Edge Davao 8 Issue 2

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO CRACKDOWN Serving a seamless society

Corrupt officials, employees fired, charged in court

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

CRACKDOWN Corrupt government officials, employees dismissed, charged

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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HE GOVERNMENT, through the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao (DOM) headed by Justice Rodolfo M. Elman, continued its crackdown on corrupt employees and officials in the island.

As of December 31, 2014, a total of 44 government personnel have been dismissed from the service, 51 suspended, 11 fined, 16 reprimanded and two admonished.

Administrative cases According to the office of Deputy Ombudsman Elman, who had earlier reported on the performance of his office in a speech before the Rotary Club of East Davao, among the positions involved in administrative cases with penalty were 11 mayors, 23 LGU (municipal, city and provincial) department heads, 50 barangay officials, nine regional/ provincial adjudicators/ hearing officers, eight personnel handling money (cashiers, disbursing officers, tellers, or revenue collectors), six regional directors and directors, six investigators/ inspectors/ intelligence officers, four state university and college presidents or vice

presidents, among others.

Most common administrative offenses complained of were grave or simple misconduct (64 cases), dishonesty (35), conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service (27), violation of RA 6713 (22) and abuse of authority (6), among many others.

Criminal cases During the 12-month period in review, the Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao had resolved a total of 628 criminal cases. Of these, 120 cases are for filing with the regular courts, while 19 cases are for filing with the Sandiganbayan, 484 were dismissed, four cases referred to other agencies and only one for further fact-finding.

Resolution of criminal cases in 2014 was observed to be faster than the year before—628 in 2014 compared to 536 in 2013.

Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Rodolfo M. Elman

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Solons, mayors included Positions involved in criminal cases for filing in court are two congressmen, one governor, one judge, 22 mayors, eight vice mayors, 37 department heads of provincial, city and municipal LGUs

(local government units), 27 Sangguniang Bayan members, including heads of Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federations, 26 barangay captains, 27 barangay treasurers, 13 sangguniang barangay members, two personnel handling money (cashiers, tellers and revenue collectors), 20 sangguniang barangay members, 17 charged in their capacity of BAC (bids and awards committee) members, seven teachers, and two school principals among others.

According to statistics of the Deputy Ombudsman’s Case Records Management Unit under its chief, lawyer Hilde C. dela Cruz-Likit, the most common offenses charged in the criminal complaints were violations of RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft

and Corrupt Practices Act with 172 cases, followed by malversation of funds (54 cases), falsification of public documents (42) and violation of the RA 6713 or The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (22).

Deputy Ombudsman Elman credited Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, Ombudsman, and the reforms she had introduced for the faster disposition of cases lodged in the anti-graft agency.

Aside from being strict on the observance of deadlines, Justice Morales had appointed several lawyers to fill in vacancies in the independent constitutional body, according to lawyer Aileen Lizada, spokesperson of the Mindanao Ombudsman Office.

“Originally, we were only 12 lawyers but,” Ms.

Lizada said. “ We’re now 18 lawyers after the appointment of new ones by Justice Morales.”

Lizada said the Ombudsman will continue hiring more lawyers to expedite resolution of cases lodged before the agency.

Earlier, Deputy Ombudsman Elman sent two officials –lawyers Ma. Corazon A. Arancon, director for evaluation and investigation bureau, and Likit -- to explain to businessmen, during a jampacked general membership assembly of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce, the functions of the Investments Ombudsman created by Ombudsman Morales to make timely action on complaints of investors against abusive and corrupt government officials and employees nationwide. (CRC/ama)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

3 THE BIG NEWS

STATION OF THE CROSS. Hundreds of Catholic devotees participate in the traditional Station of the Cross along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City early morning of Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Quevedo: Peace summit laudable

By ALEX LOPEZ

“

THE work of the Peace Council initiated by the President is most laudable. Such effort needs our prayers and support and may the Lord bless their work for peace,” said Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI to the proposed National Summit for Peace.

Recently, President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the respected personalities and individuals in the country to convene and discuss the provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Five personalities composed of Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Chief JustieHilarioDavide, Ambassador Howard Dee, Businessman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and BaiRohanizaSumnbad-Usman were named as the five original convenors to the proposed peace summit.

Despite the mixed reactions expressed by various sectors to the peace summit after its announcement, the original 5 convenors recently issued a statement accepting the challenge to

look into the provisions of the BBL with collective views and recommendations.

“We would like to emphasize that we are not a pressure group or a political movement; but rather, we are a group that would like to provide an avenue for dialogue between independent-minded citizens who believe in the importance of understanding the BBL and to discuss its implications for peace and development in our country at a fair and reasonable man-

ner,” the five convenors said in recent statement issued.

The statement added that they have no intentions “to go beyond our self-imposed task of helping ourselves and our fellow citizens understand the importance of the peace issues at hand.”

In his message to the Mindanao Media Bureau of the Office of the Presidential Adviser to the Peace Process (OPAPP), Cardinal Quevedo also expressed his support to the convenors by saying that they “are people

Child hostage found dead O

NE of the three children who were seized Tuesday in Pitogo town in Zamboanga del Sur by suspected kidnappers was found dead Friday morning.

Zynielle Jay Garban, 2, a grandchild of Pitogo Mayor Richard Garban, was plucked out from the sea by fishermen near the town’s shore around 8 a.m., Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, Zamboanga del Sur police director

said.

Ecaldre said the fishermen brought to Pitogo the child’s body, which was positively identified by the victim’s family.

Garban, her threeyear-old elder brother, Ace Jay, and bakery worker Ledegie Tomarong, 17, were seized by 10 gunmen during a shootout around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the fish port in Barangay Poblacion, Pitogo.

The shootout ensued

as policemen pursued the gunmen who tried but failed to seize their target, businesswoman Chzarenia Kapa Sajulga, who owns a bakery in downtown Pitogo.

The gunmen made good their escape as they grabbed the three children, who were at the fish port, and made them as human shields preventing the policemen from further pursuing them.

Ecaldre said investi-

gation showed that the victim, who bore contusions in the neck, was apparently strangled to death and thrown into the sea.

He said policemen and soldiers were tracking down the whereabouts of the other hostages.

The gunmen, who escaped aboard two motorized bancas, sped towards Zamboanga Sibugay province. (MindaNews)

of integrity and credibility.”

Quevedo added that: “To conduct a sober and objective analysis of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, identify provisions that may be contrary the constitution, propose a refinement of them, insuring that the self-determination long aspired for by Moros does not become an empty word.”

The five convenors also said that they will soon announce the names of those that they will invite during the peace summit.

The group said that they will share the output of the summit to all the stakeholders and key government officials.

“To make this a more meaningful dialogue, we have also agreed to consolidate all the output of our consultations, discussions, learning and insights in a report that we will share with our fellow countrymen, the President, the legislature, and the judiciary, who we believe are critical stakeholders for peace,” the convenors emphasized.

DPWH confident to catch up on P15-B projects for 2015

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HE Department of Public Works and Highways-XI is confident it can catch up hitting its targets against accomplishments with the P15-billion budget allocation for infrastructure projects for Davao Region this year.

In a press conference at the sidelines of DPWH-XI monthly regional staff meeting held Wednesday in the DPWH Davao del Norte Engineering Office in Tagum City, Regional Director Engr. Mariano Alquisa bared that the DPWH-XI for the first quarter has accomplished about 2.5 percent of the lined-up infrastructure projects in what can

be described as a “slow starter” phase similar to its starting streak last year.

This year DPWH-XI has 723 big infrastructure projects, of which 183 projects have been already been started, while 534 infrastructure projects are not yet started, he said.

“Just like last year we started with only .9 percent in January but in July we picked up with 60-percent accomplishment rate. We’re confident we can catch up in the second quarter this year,” he said.

He admitted that because the budget of the region has

FDPWH, 10

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

Fire razes Luz Kinilaw, 57 other stores, houses

A

FIRE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte talks to residents of Barangay 23-C along Quezon Boulevard after their homes and business establishments were gutted down by a fire early Wednesday evening. The fire destroyed an estimated 40 houses, including Luz Kinilaw Place, one of Davao City’s famous ihaw ihaw restaurants. (City Information Office)

DSWD wants updated data on cash transfer beneficiaries T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development asked beneficiaries of its modified conditional cash transfer program to inform their social workers in case there are plans to migrate from their registered address to avoid being delisted from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

DSWD indigenous peoples focal person Audrie Perez said this has become an emerging problem for the agency’s city and municipal links who frontline the agency’s poverty reduction program.

Perez said the DSWD personnel would have to trace the

beneficiary in case they move out of their homes without the knowledge of the DSWD. The beneficiary risks being delisted from the program.

The agency has 30,710 registered households for the MCCT program for IPs. Last year, the city government through a city council resolution, asked the agency to include IPs from Paquibato District in its conditional cash transfer program, prior to a pilot testing also conducted last year.

The DSWD responded that they were already on their way to include IPs from Paquibato, as well as Marilog and Baguio

HE arrest of the finance officer of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has further weakened the terrorist group because it cuts the group’s “bread and butter.”

Joint police and military forces arrested on Tuesday night Abdulgani Pagao, finance officer of Justice for Islamic Movement (JIM), a faction of the BIFF and headed

by Mohammad Ali Tambako.

Tambako was arrested in Gen. Santos City with four others. He was the second ranking officer of BIFF next to Uztads Ameril Umra Kato who has been bed ridden due to old age.

Tambako formed his own group called JIM. It was Tambako who provided information about Pagao and eventually to his arrest in Cotabato City, according to Army Capt. Joann Petinglay.

Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said Pagao was arrested on the basis of a search warrant issued by Judge Bansawan Ibrahim of Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Cotabato City.

To date, two BIFF ranking leaders arrested, three BIFF commanders and about 148 followers have been killed in the month-long all out military law enforcement operations.

On the government side, 10 soldiers, including an Army Scout Ranger captain, were killed and 33 wounded.

Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang visited the Barangay Tukanalipao in west of Mamasapano and announced that the military will continue to hunt down the remaining forces of the BIFF. “It will be calibrated, small-scale commando-style

Is BIFF weakening?

T

in the program.

Not all residents, the agency said, took part in the 2009 census, which added to the problem.

The agency will be conducting its next batch of listing under its Listahanan program this summer to update its list of beneficiaries for the government’s anti-poverty programs.

Perez said they aim to monitor the progress of their existing beneficiaries and, if need be, add new names to the list.

“We want to know if the poor are still poor, and if they are not poor anymore, we want to know how govern-

ment can assist them,” he said.

Carmela Duron, DSWD information officer, said in a text message that the agency is targeting to conduct the assessment of households from April 15 to June 30.

There will be 2,543 encoders, enumerators, verifiers and area supervisors who will head out to each household in the region to initiate a survey of the demographics of each family.

The DSWD is targeting 793,770 households for Region XI. Households listed under the program will be identified

FDSWD, 10

LMOST a year after a huge fire razed 8.8 hectares in the same area along Quezon Blvd., another fire hit Wednesday, burning down the famous Davao restaurant Luz Kinilaw and 57 houses. Two people were also hurt.

According to the City Information Office, the fire began 6:51 p.m. at the back of Luz Kinilaw.

City Social Services and Development Office assistant head Liwayway Caligdong said in a text message that the fire affected 64 house owners, 37 renters and 75 boarders. The CSSDO added that 57

houses were totally damaged while another seven houses were partially burned.

Two residents were treated by Central 911 for minor injuries.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, in a press conference Wednesday, night said the residents could return to their area, “as is, where is,” provided they comply with the proper permits.

April 4 last year a huge fire affecting barangay 23C near the vicinity of Wednesday’s fire temporarily evicted at least 3,500 families. (Mindanews)

IVE people died, 14 were rescued while several other passengers have remained missing after a wooden-hulled vessel capsized Thursday off Parang, Sulu.

Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, Western Mindanao Command information officer, said the vessel, MPB-Wilayza, was traveling to the island town of Tapul from Jolo when it sunk around 11 a.m. Thursday.

Muyuela, quoting a report from Jolo Coastguard station, said the vessel sunk after it was battered by big waves while in the vicinity of Laud Pandan and Parang towns.

She said the boat was loaded with some 55 passengers, 100 bags of cement and other cargoes when it sank. It departed from a private wharf in Jolo around 9 a.m. Thursday.

She said the Joint Task Group Sulu, upon receipt of report, dispatched Patrol Guntboat-381 (PG-381) to assist in the search and rescue operations.

She said the 14 passengers who were rescued, seven children and seven adults, taken to the government hospital in Jolo.

The bodies of the five fatalities have been recovered, she added.

Ensign Chester Ian Ramos, Task Force Zambasulta information officer, said there were some passengers who were taken to Tapul by the barangay officials of the place that were among the first responders.

Sulu authorities have yet to ascertain the exact number of passengers who are still missing as the search and rescue operation was still continuing. (MindaNews)

5 die in sinking of ferry off Sulu F

GET-UP. Employees of Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. wear their outrageous insane get-up during the company’s costume contest FIS BIFF, 10 INSANE as part of its Employees’ Day.

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

Big shopping, dining discounts in Davao

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

EOPLE can now enjoy big discounts while shopping and dining in Davao City as the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) 2015 officially kicked off last April 3, Good Friday, and will run until May 17 this year.

The seven week-long event organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 in cooperation with local government units (LGUs) and the private sector offers up to 70 percent shopping and 20 percent dining discounts on selected items from the different tourism-related establishments, including malls, hotels and accommodations, airlines, restaurants spa and wellness centers.

The city’s tour operators are also taking part in this year’s fun sale and offers discounts for customers on fun and adventure trips.

DOT 11 director Roberto P. Alabado III said the executive committee of VDFS will be participating the Easter Egg Hunt event of malls as part of its launch at the locality.

“There will be special eggs that contains prizes like free and discounted tours,” he told Edge Davao in an interview yesterday.

Alabado said this year’s event is bigger because of the cooperation of the various tourism-related establishments not only in Davao City but also in nearby provinces.

“We would like to position Davao City as a key destination to food, dining, adventure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibits),” Alabado said.

Alabado said that with the collaboration of different establishments here, he expects around 10,000 domestic and foreign tourists during the summer period.

DOT 11 recorded a total of 195,713 tourists from March 14 to April 16 last year, which is higher than the 190,334 tourist

arrival in the same period of 2013.

“We assume that the additional 5,000 tourist recorded last summer was because of the Davao Fun Sale,” Alabado said.

A total of nine malls and retail establishments in Davao City will give up to 70 percent discounts on their products.

These are the Abreeza Ayala Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao in Bajada and Toril, NCCC Mall, S&R shopping center, Robinsons Abreeza, SM City Davao-Ecoland, SM Lanang Premier, Victoria Plaza and Aldevinco Souvenir Shop.

Benjie Lizada, chief of the Restaurant Owners Association of Davao, said said the association has listed more than 100 restaurants from north to south of Davao City and grouped into 12 clusters that are participating in the seven-week fun sale.

Participating dining clusters are Matina Town Square, Damosa Gateway, Phoenix Mega Station, The Peak of GMall of Davao, Lanang Business Park, Bricklane and Obrero, Victoria Plaza Carpark, Rizal Street, Torres Street, Quimpo Boulevard, Roxas Street (with Aldevinco Souvenir Center), Eden Nature Park area, and Calinan area (Malagos Mountain Resort and Philippine Eagle Center) .

SM Lanang Premier’s Vikings will offer up to 25 percent discount to a group of four diners who will be able to present a VDFS passport.

“Vikings is offering one passport holder free for every group of four, so effectively 25 percent yun,” Lizada said.

Another sector of the tourism industry that will participate in this year’s fun sale is the health and wellness sector headed by Davao Wellness and Spa Association president Fides Bernabe.

Bernabe said a toptal of 30 owners of different spa establishments in the city will offer

Alliance Select shareholders hike authorized capital stock

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N a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), international food company Alliance Select Foods International Inc. (PSE : FOOD) reported receiving majority shareholder approval for the increase in the company’s authorized capital stock during a Special Stockholders’ Meeting held March 31st, 2015.

“The Stockholders of the Company representing more than 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock approved the increase in the authorized capital stock of the Company,” the company reported.

Specifically, the stockholders’ vote of approval was for the increase of the company’s authorized capital stock from 1.5 Billion Common Shares with a par value of P1.00 per share, to 3.0 Billion Common Shares with a par value of P 1.00 per share.

“My first three months as President have been hectic but productive. And the shareholders’ approval to increase Alliance’s authorized capital stock is heartwarmingly encouraging. I view it as a vote of confidence in the direction I, together with the new management team, have set out on.” said Raymond See, who assumed the position of President and CEO for Alliance Select just last December.

“We’re continuing to address all the issues relative to enhancing Alliance’s capacities, efficiencies and profitability.We will not let up. The ensuing capital we hope to raise from this exercise would prove invaluable to Alliance’s operations and growth. It will result in a company truly better poised for more active competition both here and abroad.”

See explained.

the “Madayaw Massage Promo” during the fun sale.

“We will be offering a 30 minute dry massage for P100 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 3 to May 17,” she said.

Hotels and accommodation establishments will also offer packages to both local and foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, Alabado said Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines will continue to offer seat sale during the VDFS durantion.

Tourism officer Lissette Marques estimated that the city would be able to earn P3 billion revenue from the sales and discount event that was an offshoot of the 2014 Big Davao THIRST QUENCER. Church-goers avail the free cold drinks on a warm afternoon as a juice manufacturer conducted a Fun Sale. free taste test outside San Pedro Cathedral on Good Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

SGV: BIR policies not helping Phl

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

CCOUNTING firm SGV & Co. said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) must review its policies and regulations in order to make the country attractive to foreign investments.

“In general, what foreign businesses are looking for is consistency in policy, predictability in a way we impose regulations and predictability in the way we apply rules,” SGV head of tax and general

counsel Wilfredo U. Villanueva told Edge Davao.

During his presentation at the launching of the Search for the Entrepreneur of the Year at SGV office at the Damosa IT Park, Villanueva said there were circular orders and memorandums issued by the bureau that lessen the competitiveness of the Philippines.

H said the recent order on electronic filing and registra-

tion, for instance, should be reviewed because taxpayers are still experiencing problem on the BIR’s Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) until now.

The eFPS refers to the system developed and maintained by BIR for electronically filing tax returns, including attachments, if any, and paying taxes due thereon, specifically through the internet.”

BIR has set April 15 as the

deadline for registration, but Villanueva doubted if many can comply because of the problem in the system.

“Foreign investment need the tax system and tax track simple, predictable and stable,” Villanueva said. “There cannot be a change on the midstream because otherwise we lose our competitiveness.”

Villanueva said many of the country’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Ase-

an) neighbors have “already achieved that level of maturity that made them a little bit more attractive than we are.”

“There’s a lot work that needs to be done from my purely tax point,” he said.

Villanueva said the present policies of BIR “are really contrary to the over-all policy of government to attract foreign investment.”

“The DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) for exam-

Electronics industry sees $6 to $7-B exports revenue

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PRICES UP. Prices of fish and other sea produce skyrocket during Lenten season when the demand is high as majority of Catholic faithful abstained from eating meat. Prices are expected to drop a week after the celebration of Lenten. Lean Daval Jr.

Malaysian arrivals in Phl post 27.24% growth in ‘14 M

ALAYSIAN tourists are looking at the Philippines more and more as favorite travel destination as it posted the highest growth in the country’s tourism arrivals in 2014 at 27.24 percent for the year, according to data from the Philippine Department of Tourism.

With 139,245 arrivals, Malaysia became the Philippines’ ninth largest tourist market for 2014, and it is also the third straight year that tourist arrivals from the country breached the 100,000 mark.

On the other hand, the Philippines is also an important tourism market for Malaysia, as it is the seventh major tourist market for the country, with 513,313 Filipinos visiting Malaysia last year.

“Malaysians are increasingly considering the Philippines as a preferred

option for their vacations, thanks to the pro-active tourism campaigns undertaken by the Philippines in line with Visit Philippines Year 2015 (VPY 2015).

“It is complemented by increasing air travel connectivity between the Philippines and Malaysia and positive word-of-mouth in social media about the beauty of our destinations and the graciousness and hospitality of our people,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said.

“We are looking forward to seeing more Malaysians visiting the country, as the VPY 2015 campaign ramps up and the country hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings.

“The Embassy is also doing its part to bring in more Malaysian tourists to the Philippines as we undertake the second edition

of the Ambassador’s Tour to the Philippines, specifically to Cebu and Bohol, on May 2 to 5,” he added.

“We are pleased to see a robust two-way flow in tourist exchanges, as people-to-people engagements and understanding serve as the best platform for stable, mutually beneficial relations,” Ambassador Malaya noted.

In 2014, Korea remained as the country’s leading source market with 1,175,472 arrivals, followed by the United States (722,750), Japan (463,744), China (394,951) and Australia (224,784).

Rounding up the top 10 were Singapore (179,099 arrivals), Canada (143,899), Taiwan (142,973), and the United Kingdom (133,665).

For January 2015, Malaysian tourist arrivals continues its upward trajecto-

ry as it posted the highest growth year-on-year at grew by 40.92 percent from previous year’s numbers, at 12,256 arrivals, compared to 8,697 arrivals during the same period last year. The country is also the eighth highest source of tourists for the same period.

Korea maintained its position as the leading source market for the country with 147,163 visitors, followed by the United States with 76,896 arrivals, Japan with 38,190 visitors, Australia with 23,281 arrivals and China with 21,164 visitors.

Other major tourism markets for January 2015 were Canada (17,922 arrivals), Singapore (12,995 arrivals), United Kingdom (11,967 arrivals), and Taiwan (11,804 arrivals).(PNA) SCS/CARF-PR/NOD

ple, and even the Department of Finance (DOF), as a whole, is into making the country more competitive as an investment destination. However, the BIR is going on the opposite way,” he said.

Villanueva added that everyone is hoping that when the next leadership of BIR comes in, there would be a shift in policy and hopefully a review of the things that needed to be reviewed.

HE country’s electronics industry projects exports revenue for the first quarter of 2015 at USD 6.0 billion to USD 7.0 billion, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI) President Dan Lachica said.

This is after electronics exports in January 2015 increased by 15 percent to USD 2.0 billion from January 2014’s figure of USD 1.78 billion.

The projected figure for Q1 2015 is also in line with the industry’s target growth of 5.0 to 7.0 percent for the full-year 2015 or reaching some USD 27.61 billion in export revenues from last year’s receipt of USD 25.8 billion, according to Lachica.

The SEIPI president said the industry will stick to its conservative 5.0- to 7.0-percent growth target even if the sector surpassed the growth projection last year.

“We want to be realistic with our projections,” he said.

He added that the falling oil prices also benefits the industry as it should translate to lower logistics cost, power, and raw materials.

Moreover, the country’s electronics exports revenue target for this year has yet to match the revenue level during its pre-slowdown performance, a World Bank study released last January 2015 said.

“Prior to the slowdown, electronics exports reached a peak of USD 32 billion... However, five years after the slowdown, electronics exports have yet to match its pre-slowdown performance. In 2008 and 2009, electronics exports fell by 7.0 and 21 percent, respectively. Nascent recovery of the global economy led to a jump in electronics exports by 38 percent in 2010. However, this rate of growth was not

FELECTRONICS, 10

SSS warns against fraudulent claimants

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HE Social Security System (SSS) warns the public against filing fraudulent claims following the decision of La Union Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), Branch II to sentence an SSS claimant found guilty of falsification of public documents.

MTCC Branch II Presiding Judge Edilberta O. Casiano convicted Noel Laconsay, SSS claimant, to a maximum imprisonment of four years and nine months for purporting to be the surviving spouse and beneficiary of a deceased SSS member who turned out to be alive.

Laconsay, a resident of Gonzales, Tubao, La Union was found guilty of Falsification of Public Documents for submitting spurious documents to support his SSS Funeral and Death Claim for a certain Maura Apurado, whom he claimed as his deceased wife.

Representing himself as

the widower, Laconsay personally filed claims by producing a fake funeral receipt, a falsified death certificate and true copies of the marriage certificate and birth certificate of the minor child of Maura. He also presented fake identification cards.

However, Laconsay’s unlawful acts were discovered

by SSS under its anti-fraud program.

“The timely discovery of the spurious claim prevented us from issuing the check.

But even without financial damage, we pursued the case against Mr. Laconsay. May his conviction be a strong warning we have strengthened our anti-fraud programs”, said Atty.

Rogelio Atos, Cluster Legal Head of SSS Luzon North.

Aside from imprisonment, Laconsay was also ordered to pay a fine of P5,000 plus the cost of the suit for violation of the Social Security Act and Articles and Revised Penal Code.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

7 GAME CHANGER

Davao boxer on the rise John Vincent Moralde eyes to sign up with American promoter

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

F

ROM Down Under to America.

This is the path John Vincent Moralde is taking after winning the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia featherweight crown just a couple of weeks back.

The 20-year-old Moralde said his manager Jim Claude Mananguil is planning to sign him with Zab Judah’s Super Judah Promotions this year.

Moralde said the agreement, if it pushes through, will have him seeing action in Las Vegas as part of his promotional fights under the American promoter.

Moralde said his manager told him about the plan after beating Brayd Smith last March 14 in Australia.

“I might be fighting in Las Vegas,” Moralde said in the vernacular.

But, before that, the young boxer from NHA Buhangin will climb the ring either in May or June this year.

Moralde, however, cannot

give further details about the fight as negotiations are still ongoing.

Just recently, Morade was recognized during the flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall grounds.

The young boxer also got the thrill of his life when he met Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, who even surprised him with a cash incentive of P20,000.

Moralde admitted the death of Smith following their bout initially affected him.

“I really felt sorry it ended that way. I sent my condolences to Smith’s f a m i l y.

His fa-

ther said they are not blaming me for what happened,” Moralde said.

Brendon Smith was at his son’s corner during the fight.

Moralde recalled that immediately after the bout, Brayd Smith congratulated him even asked to have a photo taken with him and his manager.

He obliged and that was the last time he saw Smith alive.

The Australian boxer returned to his dressing room and collapsed

some 90 minutes after the fight. He was placed in an induced coma and passed away two days later in a hospital when life support was taken off.

Smith was fighting in his hometown in Toowoomba, Australia, and had an unblemished record of 12-0 before facing the also undefeated Moralde in a ten-round championship bout.

Moralde, called Mulawin by his mother Erlinda and who now owns a record of 12-0 with six knockouts, is just one among a family of boxers. His elder brother Engelbert is the more popular of the two.

John Vincent Moralde, along with five of his stablemates at Sanman, was cited

at the recent 15th Annual Elorde Awards in Manila for winning the World Boxing Federation (WBF) International super bantamweight title last September in General Santos City.

Moralde and Smith will forever be linked by the tragedy in Australia, but the young Filipino boxer said he will continue fighting to feed his family.

He has a four-year-old son named Prince with wife Karen, his neighbor in NHA, Buhangin.

It will not be long before John Vincent Moralde climbs the ring anew to showcase his skills.

Who knows, this young man might end up the next Filipino world champion.

8

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VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

EDITORIAL The message of the Risen Christ

“

COME and see.”

That is the gist of Pope Francis’ Easter Urbi et Orbi.

Each year, the world’s dominant church celebrates Easter Sunday with a commemoration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is considered as the Good News of salvation, the culmination of the Gospel.

Pope Francis has emphasized that the “Church throughout the world echoes the angel’s message to the women: “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised… Come, see the place where he lay” ( Mt 28:5-6).

“Come and see.”

Christ’s resurrection, says Pope Francis, is the basis of our faith and our hope. “If Christ were not raised, Christianity would lose its very meaning; the whole mission of the Church would lose its impulse, for this is the point from which it first set out and continues to set out ever anew. The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has

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triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death.”

“Come and see.”

In our daily experiences, we encounter the different faces of this world--of happiness and despair, fullness and poverty, hope and helplessness. We are called to heed our brothers’ pleas for help. From the sick, the needy, the elderly and the outcast. Did we turn our cheek to check on them each time we are called.

“Come and see.”

As we reflect on Pope Francis’ message, we are called by him to “come and see” the world. We may have been blinded or lived too detached from our environment, or too engrossed and concerned with material wealth.

“Come and see.”

The Good News, says the Pope, is no mere matter of words, but a testimony to unconditional and faithful love: it is about leaving ourselves behind and encountering others, being close to those crushed by life’s troubles, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

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FEAR nothing; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised again; he is not here!” That was what the angel told Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome (the mother of James and John) when they went to the burial site of Jesus Christ.

The women visited the tomb to sprinkle more spices on the corpse. Jesus was buried on Friday afternoon and since Saturday was a Sabbath day, they were not able to do what they wanted to do. They planned of doing it on a Sunday morning.

“And very early on the Sunday morning, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. They were wondering among themselves who would roll away the stone for them from the entrance to the tomb, when they looked up and saw that the stone, huge as it was, had been rolled back already,” reported Mark (16:2-4).

After the discovery of the empty tomb, the Gospels indicate that Jesus made a series of appearances to the disciples. These include the appearance to the disciples in the upper room, where Thomas did not believe until he was invited to put his finger into the holes in Jesus’ hands and side and beside the Sea of Galilee to encourage Peter to serve his followers.

His final appearance is reported as being forty days after the resurrection when he ascended into heaven, where he remains with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit until His second coming.

The good news is that Jesus was alive. He was raised from the dead. As recorded in the New Testament, the resurrection became one of the most compelling doctrines of Christianity, because, according to this doctrine, by rising from the dead, Jesus gave humanity hope of a life after death.

“The resurrection was undoubtedly the central proclamation of the early church from the very beginning,” explained Dr. Gary Habermas, author of The Resurrection of Jesus: A Rational Inquiry.

I

NCIDENTALLY, this is a sequel of “BBL: To Insure Constitutionality” (COMMENT No. 8:15, February 16, 2015). In that article, we first discussed summarily the obstacles that imperil the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law bill in the Congress. The bill had been at a standstill and swamped by a deluge of legal and constitutional issues while time was running out. It still is, time is – even more.

Then we brought up the two alternative proposals to insure the BBL’s constitutionality and save the peace which Retired Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban discussed in his column article, “Saving the peace” (With Due Respect, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 8, 2015). The proposals: “Congress can either (1) delete the objectionable parts from the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) or (2) amend the Constitution.”

If adopted, the “(1)” will result in a BBL far from the original draft; the “(2)” will tie the BBL to the national plebiscite that would likely reject the proposed amendments.

We proposed a third alternative that while novel – in the form of a “judicial review” – is worth trying. Following is the proposal in full: “We propose a third alternative. If doable, it will be faster and less expensive.

“The Congress passes by majority vote the BBL as it is in the certified bill or with the slightest revision. A proviso will require that upon approval by the Congress, the BBL will be submitted not to the President for his signature but to the Supreme Court for judicial review. If the MILF has submitted to the wisdom of the Congress, the more they will trust the wisdom of the Supreme Court.

“The Act goes back to the Congress for the Bicameral Conference Committee to amend or delete the constitutionally questioned provisions according to the decision of the Court. This will be the “Court-refined” BBL. After it is approved by the Senate and the House it goes to the President for his approval then to the Moro people for ratification.

“The Congress, in passing the constitutionally questionable provisions, does not amend the 1987 Constitution but presumes them constitutional within the flexibility or spirit and intent of the Constitution. In submitting the BBL to the Supreme Court for judicial review, the Congress is asking the Court, as the final determiner of constitutionality, to scrutinize the presumptions with the end in view of having a truly constitutional BBL. “The constitutionality of the Basic Law that will establish the Bangsamoro in fulfillment of the Moro right to self-determination within the Philippine national sovereignty, with guarantee to preserve territorial integrity and in justice to all is better determined by the Supreme Court rather than through a national plebiscite. No matter how lofty are the ideals of democracy and sovereign will of the majority, they cannot assure the Moro right to self-determination will not be discriminated against in a national plebiscite.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

He is risen!

“The earliest Christians didn’t THINK ON THESE! endorse Jesus’ teachings; they were convinced they had seen him alive after his crucifixion. That’s what changed their lives and started the church.”

Theologian Gerald O’Collins Henrylito D. Tacio puts it this way: “In a profound henrytacio@gmail.com sense, Christianity without the resurrection is not simply Christianity without its final chapter. It is not Christianity at all.”

But skeptics, agnostics and non-Christians believe resurrection was a hoax. They have this theory that Jesus only fainted from exhaustion on the cross, or he had been given a drug that made him appear to die, and that he had later been revived by cool, damp air of the tomb.

In 1929, D.H. Lawrence wrote Love Among the Haystacks and Other Stories. In one of the stories, the author surmised Jesus escaped and fled to Egypt, where he fell in love with the priestess Isis.

Hugh Schonfield, the man behind The Passover Plot (1965), alleged that it was only the unanticipated stabbing of Jesus by the Roman soldier that foiled his complicated scheme to escape the cross alive.

The question is: Did Jesus really die in the cross or was it a sham? In the book, The Case for Christ, Dr. Alexander Metherell told author Lee Strobel that that Jesus really expired while he was hanging in the cross. When he was interviewed, Dr. Metherell was a consultant to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and a

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ

Part 1 of 2 “The critical questions: Will the members of the Congress humble themselves? Will the Supreme Court accept the BBL for judicial review?”

Even More Until the adjournment of the Congress last March 20, the bill did not move an inch. With time never in the mood to wait, the Congress has only 29 session days left for passing the BBL to meet its June 11, 2015 self-imposed deadline.

By the latest reports, the House Ad Hoc Committee on BBL will vote on its report on May 11 to 12; that will shorten to 22 session days at most the time for the plenary debates.

Even if the House passes its version of the BBL by June 11, it will only be half of the work done. That’s only a “Big IF”. The other half, the Senate version, as seen in media reports, does not show any SIZE of “IF” to pass.

What makes the “IF” very much “BIGGER” while time runs on are the increasing deluge of constitutional and legal issues burying Draft BBL. This is most evident in the Philippine Daily Inquirer report of March 30, “Chiz urges Aquino to alter draft BBL; Help of peace council needed, says senator”. The senators and congressmen sound more and more arrogant, jealous of their legislative authority, and uncompromising in their “take it or leave it” stance. We will comment on this next time.

Panganiban Opines Anew We think that despite his legal eminence, Panganiban only offered his two alternative solutions to the BBL’s constitutional controversies for the members of the Congress to consider as among their options. If they did consider, Proposal (1) only boosted the option of the outspoken members of the Congress; Proposal (2) has been ignored.

In deleting what they deem unconstitutional provisions of Draft BBL, the members of the Congress have two primary objectives: (1) to pass a BBL the constitutionality of which the Supreme Court will sustain if questioned; and, (2) to have a BBL acceptable to all.

Panganiban commented on objective “(1)” in his PDI two column (With Due Respect) articles, “MILF aspiration unchanged” on March 22; and, “Three vital references for BBL” on March 29.

Panganiban is of the opinion that: “Much has been said about the BBL’s constitutionality. However, all these opinions are mere guesses as to what the Supreme Court would do if the BBL, in its present form, is brought to it for a ruling.”(Bold text ours). Since under the present delineation of powers, “the Court (and the entire judiciary)

9

board certified in diagnosis by the American Board of Radiology.

Here’s the explanation of Dr. Metherell on the cause of death of Jesus: “Once a person is hanging in the vertical position, crucifixion is essentially an agonizingly slow death by asphyxiation. The reason is that the stresses on the muscles and diaphragm put the chest into the inhaled position; basically, in order to exhale, the individual must push up on his feet so the tension on the muscles would be eased for a moment. In doing so, the nail would tear through the foot, eventually locking up against the tarsal bones.

“After managing to exhale, the person would then be able to relax down and take another breath in. Again, he’d have to put himself up exhale, scraping his bloodied back against the coarse wood of the cross. This would go on and on until complete exhaustion would take over, and the person wouldn’t be able to push up and breathe anymore.

“As the person slows down his breathing, he goes into what is called respiratory acidosis – the carbon dioxide in the blood is dissolved as carbonic acid, causing the acidity of the blood to increase. This eventually leads to an irregular heartbeat. In fact, with his heart beating erratically, Jesus would have known that he was at the moment of death, which is when he was able to say, ‘Lord, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ And then he died of cardiac arrest.”

There are several other theories forwarded that Jesus Christ was never resurrected. There are those who believed that either Jesus or his disciples (or both) simply invented the entire thing. Christ, they claim, was simply a clever crook who read the prophecies regarding the Messiah in the Old Testament and set about arranging for them to be fulfilled by himself.

Others believed the early disciples were guilty of using some kind of primitive LSD. There are those who think only Jesus’ spirit arose. And there

are those who believed that Jesus Christ was only resurrected in the heart of his friends.

Jesus Christ appeared no less than seventeen times after his resurrection. Five of these occurred during the first Easter Sunday, and six more took place between that time and his ascension. The remaining six happened between Pentecost and the completion of the Bible.

“Taken as a whole, the appearances are of such various characters and to so many people under so many different circumstances that the proof of the resurrection of Christ is as solid as any historical fact that could be cited in the first century,” comments Dr. H. L. Willmington in Guide to the Bible.

Why is there so much ado about the resurrection of Christ? The resurrection is the very linchpin of the Christian faith. The apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 15:17: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

Dr. Willmington puts the resurrection in a different perspective manner. “The resurrection of Christ is the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence of the Christian faith,” he pointed out. “The sign of Christianity is really not the cross, but an empty tomb.”

Finally, here’s a thought from Dr. Charles S. Braden, author of The Word’s Religions: “Men do not rise from the dead. People do not pass through closed doors. People are not suddenly snatched away or do not suddenly disappear into thin air. Yet the disciple Thomas in particular was told to put his hand in the wounded side of his master and to feel the nail prints in his hand. So perplexing is the story that many modern people have been led to question the truth of it, though they find it hard to explain all the circumstances which the Gospel narratives recount… By far, the larger number of Christians today are quite confident in their belief that the Gospel narratives of His resurrection are wholly to be relied upon.”

does not render advisory opinions on the constitutionality of pending bills”, the best that the legislators can do is to predict the thinking of the Court.

Then he suggested: “I think the best way to predict what the Court would do is to analyze its decision in ‘North Cotabato vs Government’ promulgated on Oct. 14, 2008, and compare it with the BBL. This landmark decision, written by Justice (now Ombudsman) Conchita Carpio Morales, invalidated the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).”

His suggestion is premised on: First, inferentially, the BBL and the MOA-AD are essentially the same embodiment of the unchanged Moro aspiration of MILF. The “Bangsamoro” in the BBL is the same “Bangsamoro Juridical Entity” in the MOA-AD. Second, the Court invalidated the MOA-AD on finding its provision on “associative” relation between the BJE and the Central Government unconstitutional – the same relation of the Bangsamoro to the Central Government provided in the BBL termed as “asymmetrical”.

Third, the justices are zealous guardians of the Constitution. “Despite changes in its composition, the Supreme Court is a continuing entity that rarely reverses or modifies landmark decisions that are protective of the Constitution.” Only four members of the 2008 Court are in the present Court.

By closely comparing the BBL with the MOA-AD, the legislators can determine what provisions in Draft BBL to delete or revise for the BBL to be sustained by the Court should it be questioned. He advised the Congress “to ingest very well three vital documents: (1) the North Cotabato decision; (2) the concurring opinion of Justice Carpio, and (3) the memorandum of then Attorney Sereno” before enacting the BBL. Sereno, now Chief Justice, was counsel of Franklin Drilon as intervenor.

On saying, “How ironic it would be if, despite the lessons taught by the North Cotabato decision, the stirring opinion of Justice Carpio and the cogent arguments of CJ Sereno, Congress would still enact a constitutionallydefective BBL”, he was telling the Congress not to guess but to use “vital documents” of the Court to predict its thinking.

Rather than assuring the passage of the BBL by June 11, this raises vital questions.

Vital Issue Denied Let there be no doubt. Revising Draft BBL in the light of the “three vital documents” will result in a BBL that will stand the test of constitutionality before the Supreme Court.

Will that “save the peace”?

Will that establish the Bangsamoro that will solve the Moro Problem as felt and lived by the Moros not as seen by the Christian leaders in and out of the Congress? This vital question raises the vital difference – is what will save the peace.

The Moro Question is rooted in the Philippine Constitution that has consistently ignored vital Moro

interests and aspirations. Prior to the BBL: First, the 1934 Constitutional Convention ignored the 1934 Dansalan Petition for the inclusion of Moro aspirations. This precipitated the disenchanted but prophetic 1935 Dansalan Declaration.

Second, the Moro delegates to the 1972 Constitutional Conventions were similarly ignored. That added to the mounting Moro grievances.

Third, while the 1987 Constitution has provided for Muslim autonomy, the proposals for “genuine autonomy” by the 1989 Mindanao Consultative Commission and in the GRP-MNLF 1996 Final Peace Agreement were deleted respectively by the Congress in the name of constitutionality in enacting Republic Act 6734, the original ARMM Organic Act, and the amendatory RA 9054.

By revising the BBL Draft to strictly adhere to the 1987 Constitution, the Congress will deny the vital question: Can the legitimate Moro aspirations not be granted within the flexibility of the Constitution?

In Retrospect Why did it take 17 years for Government and MILF to sign the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro)?

It took that long for Government to understand that the Moros deserve some space within the flexibility of the Constitution.

From President Fidel V. Ramos to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, MILF would not recognize the Constitution but made demands that would call for constitutional amendments. One of the biggest blunders of Arroyo that led to the scuttling of the MOA-AD was her explicit commitment to amend the Constitution, an act solely reposed on the Congress.

After the resumption of the GRP-MILF negotiation in 2009, MILF used “Constitution” for the first time in its Peace Proposal – a reframe of the MOA-AD obviously following the suggestion of the Supreme Court in its October 2008 Decision invalidating the MOA-AD. While MILF said that was not in recognition of the Constitution it was an acknowledgment of the indispensability of the Constitution to the peace negotiation.

Under President Aquino III, Government (GPH) and MILF resolved contentious issues in the spirit of mutual understanding. MILF reconsidered their key demands satisfied with the assurance that GPH concessions were within the flexibility of the Constitution, thus making constitutional amendments unnecessary. GPH and MILF legal teams studied the constitutionality of the agreements.

After the Draft BBL had been submitted to the President the Office of the President (OP) legal team reviewed and revised the draft to insure its constitutionality and acceptability to all – to insure its smooth passage in the Congress. When MILF vehemently objected, the revisions were revised by the negotiating panels, by the OP and MILF legal teams and by MILF’s Mohagher Iqbal and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. The President and MILF Chairman Murad Ibrahim approved the finally “refined” Draft BBL.

BBL: To Insure Constitutionality II COMMENT

VANTAGE POINTS

10 NEWS

APRIL FOOLS’ DAY VICTIMS. Reporter Cheneen R. Capon, second from left, fooled lawyer-civic leader Leoncio “Nonoy” Villa-Abrille (left) and Y’s Men Association president Jose Valenzuela Jr. (right) during Edge Davao’s April

EDGEDAVAO

DPWH... FROM 3

Fools’ Day costume event, who believed she was a half indian grandson of editor Tony Ajero (second from right). In the middle is John Winston Anthony II, Ajero’s real grandson.

Malanyaon backs IBP-DavOr officers T

HE Integrated Bar in the Philippines (IBP)-Davao Oriental Chapter welcomed its new set of officers who took oath into office during the induction ceremony held in the City of Mati on March 30.

Davao Oriental IBP’s new president Atty. Roxan Apostol accepted the duties and responsibilities of this organization’s highest post from its out-going president Atty. Dulce Amor Mahumoc.

Atty. Apostol, during his acceptance speech, urged members of the IBP Davao Oriental Chapter to work as a team in their endeavors in the ‘legal community’.

He told fellow lawyers that each of them has their own important role to play and solicited their solid support to the chapter’s goals and visions.

He also bared his hopes for the construction of the organization’s very own building. “I really feel the significance of the IBP building as our identity and the sign of our existence,” he said.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, whose strong support helped buoy the organization, expressed her strong support to the advocacies and visions of the IBP Davao Oriental Chapter. She also advised the officers of the IBP to craft a program of works for the construction of their new building with funds to be sourced out from the collective contributions of different donors and stakeholders.

A lawyer by profession, Gov. Malanyaon said how significant the legal community is to the society which is anchored to ser-

sustained in succeeding years as exports contracted yet again by 23 and 0.3 percent in 2011 and 2012, respectively,” the World Bank stated.

It added that compared to the electronics exports of neighboring countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam which already surpassed the pre-slowdown export performance, and Malaysia which is close to recovering its losses, the Philippines electronics exports have not fully recovered since the 2009 global slowdown which led to a decline in electronics export.

Lachica, on the other hand, noted that the aforementioned Asian neighbors had aggressive public and pri-

vate investments compared to the country; thus, recovering from the decline.

He added, despite the global demand has recovered, there are factors locally that temper the growth of the industry.

“Investments develop revenue,” said Lachica citing public investments, particularly in infrastructure, are needed by the industry aside from firms’ investments.

Likewise, the World Bank -- in its study -- identified constraints for the Philippine electronics industry to grow which include high power cost, insufficient infrastructure, and cumbersome trade regulations particularly non-tariff barriers, among others.(PNA)

Electronics... FROM 6

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

vice and to inspire their fellow countrymen.

Guest Speaker Atty.

Ronald S. Tolentino of the Philippine Judicial Academy, Supreme Court of the Philippines, encouraged the members of the chapter composed of mostly young lawyers to work hard to achieve their dreams.He reminded them that there will be a lot of sacrifices especially to the officers. He also underlined the importance of team-work in their every endeavor.

Asuccessful and accredited mediator who uses Alternative Dispute Resolution in resolving disputes with concrete effects, Atty.

Tolentino shared his experiences in resolving conflicts and assisting negotiations of clients through communication.

With this, he suggests

the significance of pushing the creation of a Philippine Mediation Center here in Davao Oriental to bring law services closer to the people. He also challenged the lawyers to try to advocate for the creation of a law school in Davao Oriental.

By establishing this, he said it will draw the establishment of the Judicial Dispute System here which will bring ‘judges to train our judges’ here in province. “This will result to the faster resolution of cases.

Through this you bring justice to the people of Davao Oriental,” he said.

With the theme IBP Davao Oriental, Miyembroako, SuportahanKo, PalambuonKo, the oath taking ceremony was officiated by inducting officer RTC Judge Emilio Dayanghirang III. Karen Lou Deloso

really become bigger, from about P9 billion last year to about P15 billion this year or a tremendous increase of about P5 billion, tasks to respond this challenge by his fixed manpower have been great, causing “a little delay” which further generated a domino-like effect in the work chain.

“That’s why I created two more survey teams,” he said, citing one among his quick fixes on a sudden big-budget situation.

Alquisa also reported that of the 358 infrastructure projects lined up last year, there are still 44 projects ongoing at present, with the 304 completed projects accounting 92.46-percent accomplishment rate even as the 2013 fiscal year’s accomplishment had already mopped up 99.58 percent of the year’s P8.3-billion budget.

He also bared that this year’s priority projects would be the paving or concreting of important and strategic roads spread across the region, most of which interconnect parts of provincial interiors and backwoods while some prom-

ise great impacts to support known eco-tourism and historical sites in the region.

Included among the national roads up for paving or completion in 2015 fiscal year are the Tagum (Davao del Norte)-Veruela (Agusan del Sur), Tagum City-Kapalong-Talaingod-Bukidnon road, Compostela (Compostela Valley)-Cateel (Davao Oriental) road, Mati (Davao Oriental)-Maragusan (Compostela Valley) road, Davao del Sur-Sarangani road, Mati-San Agustin road, Bansalan-Mount Apo area road, Samal Island circumferential road, Digos-Kapatagan road and the road leading to Pusan Point, the known site of the first sunlight of the New Millennium, in Caraga, Davao Oriental.

On the the other hand, DPWH Davao del Norte District Engineer Lorna Ricardo bared that DPWH for her provinced has 76 big infrastructure projects this year worth P507.5 million, 12 of which are ongoing and 53 projects are still on procurement stage.

Cha Monforte, Correspondent

operations by Army Rangers to prevent dislocation of villagers,” Catapang said.

The military remained on alert in Maguindanao as intelligence information showed that the BIFF will avenge the death of “Commander Bisaya,” leader of the group’s hit squad that ligquidated at least six unarmed soldiers in Datu Saudi and Datu Piang towns in Maguindanao.

Commander Bisaya, whose real name is Yusof Abisali, was killed with two

other ranking BIFF commanders, siblings Norodin and Salahudin Indong, in a clash with elements of the 34th Infantry Battalion and the 1st Mechanized Brigade after the military imposed suspension of military operations (SOMO) to allow graduation ceremonies in Datu Saudi, Datu Salibo and Datu Unsay towns.

Four soldiers, including an ambulance driver, were also killed in the ensuing fire fights. (PNA)

under a database that government and nongovernment agencies can use for their own programs.

DSWD regional director Priscilla Razon, in an earlier interview, warned residents not to be fooled by ambitious

politicians into voting for them in exchange for staying in the DSWD list.

“There is no such thing,” Razon said, adding that it was only the DSWD that would determine the membership of all beneficiaries. (MindaNews)

Is BIFF... FROM 4

DSWD... FROM 4

CONFESSION. A priest places his hand on a parishioner’s head while offering a prayer during confessions at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Good Friday.

Lean Daval Jr.

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

Smart backs Earth Hour W IRELESS services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) supported anew this year’s Earth Hour celebration that culminated in a switchoff at the Quezon City Memorial Circle last March 28.

The telco provided connectivity to the activity that was organized by WWF Philippines. It also mounted a social media campaign where attendees took selfies using the #SmartEarthHour roving photo frame, and posted these on popular social media channels along with their pledge to help protect the

planet.

Arcel Dacir of Smart Public Affairs (in phot0 announced the winners of the Smart Earth Hour social media contest following the switch-off. The winners each received Earth Hour shirts.

Smart supported similar activities in other parts of the country through various initiatives, including the donation of bike racks, and mangrove planting in Cebu City. Smart has been strongly supporting various environmental advocacy initiatives as part of its community partnerships program.

BIKE RACKS. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) turns over to the city government of Cebu bike racks to kick off the Earth Hour celebration last March 28. Located at the back of the Tourist Police Office in Plaza Sugbo of downtown Cebu, the joint project of Smart and City Councilor Nida Cabrera promotes the use of bicycles as a means of transportation in the city. Smart has been strongly supporting various environmental advocacy initiatives as part of its community partnerships program. Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, head of Smart Public Affairs-VisMin (4th from left, front row) turned over the bike racks to Cebu Vice Mayor Edgar Labella (5th from left, front row) and Councilor Cabrera (5th from left, back row), while members of the Tindak Sugbo Bikers Coalition witness the ceremonial turnover.

Kickstart earmarks up to P2.2 B for high-growth startups G

LOBE Telecom has earmarked up to US$50 million (P2.2 billion) in a new venture capital (VC) fund which its wholly-owned subsidiary Kickstart Ventures, Inc. will use to help drive the rapid growth of high-potential startups.

This growth fund or “Fund 2”targets startups in expansion mode anywhere in the world with clear regional and global prospects.

“In the Philippines, I have yet to see a startup break through in a big way, not because of lack of talent but because the whole sector is devoid of support. Large tech incumbents operate well here, but startups struggle,” said Ernest L. Cu, Globe President and CEO, explaining the Fund’s rationale.

“Globe has been finding and working with smaller, innovative startups to boost the quality of its customer experience, with very good

results.So good that they get acquired by large global companies at respectably higher valuations! Seeing this potential, we believe that Kickstart can use the VC fund to help our startup partners to scale even faster via an equity investment,” Cu added.

Kickstart started in 2012 with a $2.4M seed fund or “Fund 1” focused on seed and early-stage startups.

For Fund 1, Kickstart also recently received a US$1.1 million (P50 million) top-up for 2015 deals. Investment targets of Fund 1 can be domiciled in any country and have no nationality requirements. Its earlier-stage nature means closer, more frequent mentoring, thus, Fund 1 portfolio companies tended to have some of their operations in the Philippines.

On the other hand, Fund 2 expands on Globe Telecom’s innovation thesis

and is possibly the largest commitment to early-stage startup investing coming out of a Philippine company.

Like Fund 1, investment targets of Fund 2 can be based in any country with no nationality requirements for founders but they are aimed at more developed startups that have validated their product-market fit and are now looking to expand.

“We are looking for startups that have strategic capabilities of value to communications and digital companies, in which we could invest more significant sums at Series “A” round and beyond to drive customer adoption and market momentum.

These startups can be anywhere in the world and this new fund underscores our confidence that Philippine capital and the Philippine market will support innovation,” said MinetteNavarrete, Kickstart President.

Globe President and CEO Ernest L. Cu announces fresh US$50M VC funding during Kickstart’s 3rd anniversary celebration attended by startup founders, mentors, partners, among others.

Fund 2 is intended to help drive rapid growth in startups focused on the digital communications domain and encompasses telecoms as well as media, data analytics, Internet of Things, financial services, health, education, IT security, and energy and spectral efficiency.

Startups would be able to leverage the relationships of

Kickstart within the Ayala and Singtel networks through the ff:1) having their product undergo technical due diligence from Globe in anticipation of a Philippine market roll-out and 2) receiving warm introductions to affiliate operating companies in the region as well as to mentors, advisors, and investor contacts of Kickstart.

So far, Kickstart has made

20 investments. Many have grown and attracted follow-on funding from third-party investors including recognized institutional investors like Y Combinator, 500 Startups, Omidyar, Wavemaker, IMJ Investment Partners, FutureNow Ventures, Seawood Capital, Elea Foundation, and a number of local and overseas angel networks.

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EVENT

Toque to the young

SOMETHING delicious was adrift last March 25 when Seda Hotel officially launched its summer workshop for kids. Amidst bowls of Oreo cookies and perfectly simmered tomato sauce already prepped, a host of about fifteen children ages 6 to 11 were welcomed to the maiden run of the hotel’s Little Chefs Summer Workshop.

Seda Hotel manager Kennedy Capulong introduced the lead toque for the young apprentices, Chef Giovanna “Bang” Flores, who is Seda Abreeza’s resident Sous Chef.

Chef Bang took up various pastry courses and workshops at the prestigious Enderun Colleges in Manila and previously taught at local culinary school iChef. She was also a guest chef for InterContinental Manila’s “Davao Food Festival” at Café Jeepney last year. Although the basic task of Chef Bang was to impart basic kitchen knowledge to her young charges, she made sure to add some fun spice to the

Seda Hotel’s Little Chefs Workshop

three-day activity by way of novel introductions through candy and music from their favorite animated films. Many treats were said to be in store, including pizza, pasta, chocolates, muffins and other sweets.

STYLE SCRIBE A4

Kids of varying ages are grouped together at their work stations.

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EVENT

David Guison graces Abreeza Fashion Forum Original Penguin brand ambassador shares fashion tips for men ON MARCH 26, 2015, the Abreeza Fashion Forum brought to Davao’s fashion fans one of America’s most iconic fashion brands and one of the Philippines’ top style bloggers.

David Guison shares styling tips and tricks for men at the Abreeza Fashion Forum.

Host Mau Abella with David Guison.

David Guison with the Original Penguin Philippines and Abreeza Mall teams.

Taking the spotlight at Abreeza’s monthly fashion gathering was Original Penguin Philippines brand ambassador David Guison, who presented styling tips and tricks for men that made use of this season’s coolest trends.

The talk, titled “An Original Dapper,” showcased the recently launched Spring 2015 Collection of Original Penguin.

David kicked off his presentation with an introduction on Original Penguin, a brand which has been the epitome of dapper cool since 1955 when it brought the first iconic golf shirt to America. David also highlighted the influence Original Penguin has grown to have, with different personalities in the US and in the Philippines—from Brad Pitt to Manny Pacquiao—spotted wearing the brand. He then dished styling tips for men using pieces from the Spring 2015 Collection, which draws inspiration from the scenes and colors of late 1950s Miami Beach yet retains Original Penguin’s signature dapper appeal.

After the talk, David stayed for a meet and greet with his Davaoeño read-

ers, while Fashion Forum guests visited the Original Penguin store at the second floor of Abreeza Mall to view the new collection.

Guests also received special gifts from Original Penguin, including limited edition journals which bore the brand’s hashtag, #BeAnOriginal.

The Fashion Forum is a monthly convergence of fashion and lifestyle press, bloggers, designers, insiders, students, and enthusiasts that serves as a platform for the discussion and promotion of notable trends, projects, personalities, brands, ideas, and more. Through the Fashion Forum, Abreeza Mall hopes to nurture and spread a stronger style consciousness in Davao City with the support and collaboration of industry professionals, members of the media, and local fashion fans.

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

Alain Canada, Justin Pua, and Karla Gonzalvo of Original Penguin Philippines.

David Guison demonstrates styling tricks on writers Jesse Boga and Edward Lactaoen.

David Guison poses with Davao fans.

UP AND ABOUT

SM Lanang Premier to launch Pomelo Festival IN SUPPORT for the 6-week citywide sale and events extravaganza – the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS), SM Lanang Premier is spearheading the first ever Davao Pomelo Festival to draw more local and foreign tourists from April 10 to May 17.

Co-presented by the Davao Pummelo Stakeholder’s Association, Inc. (DPSAI), the said festival aims to promote support for the production and export of pomelo as one of the foremost fruits being grown and harvested in Davao City. As a food tourism effort, it also intends to create increased awareness and appreciation for the fruit people love for its sweet, juicy and tangy taste.

Leading pomelo producers

– Nenita Farms, Davao Golden Pomelo, Inc., Hellen Cabalida, Sheba Marie Elefante and Rosemarie Ambay – are set to participate in the Davao Pomelo Festival, which will open on April 10, 5 pm at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court grounds.

Tourists and even locals are invited to pop in and get a taste of Davao’s favorite fruit at the Pomelo Market, which runs from April 10 to May 17.

Once hooked to the mouth-

watering goodness of pomelo, they can join the fun at the EatAll-You-Can fest happening all Saturdays and Sundays during the said period.

On April 18-19 and 25-26, the public is invited to witness Pomelo Dishes and Drinks Chef Demos at the festival.

Featured chefs will show how

the fruit can spice up and enhance the flavor of food and beverage with a dash of creativity and imagination.

The Davao Pomelo Festival is part of the Flavors of the Philippines campaign of the Department of Tourism for VDFS. It is supported by the Davao City Government, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry and REDDLtd “Sharing Knowledge for Ethical and Tasty Food.”

For inquiries, call 285-0943 local 135-138. Check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates and exclusive promos.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Coco and Toni team-up for the first time in the official summer romantic movie

Pacquiao vs Mayweather tickets for sale at SM Cinema Lanang

THE long wait is finally over as Star Cinema brings together, for the very first time, Coco Martin and Toni Gonzaga in You’re My Boss – the biggest and most exciting romanticcomedy to hit cinemas this summer.

Coco and Toni are undoubtedly two of the biggest and most accomplished young stars of ABS-CBN today. Coco is one of the industry’s most respected and talented actors as evident in his impressive and diverse body of work, which includes a consistent string of top-rating primetime TV series, a handful of high-profile multi-media endorsements, and several blockbuster films, the most recent of which is the topgrossing Feng Shui, which was one of the official entries of Star Cinema in the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Toni on the other hand, is rightfully dubbed as showbiz’ Ultimate Multi-Media Star. Like Coco, Toni has enjoyed a string of non-stop blockbuster films since she was catapulted to the mainstream as a top singer and recording artist, concert performer, and television host. Toni is also one of the most trusted and top celebrity endorsers in the country today. In 2014, Toni created history as her Valentine movie Starting Over Again opposite Piolo Pascual earned almost Php500M in both domestic and international box-office.

Together, the fresh and unexpected pairing of Coco and Toni will make create movie magic as the newest box-office tandem to beat in You’re My Boss, especially after the recent blockbuster successes of their respective films.

SM Cinema has a treat in store for all boxing fans who want to watch the Battle for Greatness on May 3, 2015.

Buy your ticket in advance at SM Cinema to get a Pacquiao vs Mayweather t-shirt for free. Ticket prices are P600 for digital cinema and P1200 for IMAX. Promo is ongoing until April 2.

For inquiries, call SM Cinema Lanang at 285-2356. Check out SM Cinema on Facebook for event and promo updates.

You’re My Boss is written and directed by Antoinette Jadaone, who is known as the breakout romantic-comedy director of 2014 and is also widely acknowledged for her unforgettable “hugot lines.” It should also be noted that Jadaone also wrote and directed That Thing Called Tadhana, which now officially ranks as the highest grossing independent Filipino film of all time.

You’re My Boss is centered on the amusing predicament of a top-level executive and a assistant who will switch roles in

a desperate act to close a huge deal. Their plan may go well but could their hearts keep up with the act they are playing?

You’re My Boss is a fun and light summer movie that will surely capture the hearts of millions of Filipinos. Fans can look forward to a summer they will never forget as You’re My Boss aims to show them if honesty, truth, and true love can truly triumph over lies and pretenses.

You’re My Boss is showing in all cinemas nationwide starting April 4.

Love’s many facets unveiled in ‘Karelasyon’ IT may be the greatest gift one could have, but as beautiful as love is, relationships that are romantic in nature also have their share of trials and temptations that put these relationships to the test.

This April, GMA News and Public Affairs proudly presents Karelasyon—the newest drama anthology set to reveal the real nature of relationships based on true-to-life experiences of people who have faced different ordeals in the hopes of keeping the love of their lives.

Since not all love stories are speak of warmth, hearts, and butterflies, Karelasyon sheds light on afflictions that may come with

choosing to be with someone like extramarital relations; secret identity; extreme jealousy, ambition, and vices; family or work-related issues; obsession with sex, money, and even material possessions.

Each story, brought to life by notable Kapuso stars and crafted by this generation’s talented pool of independent film writers and directors, depicts the difficulty, pain, controversy, and even tragedy that a Filipino deals with the moment he falls in love and chooses to be attached to someone.

Karelasyon is hosted by no less than Kapuso premier leading lady and TV host Carla Abellana. It airs every Saturday beginning April 11 only on GMA.

April 4-5, 2015

YOU'RE MY BOSS Toni Gonzaga, Coco Martin PG

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

FURIOUS 7 Vin Diesel, Paul Walker PG

10:40 | 1:30 | 4:20 | 7:10 | 10:00 LFS

SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke G

R-16

11:35 | 1:40 | 3:45 | 5:50 | 7:55 | 10:00 LFS

HOME / * FURIOUS 7 Rihanna, Jim Parsons / * Vin Diesel, Paul Walker G/ *PG

11:25 | 1:25 | 3:25 LFS / * 5:25 | 8:15 LFS

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EVENT

Seda Hotel Manager Kennedy Capulong welcoming everyone to the launch of the Little Chefs Summer Workshop.

Excitement mounts as the young participants are handed their aprons and toques.

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STYLE SCRIBE A1 The creations for that afternoon were perennial kiddie favorites pepperoni pizza and cookies and cream cupcakes. The young stages were handed their toques, aprons and hand towels and assigned their workstations. Kids of different ages were grouped together and handed detailed recipes.

Without knowing it and while being able to sample the products of their labors, exposing the children to the ways of the kitchen was an excellent way to teach them how to follow instructions. The kid-friendly recipes that were shared were practical keepsakes that will encourage making cooking and baking an experience that can be mutually fun for both and parent or guardian when replicated at home. The rigors of kitchen life took a back seat that afternoon, in favor of wonderful smells and the young chefs making something with their hands.

The Little Chefs Summer Workshop is open to kids aged 6 to 11 years old.

Each run will last for three days at a time. The registration fee of Php 5,000 per child will be inclusive of the following: toque and

Chef Bang Flores issuing out instructions. apron, recipes and ingredients, certificate of participation and a photo souvenir. Schedule of classes are from 2:00-4:00PM Saturdays to Mondays on the following schedules: Batch 1 – April 18-20, Batch 2 – April 25-27, Batch 3 – May 16-18 and Batch 4 – May 23-25.

For more details and registration, please call (0820 322-8888 or email dvo@sedahotels.com. Seda Hotel Abreeza is located at J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Seda Hotel’s friendly kitchen staff on hand and ready to aid the young Davao City. apprentices.

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EDGEDAVAO

VM Security Technologies Inc., Wholesaler and Retailer of Security Equipments (e.g.cctv, biometrics, fire and burglar alarm, access control) and System Integrator (Structured Cabling/Auxiliary System), is currently hiring for the ff. positions:

1. Marketing Manager (2) 2. Sales/Area Manager (5)

Qualifications are as follows: *College Graduate (Any Course) *Male/Female at least 21 years old *With very good Public Relations (P.R.) Skills *Good looks and pleasing personality is a big plus *Applicants with experience in Retail/Corporate Sales will be an advantage *Willing to travel Visayas/Mindanao Area *Female Models with experience in Exhibits/Trade Shows are also encouraged to apply

*Applicants who will be hired as regular staff will receive the ff. benefits: **SSS, Philhealth and Pagibig **Transportation and Communication Allowance **Monthly food allowance **Annual Sales Commission of around P800,000 to P1,000,000 for those who will meet Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Sales Target.

**Interested applicants may email their resume at sales@vmtech.com.ph or call our office at (0917)3293471(CEBU) or (0917)7952469 (DAVAO) for interview schedule

**NOW HIRING FOR CEBU AND DAVAO!!!!!!!

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DARIO R. LACAP has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among his heirs per Doc. No.351; Page No.71; Book No. XXII; Series of 2011, of the NOTARY PUBLIC PAQUITO G. BALASABAS 3/23,30,4/6

There’s a better way to get attention.

Advertise

with

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14 MOTORING

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

BMW launches 2 Series Active Tourer B

MW is entering into a whole new market segment with the Philippine launch of the first-ever 2 Series Active Tourer. Known as a staunch supporter of the traditional driver’s car layout—rear wheel drive—the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the German brand’s first frontwheel drive vehicle. As such, it’s aimed more towards a new breed of BMW buyers who’re looking for a practical family car that doesn’t sacrifice spirited perfor-

W

mance.

Not to be confused with the regular 2 Series, which keeps a front-engine, rearwheel drive layout, the 2 Series Active Tourer rides on an all-new platform that’s actually shared with the MINI Cooper. The reason behind the shift to front-wheel drive is simple: it allows the 2 Series Active Tourer to have high levels of versatility and functionality. It taps on the growing segment of premium MPVs, especially in family-centric markets such

as the Philippines.

Despite a compact length of 4,342 millimeters, it has an ultra-long wheelbase of 2,670 millimeters. It’s has a roomy and practical interior with rear seats that offer extreme flexibility. With the 40/20/40 split-fold seats down, it boasts of 1,510 liters of luggage space.

Other than more interior room than what its exterior dimensions suggest, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has a semi-elevated driving position for a commanding

This Subaru is Faster to 100 kph than a La Ferrari

HAT’S faster than the La Ferrari to 100 km/h? Try the new Subaru WRX STIbased VT15x. Developed by Vermont Sportscar to compete in the 2015 Red Rull Global Rallycross series, the VT15x has 580 horsepower from its turbocharged flat-4 enabling it to accelerate to 100 km/h in just two seconds flat. That’s faster than the La Ferrari.

The all-wheel drive monster will be driven this year by Bucky Lasek who will be joined by Sverre Isachshen. Travis Pastrana will join the team at the X Games event as well as some other “to-be-determined” rounds down the race calendar.

The VT15x has a 2.0-liter flat-4 based off Subaru’s racing EJ20 engine mated to a 6-speed sequential gear-

box developed by SADEV. The wide body set-up also enables the car to accept wider wheels made by METHOD and larger tires.

For 2015, Vermont Racing changed everything with the chassis from the center of gravity, aerodynamics, and other suspension upgrades.

The first race of the Global Rallycross event begins on May 31.

view of the road and good traffic visibility. More than that, it keeps the usual BMW driver-centric interior with intuitive controls. Front and center is the BMW iDrive system that offers unparalleled multimedia and connectivity options for everyone on board.

Outside, it combines traditional BMW styling cues and an MPV body. The signature double kidney grille is flanked by twin LED headlights with corona rings. The elongated silhouette and

discreet wedge shape adds more depth to its appearance. From the back, it has BMW’s trademark L-shaped tail lamps.

For the Philippine market, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be offered solely as the 218i. This means, it’s powered by BMW’s first-ever three-cylinder gasoline engine. With TwinPower Turbo technology, the 1.5-liter powerplant produces a peak horsepower of 136 at 4,400 rpm and 220 Nm from 1,250 rpm. Mated to this is

an 8-speed automatic which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 9.2 seconds while consuming just 21.73 km/L. It also comes standard with EfficientDynamics that includes idle start/stop, brake energy regeneration, and such. It also has the Driver Experience Control that alters drive settings between ECO PRO, SPORT, or COMFORT. The BMW 218i Active Sport Tourer is now available at a retail price of P 2,950,000.

in the day’s activities were CAC Sales Director, Renato G. Velasquez; After Sales Director, Apollo R. Rosal; Vice President for Human Resources, Menchie L. Competente; Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Hernando D. Gañac, Jr.; and CAC President, Ginia R. Domingo.

The rest of the day was slated for the taxing exams.

The Service Advisors were tested on their knowledge of standard operating procedures or Kia’s 10-Step Service Process. The Technicians were evaluated on their theoretical knowledge via a written exam and on technical know-how via simulated problem-solving exams for various electrical, engine, transmission, and on-vehicle circumstances.

The scoring for Parts Specialist included a combination of written and practical exams on parts identification, problem-solving, and demand forecasting simulation. Sales Consul-

tants were tested on-thespot on how a sales process should be conducted– from prospecting, to consultation and product demonstration, up to negotiation and closing. They were assessed and scored by a panel of judges depending on their actions during a simulated walk-through with a prospective customer.

A special awarding ceremony at Acacia Hotel was held the following night to recognize the deserving participants at Kia’s skills competition.

The winners are as follows: Service Advisor: Champion- Ferdinand Ralar from Kia Pampanga Technician:ChampionReymark Romasanta from Kia Pasig Parts Specialist: Champion- Agnes Rafael from Kia Bulacan Sales Consultant: Champion- Yvonne Angelika Uy from Kia Cebu-Gorordo

Kia National Skills World Cup recognizes best in After Sales

C

OLUMBIAN Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in the Philippines, and its After Sales division recently concluded the 8th Kia National Skills World Cup. Held last March 19, 2015 at the Kia Pasay Training Center, personnel from Kia dealerships nationwide competed in a test of skill and knowledge in diagnosis, troubleshooting, repair, and customer service that should be attuned to Kia’s global top-notch standards.

The annual event tested the best Service Advisors, Technicians, and Parts Specialist in a grueling written exam and equally pressure-packed practical exams. For the first time since the program’s introduction in the Philippines, a category for Sales Consultants was also included in the competition.

CAC executives were in full force as they welcomed the participants. Present

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SPORTS 15

Tiger is playing in Augusta afterall T

FINALIST. Andy Murray hits a backhand against Tomas Berdych (not pictured) in a men’s singles semi-final on day twelve of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Geoff Burke

Djokovoc, Murray in Finals W

ORLD number one Novak Djokovic will face Britain’s Andy Murray in the final of the Miami Open for a third time on Sunday after the pair triumphed in their semi-finals.

The pair have one win each against each other at Miami but Djokovic will be looking for a repeat of his Australian Open win over the Scot and to improve his 17-8 career record against him.

Third seed Murray delivered a controlled and precise performance to beat Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-4 while Djokovic faced greater resistance in the form of big-serving American John Isner but still won 7-6(3) 6-2.

The first set was on-

I

WAS back in my hometown Mati for a short respite, taking advantage of the long Holy Week break.

So two days out of the usual grind kind of eased some tension from work. No keyboards to knock and no stories to read. Literally just eat, sleep and some NBA2K15 games on PS4 on the side.

It was a break like no other. For one, it was just right on time with my head buzzed all week with nagging pain which the neurologist suspects as migraine pending my date with cranial CT scan this week.

The Holy Week break is something we all look forward to. A spiritual break that’s set

serve throughout but the Serb emerged victorious from the tie-break and never looked back.

The four-times Miami champion broke twice early in the second to open up a 4-1 lead and from then on the match was out of Isner’s reach.

The big-serving American was unable to create a single break point in the game but the 29-year-old, ranked 24th in the world, will be encouraged by his run to the last four.

“It is always tough to play someone who serves that well, at times it is frustrating,” said Djokovic.

“It is important to hang in there mentally, be patient and make him play.

I put a lot of pressure on his second serves, moved him around the court and for our time to reflect and atone for our misgivings rooted on our Catholic faith. Growing up as a kid in my once sleeping hometown (now it has awaken and has become practically like a 24-hour party town), the Holy Week observance is a family practice that’s very sacred. I remember as a boy, my father would require us to hold our rosaries and kneel down for most time of the day in prayer.

In those rustic days, we would curl up in bed listening to radio drama shows re-enacting the death of Jesus Christ, listen to the “Seven Last Words” and join all church services. I noticed at those days

always made him play an extra shot. I am pleased with my performance.”

Earlier, in bright sunlight and Floridian heat, Murray broke Berdych early in both sets and looked in charge throughout, winning 80 percent of first-serve points while registering four service breaks.

Berdych made a break in each set himself but with Murray’s defence strong and the Scot making few errors, the Czech was unable to overtake him.

The Scot feels comfortable at Miami where he won in 2009 and 2013 and lost to Djokovic in the 2012 final.

Murray spends his off-season practice time on the stadium court at

Neil Bravo

too, everyone is in deep reflection. You could hardly see a vehicle on the road, or people outside. No one was working and we were told that anything you do in harm of those beliefs will weigh hard on Jesus’ cross and hurt Him more.

been plagued by a woeful short game over recent months.

“I am excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate everyone’s support,” he said.

Woods, who is still adapting to the fifth swing change of his career, this time with new consultant Chris Como, has dropped to 104th in the world rankings and bookmakers consider him a longshot to win the Masters.

Centrebet and Ladbrokes both list him at 40/1.

World number one Rory McIlroy is the tournament favorite.

Former player Notah Begay said Woods was “completely undecided” until the last couple of days about whether to play, as he continued to evaluate his game.

“One of the first discussions we had was not to come back until he felt he was ready and could compete,” Begay, a confidant of Woods, said on Golf Channel.

“So obviously he feels like his game and all the work is really starting to show some dividends. I know he’s not just there to play. He’s there to compete.”

the Crandon Park Tennis Center and has clearly acclimatised to the heat and humidity.

“I’ve obviously played some good tennis here over the years. The reason for that is because I’m extremely familiar with the conditions, with the surface, the way the court plays,” he said.

“There are little things in the court that maybe players that haven’t played on it that much won’t really know.

“Because I practice on it all the time, I know how the ball bounces in certain areas and which serves work into certain spots on the court and how the ball responds off different spins. So that’s why I feel comfortable on it,” he said.

Blazers clinch division title

These days, the practices of the old Holy Weeks days are gone. People take the break as a time for parties, time for the beach, outdoor adventures and time for some good times catching up with friends. Cars abound on the road, stores are open, and bars are serving alcohol. In short, the Holy Week observance has become just a mere thought.

The Christian world has changed. Even the traditional fasting is no longer religiously observed. Meats are sold and served like ordinary days, who who’s fasting?

I look at children these days and they no longer take the Lenten break the way we

took it as kids. Indeed, times have changed.

I see this as a big challenge for the Church to bring back the old Lenten tradition. The priests, they too have changed from the modest to the modern, must take the cudgels of restoring the time-honored tradition and the deeply-rooted faith. We don’t need good-looking churches, or priests in flashy cars and updated gadgets. As Pope Francis has reiterated, we go back to the poor church, not a lavish, high-spending clergy.

It’s a responsibility I believe the priests and bishops must focus on and not immerse themselves deeply in

The changing times LET’S GET IT ON

IGER Woods ended weeks of speculation on Friday when he announced he will play in next week’s Masters golf tournament at Augusta National.

Hobbled by back problems and poor play this year, Woods made the decision to go for his 15th major title after his second visit of the week to the famed Georgia course.

The Masters, the first major of the year, begins on Thursday and will end a twomonth absence from tournament play for the former world number one.

“I’m playing in the Masters,” said Woods on his website, marking his return to the tournament he has won four times.

“It’s obviously very important to me and I want to be there. I’ve worked a lot on my game and I’m looking forward to competing,” said Woods, who missed last year’s event after being advised by doctors to have a microdiscectomy to repair a pinched nerve in his back.

The lure of Augusta has obviously proved irresistible to the 39-year-old, who has

C

.J. McCollum scored a career-high 27 points as the Portland Trail Blazers routed the hapless Los Angeles Lakers 107-77 on Friday night, clinching the division title in the process.

Portland claimed the Northwest Division title earlier Friday thanks to the Memphis Grizzlies’ 100-92 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It is the first time the Trail Blazers have won the division since finishing in a tie with Denver during the 2008-09 NBA season.

McCollum said the team needs to keep extending their leads to make a deep run in the playoffs.

“When you get a chance you are hungry and you want to make your best impression,” McCollum said. “I want to come in and make an im-

pact on the game. I am trying to be aggressive. Just change the tempo a little bit.

“We have to do a good job of extending leads if we want to do well in the playoffs.”

Damian Lillard and Arron Afflalo finished with 20 and 17 points respectively, while LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 14 points and eight rebounds in Portland’s fifth win in its last six contests.

Jordan Clarkson finished with 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists and Wesley Johnson had 11 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who have lost four of their last five games.

The Lakers will miss the postseason in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1976.

Portland swept all four games with Los Angeles this season.

politics. It’s time they leave politics to those who run the government and the people who do the checks and balances. A “conscience” church is one concerned of its territory first and foremost.

The order of the day is simple. First things first— mind its own business, clean the house first before taking up the rest of the environment.

I am heading back to work again as I am writing this.

The head has rested, the soul is filled.

Postscripts: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” on 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8-10 a.m.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 5 - 6, 2015

Pacquiao nears peak form T

HUS declared chief trainer Freddie Roach in reference to World Boxing Organization welterweight kingpin who is undergoing extensive training at the Wild Card Gym here in preparation to his 147-pound unification fight with American World Boxing Council/ World Boxing Association belt-owner.

Pacquiao echoed the same sentiment when he greeted media men as he came out of the exit door in the ground floor o the Vine St. sweat shop Thursday following another rigorous day that saw him boxed a total 23 rounds.

“Malapit na, just count the days,” he said briefly as proceeded in the direction of the Nat’s Thai eatery where movie celebrity Jim Caviezel, lead actor of the play “Passion of the Christ” was waiting to pay him a visit.

The three-time Fighter of the Year honoree of the Boxing Writers Association of America sparred for 10 rounds, the most since this part of training regimen started three weeks ago, did the mitts for nine rounds with assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez plus the equivalent of five rounds hitting the double end and the speed balls.

Conditioning exercises using the ladder and box and abdominal strengthening ritual completed the eight-division champ’s four-hour drill that had his handlers expressing excitement after.

“We are preparing him to fight for from 15 to 20 rounds and we (in the training staff) believe we’re nearing that goal,” Roach said. “I was, in fact, afraid that he might again ask for more rounds in sparring and with the mitts like the past two days. I was glad he didn’t.”

“Today was one o the best days in this camp,” Roach added.”The workout had long been ended as well as the post-workout interviews by the two Philippine television stations and he was still jumpy as he left the room.”

“Slowly, but surely, we will be in a situation we want to be,’ Roach noted. “The train is approaching the station.”

“Manny’s full of energy. Despite some minor problems that marred the camp, I think he has fully regained his old stamina and strength,” he said full of smile as he, once again, dispelled persistent reports that injuries like the leg cramps have been hampering his student’s preparation.