Edge Davao 9 Issue 118

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO

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Serving a seamless society

PHOTOBOMBER. Presidential Management Staff head Christopher “Bong” Go playfully flashes a thumbs up sign while President Rodrigo R. Duterte answers queries during a news conference at a hotel in Lanang, Davao City on Monday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

TALKS WITH REDS TO GO ON: DUREZA

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE opening of formal negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will proceed on August 22, Monday in Oslo, Norway.

This was announced by Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in a press conference held at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City on Tuesday, August 9.

“The schedule remains the same. All the preparations are on the go with the formal opening of the peace talks,” Dureza said.

He clarified the earlier schedule of August 20 will be devoted to travels of the members of the panel from the Philippines to Oslo, Norway and that the formal opening of the talks will be on August 22.

The recent “word war” between President Rodrigo Duterte and Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison has raised serious concerns among other stakeholders and advocates in the peace process.

But Dureza appeared unperturbed, as he expressed confidence that the negotiations are proceeding as planned.

“The road we travel towards peace is not well paved but I would to assure you that we are on course,” Dureza declared during a press conference in Davao yesterday.

According to the peace adviser, the only contentious issue the government is working on right now is the release of political prisoners, especially those who will take part in the formal negotiations.

“We are dealing the judicial processes of their release in the local courts,” Dureza said.

The Supreme Court (SC) last week granted the provisional liberty of po-

litical prisoners Randall B. Echanis, Vicente P. Ladlad and Satur Ocampo, but denied the granting of temporary and conditional release of other political prisoners whom the NDFP said were also part of the peace panel.

The SC denied the temporary release of Tirso Alcantara, Alex Birondo, Winona Birondo, Maria Concepcion Bocala, Reynante Gamara, Alan Jazmines, Ma. Loida Magpatoc, Adelberto Silva, Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Tiamzon.

F TALKS, 10

ON TRACK. Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) secretary Jesus Dureza says formal negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will proceed on August 22 in Oslo, Norway despite the recent “word war” between President Duterte and Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison. Dureza made the statement in a news conference on Tuesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

PROTECT AND SERVE. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa (fourth from left) reviews honor guards upon his arrival at Camp Quitin Merecido in Panacan, Davao City yesterday where the 115th Police Service Anniversary celebration was held. Lean Daval Jr.

President to convert plane to ambulance P RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday announced his plan to convert the presidential plane into an air ambulance, saying that he’s already “comfortable” with commercial flights.

“I have also requested (National Defense) Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana to make the arrangement because I am giving up the presidential plane, convert it into an air ambulance,” he told the 500 soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division at Camp Lukban here late Monday afternoon.

The President also asked the defense chief to study converting some Fokker planes of the Armed Forces of the Philippines into air ambulances as well.

“You’ll have about so many

planes for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Tutal ako komportable na ako sa PAL (Philippine Airlines) pati itong Cebu Pacific. Matagal namang walang nahulog diyan so okay na siguro ang mga eroplano nila (nobody has fallen from their planes for a long time so they must be okay),” he added in jest.

The Chief Executive said it’s up to the next President to acquire a presidential plane after his term.

During his 15-minute speech, he also bared his plan to use a small private plane for his travels.

“Sometimes I can use a jet plane, a small one kung may pang-gasolina. I just pay the gasoline, air, pati operational

F PRESIDENT, 10

Senators to tackle extra powers of Duterte to solve traffic woes

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ENATORS expressed on Monday their willingness to grant emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to resolve the worsening traffic problem, particularly in Metro Manila.

Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said the officials of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and its attached agencies and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) would be given enough time to inform her panel about the traffic situation in the public hearings starting on Wednesday.

”It will be followed by an extensive discussion of the government’s plan to address the traffic problem, including appropriate modes of procurement and the safeguards that need to be instituted to promote transparency and eliminate opportunities for corruption,” Poe said.

Poe added she fully supported the government’s plan to decisively and immediately address the traffic situation plaguing the metropolis, but pointed out that a well-defined scope of the President’s emergency powers must be

F SENATORS, 10

Gov’t, Moro groups push for inclusive Bangsamoro

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ and JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE Duterte Administration and various stakeholders in Mindanao are now working on the formulation of an inclusive framework that will include all groups who have signed a peace accord with the Government of the Philippines (GPH).

Secretary Jesus G. Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) told reporters in a press conference at the Apo View Hotel on Tuesday that he already met with Muslimin Sema, who leads a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and other key players working for sustainable peace in the Bangsamoro.

“This started with the approval of the roadmap for peace by President Rodrigo Duterte,” Dureza said, explaining that the roadmap empha-

sizes convergence and inclusivity amongst the Bangsamoro people.

Dureza said the national government is exerting all efforts to address the issues concerning the MNLF through a series of meetings.

“I also met with Chairman Ebrahim Murad of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Camp Darapanan two weeks ago,” he added.

Dureza stressed that convergence is anchored on President Duterte’s commitment to implement all signed agreements especially those involving the Bangsamoro people.

The Philippine government and the MNLF were signatories to the 1996 peace accord, while the Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro (CAB) was forged with the MILF in 2014.

“There must be convergence of all sectors amongst the Bangsamoro and in the forthcoming crafting of the enabling law that will establish the Bangsamoro governance unit,” Dureza said, adding that the nature of inclusivity will include representation of all sectors in the Bangsamoro, and ensuring their access to opportunities.

Dureza said a convention of all stakeholders in the Bansamoro will also be scheduled after obtaining the formal commitment of all sectors which have signified their willingness to join the undertaking.

“We are still working to that direction…for an all Moro assembly,” he said.

What is assured now, Dureza said, is the willingness of all parties, particularly the MNLF and the MILF, to con-

verge and push forward the peace process.

On Misuari Dureza also stressed that there are still other groups within the Bangsamoro that have expressed their desire to participate in this convergence of efforts.

“We are looking forward [to] a meeting with Chairman Nur Misuari. but still, there are legal constraints because of the [pending] case and arrest warrant against him,” he said.

He noted that the government will have to wait until these legal constraints are cleared before a formal meeting with Misuari can materialize.

Dureza admitted that there have been direct engagements with Misuari through other channels, though not on

mander of the 60th Infantry Battalion to cooperate and support the investigation being conducted by the Tagum City Police regarding the incident.

Last Sunday, August 7, Private First Class (PFC) Ian Paul Pascua was involved in the fatal shooting of Juan Clarion Alcarez, 62, a civilian and a resident of Barangay Cuambogan, Tagum City.

According to Batchar, the incident took place at around 12:45 noon on Sunday in Purok Maaharlika, Barangay Cuambongan.

Alcarez died on the spot , while PFC Pascua fled the crime scene.

PFC Pascua is a member of Alpha Company of 60th IB. Batchar said a manhunt was immediately launched against Pascua on Sunday, but

he voluntarily surrendered to his company commander at around 5:00 p.m. of the same date.

“We will fully support and cooperate on the investigations that the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies undertake. The command does not condone any misbehavior or participation in criminal acts of our soldiers,” he said.

F GOV’T, 10

10th ID probes soldier linked to civilian’s death

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HE 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army is now investigating the involvement of one of its men in the fatal shooting of a civilian last August 7 in Tagum City.

In a statement released to Davao media, 10th ID chief information officer Captain Rhyan Batchar said Mayor General Rafael Valencia has already directed the com-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

CPP rejects Rody’s ultimatum

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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RODY THE ADVISER. President Rodrigo R. Duterte listens to a media practitioner who sought his advice after a news conference at a hotel in Lanang, Davao City on Monday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

Pacquiao pushes for revival of death penalty

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XCITED with his first privilege speech as neophyte senator, Manny Pacquiao made his presence felt in front of the heavyweights of the Philippine Senate as he lobbied for his Senate Bill No. 185 which seeks the

re-imposition of death penalty for heinous crimes and drug traffickers. ”My first ever privilege speech as a Senator will focus on one of the biggest issues plaguing our country. I speak before you because of the

sense of urgency on the issue of drug problem which has become alarming as it gets worse each day,” Pacquiao said in his six-page speech.

Armed with verses from the Bible, the born again Christian senator claimed God

allows capital punishment against criminals.

Pacquiao quoted Genesis 9:6 which says “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God, has

F PACQUIAO, 10

adlopez0920@gmail.com

ARIOUS sectors have expressed their concern over the fate of the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as “word wars” erupt between President Rodrigo Duterte and the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

This developed as President Duterte told the communist rebels last week to stop the use of landmines or else, the government will no longer proceed with its peace negotiations with the rebel group.

The president visited the wake of the four soldiers killed during the series of armed encounters with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Compostela Valley last week.

CPP founder Jose Maria Sison reacted to the tirades of Duterte by saying “I’ll let it pass.”

Sison was quoted in a video conference with peace advocates last week saying: “I cannot answer a comment that comes from an angry person.”

The CPP founder said he would rather talk with President Duterte personally or behind closed doors about the substantive agenda of peace talks.

On Monday, August 8, the CPP, in a statement released to the media rejected the new ultimatum set by President Duterte which demanded an end to the use of CDX landmines.

“By setting such an ultimatum, after having yet to fulfil his own promise to release NDFP consultants and political prisoners, smacks of a poorly-crafted deflectionary tactic, with the aim of blaming the revolutionary forces for the repeated postponement of peace talks,” the CPP said.

The communist movement also criticized the president’s mindset as “becoming more and more militarized as he hops from one military camp to the next.”

“As he surrounds himself daily with US-trained military officers and soldiers, it appears that he is more and more obsessed with ending the armed revolution through suppression. He is increasingly drawn away from the people and their urgent concerns over lack of jobs, low wages, landlessness, spiralling prices and growing desperation,” the CPP statement added.

A Davao City peace advocate interviewed by EDGE Davao over the phone, said he

F CPP, 10

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

25,355 drug suspects surrender in Manila

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ORE than 25,000 suspected drug pushers and dependents in Metro Manila surrendered to police authorities, while about 1,400 people were arrested from July 1 to Aug. 7 under ‘Oplan Tokhang’, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Monday.

‘Oplan Tokhang’ is the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) campaign to wipe out illegal drugs and criminality across the country.

The five districts of NCRPO are composed of Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Manila Police District (MPD), Eastern Police District (EPD), Southern Police District (SPD) and Northern Police District (NPD).

Under ‘Oplan Tokhang’, station commanders ask the barangay captains to submit a list of residents who are involved in the illegal drug trade, whether they are pushers, dealers, users or couriers.

The police intelligence unit will then verify the report and check if these persons are indeed involved in drugs, since there are instances when barangay captains themselves are behind the illegal drug trade while some list down names of their rivals.

From July 1 to Aug. 7, the NCRPO knocked on 36,741 houses of suspected drug personalities, resulting in the surrender of 25,355 and the arrest of 1,365.

The SPD had the highest number of arrested suspects, with 402; followed by QCPD with 383; NPD with 213; EPD with 193; and MPD with 174.

Over the period, the NCRPO said 168 were killed in anti-drug operations.

The MPD had the highest

number of neutralized suspects with 66; followed by NPD with 37; QCPD with 29; SPD with 20; and EPD has 16.

The authorities confiscated 305 kg., 2,218 sachets and seven packs of shabu; 114.57 grams, 12 rolls, 146 sachets, two leaves, 24 bricks and 2 plants of marijuana; 12 tablets of ecstacy; 61 tablets of Valium.

They also confiscated 110 assorted firearms, six hand grenades, and 31 bladed weapons.

Earlier, NCRPO acting regional director, Chief Supt.

Oscar Albayalde assured the public that the NCRPO police operatives adhere to human rights law, explaining the police has been coordinating with Human Rights Counselor and current associate dean of the college of law of the University of the East, Atty. Wilhelm Dabu Soriano.

“We have over 20,000 police officers on the ground. The need to keep ourselves abreast with laws like human rights is crucial in the performance of our job. Our Human Rights Law Reorientation Program will start with our field operatives and the rest will follow.

We welcome the help of our stakeholders for extending us their expertise. Our illegal drug campaign should be and must be a whole government approach from LGUs to volunteer groups,” he said.

He added the NCRPO will lead the way in making Metro Manila the safest place to live in, work and do business. ”Metro Manila will be the showcase of the change that the President promised to the Filipino people and NCRPO will be instrumental in translating

F 25,355 DRUG, 10

Pres. Duterte reiterates peace talks with Reds

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte would love to see the Armed Forces of the Philippines and New People’s Army (NPA) talking about peace instead of fighting for as long as insurgents will stop using landmines.

Talking to 500 soldiers at the covered court of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division in Camp Lukban Monday afternoon, Pres. Duterte said he really wants to end the four decades of fighting between government troops and NPAs. “I want to show to them the good faith on the part of the government by going ahead with the ceasefire. I would insist to talk with the rebels with or without their leader (Jose Maria) Sison,” he said.

However, peace negotiations will only proceed if the rebels will completely stop using landmines.

“If you will continue to use landmines, I will withdraw from the talks and there will be no ceasefire. I am prepared for another 45 years (of fighting).

Do you want to fight for anoth-

er 45 years?” he asked.

“I am just saying if you will use landmines again, I will forego peace talks and forget about it.”

“My job as a President is not to look for fight and to allow people die. My job is to seek peace with everybody so that we can move on to the next generation. The next generation after us has no more problems with insurgency.

They can go anywhere through the country and develop the Republic for their children,” he said.

Pres. Duterte noted the communist insurgents were quick to invoke the Geneva Conventions when it is to their favor. “When it is not, then you invoke on it. If you are caught, you file cases against soldiers.”

The 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons in Geneva specified the use of landmines, booby traps, incendiary weapons and blinding laser weapons, among others, as “excessively injurious” or “to have indiscriminate effects.”

(PNA)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

FREE AT LAST. Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas, who was released from prison last week after posting a bail, graces the 115th Police Service Anniversary celebration held at Camp Quitin Merecido in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Sereno to Rody: Revelation of ‘narco judges’ premature

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

S

adlopez0920@gmail.com

UPREME Court (SC) Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Monday expressed concern over the announcement made by President Rodrigo Duterte regarding government officials who are involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly those in the judiciary which include seven judges.

President Duterte bared the list on Sunday morning in Camp Panacan in Davao City during the wake of the four soldiers who were killed in a series of encounters in Compostela Valley province.

The chief justice, in a letter dated August 8 to the president, said “a premature announcement of an informal investigation on allegations of involvement with the drug trade will have the unwarranted effect of rendering the judge veritably useless in discharging his adjudicative role.”

Sereno added the SC has been careful, all too aware that more often than not, a good reputation is the primary badge of credibility and the only legacy that the nation’s judges can leave behind.

“Too many of our judges have been assassinated, 26

since 1999, a large proportion of them reportedly at the behest of crime lords, more specifically, drug lords. Allow me to submit a separate update on this matter,” she said.

She also told the president that the SC “would consider it important to know the source and basis of any allegation that specific judges are involved in the illegal drugs trade in line with its duty to exercise administrative supervision over all lower courts.”

The Chief Justice’s continued: “The Court looks with alarm at the proliferation of drugs, in a consensus shared with you, Mr. President, that dangerous drugs have been destroying Filipino lives and families. We abhor its ability to even destroy public institutions, thus our proactive investigation of any report that judges and court personnel abet the drug trade. We are currently investigating a report on a judge who may be so involved. He is not on the above list.”

Sereno also commented on the judges who were named by the president.

She said that Lorenda Mupas was already dismissed

from service in 2007 as Municipal Trial Court (MTC) judge of Dasmarinas, Cavite for gross ignorance of the law and misconduct.

“We request that her dishonorable discharge be duly considered and that she be not referred to as part of the judiciary as of nine years ago,” Sereno added.

She also told the president that Judge Roberto Navidad, formerly of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 32, Calbayog City, Samar was killed on 14 January 2008 at the age of 69; while Judge Rene Gonzales, formerly of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), Branch 7, Iloilo City, compulsorily retired last 20 June 2016.

The Chief Justice also clarified that Judge Exequil Dagala of the MTC, Dapa-Socorro, Surigao, does not have jurisdiction over drugs cases, as well as Judge Gonzales.

“It would be very helpful if the investigators who included the names of Judges Dagala and Gonzales inform the Court how these MTC judges can be considered as influencing the drug trade,” she said.

In the meantime, Judge Adriano Savillo, RTC, Branch

30, Iloilo City is a family court judge who does not have jurisdiction over drugs cases except in cases where a minor is a respondent, Sereno said, while Judge Domingo Casiple, RTC, Branch 7, Kalibo, Aklan is the judge of a court of general jurisdiction without jurisdiction over drugs cases until a recent court decision to make all RTCs as drugs courts was implemented as mandated by an appropriate administrative circular.

“It would be helpful to know the specifics on how judges without jurisdiction over drugs cases influence the drug trade in their localities,” Sereno said in her letter to the President.

She added that Judge Antonio Reyes, RTC, Branch 61, Baguio City, Benguet presides over the designated drugs court in that multi-sala court.

Sereno also told the president that the SC was caught unprepared by his announcement, stating that it would cause problems with the scheduled hearings and conferences in the respective salas of concerned judges.

“It would matter greatly

formally (the list of tax evaders), but I would like to have the list completed,” the Chief Executive said during his 15-minute speech at the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division headquarters, this city, on Monday.

Mr. Duterte said he will invite wealthy tax evaders to questioning. “If you will not come, I will send the police and ask why you’re not paying.”

“Follow the law, follow

the rules and do not cause agony to your fellowmen. You’re killing government! You’re destroying the Filipino people!” he said.

The President said tax evasion is not allowed to happen under his administration in the next six years. “It must be the interest of the government first and nothing else,” he added.

During his speech, Duterte reiterated his plan to continue with the peace talks

with insurgents, but repeatedly condemned the rebels’ use of landmines.

He also talked about the ongoing anti-drug campaign of the government.

President Duterte arrived 3:45 p.m. Monday at Camp Lukban here, attended a security briefing with top military officials, and delivered a speech to about 500 soldiers at the covered court.

He left the military facility around 6 p.m. (PNA)

F SERENO, 12

Rody set to release list of big tax cheats P

RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte will soon release a list of wealthy tax evaders in the country, citing his administration’s thrust to protect the government’s interest.

The Chief Executive on Sunday released the list of government officials engaged in the illegal drug trade and next in line are the big-time tax evaders.

“To the rich, pay your taxes! I will be announcing

5 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Gov. Dayanghirang to build prov’l drug rehab center

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OVERNOR Nelson L. Dayanghirang is planning to put up a rehabilitation center here in the province to accommodate the rising number of drug dependents who have surrendered to authorities.

During the inter-agency meeting held on August 3 at the provincial capitol, Gov. Dayanghirang said that among the main priorities of his administration is to establish a drug treatment facility that will provide a holistic treatment for drug users.

The governor said he hopes to proceed with construction of the proposed rehab facility, as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) prepares to build rehabilitation centers across country by next year.

“In light of the DILG’s development plan, the Provincial Government with the City Government will partner in order to comply with the operational requirements for the eyed rehabilitation center here in Davao Oriental,” he said.

Gov. Dayanghirang envisions the facility to provide wide-ranging services that will help prepare drug dependents to re-enter mainstream society and regain their normal way of life.

He stressed the need to set up this facility as soon as possible as the existing scheme of the government, in which the barangay ac-

commodates the surrenderees, has proven to be insufficient in accommodating the swelling number of surrenderees.

The Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office has reported about more than 6,000 drug surrenderees across the province.

In supporting the Duterte Administration’s thrust of stamping out the drug menace, Gov. Dayanghirang is optimistic the provincial government’s efforts to fight the illegal drug trade will succeed.

He said he is confident that the efforts to address the nation’s drug problem would be realized through the strong support of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army.

The governor said the he is also pleased that Mati City Mayor Carlo Rabat has signified his support to the provincial government’s initiatives for drug dependents.

In fact, the city of Mati is about to open an out-patient rehabilitation facility which will temporarily be housed at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Evacuation Center in Barangay Sainz, City of Mati.

According to the City Information Office, the said facility will primarily provide counseling services.

“Whole-of-government” approach Meanwhile, Governor Dayanghirang expressed the need for concerted efforts

Governor Dayanghirang said during the inter-agency meeting held on August 3 at the Provincial Capitol that among the priorities of his administration is to realize a drug treatment facility that will provide holistic treatment for drug users. among all stakeholders to help drug dependents.

“This may be an individual concern but it needs to be collaboratively acted upon by different agencies, not just by the local chief executives but the government as a whole,” he said.

During the inter-agency meeting, the DILG Provincial Office oriented all stakeholders, which include civil society organizations, national and local government agencies, , about the whole-of-government approach in the rehabilitation and treatment of thousands of drug dependents to ensure they will be given the proper assistance.

DILG Provincial Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga explained this scheme follows a step-by-step approach that culminates in the rehabilita-

tion and treatment of thousands of drug dependents.

She said that the DILG will take the lead role in the anti-illegal drug campaign by mobilizing its city and municipal officers across the country in organizing barangay-based volunteers.

She said the first step of this approach is the profiling of drug dependents.

“The DILG’s involvement in the profiling of drug surrenderees is the front-end of the inter-agency rehabilitation program for drug surrenderees who have decided to leave behind their old ways and be a useful citizen once again,” said Sunga, emphasizing that ‘the policy of the administration is not about killing drug addicts and drug lords but to help them’.

She added the approach

involves a strong community rehabilitation network participated in by faith-based organizations, private individuals, counselors and practitioners from the private and public sector.

The approach consists of three clusters: Identification and Classification, Rehabilitation Process, and Post-rehabilitation.

The first cluster, which consists of different agencies that will be led by the Department of Health, will handle the profiling, screening, drug testing, and provision of support services of drug surrenderees.

Meanwhile, the second cluster or the Rehabilitation Process will create committees on family care, community development, capacity development and recovering drug dependent care during

the rehabilitation process.

The lead agency for this cluster is the Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan or UBAS. The third cluster, is the post-rehabilitation, after care, reintegration and transformation support for recovering drug dependents.

This cluster will provide programs and interventions like sustainable livelihood program, cash for work, children-in-conflict with the law, Unlad Kabataan, National Drug Education Program, Drug Dependents Training Program, Therapeutic Community Modality Program, and Halfway house and Livelihood Training Center.

Leading this cluster is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

(By DavOr PIO with a report from Van Jorain Rufin, Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan)

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY S. Korea auto exports fall in July S

OUTH Korea’s auto exports posted a double-digit decline last month as workers went on strike amid global economic slump, a government report showed on Tuesday.

Car shipments tumbled 14.9 percent from a year earlier to 219,982 units in July, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

In terms of value, auto exports slumped 14.6 percent to USD3.39 billion.

Exports to the European Union (EU) kept an upward trend, but shipments to most of other regions declined amid the global economic slump, the ministry said.

Partial strikes in some carmakers also contributed to auto exports’ fall.

Meanwhile, car sales in the domestic market declined 12.1 percent over the year to 137,992 units in July on the back of the end of a temporary cut in consumption tax for cars.

Imported car sales plunged 25 percent to 17,338 units, as the emissions fabrication scandal of German carmaker Volkswagen reduced demand for foreign luxury cars.

Auto production in the country decreased from 10.8 percent to 361,158 units in July due to partial strikes of some carmakers.

Auto parts exports also dipped 10.6 percent to USD2.09 billion owing to softer demand from emerging economies. (PNA/Xinhua)

Australia urged to break away from cold-war mentality

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USTRALIA needs to break away from its cold-war mentality towards Chinese investment after foreign investment fears again reared their ugly head anew, an Australian scholar has warned.

Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison is coming under increasing pressure to block the sale of AusGrid to either State Grid Corp of China and Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. after strategic and security experts claimed it would be “enormously challenging to protect the security of the grid” without risk of exploitation by foreign intelligence services.

Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) deputy director Professor James Laurenceson told Xinhua on Monday that while there is a minority opinion that would like to see less Chinese investment into Australia, the public doesn’t entirely feel that China is the country’s best friend in Asia.

“We need to get away from the idea that Australia and China are somehow cold-war foes. China today is not 1930s Japan,” Laurenceson said.

“The people I’ve talked to in cyber security say ownership and cyber-hacking are two separate issues. If you want to hack a network, you do not need to pay (11 billion Australian dollars) for the privilege of taking half ownership of that asset.”

New South Wales (NSW) state has been recycling stateowned assets to pay for much needed transport infrastructure and capital works, with the 50.4 percent sale of stateowned electricity infrastructure company AusGrid expected to fetch north of 11 billion Australian dollars (USD8.37 billion).

The NSW government would remain a 49.6 percent shareholder of the asset that would come under a 99-year lease.

Both State Grid Corp of China and Cheung Kong In-

frastructure Holdings Ltd. still require approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), and thus Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison.

In a bid to appease the newly elected protectionist bloc in Australia’s upper house -- a group the ruling government needs to help push its controversial domestic agenda -- that jumped onto the analyst’s remarks, Morrison said national security would be his “prime consideration” in AusGrid’s sale.

“I take every foreign investment decision on its merits, case by case, and I try to do what is the right thing for Australia,” Morrison told local radio broadcaster 2GB on Monday, conceding it is not an easy decision given Australia’s reliance on foreign investment.

“But above and beyond all of that national security outranks everything,” he said.

Scrutiny over direct foreign investment into Australia has been intensified following the partial lease of the Port of Darwin to China’s Landbridge that flamed the internal political debate surrounding direct foreign investment into Australia in November.

Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was publicly derided by US President Barack Obama over the issue, causing Morrison to rush to the cameras claiming foreign investment rules would be reviewed. Australia houses a rotating deployment of US Marines in Darwin.

On the same day, Morrison declared that Australia’s largest cattle ranch, S. Kidman & Co, could not be sold to a foreign bidder, citing Australia’s national interest. The two bidders at the pointy end of negotiations were both Chinese who see the potential of Australia’s agriculture industry and were prepared to pay upwards of 350 million Australian dollars (USD266.31 million) for the ranch. (PNA/ Xinhua)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

City to host banana congress in October

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

R

adlopez0920@gmail.com

ECOGNIZING the urgent need to obtain greater to develop the n banana industry, stakeholders announced on Monday the conduct of a two-day banana congress slated on October 6 to 7 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang in Davao City.

Rene Dalayon, a trustee of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. in Davao region (Philexport-11), said that among the main issues to be discussed during the Congress are the institutionalization of the banana council and the creation of a banana research center that will be established in Mindanao.

Dalayon said that there must be an enabling law that will ensure the establishment

of a National Banana Industry Council to further boost the nation’s banana industry.

“We have laws, councils and research centers created for other major crops in the country, but there is nothing on the banana industry,” Dalayon said, noting that banana is among the top exports of the Philippines.

The Congress will be officially opened by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, while President Duterte will be the guest of honor, he said.

The event, he added, will be attended by government policy makers, as well as business leaders, technocrats, farmers and other key players of the banana industry.

According to Dalayon, the

event will also serve as venue for the participants to share information on best practices in pests and disease management, value chain development, technology updates, strategies on maximizing benefits from trade and tariff agreements, and market standards compliance.

The gathering, he noted, will also provide banana industry players the opportunity to formulate recommendations that are geared towards strengthening the industry.

He said participants will also have the chance to participate in plenary sessions that will feature the local banana industry roadmap, challenges confronting the Cavendish banana industry, global good ag-

ricultural practices on bananas, and advanced technologies on banana disease control and management.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that export revenues from Cavendish bananas increased to 18.06 percent in 2014, or $1.136 billion compared to the $962.58 billion earnings in 2013.

Around 441,951 hectares of agricultural lands in the Philippines are devoted to bananas in which 243,450 hectares are located in Mindanao.

PSA data also bared that exported Cavendish bananas account for 34 percent or 83,843 hectares of the total areas planted to bananas in the country.

PRICE CUT. Oil companies have implemented another round of price cuts for petroleum products starting yesterday. They reduced the price of gasoline by Php0.10 centavos per liter, diesel by Php0.75 centavos per liter, and kerosene by Php0.85 centavos per liter. Lean Daval Jr.

Oil companies reduce fuel prices V

line by Php0.10 centavos per liter, diesel by Php0.75 centavos per liter, and kerosene by Php0.85 centavos per liter, effective 6 a.m.

SeaOil Philippines and Flying V will also implement the same reductions for all fuel products beginning at 12:01 a.m.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PTT Philippines, and Eastern Petroleum Corp. said they will reduce the price of gasoline and diesel by the same amounts at 6 a.m.

Local gas prices plunged for the sixth consecutive week, while kerosene and diesel

prices also dropped for fourweek lows.

With the price adjustment on Tuesday, gasoline prices could range from Php33.30Php40.35 per liter in Metro Manila.

Diesel prices, meanwhile, could range from Php22.70Php25.60 per liter. (PNA)

HE Insurance Commission (IC) welcomes the passage and implementation this month of a new law lifting the foreign ownership limit in adjustment companies, noting that this move will make the Philippines comply with its commitments to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Republic Act No. 10881 entitled “An Act Amending Investment Restrictions in Specific Laws Governing Ad-

justment Companies, Lending Companies, Financing Companies and Investment Houses Cited in The Foreign Investment Negative List and for other Purposes” will take effect on Aug. 16.

The R.A. No. 10881 now allows foreign nationals and 100-percent foreign ownership - in case of partnership, association and corporation in adjustment companies.

“During the deliberations before both houses of the 16th

Congress, the Insurance Commission expressed its full support to the lifting of foreign equity restriction with respect to adjustment companies as part of the country’s compliance with our commitments to the ASEAN Economic Community to open certain sectors of the economy,” said Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel F. Dooc.

“We welcome the passage of the law removing the restriction in foreign ownership equity in case of adjustment com-

panies. With the passage of the law, we are expecting that this will make the insurance adjustment industry in our country attractive to foreign investors,” Dooc said.

He noted the business of adjustment companies is the only activity under the Insurance Code which has foreign-equity restriction.

Previously, the country only allowed up to 40 percent foreign ownership in adjustment companies. (PNA)

ARIOUS oil companies have announced another round of price cuts for petroleum products effective Tuesday, reflecting the movement of oil prices in the world market.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said it will reduce the price of gaso-

Law lifts foreign ownership cap in adjustment companies

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DENR halts small-scale mining operations T

O curb illegal mining activities in the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered all small-scale miners to cease their operations, which is estimated to contribute about 60 percent to the country’s gold production.

DENR Secretary Regina Lopez, at the sidelines of the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the National Anti-Environmental Crimes Task Force on Monday, said all small-scale mining activities operating outside the so-called “Minahang Bayan” are illegal in nature, and therefore should be stopped immediately or face full force of the law.

“We don’t need gold to live.

It is not an essential thing for survival,” she said.

“Minahang Bayan” was earlier created by the government to curb illegal mining and mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of indiscriminate mining operations in the country.

Lopez said the declaration of a “Minahang Bayan” helps the government centralize processing of minerals within a zone. It also helps the government to better monitor gold production by small-scale miners.

Small-scale miners consist of roughly 350,000 to 400,000 people as per DENR estimates and benefit around two million people. About 28 tons of gold or 80 percent of the country’s annual gold production were produced by this sector in the past decade.

In April 2015, the DENR issued the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR)

of Republic Act No. 7076, or the “Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.”

Under the DENR Administrative Order No.03-2015, the revised IRR institutionalized and implemented reforms in the Philippine mining sector, providing policies and guidelines to ensure environmental protection and responsible mining in the utilization of mineral resources.

The major features of the revised IRR include the following provisions on additional areas that may be declared as “Minahang Bayan,” and confinement of engineered mineral processing activities with tailings disposal system within mineral processing zones, and imposition of a Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment covering each Minahang Bayan.

At present, there are only three existing Minahang Bayan nationwide, with 10 new applications which are pending approval by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

While the DENR order maintains small-scale mining for all non-metallic minerals -- such as quarry materials, among others, small-scale mining operations will no longer be allowed to mine nickel, iron and metals other than gold, silver and chromite.

The order also states that small-scale mining contracts shall now be issued by the provincial/city mining regulatory board concerned, instead of the provincial governor or city mayor.

Other salient features of the order include the complete ban on the use of mercury, hydraulicking and compressor mining; providing for central-

ized custom mills within a mineral processing zone inside a Minahang Bayan; and limiting the total term of a small-scale mining contract, including its renewals, to a maximum period of six years.

It also allows the establishment of Minahang Bayan in areas covered by large-scale mining applications that have been denied but with pending appeals, provided that royalties shall be paid in escrow, while awaiting for the final resolution of the said appeals.

The order also limits the qualified applicants of a smallscale mining contract to a cooperative or a group of smallscale miners; requires the contractors to pay a government share in the amount to be set by the board, on top of the payment of the usual taxes; and requires mineral processors to secure mineral processing licenses from the board.

With the IRR, the DENR looks forward to seeing the small-scale mining operations in the country transforming into a formal and responsible sector of the mining industry, which is able to significantly contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in the countryside.

Small-scale mining contributes around 70 percent of the country’s total gold output before the noticeable drop in gold purchases of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In 2010, the country’s total gold output reached 40,847 kgs. This dropped to only 18,423 kgs. in 2014, with only 633 kgs. or 3.43 percent coming from small-scale mining.

With the new guideline on small-scale mining, the DENR

OLD futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Monday as the US dollar put pressure on the precious metal.

The most active gold contract for December delivery fell USD3.1, or 0.23 percent, to settle at 1,341.3 dollars per ounce.

The US Dollar Index, a measure of the greenback against a basket of major currencies, rose by 0.12 percent to 96.39 as of 1800 GMT. Gold and the dollar typically move in opposite directions,

which means that if the dollar goes up, gold futures will fall as gold, measured by the dollar, becomes more expensive for investors.

After Friday’s release of positive US jobs figures, the US central bank has left the door open for a rate increase by year end. But given the Q2 GDP numbers, traders believe that is unlikely.

Previous Fed minutes led traders to believe the Fed may raise rates from 0.50 to 0.75 during the December Fed policy meeting.

According to the CME Group’s Fedwatch tool, the current implied probability of a hike from 0.50 to 0.75 is at 18 percent at the September 2016 meeting, 21 percent at the November 2016 meeting, and 48 percent at the December meeting.

The precious metal was prevented from falling further as the US Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 24 points, or 0.13 percent as of 1800 GMT. Analysts note that when equities post losses, the precious metal usually goes up, as inves-

tors are looking for a safe haven, while the opposite is true when US equities post gains.

Traders are also waiting for the release of the weekly US jobless claims on Thursday, along with the producer price index and retail sales reports, both due on Friday.

Silver for September delivery fell 1.2 cents, or 0.06 percent, to close at 19.805 dollars per ounce. Platinum for October delivery rose 3.9 dollars, or 0.34 percent, to close at 1,155.40 dollars per ounce.(PNA/Xinhua)

HE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has urged the government to come up with a clear roadmap on socialized housing to address the nation’s housing backlog and provide better housing for the urban poor.

“Socialized housing solutions should be possible without moving them out of the city considering that Metro Manila is still where they are finding their jobs or livelihood,” said ECCP Senior Adviser Henry

Schumacher.

“The government can look at some of the properties it owns and transform them into urban medium rise social housing projects,” he added.

The business group offers vertical developments within Metro Manila which will not need vast land areas and will avoid displacing the livelihood of marginalized sector.

To address the country’s housing backlog, about 5.5 million houses need to be built, while another 1.4 million units

should be constructed for relocation.

Schumacher also stressed the need for innovative and sustainable housing developments, improving the quality of housing projects, and make socialized housing more liveable.

On August 16, ECCP will convene leading construction and housing companies in the country and will bring vice-president and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)

chairperson Leni Robredo at the Housing Solution Congress at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

From 2010 to 2015, the government has provided housing assistance worth Php300 billion to 894,569 families.

Data from the Home Guaranty Corp. also noted that some Php222 billion housing loans were extended by commercial banks, rural banks, and other financing companies for about 127,500 housing units. (PNA)

F DENR, 10

BOUNTY FROM THE SEA. A vendor arranges her fish products at the Agdao Public Market in Davao city yesterday. The three-month fishing ban in the Davao Gulf imposed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources (BFAR), which aims to allow tuna and other fish species to actively spawn, is set to end on August 31. Lean Daval Jr.

stocks open Gold down on stronger US dollar Tokyo higher on weak yen

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T

OKYO stocks rose from the bell on Tuesday as the yen’s retreat against the U.S. dollar coupled with a rebound in prices for crude oil spurred early buying.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 22. 41 points, or 0.13 percent, from Monday to 16,672.98.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 2.91 points, or 0.22 percent, to 1,308.44.

Early issues that advanced were comprised of miscellaneous products, marine transportation and mining-related stocks. (PNA/Xinhua)

EVERE fluctuations in the prices of raw materials are making it even tougher this year for tuna canners in the Philippines, which may further pull their bottom line figures downward.

According to the Alliance Foods Select Inc., the cost of tuna meat has been unstable since January, not just in Asian markets but even in the European and U.S. markets as well.

Tuna Market Intelligence, a report published every fortnight by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, a committee formed by countries advocat-

ing for sustainable fishing in the Pacific Ocean, shows that fish costs, tuna in particular, have unexpectedly spiked in the past seven months.

Tuna costs since the start of the year have risen from USD950 per metric ton (MT) to a surprising USD1,400 per MT this July. The highest price recorded was USD1,650 per MT in May 2016.

“Bangkok tuna market insiders say Skipjack tuna prices have inched its way up to USD1,650 per metric ton this month,” the Tuna Market Intel-

Unstable tuna prices ECCP pushes for socialized housing roadmap affect canned industry S T

F UNSTABLE, 10

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

EDITORIAL

Wash before you bash

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HERE is an ages-old Pinoy saying that goes “bago mo linisin ang dungis ng iyong kapwa, hugasan ang iyong putik sa mukha (before youcleanse others’ dirt, wash off the mud on your face first).”

This is what exactly happened when a basher went to social media to rib on Filipino Olympic athlete Nestor Colonia for failing to lift 154 kilos in weightlifting competitions in the ongoing Rio Olympics. The basher compared Colonia to another Filipino athlete Hidilyn Diaz who won a silver in the women’s weightlifting after she lifted an aggregate of 200 kilos.

What the basher did not know is that there are particular rules in weightlifting and the weights are an aggregate of two disciplines—the snatch lift and the clean and jerk.

The basher thought he had Colonia on his shoulders only to get a dose of his own medicine. Now, he is the butt of joke

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on social media for his ignorance.

Bashing has become a practice in social media where some persons fill their egos at the expense of others. Some plainly wanted to have fun, others want to be popular and others like Carlos Celdran want to be a political genius.

Celdran, for his part, trolled a number of times during the campaign period to put then-candidate Rodrigo Duterte down. When 16 million Filipinos shamed Celdran’s attacks on Duterte with a resounding popular vote last May, Celdran went apologetic then later back to his old self again, bashing President Duterte when he gets the chance.

Celdran is a pure jerk and President Duterte should not waste his time on him.

Like Colonia’s basher, Celdran and the rest of the bash-minded netizens must heed this: “wash before you bash.”

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Riding a bullet train

Y

ES, I have ridden some trains before but not a bullet train. I know there are bullet trains in Europe and Japan but I never expected there are bullet trains in China. So, when I read in my invitation that one of the itineraries was to a trip from Beijing to Ningbo was to ride a bullet train, I was totally excited.

It’s not every day that you ride a train; in fact, there are no trains here yet in Davao or all over Mindanao. Imaging riding a train from Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City or from Butuan City to Zamboanga City. That would be awesome, indeed.

Bullet trains exist if there is high-speed railway (HSR). In China, HSR refers to any railway with commercial train service at the speed of 250 kilometers per hour or higher as international recognized.

“The development of high speed railway, as the integration of modern high-techs and the symbol of railway modernization, reflects the national comprehensive power of a country,” notes a booklet entitled, “The Rapid Development of China’s High-Speed Railways.” “The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of high-speed railways.”

According to the booklet, HSR is “safe, reliable, fast and convenient, and has a strong edge in capacity, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.”

Although China is relatively younger compared to those in industrialized countries, it has grown much faster in larger scale and capacity.

Today, China has the world’s longest HSR network with over 19,000 kilometers of track in service as of January 2016. That is more than the rest of the world’s high-speed rail tracks

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combined.

A THINK ON THESE! network length of 30,000 kilometers is being planned for 2020.

“High-speed railways keep changing the Chinese people’s way of traveling and living, as Henrylito D. Tacio well as stimulating economic henrytacio@gmail.com and social development in China,” the booklet says.

Currently, there are 4,000 EMU trains operating daily on China’s HSR network. EMU stands for electric multiple unit and it refers to a multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power.

An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages.

That 4,000 EMU trains account for 63% of the total passenger trains operated daily in the country. “From 2007 to 2015, 4.32 billion passengers have been delivered by EMU trains in total, and the proportion of passengers carried by EMU trains in all railway passengers has increased from 4.5% to 45.8%,” the booklet claims.

Perhaps, the Philippines can learn something from what the China government is doing.

Wikipedia gives us this bit of history: “Over the past decade, the country has undergone an HSR building boom with gen-

erous funding from the Chinese government’s economic stimulus program. The pace of highspeed rail expansion slowed for a period in 2011 after the removal of Chinese Railways Minister Liu Zhijun for corruption and a fatal high-speed railway accident near Wenzhou, but has since rebounded. Concerns about HSR safety, high ticket prices, low ridership, financial sustainability of high-speed rail projects and environmental impact have drawn greater scrutiny from the Chinese press.

“China’s early high-speed trains were imported or built under technology transfer agreements with foreign train-makers including Alstom, Siemens, Bombardier and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Chinese engineers then re-designed internal train components and built indigenous trains,” Wikipedia adds.

The fastest trains can reach operational speeds of up to 380 kilometers per hour, but all trains have had their operating speed reduced to 300 kilometers per hour due to the Wenzhou train collision that happened in 2011.

More about history: “The earliest example of higher-speed commercial train service in China was the Asia Express, a luxury passenger train that operated in Japanese-controlled Manchuria from 1934 to 1943. The steam-powered train, which ran on the Southern Manchuria Railway from Dalian to Xinjing (Changchun), had a top commercial speed of 110 kilometers per hour and test speed of 130 kilometers per hour. It was faster than the fastest trains in Japan at the time. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, this train model was renamed the SL-7 and was used by the Chinese Minister of Railways.”

During a press conference, we were told that high-speed EMU trains are operated not only with high speed (that is, 200-250 kilometers per hour or 300-350 kilometers per hour) but also with high punctuality rate.

During our travel from Beijing to Ningbo, we rode in a G59 Bullet Train whose speed was 302 kilometers per hour. Our schedule said that it will depart Beijing at 1:45 in the afternoon and arrived at Ningbo by 8:40 in the evening.

We missed the arrival by only five minutes!

The distance from Beijing to Ningbo is about 1,800 kilometers. By plane, it will take about two hours and 20 minutes to travel. But with a bullet train, it takes about six hours. But the good thing is you get to see other cities along the way.

And what is interesting about our ride was that we were able to take some photos even though the train was very, very fast. The ride was so smooth that we didn’t notice we were actually moving. You know you are moving only if you see the window and see the sudden change of scenery.

“The smooth and comfortable ride on highspeed trains and the excellent services have brought world-class traveling experience and service enjoyment for the passengers in both stations and trains,” the booklet says.

Between vans, cars, bus, planes and ships, HSRs are a much better mode of transportation.

“Compared with other transport modes, highspeed railways are safe, reliable and convenient and can provide large capacity and flexibility to all kinds of weathers, thus able to meet people’s travel needs for business, tour and family get-together.”

laration, citing FAST BACKWARD as basis the 1951 avowal of Pius XII that the supposed Marian visions were without mystical basis, a position the local church authorities cannot veto. Antonio V. Figueroa The final declaration reads: ‘The text of the declaration of the Bishops of the Philippines, published on 11 April 1951, is as follows: “We, the undersigned Archbishops and bishops, constituting for the purpose a special Commission, having attentively examined and reviewed the evidence and testimonies collected in the course of repeated, long and careful investigations, have reached the unanimous conclusion and hereby officially declare that the above mentioned evidence and testimonies exclude any supernatural intervention in the reported extraordinary happenings- including the shower of petals - at the Carmel of Lipa.” This declaration is the official communication of the final decision on the matter, as approved by the Holy See.’ Amid this discouraging development, the religious event, which has spawned national devotions to Mary Mediatrix of All Grace, has two key aspects deserving mention.

First, the Virgin Mary appeared before

a nun, then a Carmelite postulant, identified as Teresita Castillo. She was not only a pious lady from a well-educated and religious family, she was known as the youngest child of Modesto Castillo, the longest-serving governor of Batangas. By extension, she is related to Rafael Castillo, Davao’s delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention who is the maternal grandfather of former House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles.

Another aspect of the ‘miracle’ is the message it carries, which is as fresh as today’s headlines—of China flexing its military muscle in imposing world dominance, including its long-term plan to control the global economy.

Its usurpation of the areas recognized as part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) was a factor of relevance in the apparitions.

Curiously, the communiqué nullifying the apparitions was made on May 31, 2016, and the issuance of the Pastoral Guidelines for Bishops on Private Devotions to Our blessed Mother Mary, Mediatrix of Grace done on July 9, 2016, a good three days before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague released its decision supporting the position of the Philippines in the contentious South China Sea conundrum.

In summary, the pastoral letter, released by CBCP Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith, reads: “In brief, the belief in and private devotion to our Mother Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces is centuries old and should be fostered as a private devotion. But it must not to be based on the alleged Lipa apparitions that two Popes

have already judged as inauthentic.”

Three days later, on July 12, 2016, the PCA, acting on the Jan. 22, 2013 request of the Philippines to institute arbitral proceedings against China under the United National Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the subsequent note verbale presented by China on Feb. 19, 2013, rejecting the Philippine notification, came out with a verdict in favor of the Filipinos.

In a press statement, the Court ruled: ‘Finally, the Tribunal considered the Philippines’ request for a declaration that, going forward, China shall respect the rights and freedoms of the Philippines and comply with its duties under the Convention. In this respect, the Tribunal noted that both the Philippines and China have repeatedly accepted that the Convention and general obligations of good faith define and regulate their conduct. The Tribunal considered that the root of the disputes at issue in this arbitration lies not in any intention on the part of China or the Philippines to infringe on the legal rights of the other, but rather in fundamentally different understandings of their respective rights under the Convention in the waters of the South China Sea.’ Whether the tensions obtaining in the South China Sea were predicted over sixty years ago in a Marian apparition, the message the supposed miracle delivered fits the events as they happen today. For a Christian country like the Philippines, the Vatican pronouncement does not impact on the belief of Catholic Filipinos in the spiritual value of Marian apparitions.

Digos patroness and China the bully

OCAL religious history is a discipline that has not been extensively explored. Most of the scholars doing research in this field are people with interest in theological studies, missionary works, priestly ministries, and related endeavors. But there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Already the provincial capital of Davao del Sur, Digos City is also host to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Digos (Dioecesis Digosensis), which was erected in 1979; its patroness in the Mary Mediatrix of All Grace.

While the veneration of the Mary Mediatrix of All Grace has its provenance in Belgium, it gained national prominence in the Philippines when the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, appearing before a young Carmelite nun on Oct. 19, 1949, prophesied: “Pray hard for China’s dream is to invade the whole world. The Philippines is one of its favorites. Money is the evil force that will lead the people of the world to destruction.”

In apparitions that commenced in August 1948, the Batangas-based Filipino Connection reported, Mary Mediatrix materialized in the Carmelite Monastery and introduced herself, asking for the renewal of faith for the whole country. Accented with episodes of showers of rose petals bearing her image, she told the nun to create an image in her likeness and erect it at the vine inside the priory where she exactly showed up herself.

The apparitions were originally ruled as supernatural in origin but on Sept. 28, 2010, the Sacred Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in Vatican overruled the local dec-

10 NEWS TALKS... FROM 1

In its decision, the SC explained that the motions and pleadings on their temporary liberty should be filed in the trial courts where their cases are still pending and being heard.

The SC said: “To grant temporary and conditional liberty to these personalities may have the inadvertent but irre-

mediable effect of pre-empting the trial courts’ own determinations in the exercise of their original jurisdiction to try the cases before them.”

“We cannot just spring them out of jail,” Dureza said, as he emphasized the important role of the political prisoners in the forthcoming peace talks.

costs,” he said.

The President reiterated his campaign promise on converting presidential aircraft after detailing his plans for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center.

“Anything that can help

you, we will give it to you,” he added.

The Air Force’s 250th Presidential Airlift Wing has been used for the air mobility of the President as well as the first family and visiting dignitaries. (PNA)

put in place to ensure transparency, accountability and effectiveness. ”Ang gusto natin dito mabilis, walang abuso at talagang magkakaroon ng solusyon sa lalong madaling panahon,” Poe said.

Senator Leila M. de Lima expressed openness to grant President Duterte with emergency powers to address traffic woes.

“I’m open to grant emergency powers to the President, subject to scrutiny of the details of their plans. If I see there is nothing constitutionally or legally objectionable with the proposed measure, then I will be glad to support it,” she said.

“Like many of you, I too share the public’s frustration over the present traffic problem. But I also hope the Executive (Branch) lists down the existing limitations of the present laws so that amendments can be properly introduced and empower them to solve the traffic crisis,” she added.

Recently, Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito filed separate bills entitled “Traffic Crisis Act” which

seeks to grant emergency powers to President Duterte for two years and create a “super body” to address the road and air traffic congestion.

The measure also seeks to do away with the mandatory bidding on procurement of transportation equipment and take over errant transport franchises to resolve the traffic woes on roads and airports in Metro Manila and Cebu.

De Lima said she would want to scrutinize the proposed measure for emergency powers to ensure that there would be enough safeguards or oversight measures against possible abuses.

Since the emergency powers would require a certain authority to make necessary procurements, she maintained the bidding process for all government projects should be a non-negotiable aspect before Congress could grant emergency powers.

“Now, for as long as they will not do away completely with the bidding process, I am willing to support. Kasi may iba’t-ibang paraan ng pag-procure. Huwag lang iyung wala talagang bidding,” she stressed. (PNA)

a “person-to-person basis.”

“I was informed that these legal issues will be temporarily cleared to enable the person-to-person engagement with Chairman Misuari,” he added.

He said even President Duterte is constantly in touch with Misuari.

With regards to the willingness of the Sema MNLF faction to work with Misuari, Dureza said the former Cotabato mayor’s group is already committed to the concept of convergence, and that they are willing to work with everyone involved in the peace process.

On Kuala Lumpur Meeting Dureza also confirmed that representatives of the government and MILF panels will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 13 to launch the implementation stage of the Bangsamoro enabling law.

“This is to implement the CAB that was signed by the government and the MILF that was not [carried out] because the BBL (Bangsamoro

Basic Law), the implementing mechanism of CAB, was not enacted in Congress,” Dureza said.

The launching, he added. will not only be exclusive to the implementation of the CAB, but also on the peace agreement signed between the government and the MNLF. “We will be discussing with the MILF panel how we are going to move forward,” Dureza said, adding that leaders of the MNLF will also be welcomed to join the Kuala Lumpur meeting.

“We will also brief the Malaysian government on the roadmap to peace under the Duterte administration,” he added.

Malaysia, Dureza said, has contributed enormously in the negotiation stage of the peace process in Mindanao, and it is but fitting that the Philippine government give its Malaysian counterparts due recognition for their contribution to on-going efforts to attain long-lasting peace in Mindanao.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

President... FROM 2

Senators... FROM 2

Gov’t... FROM 2

CRIME FIGHTERS. Members of Special Weapons and Tactics unit of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 show off their crime-fighting skills to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa

Pacquiao... FROM 3 God made mankind.”

He also quoted another verse from the Bible’s Old Testament in Exodus 21:12 which states: “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.”

The former eight-time world boxing defending champion gladly agreed to be questioned by his fellow senators on his proposal to revive death penalty.

Senate Majority Vicente Sotto, who also filed separate bill reviving death penalty against drug trafficking, thanked Pacquiao for quoting a Bible verse from New Testament which, Pacquiao said, recognizes the legitimacy of capital punishment.

Pacquiao was referring to Romans 13:4 which says: “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on to the wrongdoer.” ”Natutuwa po ako na nabanggit nyo ang Bible dahil noong una nahirapan ako nang interpellate ako ng mga antigong senador, ang sabi sa akin nasa Old Testament yun mga sinasabi ko. Hindi ko nagpaaralan na sa New Testament ay meron pala at kayo ang nagbanggit nito. Dapat pala naging consultant kita noong araw when I sponsored it in 9th Congress,” Sotto said.

Sotto also asked Pacquiao if the world’s popular boxer is in favor of the cruel form of

death penalty such as hanging or firing squad.

Pacquiao initially refused to answer, but eventually gave in to Sotto’s persistence. ”Wala po ba kayong personal na pananaw. Alin ang mas pabor kayo, hanging, firing squad, electric chair or lethal injection?,” Sotto asked. ”Para sa akin po sa ngayon ay nanaig yung hanging or firing squad,” Pacquiao answered. ”Dahil mura or dahil makakasilbi ng maganda,” Sotto inquired again. ”Sisipain lang po ang upuan,” Pacquiao replied, an answer that left many senators and the people from gallery laughing.

Pacquiao was also interpolated by fellow first-time Senators Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima who is a former justice secretary.

Veteran Senators Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan and Gregorio ‘Gringo’ Honasan II also raised some questions regarding Pacquiao’s proposal.

The senator from Saranggani province explained that the alarming report of 11,309 out of the 42,029 barangays are considered drug-affected has prompted him to push the reimposition of the death penalty. ”Walang ngipin ang ating batas. Masyadong maluwag ang ating batas para sa mga drug traffickers,” he said.

Pacquiao said the countries with death penalty have lower records of illegal drug cases. (PNA)

that promise to a reality,” Albayalde said.

With this, PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa assured the public the PNP will continue its campaign against drugs, adding they will use every resource available to win the anti-drug war.

“Wala nang atrasan ito.

(There is no turning back.) We started strong in this war and we will finish stronger,” dela Rosa said.

He also ordered the cops to

continue to intensify the campaign to eradicate illegal drugs and crime.

The PNP chief said President Duterte has thrown his full support behind the country’s police force in fulfilling its mandate, which is to serve and protect the people from narcotics, crime and other illegal activities.

Dela Rosa also urged the public to support and help the PNP in its anti-drug drive.

(PNA)

25,355 drug... FROM 4

during the 115th Police Service Anniversary celebration at Camp Quitin Merecido in Panacan, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

CPP... FROM 3

was worried on the recent turn of events concerning the peace negotiations.

“Something must be done.

Sayang at mag-uumpisa na sana tayo sa August 20. But I am still hopeful the peace negotiations commence by August 20,” the peace advocate said, who requested EDGE Davao to keep his name anonymous.

He also called on the GRP and NDFP panels to double their efforts and “huwag pabayaan na lalalim pa itong tapunan ng mga statements na sa tingin ko ay hindi makakatulong upang umusad ang usaping pangkapayapaan.”

In the same statement, the CPP once again reiterated their support for the peace negotiations, as it also called on the

government to fulfil its promise to release all NDFP consultants under the government’s custody.

“The CPP urges the Duterte regime to fulfil its promise and immediately order the release of all 22 NDFP consultants and around 550 political prisoners by withdrawing all the trumped-up charges against them. If he does so, the GRP president will succeed in boosting a hundredfold the confidence of the revolutionary forces that he is indeed a man of honor. He would also succeed in proving that his government is indeed different from the past regime which only used peace negotiations in the vain attempt to cause the surrender of the NPA,” the CPP said.

hopes that small-scale miners will start selling to the BSP again.

The BSP purchases gold from small-scale miners in accordance with small-scale min-

ing law and from other sources.

It only has five existing buying stations located in Quezon City, Baguio City, Davao City, Zamboanga City, and Naga City. (PNA)

ligence said in its May report.

With the continued lowering market price of tuna globally, the competitive landscape continues to create even more pressure on market players in the fish industry.

Tuna canners and fishers from the Philippines are also experiencing the same predicament, more so now that the annual three-month fishing ban has commenced.

The seasonal fishing ban from July to September was put in place to ensure sustain-

ability of pelagic ocean fish such as Skipjack and Yellowfin Tuna.

In the Philippines, there are seven tuna canning companies in which six are located in General Santos City and one in Zamboanga City, namely: General Tuna Corporation, Philbest Canning Corporation, Ocean Canning Corporation, Celebes Canning Corporation, Seatrade Canning Corporation, Alliance Select Foods International Inc., and Permex Producer & Exporter Corporation. (PNA)

documents, Calado also made fraudulent representation when she personally filled out the SSS application form for funeral benefit and executed the affidavit or “Sinumpaang Salaysay” alleging Valdez’s death.

“While we recognize that Calado was in dire need of money, this in no way justifies her act of breaking the law and

defrauding the system of undeserved SSS benefits. There was clear and malicious intent on her part to obtain the funeral benefit even if she was not qualified,” said Cuisia.

The court has yet to enforce the jail term because Calado jumped bail, but it has already issued a warrant ordering her immediate arrest.

(SSS)

DENR... FROM 7

Unstable... FROM 7

Niece... FROM 11

INdulge!

HOMEMAKER AND CERTIFIED “MOMPRENEUR,” ANNA IBARRETA-SANTOS, enjoys every bit of life, as sweet as it gets. In fact, she has a lot of sweet stories to tell.

And one of them is how she turned her bag and souvenir haven into a dreamy house for confectionery where people can get together anytime for a refreshing break and dessert fix, or on any given family-oriented Saturday and Sundae.

Looking back, when I last got in touch with Anna, she had already acquired the title of “bag maker” for her successful venture into customized back packs, party totes, toiletry kits, corporate packets, and giveaway carriers.

The line of specialty goods under Anna’s label, Fabianne Trends Unlimited or FTU for short, had won the loyalty of families and budding entrepreneurs in the locale, making her the go-to supplier of bags for all purpose and occasions. She said she chose this business because it gave her more time for her kids and husband.

As her family grew, so did her business. With the help of friends,

Anna put together a creative space and quaint little ice cream shop right in the heart of city.

As Anna would describe it, “The FTU Shop & Creamery is a place where you can enjoy different ice cream concoctions and find unique gifts from local brands.”

“We have one corner where guests can scan and select through my sample products and they can just place their order right on the spot,” she explains. “We also have a space inside which can be utilized for workshops and craft parties.”

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

WOMEN

EDGEDAVAO

Ice Cream heaven found According to Anna, she has a very high regard for homegrown artisanal brands and handmade crafts created by a talented group of budding entrepreneurs. In fact, she these people in mind when she started stocking her store’s shelves with different merchandise.

The shop’s menu selection showcases a variety of creamy ice cream delights in different shapes, colors and sizes. “We have a wide variety of ice cream concoctions which are very unique, and even our cones were customized for us. We offer ice cream sandwiches, ice

cream tacos, waffle bowls, milk shakes, cookie cups and cookie shots,” she shares.

“You can choose your own ice cream flavors and you can add different toppings like sprinkles, chocolate rocks, choco-

Metro Mom A4

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ED

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

MORE THAN A HABIT, Eat Bulaga is almost synonymous to “breathing” not only for millions of viewers throughout the years, but for the people behind the show, on and off the camera. Last Saturday, July 30, the country’s longest-running noontime program on television turned 37, celebrating close to four decades of serving happiness to viewers all over the world.

“Is it 37 years already?” asks Joey de Leon, a third of the highly popular trio who, together with Senator Tito and Vic Sotto, are collectively known as Tito, Vic, & Joey or TVJ.

“It makes me proud, really proud. Hindi lahat ng television shows umaabot ng 37 years ha, atdaily pa!,” remarked Joey, who also happens to have the bragging rights to coining the title “Eat Bulaga.”

When Eat Bulaga aired first on July 30, 1979, TVJ did not expect to be in the show for the long haul. After all, they were in it for the exposure and the income. The former was easy, but it was the latter that literally took time

to materialize. The salaries of the hosts were delayed for months because its producer then, Production Specialists, Inc., was in the red.

“When we started, my main goal was to earn money and save for a car. I never really imagined we’ll go this far,” shared Vic. “It’s true that we weren’t paid on time for months, but fortunately, we had Iskul Bukol na then. The first time we were to receive our salary, the money was left in a taxi.”

w t m s

i w s n P e n m f p

DGEDAVAO

More than the exposure, it was the bond created within the Eat Bulaga circle which made it possible for them to stick it out through the years.

“We were like a family already. Our producer was like a brother to us,” said Vic referring to Antonio Tuviera, T.A.P.E., Inc. President and CEO. “We enjoy each other’s company, dabarkads eh, it’s the true meaning of dabarkads na one family kayo, na hindi mo napapansin ang trabahowhile

INdulge! A3

you’re at it.”

From a small group of five hosts when it was launched, Eat Bulaga has grown to become a large family of 18 whose members see each other for six days a week with one goal: to put a smile on the faces of its viewers.

“We respond to the changes in the people’s tastes,” said Creative Head Jenny Ferre, the brains behind the phenomenal segment Kalyeserye. “We cater not just to the entertainment needs of

the viewers, but generally, to the need to make them happy, make them complete.”

If there is a formula to the show, Tuviera credits their success to their endless pursuit to be relevant and keep up with the ever-changing taste of their viewers. The trick of the trade: transforming the old into something new.

“We always try to be relevant to our audience,” said Tuviera. Every time we try to do innovations, it’s not really something original, but if we have an old idea which is very familiar to the audience, we sort of sugarcoat it in a different way then add some trimmings. Akala mo parang bago pero it’s something na medyo at the back of their minds, “Parang kilala ko ‘to, pero parang mas masaya na siya ngayon, parang bago.”

It may well be the secret to the program’s seamless crossover to the age of new media. One might think that the emergence of digital technology has adversely affected mainstream media, particularly television whose programs can already by downloaded or are being edged out by webcasts. But in Eat Bulaga’s case, this development is actually good news. Social media has made it possible for the program to widen its reach, making it possible to move out of its boundaries “mula Batanes hanggang Jolo” to the far corners of the world.

The record-breaking

41M tweets on AlDub, the accidental love team of heartthrob Alden Richards and dubsmash queen Maine Mendoza, for its Tamang Panahon special attests to this.

“Who could’ve imagined a certain accident can fill up the largest indoor arena in the world?,” asked Alden Richards, himself overwhelmed with the viewers’ reception of Eat Bulaga.

To accommodate more live audiences, the show will be moving to its new studio in a 3,000-squaremeter property in Cainta by the end of the year. Accustomed to treating its loyal viewers like VIPs, it is the show’s way of giving back to those who have made it a part of their daily lives.

“While the others are entertainment shows disguising themselves as public service programs, Eat Bulaga is the opposite: it is -- and has been -- a public service program disguising itself as an entertainment show,” he said. “Everything that we do, every new segment we introduce is always created in the light of public service.”

Whether for entertainment or public service, it is beyond doubt that Eat Bulaga has discovered the secret of longevity, and continues to strum the right strings into the heart of every Filipino viewer - creating more laughter and going beyond the “isang libo’t isang tuwa” slogan it had originally promised its avid fans from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi and the rest of the world.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

A4 INdulge!

WOMEN ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

UP AND ABOUT

AirAsia celebrates Asean day with low fares across the region

Metro Mom A1

late drops, giant marshmallows, jelly beans, gummies, and more. We shake up your milkshake with a dose of crazy-good home baked cookies, cakes and pastries. Pretty soon, we’ll be ready to add other snacks on the menu.

Alongside these delicacies, we are also selling cookies, chocolates, jams and spreads --- all made by artisans in Davao,” she continues.

Anna enjoys the energy and vibe of her shop. “There is so much laughter and joy that fill the air. Add to that the smiles and satisfying look we see from our customers as they dine. This new venture really proved to be a gratifying and rewarding one. I am happy that this has become a spot for families and friends to get together, share sweet moments and enjoy each other’s company as they melt their worries away.”

FTU Shop & Creamery is located in JJ’s Commune, Loyola St., Obrero, Davao City.

For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 82 297 7417, 0908-3741933 or 0932-8710761.

You may also email ftushop@yahoo.com or follow FTU Creamery on Facebook.

AIRASIA is offering promotional fares to Asean destinations in conjunction with Asean Day starting today until 14 August 2016.

Asean Day celebrates the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration on 8 August 1967.

From as low as P1,058, guests will be able to explore destinations in all 10 Asean nations – Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Travel period for this promo is from 9 August 2016 to 14 March 2017.

At the same time, guests can also take advantage of low fares to destinations beyond Asean on AirAsia and AirAsia X’s network covering North Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Africa.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “AirAsia would not be AirAsia

without Asean. We owe our success to this region.

Even as we continue to grow our footprint across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and beyond, our heart remains in Asean, and this promotion is a small thank you to the region that nurtured our dreams of making air travel affordable for everyone.”

He added, “AirAsia is proud to be the only airline that flies direct to all 10 Asean nations. We are also the only airline with an Asean Pass product, which gives our guests a convenient way to explore our network and experience the region’s incredible diversity and

amazing cultural heritage.”

Holders of the AirAsia Asean Pass and AirAsia Asean Pass+ can enjoy flights at a fixed rate on more than 120 routes across Asean. Acting like a single currency, the pass eliminates the hassle of juggling different foreign exchange rates as flights are valued according to credits, allowing guests to be creative in planning their ideal trip through the region.

A detailed list of the flights that can be redeemed using the Asean Pass and other applicable terms and conditions can be found on the AirAsia website (www.airasia.com).

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

PEN workshop in Davao T

HE Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists)has organized a series of literature teaching workshops across the country since 2011.

Called “For Love of the Word: Workshops on Teaching Philippine Literature in High School and College,” this project aims to retool and upgrade the skills of literature teachers in both secondary and tertiary levels.

The PEN Civil Society Programme is supported by PEN International, the Clifford Chance Foundation, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

In 2011-2015, workshops were successfully held in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Baguio, Naga, Bohol, and Cagayan

de Oro. In the 2010 Cebu Congress, PEN passed a resolution to “work more closely with the education sector, its leaders, planners and administrators, its teachers and students, and the education publishing industry, to improve literature education in the country,” the PEN said in a statement.

“The Philippine PEN recognizes that literary taste is largely shaped in the schools, especially in the public school system; it is where generations must be taught to appreciate the outstanding works of our very own writers, works that constitute the soul of our nation,” the statement added.

On August 22-23, 2016, PEN will partner with Ateneo de Davao University and

the literature teachers’ organization Samahan ng mga Guro ng Panitikan sa Davao (SAGUP) to hold a teachers’ training workshop, which will focus on 21st Century Literature from the Philippines.

Resource speakers and workshop facilitators include: Dr. Ricardo de Ungria, eminent poet and professor of literature at the University of the Philippines-Mindanao; Dr. Isidoro M. Cruz, prize-winning writer and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Agustin-Iloilo; and Dr. Pamela Castrillo, cultural researcher and professor of literature at Ateneo de Davao University.

As part of the program, a writers’ forum will feature award-winning Davao-based

intellectuals and writers who will read their work and talk about the topic “Writing to Sustain our Home, our Habitat.” They include Macario D. Tiu, Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, Aida Rivera Ford, Tita Lacambra Ayala, Dominique Cimafranca, and Nassefh Macla.

There is no registration fee. Workshop materials and a certificate of participation will be given to each participant. Participants will have to take care of their own travel arrangements, accommodation, and meals.

For pre-registration, please submit the names of your participant/s and institution to PEN. You may email philippinepen@yahoo. com or text +639065267201 (contact person: Shirley Lua).

Deadline for pre-registration: August 13, 2016. (PEN)

Niece fakes aunt’s death for SSS funeral claim

T

HE Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Dagupan City has sentenced a woman to eight to ten years in jail after she was found guilty of defrauding the Social Security System (SSS) using faked public documents as evidence for her aunt’s alleged death, which she used in applying for the SSS funeral benefit.

SSS Assistant Vice-President for Operations Legal Department Renato Jacinto S. Cuisia said the court found Marilou V. Calado guilty of estafa through falsification of public documents such as the death certificate of her aunt, barangay certification, and funeral parlor receipt.

“For violating Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, Ms. Calado was ordered to serve an imprisonment of eight years and one day up to ten years, eight months and one day. She must also pay back the P20,000 funeral grant from SSS, with a legal interest of six percent per annum,” said Cuisia.

Based on the pension fund’s investigation, Calado obtained the death certificate bearing the name of her aunt, Pilar M. Valdez, from the Local Civil Registrar in Calasiao, Pangasinan after she narrated a fabricated story of how Valdez had died.

Using the death certificate, Calado then secured from the office of the barangay captain a certification attesting that a wake was held in the area.

She also managed to obtain a receipt from a local funeral parlor showing that she shouldered the burial expenses of her aunt.

During the trial, it was established that Calado went to SSS Dagupan City Branch in June 2004 to file the funeral benefit for Valdez’s supposed death using the falsified documents.

Calado said that Valdez was her aunt and claimed that she died due to pulmonary tuberculosis.

“The P20,000 benefit for burial expenses was paid only after the SSS confirmed with the respective Local Civil Registrar of Calasiao, the barangay office, and the funeral parlor that the documents submitted

by Calado were indeed issued by their offices,” said Cuisia.

The falsification was discovered after Valdez went to SSS Dagupan City in June 2005 to apply for a biometric SSS identification card.

In her complaint-affidavit submitted to SSS, a surprised Valdez certified that she was still alive and stated that Calado was her niece who was then living with her.

Upon discovery of the fraudulent act, SSS immediately filed a criminal complaint against Calado.

However, Valdez died due to bronchial asthma in 2009 while the trial was ongoing.

According to the Decision, aside from submitting fake

F NIECE, 10

DCWD: Water interruption on Aug 12-13 in Matina, Bajada

Globe 1st telco to provide free Wi-Fi in LRT stations

G

LOBE Telecom is the country’s first telecommunications company to provide free Wi-Fi services in all 20 LRT stations as part of its commitment to address growing customer demand for constant connectivity.

The agreement is expected to benefit around 400,000 passengers daily.

Under an agreement signed by Globe and the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the concessionaire of the Light Rail Transit System-Line 1 (LRT1), the telecommunications provider agreed to provide Wi-Fi services that will be accessible to LRT1 passengers and employees, said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Gov-

ernance, Network Technical Group, in a statement.

According to Agustin, Globe will also provide fiber optic cable system that will extend through the entire LRT 1 and cover all LRT stations, as well as LRMC’s depot in Pasay City.

In addition, the telco provider will also enhance its wireless infrastructure by deploying cell sites in each of the LRT stations.

“Globe will also deploy the new LTE700/1800/2600 MHz spectrum to provide adequate capacity to handle the massive mobile traffic volume at these stations,” he said.

Globe recently gained access to the 700 MHz band and acquired additional allo-

cation in the 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz frequencies following its recent joint buyout of San Miguel’s telco assets.

“As the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle, we, at Globe, recognize customer demand for constant connectivity even as they are on the go. We are confident that the deployment of free Wi-Fi services in all LRT stations will bring better communication or even improve work productivity for our customers,” Agustin stressed.

He explained that the deployment of fiber optic cables and enhancement of the company’s wireless infrastructure along LRT 1 would improve mobile coverage and enhance network capacities.

Once completed, this

move is expected to improve customer experience not only for customers riding LRT, 1 but also those plying the Taft Ave. and Rizal Ave route.

In early June, Globe also signed a similar agreement to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity in all 13 MRT stations along EDSA. Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of $750 million, thebulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach.

In line with its vision of ushering in a digital nation, the network build will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wire lines using different technologies including 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi.

T

HE Davao City Water District (DCWD) has announced two separate water service interruptions in different parts of the city, the DCWD said in a statement.

The first interruption is scheduled is on August 12, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and will affect the entire Villa Josefina Subd. in Matina. This disruption will be due to the tapping of the newly-replaced 100mm diameter unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride pipeline in the area.

The second interruption is set is on August 13, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and shall affect the following areas in Bajada: Leonora Village, Morning Side Subd., NCCC Housing, San Antonio, back of DLPC, Hill Top Village, Sto. Niño Hillside Subd. and portion of Garcia Heights (from corner Bacaca Road to corner Ladislawa Avenue). The DCWD will tap the newly installed 4-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride pipeline for the mainline improvement at Leonora Village, Brgy. 19-B in

Bajada. Once completed, the project will allow the water facility to provide additional service connections.

DCWD general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado asked for the understanding of the affected customers, as he also advised them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption.

He added the water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly, or may be delayed if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

12 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Lacson defends Duterte on Marcos burial S

ENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Monday defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to allow the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery).

Lacson, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, explained that not all buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani were heroes. ”By practice and tradition, kung babasahin natin ang AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) rules governing ang paglibing sa Libingan ng mga Bayani, hindi naman talaga lahat heroes,” Lacson said in a

media interview.

He said burial at the Heroes’ Cemetery is part of the respect and honor accorded to the former soldiers and former heads of State.

Marcos served as President from 1966 to 1986. He ruled as dictator under martial law from 1972 to 1981.

Lacson lauded President Duterte for his determination to allow Marcos’ burial at the Heroes’ Cemetery despite strong opposition mostly from relatives of the martial law victims. ”It is divisive issue kasi hindi matapos-tapos kasi di binibi-

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF STATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARILOU SAN MATEOGAVIOLA been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF STATE executed among her heirs per Doc. No.131; PageNo.27; Book No. I; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC RENE RIZZA B. BERNARDO-MAMBURAM 7/27,8/3/10

gyan ng closure. Mabuti na rin may isang Presidente na finally nag-decide, sabi niya mag-rally kayo kung gusto nyo mag-rally, talagang ang decision ko ilibing siya sa Libingan ng mga Bayan, and that’s it,” Lacson said.

Meanwhile, President Duterte’s two closest allies Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel Jr. and Senator Allan Peter Cayetano are against the former president’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Pimentel and Cayetano, however, said they respect the President’s decision which he promised in the last election campaign.

”Actually, the party does not consider Marcos a hero, but we will respect the decision of our (PDP-Laban) party mate since we made it a conscience vote thing,” Pimentel said.

As president of Duterte’s political party Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP)-Laban, Pimentel said he has no plan to dissuade President Duterte to change mind. ”There is already law governing and the authority to allow the burial (of Marcos) in the Libingan ng mga Bayani falls to the Commander in Chief.

It’s the President making the decision,” Pimentel said.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE AND ASSUMPTION OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FRANCISCO MAISO and MARIA JAMITO-MAISO has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE AND ASSUMPTION OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.125; Page No. 25; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC BANSALAN B. METILLA. 7/27,8/3,10

Pimentel is the son of former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. who was jailed for two months during Marcos’ dictatorship regime.

Cayetano, for his part, said

Marcos had heroics moments during his life “but we do not consider it totally heroic because of the things that had happened during martial law.”

(PNA)

to our sense of constitutional order, if we were given the chance to administer the appropriate preventive measures without the complications of a premature public announcement,” Sereno said.

To safeguard the role of the judges as the protector of constitutional rights, Sereno said she would caution them against “surrendering” or making themselves physically accountable to any police officer in the absence of any duly-issued warrant of arrest that is pending.

“As the sole entity charged with the discipline of judges, the Supreme Court decides when judges are excused from bench duty and report to it.

We appreciate your zeal in helping us cleanse the ranks of the judiciary of misfits but we assure you, Mr. President, even an informal report from the President or his appropriate alter egos would be sufficient to spur us to action and conduct the investigation immediately without [the] need of requiring them to report physically to any entity and cancel scheduled court activities,” she added.

But the president’s chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo disagreed with the contentions of Sereno as outlined in her letter.

“I beg to disagree with the CJ’s comment that the announcement by PRRD of the Judges’ name as suspects of being illegal drug coddlers as being premature,” Panelo said in a statement to the media in Davao City.

Panelo clarified the announcement is actually to the Judges’ advantage, as it will give them the opportunity to clear their names through the media rather than when cases are formally filed against them, thereby giving them a short period to file their counter-affidavits, and preclude them from discussing their defense in public because it will become subjudice.

“There is no denial of due process, as the same starts when formal charges are filed not prior,” Panelo said, adding that President Duterte’s announcement of the names of suspected drug lords, protectors and coddlers is pursuant to his constitutional duty to serve and protect the people.

Sereno... FROM 4

13 SCIENCE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

All the fuss about Bt talong

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO (Second of Two Parts)

B

T TALONG refers to an eggplant that has been introduced with Bacillus thuringiensis. “Bt talong was developed by genetically engineering a gene from the bacteria so that the GM eggplants now produce a protein that defends it against insect attacks,” explained Dr. Michael Purugganan, a Filipino plant geneticist who is the Dean of Science at the New York University.

Bt, a common soil bacterium, produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects, including the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). Scientifically, it is called Leucinodes orbonalis, a moth specie prevalent in Asia and Africa. The moths’ larvae feed inside the eggplant fruits making it unmarketable and unfit for human consumption.

EFSB feeds almost exclusively on eggplant. An entire crop can be lost from EFSB infestation. “The EFSB can cause as much as 50-75 percent loss of fruits,” said former Science Secretary Emil Q. Javier, who is now the chair of Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines. “The worm of the insect bore tunnels in the fruit, rendering them unfit for consumption.”

The current methods used by some eggplant growers in controlling the EFSB, however, are unacceptable, said Dr. Emiliana Bernardo, a member of the Department of Agriculture’s

Bt talong (Photo courtesy of SEARCA) Scientific and Technical Review Panel which reviews and assesses the safety of gene modified foods.

Many eggplant farmers spray chemical insecticides every other day, or up to 80 times per growing season to control EFSB infestation in their farms, pointed out Dr. Bernardo, an entomologist or a scientist who studies insects.

The practice is unacceptable and unhealthy to consumers, farmers and the environment, Dr. Bernardo said, adding that studies conducted in major eggplant producing provinces found that almost all farmers use chemical insecticides and that some even dip the unharvested eggplant fruits in a mix of chemicals just to ensure that harvests are marketable.

Unfortunately, there is no known genetic resistance to EFSB in cultivated and wild eggplants. “The insects are concealed in the shoots and fruits and are difficult to reach,” said Dr. Javier, who is the president of the National Academy of Science and Technology. “Thus, in order to protect their crops, farmers spray their plants almost every other day with insecticides.”

One possible solution is to introduce Bt into the vegetable crop, thus giving birth to Bt talong. “When ingested by the larvae of the target insect, the Bt protein is activated in the gut’s alkaline condition and punctures the mid-gut leaving the insect unable to eat. The insect dies within a few days,” noted a

briefing paper circulated by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Bt is present in the Philippine soil and had been in use for years without any harmful effects. As it comes from the earth itself, Bt is very natural, according to Dr. Bernardo. In 1901, Bt was discovered to have an insecticidal property. By 1950s, it became a well-known biological insecticide.

“Bt is easily cultured by fermentation,” the ISAAA briefing paper said. “Thus, over the last 40 years, Bt has been used as an insecticide by farmers worldwide. Organic farming has benefited from Bt insecticide, as it is one of the very few pesticides permitted by organic standards. The insecticide is applied either as a spray or as ground applications. It comes in both granules and liquefied form.”

But the big question is: Is the Bt protein found in Bt talong safe to non-target organisms? On tests conducted on dogs, guinea pigs, rats, fish, frogs, and even birds, the Bt protein was found not to have any harmful effects, according to Extension Toxicology Network (Extoxnet), a pesticide information project of several US universities.

“The specificity of Bt for its target insects is one of the characteristics that make it an ideal method of biological pest control,” the ISAAA briefing paper said.

“The specificity rests on the fact that the toxicity of the Bt protein is receptor-medi-

The American Medical Association also issued this statement: “Bioengineered foods have been consumed for close to 20 years and during that time, no overt consequences to human health have been reported and/or are substantiated in the peerreviewed literature.”

ated. This means that for an insect to be affected by the Bt protein, it must have specific receptor sites in its gut where the proteins can bind. Fortunately, humans and majority of beneficial insects do not have these receptors.”

According to Dr. Bernardo, cooking the genetically-modified (GM) eggplant can completely denatured the Bt protein. “It is non-detectable in any cooked food therefore there is no human exposure to Bt proteins in eating cooked Bt crops,” she said.

On the other hand, the US Environmental Protection Agency has already administered toxicology assessments, and Bt proteins have already been tested at relatively higher dosages.

Here’s what the Extoxnet said in its report: “No complaints were made after 18 humans ate one gram of commercial Bt preparation daily for five days, on alternate days… Humans who ate one gram per day for three consecutive days were not poisoned or infected.”

If that is not comforting enough, here’s what the GM Science Review Panel of the Unit-

ed Kingdom says about GM crops: “For human health, to date there is no evidence currently commercialized GM crop varieties or foods made from them, are toxic, allergenic or nutritionally deleterious. On balance, we conclude that the risks to human health are very low for GM crops currently on the market.”

The American Medical Association also issued this statement: “Bioengineered foods have been consumed for close to 20 years and during that time, no overt consequences to human health have been reported and/ or are substantiated in the peer-reviewed literature.”

The Royal Society of Medicine, an independent educational organization for doctors, dentists, scientists and others involved in medicine and health care in England, said: “Foods derived from GM crops have been consumed by hundreds of millions of people across the world for more than 15 years with no reported ill effects (or legal cases related to human health) despite many of the consumes coming from the most litigious of countries, the United States.”

14

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

MEDAL STANDINGS As of August 9, 2016

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

RAGING TAMS FEU to don TRMH-CMO-PMS colors

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

R

BIG THREE. Roger Pogoy, Mac Belo and Christian Tolomia will banner FEU a it playes for the Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMOPMS squad.

njb@edgedavao.net

EIGNING titleholder Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO will parade 2015 UAAP champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the Mayor Inday Sara and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte 31st Kadayawan sa Dabaw Commercial Basketball Tournament set to unfurl tomorrow.

TRMH-CMO will also add another team partner in Presidential Management Staff (PMS) forming the team that will be represented by the Tamaraws, according to team spokesperson Neil Baquiran.

Secretary Bong Go, head of the PMS, will be sitting as the team’s co-manager along with partner Glenn Escandor of The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The Tamaraws are expected to be led by Mac Belo, Christian Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto, and Prince

Orizu.

The tournament will kick off at 5 p.m. at the Davao City Recreation Center following a short opening ceremony.

Also vying for the title are former champion Montana Pawnshop, CM Farms and Gen. Santos City’s Pacman.

Pocholo Eligino of the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO) said the tournament is all set for tomorrow’s opening.

Samahan ng Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (SBP) liaison officer Ronel Leuterio and SBP city commissioner Oscar Salvado will be supervising the tournament in the wake of the passing of SBP regional director Boy Cua who will be honored in the tournament opening.

Teams will play a single round-robin format in the eliminations where the top two teams will vie for the title and the P100,000 cash prize. The next three placers will pocket P60,000, P40,000 and P30,000.

New SBP leadership to focus on grassroots, women’s caging

A

FEW years ago Senator Sonny Angara and then-Congressman Robbie Puno played a major part in the naturalization process of Andray Blatche, who suited up for the Philippine national men’s basketball team in several major international FIBA tournaments.

This time, Angara and Puno are set to take larger and more active roles in the development of Philippine basketball after they were elected to key positions in the new Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) board on Monday.

Angara was elected as the new chairman of the SBP, succeeding Oscar Moreno, while Puno will take over the vice-chairman position vacated

by Ricky Vargas.

The new set of officers will be headed by Al Panlilio, who was elected as the successor of outgoing president Manuel V. Pangilinan.

For Angara, it is important that the significant gains of Philippine basketball in the past few years be built upon by the new leadership.

“Continuity is important given the success already achieved,” wrote Angara in a text message to InterAksyon. com. “We need to build on that after our international success in hosting and performing.”

The Philippines hosted the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013 and staged the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last month. The national

team, Gilas Pilipinas, also made it return to the world stage after qualifying for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. But Angara also noted that the board will put some focus on the development of women’s basketball as well as strengthening programs on the grassroots level.

“The new leadership identified some areas aside from international competitions.

Greater grassroots programs around the country, increased support for women’s basketball and adapting to some of the changes in FIBA rules and schedules will also be prioritized,” Angara added.

Dioceldo Sy, whose Ever Bilena company has been bankrolling the women’s national

team program, believes it’s high time that the female players will be given importance.

“It will be a big help,” said Sy, the staunch supporter of Perlas Pilipinas national team.

“At least now, may makakatulong na tayo sa finances, which could bring us more in the program.”

Among the developments Sy is hoping for is the naturalization of a candidate who could help the national squad in the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship next year.

“Following the pattern created by Andray Blatche, we’re also looking at a 6-foot-5, big girl who could help us in competing against the powerhouse teams in the Asian region,” the Perlas backer added.

DEADLY DUO. Francis Gabriel Escandor (18) and Axel Doromal (14) of Ateneo de Davao University-HS delivered the goods for the Blue Knights in the elimination round of the 2016 Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup. The Blue Knights will face Ford in the semifinals. Lean Daval Jr.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

WIPED OUT PH boxer Ladon bows to Colombian foe T

HE Philippines’ hopes for a boxing medal were dashed on Monday after Rogen Ladon bowed out of Men’s Light Flyweight competition of the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Ladon lost via unanimous decision to Herney Martinez of Colombia, 28-29, 27-30, 28-29, in the Round of 16.

Ladon, who had earned a bye in the bracket, had a hard time containing the Colombian all throughout the match.

The Filipino tried to turn things around in the late seconds of the third round by delivering a knockout blow, but Martinez dodged his attempts and was able to win via points.

Ladon’s defeat bid goodbye to the Philippines’ chances of winning an Olympic medal in boxing, a sport which the country excelled at in the professional scene.

The Philippines’ only other boxer, Charly Suarez, also lost his first match in the men’s lightweight division.

LAST MAN STANDING. Rogen Ladon lost via unanimous decision to Herney Martinez of Colombia, 28-29, 27-30, 28-29, in the Round of 16.