Edge Davao 9 Issue 37

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES ALMS AND A STOIC FACE. Ayoung girl wears a stoic face while her companion receives alms from a bystander at Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

2 MALLS FOR POLLS Abreeza, SM Ecoland approved for mall voting, only District 1 covered

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said only the first district of Davao City will be covered by mall voting this coming May 9 elections.

Comelec second district election officer Danilo Cullo said in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, the Comelec central office in Manila only accredited two malls in the city namely, Abreeza Ayala Mall in J.P. Laurel Avenue and SM City Davao in Ecoland.

Cullo said earlier the cen-

tral office has given him the gosignal to include the SM Lanang Premiere as the polling place of some precincts in the second district but was later informed that it is not included in the official list.

“Actually, I conducted already a public hearing for the voters who are supposed to be transferred in the mall but later on the management of SM Lanang told me and I also verified in Manila that the mall is not included anymore,” he said.

“Ang nakabutang sa listahan nila [Comelec central offce] (What is stated in their list) is SM Davao and when you speak of SM Davao it only refers to SM City Davao in Ecoland,” he added.

He said he received an advice to specify the name of the mall upon the application but it was already a late notification.

Cullo said his office and the management of SM Lanang Premiere had already come up with an agreement

on the conduct of mall voting.

Earlier Comelec 11 assistant regional director and acting first district election officer Marlon Casquejo initially named five malls that can be possibly utilized as voting areas in the city.

Casquejo mentioned SM City Davao in Ecoland, SM Lanang Premiere, Abreeza Ayala Mall, Gaisano Mall and Gaisano South Mall in Ilustre (Street).

He said in the first district,

F 2 MALLS, 10

EDGEDAVAO Sports

Clarkson still hopes to play for Gilas in the future

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

RODY IN AKLAN. Leading presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte promises the people of Aklan that he will give them a clean government during the mayor’s rally at Kalibo Pastrana Park in Kalibo, Aklan Wednesday night.

(Rody Duterte: The Real Change photo)

SC issues TRO versus ‘Overseas Voters Act’ T HE Supreme Court (SC) has temporarily stopped implementation of some provisions of Republic Act No. 9189, or the “Overseas Voters Act”.

“In the matter of G.R. No. 223705 (Loida Nicolas-Lewis v. Commission on Elections) the Court En Banc partially granted the application for a Temporary Restraining Order and issued a TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER effective immediately and continuing until further orders from the Court ENJOINING the Comelec, its deputies, and other related instrumentalities from implementing the following: (i) Section 36.8

of Republic Act No. 9189 as amended by Republic Act No. 10590;3 and (ii) Section 74 (II)(8) and other related provisions of Comelec Resolution No. 10035 dated January 13, 2016, except within Philippine Embasses, Consulates, and other Posts where overseas voters may exercise their right to vote pursuant to the Overseas Absentee Voting System, where partisan political activities shall still be prohibited until further orders from the Court,” SC Public Information Office (PIO) Chief and Spokesman Atty. Theodore O. Te said in a press conference on Wednesday.

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Follow goverment’s no-ransom policy -- AFP

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HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday urged everyone to comply with the government’s no-ransom policy.

This is in wake of reports claiming that a PHP50-million ransom has been paid to secure the 10 Indonesian crew members abducted off Tawi-Tawi waters last month.

“This is the first time we heard about this development.

However the AFP continues to encourage everyone to observe government’s no-ransom policy, the observance of the government’s no-ransom policy is because of a very specific reason, it is to discourage this kind of growing ‘industry’

in the area as well as to avoid providing this group a means to strengthen themselves,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

When asked on whether the military will prevent Indonesian groups, he said the AFP’s primordial concern of the armed forces is always the safety of all kidnap victims.

“There are many operations are ongoing, details of which I cannot disclose but the AFP is doing everything within its power as well cooperating with all other agencies of govt to carry specific instructions in facilitating the rescue of the victims,” Padilla concluded.

(PNA)

Cenro to implement policy of ‘No segregation, no collection’

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) will strictly implement the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy as soon as the new garbage compactor trucks and bins are available.

Cenro division chief of the environmental and waste management board Dolly Remojo said in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, all households in the barangays will be required to use clear garbage bags in disposing their wastes for an easy identification whether or not they observed proper waste sepa-

ration.

“If collectors see that the garbage is not segregated it will not be collected,” she said.

Remojo said that a strict implementation to segregate the wastes is imperative because there will be assigned compactors that will collect biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.

She said the Cenro will also impose a schedule on when the biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes will be collected.

Remojo said the city already received the 12 brand new compactors last March

but they are still waiting for the 10 old trucks which were re-manufactured and these “are good as brand new”.

“We are just only for the two which are still being re-manufactured so that they can deliver to the city together the 10 trucks,” she said.

She said the Cenro is set to use all the compactors along with the 13,000 brand new garbage bins on May which will be distributed to the 110 barangays in the city.

Remojo said the Cenro currently conducted an orientation to all the barangay officials in the city started last

April 15 and will end on April 29. This is for the proper handling of the bins and maintaining the cleanliness of their barangay.

Remojo also explained the reason why the use of compactors and bins are delayed.

She said the bidding of the equipment was delayed since they were outsourced overseas.

Earlier, Cenro head Elisa Madrazo said that the compactors and the bins are supposed to arrive on the last quarter of 2015 but these only arrived last month.

ground because they are the ones who are actually implementing our elections,” he said.

The poll body chief admitted that they have yet to decide on how many ballots to be given to a voter, noting that BEI should already sense whether the request for ballot replacement is already deliberate or not.

“At this point, we have to talk about it again. But it cannot be unlimited. If that happens, there is something shady

going on. The BEI must not allow that,” he explained.

Bautista added that they would still deliberate if they would issue guidelines to help BEI members determine if a replacement ballots should be given or not.

Comelec Resolution No. 10088, states that “there will be no replacement ballot that shall be issued to a voter, whose ballot is rejected by the vote counting machine (VCM), except if the rejection of the

ballot is not due to the fault of the voter”.

Under the Comelec’s supplemental General Instructions to BEIs, in case of ballot rejection, the latter shall still allow the voter to re-feed the ballot four times in four different orientations.

It added that if after four tries the ballot is still rejected, the voter shall return the ballot to the BEI. Bautista noted that they

BEIS may decide to give voter a replacement ballot

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) plans to leave to the members of the Board of Elections Inspectors (BEI) the discretion to replace or not a defective ballots on election day.

Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista said they were looking at the possibility of letting the BEI members to handle the replacement ballots in the May 9 polls.

“We have to provide discretion to the people on the

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SC remands tax raps vs Pacquiao to CTA T HE Supreme Court (SC) has remanded the tax case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinky to the Court of Appeals (CTA. At the same time the SC Second division ordered the CTA to conduct a preliminary hearing on the tax case and afford the couple of their rights to due process.

As such, the SC partially granted the petition of Pacquiao and issued a preliminary injunction stopping the CTA in implementing its resolutions requiring them to deposit a cash bond.

The SC has earlier issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of Pacquiao and his wife Jinky.

“Wherefore, the petition is partially granted. Let a Writ

of Preliminary Injunction be issued, enjoining the implementation of the April 22, 2014 and July 11, 2014 Resolution of the Court of Tax Appeals First Division, in CTA Case No. 8683, requiring the petitioners to first deposit a cash bond in the amount of P3,298,514,894.35 or post a bond of P4,947,772.341.55 as a condition torestrain the collection of the deficiency taxes assessed against them,” the SC ruled on Tuesday.

“Accordingly, the case is hereby Remanded to the Court of Tax Appeals, First Division , which is ordered to conduct a preliminary hearing to determine whether the dispensation or reduction of the required cash deposit or bond provided under Section 11, Republic Act No 1125, is proper to restrain

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Short film on election shown in Ponce Suites

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ITH the elections just around the corner, a film maker from Davao will show off a short film on the 2016 presidential race titled Candidato.

Candidato is a short film directed by Davawenyo Filmmaker EJ Dominic Fernandez.

It will be screened on Friday, April 22, 2016, 6:00pm at Ponce Suit Gallery Hotel and Art Museum, Corner Roads 3 & 4, Doña Vicenta Village, Bajada, Davao City.

The short film is the director’s commentary on the present Presidential Race. Based on everything that he has seen regarding the elections on the social media, the presidential debates on TV, and the talks in the streets, he came out with this short film.

The film starts off with a shady group of people talking about their candidates for May. As the conversations progress, they soon find out that things

aren’t really what they seem.

The film stars prominent Davawenyo journalist, Ruji Abat, and Rhealyn Pojas. The rest of the cast includes students Jay Ann Diems, Bernali Jesreel Lentejas, and Krizzy Joyce Daugdaug.

The film viewing event will also showcase Fernandez’ other short films, including Pacquiao: A War Story, which is his commentary on the war in Mindanao, and Kalapati: A Story of a Prostitute, which stars Binibining Pilipinas Second Runner-Up Jehza Hualer.

There will be a question and answer portion every after short film.

This is a fund raising event to help the production of other short films that depict relevant issues. Ticket Price is at 150Php with free movie snacks. For more information and to buy your tickets in advance, you can contact 0921265-9983 or 0932-499-7100.

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

PROTESTING FAILURE. Female police officers negotiate with the leaders of progressive groups and farmers from Compostela Valley Province who built a temporary camp outside the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 to express

their grievances against the alleged government’s failure to implement effective El Niño mitigation measures. Lean Daval Jr.

Retired RTC judge defends Mayor Rody

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

RETIRED Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge in Davao City defended presidential bet Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte over the issue of rape joke.

Former RTC Judge Jesus V. Quitain said in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, the issues had been brought out of context just to make Duterte’s image bad.

Duterte has been under fire in the past days after his remarks on Australian missionary Jaqueline Hamill who was raped and killed during a 1989 hostage incident.

Quitain said the people

did not understand the context of the speech of Duterte that time. He said Duterte volunteered to be the hostage for the release of a threemonth old child when Felipe Pugoy detained several civilians used as hostage at the Davao Penal Colony in Davao del Norte.

In a report of Mindanews, the alleged rape of Hamill happened in the second hostage-taking, in August 1989 involving Pugoy at the detention center of the Metrodiscom (now Camp Domingo Leonor) where Duterte reportedly took out his Uzi and

fired a magazine to finish off the perpetrators.

“He is a responsible mayor who is always thinking of the health and safety of his people,” he said.

Quitain said Duterte’s move was very dangerous because the perpetrators might kill him that time.

“In the whole world, no other city mayor of a city with a population of 1.5 million volunteered to be a hostage for more than two hours,” he said.

Quitain said if Duterte did that 27 years ago, he can also do that again for the people of

Sumilao farmers, multi-sectoral groups campaign for Leni in Davao

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MALL VOTING COVERAGE. Commission on Elections (Comelec) second district election officer Danilo Cullo bares yesterday that only the first district of Davao City will be covered by mall voting this coming May 9 elections. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

the country if he will become a president.

He compared Duterte to the role of former Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim during the Luneta hostage incident in 2010 where eight hostages were killed.

Quitain said the Manila Police did not allow Lim to meddle in the hostage taking that is why he had no involvement on the incident.

The mayor apologized for the rape joke and he said “there was no intention to disrespect our women and those who have been victims of this horrible crime.”

AVAO is for Leni!

The Sumilao farmers, who are on a 23-day march caravan to campaign for Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo, received a warm welcome from different multi-sectoral groups upon their arrival in Davao City.

Among those who welcomed the farmers were members of Akbayan, COOP-NATTCO, Change Politics Movement-Davao, MINCODE, SIMCARRD, Mulig Federation of Free Farmers, Tropang MARangal Davao and different farmers’ multi-purpose cooperatives.

The groups then conducted a mini-rally where they called on Davaoenos to vote for Robredo, who, while working as free legal aid lawyer for Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN), helped the 163 Sumilao farmers fight for their claim to the land.

The Sumilao farmers caught attention when they walked from Bukidnon to Manila several years ago to fight for their 144-hectare ancestral land under the Com-

prehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

As way of showing gratitude to Robredo, the Sumilao farmers started a 23-day march caravan from April 15 to May 7 to campaign for Robredo.

Dubbed “Sumilao Farmers’ Express: Mga Nasa Laylayan ng Lipunan, Iaangat si Leni Para sa Bayan!”, the cross-country march-caravan will cover 3,750 kilometers.

The march commenced San Vicente, Sumilao, Bukidnon and will pass through Cotabato, Davao, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Tacloban, Legazpi, Naga, and Lucena, and culminate on May 7, 2016 at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Through the caravan, the Sumilao farmers plan to share, in a wider platform, personal experiences about Robredo’s compassion, competence, and character as a lawyer and supporter.

Likewise, the Sumilao farmers will also convey the importance of addressing issues of

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EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

FOOD SECURITY FORUM. Former North Cotabato Governor and book author Manny Piñol addresses the delegates during the opening of the Duterte Food Security Forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel ballroom yesterday. Pinol also signed copies of the book “Feeding Millions: The Duterte Food Security Blueprint” during the event. NJB

institutionalizes Comelec starts delivery of VCMs, GenSan AVAWC desks in barangays election materials to Region 12 T

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started the delivery of the vote counting machines (VCM) and other election materials that will be used in parts of Region 12 in the May 9 local and national elections.

Lawyer Francisco Pobe, Comelec Region 12 director, said Wednesday they already received the first batch of the VCMs assigned for the region are now securely stored in an undisclosed hub in the area.

He said the first delivery comprised a total of 716 VCMs or about a third of the area’s requirement for the polls.

“They are all stocked and properly being secured by a composite team of (police and military personnel),” he said.

Aside from the presence of security teams, the official said the hub is equipped with closed-circuit television or CCTV cameras and is regularly inspected by Comelec-12 personnel.

He said they have tapped election watchdogs and accredited non-government groups for the monitoring and provision of information regarding the security of the VCMs and other election materials.

Aside from the VCMs, Comelec-12 is expecting the delivery in the coming days of the initial batch of the official ballots and other materials.

Pobe clarified that their hub will only cater to VCMs that will be deployed in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal and Tacurong.

He said the machines intended for North Cotabato and Kidapawan City will be stocked at the Region 11 hub along with those for Davao del Sur. Although administrative-

ly a part of Region 12 or Soccsksargen, Cotabato City is under the jurisdiction of the Comelec in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Once they receive all the needed VCMs and election materials, Pobe said they will convene all security units in the region for a coordinating conference to lay down the measures for their deployment and distribution.

He specifically cited the Police Regional Office-12, Army’s 1002nd Brigade and local maritime units.

“We will set the details for their deployment down to the last precinct,” he added. (PNA)

non-shooter, and this test has not been used by the Interpol since 1968.

Asked by Pimental what is the more reliable test, Fortun said a scanning electron microscope.

April 6 for the hearing set for the morning of April 7 in Davao City), asked why Cabinet secretaries and the head of the Philippine National Police were not present at the hearing.

In the first round of the probe on April 7, the Cabinet secretaries summoned by the Senate Committee were not also present.

In Wednesday’s hearing, Enrile repeatedly asked if President Aquino “who has power of decision and action” was notified about the Kidapawan barricade.

He asked Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum, the provincial police chief who was ordered relieved pending investiagation, “what impelled you to use bullets instead of something else?”

Tagum, who also testified during the first thearing on April 7 in Davao City, said he did not order his men to fire.

“Why did you use you firearms to fire at the protesters?

Even under martial law we never did that, to fire at your people.

A doctrine in the military is you cannot fire at civilians,” Enrile, Defense Minister under the Marcos dictatorship, said.

Enrile asked Tagum if they fired shots in the air but Tagum said “bawal sa batas mag fire ng warning shots” (the law prohibits the use of warning shots).

“You know, you never fire at a crowd. Never. That’s why during EDSA revolution we were sure the crowd won’t be fired at and it

turned out that way,” Enrile said, adding, “evidently, you have a different doctrine now. Bullet for hunger, bullet for rice.”

HE city’s 26 barangays will soon have their own desks to cater concerns and cases of violence against women and children.

This as the city council passed on third and final reading during its regular session on Tuesday an ordinance that requires barangay councils to establish and activate their Anti-Violence Against Women and Children or AVAWC desks.

The measure institutionalizes the AVAWC desks as part of the regular functions of the city’s barangay councils.

City Councilor Shandee Theresa Llido-Pestano, author of the ordinance, said the move mainly aims to complement the national and city government’s efforts to address cases of violence committed against women and their children.

She said it also upholds their fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution and the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other related instruments.

“The Barangay AVAWC desks will handle the provision of various support services to abused women and children such as access to legal services, counselling, and referrals to rehabilitation programs,” she said.

Under the ordinance, all 26 barangays in the city are mandated to establish and maintain AVAWC desks and fund their operation through the Gender and Development budgets.

(PNA)

Pasco said he infiltrated the ranks of the protersters at Spottswood Methodist Mission Center and the barricade and met some of his former comrades, including Sulang, who he said was armed with a caliber .38 revolver. Pasco had earlier claimed Sulang left the NPA much earlier than he did.

He said it was not only Sulang who was armed but several others. He did not say how many armed people and he claimed he could not identify what firearms they were using.

He said on April 1, shortly after 10 a.m. when the police and protesters were negotiating, when firetrucks were starting to blow their siren and the stonethrowing started, he saw Sulang fire his gun. From behind him, there was intermittent firing allegedy coming from the side of the Methodist compound, he claimed. He said he saw Sulang lying on the ground.

Sulang’s father Ebao, a former member of the CAFGU (Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit) who also testified at the hearing, denied his son was an NPA member.

“upward and backward.”

“He had extensive fractures of the forehead, top and sides of the head… some injuries in the brain consistent with gunshot wound,” Fortun said.

Sulang’s death certificate issued on April 4 said the immediate cause of his death was “cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to head injury due to mauling and the antecedent cause was “avulsed wound at occipital areaea, punctured wounds at frontal area.”

On April 7, however, at the Senate hearing, an officer of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) testified the cause was gunshot wound.

Fortun said Fabligar had only one inury on the right side of the body and that bullet was recovered on the left side of the body, on the chest.”

She said she examined the body and saw sutured injuries on one side and on the other side sutured post mortem inspection and was told by the mortuary assistant who also assisted her that she was the one who made the incision as directed by the City Health Officer “and they recovered the bullet and turned it over ot the SOCO. She said the trajectory of the bullet was “right to left upward and forward.”

“I can only speculate as to internal injuries. I think he must have bled massively inside,” she said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

16 of 30 armed police fired their guns in Kidapawan dispersal

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IXTEEN of 30 members of the armed unit of the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) contingent that dispersed a threeday baricade in Kidapawan City on April 1 were found to have fired their guns, the police told the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights during the second round of its probe on Wednesday afternoon.

This as as forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun testified that two persons who were killed that day – farmer Darwin Sulang from Arakan town who joined the barricade and welder Enrico Fabligar from Kidapawan City who was just passing by – were felled by bullets.

Sr. Supt. Alejandro Gunao, chief of the Regional Crime Laboratory said 16 of 30 armed police tested positive in the paraffin test, to which Senator Aqulino Pimentel III, Committee chair, asked if “the conclusion is they fired their weapons?” Gunao said yes.

The dispersal left two persons dead and scores of protesters, police and fire deparmetn personnel wounded. Some 5,000 farmers and members of militant organization had set up a barricade along the national highway in Kidapwan City on March 30 to demand, among others, the release of 15,000 sacks of rice for drought-stricken farmers.

Fortun said the paraffin test is “absolutely worthless” as it does not distinguish a shooter from a

“Not from us” Gunao confirmed the bullet taken from Fabligar’s body was turned over to them but not Sulang’s.

In the case of Fabligar, he said, the bullet used was from an M-16 armalite but he said the result of the ballistic exam showed “hindi galing sa bala ng PNP” (the bullet was not fired from the gun of the Philippine National Police).

“In that case, did any of your men during or before the dispersal see anyone brandishing an armalite?” asked Senator Tito Sotto.

Senior Supt. Alexander Tagum, provincial police chief who was relieved on April 5 pending investigation, said they have a witness who saw armed people among the protesters. But he did not respond to Sotto’s query if his men saw somebody brandishing an armalite.

Where are the Cabinet secretaries?

Senate Minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile who criticized the Committee two weeks ago for holding an investigation “in aid of election” because there was no sufficient notice (he said he received the notice afternoon of

Who killed who?

“For the record, I did not order my people to fire at the people,” Tagum replied, prompting Enrile to ask “you are saying the militants killed their own people?”

“That might be, Sir,” said Tagum, who also repeated what he said on April 7, that his CDM was unarmed but they had an armed security unit. The armed security unit reportedly numbered 30, and in the first Senate hearing, the Committee was told that all 30 members of that unit were subjected oto paraffin test, 16 of whom tested positive and 14 negative.

“Pinakalumang storya na po yang may baril sa raliyista. Panahon pa ni Marcos [That rallyists have guns is an old story used by the police, since the time of (former President Ferdinand) Marcos], said Atty. Efraim Cortez of the National Union of Peoples Laywers (NUPL).

Cortez also said the police immediately destroyed potential evidence at the crime scene.

The police later presented a witness, named Charlie Pasco, who claimed to be a former member of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) and now an asset of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion since he surrendered in 2014.

Gunshot wounds Dr. Fortun who performed an autopsy on Sulang told the Senate Committee that Sulang “sustained a gunshot wound at the head, entrance wound is almost at the center of the forehead slightly to the right, exit was at the top of the head” and that the trajectory was

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

El Niño effects on Tadeco minimal

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

RODUCTION in the monolithic Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc. (Tadeco) in Davao del Norte decreased by almost 10 percent in the first quarter of the year.

This, despite preparations to mitigate the effect of the long dry spell on its more than 6,000 hectares of banana plantation.

Ryan Pete A. Zamora, superintendent for the quality management system department of Tadeco, said banana production of the company decreased from 7.896 million in the first quarter of 2015 to 7.853 million boxes during the same period this year.

“The drop in the number of boxes is very minute,” Zamora told Edge Davao yesterday.

Tadeco is the producer of export-quality banana for DOLE and Del Monte.

Though Tadeco is not badly hit by the El Niño, its production dropped when the bunch weight decreased as the effect of the phenomenon.

“None of our banana trees was damaged but production went down when the bunch weight decreased,” said Reagan D. Navarro, manager for quality management system, statistics and chemical laboratory department of TADECO. Navarro described the reduction in the bunch weight of TADECO as negligible compared to the drop in other banana companies hit by the long drought expected to end by June this year.

“Ours is weighing around 26 to 27kg per bunch, while other companies only weigh 20kg,” he added.

The minimal drop in bunch weight led to lesser box-

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IODIZED SALT. A worker of a dealership store along Bangoy Street in Davao City unloads sacks of iodized salt which will be delivered to a nearby province yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

Filipino worker dies in second TSI mishap A FILIPINO worker died of an accident inside the 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant of ABoitiz-owned Therma South, Inc. (TSI) in barangay Binugao, Davao City last Wednesday.

This was confirmed by Wilfredo Rodolfo III, branding and communication manager of Aboitiz Power Corp. in a statement texted to Edge Davao.

Rodolfo, however, withheld the name of the ill-fated worker, pending notification of the next of kin.

“The victim, a Filipino, is an employee for six years of sub-contractor Boyi Wantong, which reports to FHI-True North. FHI-True North reports to Therma South,” Rodolfo said in a statement.

Rodolofo said the name of the worker is being withheld

pending the notification of his family.

This is the second fatal accident in the P35-billion plant.

“Therma South and its contractors are presently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to ensure that safety guidelines are reinforced,” he said.

The first incident was two years ago in the afternoon of January 6, 2014 involving a 39-year-old Chinese engineer of Nantong Dragon who died after he was accidentally struck by a three-ton pulley winch while supervising at the construction site.

At the time, the management of TSI had to temporarily stopp operations for a week to review safety measures and sub-contracting of the construction of the plant.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

HE Philippine peso slipped against the greenback last Wednesday similar to the path of oil prices in the international market.

It shed Php 0.14 to finish the trade at 46.22 from the previous session’s 46.08, which a trader also attributed to the hawkish statements of Federal Reserve officials.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley said economic conditions in the US “remain favorable”, which cheered the market, but the Fed

official cautioned that any adjustment in the Fed rates would be gradual.

With these factors in play, the local unit opened at 46.10, sideways from the 46.15 in the previous session.

It traded between 46.07 and 46.22 bringing the day’s average at 46.13.<>Volume of trade reached USD 593 million, higher than the USD 462.9 million Tuesday.

On Thursday, the peso is seen to trade between 46.00 and 46.20 to a dollar. (PNA)

ORE than 200 participants from different sectors of the country’s tourism industry will grace in the opening of the three-day Philippine Halal Tourism Expo 2016 today at the Abreeza Mall Organized by the Universal Center in partnership with the Mindanao Islamic Cham-

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ber of Commerce and Industry Inc., the expo is part of the Department of Tourism (DOT) campaign under Philippine Halal Tourism Project and Crescent rating program.

The gab is expected to end on Sunday.

Malou Ampuan, secretary of the MICCII, said the event is designed to increase the level

of awareness on the principles and concepts of halal and improve Davao Region’s position in the halal tourism through alignment of local programs to the direction of the national government.

During the expo, a total of 53 food and accommodation establishments, which are aiming to be Halal certified,

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distinguished with the regional award among over 250 banks from across a bigger global banking community.

“It is truly an honor to be adjudged Best Improved Retail Bank in the entire Asia Pacific and other parts of the global banking community,” says Security Bank President

and CEO Alfonso Salcedo, Jr. “Knowing that our accomplishments are recognized not just in the Philippines is important to us because it is a validation of the progress we have made in building a stronger retail business. It further motivates us to keep developing BetterBanking

products and services for our customers and to aim for consistency and excellence in every aspect of operations.”

The Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards is the most rigorous, prestigious and transparent awards program for

S

MICROINSURANCE PRODUCT. Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions general manager Jonathan D. Batangan explain the nature of the company’s new microinsurance product, Alagang Cebuana Plus (ACP) Gold. Batangan said their micro-insurance offers an additional micro-life coverage such

as accidental death, dismemberment and disability, fire cash assistance, and unprovoked murder and assault. With him is Insurance Commission supervising specialist Shayne Rose Bulos. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Phil.

Halal Tourism PHP weakens versus USD as oil prices slip Expo opens today T

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

will be showcased.

These 53 businesses are targeted by the DOT and Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. to be certified, Ampuan said.

For Davao Region, a total of 13 hotels and restaurants from Davao City will be Halal

F PHIL., 10

Security Bank awarded Best Improved Retail Bank Agri stakeholders seek for Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Africa & the Gulf Region more gov’t assistance HE Asian Banker’s Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2016 named Security Bank Corporation (SBC) as Best Improved Retail Bank in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Africa and the Gulf Region during the awards night held at the W Hotel in Hong Kong.

This recognition underscores the soundness and effectiveness of Security Bank’s retail strategy as it validates its strategic direction to strengthen Retail Banking as a strong third pillar to its two solid business segments – Wholesale Banking and Financial Markets.

Security Bank’s retail journey began in 2014 with an intensive and extensive rebranding campaign that sought to transform every facet of its retail banking business to become more focused, more responsive and more customer-centric.

The Bank’s innovative rebranding strategy has been receiving wide acclaim from both local and international award-giving bodies. This award, however, is most significant because Security Bank is the only bank to be

F SECURITY, 10

Accepting the award on behalf of Security Bank were its retail banking executives (4th and 5th from left): Leslie Cham, Senior Vice President and Branch Banking Group Head and Patricia Tan, First Vice President and Retail Marketing Division Head. Joining them were members of The Asian Banker’s International Advisory Council (from left): Wilson Chia, Executive Vice President, SME and Commercial Banking, Fullerton Financial Holdings; Philippe Paillart, former Vice Chairman, CEO of DBS; Gai McGrath, member of the Council, State Library of New South Wales; Varun Sabhlok, Regional Audit Director, Citibank Global Consumer Banking Division (Asia Pacific) and current director, AVS Asia Ventures; and Foo Boon Ping, Managing Editor, The Asian Banker.

AVED from the wrath of El Niño phenomenon, farmers who might have harvested 200 cavans or more per hectare are still crippled by the lingering low prices of their produce, agriculture stakeholders said.

Danilo Bolos, a farmer leader, said the huge harvest they have gained from the use of hybrid seeds have to be complemented by good prices to make agriculture really viable for agricultural workers.

This as he urged other local government units (LGUs) to consider the rice subsidy of Php750 per cavan and service support , such as maintenance of irrigation canals and provisions of heavy equipment, program being implemented by the city government of Cabanatuan on top of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) own subsidy of 50 percent of the hybrid’s Php5,100 a 40-kilo bag.

Reports placed the prevailing buying price at Php13 a kilo.

Dr. Calixto Protacio, executive director of the Philippine Rice Research (PhilRice) expressed dismay that farmers would hardly gain from that price considering that based on 2013 study of

the agency showed that rice production cost in Nueva Ecija was at Php13 per kilo.

This was too much against Vietnam’s Php6.50 and Thailand’s Php9 a kilo, Protacio said.

He noted though that this cost of production was somehow reduced by the increase in yield through the use of hybrid and quality inbred seeds.

The PhilRice, Protacio added, had introduced Palayabangan challenge, which pushed farmers to increase yield to 10 tons per hectare at Php5 per kilo production cost. But only a private company in Isabela province had so far made it, he added.

The agriculture stakeholders in Nueva Ecija met here Monday for the harvest festival organized by hybrid producer SL Agritech.

Henry Lim, head of hybrid rice producer SL Agritech, asked the National Food Authority (NFA) to intensify its procurement drive to buy farmers’ produce at Php17 a kilo to further profit of local farmers.

He said hybrid made warehouses “overflowing” of palay but has to be supported with good market prices.

In Davao, he said, the prevailing market price was Php20 a kilo. (PNA)

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

This aquatic chicken called

tilapia

“Tilapia in the Philippines is the fish of yesterday, the fish of today and the fish of tomorrow. It is the people’s fish because it’s readily available, accessible and affordable to every ordinary Filipino.” -- Dr. Tereso Abella, a technical consultant from Kuala Lumpur-based WorldFish *** FTER bangus (milk- kilograms per year). “This color of the fish did not also apfish), tilapia is now the higher level of consumption peal to local consumers.” second most important may partly be attributed to the The coming of the Nile tifish in the Philippines. It has relatively lower market price lapia in the 1970s improved gained popularity among Fil- of tilapia compared to milkfish the acceptance of tilapia in the ipinos who cooked the fish in and round scad and its wide Philippines because of its lightdifferent ways. It can be either availability,” the government er color and faster growth comfried or grilled. It can also be report pointed out. pared to the earlier-introduced made into a sinigang (a sour tilapia. “The development of soup using tamarind, santol, “Aquatic chicken” technologies for the improved guava or calamansi as a base) Fishery experts have breeding and culture of the fish and paksiw (similar to sin- dubbed tilapia as “aquatic and its affordable price are the igang only it uses vinegar). chicken” because it possesses main reasons why the tilapia is In fact, tilapia has re- many positive attributes that now the ‘fish of the masses,’” Dr. placed galunggong (scad) as suit the fish for a varied range Guerrero said. the poor man’s fish. Nutrition- of aquaculture systems. For ists claim that 100 grams of one, tilapia tolerates a wide Transexual tilapia tilapia provides approximate- range of environmental conAs a world leader, the Philly 93 calories, with one gram ditions and is highly resistant ippines has set the pace for the of fat (0.5 grams saturated), to diseases and parasitic infec- use of several technological 55 milligrams cholesterol, 37 tions. innovations for tilapia. One of grams sodium, 0.5 milligram Other good traits of tilapia these is the sex reversal techiron, 19.5 grams protein, and include excellent growth rates nology (SRT). “The technology 90 milligrams Omega-3 fatty on a low-protein diet, ready which is regarded as a mileacids. breeding in captivity and ease stone in global aquaculture is Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, of handling; and, more impor- widely applied in the Philipan Academician at the National tantly, wide acceptance as food pines and other countries like Academy of Science and Tech- fish.

Israel, Thailand, and the United nology, said the Philippines is “Historically, the introduc- States,” Dr. Guerrero said. “now one of leading produc- tion of the first tilapia species, Dr. Guerrero was recogers of tilapia in the world to- the Mozambique tilapia, in the nized by the World Aquaculday.” “In 2010, the Philippines Philippines in 1950 was ini- ture Society for his pioneering produced 258,667 metric tons tially not well-accepted by the work on tilapia sex reversal of tilapia, making it one of industry because of the lack technology that contributed the top five producers in the of appropriate culture tech- significantly to world aquaculworld,” said a government re- niques,” recalled Dr. Guerrero, ture. In the Philippines, more port. who holds a doctorate degree than 50 percent of the Nile tiThe per capita consump- in fisheries management from lapia produced in ponds and tion of tilapia in the country Auburn University in the Unit- cages have been sex-reversed. is estimated to be 3 kilograms ed States. “Growth of the fish The technology is based per year, which is higher than in ponds was stunted with too on the theory that the developthat of milkfish (2.53 kilograms much breeding and overpopu- ment of the sex organ (testis for per year) or round scad (1.61 lation. The small size and dark male and ovary for female) in

A

the fish can be artificially influenced by feeding of a synthetic sex hormone (methyltestosterone for male and estrone for female) during the “sexless period” of the young. Hormonal or induced sex reversal was first demonstrated in the 1950s

by T. K-O. Yamamoto of Japan in the “medaka,” an aquarium fish.

Artificial sex reversal is considered the most effective, efficient and economical method for solving the major drawback of growing tilapias to market-size caused by unwanted reproduction.

“With mix-sex (male and female) stocks, the fish matures early and breeds frequently resulting in stunted growth due to overpopulation in ponds,” Dr. Guerrero explained. “By growing all-male tilapia produced through hand-sexing (manual separation of sexes), hybridization (crossbreeding of two appropriate species) or sex reversal, the yield of largesized tilapias is significantly increased by 30 percent to 50 percent because of the faster-growing males compared to females and the control of reproduction.”

Since its development as a “breakthrough,” the application of tilapia sex reversal has undergone a number of innovations. While at first it was believed that the treatment of fry could only be done under a shade, it is now being done in outdoor tanks and ponds. Although anyone with the proper know-how and equipment can

Harvesting tilapia

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

prepare the hormone-feed and apply it, there is a tilapia sex reversal feed now available in the market for those who find it more convenient and practical.

“Applying the sex reversal feed method with a success rate of at least 95 percent re-

Dried tilapia quires the production of the right age of the fry for treatment, preparation of the hormone feed or its procurement, and the proper application of the treatment,” Dr. Guerrero said.

It is also important that the fry to be treated be not more than three days from the time they are released by the mouth brooding females in breeding ponds when the fry are about 10 days old from hatching of the eggs and 9 millimeters to 11 millimeters in total length.

“The fry to be treated also need to be stocked in tanks or ponds at the proper densities and fed at recommended feeding rates for good growth and survival, and effective sex reversal,” Dr. Guerrero said.

Getting attention Most of the tilapia raised in the Philippines are consumed locally. The popularity of tilapia as a food fish has spread around the world. Aside from the Philippines, the other biggest producers in Asia are: China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan and Sri Lanka.

In South America, the top producers are: Brazil, Costa Rica Ecuador and Peru. The United States is the biggest importer of tilapia while China leads as the biggest exporter.

“In the United States, tilapia has shown the biggest gains in popularity among seafood, and this trend is expected to continue as consumption is projected to increase,” the Journal of the American Dietetic As-

sociation reported.

Like Americans, Europeans are also fond of tilapia since they consider it as “white meat,” a health food low in cholesterol and fat. Also, European chefs have a preference for tilapia’s firm meat.

Tilapia chicharon

But there’s more to tilapia than just providing food. In the United States, tilapias are stocked in the canals that serve as the drinking water sources for the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, and others. The fish reportedly help purify the water by consuming vegetation and detritus, thus greatly reducing purification costs.

Tilapia also serves as a natural, biological control for most aquatic plant problems. Tilapia consumes floating aquatic plants, such as duckweed watermeal, the most “undesirable” submerged plants, and most forms of algae.

In Thailand, tilapia is becoming the plant control method of choice in reducing, if not eliminating, the use of toxic chemicals and heavy metal-based algaecides. In Kenya, tilapia helps control malaria-causing mosquitoes. Tilapia consumes mosquito larvae, which reduces the numbers of adult females, the disease’s vector.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

EDITORIAL Moving ahead

M

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte is way ahead in preparing for the presidency.

While his rivals are boasting of programs of governance in document form, Mayor Duterte has started consolidating the ranks of various sectors in preparing what is to be done right on the first day at work.

Yesterday, the agriculture sector of Mayor Duterte’s technical working group met to assess situationers and validate proposals for the food security program under the Duterte presidency. The forum was attended by various stakeholders of the agri sector from all over the country including some LGU officials from Capiz, the hometown of administration bet Mar Roxas.

EDGEDAVAO

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Resource persons in the forum were battery of experienced and knowledgeable experts which included an Israeli greenhouse expert and a US-based Fil-Am farmer who innovated a tilapia farm in the middle of the desert of Southern California.

Simply put, the people of Mayor Duterte are already arming themselves with the masterplan to implement from the very first day in office if Duterte manages to win the May 9 elections.

While his rivals are busy trying to pounce on Duterte’s verbal misadventures, the latter being a man of action, is already steps ahead as he has worked on people who will roll up their sleeves and do the dirty work for the country’s agriculture development.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO

A

9

In the thick of the democratic grind

ROUND the same period when the Philippines was under an authoritarian regime, South Korea was also under a military dictatorship. Pertinently, the restoration of democratic rule in both countries was accomplished via popular revolt or “people power”.

Moreover, the dramatic regime change in both states are deeply linked. According to Uk Heo and Terence Roehrig in South Korea Since 1980—“South Korea’s opposition became further energized in spring 1986 with the fall of Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos. Perhaps it would be South Korea’s time to remove an authoritarian leader.”

This nostalgia over the triumph of democracy over despotism in these two Asian nations is timely because the progeny of their respective tyrannical leaders are now at the political forefront. The son of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Ferdinand, Jr., is running for Vice-President (VP) in this year’s election. Whilst the incumbent president of South Korea is Park Geun-hye, the nation’s first female head of state and the daughter of the military dictator General Park Chung-hee.

Notably, many South Koreans today still revere General Chung-hee because of the view that his administration was responsible for jump-starting the nation’s economic progress.

But to her credit, President Park Geun-hye refused to gloss over the human rights abuses perpetuated during her father’s iron-fisted rule. As part of a heartfelt public apology extended during her presidential campaign, she said─ “I believe that it is an unchanging value of

M

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

ORE often than not, people don’t pay attention to those small things. They think of big things instead of concentrating on minute details.

“What we call little things are merely the causes of great things; they are the beginning, the embryo, and it is the point of departure which, generally speaking, decides the whole future of an existence. One single black speck may be the beginning of gangrene, of a storm, of a revolution,” Swiss moral philosopher, poet and critic Henri Frederic Amiel once observed.

And what did Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, says? “A small leak,” he pointed out, “can sink a great ship.”

But do people in the modern world still believe on that saying? I don’t think so. Take the case of sleep. People these days are sleeping less and less. And the price – nothing except that the person is getting bigger, literally. The less a person sleep, the higher his body mass index tends to be.

Recent studies have shown that people who sleep five hours a night were found to have 15 percent more ghrelin (a hormone that boosts hunger) in their bodies and 15 percent less leptin (which suppresses it) than those sleeping the required eight hours.

In addition, people taking less time in sleeping are in grave danger. A large-scale study concluded that people who sleep six to seven hours a night lived longer than those sleeping less than 4.5 hours.

Now, there’s truth to what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said, “It has long been an axiom of mine that little things are infinitely the most important.”

democracy that ends cannot justify the means in politics.”

Filipinos have a strikingly contrary experience. The spectre of Martial Law still brings a painful sting because Ferdinand, Jr. and the rest of the Marcos family continue to proclaim, despite all the facts to the contrary, that this dark period actually had a benevolent impact on the country. Indeed, Ferdinand, Jr. insists that there is no reason for him to apologize for any of the documented human rights violations committed during the reign of his dictator father, simply claiming he had no direct involvement in these cases whatsoever.

Such intransigence has finally met a strong rebuke from the academe. A strong and emotional public statement was recently issued by professors and lecturers from the Ateneo de Manila University against his campaign machinery for “re-packaging” this particular era in Philippine history.

The rise of Ferdinand, Jr., when the negative effects of his father’s despotic reign are still fresh, can understandably frustrate and even anger some sectors of Filipino society. However, his return to political prominence can also be explained as merely a necessary effect of the democratization of the Philippines.

The plain fact is Ferdinand, Jr. has not been convicted of a crime that disqualifies him from

holding public office. For the state to stop him from participating in the electoral process simply because of his name would mean reverting to draconian methods practiced during the authoritarian rule of his father. And this is a backflip no Filipino today would ever countenance.

After going through several free elections the past three decades, Filipinos are now aware that the collision of opinions is an integral component of the electoral process. And even if animosity is rife during the designated campaign period, they will always relish the freedom to publicly express thoughts and comments for and against candidates.

Filipinos have proven that they are prepared to die to defend their right to choose their leaders. Of course, how Filipinos exercise this right is a different matter altogether. As countries like the United States and Australia know very well, the consolidation of democracy is not a painless and linear process. Nor can a definite deadline for it be set.

According to historian Luis H. Francia in A History of the Philippines, as an entity that gained political independence only in 1946, the Philippines is a relatively young nation.

The democratic evolution of this country is essentially still at the formative phase. The hope is simply for Filipinos to develop a more profound appreciation of the democratic way of life after each election season.

And this appears to be the direction where the country is going. Many academic institutions have declared support for the Ateneo statement against Ferdinand, Jr.’s audacity to

evade culpability for the tragedies of Martial Law. Moreover, the demand to ensure this horrific time in Philippine history is never forgotten is gaining new momentum. Indeed, the ferocity of the backlash against this attempt at historical revision seems to have awaken a level of civic militancy last seen only during the years immediately prior to the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Filipinos, particularly the youth sector, are clearly now inclined to be more involved in ensuring good governance. And with social media and the 24-hour news cycle on their side, keeping government officials in the straight and narrow would be easy. Correspondingly, Ferdinand, Jr. winning the VP race should not be automatically interpreted as a complete redemption of the Marcos brand in Philippine national politics.

For quite unlike the days of his dictator dad, Ferdinand, Jr.’s assumption of the second most powerful post in the land actually makes him more prone to intense public scrutiny.

Established democratic institutions such as press freedom and academic liberty leave him very few devises or machinations to hide any wrongdoings. Indeed, his tenure may very well be the catalyst to a moral reckoning of the Marcos dictatorship many Filipinos have been waiting for. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Atty. Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco is a practicing lawyer. He is the author of the book, Rethinking the Bangsamoro Perspective.

He researches on current issues in state-building, decentralization and constitutionalism.)

In other words, we THINK ON THESE! should sweat the small stuff.

Look at water, which covers more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface. But only 2.5 percent of that water is fresh water. And 99.7 Henrylito D. Tacio percent of that henrytacio@gmail.com fresh water is unavailable, trapped in glaciers, ice sheets, and mountainous areas. This means that about 0.3 percent of the planet’s fresh water is shared by all inhabitants.

Unknowingly, it’s those small stuff that make this world a better place to live: a long distance call from your daughter now living in the United States, a small talk with your best friend whom you have not seen since high school graduation, a thank you note from one of your students, a special pen from your boss as his way of appreciation for a job well done, a sudden hug from your five-year-old niece.

Never neglect the little things, urges motivational author Og Mandino. “Never skimp on that extra effort, that additional few minutes, that soft word of praise or thanks, that delivery of the very best that you can do,” wrote the American author who is known for the bestselling The Greatest Salesman in the World. “It doesn’t matter what others think, it is of prime importance, however, what you think about you. You can never do your best, which should always be

your trademark, if you are cutting corners and shirking responsibilities. You are special. Act it. Never neglect the little things.”

British religious writer Mary Ann Kelty seems to agree when she said: “Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practiced in our social intercourse, give a greater charm to the character than the display of great talents and accomplishments.”

Yes, it’s the small things that matter. I am reminded of a true story that happened to Retired American Brigadier General Robinson Risner. He was a prisoner of war for more than seven years. He was in solitary confinement for five of those years. He suffered from cold, heat, malnutrition, and lack of fresh air. He was totally deprived of any human comfort. He jogged in his cell by the hour. When he became frustrated he had to scream, he stuffed his underwear into his mouth to muffle the scream. He would not give his captors the satisfaction of knowing his frustration.

One day, in depths of despair, General Risner lay down on the floor and looked all around his small rectangular-shaped cell. He put his eye next to the cinder blocks, hoping there would be a crack in one of them. Fortunately, there was a minute opening and he saw a single leaf. Later, when he was released, he told the press that seeing “that evidence of life outside” was a “tremendously uplifting and life-changing event.”

“Inch by inch,” said Robert H. Schuller, “it’s a cinch.” We don’t count to one hundred immediately without starting from number one. A child starts to walk with a single step. A Persian proverb pinpoints, “Do little things now, so shall big things come to thee by and by asking to be done.”

Everything is this world are small stuff. And

they all matter. Consider this anecdote which was featured in the book, The Dog Ate My Homework: Personal Responsibility -- How We Avoid It and What to Do About It: At one time, Vincent Barry (the author of the book) witnessed an argument between a shopper and a produce manager. While the shopper (a mother) was carefully selecting grapes, her son was also eating some of the fruits. The manager gently informed the child that the grapes were for sale, not sampling. The mother sprang to her child’s defense. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she said indignantly. “It’s such a small thing.”

Barry wrote his observation: “I wondered where she’d draw the line between ‘small’ and ‘big.’ Perhaps at the point of peeling -- as with oranges. The only distinction the child made was between what he wanted and what he didn’t. And he wanted those grapes.

Whether the mother corrected her son in private, no one knew. “But her public message was clear and direct: stealing ‘small stuff’ is OK; indeed, it’s not really stealing at all,” Barry concluded.

Saying “I’m sorry,” “I need you,” or “I love you” seem trivial. Unknowingly, we rob the recipients the joy of hearing those small words. An unknown poet penned these words as reminder: “Far too many times we let unimportant things into our minds; and then it’s usually too late to see what made us blind.

“So be sure that you let people know how much they mean to you. Take that time to say the words before your time is through. Be sure that you appreciate everything you’ve got. And be thankful for the little things in life that mean a lot.”

Again, sweat that small stuff!

COMMENTARY

BY MICHAEL HENRY LL. YUSINGCO

Sweat that small stuff

10 NEWS 2 MALLS... FROM 1 he already asked permission to the management of Abreeza Ayala Mall and SM City Davao in Ecoland that will be the polling precincts of some voters in

the district.

Cullo, however, did not explain why only two malls were approved to be used as mall polling place in the city.

will allow replacement ballots as they want to ensure that voters are not disenfranchised, especially if it is not their fault why their ballots are being rejected.

“If you are the voter, how would you feel? Won’t you get frustrated? You did every-

thing you needed to do yet you are still unable to vote. It just seems wrong that even if the Comelec or the machine is at fault, we won’t do anything to allow them to vote,” he added.

In the 2010 and 2013 polls, voters were not given replacement ballots. (PNA)

The SC also ordered respondent Comelec to comment on the petition within a non-extendible period of five days from notice.

The notice and TRO are to be served personally on the parties.

The SC was asked last Monday to declare unconstitutional a provision in the Overseas Voters Act. Loida Nicolas Lewis, together with her legal counsel Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago, filed the petition for certiorari before the SC questioning the provision in Republic Act No. 9189, or the “Overseas Voters Act”, as amended by RA 10590, prohibiting partisan political activity abroad during the voting period.

Lewis is Chair of the US Pinoys for Good Governance while Santiago is the Executive Director of the Ateneo Human Rights Center Secretary Gener-

al, Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism.

The petitioner asked the SC to declare unconstitutional Section 36 of RA 9189 arguing that they cannot anymore campaign since April 9, 2016 for the May 9, 2016 elections.

She said that they already scheduled campaign sorties in Chicago, United States; Milan, Italy; New York, United States and Malta, but which were cancelled because of the resolution of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) prohibiting any partisan activity outside the Philippines from April 9, 2016 to May 9, 2016.

The petitioner also asked the SC to immediately issue a TRO or writ of preliminary injunction against the order of the Comelec and the provision of the Overseas Voters Act prohibiting the Filipinos abroad from engaging in partisan political activity. (PNA)

consumer banking in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It is dubbed as “the undisputed performance benchmark of the best retail banks in an increasingly fierce marketplace”. Since 2002, the program has been built on the premise that an outstanding institution in consumer banking demonstrates as a long-term sustainable franchise, based on strong business processes that lead to a consistent and

profitable performance.

In previous years, The Asian Banker has distinguished Security Bank as Best Managed Bank in the Philippines for the period 2011-2013 and one of the Strongest Banks in the Asia Pacific and the Philippines for 2011. It is also the same prestigious publication that awarded Security Bank for Best Branch Innovation Initiative in the Philippines in 2015.

certified. Among these establishments include hotel chains Marco Polo Davao, Seda Hotel, Grand Regal Hotel, and Park Inn by Radissons- Davao.

Certifiers will also give Halal certifications to 20 other establishments from Manila, 10 establishments from Cebu and other 10 from Boracay.

The certification of these establishments is in line with the Mindanao launched Philippine Halal Tourism Project of the tourism agency. The project aims to put the country on the Muslim travel index of Singaporean-based CrescentRating.

CrescentRating is the world’s leading authority on halal-friendly travel since 2008.

Ampuan said the halal certification of these establishments will also become one of the criteria on the assessment on the readiness of the coun-

try to accommodate Muslim tourists by CrescentRating.

The rating is based on the suitability of an establishment as holiday destination, family friendliness, safety with combined percent weight of 40 percent, Muslim friendly services and facilities availability (40 percent) and halal awareness and reach out to Muslims (20 percent).

The expo will likewise gather Halal certifiers, suppliers, and establishments. “It will be a meeting point of Halal buyers and suppliers,” she added.

The expo will be also a venue to showcase Muslim-friendly destinations in Mindanao, particularly Davao, and in the Philippines.

Ampuan said four airline companies, namely, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, Air Asia and V- Air were invited to showcase their routes.

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Security... FROM 6

Phil... FROM 6

ENCAMPMENT AND TRAFFIC. Enforcers man the traffic at the junction of Sta. Ana Avenue and Bangoy Street in Davao City after the flow of traffic went heavy due to the ongoing encampment of farmers and progressive groups outside the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Sumilao... FROM 3 hunger, good governance, and people empowerment, issues that Robredo has been advocating for years as an NGO lawyer and as representative of the 3rd District

of Camarines Sur. Robredo thanked the Sumilao farmers for their initiative, saying it will be a big help in her campaign.

es exported to other countries.

Its foreign markets include Japan, China, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hongkong, Middle East, Russia, and New Zealand.

Despite the decrease, Tadeco remained optimistic of its international market.

“The market is hungry for our banana because of the reduction in the overall banana production due to El Niño,” he added.

Meanwhile, Navarro said the company was able to implement measures to mitigate the effect of El Niño before it peaked this summer.

“Our researchers had conducted studies on how to mitigate the adverse effect of the dry spell,” he said, adding a risk assessment was conducted months before the onset of the El Niño.

The firm had to change some of its farm inputs to lessen the impact of the phenom-

enon to its 6,639.85 hectares of areas planted to Cavendish bananas.

For now, he said, Tadeco is conducting studies on how it would fast track the recovery of its banana plantation. “Recovery period may take eight months.”

Meanwhile, Tadeco is dubbed as the largest banana producer per hectare in the country with an average of 5,000 boxes per hectare, surpassing the industry average per hectare of only 3,500 boxes.

Earlier, the Department of Agriculture confirmed that banana was one of the high value crops (HVC) damaged by El Niño.

The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) also said other banana companies in Mindanao are also suffering from El Niño effects.

El Niño... FROM 5

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORP. De Guzman St., Davao City Telefax (082)225-4473

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All unredeemed items pawned during the month of November 2015, if not redeemed/renewed on March 31, 2016 will be put on Auction Sale April 1, 2016 at 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M. Pahibalo nga ang tanang wala malukat nga prenda sa bulan Nobyembre 2015,kung dili malukat sa Marso 31, 2016 isubasta sa bulan sa Abril 1, 2016 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5:00 sa hapon.

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORPORATION

Davao City: 252 San Pedro St., 167 San Pedro St., G/F Victoria Plaza Bajada 120-B Lapu-lapu St., Agdao 75C R. Magsaysay Ave., 2nd Level Gaisano Mall Bajada, Gaisano Grand Mall of Toril G/F NCCC Bldg., R. Magsaysay Ave., Centerpoint Plaza Matina Fronting San Pedro College Guerrero St., Carlson Bldg., Lapu-lapu St.,Agdao NCCC Mall Matina Saavedra St., Toril Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre St.,

Km. 13 Panacan Boulevard Buhangin Cabantian Cabaguio

Davao del Norte: Gaisano Mall, Panabo Davao del Norte Gaisano Grand Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Davao del Sur: Gaisano Grand Mall of Kidapawan

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service

Case No. 2001-XI-02060 AMELIA VDA. DE VIDAL, Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 1 and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on September 27, 2016. In the petition filed on April 8, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 11, 2016 at 09:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 11th day of April 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS SERVICE

Case No. 2016-XI-00479 ADHAM G. PATADON, Applicant

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service for the transportation of passengers and freight on the route: DAVAO CITY-KIBLAWAN (DAVAO DEL SUR) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 11, 2016 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 11th day of April 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

ROAD TO MALACAÑANG 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

Duterte camp denounces black propa T

HE Duterte Camp yesterday denounced as useless all the black propaganda being heaped on presidential frontrunner and Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte.

Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Lavina said there is now more litter being thrown on Duterte than in garbage dumps.

He laments that such wasteful attacks do not help raise the political maturity of our electorates. He said instead of presenting their platforms, the other camps are engaging in character assassinations and smear campaigns.

He said there is now a rumor-mongering going on that Duterte has withdrawn from

the race. This is farthest from the truth, Lavina asserted. He said Duterte has a mission to help our country address rising crime, drug abuse, corruption and poverty and he will not back down from it.

He also revealed that there is now a so-called report by the NBI and the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group that the Dutertes are involved in smuggling in Davao.

Lavina described these as baseless accusations.

He said all these will only backfire on rivals’ camps.

“This is an affront on the intelligence of our Filipino voters,” he said.

They are patent lies and blatant dis-information, he further added.

Rody’s admin to speed up Mindanao development

Byaheng Du30 dares to invade bosom of enemy’s bailiwick

T

HE Byaheng DU30 bus is set to invade Roxas City, the bosom of the so-called territory of administration bet Mar Roxas.

Just like its previous stops, the bus will reach out to those who are yet to decide on who to vote for president on May 9, convincing even those who are

non-Rodrigo Duterte voters to choose the Mindanawon presidential candidate who is standing on the promise of Real Change.

The bus takes this daring route fresh from a brief break in Iloilo to rest and recharge.

On the sidelines of the visit of Duterte in Iloilo Mon-

day, the bus was also making parallel campaigning.

The Byaheng DU30 team led by Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio and her mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman Duterte, expects to sweep the hometown of Roxas.

Roxas, whose family is from the city, served as a congressman of the first dis-

trict of Capiz after his brother died of cancer in 1993.

The team is on day 15 of their Visayas leg of the campaign caravan. They have been on the road for 17 days.

They are traveling to Roxas City then Kalibo.

The caravan will go around Visayas before making its way back to Mindanao.

Forum on Women for Action with Rody Duterte (ForwaRD Women) was first organized composed of women professionals, workers, organization leaders, urban poor and others who pledged support to the Mayor’s presidential bid.

Present during the Luzon deliberation were personalities including senatoriables Sandra Cam and Dante Liban, Liza Diño who, among others supported the Mayor’s platform to eradicate drugs, crime and corruption.

Quoting Ms. Liza Diño, she remarked: “Minsan lang po may darating na Duterte sa buhay natin. As a mother, pinaka-fear ko na baka marape or ma-kidnap ang anak ko. A lot of presidentiables focus on economic growth but hindi natin mararamdaman ang ganda ng ekonomiya pag walang security…Lahat tayo uhaw sa pagbabago at siya (Duterte) po ang makakapagbigay nito sa atin. He can create that change.”

Another human rights lawyer from Benguet province, Atty. Cheryl “Chyt” Dayte added that she is supporting Duterte for his strong stance on mining, against drugs and

crime and his respect for the LGBT community and indigenous peoples.

“And also as a lumad/ indigenous lawyer, we are the most neglected people on earth to the point that our wealth has become a magnet for oppression. I am supporting Duterte because I stand for economic and social rights, over and above, respect for human rights.”

A highlight of the Luzon assembly was the grassroots and democratic agenda setting for women which included a platform where women under the economic and social security aspect would institutionalize support and budget for education especially of adult women, subsidies especially for schools and alternative learning centers to cover Moro and IP as well as efforts towards achieving environmental justice.

It was also emphasized in the forum that a livelihood component be given particular attention especially for women involved in disasters and natural calamities as they bear the brunt of looking for food while minding their children.

Ms. Togonon, also a partici-

pant and a solo parent, pushed for the full implementation of benefits of solo parents like her such as livelihood and other means of financial support, on top of her desire for the government to implement relevant provisions in the Solo Parent Act.

Women supporters draft electoral agenda for Rody

S

OME one thousand women leaders from all over the country did a bottoms up style formulation of their agenda for presidentiable Rodrigo Duterte.

The said candidate, touted to be womanizer, was able to gather women from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for a women’s agenda.

“Not one candidate, even the women candidates Poe and Santiago who are running for President, did such a thing,” said ForwaRD Women steering committee and facilitator Atty. Dinah Tolentino-Fuentes.

She added that although Digong (the Mayor’s popular moniker) missed Luzon’s assembly last April 11, he has accepted and pledged to study the output as such grassroots and democratic agenda setting will greatly impact the women sector’s role in nation-building.

I will also reinforce the sector’s participation in the electoral and decision-making process.

Mayor Duterte was present in the Visayas leg held last April 2 in Cebu City and in the Mindanao launching in Davao last February 27 where the

I

F successful in the May 9 elections, the administration of PDP-LABAN standard bearer Rodrigo Duterte will give priority to accelerating economic growth and social development in Mindanao.

This was the assurance given by PDP-LABAN president Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III Tuesday.

“I have just come from Zamboanga and I am dismayed at the breakdown in the delivery of water and power utilities.

The people are experiencing water rationing, they also have to endure rotating power outages,” he said.

Pimentel also lamented that the Zamboanga City airport has not been completely fenced off, hence some people can stray into the runway, posing danger to landing and taxiing aircraft “Civil aviation authorities should address the security issue at the Zamboanga City airport to prevent any untoward incidents,” he added.

Pimentel said Duterte will see to it that Mindanao gets a fair share of the national income so that it can devote more resources to economic development.

He also pointed out that in the PHP3-trillion 2016 national budget, Mindanao gets only 14 percent, compared to 33 percent for Metro Manila and 9 per-

cent for the Visayas.

Pimentel said this reflects the lopsided distribution of national resources that partly explains the persistence of poverty among Mindanaoans.

A Duterte administration will strive to achieve an inclusive economy through regional development, he added.

Among the salient features of the economic platform of Duterte and his running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, according to the senator, is to establish more growth centers across the country to create jobs.

They will also set up a PHP1 billion small capital fund per region to encourage entrepreneurship.

To boost regional development, Pimentel said, Duterte will also move national departments outside the National Capital Region, with the Department of Agriculture to be transferred to Mindanao.

Since Mindanao development will be given priority, a sixphase railway system straddling the whole island and covering approximately 2,000 kilometers will be established at a total cost of PHP78 billion.

To allow residents in the Visayas and Mindanao to access modern health care, Duterte will also establish specialized hospitals for heart, lung, and kidney ailments in the two island groups, Pimentel said. (PNA)

Sexy group Mocha Girls, who are loyal supporter of presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, show the t-shirt with his image on the crowd during their campaign rally in Kalibo Aklan on Wednesday night. Photo from Rody Duterte: The Real Change

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila presents a

Cultural Journey THE CULTURAL journey from West to East marked a new milestone for Marco Polo Ortigas Manila with the hotel’s Silken Voices, Silken Roads: An Opera Gala Dinner.

Opera, cuisine, and couture filled the halls of the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila last April 18, as the hotel celebrates its second year anniversary with its first ever grand affair, commemorating Marco Polo’s 24-year journey through the Silk Road.

The event was graced with elegantly-dressed guests that experienced a travel from one region to another in one delightful evening.

The journey on the Silk Road began with a Venetian collection of couture pieces by Renee Salud, inspired by the place that impressed the young Marco Polo and made the boy embark on a long journey. As models stood in the middle of the grand ballroom, Canapes from Spain, to China, to Philippines were served, especially made by Executive Chef Lluis Pesarrodona.

Chinese Black Marinated Fungus, and Mahi Mahi Crudo, were just one of the savory dishes served to guests.

As guests settled in, General Manager, Frank Reichenbach, opened the ceremonies. Afterwards, guests were serenaded with Italian opera song, Libiamo, performed by Asia’s Got Talent Runner Up Gerphil Flores, the Philippine Opera Company, and Francisco Aseniero.

Europe is a region dear

to Marco Polo. The culinary journey continues with satisfying appetizer, Italian Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, paired with a delightful 2014 Banfi Placido Pinot Grigio from Italy.

Marco Polo then travelled through the Middle East. The region was an inspiration for the song, Lakme, for its distance and exoticness. This opera song was performed by Philippine Opera Company’s Karla Gutierrez and Marian Santiago. This also gave way for the feast of Baby Calamari and Roasted Duck, a walk through Asian cuisine. Continuing the journey through Middle East was violinist Joseph Brian Cimafranca with a contemporary piece, Kashmir, and a savory dish, the Chicken Kebab with orange-flavored hummus and dried fruits.

Showcasing her versatile talent is Gerphil Flores, who sang Un Bel Di, the most famous aria from Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly”, followed by a dish the brings a taste of China, the Stir-fried Lapu-lapu and Tiger Prawn in XO Sauce and Soft Tofu. The world-class dish became even more enjoyable as Philippine Opera Company’s Marian Santiago, Tenor Christian Nagaño, and Baritone Lawrence Jatayna, together with tenor Francisco Aseniero, sang one of the most moving

JOURNEY A4

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

UP AND ABOUT

GMA wins 4 New York Fest Medals Deadline for AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2016 extended THE AIRASIA RUNWAY READY DESIGNER SEARCH (AARRDS) 2016 will see participants from Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand battle it out to be AirAsia’s Most Promising Designer of 2016.

GMA NETWORK PROUDLY TOOK HOME 4 WORLD MEDALS AND 5 FINALIST CERTIFICATES AT THE 2016 NEW YORK FESTIVALS, which also had Kapuso broadcast journalist Kara David as one of the award presenters at the awards ceremony held in Las Vegas last April 19.

GMA was the only Philippine company with medal winners this year.

The network’s News and Public Affairs Group was responsible for the 4 medalists in various categories.

I-Witness, the country’s longest running documentary program, won the bronze medal in the Com-

munity Portraits category for “Dorm 12”, where David featured aging and forgotten inmates at the Correctional Institute for Women.

Investigative news magazine Reporter’s Notebook won a bronze award in the Social Issues category for tackling urban migration in its “Hikahos sa Lungsod” episode, reported by Maki Pulido.

Front Row’s “Maestra Salbabida” took home a bronze in the Community Service Programs category, depicting a teacher in Mindoro who crosses rivers using a makeshift floating device to reach the barrio where she teaches.

GMA News TV’s Reel Time, on the other hand, earned the bronze award inthe Human Concerns cat-

egory for its “Isang Paa sa Hukay” documentary on small-scale mining operations in Camarines Norte.

David, meanwhile, was the only media professional from Asia named as one of this year’s award presenters, which include prominent international media executives, talk show hosts and content creators.

On the other hand, three GMA News and Public Affairs programs received finalist certificates: Philippine TV’s first-ever bayaniserye Ilustrado, Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie and Brigada while two projects from the network’s Program Support Department were also shortlisted: Ilustrado’s opening billboard and GMA News TV’s Father’s Day plug.

Turn your prepaid number into a Globe myStarter postpaid plan FOR PREPAID CUSTOMERS, ONE OF THE BASIC CHALLENGES WHEN UPGRADING TO A POSTPAID PLAN IS TO CHANGE YOUR MOBILE NUMBER. Not anymore.

Globe has made another game changing service by allowing prepaid customers to use their mobile numbers even as they move to a postpaid plan - the Globe MyStarter plan.

The all-in-one budget friendly Globe myStarter plan is available at Plan 300 and Plan 500, designed for customers who are new on postpaid and wants a simple and seamless transition to postpaid. Plus, you get to keep your prepaid mobile number!

“Being able to retain an existing prepaid number for a postpaid plan

has always been a recurring inquiry among our customers who are ready to move to postpaid. As their devices become an important part of their daily life, customers prefer a seamless transition to their new plan alongside the assurance and convenience of a fixed monthly bill that is within their budget. The new myStarter plans provide them exactly this kind of experience,” says Globe Consumer Mobile Marketing Head, Issa Cabreira.

The myStarter plans also takes away any worries of going over the spending limit because of its guaranteed fixed bill every month.

Should one go over the plan’s limit, it can easily be topped-up with prepaid load when needed. To enjoy their digital lifestyle more, the myStarter Plans are bundled with more data power.

Plan 500 comes with unlimited

calls and texts to Globe and TM, 300 texts to other networks and 200 MB of data. Plan 300, on the other hand, has 300 texts to all networks, 300 minutes to Globe and TM, and 200 MB worth of data. Both plans also provide free access to Facebook, Viber, and 1 GB of data for Spotify Basic.

Recently Globe also introduced the new Disney Mobile devices that are exclusively available with the Globe myStarter plan 500 with P250 monthly cash out that can be charged to the monthly bill. Disney Mobile comes in three themes – Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess. Customers can go to any Globe store or online to get the plans and the devices.

To learn more about what postpaid plan is best for you, visit http:// www.globe.com.ph, call 7301010, or visit a store nearest you.

This regional designer search is part of AirAsia’s continuous effort in developing talents and empowering youth across the region and will be a platform for young aspiring designers to catapult their careers in the fashion industry.

The participation deadline for the Philippines has been extended to 23 April 2016 to accommodate the requests for walk-in participants, and to enable more participants to submit their entries. Interested designers can walk-in on audition day on Saturday, 23 April 2016 to register at 9.00AM (GMT+7) at the Aqua Room, level 5 of Best Western Antel Plus Hotel located in Makati Avenue, Makati City.

Applicants must bring to the audition venue the following judging materials: a)registration form available at klfashionweek.com b) one (1) artboard depicting three (3) ready-towear womenswear sketches with a theme inspired by any Asean cities c) one (1) artboard with fabrications, and d) one (1) artboard with a written description of the design inspiration in English or a mood board.

This designer search is open to local or international students, 28 years of age or below, and currently studying or have graduated from fashion design schools in any of the five countries included in this search.

Joy Cañeba, Chief Executive Officer of Philippines AirAsia said, “We have extended the participation deadline for walk-in submissions to ensure that aspiring young Filipino designers have additional time to prepare their sketches and design visions before presenting them to our esteemed panel of judges. This designer search is ultimately a platform to help emerging Filipino talents catapult their fashion careers here and abroad.”

Top 3 finalists representing the Philippines will be hand-picked by a panel of fashion experts to compete with other regional finalists at the Grand Finale this August for a chance to be AirAsia’s Most Promising Designer 2016. The vibrant panel of judges include Joy Cañeba, , Chief Executive Officer of Philippines AirAsia; Andrew Tan, Founder of KLFW RTW; Vivy Yusof, Founder of FashionValet; Anthony Cesar Ramirez, Fashion Designer; and Pam Quinones, Editor-in-Chief of L’Officiel Manila.

Prizes worth at least P4 Million pesos await the winner of this competition including a confirmed show segment to showcase his or her full collection at KLFW RTW 2017; mentorship from the KLFW RTW team; P250,000 sponsored by FashionValet to produce a capsule collection and sold on fashionvalet.com; 150,000 AirAsia BIG Points sponsored by AirAsia BIG, AirAsia or AirAsia X flights, and other exciting prizes.

AirAsia is also KLFW RTW 2016’s Preferred Travel Partner and will be flying in fashion designers throughout the AirAsia Group’s extensive route network including from Singapore, India, Indonesia, China, Australia and South Korea to be featured on the KLFW RTW 2016 runway.

Lookout and follow the development of AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2016 via webisodes on Youtube (youtube.com/user/AirAsia), and other updates via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) or our social media hashtag #AirAsiaRunway.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Dingdong Dantes ventures into the mines for ‘Encantadia’ taping LAST APRIL 19, 24 ORAS CAUGHT UP WITH KAPUSO PRIME TIME KING DINGDONG DANTES to gain more insight in his second day of training for Encantadia.

According to Dingdong, “Naalala ko ‘yung mga tinuro sa akin 10 years ago. Pero masarap ‘yon dahil siyempre may mga bago nang lessons at kumbaga, nag-evolve na din ‘yung mga ginagamit na sandata.”

The actor also gives his thanks to GMA for entrusting him with the role of Raquim.

“Mahalaga kasi ‘yung role ni Raquim, siya ‘yung isa sa mga [mag] lalatag ng istorya at saka magpapaliwang kung bakit nangyari ‘to sa mga brilyante ng Encantadia,” said the actor.

Aside from training he was also preparing for his scenes inside the mines. Dingdong’s character, Raquim, was an unmatched swordsman in the realm of Encantadia but hid in the mortal world with his daughter Amihan for their protection. While in the mortal world, he worked as a skilled miner.

Check out this behind-the-scenes photo of Direk Mark and Dingdong taping in the mines.

According to Direk Mark, things were “Just like old times.”

Francine Prieto plays insecure wife in Karelasyon

IN THIS SATURDAY’S EPISODE OF KARELASYON (April 23), actress Francine Prieto takes the role of Leni, who is battling insecurities because of her weight.

Leni used to be a knockout beauty, especially during her younger years.

But now that she is older and married, it seemed she has forgotten to take care of herself.

While she is still pretty, she has gained weight, causing her to be insecure of how she looks. It does not help that Leni’s husband is Tom (Gardo Versoza). Handsome and sexy, Tom seems to attract the women in their boarding house.

Things will get worse upon the arrival of the new boarder, Maita (Roxanne Barcelo). Maita is beautiful and sexy, and Leni immediately sees how Tom can get attracted to her. As Leni gets close to Maita though, her worry dissolves. Maita will even push Leni to go on a diet and exercise. Unknown to Leni, Maita actually has eyes on men like Tom. Will Maita succeed in seducing Leni’s husband?

What will Leni do when she finds out that Maita likes Tom? Will Leni and Tom be able to overcome this conflict in their relationship?

Join Carla Abellana as she features another unique love story in Karelasyon this Saturday, April 23, after Eat! Bulaga on GMA.

Sarah Lahbati and Ejay Falcon play lovers in first team-up in ‘MMK’ HOW CAN TWO PEOPLE’S AFFECTION FOR EACH OTHER SURVIVE even after their relationship suffered a very painful and bitter breakup?

Kapamilya stars Sarah Lahbati and Ejay Falcon will team up for the first time in “MMK” this Saturday (April 23) to tell a beautiful story about love and friendship.

People around Mia (Sarah) and NJ (Ejay) always thought they were perfect for each other when their love story began in college. The two experienced a fantastic first year together, until Mia’s father died and NJ had to undergo a serious back operation.

Although the two did not leave each other’s side and remained strong through these challenges, they started to treat each other critically, and eventually started fighting constantly. Months after, their relationship came to a brutal end.

Until one day, Mia and NJ decided to meet again after a

April 20 – 26, 2016

BASTILLE DAY/ * HIGH STRUNG Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Kelly Reilly/ *Nicholas Galitzine, Jane Seymour R13/*PG

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE JUNGLE BOOK

long time. Will the two be willing to overcome the bitterness of their past to care for each other again?

Joining this “MMK” episode are Dante Ponce, Jobelle Salvador, Shey Bustamante, Alexis Navarro, Margo Midwinter, Noemi Oineza, Guji Lorenzana, and Karen Timbol. The episode is directed

by Giselle Andres and written

by Joan Habana. “MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos.

Don’t miss the longest-running drama anthology in Asia, “MMK,” every Saturday ON ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Catch its latest episodes on iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand. com.ph for Sky subscribers.

Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray PG

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

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

EVENT

JOURNEY A1

love songs, Kismet and And This Is Beloved.

China is truly the region that Marco Polo was fascinated for with the rich culture it brings. From the West, Marco’s homeland, to East, the land of endless

discoveries, came together with Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s version of a pasta medley, Lemon Ricotta Tortellini and Fried Noodles with Scallops. The savory dish was followed by the very charming aria, Yours Is My Heart Alone

and When He Speaks, sang

by Francisco Aseniero.

After 23 years, Marco Polo returned to Italy, bringing a vast array of different cultures from the different regions he went to. Topping off the culinary journey were scrumptious

desserts from the country that always brings the best of the best, France. A French-type cake made with layers of almond sponge Joconde, soaked in coffee syrup were enjoyed while listening to Funiculi Funicala, and O Sole Mio. In one night, the hotel was able to bring its guests from West to East. The success of this cultural journey marks the start of the yearly celebration of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.

For more information, contact (632) 720 7777 or email: communication. mnl@marcopolohotels. com. Visit facebook.com/ MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or follow @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram.

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

SC remands... FROM 3 We are now hiring for the ff. job vacancies:

1. CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER (C.S.O.) Scope of Work: • Handling of customer services (e.g. inquiries, complaints, scheduling of services) • Preparation of quotation for clients • STARTING SALARY: P12, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 2. TECHNICAL ENGINEER (T.E.) Scope of Work: • Installation/Programming/Configuration for the ff. products *CCTV, PABX, PABGM, INTERCOM, BIOMETRICS, ACCESS CONTROL, FIRE ALARM • STARTING SALARY: P13, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE)

3.ACCOUNTS MANAGER (A.M.) Scope of Work: • Sales & Marketing for New Clients • STARTING SALARY: P15, 000 UP (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 4. STORE SUPERVISOR Scope of Work: • Responsible for daily store operation • Handling of manpower

Please email your resume to: sales@vmtech.com.ph or marcxtian@yahoo.com For walk in applicants, you may call the ff. branches: Cebu Office: (032) 2380912 Globe: 09173293471 • Sun: 09255014723 Davao Office: (082) 2212789 Globe: 09177952469 • Sun: 09322448030

the collection of deficiency taxes assessed against the petitioners,” the SC ruled.

Pacquiao filed a petition before the SC to suspend the BIR and the CTA collection of taxes from him.

Pacquiao is fighting his case against the BIR from collecting an alleged tax deficiency of over Php 2.2 billion plus surcharge and interest for 2008 and 2009.

He argued that the CTA and the BIR have committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.

The Pacquiaos even pleaded to SC then that they shall deposit a cash bond in the amount of Php 3,298,514,894.35 or

NEWS 13

to post a surety bond of Php 4,947,772,341.53 as a condition for the suspension of collection of taxes against them for alleged deficient income tax and VAT for the years 2008 and 2009 for having been issued by Respondent Court with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of its jurisdiction.

They also pleaded to stop “Respondent Commissioner, herrepresentatives, any of the BIR officers and/or employees, and any other person acting on behalf of Respondent Commissioner and/or the BIR, from issuing, executing, enforcing, implementing or otherwise giving effect to any Warrant of Dis-

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FELISA BONLEON VICTORIANO has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF STATE executed among her heirs per Doc. No.243; Page No.41; Book No. XII; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ROGIELIZA D. VERALLO.

4/8,15,22

traint and/or Levy, Warrants of Garnishment and Notice of Tax Lien, and from attempting to collect any tax on the basis of the deficiency income tax and VAT assessments issued

by Respondent Commissioner against Petitioners for the years 2008 and 2009, as well as any increments therein, and from doing any and all acts relative thereto until the decision or resolution resolving the issues in the main case become final and executory.”

They assailed the BIR after it “commenced tax collection process against Jinkee without issuing or serving a notice against her” and that it also “failed to comply with the procedural due process requirements for summary tax collection remedies under Sections 207(A) and (B) of the Tax Code when it commenced summary collection remedies before the expiration of the period for Petitioners to pay the assessed deficiency taxes.”

Meanwhile, the BIR claimed that the case was not applicable since there was no legal basis to dispense with the posting of the bond to suspend the collection of taxes against the petitioners.

“The Supreme Court is not a trier of facts, more so in the consideration of the extraordinary writ of certiorari where neither questions of fact nor or law are entertained, but only questions of lack or excess of jurisdiction or grave abuse of discretion,” the BIR’s memorandum said. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

14 MOTORING

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

Honda spruces up Brio Amaze C

Caltex Lubricants introduces Delo Sports with ISOSYN Technology

I

N answer to the increasing popularity of diesel-powered sports utility vehicles in the Philippines and the continued changes in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) engine designs, Caltex Lubricants introduces the latest member of its Diesel Engine Oil product family, Delo Sports with ISOSYN Technology.

Delo Sports is specifically designed for SUVs and pick-up trucks. Delo Sports provides enhanced engine protection and power even under the most challenging of driving conditions.

With its renowned ISOSYN technology, the combination of premium base oil

tem-

and high performance additives that provides superb parts protection, Delo Sports has high oxidation stability, excellent dispersancy and anti-wear characteristics thus extending engine life.

It provides excellent deposit control which is a must for turbocharged diesel engines that encounters very high

peratures during on or offroad driving conditions.

“Caltex Lubricants is very responsive to the market needs and this is why we have released Delo Sports in the country. With Delo Sports, motorists can now experience the full power and performance of their diesel engines in their everyday

drive,” said Joe Bronfman, Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI) Area Business Manager for Lubricants, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Delo Sports Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40 is designed to provide ultimate protection for diesel-powered sport utility and sport activity recreational vehicles that require heavy-duty type engine oils with the highest performance rating of API CJ-4. Delo Sports Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-30 meanwhile is especially designed for the latest models of sports utility vehicles fitted with common rail fuel injection systems where API CI-4 performance is required.

Suzuki PHL updates 2016 Ertiga

F

ANS of Suzuki’s fast-selling Ertiga are in for a treat as it gets a minor refresh this 2016. Dubbed the “Life Utility Vehicle” or LUV, the Ertiga has become an integral part of Suzuki Philippines’s line-up. And now, after two or so years in the market, it gets a refreshed look. Along with more interior features, there’s certainly more to like with this small MPV. Mechanically unchanged from before, the 2016 Ertiga rocks Suzuki’s new corporate face. The longer and wider grille, along with the re-designed front bumper, does it part to differentiate it further from the Swift on which it’s based on.

Inside, there’s more luxury features, though the majority of them are found in mid

and high trim models. The GL variant, for instance, gets a standard multimedia touch screen audio unit and a 50/50

split-folding third row while the GLX adds more features like a push button engine start/stop, Android OS audio head unit with mirroring capability, and reverse parking sensors.

The 2016 Ertiga also introduces a new mid-grade A/T variant: the GL 1.4 A/T. This is only the second vari-

ONTINUING its knack for releasing special or limited edition variants of its models, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is doing just that with its Brio Amaze entry-level sedan. Coming by the third week of April (that’s this week), the Brio Amaze 1.3 S A/T Special Edition joins the line-up. And get this, this won’t be a super limited edition run.

Priced at P 719,000, the Brio Amaze 1.3 S A/T Special Edition packs features which were only available on the V model line before and then some. Outside, it can easily pass for a V model grade thanks to its standard Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service

Case No. 2013-XI-00473 NELSON C. BATULAN, Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: TIBUNGCO VIA R. CASTILLO ST. and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on August 1, 2017. In the petition filed on April 8, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 11, 2016 at 09:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

ant of the Ertiga to come equipped with the 4-speed automatic after the GLX 1.4 A/T. It comes with a palette of colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Graphite Grey Pearl Metallic, Cool Black Pearl Metallic, Radiant Red Pearl, and Burgundy Red

Pearl.

All these improvements also come with a price increase (2015 model in parenthesis): GA 1.4 M/T – P 665,000 (P 619,000)GL 1.4 M/T – P 759,000 (P 712,000)GL 1.4 A/T – P 799,000 (new model) GLX 1.4 A/T – P 918,000 (P 812,000)

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 11th day of April 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

front fog lamps and 14-inch alloy wheels. Take note though that it’s only available in three colors: Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Taffeta White, the first two being new shades to the Brio Amaze.

Inside, its gets an interior trim garnish for a classier look along with an Advanced Audio (USB, aux connectivity), and exclusive features for the Special Edition like rear seat arm rest, driver and front passenger vanity mirrors, driver and passenger front seatback pockets, and a total of five cup holders. And to ensure your investment is protected, it also comes with a security alarm system.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS SERVICE

Case No. 2016-XI-00464 MELECIO P. ECHAVIA, Applicant

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service for the transportation of passengers and freight on the route: DAVAO CITY-CATEEL (DAVAO ORIENTAL) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 10, 2016 at 09:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 8th day of April 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 37 • FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

Cavs rain 20 threes,

L

EBRON James scored 27 points, J.R. Smith made seven of Cleveland’s NBA playoff record-tying 20 3-pointers, and the Cavaliers opened a 2-0 lead in their series with a 107-90 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time).

The top-seeded Cavs put away the up-and-coming Pistons in the third quarter, outscoring them 27-15 to protect homecourt advantage.

There was nothing easy about their first two wins and the Cavs, favored to win the Eastern Conference and return to the finals, will have their work cut out when the best-ofseven series resumes on Friday night at Detroit.

Kyrie Irving added 22 points for Cleveland, which went 20 of 38 on 3s and tied the postseason record shared

SPORTS 15

take 2-0 lead Cavs, who got 81 points from James, Irving and Kevin Love in Game 1 but can’t count on that production from them every time.

Smith scored only nine points in the opener, but that didn’t deter him from firing away and he finished 7 of 11 from long range.

The Cavs are counting on Smith, who had a rough postseason last year, when he was suspended in the first round and shot poorly in the NBA Finals.

Cleveland made six 3-pointers in the third when it twisted a fivepoint deficit into a 14-point lead.

The biggest 3-pointer in the spurt came from James, who after knocking down his shot, LeBron James goes 12 for 18, including two triples raised three fingers in almost 40 minutes of on both hands while action for Cleveland. AP

by Golden State (2015), Dallas (2011) and Seattle (1996).

Andre Drummond scored 20 and Reggie Jackson 14 for the Pistons, who have lost 10 straight playoff games against Cleveland. Drummond was just 4 of 16 from the line.

Smith’s outside shooting was a welcomed addition for the

standing just a few feet away from Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy.

It was some payback for James, who had refused to get caught up in a verbal battle between games with Van Gundy.

Detroit’s talkative coached had complained during Game 1 that James got preferential treatment, earning him a $25,000 fine by the NBA. James played 22 of 24 minutes in the first half as coach Tyronn Lue leaned on the fourtime league MVP to give a boost to his second unit.

Playing in his 180th career playoff game, James had a quiet first quarter, scoring just two points as he eased himself into the flow.

But after scoring on an alley-oop dunk from Matthew Dellavedova on Cleveland’s first possession in the second, James went on a four-minute tear he capped with a two-handed jam punctuated by him hanging on the rim and swinging in celebration.

Batang Gilas sets sail for SEABA U-18

T

HE Batang Gilas Pilipinas cagers will leave for Medan, Indonesia on Thursday for the Seaba Under-18 Championship opening on Saturday.

The Philippine youth team held its final practice on Wednesday night at the Meralco Gym before they plunge into action against Thailand in the opener to be held at the Angkasapura Lanud Hall.

National coach Mike Oliver said they are not taking

the tournament lightly, having prepared for four months in their bid for one of three slots to this year’s Fiba-Asia Championship in Iran.

“Lahat ng countries are catching up,” said Oliver. “Lahat gusto tayong maka-level or, as much as possible, talunin. Walang pupunta sa tournament na sasabihin, talo na kami.”

Ateneo juniors standouts Jolo Mendoza and Gian Mamuyac are the co-captains

of the team and will be joined by former Fiba 3x3 cager Joshua Sinclair of National University, and NCAA Finals MVP Evan Nelle of San Beda.

Also part of the team are Jonas Tibayan, Will Gozum, John Bahio, Pedro Alfaro, Fran Yu, Rendell Lee, Joshua Flores, and Alain Jethro Madrigal.

Six teams are entered in the Seaba tilt with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos also entered. Teams

will play a single round-robin eliminations with the top two teams facing off in the championship game on April 28.

“As of now, wala pa tayong idea kung paano sila maglalaro pero ineexpect namin na mas matangkad sila sa atin, which is always naman. Ang hinahabol natin ay makapag-prepare ng maayos para kahit anong klaseng team na makakalaban natin, at least, handa tayo,” said Oliver.

11 for Charlotte — which has dropped 12 straight postseason contests.

The game was tied midway through the second quar-

ter, and that’s when Miami took off.

The Heat closed a record-setting half with 10 consecutive made shots — eight

of them jumpers, four of them 3-pointers — to score a staggering 23 points in 3 1/2 minutes on the way to building a 72-60 lead by intermission.

Heat goes 2-0 over Hornets

Pauline Lopez

Lopez wins PH’s lone gold

P

AULINE Lopez claimed the country’s first and only gold medal in the 22nd Asian Taekwondo Championship after beating South Korea’s Lee Ah-Reum, 8-6, on Wednesday at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

Left in tears after coming one win short of a berth in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics days earlier, Lopez was on the winning end this time around as she beat the defending champion of the women’s -57kg division at the close of the Asian championship.

“This is surreal,” said Lopez, who was cheered on by her relatives led by grandfather Adriano Dela Cruz. “I al-

ways trusted in God’s plan for me. This victory is sweet.”

The 19-year-old Los Angeles-based jin said she got a lot of encouragement from his father Efren, a former national athlete, following the defeat in the Olympic qualifiers.

“He called me to encourage me and said forget about what happened,” said Lopez who beat Jeddi Mahsla of Iran, 7-5, in the semifinals, and downed Sae-Lao Thanapa of Thailand, 6-3, in the quarterfinal round.

Aside from Lopez’s gold, the Philippines also got a silver from Kristopher Uy, and a bronze from Olympic-bound Kirstie Elaine Alora.

O

NLY a week ago the Miami Heat could not score. A five-point quarter in the season finale at Boston was how they sputtered into the postseason, looking nothing like a contender.

It was an aberration.

Dwyane Wade scored 28 points, Hassan Whiteside was 8 for 8 from the field and finished with 17 points, and the Heat beat the Charlotte Hornets, 115-103, on Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time) to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series.

Goran Dragic scored 18 points, Luol Deng finished with 16 and Josh Richardson added 15 for Miami, which had 72 points by halftime and never trailed in the second half. Whiteside added 13 rebounds and is now shooting 17 for 19 in his postseason series debut.

Kemba Walker scored 29 for Charlotte, needing 29 shots to get there. Al Jefferson had 25 on 12-for-17 shooting off the bench, Courtney Lee added 12 and Jeremy Lin had

Dwyane Wade and the Heat took control in the second quarter and never trailed in the second half. AP

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.99ISSUE ISSUE37 37••FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL APRIL22, 22,2016 2016

NOT NOW: CLARKSON

Clarkson still hopes to play for Gilas in the future

F

ILIPINO-AMERICAN guard Jordan Clarkson of the Los Angeles Lakers expressed hope that he can represent the Philippines in the future after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas this year was shelved.

Speaking to the press, Clarkson cited the reasons why he won’t be able to join the Filipinos in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila this July.

“I would love to but also it’s kinda conflict with the free agency and stuff,” Clarkson said.

The sophomore guard’s contract with the Lakers is expiring during the off-season, and while he is a restricted free agent, the 23-year-old is expected to listen to offers from other teams as he searches for a big contract.

The free agency window begins

early July, around the same time as the Olympic qualifier slated on July 5 to July 10.

Despite that, Clarkson still hasn’t lost his interest in playing for Gilas Pilipinas.

“I’d like to be part of that sometime. It might not work out this summer, but I definitely want to be part of that,” he said.

Last week, outgoing Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan said that he was told by FIBA that only one between Clarkson and naturalized player Andray Blatche could play for the team.

Pangilinan added that as there are many complications regarding Clarkson’s entry to the squad, the team decided to just keep Blatche who has already renewed his contract with Gilas Pilipinas.