Edge Davao 9 Issue 262

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BUSINESS AS USUAL. One of the oldest nickel mining companies in Surigao – Taganito Mining Corporation – operates in the mountains of Claver, Surigao del Norte, as can be seen in in the background in this photograph taken Monday (20 February 2017). The subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation has been in business for decades, causing the water bodies nearby to turn rusty-red with laterites. It is not among the 14 erring mining firms in the Caraga Region ordered closed by Environment Secretary Gina Lopez as it is reportedly among those who passed the audit. (MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto)

GINA BACKED

Davao multi-sectoral group bats for Lopez’confirmation

‘Araw’ security tightened: CTO G C

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

ITY Tourism Operations Officer Gene Rose Tecson revealed that security will be at its best during this year’s celebration of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw.

Teccon underscored this during the media launch of Phoenix events as part of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration at the Go Hotels on Wednesday.

“Security will be strengthened to ensure the success of the celebration,” said Tecson, adding that several European Union ambassadors have assured the city government of their participation. She said that the Public Safety and Security Command Center of Davao is already working with the national agencies

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EDGEDAVAO Sports

ROOKIES ROAR P15

Luisita opens two-point lead

ROUPS from various sectors in Davao City on Wednesday vowed to stand by Gina Lopez as they campaigned for her confirmation by the Commission on Appointment as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Speaking during the Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall, Atty. Romeo Cabarde Jr., chairperson of the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council of Ateneo de Davao University (UCEAC-ADDU) said these groups, coming from different walks of life, converged for a common purpose and driven by their faith on the DENR secretary.

“Our call is simple: First confirm her (Lopez) appointment as DENR secretary. Second, we are hoping that President Rodrigo Duterte would sustain his decision on the closure of these mining firms which destroys our lands and waters,” Cabarde told the reporters.

Cabarde said a number of communities will be affected by the closure of these mining

firms but stressed the advantages of this move to the people and the environment.

“Yes, it is difficult to find a new job, but I do believe it is more difficult to find a new earth,” Cabarde emphasized.

The UCEAC-ADDU chair said on their part, they “maximize and optimize” the use of social media by urging their students to post messages with the tag-line “#ConfirmSecGina”. They also sent a position letter to the Commission on Appointment headed by Sen. Aquilino “Koko” L. Pimentel III and Senate Committee on Environment headed by Sen. Manny Pacquaio.

Davao-born artist Joey Ayala of Bagong Lumad band, also known for his musical expression advocating for the protection of the environ-

ment and the conservation of natural resources, stressed that a review should be made on the existing laws of the country particularly the corporate law and the mining law.

“We cannot allow people doing irreversible damage hiding behind these laws,” said Ayala.

Ayala added there is no such thing as “sustainable development” because it is against the law of nature. He stressed some politicians only use this as an excuse to attain their personal motives.

“Climate change is a way of thinking,” said Ayala as he pointed out the degradation of environment is caused by commercialization and irresponsible use of natural resources.

Roldan Gonzales of Our Rivers Our Life (Gitib-Orol) said several groups will gather in support of Lopez on areas of struggle particularly Surigao, Zamboanga del Sur, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Agusan

tentatively onMarch 1 or 2, the same date set by Commission on Appointment to decide for the confirmation of Lopez as DENR secretary.

“If we were able to gather 12,000 heads during the funeral of Jimmy Liguyon, we will gather 14,000” declared Jean Lindo of Panalipdan Mindanao as she recalled the killing of anti-mining indigenous leader Jimmy Liguyon in 2015 because he refused to support mining interests on indigenous lands.

Finally, Cabarde expressed his optimism on Lopez’ confirmation as he saidCommission on Appointment’s denial would be a “sad day” for Philippine governance.

“No other person is fit for the position of DENR secretary but Gina Lopez,” stressed Cabarde.

The multi-sectoral group consists of University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council of Ateneo de Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

SUPPORT FROM CHINA. Chinese delegation headed by Minister of International Department Song Tao visited Davao City, Tuesday, to donate a school building at The Bolton Elementary School amounting to $400,000.00 and a water pumping station at Brgy. Tibungco amounting to $200,000.00. The delegation also distributed bags and food packs during their site visit. (CIO Photo)

300 senior reservist officers attend summit to restore ROTC

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ROUND 300 senior military reservist commanders gathered at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City to discuss the proposal to restore the Mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Wednesday.

This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval of the proposed restoration of the mandatory ROTC in Grades 11 and 12 of the country’s public and private schools.

“The ROTC is a key component of the AFP’s Reserve Force Development program.

Through this summit, we are able to connect the ROTC Corps Commanders with the Senior

Reservist Commanders of the AFP to discuss common issues on the ROTC and its role in the Reserve Force,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

Among the speakers were Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian who tackled the restoration of mandatory ROTC, and Retired Navy Capt. Diofonce F. Tuñacao of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific who discussed the institutional measures to prevent hazing and corruption in the ROTC. The summit was anchored on the theme “Building the ROTC as a Strong Foundation of the AFP Reserve Force”.

It also featured focus group

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DepEd: Field trips not mandatory T

HE education department has reminded parents, school officials and personnel that while educational field trips are meant to supplement classroom learning, joining them is not mandatory.

The department issued the reminder Wednesday, following the recent bus accident in Tanay, Rizal that claimed the lives of 14 students of Bestlink College, a teacher, and the driver. The students were to undergo medical and survival training at the Sacramento Adventure Camp in Tanay as part of the National Service Training Program.

Citing Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 52 (2003), the department stat-

ed that no punitive measure will be imposed on students unable to join a field trip, who will instead be given activities to be done in school.

The order also notes that teachers must refrain from using field trips as basis for exams and that no field trip should be undertaken without the written consent of the parents or guardians.

The department meanwhile called on schools to plan educational tours well ahead of time, verify the proper registration and road-worthiness of the buses or vehicles to be used, ensure that drivers have the appropriate know-how and frame of mind when on the road, and discuss safety measures with students before the trip. (PNA)

Army lauds support of ComVal civilians

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Philippine army lauded the awareness and support that the civilian population continues to provide government troopers who are still on high alert in the province of Compostela Valley following the incidents of armed confrontations with the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) in the past weeks.

Lt. Col. Davice Christopher G. Mercado, commander of 71st Infantry Battalion personally expressed gratitude to the residents of a remote village in Maco town on Wednesday morning after the

discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) that was intentionally planted by the NPAs. “This is a clear manifestation of the growing concern and awareness among the civilian populace which pre-empted fatalities to the troops as well as civilians residing in that area,” Lt. Col. Mercado said.

Acting on the report of local residents, army personnel from Alpha Company of 71st IB recovered an IED in Purok 4B, Sitio Bombaran, Barangay Elizalde in Maco last February

19.

The residents themselves reported the presence of NPAs and saw the planting of the IED in their community in Purok 4B, Bombaran.

“We also strongly condemn the continued use of landmines by the NPAs which places greater risk to the innocent residents in communities,” Mercado added.

He also assured the residents of Barangay Elizalde and the rest in their areas of operation of the army’s continuing efforts to protect the communities from terror and

ALACAÑANG announced a low-key four-day commemoration to observe the EDSA People Power Revolution’s 31st anniversary.

“We have lined up a program for the next four days that would be simple enough but indicative of what we intend to do,” Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said during a press briefing in the New Executive Building in Malacañang.

The celebration, with the theme, “A Day of Reflection: Celebrating People Power for Nation Building,” starts today, Feb. 22 (Wednesday), with a wreath laying and military

honor ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig. Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna will deliver the message.

On Feb. 23, Thursday, the Malacañang Library and Museum situated in the Kalayaan Hall will be opened to the youth for a tour.

A morning ecumenical celebration will kick off Day 3 on Feb. 24 to be followed by the Spirit of EDSA Foundation (SOEF) Awarding Ceremony in the Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

This year’s EDSA Freedom Awardees are the military represented by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Lt. Col.

Balbas and General Hotchkiss for the military; the religious represented by Sister Sarah Manapol, Aleem Said Akmar Bashir and Bishop Jonel Milan; and the Filipino people represented by Bobby Aquino (son of Butz Aquino), Ms. Ching Montinola and Mr. Uriel Jojo Borja.

Sabrina Artadi and Valiente Namion, on the one hand, are this year’s Good Citizenship Awardees.

The commemoration will culminate on Feb. 25 with a wreath laying and flag raising ceremony at the People Power Monument, along the corner of EDSA and White Plains Avenue.

chaos brought by NPA rebels.

Concerned residents reported the presence of New People’s Army (NPA) members who were then planting improvised explosive devices along the barangay road.

The recovered IED weighed six kilograms with 50-meter electric wire and the detonating device, the report of the army said.

The explosive device is now safely defused and under the possession of the operating troops.

In the same statement,

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4-day EDSA commemoration announced M

This year’s EDSA People Power Commemoration is headed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Chairman of the EDSA People Power Commission and Vice Chair Joey Concepcion.

The EDSA People Power Commission is created through Executive Order No. 82 series of 1999 to “institutionalize the legacy of the EDSA People Power Revolution.” It is the agency tasked “to plan, organize and implement the annual commemoration of the 1986 EDSA Revolution and is responsible for initiating activities to expand awareness of the values and principles that spurred the Revolution.” (PNA)

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Death penalty bill to include safeguard mechanisms for accused individuals

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JOEY AYALA. “Climate change is a way of thinking,”environmentalist and musician Joey Ayala talks about the degregation of environment caused by commercialization and irresponsible use of natural resources during the Habi at Kape Media forum at Abreeza Mall, Davao City on Wednesday. Jermaine L. Dela Cruz

Phoenix Petroleum to hold golf tournament for charity

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

P

HOENIX Petroleum will hold the 9th Phoenix Open at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, Davao City on March 11.

The company’s annual golf tournament, in celebration of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw, will be held for the benefit of the Phoenix Philippines Foundation charity projects. Phoenix has projects that advocate empowering through education, protecting the environment, improving health and enriching outreach programs.

“We are not only here for business. We always give back to the community where we serve,” said Atty. Raymond Zorilla, Vice President for External Affairs and Business Development and Security during the Phoenix Media Launch on Wednesday.

Zorilla said that the match shall be graced by the presence of Dennis Uy, President of Phoenix Petroleum and at

the same time, the Presidential Adviser for Sports, retired AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon and Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, and other government officials.

Corporate heads from different business sectors will also be there.

The tournament will have a registration fee of P 5,000 per player. This will allow the player to join in the team, partner and individual categories. Aspiring players can register beginning March 1 until March 7 on these outlets: Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, Apo Golf and Country Club, Dencio’s at SM Ecoland, and at the Phoenix Lanang Mega Station.

Winners of the said competition will take home prices such as P 100,000 worth of Phoenix fuel/lube gift certificates, a brand new TATA Xenon and other consolation prizes.

(Jecia Anne Opiana)

DICT sets 1st RP telco summit March 9-10 T

HE Department of Information and Communications Technology promises to have a worthwhile exchange of ideas on improving the state of telecommunications in the country as it is set to hold the Philippine Telecommunications Summit next month.

DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima reiterated the importance of information and communications technology (ICT)’s contribution to education, governance and people empowerment in the country.

He emphasized that it is imperative to develop a robust ICT infrastructure that will further improve mobile communications in the country.

According to Salalima, the cost, speed and coverage of the Internet must be urgently addressed by the department and the mobile network service providers through the summit.

He also said that various concerns raised by the telco companies such as the streamlining

of the permitting process of local government units (LGUs) for the installation of additional cell sites, frequency assignments for new players in the telco industry, among others, should also be resolved.

“The summit is a no holds barred session. I want the problems and challenges all out during the Summit, because if not, we will not know how to find a solution,” he said in a press conference Wednesday in Quezon City, which was attended by the heads of the DICT, Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators and representatives from Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.

“We aim to craft solutions with definite timelines,” the DICT secretary added.

For his part, PCTO Chairman Eric De Los Reyes said it is important to foster cooperation among the leading telco players to implement concrete solutions that will address the challenges being faced by the industry. (PNA)

OUSE Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas said on Wednesday that proposed amendments to the death penalty bill will include safeguard mechanisms to guarantee individuals accused of committing heinous crimes a fair trial.

In an ambush interview, Fariñas said one of the safeguard measures is to require the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to assign senior lawyers in handling the automatic review or appealed cases of the death penalty.

Fariñas also said another amendment will require the fiscal to distribute copies of information on cases involving heinous crimes to the Commission on Human Rights

(CHR), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), and other religious and civic organizations.

This allows the religious and civic sectors to “assist the accused” or monitor the case, the House leader noted.

“Kasi naman po ito ay community effort, if we feel we had an imperfect judicial system then let’s do our share by monitoring the judicial system,” he added.

Fariñas said members of the majority have agreed to whittle down the number of crimes covered by the death penalty bill from the original 21 to just four offenses including plunder, treason, rape, and certain drug-related offenses.

(PNA)

Hawaii’s Kauai County to forge sister city ties with Davao City A

32-MAN delegation from Kauai County in Hawaii came to the Davao City recently for a trade mission.

A Sister City pact is expected between Kauai and Davao is soon.

The visitors, led by Kauai County Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr., also included members of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. They were received by city officials

led by City Administrator. Zuleika T. Lopez.

“We have heard many good things from Davao and found many similarities between the two cities particularly in culture, tourism and agriculture,” Carvalho said during their courtesy visit at City Hall, adding that his city was willing to forge sister cities pact with Davao.

Carvalho said these similarities were the main reason

they visited the city.

“So we have (come) to talk about opportunities, about agriculture for young farmers and connecting and maybe inviting some young farmers to Kauai and we share (ideas). It is about sharing and connecting,” he added.

Kauai is the fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands and its economy was mainly tourism-driven.

He expressed hope to seal

the newly-formed cooperation with a Sister City Agreement and have Mayor Inday Sara Duterte visit Kauai County and sign the agreement there.

Carvalho also presented a Friendship Certificate to Mayor Duterte through Lopez, which recognized the city’s hospitality and openness to seek increased cooperation and understanding between the two governments.

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stitutions, Recto said he will withdraw his resolution No. 2 which seeks amendments to certain restrictive economic provisions.

The senator said that he felt that the purpose of Federalism was more political than economic. “(I was) willing to amend

(the Constitution) only for economic changes. But since that is not the plan, I will withdraw,” Recto later told reporters in an interview.

He said that among the downsides of the proposed shift to federalism are more harm to the economy due to “additional bureaucracy, addi-

tional taxes and additional red tape” to name a few.

“If we’re growing by 7 to 10 percent today, 7 percent real growth, 10 percent nominally, by doing that, we might destroy the economy,” Recto explained.

“We know that the position

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Recto: Federalism can do more harm than good

EDERALISM can do more harm than good, Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said Wednesday noting that he is no longer in favor of amending the 1987 Constitution.

During the resumption of the Senate hearing on the proposals to amend the 1987 Con-

DAVAO FIRE. Firefighters try to put out a fire at the junction of Lizada St. and Ramon Magsaysay Ave. in Davao City Tuesday (21 Feb 2017). Firemen said the blaze began at 4 a.m. at a boarding house behind the building

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where a cellphone charger was left unattended. By noon, or over six hours later, the firemen were still hosing down an establishment in the building selling helmets and motorcycle tires. (MindaNews photo by Gigi Bueno)

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Gawad Kalasag evaluation in SoCot to start next week

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HIDDEN GETAWAY. Local tourists enjoy the crystal clear water under the shades of century-old mangrove trees of Bong Feo resort in Barangay Lago, Glan, Sarangani province during the weekend. Just a 30-minute ride from

General Santos City, this mangrove surrounded resort is a perfect getaway for family and backpackers. (Cocoy Sexcion for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PENRO DavOr to start livelihood for families in eco-tourism sites D

EPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Region 11 Regional Director Ruth M. Tawantawan has urged the Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office (PENRO) of Davao Oriental to introduce livelihood to the families living around eco-tourism sites in the province.

“The DENR employees should have entrepreneurial spirits and should think out-

side the box,” Tawantawan said.

Some of her ideas that can be introduced for livelihood activities are snorkeling, boating and photo booth which may help locals in improving their living without jeopardizing the environment.

Tawantawan also challenged the personnel to work harder in its fight against illegal logging.

She said all employees of

PENRO and its different Community Environment and Natural Resources Office should work hand in hand, by all means, to stop illegal logging activities within the province.

“Let us re-mold and change ourselves, set as good examples for others to follow,” she said.

Reportedly, there are many illegal logging activities in the province.

Tawantawan, PENR Officer

Gregorio Lagura and all CENR Officers of Davao Oriental earlier met with Governor Nelson Dayanghirang to discuss its programs and projects for environment in the province.

Dayanghirang reportedly pledged to work with the Department in the pursuit of protecting and conserving the natural resources of the province and to advocate the participation of youth in this endeavor.

(PNA)

ployment (DOLE) in Region 12.

Merlyn Esteban, Public Employment Service Office provincial coordinator, said Wednesday they are currently processing the release of the assistance, which will be in

the form of livelihood starter kits.

She said each package, which was approved by DOLE12 last year under its Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, is worth around P10,000.

“We’re targeting to release the assistance by next month,” Esteban said in an interview.

She said DOLE-12 initially released the funding to the provincial government last month.

Franklin Gacal Jr. and Sangguniang Panglunsod Secretary, Atty. Rosendo Roque, had attended one of the hearings.

The vice mayor said “it’s high time” for the city to become a lone district and have a separate representation at the House of Representatives.

She said that the city has long been qualified to become a separate district, especially in terms of the population requirement.

In 2000, she said the city’s population, based on official census, was already at 412,000 or way beyond the Constitutional requirement of 250,000.

In the 2015 census, the city’s population has reached 594,000.

Nograles said Article 6, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution provides that “within three years following the re-

turn of every census, Congress shall make a reapportionment of legislative districts” based on the standards provided.

“For over 21 years, the city council has passed numerous resolutions requesting Congress to pass a law for the creation of a lone district for the city,” she said.

South Cotabato’s first district presently comprises this city and the municipalities of Tupi, Tampakan and Polomolok in South Cotabato.

The second district is composed of Koronadal City and the municipalities of Tantangan, Banga, T’boli, Surallah, Sto. Niño, Norala, and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

Under HB 4678, Acharon is pushing for the reconfiguration of the present composition of South Cotabato’s first and second congressional dis-

Women inmates in SoCot to get livelihood grants

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T least 49 women inmates of the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center or provincial jail are set to receive around P500,000 worth of livelihood packages from the Department of Labor and Em-

Creation of separate congressional district for General Santos backed

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ITY officials have endorsed ongoing moves for the creation of a separate congressional or legislative district for the city.

Vice Mayor Shirlyn BañasNograles said Wednesday the city government is fully supporting the passage of House Bill (HB) 4678 that seeks the city’s separation from the first district of South Cotabato and the creation of a lone legislative district for the area.

HB 4678 was filed by South Cotabato first district Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. last Dec. 13 and immediately referred by the House committee on rules to the committee on local government.

The House local government committee, which is chaired by Acharon, started the committee hearings on the matter earlier this month.

Nograles, City Councilor

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SPECIAL inter-agency body will start next week the evaluation of local disaster risk reduction and management councils (LDRRMCs) in South Cotabato in line with the 2017 Gawad Kalasag search.

Audrey De Pedro, acting provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-South Cotabato, said Wednesday they are currently finalizing the arrangements for the assessment or evaluation, which will cover the province’s 10 towns and lone city.

She said the comprehensive assessment will be conducted by 2017 Gawad Kalasag provincial selection and evaluation committee.

It will start in Tupi town on Feb. 27, followed by Koronadal City on March 1, Banga on March 20, Polomolok on March 21, Surallah on March 22, T’boli on March 23, Tantangan on March 24, Tampakan on April 3, Lake Sebu on April 4, Norala on April 5, and Sto Niño on April 6.

“Our LDRRMCs will mainly be evaluated for their readiness and accomplishments in terms of disaster response and mitigation,” De Pedro said in a media forum.

The official said the entries for the municipal, city and barangay (urban and rural) categories will be assessed in four thematic areas.

These are disaster prevention and mitigation (35 points), disaster preparedness (30 points), disaster response (20 points) and disaster rehabilitation and recovery (15 points).

She said the 10 towns

will complete under the municipality category and the barangays for either rural or urban categories.

Each municipality will have one entry for each barangay categories, she said.

De Pedro said Koronadal City, previously included in the municipality category, will now compete under the city category.

But being the sole entry, she said Koronadal City will have to notch a rating of 80 percent and above to avail of the P20,000 cash incentive and qualify for the Gawad Kalasag regional search.

The winners in the municipal and barangay categories will receive a cash incentives of P50,000 each, she said.

In the municipality category, she said the second and third placers will receive P40,000 and P25,000 cash incentives, respectively.

The second and third place winners in the barangay categories will get P30,000 and P15,000, respectively, she said.

De Pedro said the winners will be announced in July during the culmination of the National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration.

She said the winning entries will represent the province in the Gawad Kalasag regional search.

The search aims to recognize the contribution and performances of local government units in disaster risk reduction and management during natural or human-induced disasters.

Kalasag, which is a Filipino term for shield, is short for Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan. (PNA)

COMMITMENT. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon signs the pledge of commitment wall to show support to the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASA MASID) during its provincial launching at the Capitol gym on February 14. Gov. Solon led the pledge where thousands of Sarangans took oath showing their commitment to the MASA MASID program, including members of the Integrated Barangay Defense System and Development (IBDSD) project of the Sulong Sarangani program. The IBDSD project will be MASA MASID’s volunteer structure in the communities of Sarangani. The launching was attended by Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno, regional heads, board members, mayors, religious sector, women’s organizations, academe, barangay local government unit and members of the IBDSD. (Kim Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

PH, Israel to explore expansion of agri cooperation: DOF sec

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SRAEL has expressed its continuing support for the development of the Philippines’ farm sector by proposing to expand its current exchange program for Filipino agricultural students who want to learn from Tel Aviv’s expertise and advanced technologies in agriculture.

In his recent meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Israel Ambassador to Manila Ephraim Ben Matityau also discussed possible investments by Israeli companies in the Philippines’ business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and in private-sector startups in the information technology (IT) sector.

Matityau said a program he had piloted in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education aims to develop “leaders of change” in the Philippines who will be trained in utilizing Tel Aviv’s technological innovations that have made agriculture a profitable venture for Israel’s richest entrepreneurs.

Israel, for one, invented drip irrigation, which allows dry lands to produce multiple yields.

Under the exchange program, 550 college students chosen from 29 agricultural schools outside Metro Manila will be sent to Israel each year to participate in the training program.

Dominguez thanked the Ambassador for Israel’s assistance to the Philippines and agreed with Matityau on the need to explore financial cooperation agreements between the two countries to facilitate trade and investments via Ashra,

which is Tel Aviv’s export credit agency.

“We will certainly support all your efforts, Mr. Ambassador. I’m sure at one point or another this will come before us when financing is required, or when projects are required to have the approval of the ICC, of which I am the chairman. ICC is the Investment Coordinating Committee. So you have our support 100 percent,” Dominguez said The agreement on technical cooperation in the field of agriculture between Israel and the Philippines date back to 1964, six years after the two countries signed their Treaty of Friendship on Feb. 26, 1958.

Besides this accord, the Philippines and Israel have also forged 13 other bilateral agreements, among them, a Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation, Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters, a Tourism agreement, and a cooperation agreement on Telecommunications.

Some 30,000 Filipinos live and work in Israel.

Citizens carrying Philippine passports enjoy visa-free entry to Israel, as an expression of Israel’s gratitude to our country for allowing many Jewish families to seek refuge here in the 1930s to the 1940s to escape the Holocaust.

The Philippines was also the only Asian country to support in November 1947 before the United Nations General Assembly the creation of the State of Israel. (PR)

CTRP to exempt 4.6-M Pinoys from income taxation: Chua S

OME 4.66 million taxpayers, or more than double the current figure of 1.8 million, will no longer pay their personal income tax (PIT) under the government’s highly progressive Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), which aims to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient, especially for low- and middle-income Filipino families.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the Department of Finance (DOF)-endorsed tax reform bill now pending in the Congress will exempt 83 percent of individual taxpayers from the PIT, including 1.8 million minimum-wage workers who are already paying zero income tax as mandated by law, and close to another 3 million earners with a net taxable in-

come of P250,000 and below, based on Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) data.

He said House Bill No. 4774, which represents Package One of the CTRP, also provides for revenue-enhancing measures to offset the revenue erosion from the lower PIT rates. HB 4774 was authored

by Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, who chairs the House ways and means committee.

“These revenue-enhancing measures primarily targets rich consumers and taxpayers so the government can still raise enough money for its unprecedented massive public investment program under the Duterte administration,” Chua said at the recent hearing of the House ways and means panel.

At the hearing, which focused on the PIT reductions,

Chua said those earning between the above-minimum wage rate and P22,000 a month will pay zero tax under HB 4774. The first P82,000 in the 13th month pay and other bonuses will be exempted from the PIT computation.

For instance, a call center agent who earns P21,000 a month with a gross income of P273,000 inclusive of the 13th month pay and other benefits, will still fall under the zero-tax bracket.

This will save him or her almost P22,000 in foregone income tax payments because under the current system, the call center agent, even with two dependents, would still have to pay P21,867 in income tax because of an outdated tax structure in which his or her net taxable income of P136,834 would still be taxed

P8,500 plus 20 percent in excess of P70,000.

Chua noted that HB 4774 aims to correct this form of “income creeping” through the adoption of a simplified and fairer system where the call center agent’s declared deductions and exemptions of P36,166--inclusive of the 13th month pay and mandatory contributions--would be deducted from the gross income of P273,000.

This will yield for this type of taxpayer a net taxable income of P236,834, which still falls under the zero-tax bracket, Chua said.

“Thus, under the tax reform bill, the call center agent’s take home pay will effectively increase by P21,867 annually because he would no longer have to pay this amount

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is welcomed by Asian Development Bank (ADB) officers led by its President Takehiko Nakao upon his arrival at the ADB Headquarters in Mandaluyong City on February 21, 2017 to attend ADB’s 50th anniversary celebration. ACE MORANDANTE/Presidential Photo

NEDA approves Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 PCC to maintain P1-B threshold

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URING its third meeting under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board officially approved the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 on February 20, 2017 at Malacanan Palace.

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 is the first medium-term plan to be anchored on a national long-term vision, or AmBisyon Natin 2040, which represents the collective vision and aspirations of Filipinos for themselves and for the country. The PDP also takes off from the Administration’s 0-10 point Socioeconomic Agenda and is informed by inputs from the cross-section of stakeholders and the general public.

“By the end of 2022, Filipinos will be closer to achieving their long-term aspirations. Through this PDP, the

current Administration will lay a solid foundation for inclusive growth, a high-trust society, and a globally-competitive knowledge economy by grounding its development thrusts on Malasakit, Pagbabago, and Patuloy na Pag-unlad,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during his presentation at the NEDA Board meeting.

The Philippine Development Plan contains seven main parts, which include an overview of the economy, development challenges that lie ahead, and development strategies thoroughly articulated through chapters on Enhancing the Social Fabric, Inequality-Reducing Transformation, Increasing Growth Potential, Enabling and Supportive Economic Environment, and Foundations for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.

Targets

As identified in the Philippine Development Plan 20172022, growth in gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to strengthen at 7 to 8 percent in the medium term. Growth is also expected to be more inclusive, where overall poverty rate is targeted to decline from 21.6 percent to 14 percent, and poverty incidence in rural areas to decrease from 30 percent in 2015 to 20 percent in 2022.

The government also identified in the PDP its target of reducing unemployment rate from the current 5.5 percent to 3 to 5 percent by 2022. Included among the targets, also, are higher trust in government and society, more resilient individuals and communities, and a greater drive for innovation.

“We want the Philippines to be an upper-middle income country by 2022. With the right policies and with mutu-

al trust between government and the citizenry, this is very possible,” said Secretary Pernia.

Strategies The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 is founded on three main pillars.

First is Malasakit, which aims to regain people’s trust in public institutions and cultivate trust among fellow Filipinos.

Strategies under Malasakit include promoting awareness of anti-corruption measures, improving the productivity of the public sector, implementing regulatory reforms, increasing access to legal aid, pursuing corrections reform, and promoting culture-sensitive governance and development.

Second is Pagbabago, or inequality-reducing transformation through increasing opportunities for growth of output and income.

F NEDA, 13

on merger and acquisition deals

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HE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) stated that the P1.0-billion threshold on merger and acquisition (M&A) deals will be maintained after the Commission conducted a review.

“The Commission initiated a preliminary review of all relevant data and finds that there is a sound basis to maintain the P1-billion threshold, at least for now,” PCC Chairman Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement Tuesday.

Under the Philippine Competition Act, companies with M&A agreement with minimum transaction of P1.0 billion shall notify the PCC of their respective transaction.

Balisacan noted that the P1-billion threshold for the M&A deals is reasonable, comparing with other countries’ mandatory notification

requirement such as Colombia and South Africa. These economies with comparable size of economy to the Philippines have the similar minimum M&A deal threshold.

According to the Commission, less than 1.0 percent or about 1,500 companies would be subject to the current threshold if they go into M&A deal.

The PCC chair said the Commission would conduct regular monitoring on the M&A notifications and revisit the threshold level periodically, making sure the threshold level remains responsive to the market.

“The Commission will continue to monitor developments in the country’s markets and consider additional information from forthcoming notifications,” Balisacan said. (PNA)

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Ejercito wants 3rd Telco player to encourage competition

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ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP. The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, led

by Council Chairperson Mr. Mel Rapozo and Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr., visits Davao City to explore possible economic partnership. The delegation pays a courtesy call Saturday morning at the Davao City Hall and received by city hall

officials led by Chief of Staff of Mayor Sara Duterte, Atty. Raul Nadela Jr., City Administrator Atty. Zuleika T. Lopez, Assistant City Administrator Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo, Atty. Lawrence Bantiding, DCIPC chief Lemuel Ortonio and City Information Officer Jefry M. Tupas. (CIO Photo)

SENATOR on Wednesday said that he wants to allow a third telecommunications company in the Philippines to end the duopoly of telco giants Smart Communications and Globe Telecom.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the government should allow a third player to encourage competition and to avoid possible collusion in expensive cellphone services.

“We are all being shortchanged with what we pay.

Think of it, if we are affected, how much more the kasambahays (house helpers) and laborers who invest their hard-earned money to buy cellphone load? It’s their only way to unwind and to com-

municate with their loved ones. And what do they get in return? Load overcharging, poor signal, and slow internet,” Ejercito said.

He made this remark days after the first hearing on Senate Bill No. 1302, authored by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, which seeks to extend Smart’s franchise for another 25 years.

The senator said that he will get the commitment of Smart to improve and upgrade its services for the next five to 10 years.

He noted that it is the legislators’ duty to voice out these complaints by millions of subscribers.

“Otherwise, if we just approve Smart’s franchise without raising these issues, we will continue to avail poor services,” he said. (PNA)

puted monthly pensions and is only awaiting for the signed order.

“The SSS has already prepared everything and we are ready to deposit the additional benefit to the pensioners’ accounts. We just need to wait for the signed order which will give us the full authority to implement the additional benefit,” said Dooc.

As a government entity, any action by the SSS must have legal basis. (PR)

the president’s place, here in Davao Region. We are anticipating that there will be several projects to be undertaken in Davao Oriental so we need sufficient supply of power. We need the power to industrialize this country, for this nation to move forward. “ Meanwhile, he assured that the scheduled construction of modern power plant poses no harm to human health condition as it is equipped with protective devices that filters carbon dioxide from the smoke it emits. In addition, DORECO has initiated tree planting around the area on August of last year. By Riza Golez

Bangko Sentral says TDF bids show high domestic liquidity T

SSS assures release of P1,000 additional benefit upon receipt of written order from Malacañang

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ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said domestic liquidity remains high as proven by the bids offered for the central bank’s term deposit facility Wednesday.

Bids for the TDF totaled to PHP209.177 billion, higher than the PHP180 billion offering, BSP data showed.

In particular, the PHP30 billion offering for the seven-day facility was met by PHP37.876 billion bids. The auction committee made a full award.

The 28-day facility received PHP171.301 billion worth of bids, higher than the PHP150 billion offering. This was also awarded in full.

Tetangco said “auction re-

sults show there is still good demand for short dated TDF placements (seven days and 28 days) even as the bid to cover ratios are lower than last week’s.”

Bid to cover ratio for the seven-day TDF declined to 1.2625 this week from last week’s 1.7023.

It is the same trend for the longer tenor facility with

this week’s figure at 1.1420 as against the previous week’s 1.3603.

Tetangco, however, cited that “there continues to be oversubscription and the rates were still on a downtrend.”

“The liquidity in the system remains healthy. Investors remain on the look out for short dated paper with good yields,” he added. (PNA)

HE Social Security System (SSS) assures its pensioners and the public that the additional P1,000 benefit is ready for release as soon the written order from Malacañang is received by the agency.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said that the SSS already made the necessary arrangements with the depository banks, and has adjusted its IT system given the recom-

ITY of Mati, Davao Oriental-To enhance the quality of Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO) services and augment the shortage of power in this town, a 5-megawatt diesel power plant will be put up on April 2017.

Through competitive bidding, the power plant will be built by Total Power, Inc. on a 1-hectare property along National Highway in Crossing Libudon, Brgy. Dawan and will operate after a year from date of construction.

The embedded power plant will “serve as back-up in times of emergency power outages” since Mati City is

always affected by unscheduled power interruption as “it is located at the load end of the grid”, a board resolution stated.

Engr. Gregory A. Dukil, DORECO Chief Executive Officer disclosed that the contractors will utilize 3 brand new engines made in Belgium of which each produces 1.8 megawatts. DORECO will pay Total Power Inc. at thirteen cents per kilowatt hour within 15 years and will acquire the power plant afterwards in accordance with the build-operate-transfer scheme.

Engr. Dukil stressed that diesel power plant is cheap-

er and is the “most reliable and practical” source of energy compared to renewable energy which “takes huge amount of development”. He added that the measure will lessen the financial burden of the consumers because they won’t be paying for the system loss, and will further “boost the voltage level because low voltage destroys several kinds of equipment”.

Diesel power plant will especially supply the power needs in Mati as a highly-populated and slowly becoming industrialized City, Engr.

Dukil said. “We should be prepared considering that we are within the vicinity of

Phoenix Petroleum New Power Plant to light Mati City nets P1.09B in 2016 C L

ISTED Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. on Wednesday said its profit surged 21 percent to P1.09 billion in 2016, after its fuel sales climbed to an alltime high on the back of solid growth in retail and commercial volume.

Phoenix Petroleum told the local bourse fuel sales volume grew 25 percent, hitting the 1.5 billion liter milestone last year.

Retail sales volume was up 12 percent year-on-year, with the completion of 51 new retail stations during the year, bringing the total number of outlets built to 505 as of end December 2016.

Its commercial sales volume grew 33 percent from higher market share and increased consumption by distributors and corporate direct accounts, which include the power, transport, construction and aviation sectors.

Core earnings from the fuel business more than doubled from P416 million to P937 million due to better margins and sales mix.

Revenues grew 2 percent as lower oil prices year-onyear were offset by higher sales volume.

Last November, the company concluded its sale of its non-core businesses in shipping and industrial park operations to the Udenna Group, the effective parent and majority stockholder of the company, for total net proceeds of P3 billion.

Proceeds of the sale were used to pay down debt, which improved the company’s leverage, allowing room for further investments in its core business, including potential acquisitions.

Phoenix Petroleum continues to expand its supply chain assets, with higher tank capacities at its Villanueva (Cagayan De Oro) and Subic terminals in 2016.

This year, new depots in Tayud (Cebu) and General Santos are expected to be completed in the first and fourth quarters, respectively.

Further expansion is also eyed for the Calaca (Batangas) terminal in the third quarter.

Phoenix Petroleum is engaged in the nationwide trading and marketing of refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, hauling and into-plane services. (PNA)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

MARINE CONSERVATION. SEA Campers participated in a sea turtle hatchling release led by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority - Ecology Center.

Ayala Land eyes raising P30-B

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ROPERTY giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is eyeing to raise as much as P30 billion to partially finance its spending program and pay down debts.

ALI told the local bourse its board of directors approved the raising of up to P20 billion through retail bonds, corporate notes and/ or bilateral term loans, all with a term of up to 10 years.

The amount will be used for general corporate purposes.

The company said the retail bonds will be issued under its P50-billion debt se-

curities program as approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in March 2016.

ALI said up to P10 billion will be raised through the issuance of short-dated notes with a tenor of up to 21 months. This will refinance its short-term loans.

The property firm targets to launch P100 billion worth of projects for sale this year, bulk of which are residential projects.

Its net income surged 19 percent to P20.91 billion in 2016 from P17.63 billion the previous year. (PNA)

DOE moves to ensure viability of e-vehicle charging stations

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NERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi underscored on Tuesday the need to ensure the viability and safety of e-vehicle charging stations in gasoline stations.

Cusi cited the importance of the ground-laying work being done by an Ad-Hoc Technical Working Group (TWG) on the installation of the e-vehicle charging stations.

“We want the TWG to study the technical viability of the infrastructure, evaluate its safe operations by assessing the necessary protocols and standards, and to determine required policies and its supporting legal basis,” said Cusi.

The Department of Energy (DOE) stands at the forefront of the government’s promotion of alternative fuels and energy technologies, he added.

“The Technical Team must make recommendations on the advancement of e-vehicle charging stations and related infrastructures, such as other viable options for locations like malls and other establishments.”

Cusi said safety and accessibility are also major considerations on where to put up e-vehicle charging stations.

Cusi created the TWG to determine the suitability of

gasoline stations as charging areas for electric or e-vehicles with the emergence of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines.

The TWG is co-chaired by the DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau and the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau.

The DOE is in the process of drafting a circular for the policy guidelines in the overall development and increased utilization of alternative fuels and energy technologies, which includes the e-vehicle industry.

“I have to stress that this venture should be in compliance with existing environmental, safety and other relevant rules and regulations,” he added.

“Apart from increasing public awareness, the DOE in coordination with relevant government agencies will create an environment for the equitable and non-discriminatory access for alternative fuels and energy technologies with preference for indigenous ones. In the end, we seek the support of our kababayans to look into this endeavor and look into ways to enable our country to ably compete and create wealth for every Filipino,” Cusi concluded. (PR)

Youth leaders undergo marine conservation projects in Subic T

HE Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Sea and Earth Advocates (SEA) Camp recently convened 25 Filipino youth from across the Philippines at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone for a week-long workshop on environmental conservation. YSEALI SEA Camps, organized by Save Philippine Seas (SPS) in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, are leadership and environmental training programs that empower youth to take action on environmental issues in their home communities, across the Philippines, and around the ASEAN region.

During the SEA Camp, participants built their leadership and project management skills, participated in outdoor conservation activities, and learned from environmental experts. At the end of the program, participants pitched ideas for community-based environmental project to be funded by small grants from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and implemented with guidance and support from SPS. As part of the program, participants also implemented four conservation projects in Subic to help the community tackle its own environmental concerns. In Seayasat

(a play on the Filipino word siyasat, meaning “to review”), participants helped local businesses assess their compliance with local environmental ordinances and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines. SEA Campers in the Art, Indigenous Peoples, and Atolls project introduced indigenous children to environmental issues through art. In the Junior Seatizens project, participants taught marine conservation principles to school children through games.

Through Waste Watchers, SEA Campers led an awareness campaign advocating for local businesses to reduce their use

of plastic cups and straws.

Since 2015, eight YSEALI SEA Camps held in Batangas, Negros Oriental, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga City, Coron, Boracay, Manila, and Subic have engaged 152 young men and women from all around the Philippines. The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines sponsors SEA Camps as part of its ongoing youth empowerment and environmental action programs. The next SEA Camp will be in Coron, Palawan in March 2017. This will be the first SEA Camp with international participants, bringing together 30 SEA Campers from all 10 Southeast Asian countries. (PR)

President Ike Amigo led the 24-member delegation including IBPAP Board of Trustees and top industry business executives Catherine Salceda-Ileto, Benedict Hernandez, and David Leechiu at the annual event considered to be one of the world’s most important IT and business process events.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in New Delhi, commercial section of the Embassy of the Philippines in India and South Asia and the official representation

of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), provided full support to the large Philippine delegation and arranged strategic leadership meetings between officials of the IBPAP and NASSCOM. The meeting between NASSCOM and IBPAP discussed stronger and strategic engagements between the two largest IT and Business Process associations of the world, stronger collaboration and how both associations can jointly address new and growing challenges faced by the in-

dustry today.

Philippine Commercial Counsellor Michael Alfred Ignacio, who heads the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New Delhi said, “We arranged this leadership meeting between the Philippines’ and India’s industry associations as it is important that both IBPAP and NASSCOM work together to discuss and further common interests in order to address new and emerging global challeng-

uled to arrive tomorrow, Wednesday, 22 February via the Philippine Airlines flight 669 at 8:20 in the morning.

The repatriates experienced various labor and welfare-related issues with their employers that include non-payment of salaries, mistreatment/maltreatment, long working hours, among others. Aside from airport assistance accorded to the distressed workers including facilitating the release of travel

documents from the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration.

OFWs who have no place to stay in Metro Manila will be temporarily accommodated at the OWWA Halfway Home.

Cash-strapped HSWs will be given transportation fares and will be accompanied to the bus terminals onward to their respective provinces. Those who have legal issues and concerns with their agencies such as non-payment of salaries will

be offered legal advisethrough the Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) Program. All returning workers are entitled to avail of the inter-agency program Assist WELL Program where WELL stands for Welfare, Employment, Legal and Livelihood, the Assist WELL is a collaboration program, is a collaboration between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), OWWA, the Philippine Overseas Employ-

DTI extends full support to IBPAP delegation

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T Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) recently sent the largest foreign business delegation to the 25th edition of the NASSCOM India Leadership Forum to Mumbai last 17-19 February 2016, sending a signal and willingness to work closely with the Indian IT/BPM industry according to the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center – New Delhi.

IBPAP newly-elected

F DTI, 11

OWWA extends assistance to 35 OFWs repatriates from Kuwait

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HE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator for Operations Atty. Brigido ‘Dodo’ Dulay leads the agency’s Repatriation Assistance Division (RAD) in according necessary assistance to thirty-five (35) overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Kuwait.

The female OFWs, employed as household service workers (HSWs), are sched-

F OWWA, 11

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

EDITORIAL

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Desperation and disrespect

OU don’t have to be a psychologist to tell if Senator Leila De Lima is desperate.

At the rate she is ranting and her choice of adjectives, Senator De Lima is frantic and ferocious. She wanted to get that monkey off her back as soon as she can, but the way things are, the worse is yet to come.

In her case, desperate times, call for desperate words.

So she called President Rodrigo Duterte a criminal. Not just an ordinary criminal but the worst criminal in the country, if not the world.

Her reaction came after retired policeman Arturo Lascañas spoke before the media admitting there is a Davao Death Squad and he is one of its leaders in a complete turnaround of his earlier sworn testimony before the Senate. Lascañas implicated President Duterte as the one behind the DDS. It’s not a new tale. In fact, Senator De Lima herself should be blamed for its failure.

She initiated an investigation when she was chair of the Commission on Human Rights and as Secretary of Justice, had in her custody under the witness protection program, self confessed hired killer Edgar Matobato who was earlier disowned by Lascañas.

De Lima failed miserably in her investigation and the issue just died down as she focused on her ambition to enter politics.

When she joined the fray, this was when her record as a government

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official was uncovered and that resulted to her implication to the illegal drugs trade inside the national penitentiary.

Now, she is haunted by her alleged past liaisons with some drug personalities, facing criminal cases and an impending arrest.

When Lascañas appeared on Monday, De Lima leaped on the issue.

Bought Lascañas’ statement hook, line and sinker and then threw a flurry of statements against the President.

In boxing, when a fighter gets hit by blows and his knees begin to wobble, the tendency is to fight back with a flurry of punches as a desperate survival mechanism. We are seeing the same from the embattled De Lima whose flurry of tirades last Tuesday were punches of survival.

De Lima must separate herself from being the respondent of charges and a legislator. As a lawmaker, it is her sworn duty to protect the dignity of the halls of Senate from flip-flopping individuals like Lascañas who thought he can just twist his statements from one to another without regard to the very institution he is making his testimony.

When a person speaks before the Senate, he swears to tell the truth and implores the aid of God. A person like Lascañas who swore to tell the truth in the name of his God is not credible before any forum.

A member or members of the Senate who allow for such disrespect to the institution in buying turnaround statements are no worse than the liar himself.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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EDGEDAVAO

I

N part 1 of this column we discussed the constraints in collection which is the main source of our problems with our taxes, and discussed issues encountered in by small businesses to pay taxes. Moreover, we also know that our tax rates are too high especially for the middle class, hampering their growth.

We mainly are able to collect from regressive or transaction based taxes such as the Value added Tax. (VAT) and employees through witholding taxes. What has happened is that employees bear the brunt of contributing taxes, rather than the richer segments of society who ideally need to bear more.

To achieve a change in our tax system, the Comprehensive Tax Reform progran (CTRP) incorporated in new tax proposals in House Bills 4744 and 4888 aim to decrease poverty and expanding

T

HAT the Philippines is situated along the ‘Ring of Fire’, a 40,000km horseshoe-shaped area within the Pacific Ocean where huge number of earthquakes and volcanic activities happen, is a given. Geologic movements have formed this precarious region to the disadvantage of all the countries created within its territory.

In recent memory, three tremors come to mind. On August 2, 1968, the Casiguran, Aurora Province, quake measuring 7.3 magnitude in the Richter scale, brought down the Ruby Tower situated in Binondo, Manila, killing at least 207 people.

Twenty-two years later, a 7.8 temblor, with its epicenter in Nueva Ecija, devastated northern and central Luzon. Hardest hit among the ruined cities was Baguio, where the Hyatt Terraces Hotel was crushed beyond repair. Overall, the number of casualties in the destruction was around 1,621 people. The quake struck on July 16, 1990.

On October 15, 2013, Bohol became the recipient of a 7.2 magnitude tremor that registered numerous subsidences, collapsed structures, and cracked highways. Worse, edifices declared as national treasures and landmarks, mostly old churches, succumbed to the disaster. Official estimates placed the casualties at 222 dead, eight missing and 976 injured.

Just recently, on February 10, 2017, Surigao City and its environs bore the brunt of a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that left in its wake hundreds of buildings and residences destroyed, many of them de-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Why we need #betterbuwis (Part 2) infrastrucMY TWO CENTS’ ture spending while pushing inclusive growth through lower personal income taxes (down to an average of 25% from John Tria the current ecisouth@gmail.com 32) for 3 out of 4 Filipinos and decreasing and simplifying taxes for small businesses and lowering estate and donors taxes.

To offset the lowering of these taxes, new revenue measures include increasing fuel excise taxes, slapping taxes on new luxury vehicles and removing VAT

exemptions such as those on exports.

VAT exemltions for seniors snd persons with disabilities will be mantained.

More than this, we really need to plug leakages such as non payment by professionals and businesses of their rightful taxes.

A concern is the increase in online businesses and ride sharing schemes that do not issue receipts. It is not clear, for example, whether the popular ride scheme Uber pays VAT, or whether its driver owners are registered taxpayers subject to either percentage taxes or VAT. That is something worth checking.

We definitely need a new system that captures the right taxes from the right people, and collects them promptly without adding unecessary administartive burdens.

Our development effort demands it.

Lowering poverty is no joke. This is a tall order, and a lofty task worth pursuing if indeed we want to be a middle inccome economy with poverty rates near Indonesia’s current 12% (we are now at 22%). For refernece, Malaysia is at the 1.7% poverty level.

Thus, how we collect and spend taxes will determine how mature our economy is and able to facilitate the kind of modernization and industrialization thst fosters the kind of growth that replicates itself without any additional government support. Experts say that this can be achieved once our GDP starts hitting 9-10%.

For now, monitor the DOF website snd facebook pages like facebook/ econofchange and #betterbuwis.

For reactions: facebook.com/johntriapage

clared inhabFAST BACKWARD itable and dangerous.

Fo r t u n a te ly, only eight persons died as a result.

This occurred just five months after a 6.5-magnti- Antonio V. Figueroa ude temblor rocked Davao Oriental.

The Surigao tremor was triggered by the Mindanao fault zone, which stretches 320 kilometers from Sruigao City to Mati City, in Davao Oriental. The Mati and Monkayo segments were responsible for another huge earthquake that hit Davao region over a century ago.

The most devastating quake to hit the Philippines happened in Moro Gulf, in Mindanao, on August 17, 1976, which was as high as 8.0 magnitude. The geologic movement resulted in a tsunami, the most disastrous in Philippine history that resulted in the official death count of over 8,000 people, killed or missing, excluding the 10,000 injured and the 90,000 rendered homeless.

But this quartet of destructive quakes that occurred in the last 50 years was not just the strongest on record. Two these, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and other seismological institutions outside the country, occurred in Davao region and were considered as two “of the great-

est earthquakes in Philippine history.”

The June 21, 1893, earthquake that hit Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province, landed in many peer-reviewed publications. American geologist Clarence R. Allen, in his article “Circum-Pacific Faulting in the Philippines-Taiwan Region”, which came out in the Journal of Geophysical Research (November 1962) wrote: “One of the greatest earthquakes in Philippine history is that of June 21, 1863, in eastern Mindanao, which was clearly associated with widespread subsidences in the swamps of the Agusan River and with possible extensive faulting near the present town of Monkayo. And the largest instrumentally recorded earthquake of the Philippines region occurred on April 14, 1924, along the projected trace of the Philippine fault south of Mindanao.”

The last statement refers to the 8.3 earthquake that shook Mati, the epicenter, on April 14, 1924. This occurred three years only after Manay, Davao Oriental, was struck by a 7.5 magnitude temblor on November 11, 1921. Philvocs, in its website advisory, explains the impact of an earthquake with an intensity 8 strength: “People find it difficult to stand even outdoors. Many well-built buildings are considerably damaged. Concrete dikes and foundation of bridges are destroyed by ground settling or toppling. Railway tracks are bent or broken. Tombstones may be displaced, twisted or overturned. Utility posts, towers and monuments may tilt or topple. Water and sewer pipes may be bent, twisted or broken. Liquefaction and

lateral spreading cause man- made structure to sink, tilt or topple. Numerous landslides and rockfalls occur in mountainous and hilly areas. Boulders are thrown out from their positions particularly near the epicenter. Fissures and faults rapture may be observed. Trees are violently shaken.

Water splash or stop over dikes or banks of rivers.”

In the case of the Manay quake, which had its epicenter in the southern part of the Philippine Deep, Fr. Miguel Saderra-Maso, S.J. (1865-1939), a seismologist at the Manila Observatory, recorded his observation about the incident.

“The most unusual effect of the second earthquake was tide-wave [tsunami] which invaded the few bays with low lands there existing, Manay being the one which sustained greater loss in structures and crops.”

The same tsunami was noticed as far as Balut Island in Sarangani Bay, Davao Occidental.

Born in Gerona, Spain, Fr. Maso joined the Jesuits in 1882 and later the Manila Observatory. His vital contributions to Philippine seismology are La sismología en Filipinas (1895), the first work on the seismology in the country, and the 1913 the first study of seismotectonics of the Philippines. While assigned in the country, he worked on seismology and terrestrial magnetism, installed seismographic stations in Butuan and other areas, established meteorological and geomagnetic stations, and studied the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Greatest quakes in PH history

10 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

MANGROVE PLANTING. Teleperformance Davao employees participate in a tree planting activity in support of the mangrove forest rehabilitation in the Island Garden City of Samal. (Teleperformance Photo)

to provide skills training Teleperformance embarks on TESDA to Madrasah schools graduates mangrove forest rehabilitation T

T

ELEPERFORMANCE, the world’s leading provider of outsourced omnichannel customer experience management services, recently held a mangrove tree planting activity at the Vanishing Island in the Island Garden City of Samal.

Through the Citizen of the Planet, the environmental corporate social responsibility arm of Teleperformance, sixty (60) volunteer

employees from Teleperformance Davao successfully planted over 200 mangrove propagules in Vanishing Island, a protected marine reserve.

Teleperformance Davao Site Director Marte Nuyda and Human Resource Manager Josie Sacala led the team of volunteers composed of top-performing employees. The activity takes on a unique celebration of em-

ployee recognition through the promotion of a greener environment.

Mangroves present many intrinsic benefits to the ecosystem. They provide shelter and food for aquamarine animals and migratory shorebirds, serve as deterrent to storm surges, tides and currents, reduce water pollution and prevent soil erosion in coastal communities.

Teleperformance Philip-

pines recognizes the importance of having a clean environment. The mangrove tree planting activity is part of the company’s environmental rehabilitation and protection initiatives across the Philippines, which also includes the cleaning and greening of the Marikina River and the La Mesa Eco Park and the implementation of energy-saving measures in all its 18 business sites in the country. (PR)

uel Dagohoy and Eleana Marie Buaya of the USeP Tagum Campus added to the already impressive medal haul of the University by capturing silver in the Infographics competition.

Rounding up USeP’s medal tally is the third-place finish of USeP Team B composed of Van Rijn Amarillo and Mary Elisse Gonzales in the IT Quiz Bowl.

Apart from these outstanding finishes, other USeP representatives also put up a

commendable effort in their respective events. Frankie Labro and Majun Alejo, the defending champions of Infographics competition, settled for fifth place this year while Yong Burlaza and Diane Pantastico, also ranked fifth in the Infomercial contest.

Mostly composed of newcomers, USeP’s programming team composed of Rojec John Pecarana, Leo Malaya and Ivan Kent Mozo finished 9th among 23 competitors.

Asked about their stu-

dents’ accomplishments, coaches Leah Pelias, Monique Dingding and Engr. Jamal Rogers were quick to give praise by attributing their wards’ success to their individual ability and hard work.

“Our role is simply to guide them to the right track and facilitate learning. It is easier to play that role if you have students who are naturally gifted in skills and attitude and luckily, we have a healthy supply of those”, said Engr. Rogers. (PR)

USeP students top Mindanao IT Olympiad

U

NIVERSITY of Southeastern Philippines Student teams (USeP Team A, USeP Team B and USeP Tagum Campus) bagged two gold, two silver and a bronze topping the medal tally in the annual seven-event Mindanao Conference for Information Technology Students (MCITS) IT Olympiad held at the University of the Immaculate Conception – Fr. Selga Campus, Davao City on February 16-17, 2017.

Annie Marrise Insong and Khalil Stefano Remollo of USeP Team A bested more than 20 other teams from top IT schools in Mindanao in the IT Quiz Bowl championship back to back with John Valle and Kent Charles Cutamora steering USeP Team B to another gold medal finish in the Infographics contest.

Bernali Jesreel Lentejas, Ray Neal Badalo and Mina Bernal made good account of themselves after a 2nd place finish in the Game App Conceptualization event while Emman-

HE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will give skills training to students of Madrasah (Arabic) school graduates nationwide.

TESDA Director General Gene Mamondiong said in a meeting with Madrasah schools officials nationwide that TESDA is ready to give skills training in their technical-vocational courses which they could use for employment here and abroad.

Up to 400,000 graduates of Madrasah schools are not earning well so they decided to provide them with skills training and receive National Certificates, Mamondiong said.

“In the Madrasah school system, the students are taught mainly Arabic and Islamic studies, but after that, where they go? We have to help students of Madrasah,

we will teach them skills training for their livelihood,” he said.

Students of Madrasah schools go to their classes only on weekends to study Arabic and Islamic studies.

TESDA has decided to teach the students Monday to Friday.

Mamondiong said that TESDA has started to conduct an inventory of Madrasah schools to prepare for the training nationwide.

Mamondiong stressed the importance of skills training, saying that lack of such knowledge could sometimes lead to extremism.

“If they do not have any skills for a livelihood and their families are hungry, they may resort to extremism. This is a skills program to address that. Without peace, there is no real national development,” Mamondiong said. (PNA)

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

My superior suite was roomy and comfortable and came with a free mini-bar.

Tsim Sha Tsui is Hong Kong’s shopping mecca with Mongkok and Sham Shui Po just a few MTR stops away.

An exciting gateway to

A hot pot of jasmine tea and the Handy smartphone greeted me in my suite.

HONG KONG WITH ITS VIBRANT STREETS, great shopping deals and good eats, there is no city in Asia that is truly more exciting than Hong Kong. Every moment I take off on Philippine Airline’s Terminal 2 to the minute I land at Hong Kong International Airport, my head always gets a buzz of excitement that only Asia’s World City can give.

This time around, I visited Hong Kong during the two-week long Chinese New Year and even better, I was booked at the iconic Marco Polo Gateway Hotel which sits directly on top of Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex, Harbour City.

I remember checking into the Marco Polo Gateway a few years back and returning now, everything about the hotel is new.

From its sleek, minimalist lobby to the modern artwork adorning its walls, the Marco Polo Gateway impresses a lifestyle of modern comfort and hospitality upon its guests.

After checking in, I was quickly ushered into my luxurious 58 square-meter superior suite which has a view over bustling Canton Road. Settling into the space, it was hard not

Artsy Soho is easy to go to with a quick ride on the Star Ferry.

to smile at the welcome basket which contained piping hot jasmine tea, perfect for the cold Hong Kong weather.

Also greeting me was the Marco Polo Hotel’s Handy personal smartphone which allows guests to make unlimited international calls to the United States, China, and even the Philippines for free.

The Handy smartphone also allowed me to access the internet as much as

Experiencing the lion dance in front of the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel.

I want all around Hong Kong thanks to its unlimited 3G tethering service, keeping me up to beat on my social media as well as work email.

Given that the Marco Polo Gateway is located at the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui at Kowloon, it serves as the perfect starting point to explore Hong Kong. Shoppingeras will love that the hotel’s is literally on one of Hong Kong’s best shopping establishments and is also at close proximity to Mongkok and Sham Sui Po. Foodies will also love that the area at Tsim Sha Tsui is filled with a diverse

choice of restaurants and local eateries from the sophisticated to the affordable.

Hong Kong Island and its art galleries located at Soho and Central are also close by with just a short ride on Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry, which for me, is the fastest, cheapest, and most scenic way of crossing Victoria Harbour.

After each day of exploring the ins and outs of Hong Kong (plus joining in on the fun of some lion dances around the area),

URBANISSIMO A3

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

FOOD

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

A marriage of flavours and textures LOVE A LOVE THAT IS GREATER THAN LOVE. We all have our notion of love – of being in love. And yes, we all have our own Romeo and Juliet. Our story, unlike in books, is progressively evolving as we end one day, welcome the night and say hello to a new day. Always on repeat.

February, for me, is not just an ordinary love month; February happens to be my parents’ anniversary month. Yes, I am a February baby, born on November. Every year, I’d see them exchange gifts and share the moment with me and the rest of the family. This year, I made sure I’d be the one at the helm – making sure they enjoy until the last bite. Yes, food. Love and food – always, together and forever.

So, where do I go and treat my parents to a night of flavours, textures and taste? The White House.

Davao’s The White House is a personal favourite. The location, ambiance, the staff and of course, the food. Emotional, you might say, but at The White House, I always feel special. Hence, when I want others, specially my loved ones, to feel extra special, I always have The White House as a refuge.

A calorie-laden refuge perfect for anyone who likes to eat.

This award winning dining place is not a secret. It’s been one of the most frequented dining places in the city where a night under the sky is made possible despite it being in the middle of a busy intersection.

Notably known as one of the city’s fine dining restaurant, The White House is where you’d be able to taste the flavours of the world and verily enjoy every bite.

The choice is yours: do a degustation meal or order an array of dishes from their packed menu. If you want a free-flow-

ing repertoire of flavours, then opt for a degustation meal that’s sure to have you craving for more. If sharing is what you are after then go ahead, order your palate’s desire. Whatever option you take, you’d surely end up with a full tummy and smile on your face.

Personally, a degustation meal is the easiest route to take. No need to think; all you need is wait for your meal to arrive. Of them, that night, my parents and I enjoyed their Wasabi Oyster Tempura topped with Dynamite sauce and Ebiko, Smoked Toro Tempura Roll topped with Balsamic Mayonnaise and Ebiko served with Ponzu Sauce (super rich!) and Dad’s new fave, New Style Tuna Sashimi served with Onion Salsa and Julienned Cucumber.

Personally, I’m biased with any duck dish. Hence, their Mesquite Smoked Duck Breast Salad Roll mixed greens, fried vermicelli, orange caviar rolled

in Vietnamese rice paper in Orange Amasu Vinaigrette will always have a special place in my palate. Of old and new faves, we all agreed that their Smoked Tomato Soup topped with Basil Shiso Broth is one of their best.

Mama was all about their Pan seared Salmon served with Sweet Potato Mash, Sautéed Edamame in lemon butter sauce and their plate of US Topblade Salpicao served with Truffled Risotto, Grilled Vegetables in Red Wine Reduction Sauce. For someone who is not much of a beef dish fan, she happily munching on them without hesitation.

Despite my allergies, my palate happily savoured the flavours of their Pan seared Salmon in 3 kinds mushroom sautéed Shimeji, Shitake and Enoki Mushrooms with Uni Yuzu Sauce. For a change, I loved the salmon. By far, on my top 3 salmon dishes. (Yes. Unlike my mom, whenever

I dine at The White House, duck, oyster and steak is a staple.)

We may have different opinions on the taste and flavours of the food served, but our palates agreed when their plates of Yamamomo Cheesecake and complimentary Durian Cheesecake rolled out of the kitchen. As usual, lit cheesecakes! The lychee caviar was also an A-gamer that night.

We might have different opinions as to the restaurant’s price range (or affordability as a friend likes to emphasize) but you can never deny the multitude layers and textures of the many dishes they serve. Sometimes, you just need to let your tummy reign supreme. I do. I always do.

To my Daddy and Mama: 33 years of marriage is not an easy feat to conquer. Thank you for giving me life and allowing me to live life to the fullest. You truly are an inspiration. Thank you for everything and I love you. Cheers for more years!

The White House is located at the Camella Northpoint, JP Laurel Avenue, Buhangin, Davao City For inquiries, you may call them at 082 282 4540 Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and I’ll make you hungry in a snap.

For missed features, you can read them on my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

URBANISSIMO A1

The Marco Polo Gateway’s Continental Club Lounge.

my suite at the Marco Polo Gateway made sure that I was always well rested thanks to its ultra comfortable bed, down feather pillows, and relaxing deep soak bathtub. Access to the Executive Club Lounge with its complimentary afternoon tea, and early dinner cocktails ensured that I was always pampered. It also helped that many of the Marco Polo Gateway’s staff are Pinoy, lending some extra warmth and familiarity for Filipino travellers like me.

INdulge! A3

The Marco Polo Gateway was truly a door to the world of Hong Kong while giving travellers the comfort and pampering they deserve after a long day of shopping and exploration. *** A big thank you to the Marco Polo Hong Kong’s Samantha Poon and Angel Wang for making my stay at the Marco Polo Gateway extra special as well as with the surprise birthday treat at the Marco Polo Gateway’s Three On Canton. I hope to see you again soon!

Having my cake and eating it at Three On Canton with Marco Polo‘s Angel Wong and Samantha Poon.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Gina... FROM 1

University (UCEAC-ADDU), Gabriela Women’s Party, Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) Mindanao, Panalipdan

Mindanao, Our Rivers Our Life (Gitib-Orol), Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), Ananda Seva Mission and Bagong Lumad band.

to work out a strategic security planning.

She also reminded everyone that during the monthlong celebration, people are expected to follow the usual security measures such as refraining from wearing ball caps and shades and bringing back packs in public places.

The festivity this year has the tagline “Stand Tall.

United. Resilient.” in light of the recent incidents that happened in the city, particularly the bombing in Roxas Night

Market.

Some of the highlights of the month-long celebration are Dabawenyo Ako!, an interactive tour which will be participated by eleven (11) public school students that will showcase the history and milestones of Davao City, to be held on March 1-15; the Sayaw Pinoy Folk Dance Competition at SM City mall and the Mutya ng Dabaw 2017, both on March 15; and the Parada Dabawenyo and Duyog Dabaw on March 16.

Brig. General Macairog S. Alberto, commander of 1001st Brigade pointed out that combat operations of the army are still on-going in pars of Compostela Valley to track down the armed group responsible

in laying the explosives.

“The army is always on high alert and ready to curb any terror plot aimed to destabilize the peace and order situation our areas of responsibility,” Alberto said.

of the President’s party (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP-Laban) is to amend for political purposes, particularly federalism. And I think that will do more harm

than good,” he added.

He said that he “totally” opposed federalism and thought that the government could do better by simply amending the Local Government code. (PNA)

tricts.

Acharon, who is a former mayor here, said that with the separation of the city, the remaining towns of Polomolok, Tupi and Tampakan will comprise the first district.

In the 15th Congress, Acharon filed HB 6038 or “an act reapportioning the composition of the first and sec-

ond legislative districts in the province of South Cotabato and thereby creating a new legislative district from such reapportionment.”

But the measure failed to get past the preliminary discussions at the committee level until the congressional recess for the May 2013 elections. (PNA)

‘Araw’... FROM 1

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Creation... FROM 4

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EDGEDAVAO

Multi-sectoral group consist of University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council of Ateneo de Davao University (UCEAC-ADDU), Gabriela Women’s Party, Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) Mindanao, Panalipdan Mindanao, Our Rivers Our Life (GitibOrol), Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), Ananda Seva Mission and

Hawaii... FROM 3 Lopez, meanwhile, said that having non-Asean visitors opened Davao City to the rest of the world and that reaching out to them is a good investment for tourism and exposure for the city.

“They are taking a second look at Davao City already. So

that’s good for us. Eventually there are lot of advantages for us as well, but more importantly, linkages will be formed (and) are being formed because there are lots of Filipinos in Hawaii and also there are lots of Dabawenyos in Hawaii,” she added. CIO

She said they are presently purchasing the necessary supplies for the beneficiaries’ starter kits, which includes food processing and other small business ventures.

The starter kits were based on the ventures chosen by the beneficiaries through assistance from DOLE. But she said the materials or supplies in the starter kits will not include liquefied

petroleum gas or LPG tanks, foils, and umbrellas as prescribed by the provincial jail management to maintain security in its premises.

“The knives that will be included in the kits will be secured and kept by the lady guards,” Esteban said.

The 49 beneficiaries were identified by DOLE-12 last year during an outreach visit to the provincial jail. (PNA)

ment Administration (POEA), and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The objective of the Assist WELL program is to help the distressed OFWs imbibe a positive outlook in life and to get their lives going by giving them options in their means of livelihood and employment.

Assist WELL Processing Centers nationwide are located in the following areas: POEA Main Office-Ortigas;OWWA Main Office-Pasay City; NRCO Main Office, Intramuros, Manila; DOLE- CAR, Baguio City;

POEA Regional Center for Luzon Region 1, La Union; DOLE Region ll,Tuguegarao; DOLE Region lll, Pampanga; OWWA Regional Office lV-A, Calamba, Laguna; DOLE Region lV-B, Calapan, Mindoro; DOLE Region V, Bicol; DOLE Region Vll, Bacolod; OWWA Regional Welfare OfficeVll, Cebu City; DOLE Region Vlll-Tacloban; OWWA Regional Welfare Office lX-Zamboanga; DOLE Region X, Cagayan de Oro; DOLE Region Xl, Davao Field Office; DOLE Region Xll- Koronadal; and POEA, CARAGA, Butuan City. (PR)

es faced by the industry as a whole and to sustain the industry’s sustainability in today’s economic landscape.”

DTI-PTIC New Delhi also arranged the IBPAP leadership’s meeting with the President of the United Kingdom’s Global Sourcing Association, formerly the National Outsourcing Association, which awarded the Philippines its most coveted Offshoring Destination of the Year Award three times in the past. “Given the changing climate in the world today, it is important to explore and re-engage other markets for the Philippine IT and business process industry as a whole, taking stock of our strengths and advantages, as well as the demands of the changing global markets,” said IBPAP President Ike Amigo.

The NASSCOM India Lead-

ership Forum 2017, now on its 25th year, discussed today’s industry trends and challenges, such as the looming impact of intelligent automation and artificial intelligence, the growing importance of intelligent data and analytics, trends in innovation and their impact on the global industry’s trajectory. The event was highlighted by keynotes of several global thought leaders such as India’s richest industrialist, Mukesh Ambani, CEO of Reliance Industries Limited and Ginni Rometti, Chairwoman, President and CEO of IBM. PTIC New Delhi also supported last year’s delegation to the NASSCOM event with a 12-member delegation, with similar meetings with NASSCOM officials and business-to-business meetings with several Indian Conglomerates. (PR)

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DTI... FROM 7 February 22 – 28, 2017

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NEWS 11

Bagong Lumad converge to campaign for the Commission on Appointment’s confirmation to Gina Lopez as Secretary of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during the Habi at Kape Media forum at Abreeza Mall, Davao City on Wednesday. Jermaine L. Dela Cruz

300 senior... FROM 2

discussions and a plenary session where ROTC graduates can interact with reservist commanders of the Brigade-level Ready Reserve Units.

As the summit’s output, a manifesto was signed by

the ROTC Corps Commander inking their pledge to actively address hazing and corruption in the ROTC, and to commit themselves to greater participation in nation-building.

(PNA)

of income tax under the current system,” Chua said.

Public school tutors classified as Teacher I and II are also covered by the zero-tax bracket.

A Teacher II who earns P20,651 monthly or a gross income of P299,114 a year inclusive of benefits, will be taxed P18,011 under the current system. But under the proposed tax reform plan, a Teacher II will already be PIT-exempt, which means he or she gets to take home P18,011 more per year or an additional P1,500 a month.

An above-minimum wage earner with a monthly pay of P15,000 will get to take home at least P7,200 more with tax reform, because of his or her PIT-exempt status.

Chua said even middle-class taxpayers will benefit from tax reform by way of substantially lower PIT rates.

A government employee with Salary Grade 24, or one earning P56,610 a month, will have to pay P137,981 in PIT. But under HB 4774, the tax will be substantially reduced to only P90,141, effectively increasing the take-home pay to P47,840 a year or an addition of almost P4,000 a month.

HB 4774, Chua said, will shift the tax burden to rich taxpayers.

For instance a high-income earner who is paid P877,500 a month shells out P4,048,456 in PIT under the current system. Under HB 4774, this PIT will increase to P4,200,186 or by P152,730.

Chua pointed out though, that taxing the ultra-rich through their income is not enough because they comprise only less than 1 percent of the country’s individual taxpayers, based on BIR data.

Those with a net taxable income of over P80,000 comprise only 3 percent of the individual taxpayer base.

The PIT reforms will lead to revenue losses estimated at P63 billion in the second half of 2017, P138 billion in 2018 and P152 billion in 2019, Chua said.

Thus, to raise enough funds for the Duterte administration accelerated spending on infrastructure, education, health, and social protection for the poorest of the poor, a set of revenue-enhancing measures is also tucked in HB 4774.

These include expanding the value-added tax (VAT) base but retaining exemptions for seniors and persons with disabilities, and adjusting the excise taxes on automobiles and fuel, which will hit rich consumers the most as these are all consumption taxes.

Estate and donor taxes will also be reduced to a flat 6 percent under the tax reform bill.

Cua’s bill also includes legislated administrative reforms at the BIR and Bureau of Customs (BOC) such as a fuel marking and monitoring system to prevent oil smuggling, the use of e-receipts, the mandatory connection of the point-of-sale system of all establishments to the BIR, and the relaxation of bank secrecy laws for investigating and combating tax fraud.

Complementary reforms to HB 4774 include introducing a sugar-sweetened beverage tax, indexing the motor vehicle user’s charge to inflation, and granting an amnesty to past estate tax cases.

At a previous House hearing, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the Duterte administration’s target is to ramp up spending on infrastructure to P1.73 trillion; on education and training to P1.27 trillion; on health to P272 billion; and on social protection, welfare and job generation for the poorest of the poor to P509 billion by 2022--for a total public investment budget of P2.2 trillion over the medium term.

This would mean an estimated additional investment of P1.07 trillion for infrastructure, P718 billion for education, P139 billion for health, and P267 billion for social protection each year over the next six years, he said.(PR)

CTRP... FROM 5

12 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

Aeon Towers sets topping off Feb. 28

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

F

njb@edgedavao.net

ROM the ground, the iconic Aeon Towers look majestic like a giant trophy wrapped in see-through green net.

That is how it’s going to be when the 33-level high skyscraper is completed—an architectural and real estate trophy for Davao City.

More than its beauty as seen from the outside, Aeon Towers’ true worth is experienced from the inside.

But that will have to wait for now.

What sends goosebumps around real estate watchers and its future residents is the nearing topping off of the P3.2 billion mixed use residential and commercial high-rise project.

The special date is February 28.

Aeon Towers, the maiden venture of Davaobased firm FTC Group of Companies, is set to

conclude its construction phase and hence, the topping off ceremony.

“We are proud to anniunce that we are formallyy topping off on February 28,” said Ian Y. Cruz, president of FTC Group of Companies.

Topping off is the conclusion of construction works from ground to the top level.

“Our future residents can’t wait to get into their units. On our part, we are also excited that we have already accomplished this far,” said Cruz.

The next phase after the topping off would be the fitting of furnishings and fixtures.

The company hopes to fast track the turnover of the project and possibly move on to a next tower project of the fledgling Davao-based real estate firm.

The 4,574-square meter condo has every luxury and convenience

homebuyers would find in a suburban home with select, elegant fixtures.

From the view of Aeon Towers’ residential units, one is treated to the best panoramic views of Davao City—the island view on one side facing Island Garden City of Samal and the Davao Gulf, and the city view on the other side with the vast expanse of Davao and Mt. Apo in the horizon.

Designed by Syndicated Architects Far East Associates with Ian Campbell and Associates as project and construction manager, Aeon Towers will boast a 144-key Vivid Hotel and 144-key Vivid Residence serviced apartment to be operated

by Vanguard Altus Hospitality coupled with a 197room high-end residential condominium; over 2,000 sqm of prime retail space, and at over 1,X00 sqm: the largest grand ballroom in Davao.

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NEDA... FROM 5

“Opportunities in agriculture will be expanded. We will increase our presence in the global market, and we will streamline bureaucratic processes for both local and foreign businesses,” said NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon, who presented to the NEDA Board the PDP strategies.

Also under this pillar, “we will pursue strategies such as achieving quality and accessible basic education for all, enhancing disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) mechanisms, and adopting universal social protection,” added Undersecretary Edillon.

Third, Patuloy na Pag-unlad concentrates on increasing potential growth through sustaining and accelerating economic growth, “this will be done by maximizing the demographic dividend and vigorously advancing science, technology and innovation.”

Strategies under this pillar will ensure maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability, and observing fiscal prudence while the tax system is being reformed into a much simpler, fair and equitable one.

According to NEDA, “a strategic trade policy will also be implemented alongside measures to promote competition and establish a level playing field.”

Meanwhile, under these three pillars lie four cross-cutting bedrock strategies, which are, (1) attaining just and lasting peace, (2) ensuring security, public order and safety,

(3) accelerating strategic infrastructure development, and (4) ensuring ecological integrity and a clean and healthy environment.

Furthermore, to set the direction for future growth, the PDP 2017-2022 espouses a National Spatial Strategy (NSS), recognizing that population, geography, and cities are engines of economic growth. The NSS was adopted to identify specific strategies and policies in order to decongest Metro Manila, connect rural areas to key growth areas, and to improve linkages between settlements for higher resilience against natural disasters.

The PDP 2017-2022 also gives special attention to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. It identifies strategies and policies that will work to protect the rights of overseas Filipinos, improve their quality of life, and integrate them into the country’s development.

NEDA Board members who moved for the approval and adoption of the Plan expressed appreciation to NEDA for the efforts to formulate the PDP. Secretary Pernia however clarified that the PDP is not the sole work of NEDA, “but is an interagency effort, as mandated by the Memorandum Circular issued last October 24, 2016. The Philippine Development Plan is the product of a Steering Committee composed of Cabinet Secretaries and technical working groups across agencies,” he added. (PR)

NEWS 13

Smart ID testing in Mindanao regions eyed

T

AGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - The three-day Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) Sports Mapping Action Research Talent Identification (Smart ID) Train the Trainers Program Mindanao Leg ended on a high note at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here yesterday with participants looking forward to apply what they have learned to their respective regions.

Marlene Orfrecio of Kabacan, North Cotabato said, “Through the Smart ID, mas may chance ang mga bata ng Mindanao na madiscover at medevelop. I’m blessed to be among those chosen to be part of this grassroots program of

the PSI.” She said that the scientific way of talent identification was an eye-opener for her.

“Yung ma-experience ko personally paano mag-conduct ng test during our practicum was really worth the time I spent for the training. It was really the highlight of the our training program,” Orfrecio, who is from the University of Southern Mindanao, said, adding that she plans to also conduct Smart ID testing on their students as a start before going around Soccsksargen Region once testing equipment is available.

Davao Region trainer Cresilda M. Calero, who hails from Davao City, said she will wait

MINDANAO LEG. Some of the participants and volunteer students pose with Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) executives led by national training director Marc Edward Velasco and grassroots development chief Henry Daut and Sports Mapping Action Research Talent Technical Experts and Manpower

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for PSI’s go signal for the full implementation of the program.

Calero, who works at the Ateneo de Davao University, said the highlight of their training was the process of identifying talents using science as an approach.

The training, according to her, was one great opportunity for them to help in the grassroots sports program of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the PSI. “It was an enriching, motivating and satisfying program,” Calero added.

Davao del Norte provincial sports coordinator Giovanni Gulanes, meanwhile, said talent identification should really

be a prerequisite to have better competitive athletes.

He said, “Getting the right materials is best to start a good training program.” Gulanes also said that the Smart ID train the trainers program “dovetails with Governor Anthony G. del Rosario’s sports academy” since talent ID is also part of their admission process.

Davao del Norte was identified as one of the 12 PSI regional training centers in the country.

Next stop of the Smart ID train the trainers program will be in the Visayas on March 13 to 15 followed by the South Luzon (April 9-11) and North Luzon (May 7-9) legs. PSI PRtt

(Smart Team) head Josephine “Joy” Reyes at the close of the PSI Smart Identification (ID) Train the Trainers Program Mindanao Leg at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City, Davao del Norte yesterday.

ALLAN GATCHALIAN/PSI

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

HOST. Apo Golf and Country Club director Ed Herrera hits the ceremonial ball for the co-hosts of this year’s 70th PAL Interclub CEREMONIAL BALL. Rancho Palos Verdes president Joe Marfori hits the cermonial ball opening the 70th simultaneously held at the Apo Golf and Country Club and Rancho Palos Verdes. Boy Lim Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub at the Rancho Palos Verdes in Cabantian. Boy Lim

9th Phoenix golf seen to generate biz links

By JIMMY K. LAKING

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HERE will be no losers in the forthcoming 9th Phoenix Open golf tournament scheduled on March 11 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

“Every participant is assured of a prize,” said Liloh Evangelista, organizer of the 18-hole tournament that expects to draw 200 participants, foreign and local.

The tournament is open to male and female amateur golf-

ers, 24 years old and above.

Among the prizes awaiting the individuals are a brand new pickup truck and a P2-Million worth Mercedes Benz car in addition to P1Million cash prize for the lucky ace scorer on designated holes.

But Evangelista said with participants expected to be a “mix of Filipinos and foreigners, the real winners will be the forging of business linkages and relationships that will

emerge from the golf course.”

“We are looking forward to the opportunities that are expected to be generated between and amongst the participants,” she said.

The lucky golfer to hit the first hole in one on a designated par 3 hole is assured of a brand new TATA Xenon 4 X 4 premium diesel pick up aside from P100,000 worth of fuel or lube gift certificates.

Evangelista said that to

ensure that all participants gets to win a prize, a slew of activities has been thrown in between where participants can pit their talents in darts, basketball, poker among other events.

“It will be festive with a carnival atmosphere the whole day,” she said.

Phoenix president Dennis Uy will lead the tee off ceremonies in the presence of prominent government officials and

guests.

Lawyer Raymond T. Zorrilla, Phoenix vice president for external affairs, said retired Admiral Ruben Lista, presidential adviser Hermogenes Esperon and Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi are also expected to grace the tournament.

The 18-hole tournament will be played at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club, with participants expect-

ed to cough up P5,000 each as registration fee.

The fee will entitle participants to compete in the team, partner and individual categories.

Registration begins on March 1.

The tournament is sponsored entirely by Phoenix Petroleum for the benefit of the charity projects being undertaken by the Phoenix Philippines Foundation.

unveils UAAP champs DLSU to carry TRMH anew in Araw hoops Phoenix ‘Araw’events

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

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njb@edgedavao.net

AAP Season 79 champion Mark Dyke, Jollo Go, Andrew which have confirmed participa- top teams after the eliminations De La Salle Green Archers Langston, Aljun Melecio, Kib Mon- tion are former UAAP champion square off for the championship will be back to defend its albo, Brent Paraiso, Jason Perkins, National University Bulldogs, Uni- where a P100,000 top kitty and a title in the forthcoming 80th Araw Prince Rivero, Ricci Rivero, Thom- versity of the Philippines Fighting trophy awaits the winner. ng Dabaw Invitational basketball as Torres and Abu Tratter.

Maroons and Montana Pawnshop.

The runner-up receives tournament set March 23-26 at the The team will be managed by Still awaiting confirmation are P60,000, second runner-up, Davao City Recreation Center. co-owners Glenn Escandor and Pacman Warrriors and the Ateneo P40,000, third runner-up P30,000 The Green Archers, who beat Secretary Bong Go whose teamup Eagles. and the last two squads P20,000 archrival Ateneo de Manila in the has brought a slew of championElegino said from four teams, each. finals last December, will be rep- ships in the local basketball scene. the tournament will be expanded The tournament is sanctioned resenting The Royal Mandaya HoTournament commissioner to six and will have two groups by the Samahang Basketball ng Piltel-CMO outfit.

Cholo Elegino said the other teams playing single round robin. The ipinas 11.

“The Green Archers will be back and we have already agreed to all the arrangements,” said assistant coach Miggy Solitaria, who will also be officially joining the DLSU coaching staff effective March.

Coach Aldin Ayo will be steering the Green Archers who will be in full force except for the fiery Ben Mbala who was called for national duty in his native Cameroon.

DLSU will be known in the tournament as The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO La Salle Green Archers and will be bannered by Finals MVP Jeron Teng.

The other members of the squad are Justine Baltazar, An- DEFENDING THE TITLE. TRMH-CMO DLSU celebrated their title win last year. Co-owner Glenn Escandor receives the trophy from coach Aldin drei Caracut, Ayyo and his staff compoased of Siot Tangquincen and Glenn Capacio.

L

EADING independent oil company and homegrown brand Phoenix Petroleum Philippines is bringing exciting events to Davaoeños and guests this upcoming 80th Araw ng Dabaw Festival.

On March 11, the 9th Phoenix Open Golf Tournament will tee off at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. Held for the beneficiaries of the Phoenix Philippine Foundation, the golf event, through the pledges of sponsors and golf enthusiasts, has in the past years helped sustain educational, environment, health, and other community programs.

For the young at heart and music enthusiasts, the Mega Music Live event will be held anew on March 17-18 at the Phoenix Lanang Mega Station. On its third year, more attendees are expected to join the free twonight party that will feature Davao’s best local bands.

Motocross enthusiasts will find plenty of thrills and action at the Phoenix Cyclomax Motocross and Maxxis 4x4 Cup Extreme Off Road Challenge on March 18-19, 2017 at Sitio Kauswagan, Brgy. Langub. These events aim to promote offroading as a motorsport, hone the skills of Filipino off-roaders, and promote the country as an ideal off-road destination in the region.

These events are all presented by Phoenix Premium 98, Phoenix Accelerate Fully Synthetic, and Phoenix Zoelo Extreme.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

SPORTS 15

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ROOKIES ROAR Luisita opens two-point lead T

WO rookies stepped up for the Luisita Golf Club as the fabled fifteen-time champion took a slim two-point lead over Del Monte Golf Club on Wednesday at the start of the 31stPhilippine Airlines Senior Interclub golf team championships.

Rodel Mangulabnan and Chito Laureta made auspicious debuts in the Seniors division on a day only three players managed to score in the fifties at the tough Apo Golf and Country Club.

Mangulabnan, who just turned 55, fired 50 ponts built around a pair of birdies against six bogeys.

Laureta, another fresh addition, backed up his fellow newbie with a 48 while Jingy Tuason chipped in 47 as Luisita pooled 145 points. Allan Alegre did not count with 45 points.

“We kind of expected to lead, but we didn’t expect the high scores,” said Luisita non-playing captain Jeric Hechanova, noting that players were allowed to lift and clean their balls.

Luisita took a slim 2-point lead over Del Monte which is bannered by former pros and caddies. The Bukidnon-based club emerged as a serious contender, scoring 143 points behind Archie Mondilla’s 50 points.

Mondilla is the father of pro Clyde Mondilla.

Del Monte also drew 48 points from last year’s individual champion Virgilio Adag and 45 from Ernesto Apas. Romeo Bautista failed to count with 39.

A huge disappointment was defending champion Canlubang which skidded to fourth place with 124, 21 points behind Luisita.

Eagle Ridge, getting 51 points from Korean Tong Wha Lee, took third spot with 131. Other scorers were Koreans Jie Sik Oh (41) and Seong Song (39).

Despite the heavy deficit, Canlubang skipper Tony OIives is not about to throw in the towel.

“There are plenty of golf to be played, but we need to start reducing the lead tomorrow at Rancho Palos Verdes,” said Olives.

In what could go down to be its worst opening round, Canlubang got 43 from Damas Wong, 41 from Dave Hernandez and 40 from Mari Hechanova.

“It was a humbling experience,” said many-time Spanish champion Mike Preysler who did not count for Canlubang with 35 points.

The 70th PAL Interclub Platinum sponsors are Mareco Broadcasting Network, A&E Networks Asia, RMN Networks, The Manila Standard, Fox Networks Group, Rolls-Royce, TV5, MasterCard, TFC

and Business Mirror.

Major sponsors include Asian Air Safari, Airbus, Primax Broadcasting Network and Sabre Airline Solutions while Corporate sponsors are Baron Travel Corporation, Boeing, MX3, GE Aviation, Bombo Radyo Philippines, Asia Brewery, Tanduay Distillers, Sabre Airline Solutions and Tourism Promotions Board.

The donors are Shangri-La at The Fort, Trinity Insurance and Eton Properties.

Complete first round results:

CHAMPIONSHIP Luisita 145, Del Monte 143, Eagle Ridge 131, Canlubang 124 AVIATOR Racho Palos 134, Rivera Golf 130, Alta Vista Golf 126, Manila Southwoods 125, Zamboanga Golf 120, Fil Am Hawaii 117, Camp Evangelista 115, Guinhalaran 114, South Bay Golf 112, Forest Hills 109, Lanang Golf 108, Team Coral Ocean Point 106, Bacolod Golf 102, Vancouver Golf ABC 100, SF Heritage 100, Club Filipino Cebu 100, Canphil Golf 99, Bay City GC Alameda 96, Taotaomona Guam 90, PGA Qatar 88, IAGE San Diego 85, EZ Par

PAL VETERAN. Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol chips from the apron during the 70th Philippine Airlines Interclub Seniors Golf Tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. Boy Lim

Golf 62, Greenhills West 36

SPORTSWRITER Fil Oz Sydney 108, Sarangani Golf 105, South Cotabato 104 San Juanico Park Golf 103, Paoay Seniors 101, Baguio Country Club 101, Melbourne Pinoy Golf 99, Team Brookside 98, Fort Bonifacio Golf 97, Iligan Golf 96, Phil Am Central Florida 95, UP Tee Jots 93, San Francisco Maharlika Golf 91, Dirab Golf 90, Austral Asian Social Golf 89, Mt Malindang 89, Guam Seals 88,Mabuhay Golf of SFO 88, Fli A m Fairfield 8 5 , Van City Golf 85, Pinoy Vancouver Golf 76, San Francisco Crystal Springs 72, PGA British Columbia 66, Sky West Golf 65

Koncz aims to finalize fight, Arum blows top

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ROOKIE. Rodel Mangulabnan watches his tee shot on the 11th hole during the first round of the 70th PAL Seniors Interclub golf team championships at the Apo Golf and VETERAN. Archie Mondilla of Del Monte watches hits his drive in the Country Club in Davao City.

10th hole.

ANNY Pacquiao’s adviser says Jeff Horn’s fight with the boxing great remains on the table and could be confirmed next week.

But clouds over his dream fight with Pacquiao remain, with the Filipino legend’s camp confirming the Australian is but one of a number of candidates for his next bout.

The fight, thought to be locked in for April, is increasingly doubtful with reports Englishman Amir Khan reached an agreement with Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum to fight the Filipino.

Arum has told News Corp Australia those reports were “bulls**t” speculation.

But Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said the matter is unresolved - despite organisers announcing the Horn-Pacquiao last month, mooted for Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

“Hopefully by midweek next week we’ll have a final on everything,” Koncz told Fox Sports.

“Once we have confirmed

100 percent the venue and the arena and who the opponent is we’ll make an announcement.

“But until then I think it’s detrimental to all negotiations taking place and it’s not fair to the candidates we are looking to fight.”

Pacquiao is yet to sign off on the Khan deal, according to the UK Mirror, and it’s unclear when and where the bout would take place.

Confusion has reigned over Horn’s fight with Pacquiao since Koncz fronted media in Abu Dhabi this month to claim his next fight would take place in the UAE. Koncz even went as far as apologising to the Australian public for the confusion, explaining that the UAE was always the first preference and Brisbane was merely a “backup plan”.

Pacquiao also tweeted, “see you in UAE for my next fight” earlier this month.

The 38-year-old then polled Twitter users on who he should next fight, with Khan the preferred option.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 262 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017