Issuu

MINDANAO DAILY T H E P U RV E YO R O F T R U T H , J U S T I C E , A N D D E V E LO P M E N T

Volume VI, No. 240

Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com

Friday

March 17, 2017

P15.00

‘Coal is slowly but surely killing people’ Potential nationwide annual death toll from coal-related air pollution can soar to over twice its current estimated level unless the country already mainstreams renewable energy (RE) use instead of pollutive coal-fired power

plant (CFPP) operations. Greenpeace Southeast Asia climate and energy campaigner Reuben Muni warned about such possibility, noting studies estimated CFPPs’ current health impacts to be as high as 1,420 deaths already.

“Studies project such health impacts to reach a high 3,600 deaths,” he said Friday at a forum Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) spearheaded in Metro Manila. Data Muni presented during the forum that such

Army: Dozens of families flee homes as insurgents attack soldiers By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

CAGAYAN de Oro City-Almost a hundred families fled their homes after a group of armed insurgents believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) stormed a far-flung community in Barangay Hinimbangan, Kitcharao town in Agusan del Norte, the military said Thursday. According to the report provided by the Philippine

Army’s 4th Infantry Division to the media, the alleged NPA fighters fired at the soldiers from the 29th Infantry Battalion conducting development support and security operations in the village on Wednesday. “After three consecutive harassments conducted by the NPA in the barangay, a total of 357 civilians were forced to evacuate because of the threat posed by the said terror group,” said 2nd Lieutenant Ashley Mae del

Rosario, the battalion’s civilmilitary operations officer in a statement. Based on the testimonies of the villagers, del Rosario said the insurgents forced the school faculty to cancel their classes as some of them fired upon the houses in the community. The attack on both government forces and civilians in the area, said 29th IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Joy Aynera, See soldiers, page 7

deaths can be due to various ailments arising from people’s exposure to ozone and PM 2.5, a pollutive fine particulate matter CFPPs emit when burning coal for power production. Ozone exposure can See people, page 7

Bello halts labor-only contracting AFTER nine months of numerous dialogues and consultations with employers and workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has finally approved Department Order (DO) No. 174 on contracting and subcontracting on Thursday. In a press conference, Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III signed the new DO, which “prohibits laboronly contracting and specifies other illicit forms of employment arrangements.” “As one song goes, the wait is over. And yes, the long wait is indeed over. I have already See halts, page 7

side bar

Unmasking the truth behind ‘clean coal’ COAL is a highly polluting energy source. It emits much more carbon per unit of energy than oil, and natural gas. CO2 represents the major portion of greenhouse gases. It is, therefore, one of the leading contributors to climate change. From mine to sky, from extraction to combustion--coal pollutes every step of the way. The huge environmental and social costs associated with coal usage make it an expensive option for developing countries. From acid drainage from coal mines, polluting rivers and streams, to the release of mercury and other toxins when it is burned, as well as climate-destroying gases See clean, page 6

Earth, Venus, sun form row this month By Catherine J. Teves of PNA

Earth, Venus and the sun will line up in a straight row this month, staging anew the celestial event called “conjunction.” An inferior conjunction will happen on Saturday (March 25) as Venus will be between Earth and the sun at 6 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time) that day, noted astronomy section chief Dario

dela Cruz from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). “Earth and Venus will be on the same side of the sun during that conjunction,” he said. Venus will be in superior conjunction if this planet and Earth are on opposite sides of the sun when these three bodies line up in a straight row. See month, page 6

CEB opens two new routes, connects Visayas to Normin

ORO-TAGBILARAN FLIGHT. From right, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Boboy Sabal, Cebgo president and CEO Alexander Lao, and Katherine S. De Castro, undersecretary for Office of Public Affairs of the Depart of Tourism (DOT), spearhead the launching of the Cebu Pacific flight from Cagayan de Oro City to Tagbilaran City in the province of Bohol last Wednesday (March 15) at Laguindingan airport in Laguidingan town, Misamis Oriental. Photo by Gerry Lee Gorit for Mindanao Daily

THE Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), expanded its interregional route network with the addition of two new routes that will connect the Visayas to Northern Mindanao. Starting March 15, 2017, CEB will be flying four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) between Cagayan de Oro and

Tagbilaran; and three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) between the former and Bacolod. Both new routes to and from Cagayan de Oro will use the airline’s ATR aircraft. “We at CEB are very thrilled to begin flying to and from these destinations, said Alexander Lao, President and CEO of Cebgo, adding, “we believe that

these new routes will not only boost tourism, but also increase trade and productivity between the Visayas and Mindanao. Movement of goods between these islands will also be facilitated as CEB cargo services are also available in these new routes.” Lao said CEB is likewise optimistic that our See routes, page 6

MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE

Friday

March 17, 2017

Peace talks to improve tourism in Misor, Normin By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor

CAGAYAN de Oro City-Tourist visits in Northern Mindanao are seen to improve following the agreement to resume the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) in the Netherlands next month, Governor Yevgeny Vincente Bambi Emano

Green groups say ‘Give Lopez a chance, give Mother Earth a break’

Advocates and practitioners of zero waste resource management for a toxic-free future on Monday appealed to the members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) to give Gina Lopez a chance to officially lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Through a press statement issued before the scheduled CA meeting on Wednesday, the EcoWaste Coalition prodded the lawmakers to decide in favor of confirming Lopez as DENR Secretary. “We urge the CA to bestow upon her the task of leading and managing the DENR, the lead agency in charge of conserving and protecting the country’s environment, to ensure the sustainable use of our

Emano said Wednesday. Emano cited the gains attained by Misamis Oriental during the eight-month period since August last year until January 2017 when the peace talks between the government and NDF panel were ongoing. He said that tourist visits in Misamis Oriental, particularly the mountain climbers from other places, have

reportedly increased during the eight-month period. The provincial tourism office has also reported considerable bookings at various beach resorts and known tourist spots in Misamis Oriental since August last year until the peace talks were suspended in early February, Emano said. “The price of peace and stability is really an important

factor that drives prosperity and development in Misamis Oriental,” Emano said. He said that tourism is one of the flagship programs of his administration because “an active and progressive tourism industry perks up employment and infrastructure development.” According to Emano, the resumption of peace talks in Utrecht, The Netherlands,

in April is critical to the attainment of lasting peace in Misamis Oriental in particular and the country in general. “We hope that both the government and the NDF could reach a substantive agreement that that would lead to the cessation of hostilities between the government forces and the communist rebels,” Emano said.

natural resources for the benefit of the Filipino people today and the succeeding generations,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We support the decisive actions that she has taken so far to protect the country’s environment and natural resources against destructive mining activities. We are one with her in halting such activities that have ravaged our mountains and rivers, threatened the water systems and kept communities in abject poverty, while fattening the pockets of a few,” she added. “Let us all give Gina the chance to pursue her activism within the DENR. Things will go well for Newscasting tilt winners Mother Earth with her at Xavier Ateneo’s Donnabelle Lumasag emerges as the champion at the fourth ABS-CBN interschool newscasting competition. Right photo. DevCom junior the helm,” she stated. See give, page 6

Donnabelle Lumasag was emotional when the results came out, declaring her as the 4th ABS-CBN interschool newscasting champion and for being the first female to win the title. Photos supplied

XU DevCom junior victorious at interschool newscasting tilt

By Maria Monica Borja Contributor

A third-year Development Communication student of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan emerged as the champion in the college division of the fourth installment of the ABS-CBN interschool newscasting competition held Saturday, March 11. Donnabelle Lumasag bested other participants, who are taking various communication courses, from private and public universities and colleges in

Northern Mindanao. “To be honest, it was much unexpected and I wish I knew what exactly made me win this year’s competition but I really just gave it my all, enjoyed the experience, and entrusted everything to God,” she said. “I kept praying before the results came out, ‘Lord, I just don’t want to come home empty handed, I want an award, any award will do, to bring home to XU and for all my loved ones who supported me’ and God gave me more than I could ever ask for. Glory to God!”

According to Lumasag, it was her parents who have influenced her in developing a passion for newscasting. “When I was a kid, my mom and dad would insist on watching TV Patrol every night, when I always wanted to watch something else while eating dinner,” Lumasag recounted. “Growing up I became fascinated with news anchors, I actually took a communication course in college because my dream back then was to be the next Korina Sanchez. ... Now it feels like maybe, just

maybe, it’s really where I’m meant to be, like it’s what I was always meant to do,” she said. The competition covered three categories, namely, voice of the people (vox pop) campaign, news reading, and impromptu annotation before a crowd of hundreds at Centrio Ayala Mall. In the first round, each school representative was required to write three news articles for the three rounds English, Filipino, and Cebuano using the facts given to them. Donnabelle See tilt, page 6

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

In Focus

Friday, March 17, 2017

DOT: New flights to boost tourism in Northern Mindanao By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

CAGAYAN de Oro City-The influx of visitors to Northern Mindanao and is expected to increase as an airline company added two more flights connecting the region to two areas in Visayas that will bring in more people here, the tourism department said. Cebu Pacific has an-

nounced recently that it is now serving the Laguindingan-Bacolod and Laguindingan-Tagbilaran routes starting on Wednesday. May Salvaña-Unchuan, Department of Tourism-10 (DOT-10) regional director, said the decision of Cebu Pacific to add these new destinations will have a huge impact on the tourism and economic activities of Northern Mindanao and

other parts of the island. The opening of two more flights is timely, SalvañaUnchuan said, as DOT-10 is preparing new packages that will cater to the local and foreign tourists. She said attractions like golf, diving, and religious pilgrimages are sure to bring in more visitors to the region. Katherine de Castro, DOT undersecretary for

Filipinos lack access to water, electricity despite megadams IN commemoration of the International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Large Dams, Filipino groups opposed to large dams said that while megadams are supposed to supply cheap water and electricity to urban and rural communities nationwide, Philippine experience has proven otherwise. Indigenous peoples and support groups Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KATRIBU), Bigkas at Lakas ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Timog Katagalugan (BALATIK), Task Force for Indigenous People’s Rights (TFIP) and water rights advocate Water for the People Network (WPN) conducted a forum titled “Privatized Water: Profit over welfare” on Monday at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. In the forum, it was explained that Philippine megadams have been constructed in compliance with World Bank and other international financial institutions’ loan conditionalities under the structural adjustment program (SAP),

tourism advocacy and public affairs, said the additional flights will certainly enhance the region’s tourism sector. “If we are to boost our tourism industry, it is imperative to boost air connectivity, as well,” de Castro told reporters and officials during the press conference and inaugural of the new flights at the Laguindingan airport terminal in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, on Wednesday. DOT, she added, is pushing for the improvement of the infrastructures of the country’s airports to world standards in view of

the demand of the tourism industry. For his part, Cebu Pacific president and CEO Alexander Lao, said the additional flights they have opened will have many positive impact on the business community in Mindanao and Visayas. “We believe that these new routes will not only boost tourism, but also increase trade and productivity between Visayas and Mindanao. Movement of goods between these islands will also be facilitated at [Cebu Pacific] cargo services are also available in these new routes,” Lao said in a statement.

He added: “[Cebu Pacific] is likewise optimistic that our newest routes will encourage a number of tourists and businessmen from Tagbilaran and Bacolod to visit Mindanao more often with direct flights.” According to the airline firm, Cebu Pacific will be flying four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) between Laguindingan and Tagbilaran; and three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) between the former and Bacolod. Both new routes to and from Laguindingan will use the airline’s ATR aircraft.

ZONE 3, CROSSING HIGHWAY, TEAKWOOD HILLS, AGUSAN, CDOC

also known as neoliberal policies. In the Philippines, transnational corporations (TNCs) such as those from the United States, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Italy have reportedly amassed profits from their roles in constructing the country’s largest dams. According to the WPN, the SAP also saw the passage of the Energy and Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and the privatization of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) during the

Fidel Ramos administration. These policy decisions made it easier for the country’s richest including the Sy, Consunji, Ongpin, Cojuangco, Coyiuto, Aboitiz, Lopez and Alcantara families and Pangilinan group to diversify into the energy and water sectors as additional business opportunities. Consumers present in the forum attested that consequently power and water rates have increased manifold while farmers have to pay exorbitant

ROOMS VARIES FROM 350, 450, 550, 850 – FOR 12 HOURS WASH UP FOR ONLY 180 – WITH RESTAURANT ON THE GROUND FLOOR WITH FUNCTION ROOM FULLY AIRCONDITIONED. Tel No. 0883232924 Cel No. 09757142125 / 09172221445

summer SALE

UP TO 50% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED ITEMS

See WATER, page 6

R.E.R. Highway, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax. No. (088) 856-5763, Cel. No. 09268376542

WHOLESALE & RETAIL TENZEN CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED GRANITE TILE IMPORTED GRANITE SLAB EUROLUX LIGHTING OSRAM LIGHTING FIREFLY LIGHTING AKARI LIGHTING FOCUS LIGHTING TILE TRIM WASH BASIN PVC MOULDING

ROYALTERN WATERCLOSET HUIDA WATERCLOSET SUNLOT WATERCLOSET SOHO WATERCLOSET ROYU ELECTRICAL DEVICES ANAM ELECTRICAL DEVICES GLASS BLOCK PINLIGHT/CHANDELIER BATHROOM ACCESSORIES CONCRETE PAVERS SHOWER PANEL ABC ZEMCOAT

CONGRATULATIONS

To the New Fraternal Order of Eagles NMR-1 ASSEMBLYMAN

ROYALTERN BATH TUB AEROGAZ WATERHEATER ARISTON WATERHEATER FIRSTANK STAINLESS TANK RONDINA KITCHEN FAUCET RONDINA LAVATORY FAUCET STAINLESS KITCHEN SINK PRETTYDOOR PVC DOOR ABC TILE ADHESIVE ABC TILE GROUT PVC/BRASS STAIRNOSSING DOOR KNOB

Friday, March 17, 2017

Opinion

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone

The Striker The Mindanao Daily is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. It is Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735. With Business Plate No. BP-28984, Under Business License Certificate No. 2015-15224, BIR-TIN No. 464682-324-000. Main Business address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, 857-8447, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mails: Advertising:mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher and President TERESA ZAFRA PELONE Comptroller melanie rivera SAIRA E. GUMISING Advertising

felix santillan ZELOUNE SUDARIA Layout Artist

WEMALYN GARCIA Marketing

Rolando sudaria Production

manila marketing office 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City TEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 lani vallido Marketing and Sales Manager

MIJIE JUAT MAY IGLECIAS Account Executives

DAVAO booking OFFICE Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., CM Recto Ave., Davao City Office in Charge : SARA CASTOR, 0926-398-8293 Circulation : JOHN PAUL AQUINO, 0907-331-5640 ILIGAN OFFICE G/F IBJT North Terminal, Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City Office in Charge: SONNY SURDIA, 0916-349-7422

EDITORIAL ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief

ruel pelone Managing Editor

CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor

CHENG ORDOÑEZ (on leave) Associate Editor

MARK FRANCISCO Lifestyle Editor

gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist

GILBERT Y. CHAO Motoring Editor

Behind the curtains

SENATOR Tito Sotto was trying to prove himself that he is a good senator by saying during a senate hearing that 50 percent of Filipino drivers are stupid. I found this so cruel for Sotto to say it. I definitely don’t agree with him on his opinion. The fact is, some Land Transportation personnel asked for bribe money from driver applicants and in return give licenses indiscriminately without even giving them the necessary driving oral and written tests. Bribery in many government offices is so widespread even today that made our country one at the top for being a corrupt nation in whole Asia. Speaking of stupidity, I think the lower and upper house of congress have lots of stupid lawmakers. I beg to disagree to the advise of the United Nation to President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the war on drugs. In my opinion, the war on drugs must go on but just remove the killings because it is unlawful. The right way to do is arrest the suspects, charge them in court and let the flow of proceedings go on until they are either acquitted or convicted. Very simple, lawful and acceptable worldwide. In the Duterte administration, one cannot exercise his right to criticize the government or he is accused of destabilizing the government to put Duterte down. In some past administrations, one can be

PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor AL JACINTO Regional Editor-WestMin

RODRIGO B. SEVILLA Regional Editor-Davao

JOE PALABAO Feature Editor

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI

---------------------------------------------------------------

bureau and mktg staff candy macabale - 09161326483 RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 North Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0955-150-6602 VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 MARAMAG - roFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 tangub city - bobby mag usara OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 ARMM - Sony Sudaria-0947-4810371 cotabato - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 davao - tom a. caballero-09756023684 davao - tomas canoy avancena jr.-09177017010 davao del norte - sarah castor - 09263988293 digos city, dvo sur & kidapawan - romeo d. sanchez davao city - rene s. arias (Photo Journalist,) COMVAL PROVINCE AND DAV. OR. - Rhodel javier butuan - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 san frans - CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 San Francisco - deding PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 Pagadian City - GRACE FRANCISCO -0912-8484037 ZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO -09177103642 Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

a doctor, lawyer or even rebels, we must join hands against the forces of evils of drugs. We should support the campaign against drugs. The barangay officials know the terrain of their respective places and practically knew the drug addicts They are in fact the best people to be in the front line in our war against drug addictions. If they refuse to cooperate with the police, they become protectors and they too should be arrested for such crimes. I have been saying we cannot win this battle unless everyone cooperates. Barangay captains should not wait when the drug menace enters their homes and devour their children. Suicide becoming more rampant. In Cagayan de Oro and elsewhere many suicides took place. Earlier, a person was injured when he jumped into a railroad while a train was arriving. Few days ago, a man took his own life when he found out that his girlfriend has another man. I wish to say that suicide is not a crime against our laws unless we drive someone to his death. Absolutely, though, it is a great mortal sin before the eyes of God. Rabies, a deadly result due to dog bites is reportedly increasing this summer in the Philippines. To me the problem is not rabies but our government that allowed dogs to go astray or roam around every place. People unleashed their dogs to look for food. In short, they are self-supporting.

Ben Emata Jr.

In many cases, dogs are threatened by humans thus they bite indiscriminately. My solution is for our legislators to make laws that would prohibit owners of the animals to have their dogs go unattended. In America, Canada and European countries where I had been to, no dogs go around freely. Establish stiff penalty for violators. An urgent news report from my speed reporter which just came in, revealed that a government prosecutor was shot and critically wounded by still unidentified gunman in Surigao City. No police findings yet as the matter happened just hours earlier. President Duterte spoke on TV newscast that he allowed the Chinese ships including a warship to enter our waters to make surveys. My God why did he do that to a foreign nation? He said he did not want to destroy the good relation with the communists. The president was talking like a small child playing marbles. Now China knew when and where to fire its missiles or start reducing our country to powder. Duterte forgot the phrase “my loyalty to my friends ends, when my loyalty to my country begins.” (Ben Emata, founder Bennex News Service)

Agree or disagree

Paying gratitude is not at all times praiseworthy

JOE FELICILDA Editorial Consultant

NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Legal Counsel

tagged a communist. Still, in some cases one is paid by political enemies. This is just one clever style to stop people from saying a word against the administration. It is either funny or just foolish that the NPA wants peace with the government, but goes on with its ambushes. With this scenario peace can never be achieved. If the rebels want peace, they must come out with a clear conscience and clean hands and put away their fingers from the trigger of their weapons. They must surrender their weapons because they can be guilty of illegal possession of deadly firearms. They must come with sincerity and honesty in their heart and with the guidance of the Almighty Lord The war on drugs should involves every Filipino because this is everybody’s problem not just of the government. The effects of drug addictions have claimed the lives of many of our people more specifically the youths, For any barangay officials, therefore, to say they are not part of the campaign to wipe out drug addictions is plain ignorance. They need lectures and advise. Did anyone notice that I am so far away but I have been fighting drug addictions in our country? This is what I mean of everybody’s business and concern because destruction of drugs targets the future of our youth and the country in general. Whether you are a shoe shine boy, a jeepney driver a famer,

Demosthenes P. Maglasang Sr.

NO one is much hated than he who is at the side of the truth. Truth is so cruel for those who are propagating lies in order to promote their evil desires like conspiracy and wickedness against innocent persons. Not all of such devilish arrogance or doings will prosper in the end, but, instead, it will somehow put them in a disgraceful situation, the way on how the former city government officials are about to languish disgracefully or are now languishing in humiliation. Their violation of the procurement law that they may have advertently or inadvertently misinterpreted had compelled Atty. Dexter Sumaoy, city administrator, as concerned citizen for that matter, to file appropriate legal action against former City Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz, former City Vice Mayor Roderick Marzo

and members of the 15th City Council, which one of them was elected Congressman in the Lone District of Iligan City Frederick Siao, based on the provisions of Republic Act 3019. His accusations against them should not be construed as politically motivated, for he is not a politician and never will be perhaps in the future to be so. His only concerned was to put the City Government of Iligan in a proper context that is transparent government, free from political correctness, not under the curse by those who wanted to destroy it through corruption and incompetence. And irrespective of those who may have committed violations of the law, be it unknowingly or knowingly or carelessly, they should be punished accordingly in accordance with the penal provisions of the law that they have violated. Those previous Iligan

City elected public officials, from the city mayor down to city councilors, may have maintained the notion founded on the influence of relatives and friends, that paying gratitude then to one that they owed may somehow be considered as a divine collective action, thus clothed with virtues and moral compass, that deserves praises and thanks by the recipients of such gratitude, because said gratitude would in any way or in any manner profit the recipient(s). With that gratitude then that they paid, which they mistakenly presumed that they have already fled from the evil of men, which is ingratitude, have found the good instead of their collective action; bragging that none ever roared so loud against it, and truly they believe it; for they do not doubt that they who now speak out so lustfully, would not howl most splendidly.

The subject officials failed to take cognizance of the fact that their collective decision was devoid of legal appropriateness and punishable instead under the provisions of Republic Act 3019 that caught them flatfooted. It was perhaps with their optimistic presumption, based on their political experiences in the political arena, which they were being idolized by their constituents for many years hence, and, therefore, with the belief that it would always put them in the totem pole of unbroken success… then considered themselves as untouchables. But the reverse was true because their interpretation of the “procurement law” was erroneous, that put them instead in hot water. As a matter of fact, because of their being too optimistic on their collective interpretation of the “Procurement Law” See PAYING, page 7

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone

Forum

Friday, March 17, 2017

Advocates against capital punishment pin hopes on senators By ROY LAGARDE CBCP News

Advocates against the capital punishment are flexing their muscles as a tough battle for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature death penalty bill moves on to the arena of the Senate. Rodolfo Diamante, executive secretary of the CB CP Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, said there is no room complacency after the measure hurdled the Lower House in an overwhelming 216-24 vote. The prison ministr y together with a coalition of various group working against the reimposition of the death penalty began mapping out ideas Wednesday on how to win the battle at the Senate. Among the strategies is to talk to senators individually to lobby against the passage of the measure, especially to the 16 sena-

PRO-LIFE ADVOCATES. Thousands of rallyists carry placards during a “Walk

for Life” around the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to oppose the revival of the death penalty, February 18, 2017. Photo courtesy of Roy Lagarde

tors who were identified as either in favor or still undecided. “We might be able to get some of them…We just need to talk and appeal to them,” Diamante said.

The Anti-Death Penalty Task Force of the Free Legal Assistance Group of the Philippines (FLAG) already listed at least eight senators who openly signified that they will oppose the bill.

The list includes senators Bam Aquino, Leila de Lima, Franklin Drilon, Francis Escudero, Riza Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, and Antonio Trillanes.

On the other hand, the legislators in favor of the death penalty are Alan Peter Cayetano, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto, and Joel Villanueva. Based on the list, there are 10 lawmakers whose positions are still unknown. They are senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Nancy Binay, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Diamante said the list was based only on their previous positions, votes on abolition of capital punishment, recent public pronouncements, and on the assessment of the Task Force last June 2016. The prison ministr y official, who was among those who fought for the death penalty abolition in 1996, believes that some

of the 16 senators may still change their minds, especially those claiming to be pro-life. “For example, Sen. Sotto said before that he is prolife that’s why he is against the Reproductive Health bill. Another is Sen. Villar who is a member of the Couples for Christ,” he said. The House of Representatives on March 7 approved the death penalty bill, although it is limited to drug-related offenses only. But unlike in the Lower House, some senators said the measure is not their priority. The FLAG Anti-Death Penalty Task Force argued that the country cannot revive the death penalty because it would violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR ratified by the Senate.

MAJORITY of Philippine minerals are exported and mainly benefit foreign corporations, research group IBON said. While ensuring environmentally safe and responsible mining methods, the Duterte administration should also ban the exodus of the country’s raw minerals. These should instead be efficiently reserved for and utilized to support and develop the country’s key industries towards national industrialization, said the group. According to IBON, the Philippines is one of the most mineral-rich countries yet the majority of its minerals are exported. The country ranks 3rd in gold, 4th in copper, 5th in nickel and 6th in chromite. But government data shows that in 2015, total exports of minerals were equivalent to P127.3 billion, while gross production value was P179.7 billion (US$1=P45.50). This means that 71% of total mineral production was exported in that year, said the group. IBON noted that the Philippines primarily exports its minerals to countries in the Asian region. According to the World Bank World Integrated Trade Solution database, nearly 100% of the Philippines’ total world mineral exports (US$1.6 billion worth) went to the East Asia and Pacific in 2015. Among the top countries that the Philippines exported its minerals to were China

(US$847.6 million), Japan (US$448.7 million) and Korea (US$263.37 million). These countries that largely consume and benefit from Philippine mineral exports are also home to the world’s leading steelproducing firms, observed IBON. Among the World Steel Association’s list of top steel producers in 2015, next to ArcelorMittal, were Chinese companies Hesteel Group ranked 2nd, Baosteel 5th, Shagang Steel 6th and Ansteel group seventh. Japanese companies on the list were Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corporation ranked 3rd and JFE steel eighth. Meanwhile, Korean steel corporation, Posco, was ranked as the 4th top steel producer in the world. IBON said that mining has low value-added when minerals are exported in a raw or semi-processed state. Though mineral processing in itself constitutes a quantitatively small share of the economy, its contribution across industrial, agriculture and service sectors can be qualitatively significant if used to develop the country’s industries. Minerals like steel can be used extensively in construction, IBON said, while copper can be used in power infrastructure and electronic products. Minerals are also important in producing machinery that is used in manufacturing and agriculture. For instance,

PH minerals benefit foreigners not Filipinos

pro-lifers. A good number of next generation pro-lifers turned up in Baguio to pray for the Supreme Court’s final deliberations on the RH law on April 8, 2013. Photo courtesy of Raymond Bandril

Lawyer asks: How helpful is RH Law to mothers? By Fr. Mickey Cardenas CBCPNews

WITH a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC) still stifling the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RH Law), a lawyer questions whether

the controversial legislation is actually beneficial to mothers and children. “There is no mention about other provisions [in the law] such as providing obstetric and newborn care services, upgraded medical facilities and equipment and skilled health workers which would be highly beneficial

to the poor, the mothers and children and which should address infant and maternal mortality,” said Atty. Maria Concepcion Noche, president of the Alliance for the Family Foundation Philippines (ALFI), in an interview with CBCPNews. Attempts to overturn TRO

According to the lawyer, population control lobby groups backing Republic Act No. 10354 “have focused on contraception and access to modern family planning methods which are just one aspect of the RH Law.” “The Filipino people need to know the truth See mothers, page 7

See minerals, page 7

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone

Friday, March 17, 2017

Clean... from page 1

and fine particulates that wreak havoc on human health, COAL is unquestionably, a DIRTY BUSINESS. It is a major contributor to climate change - the biggest environmental threat we face. It is the most carbonintensive fossil fuel, emitting 29% more than oil, 80% more carbon dioxide (the main driver of climate change) per unit of energy than gas. Mercury is a particular problem. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), mercury and its compounds are highly toxic and pose a ‘global environmental threat to humans and wildlife.’ Coal-fired power and heat production are the largest single source of atmospheric mercury emissions. There are no commercially available technologies to prevent mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. “Clean coal” is the industry’s attempt to “clean up” its dirty image - the industry’s greenwash buzzword. It is not a new type of coal. “Clean coal” technology (CCT) refers to technologies intended to reduce pollution. But no coal-fired power plants are truly ‘clean’. “Clean coal” methods only move pollutants from one waste stream to another which are then still released into the environment. Any time coal is burnt, contaminants are released and they have to go somewhere. They can be released via the fly ash, the gaseous air emissions, water outflow or the ash left at the bottom after burning. Ultimately, they still end up polluting the environment. “Clean coal” methods only move pollutants from one waste stream to another. Communities after communities have lamented the hosting of coal-fired plants. They are often ignored due to governments’ preference for polluting power plants yet they often bear the burden of adversely altered lives. Despite over 10 years of research and $5.2 billion of investment in the US alone , scientists are still unable to make coal clean. The Australian government spends A$0.5 million annually to promote Australia’s ‘clean coal’ to the Asia Pacific region. “Clean coal” technologies are expensive and do nothing to mitigate the environmental effects of coal mining or the devastating effects of global warming. Furthermore, clean coal research risks diverting investment away from renewable energy, which is available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now. The first CCT programs were set up in the late 1980s in response to concerns over acid rain. The programs focused on reducing emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX), the primary causes of acid rain. Now the elu-

sive promise of “clean coal” technology is being used to promote coal as an energy source. A price worth paying? Many of the ‘clean coal’ technologies being promoted by the coal industry are still in the development stage and will take hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars and many more years before they are commercially available. “Clean coal” technologies are also extremely expensive in terms of day to day running costs. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates the capital costs of a typical IGCC plant (an experimental lowemission coal power station) to be US$1,383/kW, $2,088/ kW with carbon sequestration. This compares with US$1,015/kW for a typical wind farm. “Clean coal” is an attempt by the coal industry to try and make itself relevant in the age of renewables. Existing CCTs do nothing to mitigate the environmental effects of coal mining or the devastating effects of global warming. Coal is the dirtiest fuel there is and belongs in the past. Much higher emission cuts can be made using currently available natural gas, wind and modern biomass that are already in widespread use. Clean, inexpensive. This is where investment should be directed, rather than squandering valuable resources on a dirty dinosaur. Source: Greenpeace Asia

Routes... from page 1

newest routes will encourage a number of tourists and businessmen from Tagbilaran and Bacolod to visit Mindanao more often with direct flights. True to the Cebu Pacific commitment of making everyJuan fly, the new routes to and from Cagayan de Oro provide travellers with the best connectivity option from Bacolod and Tagbilaran to Northern Mindanao through direct flights, eliminating the need to pass through Manila or Cebu . CEB offers its lowest all-in one way year-round fare from Cagayan de Oro to Tagbilaran at P1,235 and from Cagayan de Oro to Bacolod at P1,806. CEB currently operates flights out of six strategically placed hubs in the country: Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Kalibo, and Iloilo. CEB enhances interisland connectivity within the country and across the globe with its 66 destinations with over 100 routes, spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA. The airline’s 59-strong fleet is comprised of four Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, seven Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500 aircraft and four ATR 72-600. For bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632)7020-888 or

(+6332)230-8888. The latest seat sales can be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@ CebuPacificAir) and Facebook (cebupacificairphilippines) pages. Guests may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.

Month... from page 1

Such position of Venus amid the sun’s glare make it difficult for observers on Earth to view this planet during conjunctions. According to Dario, Venus will be almost at the horizon already during the inferior conjunction this month. “It’ll be difficult to view Venus then,” he said. He said Venus will eventually disappear from view in the western sky amid the sun’s waning glare but can be seen again around dawn in the eastern sky the following day. Dario said conjunctions have no effect on the country’s weather. Neither do such events bring bad luck, he continued. “C o n j u n c t i o n s a r e normal celestial events as planets line up from time to time while orbiting the sun,” he said. Exp er ts said Venus makes its closest approach to Earth during an inferior conjunction, averaging then a distance of about 41 million kms. Such distance can get as close as 38 million kms but this happens rarely, they noted. They estimated Venus’ next inferior conjunction to be on October 26, 2018. (PNA)

Give... from page 2

At the same time, the group pledged to extend its cooperation and support to other essential environmental policies and programs that should be pursued by the DENR towards a truly green, zero waste and nontoxic economy. This will include the vigorous enforcement of R.A. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to safely manage society’s discards, reduce waste volume and toxicity, and spawn clean recycling-based livelihood jobs, as well as pull the plug on deceptive quick-fix disposal schemes that bury or burn waste resources. Under her watch, Lopez was able to, as reported to the CA, dismantle illegal structures in Laguna Lake, stopped ash spill in Bataan, shut down 50 illegal quarrying operations in Mt. Banahaw, and intensified law enforcement operations in “illegal logging hotspots.” “We remain hopeful that CA members would be able to go beyond their verbal appreciation of Gina’s passion to protect the environment. We urge them to stand by her in fulfilling such co-

lossal task by confirming her as DENR Secretary,” Lucero said. The EcoWaste Coalition has provided the CA with a copy of their statement of support for Gina’s confirmation signed by over 250 groups and individuals. (PNA/Xinhua)

Tilt...

from page 2

reported on “Gusto ko Matarung nga Pulis” campaign of the Philippine National Police - Region 10 in the English category; on the increasing number of HIV/ AIDS cases in Cagayan de Oro City in the Filipino category; and on the recent transport strike that occurred in the city in the Cebuano category. In the vox pop campaign category, Lumasag highlighted the “I am Mindanao” campaign which aims to address violent extremism in Mindanao through youth empowerment. In the final round, Lumasag battled against other contestants in a tough annotation where she reported on Claveria having been named as a restricted area due to the recent bloody encounter between the military and New People’s Army (NPA). Lumasag shared the challenges she went through to prepare for the competition and expressed her gratitude to the people who supported her to overcome them. “I was not confident in my writing skills; I knew I had to work on it a lot. Thankfully, a lot of people helped me. I couldn’t have done it without all of them and God, of course. However, amid the challenges, there is that person who inspired me, former ABSCBN interschool newscasting champion Adam Anay, who really helped me a lot,” Lumasag mused. Anay told Lumasag before the contest, “Dons, your biggest competition is not them, but yourself.” Moreover, religious Lumasag took pride on the lessons she has acquired from the competition. “The competition and the whole experience taught me to really just trust in God and at the same time believe in myself, that I can do everything through Him and that, I alone could not do it. My faith in God has strengthened ever since then,” she said. “I hope that this competition will open doors for more opportunities for me to improve my skills or perhaps this would lead me to an exciting career in the future,” Lumasag added. She also considers her victory as a way of empowering women in celebration of the National Women’s Month, having been chosen as the first female champion in the college division of the said newscasting tilt. “In male-dominated industries, such as in broadcasting journalism, I want to become an inspiration to other young women out

there. Pursue your dreams tion services as the National no matter how impossible Irrigation Authority (NIA) it may be,” Lumasag said. charges as high as eight cavans per hectare during the wet season and private irrigation systems charge from page 3 fees for irrigation. For even higher. There are 410 hydroinstance, basic water rates in Metro Manila served power projects currently by the Angat Dam have approved by the Departincreased by more than 500 ment of Energy and NIA times. In Caloocan, more that are situated in rivers than 100,000 residents are within indigenous people’s obliged by the Maynilad territories. Farmers and Water Systems Inc. (MWSI) indigenous peoples’ comto pay even while water sup- munities have been adversely ply remains unsteady. Power affected by megadams which rates in the Philippines are have caused massive floodamong the highest in Asia, ing, large-scale dislocation and environmental destrucclaimed the groups. Additionally, farmers tion. In light of this, the lamented that contrary to event participants vowed to a Water Code provision, ir- heighten their campaign not rigation often takes second only against large dams but priority to power genera- the Duterte administration’s tion as in the experience continued implementation of Cagayan Valley and Pan- of neoliberal policies that gasinan. Worse, they could includes the privatization of hardly afford existing irriga- water resources and services.

Water...

Health department: EO on smoke-free PH to be signed very soon By Leilani S. Junio of PNA

THE Department of Health (DOH) expects President Rodrigo Duterte to sign very soon the executive order (EO) on a nationwide ban on smoking in public places. In a media interview Thursday, Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial said she has been told by Palace officials that the EO, which has been at the Office of the President since last week, is already in the final stage of review and is ready for signing. “We are positive that it will come out anytime soon… Maybe within the week,” Ubial said, adding that she made the follow-up recently. The revised EO, she said, excludes the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes as they are not provided for in the law. The health chief said the President’s instruction was that the EO should be patterned after Davao City’s antismoking ordinance. Under the EO, smokers can only smoke in designated areas where the public could not be exposed to secondhand smoke, she explained. Ubial pointed out that the EO does not mention any particular penalty, as this will be determined by the local governments, which will be the ones to carry out the order. Meanwhile, anti-tobacco groups renewed their call for President Duterte to sign the EO as soon as possible or else risk more Filipinos getting sick with smokingrelated diseases. “The clock is ticking and we cannot afford to sit back and wait as new cancer cases are expected to occur in the Philippines if we don’t act now,” New Vois Association of the Philippines president Emer Rojas, a throat cancer survivor, said in a statement. Rojas, who was once a chain smoker, said having the EO on a smoke-free Philippines will not only save Filipinos against tobacco-induced illnesses but also reduce the prevalence of smoking in the country. “Strictly implemented smoke-free policies in other countries have proven to be successful in reducing the prevalence of smoking, especially among the youth,” said Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, program director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA). President Duterte has long been expected to sign the EO. He however sought more time to study the DOH draft as well as to “measure the resistance” to it. (PNA)

Mindanao Daily TARPS - STICKERS - EWS

tarpaulin sticker billboards

backlitfilm panaflex photopaper

881-0100

0935-1613398 mdntarps@gmail.com

www.mindanaodailynews.com

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

Paying... from page 4

and other relevant laws, as basis for their line of reasoning, in answer to the case at bar leveled against them that the Ombudsman had required them to reply on why they should not be penalized, would ultimately squash them instead from administrative and criminal liabilities. What they presumed to believe was that that they never did anything wrong nor commit any mistake whatsoever. In that premise then, they have devoted instead to a course which to them appear expedient, without knowing in the end, that after proper evaluation of their reply by the Ombudsman, it was indeed a gross violation of the procurement law, which they cannot do otherwise, but to face the consequences of their blunders that they have unwittingly or wittingly committed. Their carelessness have put them in a quagmire instead: perpetual disqualification from holding public office, coupled with criminal liability, which they have to defend their case at the Sandiganbayan, which could be too horrible to consider. In fact, the warrant of arrests against them have already been served, and what they did by now is to put bail bond for their temporary liberty. If during the litigation of their case, they failed to prove themselves innocents beyond reasonable doubt, unfortunately, they would also languish in jail much longer than that of the incarceration of City Mayor Celso G. Regencia, which, such a situation now, under the circumstances surrounding, would be their “KARMA.” It could be the aftermath of their cruel and devilish schemes that they did against City Mayor Celso G. Regencia, regarding his suspension order for six (6) months that they collectively conspired unreasonably even devoid of legal propriety pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 7160. That after complying the six (6) months period of suspension order, a fabricated accusations was filed by their master, former Congressman Vicente Belmonte, Jr., which they also collectively conspired that catapulted the City Mayor incarceration for more than one year. Because it was a fabricated accusations, the Department of Justice had issued a Resolution declaring him innocent, which was also supported by the Landmark decision of Judge Ferdinand C. Baylon of the Regional Trial Court, National Capital Region, Branch 77, Quezon City, exonerating him beyond reasonable doubt. Their paying of gratitude have been wrongly done, because it was devoid of legal appropriateness and logic pursuant to Republic Act 3019, which, in that instant then, have resulted instead

to experience the unexpected penitence and great sorrows that they would, without doubt, lament for the rest of their lives, that they will bring it to their graves. (City Information Staff, Office of the City Mayor, Iligan City).

Mothers... from page 5

– billions of tax-payers’ money is squandered on contraceptives that ruin life and health!” stressed No che, not ing s e vera l lobby groups’ repeated attempts to overturn the SC’s TRO. In Novemb er 2016, the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Population (POPCOM), and the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) launched a signature campaign aimed to gather 1 million signatures to push the RH Law. On March 9, a petition urging the SC to lift the TRO – claimed to be signed by 143,000 individuals – was presented in an RH Law forum organized by the lobby groups. Why a TRO? For the guidance of citizens the lawyer highlighted the following salient points of the SC’s TRO: The G over nment is mandated to protect human life at fertilization at all times from any harm, injury or death until implantation in the mother’s womb. (SC’s interpretation of Article II, section 12 of the Constitution). The SC has uncovered the attempt to open the floodgates to abortions thru the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the RH Law crafted by DOH that allow abortifacient drugs. The Supreme Court stopped that attempt by nullifying that IRR by a vote of 14-1 in its First Decision (April 8, 2014 Decision). The 47 contraceptive drugs and devices that have been re-certified by FDA -despite Opposition filed by ALFI with FDA- have abortifacient character. ALFI presented voluminous supporting documents which FDA totally ignored. FDA re-certified those drugs in secrecy without informing ALFI about the proceedings and basis of re-certification. As a consequence, these contraceptives continued to be sold to the public. All the 77 contraceptive drugs and devices in the FDA website exhibit a mechanism of action that causes abortion, as proven by pharmacological and scientific evidence which ALFI submitted to the SC. “The SC could not close its eyes to the foregoing; hence, the TRO was issued on June 17, 2015. In the second SC Decision on August 24, 2016 (on ALFI’s 2nd Petition), the TRO was affirmed and maintained,” Noche pointed out. “The SC has said the

Friday, March 17, 2017 RH Law is a population control measure, not a reproductive health measure,” stressed the lawyer. CBCPNews

Minerals... from page 5

automotive production on average requires 40-60 mineral-based components such as iron, steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, titanium, platinum and gold. Meanwhile, computer chips and most electronic products on the average have 60 mineralderived elements. IBON said that protecting the environment and communities from harmful and destructive largescale mining practices of big corporations is an initial positive step. At the same time, the government should also ensure that the country’s mineral resources will be saved and prioritized to truly benefit the Filipino people over corporate mining interests, and towards genuine national development.

People... from page 1

cause respiratory diseases in adults, data show. Exposure to PM 2.5 can cause lower respiratory infection in children and lead to either strokes,ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, other cardiovascular diseases or respiratory ailments in adults, the data show further. “PM 2.5 is smaller than a grain of sand but exposure to this air pollutant increases the risk for such diseases,” Muni said. Citing available literature, he said PM 2.5 remains inside the body where this pollutant wreaks havoc. Greenpeace warned that aside from PM 2.5 and other particulate matter, CFPPs also emit health-threatening sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and trace metals like mercury. Once in the air, Greenpeace said such pollutants can disperse and cause harm in areas beyond locations of CFPPs where these originated. “If one lives within 50 kms of a CFPP, that person is already exposed to PM 2.5 and other pollutants,” noted Muni. He said such exposure reduces life expectancy but breathing clean air will help people live longer. Coal-Free Bataan Movement (CFBM) continues calling for closure of CFPPs in Bataan province. Ash and other pollutans from those CFPPs are jeopardizing health of people there, noted CFBM coordinator Derek Cabe. She said there’s a new death march in Bataan and it’s one fueled by coal. “Coal is slowly but surely killing people there,” she said during the forum. Pictures Cabe presented during the forum show skin disease and other ailments already affected people particularly in Limay munici-

pality that’s reeling from an ash fall earlier. Limay folk link the ash fall to private coal-fired power production near their communities. Muni reiterated Greenpeace’s call for the country to break free from coal and instead shift to RE. RE is the clean and safe alternative, he noted. Shifting to RE is becoming increasingly viable as cost ofrenewables continues dipping, said Roberto Verzola, president of Center for Renewable Electricity Strategies. “Solar energy is already the cheapest source of electricity,” he said at the forum. He noted in the US, solar energy is already the second cheapest electricity source after wind energy which is another RE. HCWH-Asia Exec. Dir. Ramon San Pascual assured this group’s openness to partner with clean air advocates on increasing public awareness on air pollution. “We want people to understand coal’s health impacts,” he said at the forum. According to HCWH, air pollution alone caused seven million premature deaths worldwide in 2012. Air pollution is the top global environmental health risk and the culprit behind one in eight deaths around the world, HCWH noted. HCWH added air pollution is a risk factor “that kills more than twice as many people than malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis combined.” (PNA)

Soldiers... from page 1

is a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) “which is the only document that was duly signed by the [Philippine government and National Democratic Front] when they indiscriminately attacked the said community that caused the eventual and force evacuation of the people. Our troops were there to help the [local government unit] in identifying the needs of the community in order to alleviate their living condition.” What the armed group did, he added, was to sow fear among the people in the community, adding “rest assured that together with the [Philippine National Police] we will defend the community and will bring back the peace and order in the area.” Despite the incident, Aynera said, “We are still thankful that the people in that community still vows to fully support the development programs of the government especially that it will benefit their families. With this, the 29th Infantry Battalion will continue its efforts in solving the insurgency situation that hinders the peace and development in the area.”

Halts... from page 1

signed the Department Order of Contracting and Subcontracting superseding DOLE Department Order No. 18-A,” he said in his speech. Bello added that the order, reaffirms the Constitutional and statutory right to security of tenure of workers; applies to all parties in an agreement where employer-employee relationship exists; allows only permissible contracting and subcontracting as defined; re-enforces the rights of workers to labor standards, self-organization, collective bargaining and security of tenure and requires mandatory registration of contractors and subcontractors and provides clear procedures for cancellation of registration. Aside from labor-only contracting, DO 174 also bans, the principal to engage in “Cabo”; contracting out of job or work through an inhouse agency; contracting out of job or work through an in-house cooperative which merely supplies workers to the principal; contracting out of a job or work by reason of a strike or lockout whether actual or imminent; contracting out of a job or work wing performed by union members and such will interfere with, restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of their rights to self-organization as provided in Article 259 of the Labor Code, as amended. Likewise, the order prohibits requiring contractor’s/ subcontractor’s employees to perform functions which are currently being performed by the regular employees of the principals; requiring contractor’s/subcontractor’s employees to sign, as a precondition to employment or continued employment, an antedated resignation letter; a blank payroll; a waiver of labor standards including minimum wages and social or welfare benefits; or a quitclaim releasing the principal or contractor from liability as to payment of future claims; or require the employee to become member of a cooperative. It also prevents repeated hiring by the contractor/ subcontractor of employees under an employment contract of short duration; requiring employees under contracting/subcontracting arrangement to sign a

contract fixing the period of employment to a term shorter than the term of the Service Agreement, unless the contract is divisible into phases for which substantially different skills are required and this is made known to the employee at the fine of engagement and such other practices, schemes or employment arrangements designed to circumvent the right of workers to security of tenure. Cabo refers to a person or groups of persons or to a labor group which, under the guise of a labor organization, coopertaive or any entity, supplies workers to an employer, with or without any monetary or other consideration, whether in the capacity of an agent of the employer or as an ostensible independent contractor. Bello noted that DO 174 has shortened the validity of the certificate of registration of contractors and subcontractors from three years to two years and it also increased the registration fee from P25,000 to P100,000. At the same time, the DOLE chief explained that he has no power to prohibit all forms of contractualization and fixed employment, “This matter is a function of legislation.” “While he has quasilegislative power, the Secretary of Labor cannot, through rules and regulations, amend or supplant existing provisions of law (Labor Code),” he added. With this, Bello said that the DO will be useless, if it will not be honestly and effectively enforced, as he directed Undersecretaries Joel Maglungsod and Bernard Olalia to review the enforcement framework of labor laws and standards. “The Department would like to underscore though that a DO, however wellcrafted, loses its utility and purpose if not well-implemented,” he said. “Also, I have already requested the creation of 200 plantilla positions in addition to the existing pool of labor laws compliance officers. We will create regional inspection teams, to be supervised by Manglunsod and Olalia that directly report to the Office of the Secretary,” the DOLE chief furthered. The new DO will be effective 15 days after its publication. philippine news agency

GILBERT Y. CHAO - Motoring Editor

motoring

Friday

March 17, 2017

Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground starts today in Limketkai By MARK FRANCISCO

ONQUER the 20-foot thrill hill as Isuzu brings you the 4x4 Action Playground in Cagayan de Oro City starting today till the 19th at Limketkai Parking Lot D. The public will enjoy free admission also taking on the slip roller, articulation ramp and 40-degree transverse angle ramp. And while you’re at it, get 30 percent discounts on all Isuzu-supplied parts, lubes and accessories as well as 20 percent discounts on labor from March 17 to April 30 this year. Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground is expected to demonstrate the superior off-road

driving capabilities of Isuzu’s fourwheel drive models through a series of metal obstacles that simulate off-road

conditions like hills, ruts and mounds – all requiring a powerful engine, a robust transmission and a durable suspension. The event will highlight Isuzu’s unique superior features – its 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial and Hill Start Assist. The 4WD Terrain Command Select Dial allows drivers to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive Low mode by simply turning a knob. On the fly switching between twowheel and four-wheel drive High mode can be done even at speeds of up to 100kph. Low mode 4x4 can be selected at full stop to properly engage the transmission. On the other hand, Hill Start Assist prevents vehicles from rolling back when starting from a stop on the incline.