Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 50| Sunday-Monday, May 19-20, 2019

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VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

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18th Congress will have 5 Mindanawon senators

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f bar topnotcher and reelectionist Senator Aquilino Pimentel III of Cagayan de Oro City is not dislodged from the winners’ circle in the Senate race, the 24-member Senate will have �ive Mindanawons in the 18th Congress from 2019 to 2022.

The 55-year old Pimentel is on the 11th spot while the 44-year old former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go of Davao City, and 57-year old former Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa of Davao del Sur are assured of victory, placing third and �ifth, respectively, based on the Commission on Elections’ partial, unof�icial results.

In the Senate, the three will join two more Mindanawon senators who were elected in 2016 and will complete their six-year term from 2019 to 2022: Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri III of Bukidnon, 50, and Emmanuel Pacquiao of Sarangani, 40.

Go, Dela Rosa and Pimentel will serve until 2025.

The number �ive is the highest number of Mindanawon representation in the so-called Upper House since 1916.

In the post-EDSA Congress from 1987, the highest number of Mindanawons elected in the Senate was four, during the 8th Congress from 1987 to 1992, the �irst election after the Marcos dictatorship was ousted and democracy restored.

The four Mindanawon

senators elected by the nation in 1987 were lawyers Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. of Cagayan de Oro and Teo�isto Guigona Jr. of Misamis Oriental, public school teacher Santanina Rasul of Siasi, Sulu and lawyer Mamintal Tamano of Tamparan, Lanao del Sur. Before they became Senators, businessman Zubiri and professional boxer Pacquiao had served as Representatives in Congress – Zubiri representing the third district of Bukidnon for three terms from 1998 to 2007 and Pacquiao the lone district of Sarangani for two terms from 2010 to 2016.

Pimentel, who topped the bar in 1991, made his �irst attempt to enter the political arena by running for the Senate in 2007.

The son of former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. �iled an electoral protest alleging fraud on the part of Zubiri who allegedly bene�ited from “dagdag-bawas” (vote adding/shaving) in Maguindanao.

Zubiri was proclaimed winner in 2007 by a margin of some 20,000 votes over Pimentel’s votes but in the recount of the Senate Electoral Tribunal, Pimentel won with 250,000

18TH CONGRESS, P9

JEDTHE GEM Davao’s Diamante named UAAP best midfielder SPORTS, P11

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

Udenna Group denies links with Smartmatic

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usinessman Dennis Uy’s Udenna Group �latly denied that it has invested into a consortium that provided the vote counting machines for the recently concluded midterm elections.

The company said it does not have any links with the joint venture of multinational �irm Smartmatic and its local partner Total Information Management (TIM).

"There is absolutely no truth to the allegations that the Udenna Group or its Chairman, Mr. Dennis Uy, purchased a local IT company called TIM,” Udenna Group spokesperson Adel Tamano said in a disclosure to the stock exchange, amid claims on social media that the company had bought

Election results credible: Panelo

Dr. Apollo C. Quiboloy

Jose Maria College launches M Davao’s 3rd school of medicine

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he Jose Maria College, founded by Dr. Apollo C. Quiboloy, executive pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name, opens Davao’s third school of medicine.

The school was launched in a series of activities last Saturday, starting with a motorcade and program at the JMC campus and a program proper and dinner at 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mrco Polo Hotel.

According to an invi-

tation letter signed by Dr. Nelia Q. Canada, president, JMC is a non-sectarian globally- competitive school with a vision to address the academic needs of the community. It is known for world-class facilities.

Duterte to ink at least 10 deals in Japan trip

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he Philippines is expected to sign at least 10 business agreements during President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s trip to Japan by end of May. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that these deals are expected to allow Japanese companies to invest in the Philippines by expanding their businesses here.

“So far we have mga two MOUs (memoranda of understanding) and around eight letters of intent. In other words, companies are already here that are intending to expand their operation, invest more, expand the operations,” Lopez told reporters in an interview on Thursday.

Lopez said that these Japanese companies have decided to invest in the Philippines as an expression of their “support and con�idence” for the current administration.

He noted that the deals included investments in electronics, manufacturing, data analytics, some services, AI �ield, tourism related, and transportation.

TIM to manipulate the results of the elections.

Udenna has instructed its security and legal teams to investigate the persons linking the company to Smartmatic-TIM, he added.

“We are considering �iling civil and/or criminal cases, if necessary, to protect the reputation of Mr. Dennis Uy and the Udenna Group,” Tamano said.

Smartmatic is a Venezuelan-based technology �irm, which has expertise in providing electronic vote counting machines in various countries worldwide.

Meanwhile, TIM is a company based in Makati City, which provides technology solutions to such sectors as banking, media, retail, IT services, telco, among others. (PNA)

The college has already been granted government Permit No. 012 Series 2019 to offer a doctor of medicine program, pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the Higher Education Act of 1994, and by virtue of Resolution No. 160-2019 of the Commission of Higher Education.

The letter listed Atty.

Pearl Angeli Q. Canada as school administrator and

Dr. Aurelio Camilo B. Naraval as dean of the college of medicine.

The two older schools of medicine in Davao are Davao Medical School Foundation and the Brokenshire Health Ministries. The state-run University of Southeaster Philippines earlier announced that it will likewise announced it will start offering medicine as a course in its Tagum City campus. AMA

The Trade chief could not yet give an estimate as to the amount these investments would generate but assured that they will be “substantial”.

“Substantial, substantial. The big companies that are here, investment-wise they invest in a big way,” Lopez said.

He described the trade relations between the Philippines and Japan as a strong one. In particular, he said the Philippines remains to be Japan’s biggest supplier of bananas.

“Since Japan is the big brother, the advanced economy, we’re asking them to open up all their markets,” Lopez said.

Currently, he said the government is working towards the reduction in the tariff rate to gain more access in the Japanese market.

“We’ve seen that their tariff rates for other countries are lower, so sabi namin, babaan na rin natin (so we said, let’s reduce them),” Lopez said.

WITHDRAWAL. President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he interacts with members Duterte is set to attend of the media after casting his vote during last Monday's midterm elections at the DUTERTE, P8 Daniel Aguinaldo National High School in Matina, Davao City. The Chief Executive

alacañang believes that the result of the May 13 midterm elections are “credible” despite glitches experienced by the transparency server and vote counting machines (VCMs).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be investigating the problem encountered by the transparency server, but noted that this would not affect the voting results.

“It doesn’t matter kung ma-delay ito. Kasi kung delay lang, but the same number of votes pa rin, anong problema doon (if it gets delayed. Because if it’s just delayed, but has the same

number of votes, what’s the problem there)?” Panelo said in a Palace brie�ing.

As for the glitches in the VCMs, Panelo said there is always the manual counting of votes to serve as a “remedy.”

Panelo, however, said the Palace will back calls for an investigation of the alleged ballot-shading incident in Lanao Del Sur. “The Comelec should investigate that. That’s their turf, hindi tayo puwedeng makialam diyan sa ngayon (we can’t interfere with that now),” Panelo said.

Panelo was dismayed by an estimated 1.1 million Filipinos over-voting for senatorial candidates during the

ELECTION, P8

has ordered Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locson Jr to withdraw the country's top diplomats from Canada after the Canadian goverment missed the May 15 deadline to take back 69 shipping containers full of trash. Lean Daval Jr

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Warring Rabats end feud after polls

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t was a scene most residents of Mati City longed to see and it �inally came on Friday, May 17.

Mayor-elect Michelle N. Rabat hugged cousin re-elected Vice-Mayor Glenda Rabat-Gayta before their supporters after the two met following their proclamation as winners in Mati City’s hotly-contested elections involving three members of the Rabat family for the city’s top two posts.

Michelle Rabat won over re-electionist cousin Carlo Luis P. Rabat to regain the post she lost to the latter in 2013. Michelle amassed 34,596 votes while the third term-seeking Carlo had 31,958 votes.

Glenda, meantime, won her third term by defeating city councilor Gingging Tiago with 32,279 votes against the latter’s 31,892.

Michelle’s two other brothers Eric and Louie also won in Monday’s elections. Eric won a council seat while Louie was re-elected to another term as Provin-

cial Board member.

After conceding to his cousin Michelle, Carlo released an of�icial statement congratulating his rival and asked Matinians to support the new administration.

“I am asking my supporters and all Matinians to support the administration of Mayor Michelle Rabat,” he said.

He also asked the Mayor-elect to support Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat in her programs for the city of Mati.

FAMILY FEUD The story of the Rabats transcended beyond family and political feud. It has also caused an ugly divide among Matinians in a city known as a Rabat country.

Michell, Eric and Louie are siblings from the family of the late former Governor and Mayor Francisco “Paking” Rabat and former Assemblywoman Edith Nakpil-Rabat. Glenda is the daughter of the late former Mayor Benito and former Vice Mayor Baby Rabat. Carlo is a son of the late former

Separated by political and family bickerings, cousins Michelle Rabat (facing camera) and Glenda Rabat Gayta (back to the camera) lock each other in an emotional embrace after the two met following their recent victories in the local elections

in Mati City. The comebacking Michelle won as Mayor defeating another cousin Carlo Luis Rabat, while Glenda was re-elected to a third Vice Mayoral term. Photo courtesy of Jing Cayacay-Rabat

Mati Mayor Luisito Rabat.

The three Rabats �igured in the past three local elections and this year was perhaps the most dramatic.

It all started when Mayor Carlo joined the coalition headed by Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang which led to the eventual separation of his teamup with Vice

days before the elections right after the Holy Week, Carlo was junked by his party for alleged junking by his supporters of Tiago in favor of Glenda. It resulted to Carlo ‘replaced’ by the party in favor of Michelle.

The last dozen days leading to the elections turned out to be the most tumultuous days of Mati City’s election

Mayor Glenda in favor of a new runningmate in Tiago which was the condition for his drafting in the party. Glenda decided to run on her own as an independent candidate. What looked like a Carlo-Glenda versus Michelle battle turned into a personal battle for each and everyone of them.

Then came the biggest twist. Exactly 12

history.

However, even the most heated family feud can be doused with cold water.

Carlo’s loss turned out to be the trigger to a long-sought-for reconciliation.

On Friday, Matinians woke up to a brand new day and they can only hope, it will be the start of a genuine reconciliation. (NJB)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

DOLE launches online marketing platform

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A vendor washes the ‘sago’ with water to make the color pop up which helps attract buyers at a makeshift stall at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

Personal remittances rise to P8.1 billion in Q1

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ersonal remittances from Overseas Filipinos (OFs) increased by 6.4 percent year-on-year to USD2.8 billion in March 2019 from USD2.6 billion in March 2018.

This brought the total remittances for the �irst quarter of 2019 to USD8.1 billion, higher by 3.7 percent compared to the USD7.8 billion posted in the same period last year, BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno announced in a statement on Wednesday.

The continued growth in personal remittances during the �irst three months of 2019 was driven by steady remittance in�lows from land-based

OF workers with work contracts of one year or more, which aggregated to USD6.2 billion, and compensation of sea-based workers and land-based workers with short-term contracts, which totaled USD1.7 billion.

Similarly, cash remittances from OFs coursed through banks in March 2019 amounted to USD2.5 billion, up by 6.6 percent year-on-year

from the USD2.4 billion recorded in March 2018.

Of the 6.6 percent growth in March 2019, 2.0, 1.7 and 1.2 percentage points were contributed by the United States (US), Singapore and the United Kingdom (UK), respectively.

On a cumulative basis, cash remittances for the �irst quarter rose to USD7.3 billion, 4.2 percent higher than the �irst quarter 2018 level of USD7 billion.

This growth was buoyed by the increase in remittances from both land-based (USD5.71

billion) and sea-based (USD1.58 billion) workers, which rose by 2.5 percent and 10.8 percent, respectively.

By country source, the US registered the highest share of overall remittances for the period at 35.1 percent. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, the UK, Japan, Canada, Qatar, Hong Kong, and Kuwait.

The combined remittances from these countries accounted for almost 78 percent of total cash remittances from January to March 2019. (PR)

DOE eyes 70% cap on power plants’ contracting capacity P ower producers in the Philippines will be required to have a 70-percent cap on their contracting capacities, likely by the third quarter of 2019, to ensure availability of buffer supply during times of need.

Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, in a briefing Wednesday, said they are now in talks with all stakeholders for this policy.

“Soon…(We can release the Circular) in three months,” he said.

The contracting capacity of a certain power plant is described as the portion of its expected total electricity output that can be sold in advance.

By limiting the amount of power that can be pre-sold to only 70 percent, the DOE is assured that there will be 30 percent electricity remaining to tap for emergencies.

Fuentebella explained that this measure is aimed at ensuring that reserve electricity is available to �ill a sudden power gap,

such as when a power plant shuts down temporarily.

“There’ll be no generator that will be a replacement every time.

We will distribute the replacement,” he said pointing out that the reserves can be sold through replacement power contracts or the spot market when reserves are low.

The DOE executive said this policy will cover new contracts, as well as those for renewal.

Currently, the Luzon grid is experienc-

ing yellow and sometimes red alerts due to low power reserves.

Fuentebella said the Energy Department is working to prevent this kind of situation in the future “that’s why we’re coming up with better policies.”

“Our experiences should push us to come up with better policies and we’re pushing the 70 percent cap so that our power plants won’t be strained so much and we would be able to address breakdowns,” he added. (PNA)

he Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) recently launched an online marketing platform to help informal sector workers and small business owners to sell their products using the internet.

The DOLE Livelihood Bene�iciaries Products Showcase (DLBPS) is a free online market platform developed and managed by the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), aims to enhance the selling and marketing capabilities of the bene�iciaries of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

In a statement, Labor & Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III said “We recognize the unique contribution of workers in the informal sector in the country. We want to improve their status of living, strengthen their enterprises and livelihood,

as well as to protect their rights as workers”.

According to DOLE Assistant Secretary Benjo Santos Benavidez, the ultimate agenda of the labor department is to transition the informal workers into the formal economy.

He added this is the reason why the department has envisioned the online marketing platform to help the livelihood bene�iciaries in selling their products.

“We want them to have a sustainable livelihood.

This is one of the tools we have developed to help them sell their products,” Benavidez said.

“In order to help improve their products and services, a product review is also featured in the online platform where buyers or customers can provide feedback or rate the marketed products,” Benavidez explained. (PIA InfoComm)

BSP cuts banks' reserve required ratio by 200 bps

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angko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policy-making Monetary Board (MB) on Thursday cut by 200 basis points the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) of universal and commercial banks’ (U/ KBs), down to 16 percent.

The cut, a decision made during the Board’s regular meeting, came exactly one week after the MB slashed the central bank’s key rates by 25 basis points due to the continued deceleration of in�lation, with the April �igure at 3 percent.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, in a phone message, said the RRR cut will be implemented in three stages, specifically 100 basis points

by May 31 and 50 basis points each by June 28 and July 26, 2019.

“For the other types of banks, the cut in RRR will considered in the next MB meeting,” he said.

Last year, the MB cut U/KBs’ RRR by a total of 200 basis points in line with the BSP’s bid to make monetary policy more market-based.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the 200 basis points cut in banks’ RRR is estimated to release about PHP190 billion in the system.

“Future moves will depend on future data of system liquidity and in�lation outlook,” he told PNA in a phone message.

Meanwhile, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa, in a research note, said this is now the right time to cut banks’ RRR since in�lation continues to post slower

growth and the domestic economy registered slower expansion of 5.6 percent in the �irst quarter of the year.

“The gradual reduction in RRR will de�initely help alleviate the current tight liquidity conditions and complements its (BSP’s) recent policy rate cut,” he said.

BSP data shows that domestic liquidity (M3) registered slower growth of 4.2 percent year-on-year last March from month-ago’s 7.1 percent.

Mapa said the RRR will address the slower M3 expansion.

“Deploying the appropriate tool to address speci�ic ailments was key in this round of decisions despite being tempted to deploy one tool to address all concerns,” he said.

The economist believes that Philippine monetary of�icials “will remain data-dependent and forward-looking as they look to safeguard price stability to achieve an environment conducive for economic growth.”

He explained that “moving forward, growth prospects appear to "point north" following the national budget's passage and all the more with slowing in�lation and the recent BSP easing seen to drive both consumption and capital formation.”

“But for now, after priming its “pacemaker” for growth, the BSP’s move for a “transfusion” was welcome as it complements its previous policy rate cut,” he said, as he forecasts a growth of between 6 to 7 percent for the Philippine economy this year. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

SUBURBIA RISING

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PDP Laban candidates of Tagum achieved a landslide victory during the 2019 midterm elections, with the party sweeping the posts from mayor to councilors. CIO Tagum

Midterm election in Tagum results in historic outcomes

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AGUM CITY—A new era of positive change and continuous development is expected to sweep this city with the proclamation of new city of�icials, with Mayor Allan Lopez Rellon securing a fresh mandate for his third and last term as the city’s local chief executive.

Tagum’s midterm elections resulted to historic outcomes.

The city paved the rise of the �irst woman head of the city’s legislative body with the election of Senior City Councilor Atty. Eva Lorraine Estabillo as Vice Mayor, who is expected to steer the legislative agenda of the Rellon administration in the incoming 8th City Council.

Both Rellon and Estabillo enjoyed wide margin against their opponents — Rellon defeating outgoing Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza with more than 70,000 lead (91,368 against 20,889), while Estabillo claimed supremacy in the vice mayoralty race by amassing 77,790 votes

against her rival Councilor Agripino Coquilla, Jr.’s 28,083 votes.

Local political observers are noting that this is among the biggest margin among competing candidates in Tagum’s recent history.

Tagum’s electorate also installed the youngest elected city councilor in the person of youth development advocate Alderson Rellon who placed second in the race to �ill the ten spots for the City Council.

Forming the 8thCity Council will be the following: Councilor Ester Angoy (67,324), Alderson Rellon (63,884), Councilor Ronald Eliot (62,538), rural health advocate Dr. Joel Padoran (60,701), Coun-

cilor Bong Bermudez (60,468), Councilor Joedel Caasi (54,313), Councilor Jan Dmitri Sator (53,016), Councilor Rey Cyril Alba (50,024), Barangay Kagawad Joseph Cabrera of Mankilam (47,997) and Magugpo North Barangay Captain Renante Robles (44,553).

Their group, forming what they coined as the Tagumpay Team, is expected to raise the ante for local governance with Mayor Rellon’s �lagship EAGLE WINGS Program — a feat made possible with PDP Laban clinching a 20-0 landslide victory in Tagum and the �irst congressional district of Davao del Norte — from the gubernatorial post up to the city councilors.

Tagumenyos gave considerable votes which paved the rise of Edwin Jubahib as governor-elect of the Province of Davao del Norte

partnered with former Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy as vice governor.

Former House Speaker Cong. Pantaleon Alvarez is poised to continue his position after enjoying a colossal margin against outgoing Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario as 1st district congressman.

Tagum’s known politicians also won big to �ill the posts of �irst district board members posts in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. They are Councilor Robert So, former Councilor Nickel Suaybaguio, Board Member Francisco Remitar, Magugpo Poblacion Barangay Capt.

Prospero Estabillo, Jr. and grassroots organizer Roger Laguna.

All elected leaders vowed to pursue development for both Tagum and Davao del Norte. Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum

DSPPO Provincial Director PCol. Alan B. Manibog led the activity which was highlighted by lectures and training on DENR programs and environmental law.

The DSPPO personnel and other participants in the municipality joined in the coastal clean-up activity at Sitio

Lawis, Brgy. Bato, after they took oath as new members of the “Kaligkasan” volunteers.

The “Kaligkasan” Volunteers Program was inspired by the Boracay and Manila Bay Coastal Clean up.

The other participating agencies were Davao del Sur Provincial

Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Army, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams Franklin Baker, and other volunteer groups. (DSPPO PIO)

DavSur PNP launches ‘Kaligkasan’ volunteer program in Santa Cruz

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TA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, (PIA) – The Davao del Sur Police Provincial Of�ice (DSPPO) launched the “Kaligkasan” (Kaligtasan at Kalikasan) Volunteers Program held early morning on Thursday (May 16) at the gymnasium of Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz.

Comelec proclaims D.Oriental winners

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AVAO ORIENTAL – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has of�icially proclaimed the new set of Provincial Government of�icials at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan earlier today.

Together with the members of their families, incumbent Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Vice Governor Niño Uy have been proclaimed winners for the same posts. The two of�icials, who were both unopposed, have garnered 188,884 and 166,467 votes, respectively.

The winners were proclaimed by the Provincial board of canvassers chaired

by Acting Provincial Election Supervisor of the COMELEC Sergio Manligoy Jr. Also proclaimed winners were First District Representative Corazon Malanyaon and Second District Repre-

sentative Joel Mayo Almario, who were also unopposed.

The new slate of Sangguniang Panlalawigan members were also proclaimed composed of the new and incumbent board members.

Winners for the First District are Nelson Dayanghirang, Jr., Dante Caubang, Nenette Palmera, Joselito Villademosa, and Laureano Taya. Victors from the Second District are Louie Rabat, Lito Macatabog, Lemuel Ian Larcia, Enrico Antopuesto, and Capistrano Ro�lo.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, in a message, thanked all those who supported him in the recently concluded elections.

He urged everyone to unite and look forward to more developments as he vowed to continue his grand plans for the province, especially those focused on infrastructure development and investments. PIO

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

EDITORIAL Address overvoting this early Losing 1.1 million votes to overvoting is a lot of votes gone to waste by technicality.

According to reports, out of the 45,659,724 who cast their votes in the senatorial race as of 95.11 percent of election returns transmitted, a total of 1,170,331 had ballots with overvotes, which meant that these were not counted by machines. Vote counting machines will only accept votes for senator if ovals next to names of up to 12 candidates were shaded, even if some positions were left vacant.

The overvoting scenario has been anticipated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) prior to the election day and the poll body said they were not negligent in reminding voters not to vote for more than the 12 allowed. As early as February, the Comelec has made the warning on overvoting. Excess votes for the overvoted position, it said, will be strayed. The national and local elections is fully automated

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pursuant to Republic Act 9369 or the Election Automation Law. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez explained that these votes were nulli�ied as vote counting machines (VCMs) are con�igured not to count them. A voter should only vote for 12 candidates based on the number of Senatorial slots up for grabs in Monday’s elections.

Although the Comelec admitted they have no data yet of the overvoting, it must look into the solutions to overvoting in the future.

While we have become fully automated, we cannot be at the mercy of technology and sacri�ice precious votes at the mere expense of technicality.

It is time for the Comelec to seek measures to either educate people on overvoting or come up with electronic solutions to the problem.

There is enough time for the next elections and this early, it must address the glitch before the numbers grow the next time around.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS IN SEAFARER’S CAUSE The results of the recent party-list election saw the changing of the guards for the Filipino seafaring industry as Marino replaced incumbent Angkla.

In previous elections, several sea-based groups attempted to gain slots in the House of Representatives through the party-list system.

Two parties run twice but failed to reach the required votes.

Maritime Party run in 2001 and 2004 while Seaman’s Party run in 2004 and 2007.

In 2010, three parties campaigned but failed to garner the required votes: Adhikaing Alay ng Marino sa Sambayanan (ALON) with 49,893 votes , Ang Kapisanan ng mga Seaman (AKSI) with 26,805, and United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) with 6,121 votes.

Angkla entered the political scene in 2013 competing for the slot with another group, Association of Marine Of�icer and Ratings, Inc (Amor Seaman). DIWA also carried the seafarers’ issues. Angkla , won a seat as it ranked 26th with its

360,138 votes while Amor Seaman lost as it ranked 111th for its 40,849 votes.

The 2016 election witnessed again the race between Angkla and Amor Seaman. As an incumbent, Angkla retained its seat but it’s ranking dropped to 32nd place with 337, 245 votes which is 22,893 votes lower than that in 2013. Marino made a debut ranking 79th place with 102,430 votes.

AMOR Seaman was in 87th place with its 68,226 votes.

During this year’s midterm election, Angkla’s popularity continued to slide down after occupying the 53rd slot for its 176,888 votes. This is lower by 160, 357 votes in 2016. As a consequence, Angkla came short of 6,000 votes to retain its seat in Congress for a third term.

The problem besetting the Standards of Training, Certi�ication, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers affected Angkla’s candidacy. The seafarers complained that the process for obtaining and renewing their license became more dif�icult when the functions

of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was transferred to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) by virtue of Angkla’s R.A. 10635. MARINA was designated as the Single Maritime Administration to implement the STCW. Angkla’s decline could likewise be attributed to the impression that it prioritize business matters rather than the basic seafarers’ issues. It is heavily supported by the groups of manning agencies as well as shipowners. Angkla was born in the boardroom with corporate genes.

It echoed the manning agencies in depicting lawyers assisting seafarers for their legal claims as ambulance chasers when it authored R. A. No. 10706 (Seafarers Protection Act).

It even �iled H.B. No. 5430 on February 2015 wherein the seafarer will wait for longer years before they receive the NLRC/NCMB award, mostly for cases involving monetary claims for disability and death bene�its, illegal dismissal as well as unpaid or underpayment of salaries

and wages The negative perception on Angkla led to the shift of seafarers’ support to Marino for this year’s election.

Marino waves a FivePoint priority: cadet scholarships, family centers, trainings, free legal services and decentralization.

Despite its high ranking (7th place) for its 659, 076 votes, Marino’s major challenge is to confront the questions raised on the quali�ication of its �irst three nominees who are not seafarers. It is backed by big-time Davao-based businesses and has close ties with the Dutertes.

Several groups have earlier called for the repeal or amendment of the party-list law as political dynasties and businessmen have “hijacked” the system, supposed to be a platform for representation of marginalized sectors. The rosters of party-list representatives in previous Congresses had been hit for being recycled lists of people already in power and those with business interest.

In a party-list elections,

it is the party-list organization as a whole that should be evaluated by the electorate, but it cannot be denied that the identity of the nominees remains a signi�icant reference for voters. Oftentimes, voters elect a partylist based on political ads without actually knowing it or its platform.

Preliminary reports noted that seafarer deployment hit 337,502 in 2018 with remittance reaching US$6,139,512,000. The Philippines is the biggest supplier of ratings, followed by China, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

MARINO must prove that it is worthy of the Filipino seafarers’ vote as their party-list representatives that will genuinely protect their interest and not that of capital to the prejudice of their labor rights. Otherwise, they will face the 2022 election with a bitter pill.

Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

COMELEC SNAFU The Filipino people have spoken, and so this cliché continues to be over-used.

Otso Diretso, in our local translation and spelling, is a corrupted translation of the Spanish Ocho Derecho.

How it evolved into a political strategy in the 2019 mid-term elections parlays how Filipinos think of their socio-political and economic situation (suffering, if you will).

As usual, ‘palpak na naman’ ang Comelec as it had previously inanely performed its electoral responsibility in the last three poll contests since the computerization law went into effect.

As I monitored the broadcast election coverage since the poll booths were opened to the time transmissions started pouring out of the Comelec server, the slow process and the ensuing delays exasperated the Filipino nation.

Wow, more than �ive

hours elapsed before new transmissions trickled in and suspicions that something �ishy was going on (again) did not escape the nosey nation.

Are Comelec of�icials accountable? To whom are they accountable?

Candidate Glen Chong (who lost in the just-concluded balloting) should have an explanation that will soothe our frayed nerves.

Is the “Dagdag-Bawas” syndrome still exists within the halls of Comelec?

I am inclined to believe so. And I would assume the entire Filipino electorate is thinking the same way.

These poll snafus (corrupted SDs, mal-functioning vote counting machines (VCMs) and other alibis) tell us in the face of the gross incompetence and inef�iciency of a constitutional body tasked to protect our most democratic institution.

As this deadline beater

had espoused in previous pieces, the Comelec, in existence since democratic elections were held in our country, should now – ideally speaking - be abolished and a new body with fresh faces installed.

Comelec is again profuse with promises that it will remedy the errors and will ensure the same will not be repeated. (Wasn’t this promise offered after severe glitches occurred in the 2010, 2013 and 2016 polls, Mr. Jimenez?

A nation that is now slowly but surely feeling the onset of REAL CHANGE should stay vigilant in preserving whatever little gains the people are now enjoying in terms of good governance and competent executive leadership.

From as far back as we remember, Filipinos have been subliminally fed with media spins that circumvent the truth. Alas, mainstream

media today are being observed to have allowed themselves to become tools of conspiracy by scrupulous sectors and funders aiming to topple the duly constituted authorities.

The nation has been continually kept groping in the dark as a tactical strategy to keep the people timid, ignorant and submissive.

Only when Rodrigo Roa Duterte was elected president did the entire country learn and was shaken off its stupor to realize how grave indeed is the problem of illegal drugs traf�icking.

For six long and painful years, the Filipinos did not hear a single, even monotonic whisper from ex-President Noynoy Aquino that shabu was already a dreadful menace, that drug bosses were already lording it over the barangays, that police generals were protectors of the drug cartel and that government of�icials were

either already in the payroll of drug lords or were themselves engaged in the illegal drugs trade.

Now this. Comelec, with its latest gross commissions in the conduct of the 2019 polls, has grievously aggravated the already tense political scenario with its boring alibis and lame excuses.

Will we continue to endure this stupid performance of a constitutionally-mandated function – election after election - by Comelec whose of�icials promptly receive taxpayers’ money for their huge salaries, compensation and allowances?

This is a total waste of taxpayers’ money!

ABOLISH THE COMELEC! ####### Prov.

5:21: “For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

‘Tibayanihan Crew’ to help rebuild their community in Marawi City

A

lmost two years after the liberation of Marawi City from ISIS-inspired terrorists in October 2017, evacuees from ground zero or the most affected area of the siege still remain displaced in transitional shelters and in other nearby towns. The problem of unemployment and the delay in rebuilding their homes continue to be a challenge.

Some evacuees face dif�iculties due to the open drainage in Area 1 Transitional Shelter in Sagonsongan, Marawi City.

“Our drainage here remain uncovered since the time it was constructed. We already documented 40 children who accidentally fell in the drain. Some were hospitalized while others were treated at home for minor injuries,” said Saripada L. Pacasum, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Of�icer of Lanao del Sur. Other stakeholders like government agencies and non-government organizations also face dif�iculties on how to solve the problem.

“There are a lot of needs.

Sometimes we get overwhelmed. But we are blessed because we have partners like Republic Cement. We are thinking of ways on how we can help the community and at the same time provide alternative source of livelihood,” said Reynaldo Anto-

nio D. Laguda, Executive Director of Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

TRAINING THE CREW To address these urgent needs, Republic Cement and PBSP partnered for the project called “Marawi Tibayanihan: Rebuilding Homes for a Stronger Marawi.”

“We are funding the project to train construction workers especially masons to make their work more safe and sound. We call them the Tibayanihan crew. Aside from providing income, we are also helping ensure the steady supply of cement. We are manufacturing a cement called Mindanao. This will be exclusively distributed for the rehabilitation of Marawi City,” said Renato C. Sunico, President of Republic Cement & Building Materials Inc. The Tibayanihan crew who were trained on carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical wiring, welding and masonry, will be engaged in the rehabilitation of homes in Barangays Bubonga and Raya Saduc and the covering of drainage in Area 1 Transitional Community.

“The project trained us on how to build stronger homes that are structurally sound and on how to be safe at work. They provided us personal protective equipment like hard hats, gloves, boots and shirts. I am hap-

py because I can now repair my house and my neighbors’ homes. Aside from helping, the project will provide an opportunity for us to earn for the services that we will render. We are also excited for TESDA certi�ication because it will prepare us for bigger construction projects” said Dimard Fahad, trained Tibayanihan crew from Barangay Raya Saduc, Marawi City.

“This is a good start for the Tibayanihan crew. The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) will take note of this.

Our Building and Reconstruction Team could possibly hire them in case we need more workers,” said Professor Mary Joy Yuson, Executive Assistant representing TFBM Assistant Secretary Felix Castro, Jr The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur also showed interest to help and include them in their pool of skilled workers.

“Tibayanihan came from two words. Tibay means strong. While bayanihan means helping each other.

In order to recover, we need to be durable in terms of our trust to others and our faith to Allah. We cannot do this alone. We need everyone’s help,” said Laguda.

“Helping our fellow Maranaos rebuild their lives redounds to building a stronger Republic,” adds Sunico.

May 13 mid-term elections.

He said Comelec should educate voters more on voting for only 12 candidates for senator, otherwise their votes will be invalid.

“I think the Comelec should do something about that. Kasi, biruin mo 1.1 million hindi mo mabibilang (Because just think about it, they’re 1.1 million votes that you won’t count),” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, Panelo also suggested the use of modern technology to allow voters to just press a button and immediately get to vote.

Not blind followers

As administration-backed candidates continue to dominate the senatorial race, Panelo assured that they will not become the President's blind followers.

“Nagkataon lang na malapit sila sa President. It doesn’t mean anything na ibig sabihin eh, sunud-sunuran sila (It’s only a coincidence they’re close to the President. It doesn’t mean anything that he says, they’ll follow),” Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, said that despite having more allies in the Senate, the passage of the President’s pri-

ority bills will still depend on the lawmakers.

“Well, that will depend again on the members of Congress. If they feel that they should pass it immediately, then they will,” Panelo said.

“You must remember that these two Houses are deliberative assemblies. So when you say deliberative, it means they will have to discuss, to deliberate the pros and the cons,” he added.

Panelo said he expects lawmakers to pass measures that will bene�it Filipinos despite their political af�iliations. (PNA)

the International Conference on the Future of Asia on May 30-31. This will be Duterte’s third visit to Japan since he assumed the presidency. He �irst visited Japan

in 2016 and again in 2017.

Lopez said during the conference, Duterte will be talking to the business sector, discussing the country’s gains including

the credit rating upgrade, the reforms that are expected to attract more investments as well as security and anti-corruption measures. (PNA)

"[Being the winningest program] is an added feature," said DLSU head coach Hans-Peter Smit. "I believe in myself, I believe in my staff, I know what I can do, I know what my girls can do, it's just that. They just had to prove it."

De La Salle also hauled in a number of individual awards, as Del Campo took home Rookie of the Year and Best Striker honors, �inishing the season with ten goals.

DLSU keeper Lacson came away with the Best

Goalkeeper Award, while the returning Sara Castañeda earned Best Mid�ielder and Most Valuable Player honors.

FEU's Hannah Pachejo was named Best Defender.

DLSU also took home the Fair Play Award.

37-15 �lurry that turned a 17-point de�icit into a �ivepoint lead before the period's end.

The Trail Blazers led by as many as seven in the �irst quarter, but it was in the

second period that they began dominating the game.

Portland led just 42-39 at the midpoint of the second quarter before Lillard and Seth Curry combined for 14 points in a 20-6 burst

that opened a 17-point advantage late in the half.

Lillard, who was scoreless for the game's �irst 20 minutes, �inished the half with 10. Portland led 65-50 at the break.

ELECTION... FROM 2

DUTERTE... FROM 2 DLSU... FROM 11

WARRIORS... FROM 11

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 18thth City Council 37 Regular Session Series of 2018 PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Bernard E. Al-ag - Presiding Officer Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Maria Belen S. Acosta Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos Councilor Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Carmelo J. Clarion Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor April Marie C. Dayap Councilor Jimmy G. Dureza Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor

Leah A. Librado-Yap Rene Elias C. Lopez Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Halila Y. Sudagar Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado IIII

ORDINANCE NO. 0556-18 Series of 2018 AN ORDINANCE RECOGNIZING THE RIGHT OF MUSLIM WOMEN TO WEAR HIJAB, NIQAB, OR BURQA IN SCHOOL CAMPUSES, WORKPLACES, COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND OTHER PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PREMISES AND PROHIBITING UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION AND UNREASONABLE RESTRICTION THEREOF AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THERETO Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “THE HIJAB ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE – The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote and protect the right, well-being and religious belief of Muslim women to wear hijab, niqab or burqa in school campuses, workplaces, commercial establishments and other private or public premises in the course of their formal education, employment, personal transactions, or practice of their profession in deference to the religious beliefs, customs and traditions of the Muslim community in Davao City.

SECTION 3. AUTHORITY AND BASIS – This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly: -ARTICLE 2, SECTION 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

-ARTICLE 2, SECTION 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

-ARTICLE 3, SECTION 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religion profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

Provisions of DepEd Order No. 32, “Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Students” and Ordinance No. 0417-12, Series of 2012, also known as “the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of Davao City” SECTION 4. SCOPE – This Ordinance shall apply to all Muslim women wearing hijab, niqab or burqa in Davao City.

PROVIDED, that this recognizes the right of every institution to promulgate rules, policies, and regulations for security and general protection. In line with the foregoing, the one wearing hijab, niqab or burqa shall cooperate to reasonable security measures, such as, submit themselves to a female security officer, or open/remove cover for facial recognition, when deemed necessary for checking upon entry to the premises of the establishments.

SECTION 5. DEFINITION OF TERMS – 1. Commercial Establishment – An establishment used for commercial purposes, such as, but not limited to, banks and financial institutions, public and private offices, shops, hotels, malls, restaurants, stores, supermarkets, and other establishments with common business areas.

2. Hijab – This is a veil worn by Muslim women in public covering the head, shoulders, and chest of a woman; a religious obligation believed to protect women from being seen by men except by their closest male relatives. (see Appendix A) 3. Niqab – It is a face veil worn by Muslim women in public as religious obligation, almost similar to Hijab, but leaving only the eyes uncovered. (see Appendix A) 4. Burqa – An outer garment worn by Muslim women to cover themselves in public as religious deligation, which covers from head down to the body, including the entire face, with only a mesh screen allowing them to see. (see Appendix A) 5. Institution – This refers to an organization that regulates the school, business or workplace, whether public or private.

6. Premises – Generally an indoor or outdoor area, whether privately or publicly owned, to which the public has access such as, but not limited to, streets, highways, and the common areas of schools, hospitals, office buildings, transport facilities, and shops.

7. Transaction – This refers to any connections, business, trade, dealings, industries which a Muslim engages to.

ARTICLE II DECLARATION OF POLICY SECTION 6. PROHIBITED ACTS Hijab, Niqab or Burqa is a veil worn by Muslim women as a religious obligation covering them from head down to the body. It reinforces respect and chastity and maintains a decent and modest interaction between men and women.

It shall be unlawful for any person, group of persons, organization, or institution covered by this Ordinance to: a.) refuse a Muslim woman wearing hijab, niqab or burqa to enter the school campuses, workplace, commercial establishments and/or other private or public premises by reason of wearing hijab, niqab or burqa. b.) discourage a female student to wear hijab, niqab or burqa during school days, whether in their regular classes or in performing their extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, participating in celebrations, contests and sports; c.) discourage/prohibit the Muslim woman from wearing hijab, niqab or burqa in the performance of her job at the workplace or include it as a condition of work or ground for termination ARTICLE III IMPLEMENTATION SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTING BODY The Barangay Cultural Communities Affairs and Development under the Office of the City Mayor is hereby mandated to ensure faithful implementation of the provisions of this Ordinance. For this purpose, the aforesaid office shall perform the following: a.) To disseminate public information on the right of Muslim women to wear hijab, niqab or burqa in the school campuses, workplace, commercial establishments and other private or public premises in the courses of their activities, formal education, personal transactions, or practice of their profession in deference to the religious beliefs, customs and traditions of the Muslim community in Davao City; b.) To accept any complaints in violation of this Ordinance and to notify offender of such complaint/s; c.) To conduct mediation and conciliation proceeding between the complainants and the alleged violator/s preferably within seven working days upon receipt of the complaint; d.) To assist the offended party, upon its requests, in seeking remedy, issue recommendations and refer the complaint to appropriate body for purposes of formal investigation for violation of the instant ordinance.

SECTION 8. PENALTIES Any person who commits any of the prohibited acts or violates any provision of this Ordinance shall be criminally liable as follows: a.) First Offense – the offender shall be reprimanded by the Barangay Cultural Communities Affairs and Developmental under the Office of the City Mayor; b.) Second Offense – the Offender shall be penalized by a fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00); c.) Third Offense – the offender shall be penalized by a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) and/or imprisonment for twenty (20) days at the discretion of the Court.

SECTION 9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person on circumstance is declared unconstitutional or inconsistent with national laws, the unaffected provisions of this Ordinance, shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 10. REPEALING CLAUSE – Any Ordinance, local issuances or rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE - This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Davao and its posting for three (3) consecutive weeks at any conspicuous places at City Hall, and two (2) other conspicuous places within the City of Davao.

ENACTED, on the 2nd day of October 2018, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present, there being a quorum.

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

AYALA MALLS ABREEZA CELEBRATES BOTH MOMS AND MOTHER EARTH

AYALA MALLS observed Mother’s Day in a different way this year: by giving tribute not just to moms, but to the mother that’s common to all of us, Mother Earth. As environmental concerns continue to mount, Ayala Malls sought to honor this mother we all share that has nurtured us in ways we can never repay.

From May 9 to 12, Ayala Malls Abreeza held the sixth edition of its annual Mother’s Day expo, the Mompreneur Fair, which shines the spotlight on Davao’s enterprising moms. In keeping with the theme, many products showcased at this year’s fair were handcrafted, organic, or Earth-friendly. The participating mompreneurs also took part in a symbolic seedlingplanting gesture to kick off the fair.

Among the local enterprises that displayed their wares at the Mompreneur Fair were Hello Amber, Amavi, Sofia’s Homebaked Goodies, A Touch of Pink Events & Party Services, J Creations Davao, Confex & Co. Bakehouse, Polland, Nutrarich, Anita’s Garden, Davao Homeschool Mom-

Ayala Malls x Mommy Mundo Journey Box. preneurs, Borloloys, Xavi’s Notes & Crafts, Little Leuvy, Mia’s Catering & Partyholics, Takoen Nachos & Lemonades, Lemon Addicts, Spicy Kitchen, Baked by Joyce, Lourmon Garden, Dabawenyo Capsicum, Lamee Ann Ice Cream Candy and Pastil, One Earth Organics, I Love You Flowers, Crazy Nachos, and Chada.

From May 11 to 12, Ayala Malls Abreeza promoted women who champion the eco-friendly ways through ethical lifestyle. The May 11 the Kind Crafts Workshops, lineup featured a beauty and a series of talks and tutorials skin talk by One Earth Organby Davao mompreneurs and ics, a macramé-making work-

Ayala Malls Abreeza Kind Crafts Workshops.

Ayala Malls Abreeza Mompreneur Fair.

Ayala Malls Abreeza Mompreneur Fair Seedling-Planting. bead- and accessory-making with Lydia Smith and essential oils with Carine Bacani of Southern Essentials.

Moms who celebrated Mother’s Day at Ayala Malls Abreeza got an exclusive surprise: the Ayala Malls x Mommy Mundo Journey Box. With a minimum same-day spend of P1,000 at any Abreeza restaurant on May 12, moms got to bring home this curated gift box containing goodies handpicked with the help of Mommy Mundo, the go-to resource and community for Filipina moms.

For inquiries and updates on Ayala Malls Abreeza news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332.

Stay updated by connecting shop by Anita Subido, and an with Ayala Malls Abreeza on ecobrick-making workshop Facebook (@AbreezaMall),

by Liezel Salera of JCI DuwalTwitter (@abreezatweets), and ing. The May 12 sessions had Instagram (@iloveabreezaguests learning about papermall).

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

Down and around

DOWNTOWN BANGKOK WHILE many may think of Bangkok as a place for shopping and vibrant street life, Thailand’s capital city is also its most storied and historic city with a history that goes back to the Ayuthaya Kingdom in the 15th century when it was first established as a trading post which eventually grew and became the capital during the Thonburi and Rattanakosin dynasties.

Although Bangkok’s climate is notoriously hot and humid, I decided to book a hop-on-hopoff city tour to explore a little bit more of the city core and experience a temple and palace run Bangkok style.

From the pick-up point at the Siam Paragon mall, the bus eventually made its way around the many districts of Bangkok. The English audio guide pointing out the different points of interest and the stories behind them. I was also free to hop off to explore an area of interest and hop on the bus to proceed on my tour.

Here are some of the places I hopped off to explore.

Chinatown Bangkok One of the oldest areas of Bangkok, Bangkok’s Chinatown is located along Yaowarat Road and its many surrounding roads. Chinatown’s Sam Peng Market is the main atrium of the area with many shops selling gold, garments, textiles, stationary, souvenirs, electronic goods, and antiques.

In the late afternoon and evening, Yaowarat Road transforms into a large “food street” that draws tourists and locals from all over the city.

Also located in Chinatown is the Wat Traimit Wittayaram, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, where a massive solid gold Buddha image is enshrined. The three storey pagoda housing the statue also contains a museum, the Chi-

natown Heritage centre, and an exhibition on the history of the Golden Buddha.

Temple running at Wat Pho One of Bangkok’s oldest temples, Wat Pho is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a mustdo for any visitor in Bangkok.

More of a complex of temples than just a single temple in itself, Wat Pho covers an area of 80,000 square meters and is home to more than one thousand Buddha images.

The temple grounds contain 91 small stupas, four great stupas, two belfries, a central shrine, a number of halls and other buildings such as pavilions, as well as gardens and a small temple museum.

Architecturally the chedis and buildings in the complex are different in style and sizes.

Each temple and hall of the Wat Pho complex is an architectural wonder in itself with elaborate details and Thai design.

The highlight of Wat Pho is the reclining Buddha. Fifteen meters high and 46 meters long from the top of the head to the soles of its feet, the reclining Buddha is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand.

I was absolutely awestruck by the size and scale of the image.

The Grand Palace If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it’s the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, the grand Palace is complex is the pinnacle of royal Thai architecture and design.

Within the palace complex are courtyards, halls and pavilions, and in one corner of the outer courtyard, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located.

Regarded as the most impor-

Multi-tiered roofs can be seen in many of Bangkok’s temples and palaces. tant Buddhist temple in Thaiis the current administrative land, its Buddha is carved from centre of Thailand as both the a single block of jade. country’s National Assemble The queues going into the and royal palace can be found palace complex though are here. long so one has to be patient.

One of the most iconic But the experience is truly buildings in the area is the Anworth the wait. anta Samakhom Throne Hall.

Built in 1907 to 1915 by Italian The Dusit district architects, Annibale Rigotti Located north of the Gand and Mario Tamagno in the Palace is the Dusit district. Es- Renaissance and neo-classical tablished by King Chulalongstyle, is was commissioned by korn, who wanted to escape King Chulalongkorn to serve the confines of Rattanakosin as a reception hall for use by Island where the old palace the royal court. grounds are located, the area Another iconic temple at

the Dusit district is the Wat Benchamabophit, also known as “the marble temple” or Wat Ben. Built at the end of the 19th century, the temple is made of imported Carrara marble from Italy. From the four majestic pillars of the entrance to the large courtyard, everything is made of gleaming white marble.

Bangkok is indeed a city of many stories. I do have to admit that I was not able to finish the entire circuit, maybe because the temperature of Bangkok was a scorching 38 degrees or it could be that the air-conditioned bus was just too comfortable. But this just means that I should go back to Bangkok to discover more of the city soon.

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 50 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 19-20, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Kapuso stars enjoy a fun trip with strangers for the ultimate ‘Summer Squad Goals’

On the steps of Wat Traimit Wittayaram.

THIS SUNDAY, join Ken Chan, Rita Daniela, Kiray Celis, and David Licauco as they go on a trip with complete strangers and experience one of their most exciting summer adventures in GMA News and Public Affairs’ “Summer Squad Goals”.

Ken and Rita, Kiray, and David join three different “joiner tour packages”—each with unique destination that is a current hit to thrill-seeking millennials.

A joiner tour is a vacation package where a traveler signs up to go on a trip with a random group of people. They are usually strangers who booked for the same travel dates. Such package offers cheap rates with the total expenses—including van rental, accommodation, food, and tours--divided among those availing of the offer.

Each group is composed of eight to twelve travelers. But here’s the twist: they do not know that Kapuso stars will be part of the group until the day of their departure.

One of the items in the itinerary this Sunday is the fast-becoming favorite destination Jomalig Island.

Join Chinito heartthrob David Licauco as he explores this island paradise in Quezon with his new

The lovable pair of Ken Chan and Rita Daniela will join a tri-city tour of Bicol covering Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon. found barkada. The six-hour boat famous destinations in Albay, ride to the place takes them to an Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon. island surrounded with gold and Bringing kilig to their group, Ken white sands and clear turquoise and Rita travel to Mayon Volcano waters. David’s experience gets where they can see the Cagsawa more memorable as one of the join- Ruins and join their co-travelers ers spring a wedding proposal to in riding an ATV. They also take his girlfriend during the trip. part in the extreme adventures of Love You Two’s Kiray, on the Camarines Sur Watersports Comother hand, joins a set of travelers plex (CWC), and lounge along the headed to Burias Group of Islands pink sand of Subic Pink Beach in in Masbate. The tour takes them Matnog, Sorsogon. to five islands boasting of white Along the journey will be insand beaches, crystal clear waters, teresting stories from the Kapuso and huge rock formations where stars and other backpackers who one can camp and relax with the crave for adventure and fun. waves—definitely worth that InstaThere’s no room for #FOMO gram post! this season so catch Summer Squad Finally, the #BoBrey love team— Goals on Sunday (May 19), 3:30 Ken and Rita—visits some of the p.m. on GMA 7.

Inside one of the outer halls of Wat Pho.

2018 MMFF blockbuster hits on Skycable Pay-Per-View

Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha.

Wat Ratchanadda and Loha Prasat.

TWO of the country’s biggest stars, Vice Ganda and Coco Martin, shake up the family’s summer TV viewing as SKYcable Pay-PerView airs their respective blockbuster MMFF movies, “Fantastica” and “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles.”

In this hit comedyfantasy, zany misadventures ensue when Belat (Vice), her mother Fec (Jaclyn Jose) and his brothers Daks (Ronnie Alonte), Pepe (Edward Barber) and Junjun (Donny Pangilinan), try to keep the family carnival business – “Perya Wurtzbach, the Happiest Place on Earth, The Universe, Rather” alive.

When Belat’s former best friend Dong Nam offers to buy the family business to save them from their troubles, she meets Prince (Richard Gutierrez) who will offer to help – but only after they find the missing princesses in the mystical

land of Fantastica.

Find out if Belat fulfills the mission and is able to bring the luster back to his carnival.

The “Fantastica” PayPer-View offer comes with other fresh 2018 movies “Sakaling Maging Tayo,” “Pamilya Blondina,” and “Paki” until May 31.

The action-comedy hit “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles,” meanwhile, brings Coco Martin, Vic Sotto, and Maine Mendoza together in a movie for the first time.

Police officer Popoy is retiring in a few months when he is paired with Jack (Coco). Unfortunately, the two often clash because of different views on what makes an ideal police officer. Things don’t go smoothly between Jack and Popoy’s daughter, Em, either as she finds him too arrogant. But the three soon set their differences aside

as they are tasked to work together on a mission—end the operations of drug lord Andrew (Arjo Atayde). As they try to solve the case, they discover some things about their past.

Catch Jack Em Popoy back-to-back with “Sec-

ond Coming” and “Three Words to Forever” from May 17 to 31.

Each SKYcable Pay-PerView bundle are available for only P99 for a 7-day access. To subscribe, call 3055456 or just visit mysky. com.ph/ppv

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VOL.11 VOL.12 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 650 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY MARCH 17-18, VOL.12 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY24-25, 19-20, 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 SUNDAY- MONDAY, MAY 12 -13,2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

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ZUBIRI

PACQUIAO

18TH CONGRESS... FROM 1 more votes.

In a privilege speech on August 3, 2011, Zubiri announced his resignation “because of these unfounded accusations against me, and this issue has systematically divided our nation and has cast doubts in our electoral system which has affected not only myself, this institution but the public as well.”

He said he resigned not

because the allegations were true or that he was already tired but because he wanted to defend his and his family’s “honor, integrity and dignity”.

Pimentel took his oath as Senator on August 12, 2011.

Unlike Zubiri and Pacquiao, Pimentel, Go and Dela Rosa entered the Senate race with no previous elective position. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

PIMENTEL

DELA ROSA

EDGE DAVAO

GO

NOW HIRING!!!

• REPORTERS • LAYOUT ARTISTS • ACCOUNTING CLERKS • DRIVER

Kindly address application letter ASAP to

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511

9

For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

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JED THE GEM Davao’s Diamante named UAAP best midfielder

Jed Ramos Diamante won the UAAP Best Midfielder award. Photo from Jed Diamante's FB account

D

espite losing the men's football title to rival Ateneo de Manila University, Davao boy and De La Salle University team captain Jed Diamante was awarded the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) best mid�ielder.

Diamante, a product of Ateneo de Davao University, is on his third year and �irst captainship for the Green Archers.

Diamante's teammate at De La Salle, Yoshi Koizumi bagged the Best Defender while University of Santo Tomas won the Fair Play award.

Meantime, Ateneo de Manila University rallied from a goal down to break the hearts of De La Salle University, 2-1, in a thrilling �inal of the UAAP Season 81 men's

football tournament on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The Green Archers appeared to be on their way to breaking a 21year title drought, after rookie Mohammad Almohjili put them ahead in the 77th minute.

But Jarvey Gayoso produced some magic late to force extra time for Ateneo. From a Luke Alleje assist, Gayoso netted a remarkable goal – his 12th of the season – early in stoppage time to allow the Blue Eagles to level.

Alleje was once again a factor in the go-ahead goal, �iring the cross that skipper Julian Roxas – one of three graduating Ateneo players -- headed in the 100th minute to give the Blue Eagles the lead.

It proved enough to secure Ateneo its second men's football title in three years, and its eighth overall.

Ateneo now also leads its men's football �inals head-to-head vs La Salle, 3-2, with the Katipunan-based side taking the last two meetings.

Gayoso went on to earn MVP honors for the second time in his career, while also claiming a fourth consecutive Best Striker award.

AJ Arcilla, who produced key saves for the Eagles in extra time, was named the Best Goalkeeper, while the Rookie of the Year honors went to Shanden Vergara of the Archers.

Aside from Roxas, Rupert Baña and Jeremiah Rocha ended their UAAP careers as champions.

Warriors take 2-0 lead

D

raymond Green lobbed to Kevon Looney for a go-ahead hoop with 52.9 seconds remaining, then converted a Stephen Curry assist into a layup of his own 40 seconds later, allowing the Golden State Warriors to outlast the Portland Trail Blazers for a 114-111 win Thursday night and 2-0 lead in the Western Conference �inals.

The best-of-seven moves to Portland for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday, respectively. Warriors standout Kevin Durant, who missed the �irst two games with a strained right calf, already has been ruled out of both Portland games and Wednesday's Game 5 back in Oakland, if it's necessary.

After trailing by as many as 17 points in the third quarter and by eight with just 4:28 to play, the top-seeded Warriors scored 14 of the game's �inal 17 points to sweep their opening two home games against the West's third-seeded club.

Green's lob to Looney came after Seth Curry had put Portland up 111-110 with a 3-pointer with 1:02 to go.

After CJ McCollum mis�ired with a chance to counter Looney's hoop, the Warriors converted at the other end on Stephen Curry's pass to Green for a three-point lead with 12.3 seconds to play.

Needing a 3-pointer to tie, Damian Lillard had the ball stripped by Andre

Iguodala while elevating for a desperation 28-foot attempt, sealing Golden State's win.

Stephen Curry had 37 points to lead the Warriors, who have lost just once in their last 11 playoff games against Portland.

Klay Thompson added 24 points, Green 16, Looney 14 and Jordan Bell 11 for Golden State, which shot 51.2 percent. Green also contributed 10 rebounds, seven assists and �ive blocks in the win.

Lillard had a 23-point, 10-assist double-double to lead the Trail Blazers, who shot 44.2 percent. McCollum �inished with 22 points, Seth Curry 16, and Maurice Harkless and Rodney Hood 12 apiece for Portland.

The Trail Blazers led 108-100 after a 3-pointer

by Meyers Leonard with 4:28 left before the Warriors scored 10 straight, the �inal three on three free throws by Stephen Curry with 2:01 to go.

Seth Curry countered that with his 3-pointer, setting up the frantic �inish.

Seemingly rejuvenated by getting a day off Wednesday -- after having been rushed into Game 1 in the wake of an emotional series win over Denver -- the Trail Blazers threatened to blow out the two-time defending champs, going up 67-50 in the �irst minute of the second half.

But the Warriors quickly rallied, getting 13 points from Thompson and 11 from Stephen Curry in a

WARRIORS, P8

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) goes up for a layup against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter of Game 2.

DLSU wins women's UAAP football crown

D

e La Salle University completed a women's football championship three-peat with a 2-0 win over Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 81 Women's Football Finals, Thursday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

It was a battle of the two winningest women's football programs, as both universities boasted ten women's football championships each.

In the opening frame, neither side gave way, as

both DLSU and FEU had their chances to score but ultimately could not convert as the match went into halftime with a 0-0 scoreline.

Captained by Dabawenya Kyra Dimaandal, DLSU enjoyed more chances, but FEU keeper Kimberly Pariña had her hand on a number of excellent saves.

The defending champions took over in the second half however, as Rocelle Mendaño gave the Lady Archers the lead in the 54th minute, scoring off a head-

er from a free kick.

The Lady Tamaraws would �ind the back of the net just moments later, unfortunately for the Diliman-based side, the shot was ruled offside.

Later on, FEU again had an opportunity to equalize, but this time it was keeper Natsha Lacson who stepped up in a big way as she was able to come up with a de�lection and then a save on the followup attempt.

With just ten minutes to go, rookie striker Alisha

Del Campo provided the �inishing blow as she raced past the FEU defenses and volleyed the ball over Pariña, who mis-timed her challenge and left the goal wide open.

FEU attempted to pull one back, but ultimately could not �ind the back of the net as DLSU went on to capture their third straight UAAP women's football title and their eleventh overall, making them the most successful UAAP women's football program.

DLSU, P8

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