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
P15.00
Koko urges bar passers topnotchers, to go rural Volume VI, No. 277
Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com
By Omeng Maglangit
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES - Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Wednesday congratulated the country's 3,747 new lawyers and urged them to practice their profession in their home provinces so they could contribute to eco-
nomic development where it is needed most. Pimentel, who obtained his law degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law and topped the Bar in 1990, also lauded this year's bar topnotchers –– all of whom graduated from law schools outside Metro Manila. “This is historic, and
Friday
while I commiserate with my alma mater for not having produced a Bar topnotcher this year, I think this is a positive sign for legal education in the Philippines as a whole, as it will encourage more prospective law
May 5, 2017
students from Visayas and Mindanao to study closer to home,” said Pimentel, who was born in Cagayan De Oro. This year's Bar topnotcher is Karen Calam from the University of San
Carlos, Cebu, who obtained a score of 89.05%. She was followed by the product of another Visayan law school, Alanna Gayle Ashley Khio from Dumaguete City's Silliman University, who scored See urges, page 7
Xi’s talk with Duterte, a call for peace, stability DWFM as he highlighted the importance of the phone call between the two Asian leaders. “First of all, the President affirmed the friendship between Philippines and China as they exchanged views on regional and international developments,” he said. But more importantly, the Palace official said that Duterte took it upon himself to inform China about his grave concerns over recent developments in the Korean Peninsula. “Secondly, and this is very important, the President expressed concerns on the Korean Peninsula. This is a shared concern among ASEAN leaders and since the Philippines is this year’s chair, the President also took the in initiative to voice the concerns of ASEAN as well,” Abella said. He added that Duterte’s aim is to ensure peace in the region given the consequence of a Korean war to Southeast Asia. “The President really CLOUD 9 - Surfers showed their skills in maneuvering the big waves during the elimination rounds of the 9th emphasized on the need for Siargao International Surfing Women's Cup held at Cloud restraint in dealing with the Korean Peninsula. Players 9 in General Luna town in the scenic Siargao islands. MANILA- The phone conversation between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping was a call for peace and stability in
the region, Malacañang said Thursday. This was stressed by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella during a radio interview aired over
photo by hris v . panganiban
See call, page 7
Editorial: e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com • Advertising: e-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Contact: 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776
MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE
Friday
May 5, 2017
2
‘A sad day for the country,’ Mindanaoans say of Gina’s’ fate By Mindanews
DAVAO CITY -- “A sad day for the country,” was how Mindanawons described the Commission on Appointments’ rejection of the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez. “It’s a sad day for the country. Gina Lopez represents the aspirations of the poor who are directly or indirectly affected by man-made environmental degradation. It challenges us to question the sincerity of this administration to bring about genuine change. Obviously, unholy alliances, business interest, political power prevailed over the sense of social justice,” Fr. Raymond Ambray, parish priest of Lingig in Surigao del Sur said. But Ambray told MindaNews that everything is not lost. “They failed to quash the dreams of fisherfolk for abundant yields, or the farmers’ desire for enough water supply, or the IPs’ dream of self-determination.” He said the the rejection of Lopez “calls all the more for a unified, firm and sustained struggle to defend the integrity of the environment. We will continue to oppose mining industry’s selfish exploitation of our country’s natural resources.” Supporters of Lopez in Davao City staged a rally at the steps of the Roxas entrance of the Ateneo de Davao University’s Jacinto campus while a candlelighting ceremony was held at the Immaculate Conception Parish Quadrangle in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. “Feeling empty, depressed, shaken, angry! Totally machinated! I have no single thread of trust left in you. It was your (PDut) pocket or the environment – and your pocket won!” said Emma Hotchkiss, an environmentalist from Cantilan. “His will was done! Sorry Ms Gina Lopez. He did not want her,” Hotchkiss said. Dr. Joy Mirasol, Bukidnon State University Vice President for research and extension said she felt “sad because she can no longer pursue under her command programs that will promote social justice and reduce the suffering of the poor brought about by unsustainable natural resource extraction and practices.” Mirasol said she hopes See fate, page 7
Environmentalists in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur hold candle-lighting rites Wednesday to condemn the Commission on Appointments’ rejection of the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez. photo courtesy of CHRISTEL YPARRAGUIRRE
Members of the Ateneo de Davao Community and the Sustainable Davao Movement stage a protest rally at the steps of the Ateneo de Davao University’s Roxas Avenue entrance on Wednesday, 03 May 2016, to express their indignation over the Commission on Appointments’ rejection of the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez. photo courtesy of MONICA AYALA / Cycle for Life
China joins Duterte’s controversial drug war
As Duterte's drug war exhausts Philippine authorities, China has offered financial assistance to Manila. It may be good diplomacy, but it is unlikely to have a big effect on the ground. Amid the controversial and bloody nationwide drug war in the Philippines, China is providing the county a grant of $15 million (13.7 million euros), which will be used for drug rehabilitation and law enforcement. According to a statement released last week by the Philippine Department of Finance, the funds will be equally divided between the Department of Health
(DOH) for the construction of drug rehabilitation centers and various law enforcement agencies for the procurement of police equipment. Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial told DW that the DOH portion will go to the construction of two rehabilitation facilities in the southern Philippines. "It may also be used for technical exchange and training programs, as well as information and education programs," she added. The donation is part of a $9 billion pledge for public financing agreements from China made last October
during President Rodrigo Duterte's state visit to Beijing. The Philippines and China have had a longstanding feud over Beijing's sweeping claims over territories in the South China Sea. Duterte's state visit signaled a thawing in the relationship and ushered in a total of 12 government to government agreements that included rural and infrastructure development. Authorities are overwhelmed Rodrigo Duterte was catapulted to the presidency in July last year on a campaign promise to end
drug use and criminality. What Duterte lacked in crime fighting strategy, he made up for in fiery rhetoric loaded with threats to "kill drug users and dump them into the sea." Soon after Duterte was elected, dead bodies mummified in packaging tape and signed with a warning, "Drug addict. Don't be like me," turned up in ditches and dark corners. Fearful that they would be next, drug users surrendered en masse and already congested jails spilled over. Police data estimates that there have been 1.2 million people who surrendered
since the start of Duterte's crackdown on illegal drugs. Others signed up for drug rehabilitation, overwhelming the DOH. The Philippines has 48 drug rehabilitation facilities all over the country, but only about 50 medical personnel who are trained in addiction medicine. The DOH can only train 30 new people per month because of the rigors of the program. "Our goal is to have 2,500 municipal and city health officers trained in addiction medicine," said Ubial. "Right now there are about 35 undergoing training. When they graduate, we will have 85." Currently, an estimated 12,000 people in the Philippines are in some form of drug rehabilitation program. "The demand for treatment is outpacing the facilities. The intent is to quickly provide treatment through residential facilities," Dr. Gundo Weiler, the country director of the World Health Organization told DW. "However, it is difficult to get a clear picture on drug use numbers. It makes it difficult to assess the degree of drug dependence and the real demand for treatment," Weiler added. 'Mega' rehab centers In a recent press conference, law enforcement agencies and health officials claimed that the drug war See joins, page 7
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com
Friday, May 5, 2017
EastWest reports record performance, declares P500M cash dividends Pasig City — East West Banking Corporation (EastWest), one of the country’s fastest growing universal bank, held its annual stockholders’ meeting today and declared cash dividends amounting to P500 million or P0.33334 per share to stockholders. The bank also declared cash dividends last year that amounted to P400 million. President and CEO Antonio C. Moncupa Jr. reported on the bank’s performance and plans for the coming years, noting that the significant improvement in the company’s operating results starting last year affirms the efficacy of its business model and its expansion program in the last few years. The retail business transfer is aligned with Standard Chartered Bank’s global strategy to focus on retail markets where it has scale. Standard Chartered has been present in the Philippines for over 144 years, and is the oldest international bank in the country. It will continue to operate as a corporate bank and its clients will be serviced through a corporate branch located at 7/F Standard Chartered Building, 6788 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. According to Moncupa,
EastWest Bank President & CEO Antonio C. Moncupa Jr. answering questions from stockholders during the bank’s 2017 Annual Stockholders Meeting, with EastWest Chairman Jonathan Gotianun (right).
the bigger store network and manpower complement, up-to-date technology infrastructure and expanded product offerings all contributed in putting EastWest in a more competitive position. Last year, the bank also completed the transfer of the retail banking business of Standard Chartered Bank Philippines which included credit cards, personal loans, wealth management and retail deposits – a key step in the bank’s growth strategy and further enhances EastWest’s retail and consumer banking scale. The bank’s
focus now is to optimize its investments and improve operating leverage. “As our stores mature, we expect to narrow the gap with our competitors and go near the business levels of our benchmark banks particularly in deposits, business loans, and wealth management,” Moncupa added. More than half of EastWest’s store network have been operating for less than five years as they were opened during the bank’s store network expansion program that began in 2012. “We are very excited
with the growth prospects of the Bank especially since this means a lot of career opportunities for EWBankers as we further deepen and widen our executive bench. This is a natural consequence of the increasing breadth of our operations,” See reports, page 7
3
Congress to extend driver’s license validity The House committee on transportation chaired by Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento (1st District, Samar) created two technical working groups which will consolidate bills seeking to extend the validity of drivers’ licenses and to promote sustainable transportation systems. The panel named Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel (2nd District, Surigao del Sur) to head the TWG that will finetune the bills extending the validity of the drivers’ licenses to unburden the motoring public and ease congestion in the Land Transp or t at ion Of f ice (LTO). Sarmiento said the seven House bills seeking to extend the drivers’ license validity, from three years to five years, seek to streamline government transactions and address public complaints such as shortages of plastic cards, and legal issues surrounding the cards’ procurement, among others. The proposal is contained in House Bill 2542 authored by Pimentel, HB
2294 by Rep. Romeo M. Acop (2nd District, Antipolo City), HB 1952 by Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas), HB1996 by Rep. Angelina D.L. Tan (4th District, Quezon), HB 2152 by Rep. Enrico A. Pineda (Party-list, 1-PACMAN), HB 2817 by Rep. Estrellita B. Suansing (1st District, Nueva Ecija) and HB 4627 by Deputy Speaker Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. Pimentel and Acop explained their proposals are in line with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s directive to expedite the processes to address long queues, support the government’s anti-red tape campaign, and lessen irregularities still persisting during application or renewal of licenses at the LTO. “This will remove inefficiencies brought about by more frequent application for renewals due to the shorter validity of licenses. It will also allow LTO to focus on processing the requests of first time applicants,” See extend, page 6
4
Opinion
Friday, May 5, 2017
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
MANIFESTATIONS: TThe 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. 201703518, Under Business License Certificate No. 2017-02949, 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, 0917-7121424, 09478935776 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 ZHELONIE 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 SUDARIA, 0916-349-7422
EDITORIAL ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief
ruel pelone Managing Editor
Manifestation of Senator Loren Legardao n the Commission on Appointments’ Rejection of the Appointment of Hon. Regina Paz Lopez as Secretary of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources “Mr. President, it is unfortunate that we let pass an opportunity for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be led by someone who has the passion, integrity and political will to implement our environmental laws. We live in extraordinary times and we need an extraordinary kind of leadership. Our natural environment has been compromised in the name of development. Our biological diversity has been significantly reduced and the general health of our environment is conceded to the greed of some. Even more unfortunate is the fact that our ecosystems have been altered more rapidly for development programs but the poor have
would have been enough, but we have rules to follow. I just hope that the next DENR chief would also have the same passion and political will but would not suffer the same fate in the Commission on Appointments. Mr. President, I register my DISSENT to the Commission’s rejection of the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Regina Paz La’O Lopez.
For Risa: who, really, is insane among us Filipinos?
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… For the time will come when MARK FRANCISCO people will not put up with Lifestyle Editor sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they GILBERT Y. CHAO gerry lee gorit will gather around them a Motoring Editor Photo Journalist great number of teachers PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN to say what their itching Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor the truth and turn aside to myths…” (1 Timothy 4:3-4, AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA the Holy Bible). Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant -oooTHE UNTHINKABLE RODRIGO B. SEVILLA JOE PALABAO HA P P E N E D I N T H E Regional Editor-Davao Feature Editor 2016 BAR EXAMS: The ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI unthinkable in the country’s NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE annual bar examinations CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 has happened in the 2016 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY bar examinations. No law Legal Counsel student from the prestigious law schools in Metro Ma--------------------------------------------------------------nila managed to land even bureau and mktg staff
Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute
tures in Laguna Lake, and intensified operations in illegal logging hotspots in the country; while promoting sustainable economic alternatives such as ecotourism and renewable energy investments. Mr. President, In such a short time, in less than a year of service, Gina Lopez has already done a lot as DENR Secretary. She could have done so much more if we had given her the chance. I wish my support
KAKAMPI MO ANG BATAS
CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor
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 KORONADAL CITY-FREDIE SOLINAP-09557161873 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
remained poor. We do not realize that the things we want to gain and develop through the use of ecosystem services, are the very same things we lose due to exploitation and unsustainable use of our natural resources. When Gina Lopez was appointed Secretar y of Environment and Natural Resources, her mantra was “Without ecological integrity and social justice, we cannot have genuine, inclusive economic growth.” The DENR has partnered with six other agencies— Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Justice (DOJ), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)—to go after large-scale environmental offenders. Under her leadership, the DENR has undertaken an assessment of mining firms, closure of illegal quarrying operations in Mt. Banahaw, dismantling of illegal struc-
a single spot in the top ten list of highest scoring bar examinees, as students from the provinces took all of the top ten spots. Then, the number of passers from 2016 bar exams would appear to be another first in that, some 59 percent of the examinees passed. There were 6,344 who took the bar exams last year, and 3,747 of them passed, according to records released by the Supreme Court, through its 2016 bar chairman, Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. DZEC’s Vic Somintac forwarded the list of top 10 to me. Here are the top ten passers: Karen Mae Calam, University of San Carlos
(USC); Alanna Khio, Silliman University (SU); Fiona Lao, USC, tied with Athalia Liong, Andres Bonifacio College; Allana Babayen-on, University of San Agustin; Justin Morilla, Ateneo De Davao University; Mark Dave Camarao, Northwestern University; Anne Margaret Momongan, USC; Jefferson Gomez, USC; Nia Rachelle Gonzales, University of Batangas; Marie Chielo Ybio, SU; Andrew Stephen Liu, SU. -oooFOR RISA: WHO, REALLY, IS INSANE AMONG US FILIPINOS? Now, I am praying Sen. Risa Hontiveros can tell me: who, really, is insane and mentally deranged, or confused of
Atty. Batas Mauricio
mind among many Filipinos right now? I ask this to her because her pet bill about giving basic mental health assistance to Filipinos who are considered to have illness of the mind passed the Senate the other day, and would be forwarded to President Duterte for approval. The point really is, who are the insane hereabouts today? Are they not those whose minds have been darkened, weakened, and are rendered murderous and criminal because of See batas, page 7
COMMENTARY:
Wisdom of the Ants
By Gingging Avellanosa - Valle, of MindaViews
They’re small and insignificant, but mind you, you cannot be careless around them. These days one finds these little creatures anywhere. It has been said that the weight of all ants in the world is equal to the weight of all humans. Though of course there’s no scientific evidence that will support such claim, still, sometimes it can be unsettling to have them around our domicile, crawling in every nook and corner, and sometimes even
on our food if we are not careful in keeping keep them out. After all, they’re only doing their job. They come in all colors and sizes, though the toughest and meanest of them all are the “red fighters” who are supposedly the queen ant’s guards-in-waiting. If you happen to unknowingly step on any of their troop members or inadvertently stumble on their hill while they’re busy gathering food on a cloudy day and you carelessly stepped on their lot, you better brace for the harshest “resbak”.
At home we somehow managed to have a peaceful co-existence with these little creatures. It’s not that we like them around, but then one just has to put up with them at this time in summer, or at any time at all because then, they too have their place under the sun and we just can’t continue with having to try to exterminate them every time. Perhaps I have come to learn to respect their existence, having realized that no amount of wiping them away will eliminate them forever, simply because they
are very much a part of our world, like it or not. So very like a situation in our society where the small and the “weak” have bonded together to protect their interests against big, moneyed, corporate greed. Many people would agree that if the poor unites and fights back, it’s against the law of man. But we don’t have to go back to the stories of the Bible and how Jesus preached about Justice and love for the poor, out in the hills, and not in “synagogues” or in His time the See wisdom, page 7
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Aggie News
DA-10 conducts Infocar in MisOcc
Misamis Occidental – In coordination with the Provincial L o c a l G ove r n me nt Un i t ( P L G U ) , t h e Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) continues its undertaking to impart the right information in availing the programs, projects and services of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 (DARFO 10) together with its attached bureaus and agencies– fitting to its theme “Insaktong Imp ormasyon sa Agrikultura, Kaabag sa Mabungahong Pagpanguma.” The second leg of Information Caravan which was conducted in the province of Misamis Occidental on April 26-27, 2017 paved opportunity for the par ticipants to raise their queries and concerns. The two-day affair was done to accommodate the two districts in the province. The first day was allotted for district 2 which was conducted
Insaktong Impormasyon sa Agrikultura. DA-RFO 10 conducts a series of Information Caravan in the province of Misamis Occidental on April 26-27, 2017. This activity paved opportunity for farmers and fisherfolks to raise their queries and concerns regarding DA programs, projects and services offered to them to uplift their livelihood.
in Tudela, while the second day was for district 1 which took place in Oroquieta City. Participating agencies and bureaus were given ample time to present the status of programs and projects for Misamis Occidental and also to explain the process of availing these. Farmers and fisherfolks were constantly reminde d, as wel l,
of their active participation as the key to access the various assistances that the government offers to them. They were also advised to seek help from their LGUs. “Kita mismo nga mga mag-uuma ang nakabalo sa atong mga panginahanglan. Busa, kinahanglan usab nga mulihok kita kay dili ang gobyerno ang nakabalo sa unsay haom sa atong pagpanguma,”
R A F I S c h i e f Mar y Grace B. Sta Elena said. Misamis Occidental is the second of the five target provinces in the region to bevisited for the conduct of infocar 2017. The remaining three provinces are tentatively scheduled on May 9-11 for the province of Bukidnon, May 17-18 for Misamis Oriental, and May 24 for Camiguin. # (MTLugares, DA-RFO 10)
Friday, May 5, 2017
5
Layug sits as farmer-director for DA-10
The month of May is marked as the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month – acknowledging the invaluable contribution of Filipino farmers and fisherfolks as key players in food sustainability and economic growth in the country. In observance of this celebration, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in partnership with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) designated Professor Edgar D. Layug, the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC) Chairperson, as farmer-director of region 10 for the month of May. The designation of RAFC chairs as farmerdirectors in DA regional offices was fashioned after the fisherfolk-director of
the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Layug’s month-long occupancy as head of the agency entails duties and responsibilities which will include advocate support in DA activities, represent the Regional Director in various activities, conduct lectures on the implementations of DA programs, projects and services, conduct visitations to various facilities, among others. At the end of his term, Layug shall be asked to submit an accomplishment report which will also include his recommendations which he deemed beneficial for the easier access and faster delivery of DA interventions to its clients.# (MTLugares, DA-RFO 10)
DA-RFO 10 OIC-Regional Director Carlene C. Collado hands over the key of responsibility to Farmer-Director Edgardo D. Layug during a simple turnover ceremony on May 2, 2017 at the DA-RFO 10 compound. The designation of the RAFC chair as the farmer-director highlights the celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month.
6
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone
Friday, May 5, 2017
PH startup to revolutionize postal system The Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Singapore is working closely with four Filipinos from Cebu who are presently based in Singapore, to officially introduce Geopik, an app that will revolutionize the postal system in the Philippines. Filipinos Francisco Liwa, Ivan Lacuesta, Rodessa Padrigano and John Ryan Loyloy utilize the digital address system using geohashing
and geolocation technologies similar to that used by apps such as Waze or Google Maps. Geopik converts long addresses or the absence of house numbers which is common in the Philippines, into more exact, customizable and easy-to-remember single codes. The app reduces the hassle brought by additional information to the actual address such as “house with blue gate, in front of a mango tree” by simply converting addresses to simple
Extend...
HB 582 authored by Deputy Speaker Pia S. Cayetano, HB 1203 by Sarmiento, and HB 4992 by Rep. Tricia Nicole Q. Velasco-Catera (Partylist, MATA), which provide for sustainable transport systems and other modes of transport to improve the traffic situation, minimize air pollution, foster a healthier citizenry, and uphold the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. The most common suggestion under the bills is the use of the bicycle as an effective alternative mode of transportation. Separate bills were filed highlighting the use of the bicycle namely : HB 3954 by Velasco-Catera; HB 174 by Reps. Karlo Alexei Nograles (1st District, Davao City) and Jericho Jonas B. Nograles (Party-list, PBA), HB 263 by Villafuerte, HB 2276 by Rep. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco (Lone (Lone District, Marinduque), HB 2300 by Rep. Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City), HB 2983 by Rep. Michelle M. Antonio (Party-list, AGBIAG) and HB 4212 by Rep. Alfred D. Vargas (5th District, Quezon City). The lawmakers agreed on the need to encourage the use of the bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation by establishing the necessary infrastructure, bicycle lanes, bike-friendly communities, and a National Bicycle Program complemented with strict
from page 3
Pimentel said. Pending enactment of the proposal into law, Sarmiento reminded the LTO to make its licensing processes more stringent and to seriously test the quality of the drivers so that only those who have road safety knowledge get to ply the roads. LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said their agency fully supports the initiative and in fact, has done action to support the President’s pronouncement by issuing licenses valid for five years, starting last October 2016. Galvante also assured the committee that the examination and licensing procedures are presently under review to make them more accurate and appropriate for the different types of applicants and uses (i.e., for tricycles, jeepneys, buses, trucks, among others). While there is still a backlog in the issuance of plastic cards, he assured the agency expects to totally address said backlog by August. Meanwhile, the committee chose Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte (2nd District, Camarines Sur) to head the TWG that will consolidate all bills on sustainable transportation systems which aim to promote environmental protection and public health and safety. Up for consolidation are
See extend, page 7
digital codes. Seeing the inefficiency in the Philippines’ postal coding, the PH startup Geopik set out to offer a solution to ecommerce, logistics, and other location-dependent businesses. “It’s such a unique experience to help build something and be part of its growth from the very beginning. This is our way of taking charge of our future and making an impact back home in the process,” said GeoPik co-founder
John Loyloy. Aligned with the Philippine government’s thrust to develop an innovative entrepreneurial culture, DTI supports startups and helps strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the country through various initiatives such engaging startup entrepreneurs. In 2016, DTI launched the QBO Innovation Hub situated at the DTI International Building, Makati City. It is the first public-private innovation hub in the
Philippines that aims to provide support services to startup and innovation entrepreneurs. The DTI partners with incubator and accelerator Ideaspace Foundation, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and JP Morgan. In Singapore, parallel initiatives are being done by the PTIC led by Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda, who engages with the Filipino community by speaking at investment seminars and online
channels on entrepreneurship with the goal of providing more job opportunities for Filipinos. “Startups play a pivotal role in driving innovation and economic growth hence we are happy to help GeoPik reach out to decisionmakers and to potential users. We also look forward to work with more Filipino startups here in Singapore and the region and help them scale up,” said Commercial Counsellor Peñaranda.
PH eyes heightened economic partnership with Russia. The Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), recently (27 April) held a Philippines-Russia Business Forum at the Makati Diamond Residences aimed at involving the private sector from both countries in the program of activities lined up for the PH-RF Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC). The JCTEC serves as the primary platform to discuss means of enhancing trade and economic cooperation, to provide mechanisms in organizing consultations and official visits, and to serve as an avenue to conclude other economic agreements. DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group (TIPG) Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado highlighted the importance of the business forum in the blooming trade and economic relations between the two countries. The forum included business-to-business (B2B) sessions which allowed PH companies to discuss trade and investment opportunities with the 17-man Russian business delegation that attended the forum. DTI noted that Russian companies have keen interests in transport and infrastructure, aviation, mining, maritime zone control, export of engineering products and light master planning and energy efficiency consulting. Meanwhile, PH companies seek to pursue and promote opportunities for trade in food, high-value agricultural products, design-driven products, and IT-BPM; and for investments, infrastructure through public-private partnership (PPP), energy/oil and gas, manufacturing, and tourism. With PH-RF JCTEC, the Philippines hopes to increase economic opportunities with Russia. The business forum led by DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), and Board of Investments’ International Investment Promotions Service (BOI-IIPS) received immense support from business organizations such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), PH-Russia Business Council, and PH-Russia Business Assembly. Government representatives from the Russian Federation were also present during the forum. In photo (from left to right): DTI EMB Assistant Director Agnes Perpetua Legaspi, BOI-IIPS Director Angelica Cayas, Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev, DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado, Far East Investment and Export Agency Director Maxim Shakirov, and Embassy of Russian Federation First Secretary for Trade and Economic Cooperation Vladislav Mongush.supplied photo
ZONE 3, CROSSING HIGHWAY, TEAKWOOD HILLS, AGUSAN, CDOC
RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide
CNN Philippines Stations Nationwide
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
CNN Philippines TV-9 Manila CNN Philippines TV-12 Baguio CNN Philippines TV-12 Dagupan CNN Philippines TV-26 Tarlac CNN Philippines TV-10 Iriga CNN Philippines TV-4 Iloilo
CNN Philippines TV-8 Bacolod CNN Philippines TV-9 Cebu CNN Philippines TV-5 Cag. de Oro CNN Philippines TV-5 Zamboanga CNN Philippines TV-7 GenSan CNN Philippines TV-9 Davao
DZBS 1368 Baguio DZRL 639 Batac DZTG 621 Tuguegarao DZKI 1332 Iriga DYKW 936 Binalbagan DYKB 1404 Bacolod DYKC 675 Cebu DXKO 1368 Cagayan de Oro DXKS 1080 Surigao DXKD 1053 Dipolog DXKP 1377 Pagadian DXXX 1008 Zamboanga DXKT 1071 Davao DXDX 693 General Santos
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Urges... from page 1
88.95%. Getting the thirdhighest score were Fiona Cristy Lao of the University of San Carlos and Athalia Liong of Andres Bonifacio College, Dipolog City, who both scored 88.80%. Rounding up the list of Bar topnotchers are graduates from the University of San Agustin (Iloilo City), Ateneo De Davao University (Davao City), Northwestern University (Laoag City), and the University of Batangas (Batangas City). The University of San Carlos led all law schools with a total of four topnotchers, followed by Silliman University with three. “I believe that this year's Bar results highlight the fact that the Philippines is not Metro Manila alone, and that the best and the brightest of the country can be found in the provinces outside the capital,” said the senator from Mindanao. According to Pimentel, “this is a sign –– a sign that we really should focus on bringing development to the regions. And I believe our 3,747 new lawyers can help in this regard.” Pimentel said he was confident that with President Rodrigo Duterte's marching orders to focus on accelerating regional development, many of the country's new lawyers will have plenty of opportunities in their provinces. “While I recognize that at present most of the opportunities for lawyers can be found in Metro Manila, I encourage our new lawyers to look forward, give back to their home towns, and help the government bring progress and prosperity to their provinces.”
Call... from page 1
in the region should push for peace, not war,” he said. “In a sense, the call was basically for peace and stability in the region,” Abella said. Duterte and Xi’s phone call came four days after the President’s call with United States President Donald Trump which focused on North Korea. Prior to the Trump call, the Duterte said he would ask the US president to consider a more peaceful option. Last Saturday, President Duterte said the leaders of ASEAN are “extremely worried” over the evolving crisis brought about by the latest launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea and asked for prudence on the part of the United States and other stakeholders to spare ASEAN of the consequences of a possible showdown in the Korean Peninsula. (Cielito M. Reganit/PNA)
Fate... from page 2
the next Environment Secretary “will have the same or more courage and political will to implement environment laws.”
Roderico Bioco, President, Bukidnon Kaamulan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. said Lopez has passion and conviction “but that is not enough to run a government agency. She has to have command of the rule of law. Her insistence on Secretary’s prerogative might have caused her position.” Bishop Jose Cabantan of the Diocese of Malaybalay in Bukidnon said: “I am sad together with the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Mindanao. We had expressed our support for her as DENR Sec and her travails at the hands of the Commission on Appointments. It is really a loss in our struggle to promote and defend ecological justice as well as social justice.” “Nevertheless we should not stop in our task as stewards to promote integral ecology,” he said. Fr. Joel Tabora, President of the Ateneo de Davao University urged President Duterte “to reappoint Sec Gina for the sake of the environment and the common good” but since he cannot anymore, “then let him take over DENR,” he told MindaNews. On Facebook, Tabora wrote: “Let President Digong run the DENR himself as he’d originally intended. Gina Lopez can assist him! No need for a CA approval here!” Supporters of Lopez in Davao City, among them members of the Ateneo community and the Sustainable Davao Movement staged a lighting rally at the steps of the Roxas Avenue entrance in Davao City. “Shame on you CA,” “No Change in DENR,” “Gina is a gift,” “Where is Common Good?” were among the messages aired. Members of the Ateneo de Davao Community and the Sustainable Davao Movement stage a protest rally at the steps of the Ateneo de Davao University’s Roxas Avenue entrance on Wednesday, 03 May 2016, to express their indignation over the Commission on Appointments’ rejection of the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez. Photo courtesy of MONICA AYALA / Cycle for Life “We’ll continue the good fight of SecGina in protecting the environment. Thanks for those who joined the lightning rally. PRRD should either force a Supreme Court decision by insisting on his power to re-appoint or he takes over DENR and name SecGina as Undersecretary,” Romeo Cabarde, Director of the Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy Center. Fr. Rey Raluto, Academic Dean and Theology teacher at the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City said the rejection of Lopez was “a very sad and disappointing news.” He said environment advocates “lost a courageous
7
Friday, May 5, 2017 voice from above.” Raluto added that “the struggle for integral ecology must continue from below but it would be more difficult now without the DENR Secretary like Gina Lopez. It’s now like baking a ‘bibingka’ with only fire from below.” Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate expressed “grave disappointment,” calling the rejection “a blow in the fight against the plunder of our natural resources and protection of our environment.” “We hope that the Palace will appoint a successor that will also approximate if not exceed Secretary Gina’s ardent advocacy for the environment and no nonsense fight against destructive mining and corporate greed,” Zarate added. (Carolyn O. Arguillas and Walter Balane / MindaNews)
Joins... from page 2
was a success but admitted there was much that needed to be done. Drug use estimates in the Philippines have been opaque. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) estimates that there are 4.7 million drug users in the country. In his inaugural State of the Nation Address last July, Duterte stated that there were 3.7 million "drug addicts" in the Philippines. Government data relased before this indicated the number was half that. Part of the government's strategy is to build eight drug rehabilitation centers across the country. Two of these facilities will be constructed using the funds donated by China. In November, the government opened the country's first "mega drug rehabilitation center" at a military camp in Nueva Ecija located north of Manila. A Chinese real estate billionaire who once lived in Manila funded the construction of the center, which can reportedly accommodate 10,000 patients. To date, the center only has 227 patients. Cooperation with a rival Another problem is eliminating the sources of drugs. The PDEA identified Taiwanese and Chinese traffickers as top suppliers of "shabu" (methamphetamine) in the country. Isidro Lapeña, director general of the PDEA, sees a potential for cooperation. "China also has a problem with illegal drug traffickers in their country," Lapeña told DW. "Traffickers bring drugs to our country from China. Both our governments are working together to identify these targets." "It is not unusual for China to have security or economic cooperation agreements with neighbors, including South China Sea claimant states," political strategist Richard Heydarian told DW. "What is unusual is the Philippines engaging in what looks like full-fledged
strategic flirtation after years of mutual acrimony. This is a complete swing around from the previous administration's policy." "Nonetheless, Duterte is not exactly acquiescing to China. He just needs to tame his excessively flirtatious rhetoric," Heydarian added. Author: Ana P. Santos
Batas... from page 4
unabated illegal drugs use and abuse? Are they not also those who refuse to see that the only way to effectively fight illegal drugs which cause insanity is the way adopt The answer here is clear. Yet, Risa would like the fierce and deadly campaign to stamp out illegal drugs under the Duterte government stopped. With due respect, this to me is the height of hypocrisy, and, with due respect, insanity. She wants the mentally deranged to be helped, yet she does not want to eliminate the principal source of mental derangement, which is illegal drugs? Oh well… -oooINSANITY IS A CURSE FROM GOD: For whatever it is worth, I wish to reiterate that madness, confusion of mind, and insanity are ailments that have been prophesied or predicted to happen by the Bible. Under its Book of Curses, the Bible warns that, if people will no longer listen to, nor obey, the commands of God contained in the Bible, He will send many curses to the erring people. Among these curses are madness, confusion of mind, and insanity. It would seem to be clear from this, therefore, that whatever insanity or mental confusion Filipinos are suffering from right now would have to be addressed through measures that would also involve spirituality, not just the giving of the usual run-of-the-mill health assistance, as envisioned by the Hontiveros bill. I suggest therefore that Hontiveros and her supporters should endeavor to keep abreast somehow of what the Bible is saying on insanity and madness, and try to find a way to incorporate Biblical admonitions in her bill. Hopefully, she will see that incorporating a spiritual dimension in the campaign against insanity would also be an effective way of combatting illegal drugs, so that she could convince Duterte to try this spiritual way in his campaign, too? -oooWATCH “ANG TANGING DAAN”, “KAKAMPI MO ANG BATAS”, AT FB LIVE: Please watch “Ang Tanging Daan”, a round-the-clock Bible Exposition and prayer session at www.facebook. com/angtangingdaan; and “Kakampi Mo Ang Batas”, a legal counseling and news commentary program at www.facebook.com/kakampimoangbatas. Reactions:
0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 Other PWD and pedes0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: trian-related bills considered batasmauricio@yahoo.com. were HBs 168 by VelascoCatera and HB 5165 by Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate from page 4 (Party-list, Bayan Muna), of worships for the Jews (in requiring all traffic lights to our time in air-conditioned be equipped with audible traffic signals and push buttons, churches). The wisdom of the Ants and HB 2101 by Rep. Emi and other creatures that are G. Calixto-Rubiano (Lone living in colonies points to District, Pasay City), which the fact that when it comes defines pedestrian safety to protecting the interests guidelines. of the overall populace for Villafuerte was chosen to survival, and not only for head the TWG created which the satisfaction of a few, they will consolidate the bills on will fight to the death. This sustainable transportation kind of reaction is akin to systems, including promotion human instinct which, when of bikeways and walking. threatened or facing danger, Representatives from the humans naturally take up a different agencies invited to the hearing expressed full defensive stance. Never really one who support for these legislais religious to the point of tive initiatives and extended conservatism, but I believe their assistance to the TWG. some of our leaders, whether Among the agencies reprein government or so—called sented were the Department spiritual guardians some- of Transportation (DOTr), times overlook something Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), so vital to our existence. National leaders some- Metro Manila Development times tend to ignore the fact Authority (MMDA), Publicthat social injustices do exist, Private Partnership Center, choosing to close their eyes the Road Board, which reand ears to the realities of vealed the existence of funds the small people, the insig- for such programs in the nificant, the “scum of the motor vehicle user’s charge earth”, those who scrounge (MVUC) in their agency, for their daily survival, sleep National Council on Dison pavements and esteros, ability Affairs (NCDA), and lying their weary bodies on University of the Philippinescold cement having nothing Planades, among others. (30) CM to eat… It is more convenient for the haves to dismiss the protestation of the small workers from page 3 who demand for just wages, or Moncupa added. EastWest the farmers who are endlessly announced recently the tied to usurious practices of creation of a Deputy CEO landlords who have grabbed position to boost its top what little piece of land they executive rank. have, in the first place, for At the same meeting, all nine incumbent members of their big business. So then, when things the Board were re-elected: get to be too much to bear chairman Jonathan T. Gofor the little people and tianun; directors Mercedes they have no other choice T. Gotianun, Lourdes Jobut fight, they won’t care at sephine G. Yap, Wilson L. all if blame is heaped upon Sy, Antonio C. Moncupa them? What matters for these Jr; independent directors little people are family and Jose S. Sandejas, Carlos love and their dignity and R. Alindada, and Paul A. Aquino; and Atty. Benedicto humanity. They do not possess M. Valerio Jr. as corporate wealth or big business to secretary. protect, nor do they need NOTICE these things. And so there’s no other choice too for the NOTICE is hereby given that greedy but to accept that the estate of ARTURO LACSON in our society these people APIL, who died on December 21, 2011 at P-3A Ampayon, Butuan exist, like it or not. City, consisting of a parcel of land (MindaViews is the opin- (Lot 9, Block 14, of the subdivision ion section of MindaNews. plan (lrc) Psd-94486, being a porGingging Avellanosa-Valle tion of Lot 164, Butuan Cad., Q-88, Cad. Rec. No. 002), situated is a freelance writer who is a L.R.C. at Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City, social realist out to challenge covered by Transfer Certificate of ‘standard’ or common ideas Title No. RT-5413 of the records of with sometimes unsettling the Registrar of Deeds, Butuan City, containing an area of 216 square propositions). meters, more or less, including the
Wisdom...
Reports...
Extend... from page 6
implementation of regulations which provide for bicycle rights and the necessary funds for such purpose. The bills likewise seek the adoption of a sustainable transport action plan and promotion of a seamless transport network through systems such as the bus rapid transit (BRT) and the like to minimize environmental impact and address climate change, and ensure safety, accessibility and affordability to all, especially persons with disabilities (PWDs).
house erected thereon, is the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF ARTURO LACSON APIL WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS made and executed by deceased Arturo Lacson Apil’s only and compulsory successors/heirs namely, widow Jeana M. Apil, Arlene Monato Apil, Arturo Monato Apil, Jr., and Arnold Monato Apil, agreeing to settle, adjudicate, and divide among themselves aforesaid house and lot, and waiving, relinquishing, and transferring all their rights in favor of their mother, Jeana M. Apil, and that they are not anymore interested to claim each of their shares to the above-mentioned house and lot, per Doc. No. 120; Page No. 12; Book No. CCLXXXV; Series of 2017 of the Notarial Registry of Atty Richard L. Lamigo, Notary Public in the City of Butuan, Agusan del Norte. MDN: May 05, 12 & 19, 2017
8
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Friday, May 5, 2017
summer SALE
WANTED
UP TO 50% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED ITEMS
MARKETING OFFICER
R.E.R. Highway, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax. No. (088) 856-5763, Cel. No. 09268376542
• Preferably female, based in Davao City • good in oral and written communication • excellent in interpersonal skills/relations • can work with minimal supervisions • goal oriented • experience in the field and background in tri-media specially in newspaper marketing an advantage Send application letter and resume to: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com ATTN : MDN DAVAO MKTG
MINDANAO DAILY DAVAO/BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO Room 232. Dona Segunda Bldg (Imperial Hotel) Claveria St. Davao City
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