Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 216 | Tuesday, January 14, 2020

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OFWs from Davao Region urged to return home amid Gulf crisis

By MAYA M. PADILLO he regional of�ice of the Overseas Workers and Welfare Aministration (OWWA) are urging Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Davao Region to come home amid escalating tension in the Middle East.

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Carmelo Elaya, chief for programs and services division of OWWA 11 told media at the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday that there are 34 OFWs from Davao Region—24 are working in Iraq while 10 are working in Iran.

They comprised the reported 1,600 OFWs in Iraq and 1,000 in Iran.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently raised “Crisis Alert Level 4” over Iraq, paving the way for the mandatory repatriation of some Filipinos working there. The level 4 alert, which is the highest among the

DFA travel advisories, was issued after a US drone attack killed a top Iranian general in Iraq on Jan. 3.

"The crisis is now in alert level 4 and OFWs are advised to evacuate.

Ang ato ginahangyo na pabalikon na sila diri pero kung mag dumili sila, decision na sa mga OFWs," Elaya said.

Elaya added that OWWA 11 has established Task Force Gitnang Silangan, which is a crisis management committee that will help the OFWs. " Ang atong Task Force muabot didto para ma-istoryahan sila ug i

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President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go conduct an aerial inspection on Monday on their way to Manila from Davao City to find out the extent of the destruction brought about by Sunday’s Taal volcano eruption.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Bong Go

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VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

Stop asking Sara to run: President

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated his call to the people to stop convincing his daughter Mayor Sara Z. Duterte to run as president in 2022.

The President made his appeal last Friday during the distribution of agricultural projects in Pigcawayan, Cotabato Province.

"Huwag niyo yang demonyohin yang anak ko kasi maawa ako (Do not convince my daughter because I will really feel sorry for it), " she said.

Duterte said he knows how hard to be the president from the limited freedom that he has, to the

Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) epidemiology surveillance unit head Cleo Fe Tabada talks about the challenges of conducting vaccination and immunization after the recent polio and measles outbreak during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao City. Lean Daval Jr

12-year-old from Davao Region subjected to HIV test

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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mother has taken a 12-year-old child from Davao Region yo undergo Human Immunode�iciency Virus (HIV) testing—a rare case of parent-enforced voluntary testing.

Dr. Cleo Fe Tabada, medical of�icer Local Health Support Division of the Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) explained they are not allowed to give details on the identity of the child.

“We have recorded a 12-year-old kasi binitbit ng nanay. But we cannot say na yun ang youngest.

Makikita natin sa streets na may mga batang nagbebenta na ng katawan,” Tabada said.

Tabada explained that they were able to test the child with the consent of the parent. She added that in the Philippines only 15-year-old and above can be tested without consent but below it needs parental consent.

“In the Philippines hindi puwedeng i-test lahat ang puwede i-test without consent is 15-year-old and below that akay- akay ang tatay or nanay. Medyo challeng-

PRO 11 ready to assist in Taal

ing yun. Ang 15-year-old ang puwede namin i-test openly,” she said.

Tabada also said looking at the trend of HIV there is nothing new. She said Davao Region remains in Top 7 when it comes to ranking.

“We ranked 3rd or 4th, pinakababa natin 5th at hindi tayo nawawala sa top 7. Several years ago nakikita natin pataas siya ng pataas ganon pa rin.

Hindi siya bumababa signi�icantly. Kung sa trend ng report ng pagkakaroon ng inpeksyon, walang bago. With AIDS lahat ay vulnerable for as long as we are exposed to the blood that has the virus,” she said.

Tabada said what makes the cases more manageable is more and more patients now undergo HIV testing.

“Nagpapatest na sila kaya nare-report na ang mga pasyente. Kung update on the enhanced delivery meron tayo kasi mas marami na tayong service areas. Nare-record na ang mga pasyente dahil nagpapatest na sila and avail the enhanced service delivery.

Mas aware na ang health workers and the people where to go na hindi sila mapapahiya, “ she said.

Tabada added that there are hospitals now that are giving HIV or

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criticism he got.

The President said, after his term, he will go back to his hometown and will not seek any national position.

Last December, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the tandem of the mayor and president in 2022 could be possible following an online pre-election survey result conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. Panelo said the older Duterte was aware of the survey results, noting that the Chief Executive “smiled” when he was asked to give a reaction.

By Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Sara assures social compensation packages in HPBS implementation

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avao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has re-assured jeepney drivers and operators the inclusion of social compensation packages for them when the transport sector shifts to the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).

Mayor Inday said the city government even sought the help of Congress, through former House speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to include the social packages for the drivers and operators affected by the implementation of the HPBS. Congress responded, thereby included an educational bene�it for one dependent - a scholarship program for a four-year college course.

The mayor said that by March 2020 the bene�iciaries should be enlisted by the drivers and operators for inclusion on the master list of the city.

Also included are cash assistance and Technical Vocational training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Congress also gave us P95 million from the Department of Trade and Investment (DTI) and this will create more than 10,000 livelihood kits. All they need to do is that they should be on our master lists and they can access the livelihood kits,” she said.

Earlier, Mayor Inday bared that the city government has set aside P540 million to fund the Social Development Program (SDP) for jeepney drivers and operators, ensuring no one is left behind when the city shifts to modernizing the transportation sector.

SDP is a combination of social safety nets, economic assistance and capacity building available to eligible jeepney operators, operators-drivers and drivers depending on the choices they make, whether to participate in the HPBS, or to exit from the public transportation sector.

Under the HPBS, the city will deploy round 1,000 “Life Bus” units set to replace 7,000 public utility jeepneys in 29 routes in the

SARA, P8

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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he Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 is now preparing its Regional Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) for possible augmentation response on Sunday’s explosion of Taal Volcano in the Province of Batangas.

In a statement, PRO 11 regional director Brig.

Gen. Filmore Escobal said he already conducted an accounting of RSSF personnel this morning (January 13) for the possible deployment in Luzon.

Escobal said he has sought the help of RSSF in the relief operations that the Local Government Units in the said area of responsibility would conduct in case they will call.

Escobal said the PRO 11 is in full support to the activities of PNP and willing to extend our services to the victims of Taal Volcano eruption.

“We are one in prayers for the safety of the people in the province of Batangas and its surrounding provinces.” Escobal said .

Philippine National Police (PNP) of�icer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa has ordered the PNP units surrounding the area of Taal to be in full alert status.

Gamboa also sent six large trucks which helped in the evacuation of people around Taal Volcano.

Based on the recent report from Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the Taal volcano released ash plume reaching at around 10 to 18 kilometers on Sunday.

With its recent activities, the Phivolcs raised the alert level 4 over Taal which signaled the imminent hazardous eruption; and further indicates possible occurrence of tsunami.

A public bus plying the Catalunan-Roxas Avenue route traverses along E. Quirino Avene in Davao City. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has re-assured jeepney drivers and operators the inclusion of social

compensation packages for them when the transport sector shifts to the High Priority Bus System (HPBS). Lean Daval Jr

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

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4 NEWS

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VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

Col. Isidro T. Ungab, commander of the 2202 Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, decribes the roles of army reservists in the community as force multipliers and emergency responders.

Philippine Army reserve officers

Reservists hold planning workshop

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hilippine Army reservists under the 2202nd Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade (2202 RRIBde) held an annual planning workshop over the weekend to map out programs, activities and projects aimed at strengthening the reservist movement in the Region.

Brigade Commander Col Isidro T Ungab GSC PA (RES), in his message,

stressed the roles of the Army reservists in the community not only as force

multipliers but also as responders during emergencies. “We should continue to improve our capabilities so we are ready for any eventuality”, he said.

Col Ungab, who is also the Appropriations Committee Chair of the House of Representatives, asked the Brigade’s of�icers and key enlisted personnel who attended the Workshop on Action Plan for Calendar

Year 2020 to support PRRD’s Executive Order No. 70 or the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” in achieving inclusive and sustainable peace.

Col Maning S Tawantawan INF (GSC) PA, the Commander of the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (11RCDG), facilitated the workshop. His team is composed of Major Gerard John Saldo (FA) PA,

1Lt Daniel Hilario (INF) PA and MSgt Lemuel Matunahay (INF) PA. In his speech, Col Tawantawan outlined the mission of the Reserve Force per RA 7077, as follows: to provide the base for expansion of the AFP in the event of war, invasion or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during disaster or calamities; to assist in socio-economic

aftermath of the Taal Volcano eruption through his airplane window.

Several �lights were canceled since Sunday due to the volcanic ash from Taal Volcano, according to the NAIA. Despite ash fall having reached parts of Metro Manila, Panelo said the President would proceed with his scheduled visit to the Philippine Marine Corps at the Naval Station Jose Francisco in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday.

“The Marines event this afternoon will push through,” Panelo said, re-

a ceremonial hand-over of �irearms.

He assured that appropriate agencies are doing what they need to do in times of calamity per the direction of the President.

The Palace of�icial bared that the President will be having a live oneon-one interview with him anytime this week “to articulate on matters of national concern.”

On Sunday, Duterte ordered authorities to undertake measures necessary to place the people within the perimeter of Taal Volcano out of the danger zone.

development; and to assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of the overall mission.

LTC Aldrin R Dupaya (CAV) PA, the Director of 1105th Community Defense Center (CDC), also provided his inputs during the said activity. EARLE D FERRER JR, CPT PA (RES) , CMO Of�icer

Autopsy shows slain OFW PRRD had difficulty flying back to Manila due to Taal eruption resident Rodri- Senator Christopher ferring to Duterte's attenExecutive Secretary go Duterte arrived “Bong” Go showed the dance in the awarding of Salvador Medialdea, by suffered ‘wicked things’ Manila on Monday President assessing the presidential citations and the authority of the Pres-

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abor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Friday warned the government may declare a total ban on the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to Kuwait in the wake of a questionable autopsy report released by the Kuwaiti government on the death late last month of domestic helper Jeanelyn Villavende.

In a press conference at the victim’s wake in Purok Guimbal, Barangay Tinago here, Bello said the results of the re-autopsy done by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Villavende in a funeral parlor here, shows the Kuwaiti government’s autopsy was “talagang kasinungalingan” (a total lie).

He did not disclose the details of the re-autopsy pending the release of the of�icial report but said he was verbally briefed on the initial �indings Friday morning by Dr. Ricardo Rodaje, the NBI’s medico-legal chief.

“Lumalabas na walang kuwenta ang ginawang autopsy ng Kuwait. Di ko pa masabi ang resulta pero talagang kasinungalingan yung autopsy report ng Kuwaiti government (It appears that the autopsy conducted in Kuwait was useless. I can’t discuss the results yet but it made the autopsy report of the Kuwaiti government a total lie),” Bello said.

Pressed by reporters for details, he said they “did wicked things to the victim and oppressed her too much.”

“If you will see the autopsy report, you might want to kill their (Kuwait)

ambassador,” he said.

The autopsy report earlier released by Kuwaiti authorities said the 26-yearold Villavende died due to acute heart and respiratory failure as a result of shock and multiple injuries in the vascular system.

But Rodaje told reporters here after the more than three-hour autopsy on Thursday that they are looking into the possibility that the victim was raped prior to her death.

Villavende was brought dead to a hospital in Kuwait on December 28 after reportedly being beaten by her lady employer. Her family here was informed of her death on December 30.

Bello, who declared a partial ban last week on the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait, said he doubted the “one-sentence” autopsy �indings released by the Kuwaiti as the cause of the victim’s death and immediately requested the NBI to conduct a re-autopsy on Villavende of her remains.

Once he receives the of�icial report on the NBI’s re-autopsy, Bello said he will convene the governing board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and may recommend a total deployment ban of OFWs to Kuwait.

“That will not be lifted until we get proper justice (for Villavende),” he said.

As to the suspects in the killing, he said the Kuwaiti couple who had employed the victim had been detained as con�irmed by the labor attache of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

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morning after his plane initially had dif�iculty taking off after Taal Volcano’s eruption caused zero visibility in some areas in the south.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President “could not �ly to Manila last (Sunday) night because visibility was -- and could still be zero.”

“PRRD just landed in NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) as in just landed and the �irst aircraft to land,” Panelo said in a statement.

Photos shared by Duterte’s former aide,

ident, has directed the suspension of classes and government in Calabarzon (Region 4-A), the National Capital Region (NCR), and Region 3 (Central Luzon).

However, the suspension of work does not apply to “frontline response agencies involved in disaster response, delivery of basic and health service, and/or other vital services.”

Medialdea also “highly encouraged” the private sector to suspend work for the safety of their employees.

He advised those af-

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Bureau of Quarantine Dr. Wilson Lim discusses during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao the steps being undertaken by the agency against the “mysterious disease” from China. Lean Daval Jr

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VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

Consunji firm vows to resolve issues with Davao City condo unit owners

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acing President Rodrigo Duterte's threat of a ban on its business, the developer of a quakehit condominium in Davao City on Saturday said it was already "resolving" settlement issues with affected residents.

In a statement, Urban Property Developers Inc. (UPDI) gave assurances to the President and tenants of its Ecoland 4000 condominium that it was working with unit owners to settle issues surrounding the damaged building.

"We would also like to assure President Rodrigo R. Duterte and our unit owners that we are fully committed to resolving this issue in a fair manner at the soonest possible time," said UPDI, a real estate company privately held by the Consunji family.

Duterte earlier alleged that UPDI has left several condominium owners "groping in the dark" after portions of its Ecoland 4000 property crumbled when a 6.5-magnitude quake jolted Davao City in October 2019.

As of January 10, 20 percent of residents of Ecoland 4000 have agreed to a settlement, while discussions are still ongoing with other unit owners, it said.

Duterte issued the warning against UPDI's parent company DMCI in an interview.

"You know Consunji, you are already rich, and old like me. You have little time left... Stop f*cking the people," Duterte said.

"If you do not come to terms with the people that

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DA to purchase P14B worth of palay from local farmers

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he Department of Agriculture on Sunday said it would buy at least P14 billion worth of palay or unhusked rice from local farmers this 2020 at P19 per kilo.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said he had instructed National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Judy Dansal to use their annual procurement fund to “serve and bene�it more farmers.”

"We expect more vi-

brant palay-buying and rice trading activities this year as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will distribute P600 worth of NFA rice instead of cash every month to each of the bene�iciaries of its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program," Dar explained.

The Agriculture Secretary said that the DSWD intervention, which was worth P31 billion annually, would help improve palay

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA 11) chief for programs and services Carmelo Elaya bares during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday that the agency is urging the 24 overseas

Filipino workers (OFWs) in Iraq and 10 in Iran to come home amid the crisis in the Middle East. Lean Daval Jr

Dito Telecom set to give towns with dedicated fiber network

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ito Telecommunity Corp. on Sunday said it has signed an agreement to provide a dedicated nationwide �iber system to connect and enable municipalities to serve through a private netDA, P9 work.

that can be driven through the private network such as direct video for conferencing or security, public broadcast exchange, e-Education, e-Medicine, e-Permits, internet of things, IP PBX, VoIP; among other things, to better live-up to the promise of delivering the kind of connectedness and community that Filipinos long for," added Tamano.

For his part, League of Municipalities (LMP) president and incumbent Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Luis "Chavit" Singson will give municipalities better connections.

"Many of the Municipalities have limited internet services because of their lower population," he said.

"With the commitment of DITO to connect all the Municipalities via a dedicated �iber line, we are on

the verge of something big, bene�iting especially those in out-of-reach places like the farmers, the workers at the grassroots level who can now offer their local produce and services more immediately to the rest of the country or to the world, boosting greatly local economy up to the municipality level," added Singson.

Dito Telecom was declared as the new major player (NMP) in the Philippine telecommunications industry by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on November 19, 2018.

With a minimum speed of 27 megabits per second and capital and operating expenses of P150 billion, the consortium led by Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy vowed to achieve a nationwide coverage of 37.03% in its �irst year of operations.

rading in both the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) have been suspended on Monday, January 13, following the ashfall from the phreatic eruption of the Taal Volcano.

In an advisory, the PSE said there will be no clearing and settlement at the Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines.

“Please be advised that there will be no trading... today, January 13, 2020, to ensure the safety of employees and traders in light of the volcanic ash emission of Taal Volcano,” the advisory read.

The BAP released a similar advisory, noting that spot trading has been closed for the day.

“Banks are also encouraged to exercise Management discretion to

ensure the safety and welfare of their people during this emergency situation brought about by Taal Volcanic eruption,” the advisory read.

Alert level 4 has already been raised since the phreatic eruption of the Taal Volcano, which means a hazardous eruption is “imminent.”

Ashfall is now affecting various areas in Metro Manila.

vailments under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) peso rediscount facility rose to PHP122.167 billion by end-December 2019 from PHP71.524 million in the previous year.

Data released by the central bank on Friday showed that total avail-

ments under the peso rediscount facility last year was unchanged from the end-October 2019 level.

Rediscounting allows quali�ied banks to take out loans from the central bank using the eligible papers of end-user borrowers as collaterals.

This facility helps address banks’ temporary li-

quidity needs by re�inancing their clients’ loans.

Loans taken through this facility represent banks’ credit on transactions for commercial, production and other credits, with the latter pertaining to capital asset expenditures, permanent working capital, and housing loans,

In a statement, Dito chief administrative of�icer Adel Tamano said the network will allow municipalities to provide additional services to their constituents.

"The mayors have committed to ensure ease of doing business in their respective municipalities to drive the extensive Dito roll out, in exchange, Dito will enable better collaboration and communication in the future through connectivity for all," Tamano said.

"The effort signi�icantly affords Filipinos even in the smallest of municipalities the advanced applications

Taal eruption shuts PH financial markets

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2019 availments in BSP’s peso rediscount facility rise

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

EDITORIAL

Cure for financial pain

It’s not cheap to get sick these days. The cost of medicines have become the biggest worry among people with illness.

And we’re not even talking about the cost of hospitalization yet.

True to his word, President Rodrigo Duterte wants only the best for Filipinos, most especially the underprivileged.

In what could be a big help for marginalized Filipinos dealing with the cost of medications, President Duterte is ready to sign an executive order imposing a limit on the prices of certain medicines.

Without hesitation, the President said he would even sign the measure “twice over” because it is “good for the Filipino.”

As a backgrounder, the Department of Health has proposed

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Layout/Cartoons Cartoonist Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

to regulate prices of over 120 drugs used to treat several common diseases and health conditions in the Philippines.

The said drugs deal with health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung diseases, neonatal diseases or those affecting newborn babies, and major cancers.

The draft executive order has yet to reach President Duterte but given his pronouncement last Friday, this is considered done deal.

With regulated drug prices, the accessibility and affordability of these drugs will provide a welcome �inancial relief for Filipinos already suffering from the physical pain of their illnesses.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

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VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

GENEHICHI ISHI’S TRANSPORT SUIT Issuance of franchise under the Commonwealth was very pro-Filipino such that even the Americans, enjoying the best during their occupation of the islands, had their rights greatly diminished. One of the celebrated cases cited in legal opinions affecting the issuance of franchise was the Genehichi Ishi vs. Public Service Commission (G. R. No. 45134).

Under Art. XIII, Sec. 8, of the 1935 Constitution, it states: No franchise, certi�icate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations of other entities organized under the laws of the Philippines, sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by citizens of the Philippines, nor shall such franchise, certi�icate, or authorization be exclusive in character or for a longer period than �ifty years. No franchise or right shall be granted to any individual, �irm, or corporation, except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the National Assembly when the public interest so requires.

In the case, the PSC, on December 18, 1929, granted to Ishi a

CPC to transport passengers in the Province of Davao on conditions that (i) the franchisee would not alter the manner of operating his car; (ii) he was not allowed to increase or decrease the number of cars operated or substitute them, such as changing the form of the carriage, and (iii) he was barred from using the franchised car for trip outside its zone of operation as authorized.

Moreover, the CPC issued to Ishi, the PSC ruled, “shall take effect on the date the same is issued and shall continue in force until further order to the contrary from [the] commission.”

Six years later, the Japanese subject �iled another application with the PSC on October 23, 1935, seeking authorization to add another Ford automobile claiming the number of public utility vehicles serving the province of Davao could not meet the actual demand.

In an order dated February 14, 1936, the PSC, citing the 1935 Constitution, invoked the provision that only citizens of the Philippines or corporation and entities registered under the laws of the country, with sixty percent ownership by Filipinos, can be issued a franchise, certi�icate or other form of authorization to operate a pub-

lic utility. Dissatis�ied with the PSC decision, Ishi, �iled a petition for a writ of certiorari against the order.

The Supreme Court, in sustaining PSC’s decision, ruled on September 10, 1936, stating: “The question presented is whether petitioner’s application for an increase of his equipment comes within the constitutional prohibition contained in section 8, Article XIII of the Constitution of the Philippines, it appearing that petitioner had been granted, before the Constitution took effect on November 15, 1935, a certi�icate of public convenience to operate an automobile ‘Ford’ for transportation of passengers in the province of Davao. We must answer the question in the af�irmative. Petitioner is admittedly not a citizen of the Philippines, nor a corporation sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by citizens of the Philippines.

“His application for an increase of equipment may not call for the granting of a new franchise or certi�icate, but it certainly calls for an ‘authorization’ the granting of any form of which is limited by the Constitution to citizens and corporations above mentioned.

This was clearly admitted by the petitioner himself when he made

the averment in paragraph 3 of his petition for a writ of certiorari that in �iling below the application which was afterwards denied by the respondent Commission, he sought for “authority” to increase his equipment. In other words, it is conceded by petitioner that he may not increase his equipment without previously being “authorized’ to do so by the respondent Commission, as provided in express terms in his certi�icate of public convenience. The phrase ‘any other form of authorization’ used in sec. 8, Article XIII, of the Constitution is comprehensive enough to include the “authority” asked for by petitioner.

“The Constitution provides for the nationalization not only of national resources and all forces of potential energy but also of public utilities, saving solely those rights which were acquired prior to its adoption. This was one of the avowed purposes of the framers of that fundamental law, as declared in its preamble. We cannot agree to the suggestion that because petitioner is the lawful holder of a certi�icate of public convenience to operate an automobile ‘Ford’ in the province of Davao, he has a vested right to be authorized to increase his equipment by the

addition of one or more cars. The challenged order of the respondent Commission is in conformity both with the letter and spirit of the Constitution and it must be upheld.” (Paragraphing mine.)

Commonwealth Act 146, the amended ‘The Public Service Act’ approved on November 7, 1936, further delineated PSC’s authority.

The statute was ‘an Act to recognize the Philippine Service Commission, prescribe its powers and duties, de�ine and regulate public services, provide and �ix the rates and quota of expenses to be paid by the same for other purposes.’

As to the petition for certiorari, the high court ruled: “The allegations of the petition fail to state that the respondent exceeded its jurisdiction in issuing the order in question.

They do not, therefore, justify the issuance of the writ applied for, in accordance with section 35 of Act No. 3108, as amended. The proper remedy would have been to apply for the review of the disputed order in accordance with said section 35 of said Act. Before disposing of the case, this court deems it advisable, however, to state its opinion on the constitutional question raised in order to decide the case once and for all.”

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

TAKE TIME TO READ “Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.” – Gustave Flaubert *** The famous Irish television personality, Eamonn Andrews, tells this story on himself: His parish priest in Dublin asked him whether he would like to take one of the liturgical readings on Sundays, and Eamonn gladly agreed. So late one Saturday, the priest sent one of the altar boys to ask Eamonn if he would take the reading at next day’s Mass.

He refused. And this was the way he put it to his parish priest: “As far I am concerned, the Word of God is something absolutely precious. It means an awful lot to me. I have made a lot of sacri�ices during my life because of convictions I have about the Gospel.

And, therefore, I will not take the Gospel for granted.

“You are asking me to come along tomorrow and go out and read something I have not seen,” Eamonn continued. “If I were doing a television program, I would spend a whole week planning and preparing it. I will not go out there just to read in front of people, without putting a lot of preparation into it, without having it explained to me. I want to

know what the people are to get out of it. I want to pray about it.”

That, my friend, is how important reading is!

The topic on reading got me interested recently when I read that in a global survey, the Philippines ranks lowest out of 79 countries in reading comprehension. “This is the �irst time that DepEd (Department of Education) participated in a global ranking testing system, with boldness and recognition that we have to see how we rank, how we fare compared to other countries,” Secretary Leonor M. Briones admitted.

In a reading literacy assessment conducted by the inter-government group Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 15-year-old Filipino students scored a mean of 340 points, which was below the OECD average of 487 points.

The OECD used the twohour Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It de�ines reading literacy as “understanding, using, evaluating, re�lecting on and engaging with texts in order to achieve one’s goals, to develop one’s knowledge and potential, and to participate in society.”

The OECD added, “Reading pro�iciency is essential for a wide variety of human activities

– from following instructions in a manual; to �inding out the who, what, when, where, and why of an event; to communicating with others for a speci�ic purpose or transaction.”

But reading is more than just that. “Reading is like thinking, like praying, like talking to a friend, like expressing your ideas, like listening to other people’s ideas, like listening to music, like looking at the view, like taking a walk on the beach,” wrote Roberto Bolaño in 2666.

“Reading was a joy, a desperately needed escape,” said Christian Bauman. “I didn’t read to learn; I was reading to read.”

In Books and You, W. Somerset Maughan shared this sentiment: “To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.”

Dr. Seuss, author of I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!, gives an idea on why reading is fun.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know,” he wrote. “The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

But I like most what George R.R. Martin thinks of reading. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies,” he pointed out in A Dance With Dragons. “The man who never reads lives only one.”

If you want to become a writ-

er, you ought to read. Creative writing and reading go hand in hand. “You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page,” Annie Proulx contends. “Writing comes from reading, and reading is the �inest teacher of how to write.”

William Faulkner has the same contention. “Read, read, read,” he suggested. “Read everything – trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll �ind out.

If it’s not, throw it out of the window.”

Yes, reading is just as important as writing itself. “Reading is arguably a far more creative and imaginative process than writing; when the reader creates emotion in their head, or the colors of the sky during the setting sun, or the smell of a warm summer’s breeze on their face, they should reserve as much praise for themselves as they do for the writer – perhaps more,” wrote Jasper Fforde, author of The Well of Lost Plots.

Reading is almost always equated with books. “I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound or stab us,” Franz Ka�ka suggested. “If the

book we’re reading doesn’t wake us up with a blow to the head, what are we reading for?

“We need books that affect us like a disaster, that grieve us deeply, like the death of someone we loved more than ourselves, like being banished into forests far from everyone, like a suicide,” Ka�ka went on. “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us. That is my belief.”

Anne Lamott has another belief when it comes to books.

“For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth,” she wrote in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. “What a miracle it is that out of these small, �lat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers,” Charles W. Eliot said.

But Stephen King considers books as “uniquely portable magic.” That was what he said in his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

8 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

Inday Sara Duterte not opposing peace talks

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

C

ity Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said she is not opposing the plan of the resumption of peace talks between the government and Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"Of course, Pilipino pud gud ko, gusto pud nako'g peace. Wala ma'y problema kung mag Peace Talks sila. (Of course, as a Filipino, I want peace. There is no problem for me if they

they will resume on the peace negotiations.) Whatever happens either positive or negative, successful or unsuccessful, at least they try," the mayor said in an interview last week.

Duterte clari�ied she was just opposing that time, the implementation of suspension of military operations (SOMO) and unilateral cease�ire during the Christmas season.

The mayor explained,

COME HOME... FROM1

- convince na muuli na sila.

In fact, OWWA administrator is currently travelling to the ME. We are monitoring OFWs in ME right now," he said.

Elaya said OWWA has set programs for the distressed OFWs through the"Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay" program where OFWs each will receive P20,000 livelihood assistance.

"Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay" is a non-cash livelihood support/assistance intended to provide immediate relief to returning member OFWs, active or non-active who are displaced from their jobs due to war/political con�licts

in host countries or policy reforms controls and changes by the host government or are victims of illegal recruitment and/or human traf�icking or other distressful situations.

"Gina-andam na jud na kanunay aron kung naay mga OFWs na muuli gikan sa Middle East puwede na matagaan ug programa," Elaya said.

He said repatriation effort is not just a job for the OWWA but also involves other government agencies that include DFA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and NGOs. "Ato lang i-in place atong mga sistema sa pag-repatriate," he said.

city. The name “Life Bus” is coined from the city’s brand “Life is Here.”

The city government is eyeing the �irst quarter of 2020 to roll out the �irst

operation of low-�loor buses in Catalunan Grande and in Diversion Road, and the opening of the proper route for the north to south commuters. CIO

AIDS management services. “ At upgraded na rin ang capacity nila. May mga laboratories na rin na nagte-test ng HIV and the hospitals in the prov-

inces are already oriented on what to do to HIV patients. Previously pag may mga kaso outside Davao City mahirap to manage kasi walang services, “ she said.

fected by Taal’s eruption to cooperate with government response teams.

The public has been asked to stay safe by monitoring of�icial advisories and notices from pertinent agencies of the government, he added.

On Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano which means “hazardous

eruption is possible within days.”

Taal Volcano, the country’s smallest volcano, has been recording tremors as early as 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Agoncillo, Batangas experienced back-to-back earthquakes -- the �irst was a 4.1-magnitude earthquake late Sunday evening while the second quake with the same magnitude early Monday morning.

(PNA)

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12-YEAR-OLD... FROM2 PRRD... FROM4

historically, even if there were cease�ire truce, members of the NPA still launched their offensives against the government.

The Presidential daughter also added since, the truce was unilateral, she opted that the city will not be included on the implementation of SOMO. Mayor Sara said the resumption of negotiation will show the sincerity of government to attain

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He said Kuwaiti Ambassador to Manila Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaihk informed him in a meeting last week that the suspects

have already been charged but Althwaihk failed on his promise to deliver a copy of the charge sheet last Monday. (MindaNews)

among others.

Meanwhile, as in the past, banks have not

availed of the exporters dollar and yen rediscount facility (EDYRF). (PNA)

pearance against the franchise.

“Obviously to come back here, and some of the other stops I’ve played for, and just kind of to receive a standing O for one last time is just great,” Carter said.

Irving began feeling pain in his shoulder early

in the season, and he took himself out of the lineup after a game in Denver on Nov. 14. The Nets held up well without him for a while thanks mostly to Spencer Dinwiddie's strong play, but had faltered recently, especially in crunch time.

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IRVING... FROM11

NOTICE OF AUCTION

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES

because I will question the integrity of your company," he said.

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO Sasa Maa Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DAVAO Sandawa Matina Ulas

CONSUNJI... FROM5

you prejudiced, I will not allow you to even construct a building, not even a post

peace especially in the remote area in the country.

She suggested that the localized peace talks with the local government units should also be explored, to know which of these are viable in attaining the elusive peace.

"Kung naay national peace talks, then, kung tan-aw sa mayor or sa governor nga kaya ra niya mo buhat, on his own, og mechanisms on a localized

July 0131, 2019

July 0131, 2019

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION Jan. 21, 2020 (Tue.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, VGM Bldg., Sandawa Rd. SIR New Matina, Davao City Jan. 28, 2020 (Tue.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, VGM Bldg.

Sandawa Rd. SIR New Matina Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT Jan. 14 , 17, 20 , 2020

peace talks, then i-allow siya sa national government to do it (If there is a national peace talks, then, the local chief executive sees that he or she could create mechanisms for localized peace talks, the national government must allow local of�icials to do it), " she said.

Mayor Sara said, for now, in order to resolve the issue of insurgency in other places, the LGU must Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUB ORDINARY REGULAR/ AIRCONDITIONED Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PB-2020-1-908 (2015-XI-00908) BACHELOR EXPRESS, INC., Petitioner.

conduct dialogues with the affected communities and address the problems to lessen the people that will join the NPA. She added that the LGU might implement the Executive Order 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach to Attain Sustainable Peace and to End Local Communist Armed Con�lict, for them to be guided on how resolve issues on insurgency.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-1-1764 (2020-XI-01764) BELINDA P. BESA, Petitioner.

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

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an PUB ORDINARY REGULAR / AIRCONDITIONED service on the route: DAVAO CITYCATEEL (DAVAO ORIENTAL) VIA TAGUM CITY, MATI CITY AND VICE VERSA with the use of TEN (10) units, which Certificate will expire on November 4, 2020. In the petition filed on January 8, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 28, 2020 at 8:30 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 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 Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 9th day of January 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 10 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 October 28, 2020. In the petition filed on January 7, 2020, petitioner requests 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 JANUARY 28, 2020 at 8:30 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 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 Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 8th day of January 2020 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Bachelor Express, Inc. Counsel, Atty. Connie P. Liza-Torres

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Attorney IV/Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Petitioner, Belinda P. Besa Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL One of the beauties of travel is the places and people you meet.

Never a day goes by without a cup of coffee, needed a lot of this during the inception stage.

THE ORIGIN STORY HOW MILLENNIAL MERMAID ALL STARTED

IN AUGUST of 2016, I started another website in the hopes of really committing to one. Unlike my failed relationship, this website has been my longest-running relationship—next to the pursuit of stoke, which is first.

Initially wanting to surf the world a wave at a time, like me, this has matured into something more than just pursuit.

I wanted to a space of my own where I could publish my work; a collection of stories that documented my writing journey, the search of stoke, and a little of the in-betweens as a female millennial digital nomad from a developing country.

On its fourth year, Millennial Mermaid has grown to be a space that I’ve grown to love, not without its challenges of pushing me to be a better writer, a better seeker of stories that connect us with all that it means to be human.

I started Millennial Mermaid with one single purpose: to continue writing. Did I achieve what I set out to do? Yes and no. There was a point in between the three years where I had to stop for a while. I wasn’t sure of myself. I didn’t know if this brand that I birthed in salty creative pursuits was still valid.

Not wanting to do something that

wasn’t confident in, I went on a hiatus.

I couldn’t bear to delete the site when I thought of the costs I incurred without even seeing ‘real fruit’ of my efforts. I kept asking myself why. Why do I want to let this go? Do I also want to? If I do, what do I have to show for the past four years?

Millennial Mermaid was the tangible proof that I had done what I set out to do when I resigned from corporate back in 2016. I cannot stop writing, I couldn’t.

I would regret it the moment I hit ‘delete.’

I wanted to write, but the will to write can sometimes be overridden by a lot of distractions.

I needed an external factor to push me to keep writing even when there’s really not much reason aside from the thirst to release words onto a page. Whether I got paid or not, I needed to write. It may have started with erratic bursts of emotion, but as of this writing, I need to write just because.

I hope that this space would be a source of positive influence to find your ‘just because.’ Whether you’re a surfer, writer, Mermaid or skateboarder—whatever your source of stoke is, I pray you find the true source and enjoy the search.

Check out www.millennialmerTraveling for surf maid.com to see what I’m talking is the fuel for this writer’s digital pen. about!

Views that relax and get the brain thinking of the next story to write.

EDGED

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TRAVEL

LIFE IN TRANSIT WITH

CATHAY PACIFIC MANY say a journey starts with a single footstep, but for the modern traveller, a journey often starts with choosing the right airline, and with Durianburg getting ever more international flights, more exotic destinations are easier to reach through bigger international hubs such as Singapore, Doha, and Hong Kong.

While for some travellers, transit can be a tiring task, many of the legacy carriers servicing Davao have short transit times making connecting flights effortless. But there are some flights that require much longer layovers and I recently experienced that on a flight from Narita, Tokyo to Davao through Hong Kong.

Arriving shortly past midnight, many of Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) stores are closed for the night, luckily, the terminal’s food court operates around-theclock which was a relief as the pay lounge was already full.

Grabbing a midnight snack, I decided to do some work which

made the hours go by quickly.

The terminal’s fast internet and many charging areas made the stay bearable and by around six in the morning, many of the other food outlets start to open.

Business class transit in Hong Kong is even better especially when traveling with Cathay Pacific. With four lounges located in strategic locations in HKIA, guests travelling in First Class and Business Class can find a world of amenities to recharge, relax, or catch up on work.

On this trip, I decided to hangout at The Deck where I was able to freshen up in one of the lounge’s elegant shower rooms complete with premium bath products and fluffy towels. A hot shower after a long day really does wonders. The short nap curled up in one of the napping pods also helped me cope with the hours of work I put in the early morning hours.

Food options at The Deck was vast with Cathay’s iconic Noodle Bar serving local Hong Kong classics like Wanton Noodles and Dimsum, plus regional and Asian

specialties such as Sichuan dan dan noodles, Singapore Laksa, and Taiwanese beef noodles aside from fresh fruits, sandwiches, coffee and tea.

With a vibe more like the lounge of a five-star hotel, The Deck definitely makes guests feel at home with a warm and welcome touch.

I had wanted to explore the other three Cathay Pacific lounges but alas, I had to catch my flight home, but one thing is for sure, life in transit in Hong Kong is a fun travel experience. *** TICKETS for Cathay Pacific, Silk Air, Qatar Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia will be on sale this coming January 17, 18 and 19 at the BDO Travel Sale at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier.

Enjoy exclusive rates on airline tickets and travel packages with your BDO Rewards, Credit and Debit Cards and also avail of 0% instalment on 3-month terms and get billed two months later.

My personal napping pod.

EDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

JODI IS A SINGLE MOM TORN BETWEEN IAN AND ZANJOE IN IWANT’S “MY SINGLE LADY”

The Deck is every planespotter’s dream hangout with huge windows bringing views of planes into the lounge.

iWant features a charming and enlightening take on the life of a single mother with a romantic twist in its modern family comedy series “My Single Lady,” starring Jodi Sta. Maria, Ian Veneracion, and Zanjoe Marudo, streaming on iWant starting January 22.

Here, Jodi plays hardworking Chona, a devoted single mother to six-year old Red (Ynigo Delen) and an avid Regine Velasquez fan.

Amid various jobs and PTA meetings, a spark starts when she meets sweet, reliable electrician BG (Zanjoe), who then vies for her affection.

The situation becomes complicated, however, as running mayor Chester (Ian)—Red’s MIA father—returns to the picture and wants to be involved in his son’s life. Although adamant at first, Chona eventually allows father and son to bond upon seeing how Red really wants to get to know his dad.

Chona further becomes conflicted as Chester also attempts to woo her back.

In her confusion, she finds comfort in her three best friends.

A single mother torn between two handsome men—how will she ever choose?

The six-part original series features original Regine Velasquez songs and is directed and co-written by Carlo Catu, written by Janina Gacosta, and produced by Jodi Sta. Maria, B617, and Dreamscape Digital.

“My Single Lady” is the comeback project of the well-received Jodi-Ian tandem since “Achy Breaky Hearts,” and is the first team-up of Jodi and Zanjoe.

The cast also include Iyah Mina, Brenda Mage, Vitex Paguirigan and Carla Martinez.

Find out how Chona’s lovelife unravels in “My Single Lady,” streaming for free on the iWant app (iOs and An-

droid) or iwant.ph starting January 22.

For updates, like www.facebook.com/ iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial and @dreamscapedigital on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH.

Nothing soothes the tired soul more than a hot shower and the smell of fluffy white cotton towels.

Cathay Pacific’s Noodle Bar is famous for its Wonton.

‘MYSTIFIED’ BAGS “BEST SINGLE DRAMA OR TELEMOVIE” AT ASIAN TV AWARDS THE 2019 film ‘Mystified’ starring Sunshine Dizon, Diana Zubiri, Karylle, and Iza Calzado won at the 24th Asian TV Awards held last night, January 11, 2020, at Resorts World Manila.

It won in the “Best Single Drama or Telemovie” cat-

egory.

Diana and Karylle received the award on behalf of their co-stars and team.

Sunshine, who co-produced ‘Mystified’ with her fellow “Sang’gres” together with Direk Mark Reyes, took to Instagram and thanked the Asian TV Awards committee for the award.

“Thank you @asiantvawards and Congratulations to us and our team @sanggreinc! Truly a dream come true to finally call ourselves producers @direkmark @anakarylle @ dianazubirismith @missizacalzado, mounting our reunion project and winning at that for our very first venture.

“Also thank you @iflix.ph for entrusting us with #Mystified Thank you to all our Actors, Production staff and crew and to everyone who helped us along the way to make this all possible. Thank you to all our fans for your love and support.

“What a great honor for us and the Philippines to be honored and known as one of the best in Asia. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.”

EDGEDAVAO

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TRAVEL

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ELIMINATES SINGLEUSE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel with a 53-year history of breaking boundaries, is now single-use plastic beverage bottle free across its fleet.

The brand announced last year that it partnered with JUST Goods, Inc., which enabled the Cruise Line to replace all single-use plastic water bottles across its 17-ship fleet, beginning with its most recent ship, Norwegian Encore.

The achievement is one of the latest sustainable steps forward for Norwegian Cruise Line. In 2018, the Company eliminated single-use plastic straws across its fleet and private destinations, and as a result of this most recent initiative, it will replace over six million singleuse plastic water bottles every year. In addition, the brand is working to eliminate single-use plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles later this year.

These efforts are driven by the Company’s Sail & Sustain Environmental Program, which is its commitment to minimize waste to landfills, reduce its

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actor and activist Jaden Smith and family, JUST takes an innovative approach to sourcing and packaging the world’s most valued resource - water. The revolutionary company focuses on an impact model, taking into consideration both how the water is sourced and packaged.

JUST is 100% spring water in a plant-based carton. The carton is made of 82% renewable materials – the paper carton is made from trees grown in responsibly-managed forests and the cap and shoulder are made from a sugarcane-based plastic.

It is refillable and recyclable.

JUST has a global presence with bottling facilities in Glenn Falls, NY; Ballymena, Northern Ireland; and Ballarat, Australia, thus allowing the company to meet demand around the world without shipping water from a single production source. JUST takes care to use the most efficient shipping options available.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCLCRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

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CO2 emissions rate, increase sustainable sourcing and invest in emerging technologies.

“This is a very special and very proud moment for us,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “As a leading cruise line, we are

thrilled to make such an impact by eliminating single-use beverage bottles across our fleet.

It’s just one of the ways we are working to preserve our oceans and the destinations we visit.

While this is just the beginning of what we and others can do, we are incredibly committed

to our Sail & Sustain program and believe wholeheartedly in the importance of preserving our natural resources. We will continue to strive towards making environmentally conscious decisions to benefit our earth.”

Envisioned and founded by American rapper, songwriter,

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

VOL.12 VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE ISSUE 94 100 84 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 28-29, 5-6, 2019

UP AND LAUNDRY FURNITURE A2A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO 9

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

DA... FROM5

prices.

Major provincial governments and farmers’ federations would also continue to purchase palay from local farmers.

"Just like last year, we expect about 30 major rice-producing provinces, led by Isabela and Nueva

Ecija, to again buy palay directly from their farmers. They commit to allot an initial P6 billion for the purpose," the DA chief said.

Some of the farmers' federations that would participate in the purchase of palay from their own members were those in

Isabela, Cagayan, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija.

These federations would buy at least P2 billion worth of palay.

"In all, this year we are looking at an initial P53 billion from the public sector to buy palay at favorable prices," Dar said.

“Every time I play Rafa we get to play a lot of exciting points,” Djokovic said.

“We had some incredible exchanges.”

Nadal said he was happy with the way he fought back in the second set.

“I had my chances. I was very close. I’m not happy with the loss, of course, but the feeling in that second set is positive,” he said.

“Probably today was maybe a little bit too early in the season,” he added.

Djokovic owned a per-

fect 6-0 singles record at the tournament. Nadal won four and lost two.

Bautista Agut was a class above Lajovic, ranked 34, also earning the distinction of going through the tournament unbeaten.

Ef�icient and emotionless, he got off to a �lyer, racing into a 3-0 lead as the Lajovic struggled to �ind any rhythm. But he �inally settled and hauled himself back into the set.

It went with serve until the Spaniard’s dominance

from the baseline earned him two more break points in the 12th game and he took the set.

The Serbian lost con�idence as Bautista Agut raced to victory, with his unrelenting consistency proving too much.

“He was aggressive and stepping inside the baseline to manage the game, but I believed I could change it and I played a great end of the �irst set and a great second set,” said Bautista Agut.

quarter when Montrezl Harrell got whistled for an offensive charge when he stepped in front of Jerami Grant as Grant guarded Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers were in the midst of a 10-0 run at the time. ''The pick was solid,'' Rivers said. ''The bottom line is I shouldn't get a tech.

That's No. 1. That's on me.''

Murray �inished with 19 points and reserve Michael Porter Jr. provided a spark by scoring 13 for the Nuggets, who made their last �ield goal with 6:12 remain-

ing. They went 9 of 10 on free throws from there.

The defensive standout of the game was Grant, who had two big blocks on Leonard. ''A couple of great blocks at the rim you don't see very often against Kawhi,'' Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

Leonard �inished with 30 points, while Lou Williams had 26 and Harrell added 25.

The Clippers played without star forward Paul George, who missed a sec-

ond straight game with a strained left hamstring.

Los Angeles dropped to 8-6 this season when George doesn't play.

This contest marked the �irst of three between two of the upper echelon teams in the Western Conference.

Gary Harris showed signs of breaking out of a shooting slump by scoring 15 points but didn't play late. He's been diligently working on his jumper after shooting 25.6% over his last four games. He was 5 of 9 against the Clippers.

DJOKOVIC... FROM11

NUGGETS... FROM11

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10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

AGRITRENDS

BT CORN TOWARDS FOOD SECURITY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

B

orne of its golden ears, corn is a most welcome crop anywhere it grows. So, it’s not surprising that in the Philippines, the sight of wide and long stretches of corn tufts mantling the landscape and creating waves in the �ields can evoke thoughts of food security.

In the early civilization of the West, corn was the dominant staple food. In the Philippines, corn is the second most important crop – after rice. Approximately, a third of Filipino farmers consider corn as their major source of livelihood.

As a staple food, corn is a great substitute for rice, which is consumed by 90% of Filipinos. Nutritionists claim corn, compared with rice, has more vitamin A, protein and fats. It gives the body bone-building elements such as calcium and potassium.

This is the reason why white corn is popular among the Visayas and Mindanao population. In the 1970s, during the time of Jesus Tanchanco as food minister, corn became a bumper crop and it paved the way of introducing the grain among Metro Manila consumers.

However, convincing Filipinos these days to eat corn is a “long and slow crusade” to quote the words of Dr. Artemio Salazar of the Institute of Plant Breeding at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB).

Although corn is cheaper, it is hard to convince Filipinos to eat corn as the cereal is soon to be the staple food of poor people. So much so that most Filipino farmers corn the yellow variety which are used as feeds for animals.

“Corn is also a main ingredient of animal feeds, a thing already known to have triggered the industrial side of corn production in the livestock industry,” said an editorial of The PCAARRD Monitor, published by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and

Natural Resources Research and Development.

Yellow corn accounts for 60% of the total corn production in the country, with white corn as the residual. “Most of the yellow corn produced is sold to the livestock and poultry feed mill industries, albeit some farmers keep a small proportion of output for human consumption in times of very poor harvest,” said a technical paper authored

by Maria Erlinda M. Mutuc, Roderick M. Rejesus, Suwen Pan, and Jose M. Yorobe, Jr. In 2018, the production volume of corn in the country amounted to approximately 7.8 million metric tons, according to the statista.com. In the same year, the production value of corn was about P109.2 billion.

It seems rosy when it comes to corn production in the country. But Filipino farmers complain of a pest that destroy their crop. Farmers report that yield losses from this pest – which feeds on the plant stem, leaves and ears even before corn is harvested – range from 30% to almost 100%.

The pest is called Asian corn borer (scienti�ic name: Ostrinia furnacalis). “Over the past decade or so, corn borer infestation has occurred yearly with pest pressure constant to increasing over time,” said the paper entitled, “Impact Assessment of Bt Corn Adoption in the Philippines.”

Bt stands for Bacillus thuringienses, a common soil bacterium that produces its own insecticidal protein. “Bt corn was �irst introduced in the Philippines in 1996 on a limited trial basis only,” the paper reported. “Between 1999 and 2002, after approval from the National Committee on Biosafety in the Philippines, �ield trials of Bt corn were conducted in the major corn-producing areas in the country.”

In 2002, the Department of Agriculture �inally approved the commercial distribution of Bt corn. This

made the Philippines as the �irst country in Asia to commercialize Bt corn primarily in response to the Asian corn borer.

“The corn borer problem in the Philippines had devastating effect on corn production,” says Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) Southeast Asia Center Director. “The cost of corn went up because we had been importing. We needed to import because we needed to have feeds for livestock. So, when the (Bt corn) approval came and farmers started planting in 2003, they were then able to get hold of the technology and were able to share the information from one farming site to another because they saw the bene�it is tremendous.”

Today, more and more Filipino farmers are growing Bt corn in their farms, according to the Laguna-based ISAAA. Generally, farmers planting biotech corn earn an average additional income of P7,482 per hectare during the dry season and P7,080 per hectare during the wet season,

studies showed.

One of those who plant biotech corn is Edwin Paraluman, a General Santos City farmer for more than four decades who plant rice, corn and some vegetables in his farm. “I had stopped planting corn on my farm because of the damage caused by corn borer,” he said in an interview conducted by CropLife Philippines, an association of companies that help improve the productivity of Filipino farmers and contribute to food security in a sustainable way.

“But when I saw biotech insect-resistant corn and learned how the crop could resist the corn borer and increase my harvest, I was very happy to accept it,” said the chairman of the Philippines Farmer Advisory Board and coordinator of the Asian Farmers Regional Network.

When he planted his �irst �ive hectares of Bt corn in December 2003, he was one of the only two farmers planting the crop. “Many farmers were afraid to plant it because of the anti-GMO (genetically modi�ied organism) campaigners who said the technology was not good, could cause cancer and would harm the environment,” he recalled.

That completely hanged now. More than 400,000 Filipino farmers have joined them. “The farmers have seen that this technology is good for us and it boosts our economy,” Paraluman said.

In the past, his harvest was only 3.5 tons per hectare. After planting Bt corn, it increased to seven tons per hectare. “So, it really helps me and my family,” he said.

His standard of living also changed. “I used to have a very little house and during the rainy season, where we were sleeping, the rain would come in through the roof,” he admitted. “But now, I have changed my house for a

better one. That’s how technology can change our lives.”

According to him, anti-GMO groups were really very strong before he changed his method of corn production. “When I planted (Bt corn in my farm), my neighbors would say: ‘If my goat or cow eats the corn you are planting, that is dangerous.’”

Paraluman found such belief baloney. “For us farmers, we realized it was not dangerous at all,” he said. “I have eaten corn from every harvest I have made, so I now say to the community: ‘See me? If it was dangerous, then maybe after 14 years I would not be standing in front of you now. So, this is a safe technology. Why are you saying this is dangerous?’”

Bt, a common soil bacterium so called because it was �irst isolated in the Thuringia region of Germany, produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects.

Scientists, through genetic engineering, have taken the Bt gene responsible for the production of the insecticidal protein from the bacterium and incorporated it into the genome of plants.

As such, the plants have a built-in mechanism of protection against targeted pests.

Aside from corn, Bt is also introduced in cotton, poplar, potato, rice, soybean, tomato, and more recently eggplant. “The protein produced by the plants does not get washed away, nor is it destroyed by sunlight,” said a brie�ing paper published by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology. “The plants are protected from the insects round the clock regardless of the situation.”

Since Bt crops are able to defend themselves against pests, the use of chemical insecticides is signi�icantly reduced. A study conducted by the United States Department of Ag-

riculture showed that 8.2 million pounds of pesticide active ingredients were eliminated by the farmers who planted Bt crops in 1998.

“Aside from being effective against insect pests, Bt crops have lower incidences of opportunistic microbial pathogens, such as the fungus Fusarium,” the briefing paper said. “This fungus produces mycotoxins that can be deadly to livestock and also cause cancer in humans.”

The brie�ing paper shares this information on how Bt operates: “When ingested by larva of the target insect, the Bt protein is activated in the gut’s alkaline condition and punctures the mid-gut leaving the insect unable to eat. The insect dies within a few days.”

It is for this reason why much research has been done to exploit the organism’s agronomic value. To date, there are more than 200 types of Bt proteins identi�ied with varying degrees of toxicity to some insects.

Before Bt was cultured by fermentation. In fact, over the last 40 years, Bt has been used as an insecticide by farmers around the world. It is said that organic farming has bene�ited from it as it is one of the very few insecticides permitted by organic standards. “The insecticide is applied either as a spray, or as ground applications. It comes in both granules and lique�ied form.”

Bt crops are an addition to farmers’ arsenal against plant pests. Said the ISAAA brie�ing paper, “With an increasing population and decreasing arable land, it is necessary to exploit all options with as little compromise to produce more crops. When used side by side with proper agricultural practices, Bt insect resistance technology can bring many bene�its to crops, farmers, and consumers alike.”

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

11

Global Makati stays in PFL

G

Serbia captain Nenad Zimonjic, Novak Djokovic Nikola Milojevic, Dusan Lajovic, Nikola Cacic and Viktor Troicki celebrate with the trophy after winning the ATP Cup. Reuters

lobal Makati quashed any speculation about what the future will bring for the once powerhouse club as it announced that it will continue to play in the Philippines Football League.

"Global is back for the 2020 season," the club said in a short yet strong statement on Saturday night.

A three-time champion in top-�light football, Global Makati struggled during the past two PFL seasons, and the last one saw the club crashing to the bottom of the league table with expansion sides Green Archers United, Mendiola, and Air Force overtaking the team.

Global Makati also struggled �inancially with some of its former players calling out the management for unpaid salaries.

But the club announced

it now has a new backer.

"A Hong Kong consortium, Mazinyi Management Limited, has trusted this club and has made some serious investment for its future," Global Makati further said.

The club added it is set to unleash "possibly the strongest team yet."

Meanwhile, Mark Jarvis, who has relinquished his club ownership role to the new consortium, said in a separate statement, "Anyone I signed will be sorted very soon."

He said the new consortium will take Global “back to its previous heights."

"I wish them well and will forever support this glorious club. Thank you all. It's exciting times and please continue to support Global and Philippines football," he added. (PNA)

EW YORK (AP) -Kyrie Irving hadn't played in two months and all he did in his return was make 10 of 11 shots in the best shooting night of his career.

He knows it won't always be that easy.

“I mean, I’m not going to shoot 10 for 11," he said with a laugh. “I hope I can shoot 10 for 11 every night."

The Brooklyn Nets will take whatever they can get after seeing how much a healthy Irving means to them.

The point guard scored 21 points in 20 minutes in his return from an injured right shoulder, leading the Nets to a 108-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

Irving made a career-best 90.9% of his shots after missing 26 games with an impingement. The shoulder looked �ine and his handle looked as good as ever while he

dribbled his way around a hopeless Atlanta defense.

Energized by his return that still seemed a ways away just a week ago, the Nets led by 39 points and won their second straight after dropping seven in a row.

“We had a certain con�idence about us tonight that I think we were missing during that streak," Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said.

“So great, great timing having him back."

Cam Reddish scored 20 points for the Hawks, who played without star guard Trae Young because of a left hamstring injury and lost their fourth straight.

The Nets made it such an easy night that their fans didn't need to worry about the scoreboard as they roared for Vince Carter's two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. The 42-year-old former Nets star �inished with eight points in his �inal road ap-

Djokovic powers N Serbia to ATP Cup

S

YDNEY, Australia -An emotional Novak Djokovic overpowered long-time rival Rafael Nadal and led Serbia to victory in the inaugural ATP Cup Sunday, capping a perfect build up to his Australian Open title defense.

The world number two blasted the top-ranked Spaniard off court 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) after world number 10 Roberto Bautista Agut caned Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 7-5, 6-1 in the other singles.

A fresh Djokovic returned to Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena for the deciding doubles but Nadal opted not to, saying his energy levels were too low, with Feliciano Lopez partnering Pablo Carreno

Busta.

But they proved no match for Djokovic and Viktor Troicki, who bounced back from a break down in the �irst set to romp home 6-3, 6-4 and ensure Serbia was the last country standing from the 24 that began the season-opening event.

“I’ll remember this experience for the rest of my life. It’s one of the nicest moments in my career,” said Djokovic, who close to tears after winning the doubles.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have an amazing career these last 15 years, but playing for the team, playing for my country with some of my best friends for a long time, you can’t match that. It’s too special.”

Nuggets rebound with 114-104 win over Clippers

D

ENVER (AP) -- The Denver Nuggets put an ugly loss behind them with a statement win over a top-tier team.

Nikola Jokic had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and the Nuggets withstood a big rally to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 114-104 on Sunday night.

This bounce-back performance was just what they needed to soothe their psyche after a clunker the night before against a struggling Cleveland squad. ''We looked like a totally different team less than 24 hours later,'' guard Monte Morris said.

The moral was easy to decipher: ''We have to come to play against teams we're supposed to beat,'' Morris said. ''Because we always show up against teams we know that can beat us.''

Trailing by as many 20 points in the second half, Los Angeles had pulled within six with 1:11 remaining when Patrick Beverley was called for a foul on Jokic. After the Nuggets big man made a pair of free throws, Clippers coach Doc Rivers argued with of�icial Nick Buchert. He was given two technical fouls and tossed from the game. Jamal Murray hit both free throws to restore some much-needed breathing room. ''Listen, coaches can lose their composure, so can of�icials,'' Rivers explained. ''There's no way I should have been thrown out of the game.''

Rivers had simply reached his boiling point.

He was still seething from a crucial call earlier in the

NUGGETS, P9

The doubles drew the curtain on an event that proved a big hit with players and fans, dishing up competitive matches driven by the passion of athletes representing their home countries.

Some US$15 million in prize money was at stake along with up to 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP rankings points, with new rules trialled including oncourt coaching and team zones in the corners of the court.

Djokovic, warming up for his bid to win an eighth Australian Open crown this month, went into his clash with Nadal leading their head-to-heads 28-26.

But the statistics did not tell the full story.

The Serb had won nine of their past 12 contests and been dominant over the years on hard courts -- including a comfortable win against Nadal in the Australian Open �inal last year.

He showed his intent immediately and broke Nadal in the opening game with no let-up, as his driving groundstrokes and deft touches proved too much.

Nadal lifted in an intense second, with Djokovic saving �ive break points in a crucial sixth game.

It went to a tiebreaker where a crunching backhand down the line from the Serb gave him the break he needed to complete the victory.

DJOKOVIC, P9

Irving returns as Nets pull through

IRVING, P8

Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on January 12, 2020 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. AFP

12 SPORTS

OFF FORM EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 216 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

Cold Alab bows to Singapore in ABL A

Singapore Slingers' Xavier Alexander (15) squares off with Alab Pilipinas' Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser on the court on Jan 12, 2020.ST PHOTO

lab Pilipinas went cold all game long and fell prey to Singapore, 85-64, in an ASEAN Basketball League action at the OCBC Arena in Singapore on Sunday night.

The Slingers limited Alab to just 34 percent shooting all game long and pulled away for good in the third quarter, where they outscored Alab, 2411.

Xavier Alexander �lirted with a rare quadruple-double as he led Singapore, which got out of the cellar and moved up to eighth place at 2-4, with 31 points,

10 rebounds, 12 assists, and eight steals with two blocks.

Anthony McClain added a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds with one assist and seven blocks.

Sam Deguara put up 14 markers, nine boards, and one block for Alab, which failed to momentarily gain solo �irst place and fell to third place at 5-3.

Meanwhile, Amir Bell won it for Kuala Lumpur as the team rallied from 20 points down to beat Formosa, 80-79, at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bell scored on a game-winning jumper with 15 seconds remaining, while his teammates forced Jerran Young to a huge turnover that sealed the game.

Will Artino and Terrel Davis each scored 22 points for KL, which eventually zoomed to second place with the Alab loss at Singapore at 4-2.

Young tallied 25 markers, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block, while Anthony Tucker added 24 points, two boards, and �ive dimes for Formosa, which fell to 5-6. (PNA)