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2 new ambassadors, other appointees named

MALACANÃN PALACE on Monday, Jan. 29, announced President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s latest set of appointees, including two ambassadors and 10 directors.

The President signed the appointment papers of the following individuals last Wednesday, Jan. 24:

  • Ombra T. Jainal, extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Czech Republic
  • Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee, permanent representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland
  • Stanley C. Zambarrano, Director III of the Department of Finance (DoF)
  • Edward L. Cabase, director II of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Transportation (DoTr)
  • Wendell Martin A. Cabrera, Director IV of the Office of Participatory Governance (OPG), Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS)
  • Raquel R. Abrantes, Director III of Strategic Action and Response (STAR) Office, OCS
  • Marina C. De Guzman, Director II of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), DoF
  • Honorato D. Alzate, Director IV of Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).
  • Herminia C. Avila, member of the board of directors of North Luzon Railways Corp. (Northrail)
  • Eduardo S. Quintos IV, member of the board of directors of Northrail
  • Avelino M. Tayag, member of the board of directors of PNOC Exploration Corp.
  • Nanziancino M. Dilay, member of the board of directors of Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc. (PPPI). — Arjay L. Balinbin

Fearless farmers defy Mayon Volcano anger

AS BLISTERING lava spews from the seething volcano nearby, Philippine farmer Jay Balindang leads his buffalo through the ash-strewn paddy fields of the no-go zone, creeping closer to danger in a desperate bid to support his family.

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from around the erupting Mayon Volcano, as a white-hot cocktail of gas and volcanic debris streaks down its flanks, threatening local communities who rely on the fertile land at its base.

Fearing a significant eruption that could engulf whole swathes of the nearby land in burning rock and lava flows, authorities have cordoned-off a nine kilometer danger zone around Mayon.

But that has not stopped defiant farmers like Mr. Balindang from tending to crops and livestock that are a crucial part of their livelihoods.

Each day the father of eight leaves his children at a government evacuation center, sneaking past police as he returns to his small farm at the foot of the volcano to feed his precious “carabao” water buffalo.

“I am not afraid of the volcano. We are used to its activity,” the 37-year-old told AFP, at the edge of his rain-lashed rice fields, a few kilometers inside the danger zone.

Farmers make up around 10,000 of the 84,000 people displaced by the eruption of Mayon in Albay province, some 330 kilometers southeast of Manila.

The lush region is famous for its chili peppers, as well as less fiery crops like rice, corn and vegetables.

All are threatened by the volatile volcano, which has gushed molten lava and belched giant clouds of superheated ash since it began erupting two weeks ago.

Local authorities say that beyond the immediate damage to crops caused by the coating of smoldering embers, there are concerns that heavy rainfall could combine with ash and rock to form deadly, fast-moving mudflows that could sweep away entire settlements and block vital rivers.

“This is a new and daunting challenge to our agriculture workers who in the past had to cope with typhoons, landslides and floods,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said.

FARMING THE ‘RING OF FIRE’
Farmers are among the most vulnerable to the meteorological miseries that afflict the Philippines, which is hit by an average of 20 typhoons a year and is in the earthquake-prone volcanic belt around the Pacific known as the “Ring of Fire.”

The 2,460-meter Mayon has been both a blessing and a curse to the farmers living near its slopes for generations.

Volcanic ash can kill vegetation immediately after an eruption, but as it seeps into the ground it can also enrich the soil with minerals that sustain future crops.

“If the ash is thin, it would become a fertilizer but if the ash is thick it would mean farmers who had spent money a lot of money to plant the vegetables lose everything,” Renato U. Solidum, Jr., head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, told AFP.

Vegetable prices have already begun to soar in parts of Albay as the eruption hampers access to key crops.

“We are very famous for these dishes wherein the (taro) leaves are being grown just at the foot of Mount Mayon,” Elsa C. Maranan, chief of the Agriculture department’s local breeding station, told AFP.

“If all this will be destroyed then the production of our delicacies and the income of our farmers will be very much affected.”

DANGEROUS DASH
In a bid to stop farmers from slipping back to tend their own fields, local authorities have set up communal areas, where farmers can graze livestock on ash-free grass.

“We appeal to them not to be stubborn because they are putting the lives of our responders in danger,” Brigadier-General Arnulfo Matanguihan, head of a local task force for the eruption, told AFP.

But many still make a daily hazardous dash back to their own land.

Mr. Balindang said the choice was clear — if he ensures that his pigs, carabaos and cows are fed, then his family will also be assured of something to eat.

“It’s very difficult because I don’t know if we will have any rice left to harvest. For now, we have nothing,” he said. — AFP

Davao, Cebu business chambers zero in on tourism as economic drivers

BUSINESS CHAMBERS in two of the country’s major cities outside the capital Metro Manila are putting focus on the promotion of tourism as a driver for local economic development.

Arturo M. Milan, in his inaugural address as president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) last Friday, said they are looking at the promotion of tourism — alongside agriculture, manufacturing, and information and communications technology — for investments and job creation in the Davao Region.

“I believe these are the areas that will bring the most benefit for all of us and these are areas where we can excel because of the talents of our people and the natural resources that our region is blessed with,” Mr. Milan said.

He said key to the investment promotional campaign is a push for improved “people mobility and connectivity,” particularly sea and air linkages.

“Trade and exchange of goods and services must be pushed through better people mobility and connectivity. We need to lead the way in encouraging regional tourism among our neighboring countries by expanding international flights from and to Davao City,” he said.

Mr. Milan also vowed that DCCCII will make corporate social responsibility the “center of everything we do.”

“Business is not only about business but also giving back to the communities as part of business,” he said.

CEBU CHAMBER
In the Visayas, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will be mounting more projects for tourism and entrepreneurship this year, taking advantage of the promising indicators of these two sectors.

CCCI President Melanie C. Ng said the chamber will get more involved in tourism-related projects in Cebu initiated by either the government or the private sector.

“This is the time to act and be decisive,” Ms. Ng said.

She added that tourism also gives way for more Cebuanos to venture into entrepreneurship, noting that growth in tourism impacts on retail, food, and transportation, among other sectors.

CCCI will be providing assistance to entrepreneurs through trainings and other business know-how improvement activities.

Ms. Ng said their group and the Cebu Association of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS) already had initial discussions on how to maximize Cebu’s potential to make tourism its top economic driver. — Carmelito Q. Francisco and Ehda M. Dagooc/The Freeman

House bill on ATM scams approved on 2nd reading

THE House of Representatives has passed on second reading a bill seeking to impose stricter penalties on automated teller machine (ATM) hackers and scammers.

House Bill (HB) 6710, passed on second reading last Tuesday, Jan. 23, seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 and declare “fraudulent activities that ultimately undermine the trust of the public in the banking industry” as a form of economic sabotage and a heinous crime.

These offenses are deemed economic sabotage: hacking of a bank’s system; skimming 50 or more ATM cards; and acts affecting 50 or more online banking accounts, credit cards, ATM cards, and debit cards.

The measure raised the maximum sanction to life imprisonment and a fine of up to P5 million. The current law only imposes a penalty of P10,000 or twice the value obtained by the offender or imprisonment of 20 years at most.

Sought for comment about the bill, Land Bank of the Philippines president Alex V. Buenaventura said in a text message: “Stricter penalties are very timely [and] appropriate for ATM scammers.”

He added: “In fact, the penalties should be as punitive as those imposed on the crime of plunder.”

Also sought for comment, Bank of Philippine Islands executive vice-president Ramon L. Jocson said: “Safety and security of our clients’ accounts is always top priority. This development strengthens our own initiatives to ensure that untoward activities are minimized, if not eliminated.” — Minde Nyl R. Dela Cruz

Batang Pier ready even sans Terrence Romeo

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

WHILE they would rather have guard Terrence Romeo playing for them in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, still GlobalPort Batang Pier expressed their readiness to compete and go deeper in the tournament even sans the All-Star guard.

Out with a knee injury, there is no definite time yet on when Mr. Romeo would come back and play.

But instead of being hung up on the Romeo situation, GlobalPort (3-3) is forging ahead for now, squeezing everything they could draw out of what it has at its disposal.

“I don’t know when exactly Terrence will come back,” Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio admitted to members of media following their 107-88 victory over the Meralco Bolts last Sunday.

“When Terrence comes back we can adjust but just the same this team is ready and committed to see our cause through,” he added.

The Batang Pier showed what they are capable to do when collectively in synch when they dominated the Bolts in their last game.

Former Meralco players Jonathan Grey and Kelly Nabong led the way for GlobalPort in the win.

Mr. Grey topscored with 24 points while best-player-of-the-game Nabong had a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds to go along with three blocks.

Sean Anthony had 18 points while Stanley Pringle added 17 points, five rebounds and four assists.

The win allowed the Batang Pier to put themselves in joint fourth spot in the standings midway into the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) tournament.

“We don’t want to expect when Terrence would come back but until then we will just go all-out and compete and stay aggressive,” Mr. Jarencio said.

Bruno Mars surprises with Grammy sweep

NEW YORK — Bruno Mars, who has revived retro funk and R&B for a new generation, on Sunday completed a surprise sweep of the Grammys as the music world chose his party anthems in tumultuous times.

The industry seized on its annual gala to rally on behalf of the growing women’s movement against sexual harassment, with pop singer Kesha delivering a fierce performance about her own abuse story.

Mars won the night’s top prize, Album of the Year, for 24K Magic as well as Record of the Year, which recognizes top tune, for the title track — a 1980s-style R&B tale of good times with beautiful women.

The Recording Academy, the body of 13,000 music professionals, also gave him Song of the Year, which awards songwriting, for another track on the album — “That’s What I Like,” an old-school ode to making love in high style.

The 32-year-old singer, sporting a bright smile and sunglasses, recalled how he first performed as a child for tourists in his native Hawaii.

“I remember seeing it firsthand — people dancing that had never met each other from two sides of the globe, dancing with each other, toasting with each other, celebrating together,” he said.

“All I wanted to do with this album was that,” he told thousands of industry players at Madison Square Garden in New York, where the Grammys temporarily shifted after 15 years in Los Angeles.

ANTI-CLIMAX FOR RAP
Mars won all of the awards for which he was in the running on what had appeared to be a major night for hip-hop, which for the first time dominated nominations for the major categories.

But the industry either preferred Mars or the vote for rappers split.

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, who had led with eight nominations, ended the night empty-handed.

Kendrick Lamar for the second time swept all rap categories but failed to win the general prizes.

His five awards included Best Rap Album for DAMN., his turn to a classic hip-hop sound.

Lamar opened the televised gala with a frenetic show, spitting out his verses as he was joined by U2 frontman Bono amid a sea of kung fu-inspired dancers who later fell to the ground as if struck by bullets.

NO LONGER ‘PRETEND-WINNING’ IN SHOWER
Alessia Cara, who rose from making YouTube videos in her bedroom to becoming a socially conscious pop singer, won the closely watched award of Best New Artist.

The 21-year-old from suburban Toronto told the music industry’s gala, “I’ve been pretend-winning Grammys since I was a kid in my shower.”

“I just wanted to encourage everyone to support real music and real artists because everyone deserves the same shot,” Cara added.

Cara has quickly found her voice as a singer with singles such as “Here,” which describes the dread of forced emotions at a party, and “Scars to Your Beautiful,” a call for healthy body image.

RALLYING FOR WOMEN
Amid the growing attention to gender discrimination in the entertainment industry following revelations of sexual misconduct by Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, top stars — notably Lady Gaga — walked the red carpet wearing white roses in solidarity with abuse victims and in an appeal for equality.

Kesha — whose pleas to break a deal with her producer, whom she accused of rape, initially fell on deaf ears in the industry — sang her deeply personal song “Praying.”

Her face intense and her voice ferocious, Kesha sang the autobiographical lyrics: “After everything you’ve done / I can thank you for how strong I have become.”

A clutch of female vocalists including Cyndi Lauper offered her both symbolic and literal support, with Kesha embracing the group in a bear-hug as she finished.

Singer Janelle Monae, introducing Kesha, said that the music industry needed to address its own abuse problems.

“To those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words: Time’s Up!” Monae said, using a slogan for the movement launched on New Year’s Day by hundreds of prominent women in the entertainment industry.

The Grammys also featured a tribute to music fans killed in attacks in Las Vegas and Manchester last year with country stars Eric Church, Maren Morris, and Brothers Osbourne together performing Eric Clapton’s mournful “Tears in Heaven.”

TRUMP SKEWERED
The Grammys didn’t hold back from more light-hearted political commentary.

Noting President Donald Trump’s reported disdain for reading — and the Grammy award for spoken word — host James Corden introduced a video of famous names reciting from Fire and Fury: Inside The Trump White House, the sensational account of the tycoon-turned-president’s first year in office.

Musicians known for their criticism of Trump started reading from the book including John Legend, Cher and — smoking from his trademark joint — Snoop Dogg.

The video ends with Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump in the bitter 2016 election.

“The Grammy’s in the bag,” quips Clinton, whose confidence during her race against Trump proved ill-advised. — AFP

Ride-sharing quota for Metro Manila may rise

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it is considering an increase in the number of ride-sharing vehicles in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

In a statement, the DoTr said that Secretary Arthur P. Tugade ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to review certain provisions in the memorandum circular which limits the supply base of ride-sharing vehicles in Metro Manila. The LTFRB earlier this month capped at 45,000 the number of transport network company (TNC) vehicles in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Officials refer to this maximum number of vehicles as the common supply base.

The DoTr said that the agency and LTFRB will monitor in the next few weeks the number of booking requests, served and unserved, as well as other factors like number coding, number of working hours, and maintenance schedules. This is to “judiciously arrive” at an objective number for the common supply base.

“Most probably this number might be increased considering the stakeholders, and the riders,” Board Member Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada told reporters in a message.

LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra III said in an earlier statement the idea of a common base supply came from the transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operators and “dual citizen” drivers or those accredited in more than one TNC, adding that with the new order, TNCs are now “free to tap the supply” for their networks.

He noted that the ceiling of 45,000 for Metro Manila was determined in light of the churn rate, number of full-time and part-time TNVS drivers, peak and off-peak hours, number of bookings, and others. The LTFRB will review the number or the cap every three months.

“We assure you that should there be adjustments in the common supply base as a result of the review, the decision would be based on actual data from the different TNCs through DoTr study, and consultations with the public at large. Rest assured that while the DoTr and LTFRB continue to set fair standards, we shall, in the best way we can, exhaust all measures to meet the needs of the public in a platform of transparency, accountability, and good governance,” DoTr said in its statement. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo

More court justices speak up in Sereno impeachment case

THE HOUSE committee on justice resumed its hearings for finding of probable cause on the impeachment case against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno with members of the Supreme Court (SC) and the Court of Appeals (CA) in attendance. SC Associate Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro said that the members-in-charge were not able to immediately act on the survivorship claims because these were not included in the agenda and, therefore, they were not informed of their assignments. SC Associate Justice Mariano C. Del Castillo, on other hand, said that Administrative Order 233 s. 2008 allows the five highest government officials, including the chief justice, to avail of luxury vehicles for security purposes, but noted that Ms. Sereno was the first magistrate to do so. CA Associate Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr., meanwhile, admitted that Ms. Sereno did suggest that the three CA justices involved in the case of the “Ilocos 6” file a petition before the SC, and she told him that the “Supreme Court na ang bahala.”Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

Durable Roger Federer

MELBOURNE — Australian Open champion Roger Federer is set to continue defying Father Time after announcing he will return to defend his title next year, the Swiss said on Monday.

The 36-year-old notched up his 20th grand slam title and sixth at Melbourne Park on Sunday with a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Croatia’s Marin Cilic, but initially forgot to say whether or not he planned to defend the title.

“Yeah, I’d love to come back. I know I forgot to say that after the match,” a bleary-eyed Federer told reporters on Monday. “But I hope I come back again next year.”

Federer equaled the record of six Australian Open men’s titles, held by Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson, and emulated Ken Rosewall’s feat of claiming three grand slam titles after the age of 35.

His longevity has in part been put down to the careful management of his playing schedule.

Despite being fully fit, he skipped the entire claycourt season last year to concentrate on Wimbledon, a decision that paid off with his eighth title on the southwest London grass courts.

He reiterated on Monday that he would continue to manage his schedule tightly and despite being within sight of the world’s top ranking, a decision on whether or not his next tournament would be in Dubai in late February had yet to be made.

“We were in talks with them (Dubai organizers) but when the (Australian Open) tournament started, I just said ‘look, if it’s okay, I’d like to decide after the tournament,’” he said.

“That’s an ideal scenario for me. After the tournament, I’ll know how I feel… did I come out injured or not?

“So now we know what the situation is.

“I also have to decide on the claycourt season so all these things are kind of interlinked.

“But it’s possible I’ll play something, but it’s also possible that maybe I just don’t play anything (for a while).”

MORE SURREAL
Federer said he would make the decision about his schedule after spending some time with family at home in Switzerland, where he hoped the fact he had won the Australian Open title again would finally sink in.

“This year seems more surreal, I can’t believe I was able to defend my title after all these years, that I could do it again,” he said. “To reach number 20, number six here, it’s just a lot trying to take it in.

“Last year was a lot more straightforward, just disbelief that I won and there I was waking up with the trophy.

“But, I don’t know, this year feels more surreal. I can’t believe that I was able to defend my title, that after all these years I could do it again.

“It’s super special, one of the great moments in my career, and maybe this one is going to take longer to sink in.”

Age-defying Roger Federer says after winning his third Grand Slam title in a year he has no idea how long he will continue playing.

The 36-year-old Swiss marvel continues to defy the years and attrition rate, reaching his 30th Grand Slam decider and claiming his sixth Australian crown and 20th Grand Slam title.

Federer, who downed great rival Rafael Nadal in a classic five-set Australian final last year, eased through this year’s event with five of his seven matches finishing on or under two hours and he spent just a total of 13 hours and 53 minutes on court.

Asked after his Melbourne triumph how much longer he can continue at the summit of men’s tennis, he replied: “No idea. Honest, I don’t know. I have no idea.

“I’ve won three slams now in 12 months. I can’t believe it myself. I just got to keep a good schedule, stay hungry, then maybe good things can happen.”

Federer said his age didn’t come into it when questions were raised about his continuing longevity.

“I don’t think age is an issue, it’s just a number,” he said.

“But I need to be very careful in my planning, really decide beforehand what are my goals, what are my priorities.

“I think that’s what’s going to dictate how successful I will be.”

But he added: “Exciting times ahead. As a professional, it’s what we do. But I’m happy I’m in that position right now.” — AFP/Reuters

3 cops indicted for Kian murder

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) found probable cause to indict the three Caloocan City policemen for the murder of 17-year-old Kian Loyd D. delos Santos. The prosecution, headed by Senior State Prosecutor Tofel G. Austria, charged Police Officer (PO) 3 Arnel G. Oares, PO1 Jeremias T. Pereda, PO1 Jerwin R. Cruz, and informant Renato Perez Loveras with murder and planting of drugs and firearms. Moreover, Messrs. Pereda and Cruz were charged with violation of domicile. Mr. Delos Santos was killed in August 2017 during an anti-drug operation under “Oplan Tokhang.” — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

Clippers Erase 21-Point Deficit To Beat Pelicans

LOS ANGELES — Blake Griffin sank a clutch three-pointer as the Los Angeles Clippers completed the team’s greatest road comeback since 2004 with a 112-103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

Griffin drained his three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining en route to a 27-point performance against the Pelicans who were playing their first game since a leg injury ended the season of all-star center DeMarcus Cousins.

Griffin also had 12 assists for the Clippers, who rallied from a 21-point first-half deficit and ended the Pelicans’ four-game win streak.

Griffin said they got an earful at halftime about their play in the first half from coach Doc Rivers.

“He got into us a little bit. He said all the things we needed to hear,” Griffin said. “When coaches say what you need to hear and players come out and execute on it, it’s a perfect harmony.”

Lou Williams tallied 22 points, DeAndre Jordan had 12 points and 19 rebounds, and Tyrone Wallace scored 19 points in the win.

“We never feel like we are out of a game. We find hope in being naive,” Williams said. “We never think we are going to lose.”

Anthony Davis had 25 points and 17 rebounds for the Pelicans, who missed star forward Cousins after he tore his Achilles tendon in the final minute of Friday’s win over Houston. Cousins was averaging 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds when he went down.

The Pelicans suffered just their second loss in their last nine contests.

Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 27 points to lead his Milwaukee Bucks to a 110-96 win over the Chicago Bulls.

The all-star forward added nine rebounds and eight assists to help the Bucks improve to 3-0 since interim coach Joe Prunty replaced the fired Jason Kidd.

In Toronto, Fred VanVleet came off the bench to score a career-high 25 points as the Toronto Raptors manhandled the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 123-111, at the Air Canada Centre.

With Sunday’s win, it became official that Raptors head coach Dwane Casey and his staff are going to join players DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry in Los Angeles for next month’s 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

LeBron James had 25 points, 14 assists, and narrowly missed his second straight triple-double, as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit, 121-104.

It was the Pistons’ eighth straight loss.

Russell Westbrook scored 37 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, 122-112, for their eighth straight victory. — AFP

Grammy winners in key categories

• Album of the Year: Bruno Mars, 24K Magic

• Record of the Year (for overall performance of a song): Bruno Mars, “24K Magic”

• Song of the Year (for songwriting): Bruno Mars along with songwriters Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy and Philip Lawrence and production team The Stereotypes, “That’s What I Like”

• Best New Artist: Alessia Cara

• Best Pop Vocal Album: Ed Sheeran, Divide

• Best Pop Solo Performance: Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”

• Best Rap Album: Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.

• Best Rap Song: Kendrick Lamar, “HUMBLE.”

• Best Rap Performance: Kendrick Lamar, “HUMBLE.”

• Best Rap/Sung Performance: Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna, “LOYALTY.”

• Best R&B Album: Bruno Mars, 24K Magic

• Best R&B Song: Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”

• Best R&B Performance: Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”

• Best Rock Album: The War on Drugs, A Deeper Understanding

• Best Rock Performance: Leonard Cohen, “You Want It Darker”

• Best Alternative Music Album: The National, Sleep Well Beast

• Best World Music Album: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration

• Best Dance/Electronic Album: Kraftwerk, 3-D The Catalogue

• Best Music Video: Kendrick Lamar, “HUMBLE.”

• Best Country Album: Chris Stapleton, From a Room, Volume 1AFP