Edge Davao 6 Issue 219

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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Serving a seamless society

CALM. As tropical depression “Agaton” waned and the sea went calm, international and domestic cargo ships sailed into Davao Gulf without mishap yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

PULONG TO CHR: JUST DO IT VM downplays CHR probe on Mayor Rody’s anti-smuggling remarks

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

V

CARING. Bigger students tend to buIly their smaller classmates, but this kid is an exception as he appears to have a better disposition for protecting his peers when crossing a busy J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

abf@edgedavao.net

ICE Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte brushed aside the Commission on Human Rights’ move to conduct investigation and legal review of controversial statements made by his father, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“Just do your job,” was the younger Duterte’s trite remark when asked to comment on the letter of CHR chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales informing the city mayor that the agency may file a case for violation of human rights.

The ABS-CBN online reported on Monday that the CHR sent Mayor Duterte a letter citing alleged acts and statements and informing the latter of an investigation and legal review of his statements.

The CHR letter cited Mayor Duterte for his controversial statement that he is willing to ‘kill’ rice smugglers.

“Ayaw na daghan sto-

rya. Kung mao na imong plano – buhata (Do away with the talking. If that’s your plan, just do it),” blurted Duterte in an interview yesterday.

The report said Rosales stressed in her letter that the Legal and Investigation Office (LIO) of the office was directed to conduct an investigation and legal review on the statements of the mayor.

“With a view to the filing of charges, if warranted by the facts and law…” said Rosales.

Rosales also reminded the mayor that they are also monitoring the case of the so-called Davao Death Squad. She said that the vigilante-style, reached over 800 victims since 1998. Duterte was then Davao City representative. He was accused to be behind the vigilante group. The case is still in the hand of Ombudsman.

FPULONG, 10

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

VM Paulo lauds verdict on CTO 5

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D SEND-OFF. Msgr. Martiniano T. Gorgonio, DCD of the Sta. Ana Shrine Parish officiates at the blessing of four tractors during the ceremonial send-off at the Sasa wharf in Davao City yesterday. The tractors will be used to clear debris and rehabilitate damaged agricultural areas caused by super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte. Lean Daval Jr.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte lauded the decision of the investigating committee that resulted to the dismissal of five city treasurer’s office (CTO) workers for misappropriating around P14 million in city tax collections.

“Tama na nga pahibal-on nato ang katawhan sa Dabaw kung kinsa ng mga tawhana na involve ana nga mga anomaly diha sa CTO kay kamo ang nagpasweldo ana,” Duterte told reporters in an interview yesterday.

He said that there were others involved whose names are withheld since its still under investigation.

In a separate interview, city administrator J. Melchor V. Quitain said that the decision will npt be enforced in the ‘mean’ time while the respondents appeal the verdict to the Civil Service Commission.

“At the same time the (Office of the ) Ombudsman will be conducting their own investigation on these anomalies based on the decision that we have already furnished – the Ombudsman along with the evidence that we will be submitting soon,” Quitain said.

On Monday, Quitain revealed the name of the five CTO employees ordered dismissed by Mayor Duter-

FVM, 10

P245-M damage to agri crops Soldiers recover AGATON’S WRATH

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

GATON leaves P245-million worth of damage to the region’s agriculture, with rice being the hardest hit.

Initial assessment on the agriculture damage due to typhoon Agaton in the region reached not more than P245 million as of yesterday, Department of Agriculture 11 report said.

DA 11 regional director Remelyn C. Recoter told media persons during the ceremonial send off at Sasa Wharf yesterday that DA data showed that the rice sub-sector suffered the biggest loss with P95.6 million in three affected provinces namely Compostella Valley,

Davao Oriental, and Davao del Norte.

Estimated damage to other crops were: P34. 3 million for corn; P28.1 million for high value crops; P11.1 million for livestock; and P75.9 million for fishery.

Recoter said that there were reports of upland rice fields covered with mud and stones because of landslides in three baranggays in Boston,Davao Oriental namely Carmen, Cabasagan and Kawayanan.

According to the director, the damage and loss could have been higher if rice crops are on their production stage. She said that

WEATHER FORECAST

the month of January is just the start of the planting season, therefore most damage recorded were newly planted rice seed beds.

However, rice field which were not submerged to flood water and mud can recover in two weeks She said that they haven’t got the data on how much areas were affected by the typhoon which stayed in the region for three days.

They will have the final assessment report by next week.

On the other hand, Recoter said that they will be distributing planting materials, rice seedlings, med-

icine for livestock to the same areas devastated by Pablo in December 2012.

The department is planning to procure some 5,000 bags of certified rice seedlings from Region 12 by next week or early February.

Certified rice seedlings serving as buffer stock of the region were already purchased by international donor organization for the rehabilitation of agricultural areas damaged by Yolanda.

DA regional rice coordinator Edel Dondonilla, meanwhile, said that there were reports of irrigation

FAGATON, 10

NPA landmines

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

T

epc@edgedavao.net

HE Philippine mrilitary recovered 44 landmines of the New People’s Army during a security patrol in Sitio Mampait, Barangay Mansanitas, Agusan del Sur last Sunday.

Captain Alberto C. Caber, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the 1003RD Infantry Brigade of the 10th Infantry Division also found eight sacks of materials used in the making of landmines.

Caber said residents in the area asked help

from the military after observing armed strangers in their barangay.

Meanwhile, communist rebels Robert Daging and Abet Guinson surrendered to soldiers of the 36th Infantry Batallion of the 10th Infantry Division in Surigao Sur, last Saturday.

Caber said Daging belonged to Front 30 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA in the Surigao provinces.

“If you know some-

FSOLDIERS, 10

MOBILE PEDDLERS. These “Badjao” jewelry peddlers, unlike the majority of street vendors in Davao City, seem to have no problem with the 1/3-2/3 sidewalk policy as they only temporarily display their merchandise anywhere there’s enough foot traffic. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

3

IP dad condemns killing of IP official

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

A

CARGO SAFETY. Crane locks are placed by stevedores into a container van’s twist locks to secure cargo safety as it is lifted onto the deck of a ship at Sasa wharf in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

MEMBER of Davao City council who represents the indigenous people (IP) condemned the death of a fellow IP councilor from Panabo City who was slain by unidentified suspects in Ma-a on Friday night.

In his privilege speech on Monday’s special session, Councilor Berino Mambo-o sought justice for the death of Panabo City IP councilor Eliezer W. Mayaki.

“His position has attracted selfish and notorious sectors who only desire to satisfy their appetite for fame and influence,”

Mambo-o said.

Mambo-o added that he personally knew Mayaki as Christian leader of the lumad and as Pastor of the Church of Christ in Panabo city.

“He is a reliable lumad leader and Datu with integrity,” he said.

Mambo-o said that his fellow Lumad leader was killed for unknown reasons which he said worries him as they serve as “light of our respective tribes.”

He said that the death of Mayaki will not stop tribal leaders to seek the truth behind the mysteri-

Real estate brokers prepare DA-11 sends 4 tractors for 2015 Asean Integration to Yolanda-hit Tacloban

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE first 200 licensed real estate service practitioners in the metro to register will be preparing for the real estate convergence of the 2015 Asean integration through a conference dubbed “Mapping the Future: Getting Ready for the Asean Integration” on January 28 at Bistro Rosario, Torres St., Davao City.

Philippine Real Estate Organization convenor Ma. Lourdes Monteverde, speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, said that the conference will orient

brokers and appraisers on how they can be globally accredited real estate service providers. “[This is] timely, [for the] Asean integration.

The Philippines will always be affected by the global movement, either whether currency or financial,” Monteverde said.

She said that the forum will allow local practitioners to do business in other countries, as persons from International Realtor Membership- National Association of Realtors of United States of America (USA) and Asia Pacific will attend.

RDRRMC 11, LGUs planning for 2014 T

HE Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 11 and officials from local government units, national and local agencies met yesterday to plan for 2014 at the Apo View Hotel.

Loreto Rirao, director of the Office of Civil Defense 11 and chair of the RDRRMC 11 said that the meeting aimed at harmonizing action by all concerned agencies, including the PNP, AFP, Bureau of Fire and Philippine Coast Guard.

“National and regional planning should be taken by local DRMMCs as their priority before they can inject their own initiatives,”

he said, adding that there is only one law that should be followed which is R.A 10121.

Rirao said that fine-tuning with the national law will enable them to “achieve the vision of keeping every community and the Filipino people disaster resilient.”

He said that the council is now focusing on the mitigation stage because of the various typhoons and calamities that the region experienced. He said that based on past events, Mindanao is not resilient anymore to typhoons due to the effect of climate change.

People should consider this

FRDRRMC, 10

IRM-NAR is a globally-known organization which is based in Washington, D.C. It provides solutions to real estate concerns.

On the other hand, Philres-Manila will also be coming to the city for the induction of the new set of officers of the Davao version. It is the only organization accredited under R.A. 9646, otherwise known as the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines.

Monteverde said that there are about 300 licensed practitioners in the region. Nationwide,

they have recorded a total of 22,000 practitioners She, meanwhile, said that through the establishment of PhilResa-Davao, illegal real estate service practitioners operating in the city will be tracked down. The group will be intensifying their monitoring in the metro starting this year.

The RESA Law says that violators will be penalized a fine amounting not less than P100,000 or imprisonment of not less than two years, or both such fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the court.

T

HE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture in region 11 will send four brand new tractors and nine volunteers to clear debris and rehabilitate damaged agriculture in Yolanda-struck Tacloban City within this week.

DA 11 regional director Remelyn C. Recoter, speaking in the ceremonial send-off at the Sasa Wharf yesterday, said that two of the tractors came from the province of Compostela through Gov. Arturo T. Uy, and the other two from Davao Oriental through Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon.

Recoter said that “it is sort of paying back for the assistance received by the region from regions 10 and

FIP, 10

12 after the devastation caused by Pablo in Davao Oriental, Compostella Valley, and Davao del Norte in 2012.”

The tractors will be used for 30 working days on cornfields in Baranggay San Isidro, Tacloban City.

The equipments, which were initially for the rice program of the region, have rotators and levelers. These will be used to hasten the rehabilitation of the area.

Recoter said that the period of their operation in Tacloban City can be extended if any request for extension is approved by the region and other parties concerned.

Aside from the farm

FDA-11, 10

LIGHT MOMENT. Councilor Antoinette Principe gives out a hearty laugh during the deliberation of a resolution amending the application of Matina Enclaves represented by Glenn Y. Escandor for Preliminary Approval and Locational Clearance (PALC) in yesterday’s City Council regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

DAVAO DEL NORTE

Mothers receive livelihood aid M

OTHERS in the municipality of New Corella, Davao del Norte were given the opportunity to help improve the income of their families with the livelihood assistance coming from the Soroptimist International (SI)Tagum City Chapter.

SI-Tagum City Chapter President Grace Samaniego turned over the check amounting to P274,940.00 to New Corella Municipal Council of Women (NCMCOW) President Rhodora Alcoran, as disaster relief assistance intended for the livelihood project of the association.

Gracing the ceremony were Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Mayor Nestor Alcoran, Provincial Officials Spouses Initiative President Milagros del Rosario, and Provincial Council of Women President Providencia Nunez.

Alcoran revealed the proposed livelihood project of the NCMCOW

include catering services, tables and chairs rental, and micro-financing.

Included in the fund is the provision for the purchase of a multi-cab vehicle to help facilitate their catering business.

Samaniego said SI is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls around the world through programs that are geared towards their social and economic empowerment.

Gov. del Rosario said the assistance from the SI-Tagum Chapter will go a long way in empowering the women of the town.

He lauded the SI for helping the provincial government create more opportunities in transforming the lives of women in the province.

“As we continue to push for women empowerment, we recognize that to be successful in such undertaking we have to make the Dabaonon women financially

MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO

FOR LIVELIHOOD. Soroptimist International-Tagum City Chapter President Grace Samaniego (2nd left) turns over the check amounting to P274,940.00 to New Corella Municipal Council of Women (NCMCOW) President Rhodora Alcoran, as disaster relief assistance intended for the livelihood project of the association. independent,” he said. councils of women in the The SI-Tagum Chap- ipal Council of Women The governor admin- municipal level and that ter later turned over of the municipality of istered the oath of office of the respective baran- funds for the duck-rais- Kapalong. [By Noel Baguof the new officers of the gays. ing project of the Munic- io]

COMPOSTELA VALLEY

Midsayap marks 75th year U as 1st OMI parish in PHL

US Ambassador to hand over USAID project in ComVal town

C

ATHOLICS celebrated the feast of the Santo Niño on Sunday to mark the 75th year of the town as the first parish run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in the country.

Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo said the mass that highlighted the biggest religious event in this town which is also the first parish established by the OMI in the then undivided empire province of Cotabato.

It was Quevedo’s first mass in this town, which came a few days after the Vatican named him as among the new cardinals.

Quevedo, who belongs to the OMI, called the feast of the Santo Niño a celebra-

tion of faith for Catholics worldwide.

“The celebration of faith is not just for the Christians but for the Filipinos as well. This is not just among the Filipinos but for the thousands of Catholics in the world who value the Santo Niño,” the cardinal said in the vernacular.

In his homily Quevedo said the Santo Niño continues to be the Lord of blessings in the last 75 years for the people of Midsayap. “Let us continue to pray that He will continue to bless us.”

He also asked the parishioners to be thankful and keep on praying for the missionaries and church workers who were behind the establishment of the first OMI-run parish in the Philippines.

Among them, he said, were Fr. Egide Beaudion and Fr. Gerard Mongeau, who came with five other OMI pioneers.

Mongeau would later become the first archbishop of Cotabato.

Aside from Beaudion, Quevedo said the people should not forget the other OMI missionaries who served the parish -- Fr. Joseph Billman, Fr. Edward Gordon, Rev. Fr. Francis McSorley and Rev. Fr. Joseph Baynes.

“In a special way, let us remember Bishop Ben de Jesus who was gunned down in Jolo [in Sulu]. In his priesthood, he served as rector of Notre Dame of Midsayap College at the same time assisted the parish.”

Quevedo also ac-

knowledged the help of the religious sisters in the parish.

“Let us remember and be grateful with the first lay leaders of Midsayap after the World War. They were the foundation of the enthusiasm and unwavering lay leaders today,” he noted.

Over the weekend, thousands gathered in this rice producing town for the feast of the Santo Niño, which is known as Halad (Offering) Festival, arguably the biggest and most colorful and biggest festival in the province.

For years, local Catholics, more particularly Santo Niño devotees would prepare food for guests and even tourists as an offering to the patron saint. [Keith Bacongco/MindaNews]

NITED States Ambassador Philip Goldberg will lead the ceremonial turn-over of a market building in Compostela town in Compostela Valley on January 24.

The P5.83-million three-building project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which will serve as the center of trade and commerce for about 23,000 residents, farmers and fisherfolk, replaced the old structures that were destroyed by typhoon Pablo on December 4, 2012.

The designers adopted safety standards higher than current ones to reduce the risk of damage by future typhoons.

While in the facility, Goldberg will also meet with vegetable and aquaculture growers to whom USAID provided input and technical assis-

tance to help restore their livelihoods after the storm.

Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy and Mayor Lema Bolo will receive the project, in behalf of the municipal government of Compostela, which will be responsible for implementing the recommended environmental measures and maintaining the structural integrity and beneficial use of the facilities.

Goldberg will also inspect the Poblacion Compostela Bridge, a major transport facility which was also damaged by Pablo and rehabilitated through the USAID assistance.

It is expected to benefit about 13,906 residents and provide long-term economic benefits by reducing the hauling costs of farm products and facilitating safer and easier access to goods and services available in the Poblacion.

[PNA]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Sun Life offers interest-free policy advance for ‘Yolanda’ survivors R

ECOGNIZING how Filipinos who suffered the wrath of Typhoon Yolanda need further assistance to recover from the devastation, Sun Life of Canada(Philippines) Inc. is applying a zero-interest rate on all policy advances availed by affected residents from January 6 to March 31, 2014.

The interest-free period is good for one year from the date the advance was processed.

Among the areas covered are Region IV-A (Cardona, Rizal), Region IV-B (Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, and Occidental Mindoro), Region V (Albay, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Camarines Sur), Region VI (Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Iloilo), Region VII (Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor), Region VIII (Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, and Southern Samar), and Region XIII (Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte). The policy holder’s address on record shall

be the basis in processing the advance; as such, those who were displaced by the typhoon may still avail of this offer.

This is just one of the many initiatives that Sun Life has offered to those who were affected by the strongest typhoon to hit land. Earlier, the company also extended the grace period for payments of renewal premiums; and, through its financial advisors, took steps to get in touch with clients who reside in devastated areas.

“Sun Life wishes to be of help to the Filipinos so that they’ll know that a brighter life is still in sight. We understand that it may take a while before they can recover, and they need all the support they can get,” Sun Life Chief Administration Officer Karenina Casas explained.

Those who wish to avail of the interest-free advance simply have to coordinate with their financial advisors. For more details, contact Sun Life at

BETTER ALTERNATIVE. The passenger ferry plying the S.I.R. – Magallanes route is still the preferred mode of transportation of the residents in the area as its fare, which cost P2 for regular passengers and P1 for students, is much cheaper compared to riding the public utility vehicles. Lean Daval Jr. 555-8888.

Sun Life Financial is represented in the Philippines

by its life insurance arm, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. (SLOCPI); its

mutual fund manager, Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc. (SLAMCI);

and its pre-need company, Sun Life Financial Plans Inc. (SLFPI).

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

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

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 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

World tourist numbers surge to nearly 1.1 B I

NTERNATIONAL tourist numbers surged to nearly 1.1 billion in 2013 in defiance of global economic troubles, with Asia-Pacific destinations enjoying the fastest growth, a United Nations body said Monday, January 20.

The rise in tourism coincided with sluggish economic growth worldwide and unrest in top destinations such as Egypt, shunned by visitors fearful of the turmoil unleashed by the army’s ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July.

Despite those troubles, the number of international tourist arrivals beat expectations by soaring 5% to 1.09 billion in 2013, the UN World Tourism Organization said in a report, tipping further growth in 2014.

“The tourism sector has shown a remarkable capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions, fueling growth and job creation around the world, despite the lingering economic and geopolitical challenges,” said the UN body’s secretary general, Taleb Rifai.

“Indeed, tourism has been among the few sectors generating positive news for many econo-

GOOD BUSINESS. A staff of a mineral water refilling company does his every day routine of delivering bottled-water to customers at SM City Davao yesterday. Bottled-water makers are stepping up their advertising campaign to win back clients who have turned on to tap water to save money. Lean Daval Jr. mies,” he said, hailing 2013 as an “excellent year”.

Expectations of stronger economic activity set the scene for a further expansion in tourism in 2014 with international arrivals expected to grow again by 4.0-4.5% in 2014, the body said, urging countries to support fair and sustainable growth in the sector.

International tourist arrivals rose at the fastest rate in the Asia-Pacific region, where numbers were up by six percent to 248 million, it said. Southeast Asia performed best, with arrivals up 10%.

Europe, however, remained the biggest destination overall, with international tourist arrivals up 5% to 563 million.

In the Americas, arrivals grew by 4% to 169 million.

The number of international tourists arriving in Africa grew by 6% to 56 million.

But results in the Middle East were “mixed and volatile”, with arrivals from other countries unchanged at 56 million, the report said.

Among countries of

origin, Chinese tourists -- already leading the way with expenditure of $102 billion in 2012 -pushed up total spending by 28% in the first nine months of 2013, the UN body said.

Tourists from Russia, the fifth largest country of origin of international tourists, drove up spending by 26% in the same period, it said. [AFP]

ventures.

“The e-payment facility for business name registration is one of the projects that the DTI is implementing to simplify the process of dealing with the government as entrepreneurs start and run their businesses,” said DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo.

DTI Undersecretary for Management Services Group (MSG) Nora Terrado explained that the online business name registration and e-payment can be done by entrepreneurs at home.

With the new facility,

business owners do not need to physically visit a DTI office and experience the long queue since they can now register and pay through web portal.

“With this e-payment facility in place, entrepreneurs can apply and renew their business name without going to the DTI offices, and enjoy the convenience of paying the applicable fees online through their computers or mobile phones,” Terrado said.

The e-payment can be done through Globe’s GCash and Bancnet with

participating banks such as: Allied Bank, Allied Savings Bank, Asia United Bank, Bank of Commerce, China Bank Savings, China Banking Corporation, Chinatrust Philipines, Citystate Savings Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, East West Bank, Islabank, Korea Exchange Bank, Landbank, Malayan Bank, Maybank Philippines, Metrobank, PBCom, PSBank, Philippine Business Bank, Philippine National Bank, Planbank, Postal Bank, RCBC, RCBC Savings Bank, Robinsons Savings Bank,

Security Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank of Asia, and Sun Savings Bank.

“Today, business name registration for sole proprietorship can now be done end-to-end electronically. We are optimistic that this will help boost the number of business name registrations and the percentage of online transactions at DTI,” she added.

Meanwhile, application for on-line business name and e-payment process can be seen at bnrs. dti.gov.ph. [PNA]

Registering a business name? Pay online S

MALL- and medium-scale entrepreneurs are encouraged to register their businesses through on-line business name registration system and electronic payment (e-payment) as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday launched the e-payment facility for business name registration.

DTI said the new e-payment facility is part of the department’s effort to streamline business registration in the country to encourage entrepreneurs to register their

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

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

HRW WORLD REPORT 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

7

Surge of journalist killings, justice failures in PHL A

S Philippine President Benigno Aquino III enters the second half of his six-year term in office, there are growing doubts about his administration’s willingness to deliver on many of its human rights commitments.

On January 18, 2013, Aquino signed a landmark law, Republic Act No. 10361, designed to protect the rights of the country’s estimated 1.9 million domestic workers. The Philippines also ratified the International Labor Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention No. 189, which would help protect the rights of the 1.5 million Filipino domestic workers abroad.

The Aquino administration, however, has not made significant progress on its pledge to expedite the investigation and prosecution extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances, among other serious violations of human rights. The number of extrajudicial killings has dropped significantly since Aquino took office, but politically motivated killings are still frequently reported and the murder of petty criminals by “death squads” in urban areas continues unabated.

Only two cases of extrajudicial killings have resulted in convictions in the past three years, and even in those cases, the individuals believed most responsible for the killings have not faced justice. The government took some steps to set up an inter-agency committee in 2013 to help investigate and prosecute high-profile extrajudicial killings, but it was not yet operational at time of writing.

Harassment of and violence against leftist political

activists and environmentalists continues.

Insurgency and Ethnic Conflicts In September, serious fighting erupted in the southern city of Zamboanga between a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Philippine military and police.

A reported 161 civilians, MNLF fighters, and government soldiers and police were killed in three weeks of fighting in Zamboanga and neighboring Basilan.

Nearly 120,000 people were displaced by the fighting and remained homeless at time of writing. Many of those relocated to evacuation centers are at risk due to overcrowding and poor sanitation.

The Islamist armed group Abu Sayyaf remains active and engages mainly in kidnappings, including the abduction of two people in September.

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) conducted attacks against government forces in various parts of the country. The latest proposal for peace talks with the government collapsed in February 2013.

Attacks on Journalists and Criminal Defamation The Philippines remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. In 2013, seven journalists were killed, according to the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, a Manila media advocacy group. Vergel Bico, the 41-year-old editor of Kalahi, a weekly newspaper in Calapan City in the central Philippines, had been writing on the drug trade, among other issues.

Motorcycle-riding assailants fatally shot him in the head on September

4. Nanding Solijon, a broadcaster at radio station DXLS, was shot seven times by two motor-riding assailants as he was crossing a street in Iligan City in Mindanao on August 29. On August 1, gunmen entered the home of photojournalist Mario Sy in General Santos City in Mindanao and shot him twice, killing him. According to local monitors, 18 journalists have been killed since Aquino became president.

Three journalists were convicted of criminal libel in 2013. The most recent, in September, was Stella Estremera, editor-in-chief of Sun Star Davao who, together with the paper’s former publisher, Antonio Ajero, was convicted for a 2003 story identifying people a police report said were suspects in the illegal drug

trade in Digos City. The previous month, a columnist for the Cebu City daily theFreeman was convicted of libel for a 2007 column that criticized the governor of Cebu province at the time, Gwendolyn Garcia. The defendants faced prison. Free expression groups urged the Philippine government to decriminalize libel. Several journalists have been imprisoned over the years for criminal defamation.

Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances While there has been a notable decline in extrajudicial killings under the Aquino administration, they remain a serious problem and rarely result in a prosecution.

Killings by “death squads” in urban centers including Metro Manila, Davao City, and Zamboanga City remain a serious problem.

The victims are frequently petty criminals, drug dealers and street children. By all accounts these killings largely go uninvestigated and there are no reports of death squad members being prosecuted.

In November 2012, the government announced that it would create a judicial “superbody,” composed of various government and law enforcement agencies, to give priority to the investigation and prosecution of extrajudicial killings. However, the agency was not yet operational at this writing.

Abuses by Paramilitary Forces

Paramilitary forces controlled by the Philippine government and military committed serious human rights abuses in 2013. Alleged militia members working with the military murdered Benjie Planos, a tribal leader in Agusan del Sur province, on September 13.

President Aquino has not fulfilled his 2010 campaign promise to revoke Executive Order 546, which local officials cite to justify providing arms to their “private armies.”

The trial in the Maguindanao Massacre case, in which 58 people linked to a local politician and journalists were summarily executed by members of the Ampatuan political clan in Maguindanao province, continued in 2013. However, families of victims were increasingly impatient at the slow pace of the trial.

Four years after the killings, the court is still hearing the bail petitions of several of the suspects. In August, five more suspects were arraigned, including the operator of the backhoe that was used to bury the victims. Of 197 identified suspects, 107 have been arrested, all but 6 of whom have been indicted.

Children and Armed Conflict A faction of the MNLF took children hostage and used them as human shields during the fighting in Zamboanga City. Several children were killed and wounded. A 15-year-old boy brought by his family to attend a “peace rally” was taken by MNLF

rebels when fighting broke out and was forced to help the rebels feed their hostages. Two other children were arrested on suspicion that they were MNLF rebels.

The Philippines government violated domestic and international law by detaining children with non-family member adults for several days in extremely cramped conditions.

Women’s Rights The Supreme Court suspended implementation of the country’s landmark Reproductive Health Law following a legal petition from individuals and lay Catholic groups opposing the law.

Hearings on the law were ongoing at time of writing.

Women’s rights advocates point out that the petition delayed government funding for family planning services and reproductive rights education.

Key International Actors The Philippines’ verbal conflict with China heightened in 2013, with increasingly heated rhetoric from both sides over disputed territory in the South China Sea. As a result of China’s alleged incursions into territory claimed by the Philippines, the Aquino government turned for help to the United States, which promised to help finance modernization of the Philippines’ antiquated naval defense system. Several US senators sought to restrict military assistance to the Philippine army because of continuing rights violations and lack of accountability.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

EDITORIAL

Riola’s thoroughness

N

OW it can be told. When the Commission on Audit conducted on May 27, 2013 an audit on more than half a dozen employees of the Davao City Treasurer’s Office who were suspected to have misappropriated tax money, the COA found nothing anomalous.

However, instead of giving up, City Treasurer Rodrigo S. Riola ordered a series of spot cash audits on certain liquidating officers and collectors of the CTO cash receipts division (CRD). On June 25, 2013, the CTO auditing team commissioned by Riola “finally unearthed certain anomalies.”

Riola ordered the CTO team composed of Ms Juris G. Bulan and Rodel Ladringan to look into several boxes of official receipts in the custody of Jane M. Paguidopon, the CTO official charged with the duty to release the OR’s to collectors, who shall in turn issue the OR’s to taxpayers who have paid the taxes due the government. The suspects were found to have issued several receipts taken from Boxes No. 99 and 100 despite the fact that receipts from Boxes No. 98 had not yet been issued in violation of the legal requirement. Moreover, tax money collected totaling more than P14 million had not been remitted to

EDGEDAVAO

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the government.

The city treasurer’s thoroughness had paid off. As a result of Riola’s insistence on a further probe into an area which the COA had obviously missed, voila! an anomaly had been uncovered. Now, at least five employees of the CTO behind the scam will have to pay for their complicity in the crime. These employees were found to have allegedly pocketed a total of P14 million in tax money. Ordered dismissed from the service are Paguidopon, Brenda R. Nirza, Rosalie B. Remon, Paul Justen B. Almonte and Analiza S. Mesa. The charges are serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, falsification of public documents, and/or serious neglect of duty, inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

It may be said that, had it not been for Riola’s insistence, the city government would still be clueless about the anomaly which had gone viral in the newspapers and the rumor mills.

In sum, the city administration under Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is doing the right thing in cleansing the local government of bad eggs.

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

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

Cinematic effect

A

LL SOUND AND FURY – Despite his long stint in Congress Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. still cannot differentiate the world of fantasy from the world of reality or, better still the reel world from the real world particularly in politics.

In his almost hour-long speech the other day, the Senate supposedly the bastion of respect and nobility looked more of a “political theater” rather than a legislative chamber. While Revilla focusing denial of his participation in the highly-anomalous P10 billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam and denouncing the alleged political harassment trained against him, his lengthy speech shifted to lambasting President President Benigno Aquino III and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas.

Revilla’s tirades highlighted a list of issues notably the Corona impeachment which has nothing to do with the PDAF scandal. In the end, the privilege speech was all sound and fury signifying nothing. For many people in the gallery and the millions watching nation-

T

al TV, it was a case of see and be seen – the melding of entertainment and politics in the name of personal interest. What a script! It is no different from the box office hit with all the cinematic effects, but sad to say, a poorly-scripted speech.

The real crucial issue at hand actually is the alleged involvement of Revilla in the shameful PDAF scam. Now the question is whether Revilla’s scathing speech would lessen the burden of culpability that he was facing right now.

His long overdue speech unfortunately veered away from the real issue. Because of this, Revilla is now the subject of scorn and ridicule because his speech served no objective at all except to expose an acrimonious declarations.

More pessimistic political pundits think that Revilla and his advisers and wordsmiths-for-hire are look-

ing for ways to boost the senator’s sagging popularity and his slim chance of eyeing a much higher post in 2016.

Revilla was attempting to use the trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona to boost his image at the expense of the Aquino administration. This he did by alleging that Aquino did try to influence the senators to vote against Corona.

This is not going to work as this seen by many people as political grandstanding laced with cheap movie antics that does not guarantee to gain public sympathy and media mileage.

Revilla’s speech is an attempt to take the spotlight away from the PDAF controversy and instead focus public attention on the impropriety of alleged meddling of Malacanang in the Corona trial.

To many people who watch Revilla on television, his piece was outlandish and repugnant.

Anyway, although Revilla’s speech was not a perfect, star-studded kick-off to his bid for a much higher post, it will nevertheless be remembered as one of the Senate’s most “Amazing Stories.”

It’s because of greed. Here’s another case of greed.

San Miguel Corp. declared a P57.6-billion net income for 2013, an awesome figure. SMC could easily reduce its prices on drinks and beverages by two or even three pesos per bottle and its net income would hardly be touched.

But why doesn’t management do it? The answer is still greed. These big profiteers will have a hard time getting a unit of St. Peter’s eternal condo.

------ OoO ----My nominee for Filipino of the Year 2013 is the Supreme Court as a collective body. It’s ruling declaring PDAF as unconstitutional was a killer blow that killed the goose that lay the golden eggs for our thick-faced, black-hearted senators and congressmen.

The decision also effectively discouraged future kickback conscious politicians from running for Congress.

Thank you Supreme Court for siding with the people and not keeping a deaf ear to their cry for true reform.

------ OoO ----The following personalities de-

serve commendation for outstanding performance and for displaying courage in the face of danger: Manny Pacquiao. No need for further elaboration.

Benhur Luy and his co-whistle blowers.

The million marchers against the pork barrel.

Smart Gilas basketball team for qualifying in the 20th World Championships in Brazil.

Filipina beauty queens – Megan Young – Miss World 2013, Bea Rose Santiago – Miss International 2013, Angeli Dione – Miss Tourism International.

Antonio Luis Cardinal Tagle.

Known for humility and deep understanding of Canon Law. Now for my Kalabasa Award: Mar Roxas, Dinky Soliman, Voltaire Gazmin – for proving incapable of handling crisis situations.

Kim Henares – for being insensitive, indifferent, arrogant, disrespectful to a world-renown personality (Manny Pacquiao); She has the heart of a zombie.

Leila Delima – she’s a total failure in moving the wheels of justice.

Sonny Coloma, Edwin Lacierda, Abigail Valte – for weaving stories to deodorize P-Noy’s incompetent leadership.

The POC, PSC, and Sea Games contingent for disastrous performance.

Thank you, Supreme Court

HERE are two-legged crocodiles in Congress. Now we see two-legged piranhas in GOCCs (government owned and controlled corporations).

A COA report reveals that GOCC directors awarded themselves and their rank and file personnel bonuses, allowances, incentives and benefits totalling P2.313 billion in 2012 “without or in excess of legal basis or proper authority.”

GOCC executives, however, insist that their actions were aboveboard.

That may be true. But they overlooked the most important guideline: approval of the President.

If these piranhas in impeccable business suits have any sense of “delicadeza”, shame or guilt, they should resign before the sun sets today. They should not wait for P-Noy to crack the whip.

Crocodiles. Piranhas. What’s next?

------ OoO ----The country’s top universal banks declare annual net incomes in the tens of billions of pesos. BPI recorded P24.6 billion for 2013. BDO, Metrobank and the other top ten banks are not far behind.

With huge earnings, these banks insult clients by offering only 3% interest per annum on savings deposits.

They could raise this to six or seven persent and it would hardly affect their profit.

Now, why don’t they do it?

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Swimming with the turtles: Apo Island’s newest attraction SPECIAL FEATURE

BY MARY JUDALINE F. PARTLOW

T

Part 2 of 3

HE turtles are very friendly and are not afraid of people, said village chief Liberty Rhodes, and that’s because they feel they are safe and protected in their natural habitats in Apo Island, she added.

“It was a fascinating experience seeing them alive underwater and it was amazing because they casually swim with people. They are very tame creatures”, said Msgr. Julius Heruela, a priest from Dumaguete who took some family members on vacation to Apo Island last year.

Majority of the turtles are found at Chapel Point and Coral Garden where sea grass and sea urchins, their staple, are abundant, Rhodes said.

They move towards Cogon Point on the other side of the island facing east towards Siquijor Island during the “habagat” or south monsoon season.

But, the turtles can be found all year round in Apo Island where their natural habitats can be found, she assured.

A famous tale of old in Apo Island about turtles say that some 30 or 40 years ago, Chapel Point was a nesting place of turtles and those that have left these in the years past are believed to have started returning, an excited Rhodes explained.

Rhodes, who operates a resort and dive lodge, said her first encounter with sea turtles was in 1995 when she first went diving. There were only two back then, but by 2000, she said the number had increased to at least a dozen.

PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS At the turn of the century, sea turtle encounters became more popular in Apo Island although it was not as widespread as now as it came in only second to diving then.

Still, village officials and the community, already empowered with a heightened awareness on environmental conservation, embarked on activities that ensured the protection of the sea turtles as well as other marine resources in Apo Island, which was declared by law as a Protected Landscape and Seascape.

Rhodes disclosed that over the past several years, there has been no report of poaching of sea turtles in the island.

Residents make sure that visitors to the island do not pose a threat to or harm the sea turtles, which, in recent years have also provided an alternative livelihood for islanders, she said.

Apart from the PAMB, the Bantay Dagat (fish wardens) and the community, six Bantay Pawikan (turtle guards) are being paid by Rhodes from out of her own pockets to keep an eye on the turtles and enforce measures for their protection.

Bonfires and picnics are among the prohibitions at the island’s marine sanctuary where turtles return during nesting season, according to Rhodes.

Danny Ocampo, who regularly visits the island and involves himself in some community activities, lauded the residents’ level of awareness and their passion in protecting the sea turtles.

He says swimming with the turtles in Apo Island is definitely a rare and unique experience as it is not easy to come across these ancient creatures.

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Pulong...FFROM 1 Rosales also included in her letter another controversial “shoot-to-kill” order made by Duterte to the Davao City Police operatives in an alleged shootout with supposed kidnappers last year.

On the other hand, vice mayor Duterte will support his father on the on-going altercation between his father and Department of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

“Di man ko pwede mo comment ana kay opinion man na ni Mayor Rody (Duterte). Pero at the end of the day ako man gihapon nang amahan. Kung unsa may gawas aning ilang pagbangi didto gyud ko mo suporta sa akong amahan ilabi na mayor nato siya sa Davao,” he said.

Mayor Duterte said in his weekly program ‘Gikan sa Masa Para sa

Masa ’ that secretary De Lima was insistent that Davidson Tan Bangayan is from Davao City. He said that with the statement he saw malice on it as she wants to put stain on the name of the Bangayans in the city who are known publicly as prominent businessmen.

Duterte said that he already proved that Davidson Tan is from Tuguegarao City and not from Davao City. He also slammed De Lima as they failed to arrest David Tan who already surrendered on the office of National Bureau of Investigation.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported on Moday De Lima’s statement telling Duterte to shut up since they were doing their job on tracking the real big time smuggler.

one who is willing to surrender, bring him to the nearest AFP unit for processing for

them to avail of the program,” Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III told them.

te for being guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, falsification of public documents, serious neglect of duty, inefficiency, incompetence in the performance of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

The five are Jane M. Paguidopon, Brenda R. Nirza, Rosalie B. Remon, Paul Justen B. Almonte and Analiza

S. Mesa, formerly assigned at the Cash Receipts Division (CRD) of CTO and aside from dismissal, the city government also imposed accessory penalties such as cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and disqualification from holding public office and banned from taking civil service examinations.

systems damaged again by Agaton. He said that there intervention for now on the

same areas struck by Pablo will be rehabilitation of these irrigation systems.

as the “new normal”.

On the other hand, the proposed plans for 2014 were also taken up in the meeting.

He said that a summit which will be attended by the 4 provinces in the

Davao region is probably set for June this year.

The council will be also pushing the Gawad Kalasag Award which will recognize individuals who exhibit excellence in doing their duty.

[CRC]

ous death of Mayaki.

“Let it become an inspiration to pursue our calls for the well being of each lumad,” Mambo-o said.

The police said Mayaki was inside his vehicle when he was fatally shot on his neck with his wife and son that night. The suspect

was described as wearing sando and trekking pants and stands 5’6” in height .

The police are now looking for two angles— one is the possibility of being work-related as he was a lumad advocate on their city and another could be personal.

equipment, the department will also send volunteers to Tacloban.

Operators of the tractors for the whole period of operation are Allan P. Arias, Carlos A. Gunayan, Milo B. Gordo, Alberto L. Abell, Sr., Roger T. Omambac, Eddie P. Pasco, Eduardo L. Pontellano, Generico H. Adajar, and Justine B. Prado.

DA 11 rice focal person Edel Dondonilla said that the volunteers were chosen and interviewed, seven whom are job orders from various offices of DA 11.

San Juan reminded the volunteers to bring food, water, and medicines, noting that business operations in devastated areas haven’t resume yet. [CRC]

Soldiers...FFROM 2 VM...FFROM 2

Agaton...FFROM 2 RDRRMC...FFROM 3

IP... FFROM 3

DA-11...FFROM 3

LIGHT MOMENT. Department of Agriculture (DA) 11’s regional director Remelyn R. Recoter (left) and regional rice program coordinator Edel Dondonilla share a light moment during the ceremonial send-off of four tractors at Sasa wharf in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Police hunts 3 persons

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR epc@edgedavao.net

P

OLICE are hunting for three persons, one of whom stabbed an 18-year old youth during a commotion Monday evening on San Francisco St., Mintal, Tugbok district.

P/Chief Inspector Ariel B. Acala, station command-

er of the Tugbok police, identified the victim as Jay Mark Bohols, of Gumamela St., Mintal.

Bohols pointed to Glen Arcon, Jiden Tuncalan and Jomar Gulles, all residents of Asoque compound, Mintal as his attackers

when he tried to pacify them in a fight with another group of teenagers at about 8:00 p.m.

PO3 Dexter Cadavos, investigator, said Bohol was immediately rushed to the Holy Spirit Hospital after he sustained two stab

wounds in his lower back and elbow.

Police said Arcon was identified as the who one who stabbed the victim, after which the suspects fled.

Bohol is recuperating at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

ITH limited basis that the Malampaya fund was misused by President Benigno S. Aquino, a Malacanang official on Tuesday asked prosecutors to elaborate on the plunder charges.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. raised the issue in a Palace briefing following reports that militant

groups have filed plunder charges against the President.

“We have to see the basis of prosecutors,” Coloma said. “We don’t know any detail and particulars aside from the case was filed. We have very limited basis.”

Reports showed that farmers’ group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pillipinas

(KMP) filed the charges for the reason that the President directed the funds to projects not related to energy.

The Malampaya fund represents government revenue from the sale of natural gas from gas fields off the west coast of Palawan province.

However, a Presidential Decree indicated that the fund can be spent for

other purposes as directed by the President.

Coloma said that the Palace has yet to look into the plunder charges filed by militant groups against the President Aquino.

He also said that although plunder charges were filed, the President, for as long as it was still his term, is entitled to an“immunity from suits”.

[PNA]

acter for the President to speak in that language,” Coloma said, referring to the President’s alleged meddling with the case when Revilla met with him in his official residence at Bahay Pangarap in Malacanang compound.

“The President did not meddle, but all he requested was for Revilla to decide on the merits of the case with his conscience and the senator (Revilla) said, ‘I will do what is right,’” Coloma stressed.

He reiterated that the President was merely

concerned about interest groups that could influence the senators’ outcome of the impeachment trial. It was his duty as head of the executive department, he added.

“The President is a political leader and he regularly discusses issues with senators, congressmen and local officials,” Coloma said, citing Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II’s statement.

“Senator Revilla went to the meeting on his own accord, without indication that he did it against his

will,” he added, stressing that that there was no “impropriety” about the issue.

During the press briefing, Coloma called again on Revilla to respond to the people’s clamor for a full explanation on what happened to his priority development assistance fund (PDAF) allocation that he received from 2007 to 2009.

“What the people heard and saw yesterday was a plain attempt to divert public attention from the real issue,” Coloma said.

[PNA]

Palace asks for basis on charges vs. President W

President did not meddle with Corona’s impeachment: Coloma

M

ALACANANG said on Tuesday President Benigno S. Aquino III never influenced or bribed Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. into voting for the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2011.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. clarified this in a media briefing following Revilla’s privilege speech in the Senate on Monday which implied that the President did so.

“It is totally out of char-

11 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

UN panel: Next 15 years vital for taming warming T

HE next 15 years will be vital in determining whether global warming can be limited to 2 degress Celcius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100, with energy and transport presenting the heftiest challenges, according to a draft UN report.

“Delaying mitigation through 2030 will increase the challenges.... and reduce the options,” warns a summary of the report seen by Agence France-Presse.

The draft is the third volume in a long-awaited trilogy by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a Nobel-winning group of scientists.

Major efforts are needed to brake the growth in carbon emissions for a good chance to limit warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100, says the summary. “(It) would entail global consumption losses of one to four percent in 2030, 2 to 6 percent in 2050 and 2 to 12 percent in 2100,” the 29page summary says.

These costs do not factor in benefits, such as growth in new areas of the economy, or savings from avoiding some of the worst impacts of climate change.

The estimates are based on the assumption that “all countries of the world” begin curbing carbon emis-

sions immediately and that there are “well-functioning markets” to establish a single global price for carbon.

The report looks at options, but makes no recommendations, for mitigating greenhouse gases that are driving the climate-change crisis by trapping solar heat and warming Earth’s surface.

The final version of the document is due to be thrashed out at a meeting in Berlin in April.

The trilogy is the IPCC’s long-awaited Fifth Assessment Report, the first great overview of the causes and effects of global warming, and options for dealing with it, since 2007.

The draft document notes that global emissions of greenhouse gases surged by an average 2.2 percent per year between 2000 and 2010, compared to 1.3 percent per year over the entire 30-year period between 1970 and 2000.

“The global economic crisis 2007-2008 has temporarily reduced emissions but not changed the trend,” it says.

Members of the UN, in global negotiations, have endorsed the goal of limiting warming over pre-industrial levels to 2C, but not set a date for achieving it.

Some experts say that on current trends, warming

CLIMATE ALARM. Climate experts present the new state of affairs: an increasingly alarming wakeup call. This file photo shows smokes rising from stacks of a thermal power station.[AFP] by 2100 could be 4 degrees Celcius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, spelling drought, flood, storms and hunger for millions.

Over the past decade, more than three-quarters of the annual increase in greenhouse gas emissions

Warmer Pacific worsened cyclone risk for East Asia C

HINA, Korea and Japan have been placed in the firing line of powerful tropical cyclones by a warming of water in the western Pacific, according to a three-decade study recently published in South Korea.

Researchers led by Chang-Hoi Ho from Seoul National University in South Korean looked at five sets of background data for tropical cyclones that occurred in the northwest Pacific between 1977 and 2010.

During this time, the surface waters of the western Pacific were much warmer than the central and eastern parts of the ocean, they found.

This temperature differ-

ence, also called a gradient, went hand-in-hand with changes to a strong wind system over the Pacific called the Walker circulation.

The result was that cyclones tended to follow the line of the East Asian coast, from the South China Sea upwards, before making landfall in China, Japan and Korea – by which time they had reached their maximum punch.

The change also meant that more cyclones generated in the northern part of the South China Sea. As a result, storms headed for southern China, Vietnam or Taiwan began life too close to

land to build up to maximum speed by the time they reached the coast.

More work is needed to confirm whether the temperature gradient is a result of man-induced global warming or a natural variation of a kind that lasts decades.

“If the past changes of large-scale environments are evidence, or a result of, global warming, it can be assumed that in the future more catastrophic tropical cyclones will strike East Asia than ever before,” said Ho. The investigation appears in Environmental Research Letters, a journal published Britain’s Institute of Physics. [AFP]

came from energy (47 percent) and industry (30 percent), led in particular by activity in emerging giant economies, says the summary.

Emissions from the energy supply sector are on track to almost dou-

ble or even triple by 2050 compared to 2010, unless there are major changes.

These include gains in efficiency, a bigger switch to renewables or – provided obstacles can be overcome – widening the use of bio-energy and

carbon capture at power plants.

A similar warning is sounded for transport, where CO2 emissions could double by 2050 from 2010 without changes to fuel consumption patterns. [AFP]

Nobel Laureate and ICSU president Yuan Lee will talk on Future Earth from a Global Perspective, whereas the Regional Perspective and Researches will be discussed by Director Nordin Hassah of Malaysia.

On the other hand, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo will present an overview of the Philippine situation and other Filipino experts will discuss relevant studies in the country.

The conference is part of this year’s NRCP General Membership Assembly to be participated in by researchers in the field of natural and social sciences, engineering and humanities.

The forum will provide opportunities for Filipino scientists and researchers

to discuss with experts from the ICSU in developing research and development (R&D) programs that are knowledge-based, solution-oriented and transformative in the areas of global environmental changes and sustainability.

“We expect that there will be around 600-1,000 participants for the first day of the assembly while 400600 persons will be attending the second day,” Lao said.

The Future Earth Program is a 10-year international research initiative that seeks to mobilize scientists in providing knowledge through an open and collaborative process to respond effectively to the risks and opportunities of global climate change, according to the website of the ICSU. [PNA]

NRCP organizes conference on ‘Future Earth, Future Philippines’ T

HE National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) is organizing a conference to support the Future Earth Program of the International Council for Science Unions (ICSU) in crafting a research policy that will address the impact of climate change on March 26-27, 2014 at the Manila Hotel.

NRCP Executive Director Carina Galvez-Lao said in an interview with the Philippines News Agency that the event, entitled “Future Earth, Future Philippines,” aims to come up with a basis for the country’s research agenda on sustainable development and publish a comprehensive scientific conference report that would serve as reference for policy-making and project development.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 13

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14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

GIANT SLAYER. Eugenie Bouchard of Canada hits a return to Ana Ivanovic of Serbia during their women’s quarterfinals match.

Teener Bouchard ousts Ivanovic

OOPS, SHE DID IT AGAIN M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Canadian teenager Eugenie Bouchard kept her poise in the biggest match of her life to oust Ana Ivanovic in a three-set thriller and set up an Australian Open semi-final against China’s Li Na on Tuesday.

Li dispatched Italy’s Flavia Pennetta 6-2 6-2 in just over an hour in the first quarter-final of the day on Rod Laver Arena to reach the last four for the fourth time in five years at Melbourne Park.

Novak Djokovic will be out to reach a 15th consecutive grand slam semi-final when he takes on Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals later on Tuesday after Tomas Berdych and David

Ferrer battle it out in the first men’s match on center court.

Fourth seed Li became a strong favorite to reach her third final in four years after Ivanovic stunned world number one Serena Williams on Sunday to blow open the top half of the draw.

Ivanovic, hindered by a hip niggle, was unable to take advantage of the path she had cleared to the final, however, and instead Bouchard will take on 31-year-old Li after prevailing 5-7 7-5 6-2 in the second quarter-final.

“It’s not exactly a surprise,” said the confident 19-year-old, the first Canadian to reach the last four in

Melbourne.

“I always expect myself to do well. I’m just happy to have gone through this step.

I’m not done. I have a match on Thursday. I’m just looking forward to that.”

Serbian Ivanovic had looked on course for a first grand slam semi-final since her 2008 French Open triumph after clinching the first set in 47 minutes.

But Bouchard charged straight back into the contest, breaking to lead 3-1 in the second set and holding her nerve to break again to level the match when Ivanovic double-faulted.

“I tried to show I was calm. I did feel confident,” Bouchard said.

“Having lost the first set, I just tried to focus on what

I had to do during the point to try to win, really just try to keep pressing her and moving forward.

“I felt like my game kind of got a bit better as the match went on. I feel like in the first set I was close, but I was kind of missing shots just by a little bit ...

“I felt like my game was there and I just needed to relax a little bit and play.”

‘GENIE’s ARMY’ Ivanovic tried to wrest back the momentum but as much as she ramped up her formidable forehand, there was no putting this particular Genie back in the bottle.

Cheered on by “Genie’s Army” - the band of young Australians who reward her with a cuddly toy after every victory - Bouchard

was a match for everything the 14th seed threw at her and sealed victory after two hours and 24 minutes.

“I was emotionally a little bit flat,” admitted Ivanovic. “I was lacking a little bit aggressiveness that I had in my previous matches.

“I think she has very bright future in front of her.

She’s very aggressive player. It’s sometimes very hard to read her game. There is no really patterns like with other players you have.

She’s a great mover.”

Bouchard lost her composure only when she was asked in her on-court interview who she would most like to date, giggling as she declared a liking for pop star Justin Bieber.

Li’s victory was, by contrast, a 67-minute stroll on another cool morning by the banks of the Yarra River as she blasted her 28th-seeded opponent off the court with a strong first serve and barrage of powerful ground strokes.

View galleryLi Na of China hits a return to Flavia Pennetta of … Li Na of China hits a return to Flavia Pennetta of Italy during their women’s quarter-final tenn …

After her victory, Li entertained the crowd on Rod laver Arena with another of the interviews that have made her a firm favorite at Melbourne Park - this time about how she would never smash a racket as she considers them friends.

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Victoria Azarenka had more trouble ducking questions about marriage than she did in overcoming Sloane Stephens on her way to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday.

The Belarussian, trying to win the title for the third consecutive year, was too consistent for Stephens and wrapped up a 6-3 6-2 victory in confident fashion.

After the match, Azarenka was quizzed about whether she might be about to marry her boyfriend, the rapper-singer, Redfoo.

“There’s nothing still (showing off her ring-free left hand),” she said. “Once you see a big, big bling... big, big bling... maybe.”

Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki has been sporting a dazzling ring after agreeing to marry golfer Rory McIlroy and Azarenka said the competition was on.

“It had better be bigger than Caro’s,” she said in an on-court interview.

The only other thing Azarenka had to dodge was a backhand from Stephens midway through the first set that hit her in the groin.

With top seed Serena Williams beaten on Sunday and third seed Maria Sharapova going out earlier on Monday, the path is clear for Azarenka to win a third straight title.

But the 24-year-old, who next faces either Polish fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska or Spanish prospect Garbine Muguruza in the last eight, said the shocks just proved that no one could be taken lightly, whatever their ranking.

“I don’t consider myself a favorite because I don’t consider anybody as the favorite,” she said.

“Anybody on any given day - we’ve seen that happen last couple days - can bring their best game. It doesn’t matter that you’re number two or whatever.”

However, Azarenka did admit she feels her game was coming together nicely after a difficult end to 2013.

“I’m happy with the way I played,” she said. “It was important just to stay in that zone and try to create another opportunity.”

PH netter, partner bows out M T

HE Philippines’ Treat Huey and British partner Dominic Inglot saw their Australian Open run come to an end as they fell to the giant-killing tandem of American Eric Butorac and South Africa’s Raven Klaasen Tuesday in their thrilling quarterfinal match-up 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 in the 2014 Australian Open men’s doubles event in Melbourne Australia.

Huey, whose mother Manina San Pedro hails from Makati, and Inglot seized the lead when they took the opening set before Butorac and Klaasen evened things up in the second frame.

In the third and final set, Huey and Inglot took a 4-3 lead and had a golden chance to go up 5-3, but they blew four break points that allowed their rivals to gain momentum and nail the next three points for the win.

The defeat was a bitter

OUSTED. Treat Huey of the Philippines and Dominic Inglot of Great Britain in action in their fourth round doubles match against Eric Butorac of the United States and Raven Klaasen of South Africa during day nine of the 2014 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.

(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) pillow to swallow for Huey and Inglot, who defeated the Colombian pair of Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah Maksoud 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round

last Wednesday then followed it up by upstaging the Italian tandem of Andreas Seppi and Potito Starace 6-3, 6-7, 6-1 in the second round.

Advancing Azarenka sidesteps marriage talk Twelve months ago, Azarenka was accused of gamesmanship when she took a 10-minute injury timeout after failing to serve out for victory in their semi-final.

Having then broken Stephens in the next game to reach the final, she claimed she had needed the break because she “almost did the choke of the year” and was roundly jeered by the crowd on Rod Laver Arena.

CLEAR PATH The direct hit came when Azarenka led 4-2 in the first set but it did not break her concentration as she took the opener and then broke to lead 2-0 in the second.

A lot of the games went to deuce and Stephens stayed in touch to 3-2 but was then broken again in the seventh game and Azarenka served out for victory.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

A budding artist’s colourful visual angles Tanya Gaisano-Lee’s ‘Pen Art’

WHILE scanning a multitude of Instagram posts, I stumbled upon some interesting artwork by a budding artist whose style has gained a good following at such a short span of time. Hers was modern in approach, yet minimalist in medium.

“I call it pen art,” explains 28-year old Katrina “Tanya” Gaisano-Lee. With the aid of a pen and marker, she was able to “visualize” her own identity in the art scene.

Tanya, who hails from a family of entrepreneurs, is a certified practitioner on child developmental education. Her profession took her to Beijing and Shanghai, where she worked as a private English tutor.

Married and currently residing Davao City, this “accidental artist” revisited her passion for art and began doodling in the early part of year 2013.

“It was my husband who

encouraged me to pursue my passion. To me, art is an expression of myself.

It channels my creativity.”

Tanya made her first sale in February.

“I started with abstract pieces, mostly subjects in

black. After a certain time, I was able to create a interrelated series based on a certain theme.”

“I draw inspiration from all my travels. I try to translate new experiences into art, whether as a subject or a form, and make it my own. Art has influenced me with how I view things. Everything I see becomes a prospective subject or theme.

Over time, I’ve been able to hone my skill with the intricate patterns I use and gain a certain confidence to experiment with

FTANYA, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Kung hei fat choi!

THIS JANUARY 31, celebrate Chinese New Year at Park Inn

by Radisson Davao and savor the culinary wonders from the great wok of China. RBG welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Lion Dance and an Oriental dinner buffet which also features Yu Sheng (a traditional dish that symbolizes abundance, prosperity and good fortune).

Dinner buffet is priced at P788.00 net per adult and P388.00 net per child (6 to 12 years old).

Call 272 7608 and book your table now!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

STYLE

Weekend urban fashion with Skechers

Smart Infinity unveils pioneering lifestyle app SUBSCRIBERS of Smart Infinity, the premium postpaid brand of wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) can now enjoy another innovation designed to give them an even better mobile experience.

Executives of the telco leader today unveiled the ‘Smart Infinity Lifestyle’ mobile application, a first-of-its-kind app designed to provide Smart Infinity subscribers a convenient, one-touch access to all the premium services available to them.

“Smart Infinity has a proven track record of providing the most delightful mobile experience to subscribers through a host of carefully-designed, world-class services. Now, the Smart Infinity Lifestyle app takes those services, and places all of them in a single app for our subscribers’ convenience,” said Julie Carceller, department head of the Infinity Business Group.

Through the Smart Infinity Lifestyle app, a subscriber may place calls or send messages to his or her Infinity Management Officer* for account-related concerns. Subscribers may also contact, through the app, the Smart Infinity Worldwide Concierge, to cater to their lifestyle needs both here and abroad.

The app also provides access to the dedicated Smart Infinity Hotline, for 24/7 account service and information. They may do all these solely through the app**, without having to go through their phonebook or contact list.

Other app features include access to My.Infinity, which provides subscribers with real-time snapshots of account details, such as latest Statements of Account, at any time.

The app also contains roaming rates that may be viewed or searched by country; the list of Smart Stores that offer VIP services exclusively available to Smart Infinity subscribers; and one-touch access to the latest multimedia services available from Smart, including music (through Spinnr) and movies (through Clickplay).

Ready for free download for iOS users from the Apple App Store and for Android users from the Google Play Store, the app is exclusively available to Smart Infinity subscribers and may only be activated with a Smart Infinity mobile number.

Smart Infinity members enjoy VIP network access to prioritize their calls and data connection, coupled with the most advanced devices and lifestyle packages. Individuals interested in enjoying the premium Smart Infinity experience may contact 0918-888-INFO(4636) or infinitysupport@smart. com.ph. They can also visit www.smart.com.ph/infinity.

FOR weekends that spell hanging out at your favorite mall haunts, catching up with friends over a barbecue lunch or partying the night away at the newest bar, kick it up a notch with cool urban fashion. It’s about dressing comfortably and showing off one’s individual style.

Mall Weekends Take a leisurely stroll in an outdoor mall, chill out at the park or your fave café nook in ultra comfy tee and shorts or your favorite jeans paired with a cotton shirt and light jacket.

Give your style an added flair with Skechers’ men’s shoes perfect for laidback, carefree weekends. Think casual street sneakers made with soft suede and woven canvas fabric that feature geometric multicolored side details.

Barbecue Get-Together Enjoy a mouth-watering barbecue lunch with your buddies then while away the time watching

your favorite sports on TV. But, even if you’re just hanging out, your garb should always be

in style. Add a twist to your usually shirt and cargo shorts get-up with a denim vest then polish the look with Skechers’ preppy loafers.

Saturday Clubbing Check out the city’s pulsating nightlife and party ‘til you drop. Dress to impress by wearing jeans with a streamlined fit and chambray shirt with colorful pockets for that pop of color or a jacket with camouflaged details. Wear Skechers’ leather or street sneakers, which have catchy side accents for that extra panache.

Skechers Men’s Shoes Skechers is the new breed of men’s shoes, which captures the cool casual weekend vibe.

From street sneakers to dressier kicks and loafers, Skechers has the right kind of shoes for men of style. What’s more, these weekend footwear staples scream comfort with its relaxed fit technology featuring a memory foam for added cushioning.

Skechers’ men’s casuals are available at Skechers stores in Abreeza Mall Davao, Gaisano Mall of Davao, SM City Davao, and Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Judy Ann to host ABS-CBN’s new reality show for couples ACCLAIMED ACTRESS and TV personality Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo was revealed as the host of “I Do,” a reality show originally conceptualized by ABS-CBN that will feature couples who want to tie the knot.

Judy Ann led the ribboncutting ceremony, blessing, and tour of the “I Do” Village where the participating couples will reside and their relationship be tested before facing the altar.

“This village was especially built for this show. We will give the couples challenges not to break them apart, but to strengthen their relationship so they become more mature in dealing with life,” said Judy Ann. Judy Ann hopes that the program will guide the participating couples and make them get to know each other better by immersing them in possible situations they may encounter if they get married. Viewers will track their progress as cameras will record their every move 24/7.

“This is the first time I’m doing a show that’s similar to ‘Pinoy Big Brother,’ but this is ‘PBB’ times five. All issues will be tackled here –

from having kids, living with the in-laws, to expenses. We hope we inspire couples and show them that marriage is an eternal vow and a commitment,” she said.

Aside from hosting the program, Judy Ann will also sit as member of the council as a homemaker, along with love and family experts who will give advice to the participating couples.

“I feel tense because I’ve only been married for five years, so my ability to give advice and share my experiences will be tested. I’m glad that I’m doing a show no one has ever done before,” shared Judy Ann. The event at the “I Do” village was attended by ABSCBN TV production head Laurenti Dyogi, the pro-

gram’s business unit head Mercee Gonzales, and other executives from ABS-CBN’s TV entertainment division.

The reality show’s winning pair is off to a good start as husband and wife because they will be rewarded with a grand wedding, a honeymoon package, a new car, a house and lot, and P1 million.

Judy Ann has headlined several hosting projects including reality shows “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition” and “MasterChef Pinoy Edition,” for which she won the Best Reality Show Host award at the PMPC Star Awards for TV. Judy Ann is the current host of toprating game show “Bet On Your Baby” that is close to her heart as a mother.

Cinema one puts Kathniel in the spotlight this January

STARTING things off with today’s hottest teen love team, Cinema One gives a special treat to its viewers with a month-long feature on Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s hit movie “Must Be Love”.

Produced by Star Cinema and directed by Dado Lumibao, “Must Be Love” is the first solo film of the teen tandem where they were cast in a leading role, following their appearances as part of star-studded casts in “24/7 in Love” and “Sisterakas”. It was shot in different locations around the Philippines, including Cebu and Laguna—and was even taken abroad to Berlin, Germany.

The film tells the story of two childhood friends, Patricia (Kathryn Bernardo) and Ivan (Daniel Padilla).

Growing up together and discovering the changes that come with age, different possibilities open up for the two.

As they get older, Patricia begins to realize that she has feelings for her best friend, but begins to question if he feels the same way. Things get even more complicated

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY 2D Ben Stiller GP

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

BRIDE FOR RENT 2D

when her cousin Angel (Liza Soberano) comes into the picture—and Ivan starts to show interest in a different girl instead.

With the two teen actors in the leading roles, “Must Be Love” served as a benchmark for the two. It even served as a platform for Daniel Padilla’s hit song “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat,” which was the film’s theme song, to skyrocket to the top of the music hit charts.

In a review from pep.ph, the film was labeled as “a welcome alternative to the slew of teen movies and romantic flicks,” setting it apart from what the Fili-

pino audience had grown accustomed to. Writer Jennifer Dugena of the website said, “It is also a perfect teen movie recommended not just for KathNiel fans but also for adults… ‘Must Be Love’ is a rare film that is cute and light as much as it is serious and heavy.”

Don’t miss out on the KathNiel love team in “Must Be Love” airing on Cinema One this month. Catch it on January 18 at 8:00pm, January 24 at 3:00pm, and January 28 at 7:00pm.

For updates, visit and like Cinema One on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Cinema1Channel).

Kim Chiu, Xian Lim PG 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

POLICE STORY 2D Jackie Chan R 13

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

R-16 I, FRANKENSTEIN 2D Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy PG 13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Tanya...FFROM A1 colors.”

“I work at home, usually in the mornings when I wake up I start sketching.

I start with a theme then create a series. I choose the colors according to my mood, depending on what’s also suited to the theme.”

“I’ve done quite a number of customized pieces and series for clients. Recently, I’ve been working on a “mother and child” series. I’ve also made some pieces featuring animals, yoga poses, and nudes. My

themes are pretty diverse.

On days I cannot think of a subject to draw, I just revisit some of my previous work or scan through my pile of photos to look for new inspirations.”

“Art has become a part of my daily life. I’ll probably keep drawing and sketching until I’ll become physically incapable to do so.”

For more on made to order pieces, you may email Tanaya attgaisano@yahoo.com. You may also follow @tanyagaisanolee on Instagram to view her other works and art series.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 219 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014

SPORTS 15

Iranian official optimistic on full development of PH football T

SNEAKING IN TRAFFIC. Jared Dillinger of Meralco scoops one underneath over the outstretched arms of Alaska center Sonny Thoss during the PBA Philippine Cup match on Sunday won by Alaska.

Hawks hold off Heat A

TLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Hawks didn’t talk about ending their nine-game losing streak against Miami.

The Hawks only wanted to make up for the last loss in the streak - an overtime defeat in Miami last month.

Paul Millsap scored 26 points and the Hawks overcame LeBron James’ 30 to beat the Heat 121-114 on Monday night, leaving Miami to bemoan its defensive woes. ‘’To us, this was a get-

SLAM. Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) dunks in the first period of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks.

back game,’’ said Atlanta’s Lou Williams, who had 12 points. ‘’We felt we should have won the last one in Miami that we lost in overtime.’’

James blamed poor defense for Miami’s fourth loss in its last six games. ‘’We scored enough points to win, so obviously it was defense,’’ James said. ‘’Especially in the first half.’’

The Hawks led 71-70 at halftime.

DeMarre Carroll finished with 19 points and Pero Antic had 17 for the Hawks, who beat Miami for the first time since Jan 2, 2012. It was Atlanta’s first home win over the Heat since Nov. 18, 2009.

The Hawks have been rebuilt under second-year general manager Danny Ferry and first-year coach Mike Budenholzer. Most Atlanta players said they had no idea the Hawks had gone so long without beating the Heat. ‘’I never even knew that,’’ Millsap said, adding the Hawks’ were more motivated by Miami’s back-to-back NBA championships. ‘’Anytime you play Miami or any great team, you want to step up and play your best,’’ Millsap said. ‘’I think that’s what we did today.’’

HE president of the Iranian Football Federation, Ali Kafashian, is optimistic on the full development of football in the country as he vowed to support the Iranian-owned Pasargad FC team currently competing in the 2014 season of the United Football League (UFL).

Kafashian, also former secretary general of Iran’s National Olympic Committee, visited the Philippine last January 15 and met with Pasargad owner and coach Esmaeil “Esse” Sedigh where he shared his thoughts on the gaining popularity of football in the Philippines.

Kafashian, also a retired athlete, said the country possesses a “very good potential” but the Philippine Football Federation needs to be more active so that Filipino football players will be given more opportunity to showcase and fully develop their talents and the sport to become more popular in the country.

“I think in the Asian games or in the Olympic games, I didn’t see much of your football athletes. Only basketball, in basketball I see activity, and sometimes in futsal also, through the efforts of Mr. Sedigh in the SEA games and AFF (Asian Football Federation) games,” Kafashian said.

Kafashian was asked on the possible development of Filipinos to become international-level football players.

He said this is very possible as height is not a requirement in football and that the media “would actually have to play an important role.”

“The role of media is crucial in the development of any sport, it has the pow-

er of influencing people so you should be responsible in whatever information you feed them. It can help in publicity, but it’s always better if we focus on the good things, while trying to be objective with the not so good outcomes,” Kafashian said.

Kafashian said he has known Coach Esse for more than 10 years and was always aware of the coach’s activity and involvement in football in the Philippines.

Kafashian said he will support Pasargad FC including in funding and the possibility of training its Filipino players or even conducting a friendly in Iran.

“This club is very good. I think we can support them for example by helping out with some of the expenses and by having camps, or by playing games together,” Kafashian said.

In 1996, Pasargad FC was formed in the Philippines by football enthusiasts consisting mostly of Iranians, a few Africans and some Filipinos. “Pasargad” was named after the capital of former Persian emperor Cyrus the Great, that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The club was originally part of inaugural Filipino Premier League in 2008 where they finished fourth.

Last year, coach Esse started recruiting local players including “mestizos” to rebuild their roster as he wants to exploit the Foreigner Cap Rule, which requires the fielding of a minimum of six Filipino players on the pitch at all times.

Their current roster include several Iranians and Africans and eight Filipino players recruited from Cagayan de Oro City, Manila,

Quezon City, Puerto Princesa City, and Olongapo City.

The team was also beefed up by Filipino-Spanish Jamille Tan Muncada; Peyman Cabarrus Nejad Safavi (Fil-Iranian); Russel Anthony Gonzales Pierson (Fil-American); Ahmad Osmena Shaheen (Fil-Jordanian); and Filipino-Swiss-American defender Martin Morente Wiedmer.

In their first UFL game last January 16, Pasargad FC broke the ice before the Green Archers United was able to score late in the second half to end the score at 1-1, courtesy of the late-game heroics of Chieffy Caligdong, the top local player in the national team, Philippine Azkals.

It was Kafashian’s first-ever visit to the Philippines and was asked on how comfortable was his stay.

“It’s been very short, but really nice, and I think in the future, every time that I think of rest and relaxation, the Philippines will be my top destination,” he said.

Kafashian said he plans to make a second visit to the Philippines with the hope of developing a good relationship with the Philippine Football Federation for the development of football and futsal in the Philippines.

In his next visit, Kafashian said he will surely ask Coach Esse on the standing of the Pasargad FC team and the development of the sports in the country, but not in the Iranian languages of Persian, Gilaki or Mazandarani but in his newly acquired Tagalog skills.

“Kamusta ka, Philippines?” was Kafashian’s last words during the interview.

[PNA]

HICAGO (AP) -- Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is riding a bike and trying not to think about when he might be able to play again.

Bryant missed the start of the season while he recovered from surgery to repair a torn left Achilles

C

tendon. Then he broke a bone in his left knee Dec. 17 at Memphis while playing his fourth game in five nights.

Bryant says his return is ‘’up in the air’’ until he gets back on the court. He is limited to mostly bike work right now.

Playing without Bryant and Steve Nash, the Lakers had lost 12 of 15 heading into Monday night’s game at Chicago. But Los Angeles had won two in a row since a six-game losing streak, and Bryant says the team had been competing and playing hard.

now leads the semis with identical 1-0 cards while Ford could be out of it all with a 0-2 slate.

Idle Ateneo will see action in the next semis playdate to be announced by tournament director Jek Melendres of TRMH. In the Mini division, Holy Child sent a clear message to the field with

two victories on Sunday that established the Reds as the prohibitive choice to win the title. The Reds turned back a tall PWC side 65-62 in a morning game before returning in the afternoon to demolish crowd favorite Ateneo de Davao University 84-48.

The Blue Knights

No timeline for Kobe’s return Holy...FFROM 16

earlier took its first win in the semis with a narrow escape of a fighting Precious International School side 61-60. Ateneo now has a 1-1 card behind Holy Child with a 2-0 slate.

PWC evened its record after it turned back Precious IS in the day’s final game, 81-75. [NJB]

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE219 219••WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,JANUARY JANUARY22, 22,2014 2014 BACK TO THE NET. Rafael Nadal returns a difficult backhand in the Australian Open fourth round in a 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (3) win over Kei Nishikori of Japan.

THE BIG FOUR

Nadal, Federer pull off victories to advance in the Australian Open Holy Child Reds score twin wins STANDINGS MINI Holy Child Ateneo PWC Precious IS

W 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 2

CADET W L Holy Child 1 0 Assumption 1 0 Ford 0 2 Ateneo x x A R K H O R S E squads Holy Child School of Davao and Assumption College of Davao took turns in handing defending champion Ford Academy of the Arts back-to-back defeats to take a share of the lead in the Final Four in the cadets division of the 3rd The Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup basketball tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center over the weekend.

Assumption College first handed Ford a 7368 beating in the opening of the single round robin semis before Holy Child unleashed its deadly form in the afternoon with a 57-33 demolition of the reigning titlists. Assumption and Holy Child

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CUTTING THE LANE. A Holy Child cager slices through the paint in the match between the Jacinto-based Reds and defending champion Ford Academy in the 3rd The Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup basketball tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center. Lean Daval Jr.

FHOLY, 15

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OP-ranked Rafael Nadal has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after a 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (3) win over Kei Nishikori of Japan.

Nadal is trying to win the Australian Open for the second time - his first title came in 2009 and secure the 14th major of his career, equal with Pete Sampras and three behind Roger Federer’s leading total of 17.

The Australian Open is the only major he hasn’t won at least twice.

It’s the seventh time in Nadal’s last seven appearances at Melbourne Park that he’s advanced to the quarterfinals. He didn’t play the Australian Open last year due to a left knee injury and stomach virus.

Nadal will play 22-year-old Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Roger Federer is back in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time since last year’s French Open - equaling Jimmy Connors’ Open-era record with his 41st trip to the last eight in a major.

He next plays Murray, a three-time Australian Open finalist. A win could set up a semifinal against Nadal, who next plays first-time major

quarterfinalist Grigor Dimitrov.

A win there for Federer would likely set up a final against three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic - the only other man who has won four Australian titles in the Open era. Djokovic is playing his quarterfinal Tuesday against No. 8 Stan Wawrinka. ‘’It’s a tough thing to do. I don’t know if it’s been done before,’’ sixth-seeded Federer said of his tough road to the title. ‘’Then again, if you don’t embrace that challenge, you might as well not enter the draw.

You might as well stay at home and watch other guys battle it out. ‘’That’s what I like.

I like playing the best ... and you need to take it to them.’’

Federer certainly did that against Tsonga, barely dropping a point on serve in the first set and putting the 2008 Australian Open finalist under pressure right away with an early break. The 32-yearold Swiss star was so relentless that Tsonga, aggravated at not being able to threaten Federer at all, screamed and smacked a ball into the crowd after losing an exchange of close volleys.