say that the city can be a dangerous place for criminals, yet lawless elements still have the temerity to conduct their illegal activities with impunity. Tough action is a Duterte trademark and it is appreciated by the city’s 1.5 million populations. However, crime it seems has become the mayor’s Achilles’ heel. That’s the irony of it all. Duterte, who has been a strict law implementer all his life as public servant and endlessly issued stern warnings against criminals, appeared to be facing a possible drawback. But people who have painstakingly rallied behind the mayor in his no nonsense drive against crime and lawlessness

I

are confident he could face the glitch squarely.

In a campaign against all forms of criminal activities, the police had always mattered and given the city’s present discomforting crime situation, the police matters more than ever.

This, plus the determined push and encouragement from the city leadership, which will heightened the need for a more dynamic police leadership. In the face of such tests, city police chief P/Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao has yet to demonstrate his mettle. Being new in his post, he was supposed to display true leadership by aggressively implementing the full force of the law against lawless elements. He may be able to do more than put a smiling face on TV and provide solutions to the rampant killings.

Yet so far, the police have not done much to reassure, let alone inspire the anxious and alarmed public that there is a watchful authority in charge that will protect the interests and safety of the masses of our people. While it is true that some of the murder cases are clearly difficult to unravel due to lack of essential lead in identifying the culprits, the police can certainly handle them in a manner that does not further shake public confidence. Maintaining a reputable image especially to the police force does not mean eluding with either a smile or smirk that there are problems when crime happens. It means acknowledging them, then offering potential solutions.

Solving rising crime in a bustling metrop-

olis actually is a strenuous task for the police therefore the city officialdom and the police leadership must convene periodically to evaluate the law and order situation in the city.

They should mount a special effort utilizing a more collaborative arrangement among various law enforcement agencies with the support of the private sector. The biggest problem – and this has existed for many, many years – is the matter of cooperation and coordination.

The city’s crime situation is real: they must address it firmly. Of course, suppressing criminals all over the city is far more difficult than simply driving them out of the metropolis.

Since the series of killings flared up during the past weeks, a score of suspected criminals, including minors have been murdered. Most cases are still unsolved because witnesses are uncooperative making it difficult for the police to find accurate information in identifying the perpetrators. But as we’ve observed, the so-called faceless assassins or the dreaded death squad are the obvious suspects. Based on the interpretation of activist groups and pro-life advocates, no other group has a history of such actions. They speculate that the “salvaging” tactic has been used to quell suspected criminals notably drug addicts and other “undesirables.”

Killings of suspected criminals in the city during the past years were credited to the alleged “death squad” although this has yet to be proven. Still, nobody could provide a proof to substantiate allegations that the group actually existed. The reappearance of the group, granting that it really existed, may mean that old, bad practice lingers. Or, worryingly that some trigger-happy people are just following orders, and from whom that we will never know. As a result: the spate of killings in the city spawned fears of extrajudicial measures and violations of human rights.

“There’s a wealth of talents right here in Davao. I see good writers, good actors, good film makers, good stories, exotic locations, and good people to work with,” Tom said.

We asked him if he’s competing with the local film makers’ group “Mindanao Guerilla Filmmakers” which churned out quite a number of impressive local “indie” or independent films using local talents and Davao locations, garnering national and international film awards.

“We’ve been using some of them in our film productions. They’re a bunch of very talented film makers,” he said.

The story of “Sabina” is set against the backdrop of Davao City itself, using familiar city areas like Bankerohan market, Buhangin Gallera, San Pedro Cathedral and MacArthur Highway, as cited in the novel.

It’s a story of a young girl from a rural village who was brought down to the city by a cockfighter who eventually held her captive and abused with impunity until

one day she decided to escape.

An American teacher run in to her in an accident, but Sabina kept running and hiding for fear of her life from the cock fighter who kept her as a sex slave. During her escape, she bumped into several people who also shared their own conflicts in life, all seeking to find their own answers and refuge from overwhelming problems.

Well known Filipino actors and actresses familiar to young audiences hold important roles in this movie, except for the starring role of “Sabina” which is tackled by a true-blood Dabawenya, Valerie “Bangs” Garcia, in her first international mainstream movie that will compete side by side with Hollywood movies in the nation’s cinemas.

A number of foreign actors are also in the film, but the stellar cast of “Sabina” includes known young Filipino actors Gwen Garci, Felix Roco, James Monson, Mon Confiado, Daniel Mandehr, David Blanco, Leon Miguel, Raul Morit, Jennifer Blair-Blanco, Abe Paglama, Ruben Gonzaga, China Roces, Bonz Militar, etc.

This film was directed by Ian del Carmen (who also directed Dream Girl, Bad Romance, etc) and will have its world premiere in Davao City on December 17 at the Gaisano Mall here.

(Comments? Email me> tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com)

An American writer’s first movie in Davao

DIDN’T know there’s an American writer living in our midst right here in Davao City until I run into this guy at Marco Polo’s Club 888 holding a presscon last week, parrying off questions from college kids from Holy Cross and Ateneo who wanted to know what his novel”Sabina” was all about.

This novel written by Tom Anthony has just been made in to a full-length movie, but we didn’t bother to ask if “Sabina” was his first story. His promoters said he also wrote a novel titled “Rebels of Mindanao” which was written, according to Tom, with the help of the Philippine army.

Anyway, these college “journalists” who are still trying to finish their mass media communication courses, wanted to know if Tom’s new movie production of his novel is an “indie” film, but this aging American was quick to say that his first movie production of “Sabina” is definitely “commercial” and a “mainstream movie” that will be shown like any Hollywood or international movie here in the Philippines.

What made this probably a big event for Davao is that the film production company of this film “Sabina” is based right here in Davao, a new film company called Davao Entertainment International Corporation located at Dona Josefina Village near Toril, run by his Filipina wife.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Footnote to Popularity COMMENT

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ

H

Part 2 of 3

E has! “When so many Filipinos live wretched lives, Pacquiao and his family live like maharajahs, throwing crumbs to poor people.

They have mansions, several expensive cars, a helicopter, and, some say, a yacht, all trademarks of the conspicuous consumption of the filthy rich. When Pacquiao went to Leyte to distribute relief goods, he came in a private plane. Wife Jinkee is rumored to have a wall-towall cabinet full of signature bags each costing several thousands of pesos. If Imelda Marcos is obsessed with shoes, Jinkee is said to be obsessed with designer bags.”

This Neal H. Cruz wrote in his Philippine Daily Inquirer column, “Tax amnesty for billionaire Pacquiao?

Why?”, on December 6. Read more.

And, he has brought honors to the country! What honors? As “Honorable Member” of the House, he has regular salary and allowances. Yet, he serves in the stable of Freddie Roach and under Promoter Bob Arum’s business calendar. Is that honors for the Philippines?

He seriously devotes his time not to fulfill his mandate as congressman but to earn millions of dollars for himself, Roach and Arum as well as Uncle Sam’s IRS while receiving regularly and fully his salary and allowances paid out of Filipino taxes. Is that honorable?

What a misdirected popularity buildup! But, don’t blame Manny Pacquiao. It’s not his doing. He has not asked for it.

Political Buildup Popularity is a bridge to power – political power in particular. Pacquiao was tempted to and took that bridge. In his first plunge into politics in 2007, he failed to capture the first congressional district of South Cotabato composed of General Santos City, Polomolok, Tupi and Tampakan. In his second bid in 2010, he won the lone congressional district of Sarangani with the mayors riding on his popularity and regional party. From then on, he has been on a political buildup.

In 2013, he was re-elected unopposed. His wife, Jinkee, won as vice governor of Sarangani. He has solidified his hold on the Sarangani local officials.

The erstwhile powerful Chiongbian clan has coalesced with him. Several of his party’s candidates won seats in the General Santos City Sangguniang Panlunsod. His brother lost by a small margin to incumbent Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. in the congressional race. His brothers and in-laws won seats in two barangays in General Santos City in the last October election.

Media are building up the speculation that he will run for senator in 2016 then for president in 2022 when, at 42, he will be qualified. The international wire services have joined speculating.

Forget in the meantime the presidency.

Can he win a seat in the Senate? Don’t underestimate his popularity. It’s real. That he is idolized by the masses is real. Many in the Congress idolize him.

Again, read Neal H. Cruz referring to the sponsors of the bill to exempt Pacquiao from paying taxes: “…by coddling Pacquiao, they hope to gain some of the popularity that he has among the masses and, hence, more votes. Indeed, a couple of politicians position themselves beside or behind Pacquiao whenever cameras are pointed at him. By doing so, they hope to bask in the glory around the people’s champ.”

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Blaming...FFROM 1 kontrbida,” he said.

He made an appeal for the media to present both sides, saying that the operatives were just tasked to demolish the sidewalk vendors who caused the problem of the pedestrians.

“Dili man ni sila na ga buot-buot lang na mag demolish diha. Naa may rule of law, kay timan-an nato kanang kalsada ug sidewalk is for the public,” the majority floor leader added.

Montverde stressed that even the vendors were poor but still, “they don’t have the right to occupy the sidewalks because it is intended for the public and it is illegal.”

“Ambot kung unsaon na ninyo pag present sa tao. Pero ang tao mo tanaw man jud. Naay uban na mo ingon na tama ni because this is the rule of law. Pero naa puy mo ingon na patay gidaug-daog man jud ning mga pobre,”

he said.

Monteverde added the media may not intend to cause bad impression to the government “but it is the effect of what they saw in television or in the newspapers.”

He said that to address the problem of the sidewalk vendors, the local government is eying a night market ordinance to provide an alternative venue to sidewalk vending around the downtown areas.

Monteverde said the initial proposal is to make the planned night market an experiment that will be evaluated after three months, particularly its acceptability among the people.

“Maningkamot ta nga unta nay pamaagi… (dili man tanan atong matabangan) kung kinsa man ang interesado (dili man tanan) na matagaan nato’g legal na panginabuhi,” He said.

DOH said 491 new HIV/AIDS cases were recorded last October, the highest ever in a month in the country.

It said this figure is 66 percent higher than the 295 cases in October 2012.

It added that of this figure, 38 were already AIDS at the time of reporting and 461

of the patients were males.

Males having sex with other males accounted for 86 of the sexual transmission, the DOH noted.

Since 1984 when the HIV/AIDS registry started and until October this year, the country has recorded 15,774 cases. [MindaNews]

joining the annual scheduled maintenance of the Malampaya plant.

“I do not want to rock the boat and be judgmental. I want to think positively that collusion does not exist,” Umali insists.

Commissioner Josefina Patricia Asirit of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) told the committee that their office has moto propio power to investigate if there is such doubt that collusion exists.

“We are regularly monitoring all players in WESM (Wholesale Electricity Spot Market) and so far we found no abuses,” Asirit told the committee.

Camarines Sur Rep. Felix William Fuentebella claimed he does not want to call it collusion nor conspiracy but prefer to call it “market power abuse” of the players to increase rates whenever there is big demand of power supply.

“I do not want to call it collusion but it is obvious market power abuse,” he pointed out.

The House Progressive bloc, meanwhile, urged their colleagues to take decisive steps to stop the implementation of Meralco's power rate hike that will impact heavily on the national economy and livelihood of consumers.

Anakpawis party-list Rep. Fernando Hicap challenged the committee and House members to exercise

political will to stop the power rate increase.

"It is likely that there is a collusion between Meralco and power suppliers in manipulating power supply and prices. Meralco is well aware of Malampaya's annual periodic shutdown and outages of other major power plants. It should have done necessary steps to ensure the availability of power supply during the scheduled shutdown instead of purchasing expensive power from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) that resulted to high generation rates," Hicap said.

He said WESM rates significantly increased during the supply month of November at P33.22 per kWh, at the same period of the Malampaya shutdown, “scheduled and forced outages.”

The generation charge will increase by P2 per kWh in December, P1 per kWh in February 2014 and P0.44 per kWh in March 2014.

Including other charges like transmission charges, taxes, and other components, the electricity rate will jump by P2.41 per kWh in December, P1.21 per kWh in January and P0.54 in February.

This means customers consuming 200 kWh will see their December billing statement increase by P482 while those consuming 300 kWh by P723. [PNA]

HIV...FFROM 2

Amendment...FFROM 2

HUMAN RIGHTS DRAMA. Members of progressive groups portray characters similar to President Aquino, the U.S. government and the Philippine Army in performing an anti-human rights presentation during the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day at the Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

SC junks petition vs. Drilon

T

HE Supreme Court (SC) en banc on Tuesday dismissed the petition filed by former Iloilo Rep. Augusto B. Syjuco Jr. seeking to cite in contempt Senate President Franklin M. Drilon.

The SC said Syjuco failed to detail his allegation that Drilon violated the temporary restraining order (TRO)

earlier issued by the Court against the use of priority development assistance fund (PDAF) under the General Appropriations Act of 2013.

The SC declared the petition of Syjuco as “insufficient in form and substance”.

It said that the complaint of Syjuco against Drilon is now considered “moot and

academic” after the Court issued a decision on Nov. 19, 2013 declaring the PDAF as “unconstitutional”.

The complaint of Syjuco against Drilon stemmed when Senate Resolution No. 302 was filed by the Senate President authorizing President Benigno S. Aquino III to use the remaining balance

of the pork barrel fund of the senators and allot the same for the victims of calamity.

Syjuco also asked the SC to disbar Drilon or suspend his license to practice law for his alleged violations of the sworn duty of lawyers and the professional code and duties of a lawyer and an officer of the court. [PNA]

HE Palace will probe reports that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding leader and former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Nur Misuari has left the country despite an arrest warrant and a cancelled passport.

T

Misuari’s spokesman, lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, said Misuari is in Africa to attend the 40th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) council.

“Since that is a violation of the cancellation of the passport, we will look into the circumstance ng pagla-

bas niya sa bansa (We will look into the circumstances on how he was able to leave the country),” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. in a media briefing on Tuesday.

Misuari and his men are

facing rebellion charges for attacking Zamboanga City in September that left hundreds of people dead and millions worth of properties damaged.

Government forces have been searching for his whereabouts after the Zamboanga City siege. [PNA]

shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be

affected by the functions of their office.

However, Brillantes noted that they could make an exemption if the gifts given are in kind such as food.

“I told them if they received gifts like food, they could accept it. So if they receive food as

gifts, they could share it or give it away,” he added.

The law also states that public officials or employee found accepting gifts may be punished with a fine not exceeding the equivalent of six months’ salary or suspension not exceed-

ing one year, or removal depending on the gravity of the offense.

Currently, the poll body is in the process of hearing election protest cases that have been filed in connection with the national, local, and barangay polls conducted this year. [PNA]

December 11-18.

“In Manila, the Secretary will meet with senior Philippine officials to discuss ways to build on our already-strong economic, security, and people-to-people relations,” it said.

Kerry was supposed to visit Manila last October

in place of U.S. President Barack Obama, who canceled his first-ever visit to the Philippines on Oct. 11 and 12, due to a budget deadlock at the U.S. Congress that forced a shutdown of U.S. government agencies nationwide.

The trip was shelved due to bad weather.

Kerry was expected to discuss with counterpart Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario a planned increased rotation presence of American troops in the Philippines -- the terms of which are being negotiated by Philippine and U.S. panels.

They were also ex-

pected to touch on regional and international issues like China’s air defense zone and the renewed tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, China and Taiwan are locked in a years-long territorial rivalry. [PNA]

Coloma: Palace to probe Misuari escape Poll execs...FFROM 3

Kerry...FFROM 3

11 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

SingTel donates P1.7M for typhoon victims S

I N G A P O R E Telecommunications Ltd. (SingTel) has donated SGD 50,000 (roughly PHP 1.75 million) to buy food and drinking water for Typhoon Yolanda victims via Globe Telecom’s corporate social responsibility program. In addition to the corporate donation, SingTel has set up staff donation drives across its operations in Singapore and Australia to raise more funds. SingTel is a major stockholder of Globe together with Ayala Corporation.

“We wish to extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences on the loss of thousands of lives and massive destruction to properties.

Together with Globe, our regional mobile associate, we want to play a part in assisting affected Filipinos with their daily needs in the hope of helping get them back on their feet again,” said Mr Andrew

Buay, SingTel’s VP of Group Corporate Social Responsibility.

Globe was one of the first companies to respond to the calamity by offering Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng Internet stations to help the victims contact their kin even as it continues to provide relief operations in the disaster-stricken areas.

The SingTel donation, together with almost P300,000 raised from Globe employees, will be used for the second wave of relief operations in Eastern Visayas such as Tacloban City in Leyte and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Other sites are yet to be finalized.

So far, Globe has already distributed relief packages to almost 5,000 families as well as hot meals to 3,000 individuals.

During the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong in

Globe employee volunteers troop to Gawad Kalinga (top) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (bottom) repacking stations to prepare relief goods for distribution 2011 and Typhoon Pablo linga Bayani Challenge to calamity to benefit from 2009 after typhoons Onin 2012, SingTel was also build homes for those dis- relief operations, free call doy and Pepeng wreaked among foreign corpora- placed by Typhoon Pablo. and text services, network havoc in the country. DeGlobe Bangon Pinoy restoration, and a series tails of Globe Bangon Pitions which offered aid to community-rebuild- noy efforts can be viewed the victims. In 2013, Sing- is an integrated program of Tel employee volunteers that allows communities ing activities. It was first at http://globe.com.ph/ also joined the Gawad Ka- devastated by the recent introduced by Globe in bangonpinoy.

DCWD adopts new vision, mission statements, goals and core strategy

D

AVAO City Water District has new vision and mission statements as well as goals and core strategies.

The new vision and mission statements set the utility’s future direction to include wastewater management as a priority agendum in addition to its top commitment of providing potable and affordable water in Davao City.

DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado said now is the high time for DCWD to step up on its role as water service provider by addressing wastewater.

“Everyone produces wastewater so we cannot keep on neglecting this concern.

Apart from it being a mandate, wastewater management is synonymous to the thrust of DCWD to take proactive role in caring for the

environment,” he added.

In addition, DCWD set five goals which include achieving improved quality of water in Cabantian and Panacan areas and a core strategy to efficiently and effectively manage the city’s water resources.

DCWD management is cascading the new vision and mission, goals and core strategy down the ranks and crafting specific plans and programs to realize the same.

These are DCWD’s new directional statements. Vision: Best water and wastewater service provider with utmost care for the people and the environment; Mission: We commit to supply potable and affordable water 24 hours a day, provide wastewater treatment services, operate efficient-

ly, take a proactive role in environmental concerns and keep a competent workforce; Goals: Achieve an improved quality of water in Cabantian and Panacan service areas in accordance with Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water, attain a 98% Employee Satisfaction Rating, exceed by 50% the projected water demand covered by our available resources, increase availability of water to all customers from 90% to 100% and fully implement Phase I of the Septage Management Program; Core Strategy: Efficient and effective management of all resources for water security in Davao City.

DCWD retains its corporate philosophy: service with dignity and honor. [Jamae R. Garcia]

POWER 101. Ross Luga, assistant vice president for Corporate Communications and Branding of Davao Light and Power Co., delivers a presentation onenergy conservation tips and on the company’s new SMS services during the Energy Conservation Forum held last December 6, 2013 at the Ateneo de Davao University. The forum is organized by Mindanao Development Authority in partnership with the Department of Energy, Davao Light and Power Co., JCI Davao, and Ateneo de Davao University.

TFC Load-n-Watch connects OFs in Hong Kong to home T

HE recent super typhoon that struck parts of eastern Philippines teaches Filipinos a very important lesson in disaster-preparedness and most importantly, stresses the ever important need to connect with family during times of calamity. Noting this eminent need and The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) mission to accompany overseas Filipinos (OFs) in their life journey outside the Philippines, the network recently partnered with fast-rising Android manufacturer Cloudfone to provide OFs a single, breakthrough solution to their communication and programming needs in Hong Kong. With the revolutionary TFC Load-nWatch, TFC, through official distributor, Cloudfone, enables OFs in the country to be informed and entertained anytime and anywhere, while keeping them in touch with home.

During the launch of TFC Load and Watch recently held at the Worldwide House’s activity area in Hong Kong, ABS-CBN Global Ltd. Chief Operating Officer Raffy Lopez shared how the revolutionary service is a fulfillment of the role of broadcast television in bringing distant Filipinos close to home, a dream of his father, ABSCBN Corporation Chairman Emeritus Eugenio Lopez Jr. “When I founded

TFC almost 20 years ago in my garage, I had in mind the vision of my father to connect the Philippines – with all its laughter, tears, beauty, strength, heroism and promise – to the Filipinos all over the world. We wanted to touch each and every one of you (OFs),” Lopez said.

TFC Load-n-Watch captures and shares these emotions and values via ABS-CBN programs and other Filipino content distributed by the network, now made available by the service even without internet access. To enjoy these programs from TFC Load-n-Watch, OFs can simply visit the Cloudfone store. For only HK$1,000, Filipinos can get their own Cloudfone Android-based smartphone Excite 402D device and load the best homegrown content from ABS-CBN. Through TFC Load-nWatch’s affordable content bundles, Pinoys can choose the way to enjoy their favorite programs through personalized viewing on their Cloudfone Excite 402d. Priced affordably at only HK$20, Filipinos in HK can enjoy their teleseryes (currently airing on TFC’s platforms worldwide) via the Dramadness bundle or classic teleseryes via Dramathon. For the price of a cup of coffee, Filipinos onthe-go can enjoy uninterrupted viewing of a total of

20 to 25 episodes of their choice teleseryes, anytime, anywhere within a 30-day period.

According to one Filipina who visited the store during the launch, “Buti nalang dinala ninyo ang TFC Load-n-Watch dito sa Hong Kong kasi tulad ko, wala akong TV sa kuwarto sa bahay ng amo ko, at ang cellphone ko wala rin namang internet (TFC Load-n-Watch is good news for me because I do not have television over at my employer’s house and the phone that I use has no internet service).” She vowed to return with her friends on their next pay day to avail of TFC Load-nWatch.

On top of the content, customers can also enjoy a 14-day free access to TFC. tv Lite, an easy, affordable plan which can be enjoyed upon registering on TFC’s official online service - TFC. tv.

With the TFC.tv Lite free 14-day access, Filipinos can enjoy TFC.tv’s current programs, including the latest news in the Philippines, online and on-demand when they avail of internet access from a service provider of their choice. TFC.tv, dubbed the digital tambayan of the global Pinoy, lets subscribers share and talk about the homegrown Kapamilya content they enjoy and love through its chat facility.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

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Qualifications: 1. With at least 5 years experience.

2. Highly skilled in repair of bulldozer, backhoe, compactor of different models like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, etc.

3. Honest and Hardworking.

Interested applicant may send their application, Bio-data and Resume to:

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3RD Floor PPI Bldg., Ponciano Reyes St., (Crooked Road), Davao City.

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along National Highway, facing east, beside NCCC Panacan, Davao City. 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-for-Occupancy 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, in-house 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.

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

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Requirements: Requirements: 1. Driver’s License with Official Receipt 1.x Driver’s License (2 with Official Receipt 2. 2 2 I.D. picture pcs.)

2. 2 x 2 I.D. (2 pcs.) or clearance from 3. Certificate of picture Employment 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from

May previous apply in employment person at Human Resource Department, YBLI in Office, General Santos Resource Drive, May apply person at Human Koronadal City. YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Department, Koronadal City.

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21061224 under contract No. 10048586-9 21061223 under contract No. 10048585-8 21061221 under contract No. 10048583-6 21061220 under contract No. 10048582-5 21061219 under contract No. 10048581-4 21061222 under contract No. 10048580-3 21067504 under contract No. 10045644-1 issued to RICHARD J. HECHANOVA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

11/27,12/4,11

CLASSIFIEDS 13

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013 16th City Council 11th Regular Session Series of 2013

Republika ng Pilipinas SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD Lungsod ng Dabaw

PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Edgar R. Ibuyan Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Arnolfo Ricardo B. Cabling April Marie C. Dayap Jimmy G. Dureza Emmanuel D. Galicia Sr. Berino L. Mambo-o Sr. Tomas J. Monteverde IV J. Melchor V. Quitain Jackson V. Reyes Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Jose Louie P. Villafuerte

Acting Vice Mayor

Rodrigo R. Duterte Karlo S. Bello Leah A. Librado-Yap

-

Acting City Mayor

Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Bernard E. Al-ag Joanne M. Bonguyan Paolo Z. Duterte Jashera L. Gonzales Rene Elias C. Lopez Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Rachel P. Zozobrado

-

On Sick Leave On Domestic Emergency Leave

-

On Domestic Emergency Leave On Sick Leave

-

On Domestic Emergency Leave On Domestic Emergency Leave

ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Vice-Mayor Councilor Councilor ABSENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

ORDINANCE NO. 0495-13 Series of 2013 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING AND APPROVING THE RENTAL RATE FOR BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS OCCUPYING PORTIONS OF THE RESERVATION AREA COVERED BY PROCLAMATION NO. 20, LOCATED AT TIMES BEACH, MATINA APLAYA, DAVAO CITY Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that:

CERTIFIED CORRECT: “For and in tne absence of the Secretary:

SECTION 1. TITLE -- This Ordinance shall be known as "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING AND APPROVING THE RENTAL RATE FOR BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS OCCUPYING PORTIONS OF THE RESERVATION AREA COVERED BY PROCLAMATION NO. 20, LOCATED AT TIMES BEACH, MATTNA APLAYA, DAVAO CITY”; SECTION 2. PROVlSION AND APPROVAL - The following is the rental rate for business establishments occupying portions of the reservation area covered by Proclamation No. 20, located at Times Beach, Matina Aplaya, Davao City: Rate per sq.m./day Php 1.20/sq.m./day

Area Covered occupied area only with structures and pools

Term of Lease Quarterly

Purpose for recreational purposes only

Each business establishment must enter into a LEASE CONTRACT with the City Government of Davao under the terms and conditions which are in accordance with this ordinance for a term of three (3) months and renewable in a quarterly basis, subject to the following terms and conditions;

JOSEPH ELMER H. CABALI Acting Supervising Administrative Officer (Local Legislative Staff Officer III)

a. The business establishment must first obtain prior special registration with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), if reclamation had been undertaken;

ATTESTED: EDGAR R. IBUYAN Acting Vice Mayor cnz/mbk

b. The business establishment must pay the fines/penalties for violation of the National Building Code and other laws on business permit and taxes for ope rating the business without first securing the necessary permits and licenses;

APPROVED:___________________,2013

c. The business to be undertaken in the area should be limited exclusively for recreational purposes only;

LAPSED

DEEMED APPROVED AFTER THE LAPSE OF TEN (10) DAYS, PER SEC.54, R.A. 7160

d. The rental should be retroactive to a maximum of three (3) years for business entities which operated without permits and licenses from the city government and other national agencies, less the total cost of the reclamation project, per Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) assessment, if reclamation work had been undertaken;

e. The terms and conditions of the Lease Contract will be subject to the output of the final conference between the City Government of Davao and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), if reclamation had been undertaken;

SARA Z. DUTERTE City Mayor

ATTESTED:

SECTION 3. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE -- This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval; ENACTED, March 22, 2013, by a majority vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present.

ATTY. ZULEIKA T. LOPEZ Acting City Administrator

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Guerrero throws name in Pacman sweepstakes

C

OUNT former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero among the boxers who want to take on Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

Guerrero, who lost to unbeaten American superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May, said that he has long sought a showdown against Pacquiao, who recently resurrected his career by beating Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios.

“I’ve been seeking a fight with Pacquiao since we sparred,” Guerrero said, revealing that he sparred with the “Pacman” at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles in 2005.

“I was just a young prospect at the time, but the situation never presented itself. I really believe a fight with me and Manny wound end with my hand being raised,” he said.

Guerrero, a former lightweight champion who also fights at welterweight,

believes a showdown between him and Pacquiao will be a huge draw in the box office because their styles complement each other.

“I think it would be tremendous, because we both come to fight and the fans know that,” he said. “Neither of us will be running.”

“Everyone knows the fight will have fireworks, and I do believe the fans would want to see us fight so they can make their own comparisons,” he added.

Guerrero said that if Pacquiao fights him, fans will see the difference between the Filipino and Mayweather.

“When Mayweather feels threatened, he gets on his bike and runs,” said Guerrero. “When Manny feels threatened, he fights toe-to-toe and that’s why he’s loved worldwide.”

It will also be interesting to see how Pacquiao deals with a fellow southpaw, said Guerrero.

Manny Pacquiao lands a right to Brandon Rios during their WBO international welterweight title fightin Macau on November 24, 2013.

“The fight would be “I think a fight be- are devastating,” he said. the toughest challenges tween Pacquiao and me “I don’t recall any recent for Guerrero, especially difficult because Manny would be very entertain- big fights between south- after the Filipino showed is the best fighter in the that he still had a lot left world right now,” he said. ing, because we both have paws.”

But fighting Pacquiao in the tank with his per- “Nothing Pacquiao does power in our two hands will be easy to overcome.” and our power left hands also figures to be one of formance against Rios.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

Sunny holidaze I

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

was sort of expecting December to blow in some cool breeze all over sunbaked metro Davao, but it seems like summer heat is still lurking around the corner.

Given that we’re facing bright and sunny holidays ahead, we might as well bask and sizzle in the season in great style --- starting with our eyewear.

Spectacles continue to be the craze among the hip and stylish.

These glasses have gained their popularity through icons that graced the fashion and movie industry, decades and years over. All eyes have witnessed the evolution of this style staple, which, for some time, also became a status symbol.

By retrospect, shades have added character to every look --- they complemented the classics, accessorized the ordinary, and polished the grunge.

In this day and age, sunspecs have gone past the caste sensitivity and has become reasonably more price-friendly for all to af-

Sunnies by Charlie: Retro Chic Today’s most influential local eyewear brand, Sunnies by Charlie, took its cues from the growing demand for quality eyewear at a reasonable cost. Launched in early 2013, this brand grew out of the collaboration of four fantabulous friends --- Eric Dee Jr., Bea Soriano, Martine Cajucom, and

Georgina Wilson.

A spin-off to the successful Charlie apparel brand, Sunnies

by Charlie offers curated eyewear to suit the ever-changing tastes and moods of the contemporary market, all within an affordable price range. Classic-contemporary styles and unique frames makeup their collection which is named after celebrities and popular personalities like Jackie O, James Dean, Brooke Shields, and many more.

The brand’s design aesthetic is inspired by the 60’s and 70’s, with a bit of a modern twist. The visuals and branding employed for their ad campaign follow mid-century color stories and guerrilla style photography shot mainly on film.

Sunnies by Charlie stations are located in SM Mall of Asia and SM Southmall. Sunglasses are also sold in Charlie branches in SM North Edsa (The Block), SM San Lazaro, SM Fairview, Robinson’s Place Manila, and Robinsons Galleria.

Davaoeños can order online at http://zalora.com.ph/sunnies-bycharlie.

(wide forehead and cheekbones; narrow chin) looks great with cat’s-eye and round frames. Say no to heavily embellished sunspecs.

• Oversize or wrap styles compliment the OBLONG SHAPED

FACE (long face; narrow chin and cheeks). You can widen and shorten the look of your face with sunglass styles that do not extend beyond the cheekbone.

Photo courtesey of Sunnies by Charlie.

ford. At this turning point, young entrepreneurs of this tech and trend savvy generation revolutionized street fashion, which paved way to the emergence of new brands that offered the complete getup at a competitive price.

Getting the right fit: Which suits you best?

NOT everything goes for all shapes and sizes. That’s a fact.

When choosing spectacles, you should always consider the shape of your face and the design of the frame. Here are some simple guide you can follow: • Almost any style works for an OVAL FACE (balanced forehead, cheekbones and jaw).

• Those with ROUND FACE (full cheekbones; narrow forehead and jaw) should avoid round frames and colored lenses. They can actually emphasize the shape of your face. Instead, stick to wide and rectangular frames.

• Round, oval, cat’s-eye can give definition and balance to a SQUARE FACE (broad forehead; square jawline). Steer away from sharp geometric shapes.

• A HEART-SHAPED FACE

Sunnies come is many shapes, sizes and styles to suit every individual’s needs.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

HOME

CEB mounts additional Hong Kong flights this Christmas THE Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE:CEB) adds one more daily flight between Manila and Hong Kong during Christmas peak season, to accommodate travel demand to Hong Kong.

Utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft, CEB will operate a total of five daily Manila-Hong Kong-Manila flights on the following days only: December 20-23, 26-30, 2013 and January 2-5, 2014.

The flight departs Manila at 11:30pm and arrives at 1:30am the next day. The return flight departs Hong Kong at 2:15am and arrives in Manila at 4:15am.

“We hope to give more travelers the chance to visit Hong Kong this Christmas holidays, especially with the festive activities lined up this season. With up to five daily flights between Manila and Hong Kong, guests can definitely pick the most convenient flight schedule that is perfect for their travel plans,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

Aside from Manila, CEB flies from Cebu, Clark and Iloilo to Hong Kong.

Among the activities scheduled in Hong Kong this Christmas season are: Hong Kong Food Festival (December 25-28), Hong Kong Mega Showcase featuring over 800 brands (December 25-28) and the Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza (January 1, 2014).

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@cebupacificair) and Facebook pages. For more information on Hong Kong events, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

Ateneo Batch ‘88 to hold golf tourney this December 13 THE Ateneo de Davao High School batch ‘88’s (AMDG’88) silver jubilee, AMDG’88 together with Globe will hold an open fun golf tournament on December 13, Friday at the Apo Golf and Country Club.

Titled “Show Your Birdie!” the tournament is one of the pre-event highlights for the upcoming Grand Alumni Homecoming to be held on December 30 at the SMX Convention Center.

Registration fee is at Php2,000 per player with at least two players per team. Prizes include trophies and merchandise, hole-in-one prizes as well as a raffle during the awarding ceremonies after the games.

Other sponsors of the tournament include SMX, HP, Oroderm City, KarAsia, Emcor, Cafe Demitasse, Pagcor, MX3, Playa Azalea and LVL Construction.

Interested parties may contact Mr. Joey Maniquis at (920) 9248878 or the Apo Golf and Country Club at 2972090.

SmartNet wins big at World Communication Awards

SmartNet, a revolutionary platform that allows subscribers of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to use mobile Internet services safely and affordably, was named Best Consumer Service at the World Communication Awards (WCA) ceremony held recently in London.

The service beat entries from Orange, Portugal Telecom, and Turkcell for the distinction. Early this year, it won Best Content Service at the Asia Communication Awards ceremony in Singapore.

The WCA is an annual awards program recognizing excellence in the telecommunications industry. It is organized by London-based industry publication Total Telecom.

SmartNet, which has been downloaded for free by about 1.5 million Android, iOS, and Windows users, offers the use of popular mobile applications such as Twitter, Facebook, Facebook Chat, and Yahoo! Messenger for free.

It also allows users to browse Smart’s news aggregator service Headlines, and use Yahoo! search and email services on their mobile device without added data charges.

Wooden ornaments bring a touch of holiday whimsy.

M r .

Snowman wooden décor has adjustable height and flexible hands.

Christmas inspirations at OUR|HOME

W

A family of wooden owls in Christmas colors

ITH a glow of sparkle, a touch of whimsy, and lots of warmth, OUR|HOME brings Christmas to your home with its festive and elegant holiday décor.

There are metallic ornaments that softly glisten, including delightful candies and desserts – candy canes, gingerbread men, donuts, and cupcakes - coated in gold and bronze.

Country inspired wooden décors from OUR|HOME also bring merriment and cheer.

Reminiscent of an oldfashioned Christmas, these include well-loved Christmas symbols like Santa, snowman, and reindeer. You can also insert photos of loved ones on wooden frame ornaments and begin a family tradition.

Wooden owl décors in Christmas color are also bold ideas to add to your theme.

Bring Christmas to your home with these decors available at OUR|HOME at the 3rd Level of SM Lanang Premier and at selected SM Malls.

Chocolate themed c a n d y canes and Christmas t r e e ornaments You can start a family tradition by placing your loved one’s pictures in these silver glitter coated decorative frames.

Say it sweetly this Christmas with gold and glitter coated gingerbread man, donut and ice cream ornaments.

Country inspired wooden Christmas figures are perfect for welcoming guests in your home.

Bring a touch of glitter to your home with these gold coated ornaments.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

Solenn gives Christmas shopping tips tonight THIS Wednesday, Fashbook gives a few shopping tips this Christmas, shares modelling tips to aspiring models and beauty queens and invades the closet of beauty queen and host Maggie Wilson-Consunji.

Host Solenn Heussaff gives a few tips on how to save on shopping this Christmas by choosing likeable and useable gifts for family, friends and workmates, the ones that would not disappoint them because you spent time, not money in thinking about the perfect gifts for them.

Second, Solenn also has a present for model-wannabes. Bb. Pilipinas World 2003 Mafae Belasco, also a well-known professional model, shares on how to get into the modelling business. She also shows how to look best for the camera and demonstrates the proper walk for the catwalk.

In addition to this, Fashbook also raids the closet of beauty queen and host Maggie Wilson-Consunji

to check out the clothes and other fashion items as well as the gifts she already bought for Christmas.

It’s Christmas and beauty this Wednesday in Fashbook, 10pm, after SONA on GMA News TV.

IT was an ordinary taping day for Jessy Mendiola.

She was on her way to the set of her primetime series “Maria Mercedes” when suddenly, the cast, the staff, and even members of her fans club surprised her and welcomed her with loud cheers to celebrate her 21st birthday.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was just so happy that the people I love were there to celebrate my birthday,” she said.

At her young age, Jessy has been truly blessed with a wonderful showbiz career.

When asked what else she could ask for her birthday, the Kapamilya actress said that she just hopes that she will always have good health.

Jessy also shared how tough the year was for her, yet she remains thankful for all the good things that happened to her.

“I’ve been through a lot of trials this year. They weren’t easy but I learned from the experience. At the end of the day, God is really good and He will find ways to make you smile again by blessing you with more than what you asked for. I am truly thankful. This is one very memorable year for me,” she said.

One of the things she’s thankful for is the continuous support of viewers for her series “Maria Mercedes.”

The Mexicanovela adaptation’s rating is on an uptrend nationwide, especially in Metro Manila. Jessy’s second movie under Star Cinema, “Call Center Girl,” also raked millions in the box office.

Recently, Jessy was also among the hot topics that trended online for one whole day after a video produced by the fast food chain she is endorsing went viral.

In the video, Jessy mesmerized UAAP superstar Jeric Teng with her captivating beauty as she sat down with him for a meal.

A lot of projects also await Jessy in 2014 that include a movie project opposite John Lloyd Cruz. Invites for events and out-of-town shows also continue to come in.

When asked about

her love life, Jessy shortly quipped, “I’m still waiting.”

Present during the birthday surprise were Business Unit Head Ruel Bayani, director Rechie Del Carmen, production manager Riza Ebriega, executive producer Des Juan, cast memebrs Vina Morales, Devon Seron, Yogo Singh, Jason Abalos, and Tess Antonio, and members of Jessy’s official fans club Jessylicious.

Jessy continues to sizzle primetime viewing every weeknight as Maria Mercedes.

Don’t miss “Maria Mercedes” weeknights after “Got to Believe” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For updates, follow @MariaMercedesPH on Twitter and like www. facebook.com/MariaMercedesOfficial on Facebook. Tweet your thoughts about the show using the hashtag #MariaMercedes.

‘Maria Mercedes’ cast and staff surprise Jessy on set

ENDER'S GAME 2D Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford

PG 13

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

FROZEN 2D Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel

GP

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

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE 2D / * HOURS 2D

R-16

PG 13 / *PG 13

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson / * Paul Walker, Genesis Rodriguez 12:40 | 3:25 LFS / * 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

DELIVERY MAN 2D Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

MAKE IT YOUR DAILY HABIT. EDGE DAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

SPORTS 15

Clippers crush Sixers 94-83

L

OB City is undergoing renovations.

For the Los Angeles Clippers, it’s about halfcourt offense and defense to be successful these days.

Especially being so short-handed.

Blake Griffin scored 26 points, Chris Paul added 25 points and 13 assists, and the depleted Clippers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 94-83 Monday night.

DeAndre Jordan had 11 points and a season-high 21 rebounds, and Jared Dudley scored 10 points for the Clippers, who won their second straight. The Clippers are 2-1 on a season-high tying seven-game road trip. ‘’We’ve just got to keep grinding and can’t worry about anything,’’ Clippers coach Doc Rivers said.

Los Angeles played without guards J.J. Redick (injuries to right hand and wrist), Reggie Bullock (sprained left ankle) and Maalik Wayns (left knee). Forward Matt Barnes is out with a torn retina in his left eye. Help may be on the way for the Clippers, who are close to signing free agent forward Stephen Jackson. ‘’Ain’t nobody going to feel sorry for us,’’ Paul

said. ‘’We’ve got to go out there and compete.’’

The Sixers were not at full strength, either, missing rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams for the third consecutive game.

Carter-Williams was released from Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania on Sunday after a three-night stay because of a skin infection that caused soreness in his right knee.

Evan Turner scored 25 points and Thaddeus Young added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Sixers, who struggled once again without their floor leader. The Sixers are 1-6 without Carter-Williams this season. ‘’The challenge, at times, keeps you up real late at night,’’ Sixers coach Brett Brown said.

Tony Wroten had nine points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in place of Carter-Williams.

The Sixers missed their first 13 3-pointers and trailed 44-36 at halftime, their lowest output in any half this season. ‘’We’ve been emphasizing defense so much,’’ said Sixers center Spencer Hawes, who was limited to a season-low two points. ‘’We’ve been playing a lot

HARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Kemba Walker loves a good challenge.

So when Stephen Curry started lighting it up Monday night in his homecoming game, Walker decided it

was time to match him.

The other eight players might as well have been on the bench watching in the final few minutes, when Walker scored Charlotte’s final 15 points to lead the

Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, left, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers’ Spencer Hawes during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Monday in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) better in the last couple games there. Sometimes, it comes at the expense of some things on offense.’’

The Clippers came out of the locker room and quickly extended their advantage to 57-36 following a 13-0 run.

Paul keyed the third-quarter surge with 12 points and five as-

sists as Los Angeles went ahead 76-60.

The Sixers made a late push and got within 8376 with 5:24 remaining.

But the Clippers made enough plays down the stretch to pull away. Paul knocked down a huge 3-pointer for an 88-77 lead with 3:10 left and it was enough of a cushion

to seal the win. ‘’We’re still a work in progress,’’ Paul said. ‘’We’ve just got to keep working.’’

Rivers addressed Jackson’s situation before the game. ‘’It’s not done yet,’’ the coach said. ‘’Nothing’s done in our league until it’s done, as you know. I

just think he’s a veteran.

We need him in a pinch, and we need him, like, now. That’s a guy you can bring in, and hopefully he can give you something right away.’’

Jackson has been out of the league since being released by the San Antonio Spurs before the playoffs last season.

AYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Jaye Marie Green completed a runaway victory in the LPGA Tour qualifying tournament Sunday, finishing with a record 29-under 331 total for a 10-stroke margin.

The 19-year-old Green, from Boca Raton, closed with a 4-under 68 on LPGA International’s Jones Course. She broke the event 90-hole mark of 18-under 342 set by Stacy Lewis in 2008. ‘’This is going to be a week that I’ll always remember,’’ Green said. ‘’I was the most nervous on that last green when I didn’t have to be, but I really was.

But when that putt fell I was just speechless and I think I was just seeing stars really. It was a cool feeling. I just felt really relieved.’’

The top 20 earned Category 12 status, the next 26 players received membership in Category 17, and the other 22 players who made the 72-hole cut got Symetra Tour status.

South Korea’s Mi Rim Lee was second after a 69.

Tiffany Joh finished third at 15 under after a 71.

Amy Anderson, the

21-year-old former North Dakota State star who won a record 20 college titles, was fourth at 14 under after a 69. ‘’This is not what I expected at all,’’ Anderson said. ‘’The week or so leading up I was actually struggling with my game quite a bit. So I was thinking I would sneak in by the skin of my teeth. To come out here and just play well all

week was really exciting and took the stress out of it.’’

Green bogeyed the par-3 third hole, ending a 59-hole run without a bogey. She rebounded with birdies on Nos. 5 and 6 to make the turn at 1 under.

She birdied Nos. 10 and 11, dropped a stroke on the par-3 14th and closed with birdies on the final two holes.

Bobcats outlast Warriors 115-111 Green wins LPGA Tour Q-school C D

Stephen Curry, left, of the Golden State warriors shoots against the Charlotte Bobcats during the game at the Time Warner Cable arena on Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith)

Bobcats to a 115-111 victory over Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

Walker finished with 31 points - 27 in the second half - while battling neck and neck with Curry, who finished with a season-high 43 points, 32 of them coming in the second half including 19 in the final quarter.

When it was suggested it was like watching a pair of heavyweight champions going at it, teammate Gerald Henderson looked over at his 6-foot-1, 184-pound teammate and cracked, ‘’Well, maybe a featherweight championship fight.’’

Walker just smiled and shook his head, perhaps too tired to fire back a witty volley after spending the night fighting through screens and chasing Curry around the court. ‘’It is fun,’’ Walker said of facing Curry. ‘’Everybody knows he’s a great player, a great scorer. I love to play against the best. He made some tough shots. I thought I played some good defense, but it was better offense at times. We came out with the win. That’s all I really care about at this point.’’

Amateur Jaye Marie Green watches her tee shot on the ninth hole.(Getty Images/Scott Halleran)

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 193 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013