MikeLigalig.com

For more info, please visit https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/beginners/first-vegetable-garden/

REP. SALVADOR B. BELARO, JR.
1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader

Member, Higher and Technical Education and 10 other committees
 
HOUSE BILL SEEKS P10 BILLION FOR PHILIPPINES' OWN SPACE AGENCY
 
Weather, climate, satellite communications, and heavenly phenomena are but some of the space-related issues which affect us Filipinos here on Earth. Outer space is one frontier we can urge the youth of today and future generations to explore and venture out into. For all these, our country needs its own Philippine Space Agency.
 
To institutionalize and make permanent, the space development program of the country, I am pushing for speedy passage of House Bill 6413, which seeks to set and implement space policy and programs.

HB 6413 provides for a space development fund of P10 billion. Initial year of operations funding would be from the budget of the Office of the President, DOST, and DND in the amount of P1 billion. 

The Manila Planetarium of the National Museum, the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, and Philippine Space Education Institute of the DOST would form part of the proposed Philippine Space Agency.

PhilSA will be attached to the Office of the President. Its purview includes space policy, industry development, education and capacity-building, research, and resource-sharing. 

Pillars of the space policy in HB 6413 are: national security and development; hazards management and climate studies; international cooperation; space education and awareness; space research and development; and space industry capacity building.

There are five bills in the House proposing the creation of the Philippine Space Agency: HB 3637; HB 4275; HB 4637; HB 4623; and HB 6413. (END)

BACKGROUNDER (PENDING HOUSE BILLS): 

HB03637 AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION POLICY AND CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PSA) AND DEFINE THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ITS ACTIVITIES

Principal Author/s: AUMENTADO, ERICO ARISTOTLE C.; JALOSJOS, SETH FREDERICK P.;

Main Referral: GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION

Status: Pending with the Committee on GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION since 2016-09-21 

HB04275 AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION POLICY AND CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PSA) AND DEFINE THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ITS ACTIVITIES

Principal Author/s: NIETO, JOHN MARVIN "YUL SERVO" C.; MACEDA, EDWARD VERA PEREZ;

Main Referral: GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION

Status: Pending with the Committee on GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION since 2016-11-09

HB04367 AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION POLICY AND CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PSA) AND DEFINE THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ITS ACTIVITIES

Principal Author/s: SALCEDA, JOEY SARTE

Main Referral: GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION

Status: Pending with the Committee on GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION since 2016-11-21

HB04623 AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION POLICY AND CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PSA) AND DEFINE THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ITS ACTIVITIES

Principal Author/s: RODRIGUEZ, MAXIMO JR.B.

Main Referral: GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION

Status: Pending with the Committee on GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION since 2016-12-1

HB06413 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PHILIPPINE SPACE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION FRAMEWORK AND CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PhilSA), DEFINING THE SCOPE OF ITS POWERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Principal Author/s: BELARO, SALVADOR JR. B.

Main Referral: GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION

Status: Pending with the Committee on GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION since 2017-09-20

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

REP. CARLOS ROMAN UYBARRETA
1-CARE Party-list
Vice Chair, Committee on Energy

Member, Appropriations, Constitutional Amendments, and 7 other Committees

PANTAWID KURYENTE CASH GRANTS TO CUSHION IMPACT OF TRAIN LAW, SAYS ELECTRIC COOPS' REP. UYBARRETA

Pantawid Kuryente cash grants to the poorest household consumers of electricity can absorb the shock family budgets. This solution to the current and near-future power rate hikes is embodied in House Bill 3350, which I filed in September 2016 just months after the start of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. 

The Pantawid Kuryente program embodied in HB 3350 would be a direct subsidy to households attended to by the DSWD. A budget of P500 million is proposed in the bill.

I brought this Pantawid Kuryente bill to the attention of the Department of Foreign when the TRAIN Law was still going through Congress. It remains a sound idea and can be funded with the surpluses from revenues resulting from the TRAIN Law. 

The explanatory note of HB 3350 suggests a P500 cash grant though the body of the bill itself is silent on the exact amount so as to allow the DOF and DSWD to determine the appropriate amount and other implementation details.

I ask the Department of Finance to recommend to President Duterte that HB 3350 be certified as urgent so it could have the chance of passage this summer at the earliest—when power rates are expected to rise with the seasonal increase in demand for electricity during the dry months.

I am also asking my colleagues on the House energy committee to expedite HB 3350 at committee level. 

This bill will benefit the low income households, especially the various member-consumers of the different Electric Cooperatives (ECs) nationwide (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

HON. BERNADETTE "BH" HERRERA-DY                        
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list
Chair, Committee on Women & Gender Equality 

REACTION TO PNP CHIEF'S STATEMENT ABOUT HAZING

While I am aware of the seeming value of hazing in the off-the-books training regimen at police and military academies apparently meant to keep troops from revealing secrets to enemy combatants, I hope PNP Chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa will not apply to civilians his liking for hazing. 

As one of the principal authors of the proposed new Anti-Hazing Law, I also hope the PNP Chief and all of the PNP, as well as the military, will faithfully and effectively implement the new Anti-Hazing Law when it takes effect, despite their appreciation of how hazing mattered in their careers.

Congress worked long and hard on the new Anti-Hazing Law. It took the hazing death of UST student Horacio "Atio" Castillo for this legislative measure to gain public support and momentum at the House and Senate. 

We do not want any more hazing deaths and injuries to any of our children, teenagers, and young adults. 

All the authors of the new Anti-Hazing Law hope the PNP, AFP, DILG, barangay officials and watchmen (tanod), school officials, and fraternities and sororities in schools and communities will abide by the new Anti-Hazing Law soon after it is signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte or allowed to lapse into effectivity. (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

REP. CIRIACO "ACOY" S. CALALANG
KABAYAN Party-list

Member, Justice, Good Government & Public Accountability, Health,

Public Order & Safety, and 12 other committees

Mobile: 0917-729-2437 

REP. CALALANG TO DILG: LEVEL-UP OUR BARANGAYS

EVERY BARANGAY SHOULD HAVE A 24/7 WEBSITE 

Rep. Calalang eyes P2 billion in 2019 for Performance Challenge Fund of DILG 

Our country has 82 provinces, 145 cities, 1,478 municipalities, and 41,902 barangays, according to the count of the Department of Budget and Management. 

The DILG has a program called Seal of Good Local Governance. In the 2017 yearend report of the DILG, this Seal of Good Local Governance was awarded to 29 provinces, 61 cities, and 359 municipalities. The DILG still has a long way to go to cover more LGUs in the SGLG program. https://goo.gl/UeaLWR

LGUs

Total

LGUs with Seal of Good Local Governance

Coverage of SGLG

Provinces

82

29

29/82 or 35 percent

Cities

145

61

61/145 or 42 percent

Municipalities

1,478

359

359/1478 or 24 percent

Barangays

41,902

None 

I urge the DILG to design and implement a SGLG program for the barangays so that the barangays will be made capable of managing their limited budget but still delivery quality services. 

Kasali dapat ang mga barangay sa Performance Challenge Fund. Unahin ang mga pinakamalalaking barangay. https://goo.gl/QNPib2 

Ayon, sa Philippine Statistics Authority, 15 ang mga barangay na may populasyon na 100,000 pataas. Sila dapat ang role models para sa ibang barangay. Simulan sa kanila at isunod ang mga barangay na 50,000 hanggang 99,999 ang populasyon.

For 2018, the Performance Challenge Fund has a budget of P1 billion. In the 2019 budget, I will push for this budget to be increased to P2 billion, so that the largest barangays can be included. 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

We are already in the Year 2018, well into the 21st Century, but thousands of our barangays are still in the 20th Century in terms of technology. In Information Technology, many barangays are far behind. 

The goal must be to bring each barangay online, with a 24/7 functioning website through which residents can transact and be informed of and can participate in their barangay's decisions, programs, and projects.

Makikita dapat ng mga residente sa website ng kanilang barangay ang mga detalye ng mga budget, Internal Revenue Allotment, programa, proyekto, at iba pang mga dokumento ng barangay. Para mangyari iyan, kailangan maturuan ang barangay officials, personnel, at mga residente kung paano nila mapapatakbo nang maayos ang kanilang barangay. (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

REP. RON P. SALO
KABAYAN Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader

Member, Good Government and Public Accountability and 11 other Committees

Good governance must also take place at barangay level

REP. RON SALO BATS FOR BARANGAY FINANCE UPGRADING, ADDITIONAL BUDGET FOR BARANGAYS 

Most Filipino citizens are unaware that their barangays have budgets amounting to millions of pesos because of their respective shares in the IRA or internal revenue allotment of the cities or towns they are part of. They should be aware. 

For 2018, the national budget has these allocations for LGUs, among others:

P522.75 billion – IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment)
P7 billion – Local Government Support Fund – Financial Assistance to LGUs)
P2.59 billion – LGSF – Assistance to Cities
P1 billion – Performance Challenge Fund
P2.178 billion – DILG GAA Special Provisions
 
Of the P522.75 billion for IRA, the 41,902 barangays, as one group, get P103.25 billion. 

I filed House Bill 7493 (Barangay Equalization Fund Act) on April 2, 2018. Many of the poor barangays, especially in the undeveloped and underdeveloped areas in the countryside, lack the necessary resources to provide the basic services to their constituents.

The internal revenue allotment (IRA) share that barangays are receiving from the national government is oftentimes insufficient to fund their programs and services. Some barangays are also receiving substantially less than the others because of the sharing formula established in existing laws. 

HB 7493 seeks to include in the annual General Appropriations Act a Barangay Equalization Fund for every barangay. The Barangay Equalization Fund shall be on top of the Internal Revenue Allotment share that each barangay is already receiving from the national government.

The appropriation of each barangay shall be based on the Philippine Statistics Authority's income classification of the city or municipality in which the barangay belongs.

These are the proposed Equalization Fund allocations:

a) Every barangay of Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Class municipalities shall receive an annual appropriation of Six Million Pesos (P 6,000,000.00). 

b) Every barangay of First, Second and Third Class municipalities shall receive an annual appropriation of Five Million Pesos (P 5,000,000.00).

c) Every barangay of Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Class cities shall receive an annual appropriation of Four Million Pesos (P 4,000,000.00). 

d) Every barangay of First, Second and Third Class cities shall receive an annual appropriation of Three Million Pesos (P 3,000,000.00). 

The Barangay Equalization Fund shall be released annually to every barangay before March 1 of the calendar year, and shall be treated as a trust fund in their annual budget.

The fund shall be solely allocated for the improvement of the health and upliftment of the economic life of the residents of the barangay, and shall be specifically allotted as follows:

a) 25% shall be allocated for infrastructure development; 

b) 25% shall be allocated for livelihood programs; 
c) 25% shall be allocated for social services such as medical, educational, transportation, burial, and food subsidy assistance; and 

d) 25% shall be allocated for a barangay nutrition program. 

Not more than 5% of the allocated amount shall be spent for administration of any of the aforesaid program or project.

Indeed, the indispensable role of barangays in nation-building necessitates that Congress provide it with sufficient resources in order to address the most basic needs of the people, as well as ensure their economic development. (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

God willing, Balskie. In your next vacation. Kumusta imong health?

Duty Free Philippines Supply Scam
                       
LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR PROBE ON DFPC 'MIDNIGHT DEALS', WANT GOV'T TO LET GO OF DFPC

Two congressmen who co-authored House Resolution 1742 to investigate Duty Free Philippines Corporation's alleged "midnight deals" want the state firm sold to the private sector or merged into the Department of Tourism or into the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). 

KABAYAN Party-list Rep. Ron Salo wants Duty Free Philippines privatized while 1-Ang Edukasyon Party-List Rep. Salvador Belaro wants the state firm merged into TIEZA or the Department of Tourism.

Salo said the surfacing of allegations or suspicions of anomalies at the DFPC involving procurement, public bidding, and contracts entered into prompted 22 lawmakers including himself to call for the House investigation.

"Recurring audit findings by the Commission on Audit also compel the House to undertake a very detailed probe of Duty Free Philippines' operations. DFPC is supposed to remit earnings to the Department of Tourism. The audited reports show remittance problems year after year," Rep. Belaro said.

Through HR 1742, the 22 congressmen also want to know why DFPC contracts "renewed in 2013 for a new term of up to the year 2018...were extended to until 2023" three years before the renewed contracts were supposed to end.

The solons said this was "surprising" and there "is no sufficient justification for the premature grant of extensions of these contracts, which can be characterized as midnight deals of the previous officers of DFPC."

In House Resolution 1742, congressmen said they received reports about contracts DFPC entered into "that did not undergo the required public bidding process and therefore are grossly disadvantageous to the government."

According to publicly-available information, among the contracts the DFPC awarded in recent years were:

A nearly P50 million contract for a media plan by Telenetwork Media Center Inc. (Notice of Award on 11 May 2015);
A nearly P64 million contract for provision of shuttle services by HAFTI Transport Inc (Notice of Award on 19 November 2014);
A P15.57 million contract for provision of security services by Philand Security Agency Inc. (Notice of Award on 20 May 2015);
A P13.86 million contract for trucking and hustling services by AMVIR Marketing and General Services Corp (Notice of Awards on 04 August 2014); and
A P780,000.00 contract for garbage handling services by Leonel Waste Management Corporation (Notice of Award on 24 April 2015).

"I prefer that it (DFPC) be privatized. It is time for government to get out of this business of running duty-free shops. Perhaps the business sector can make the duty-free shops relevant again or focus it on specific niche markets," Rep. Salo said.

Belaro said: Minus the irrelevant purposes and diminished roles, what remains of some value is its support role in tourism promotions and tourist services.

"The reconfiguration of Duty-Free Philippines has become a necessity because its relevance as a foreign exchange and revenue earning government corporation and its relative importance as an instrument for augmenting the service facilities for tourists have greatly diminished," Belaro added. (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Sugba sugba

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Word of the Lord

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Psalm snapshot

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Image: https://pixabay.com/en/mammals-wildlife-expensive-fox-3218028/

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

REP. HARLIN NEIL J. ABAYON, III
AANGAT TAYO Party-list
Assistant Minority Leader
Member, Public Information, National Defense & Security Appropriations, and 16 other committees

40 CHILDREN, TEENS TEST POSITIVE FOR HIV FROM SEX

Last January, 40 of the new 1,021 HIV-positive Filipinos were children and teenagers 10 to 19 years of age, the latest Department of Health HIV-AIDS Registry data show. There were also two children younger than 10 who get infected from mother-to-child transmission.

These 40 kids, they all got HIV through sexual contact.

"All  were  infected  through  sexual contact  (2  male-female  sex,  25  male-male  sex,  13  had sex  with  both  males  &  females), the DOH said.

As a registered nurse, I am deeply troubled by these figures because even the post-millennials are getting HIV and getting it through sexual intercourse.

These statistics and the individual case files are clear evidence requiring the full implementation of the Reproductive Health Law at the barangay level and with the involvement of schools and parent-teacher associations.

The DOH has also seen regional patterns. NCR is where 45 percent of all the HIV cases involving men having sex with men, while Central Visayas has the injecting drug use mode of transmission because almost all the 17 sharing of needles cases last January are in Region 7.

In Central Luzon, the HIV problem is mostly paid sex with females because 36 percent of the transactional sex cases are from there.

Sixty-eight OFWs tested positive for HIV also last January. (END)

REFERENCE:http://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/statistics/EB_HIV_January_AIDSreg2018.pdf

REP. MICHAEL "MIKEE" L. ROMERO, Ph. D.
1-PACMAN Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader Twitter: @MikeeRomeroPhD
REP. MIKEE ROMERO'S BORACAY SOLUTION: PARTIAL CLOSURE OF BORACAY BEACHES

Cordon off medium and high-risk areas, keep open to tourists low-risk and minimal-risk areas

I reiterate the following suggestions to the DOT and DENR on how to address the current Boracay debacle in a what that balances seemingly conflicting concerns of various sectors and institutions.

Among my proposals is the cordoning off of the medium and high-risk areas while keeping open to tourists the low-risk and minimal risk areas. This way allows authorities and volunteers to work on the sanitation and environment issues while also keeping some of the tourism sector workers still gainfully employed.

IMMEDIATE STEPS:
·            Scientific conduct of water testing with appropriate audit controls;
·            Identification of the specific coastal and inland areas of Boracay where water contamination is most hazardous to least problematic;
·            Cordoning off of the medium and high-risk areas while keeping open to tourists the low-risk and minimal risk areas;
·            Mobilization of barangays and residents for massive and regular coastal clean-up and inland waste segregation—using the work for pay scheme of the DSWD;
·            Formation and deployment of multisectoral task force, including volunteers from environment groups and local resident, working together in cooperation and common purpose; and
·            Immediate deployment of portable water purification systems to medium-risk and high risk areas.
MEDIUM-TERM MEASURES:
·            Approve sewerage infrastructure programs for the coastal towns and inland barangays of Boracay;
·            Capability-upgrading for LGUs and tourism establishments in Boracay on sanitation and sustainable development program implementation;
·            Audit and upgrading (if necessary) of Boracay health facilities for capability to respond to water-borne diseases;
·            Declare parts of Boracay as protected areas; and
·            Include in the 2019 budget the necessary provisions for Boracay's environmental and sustainable development.

LONG-TERM RESPONSE:
·            Install/build the Boracay sewerage and sanitation system in segments or phases starting in late 2018/2019. Complete the system in two to three years; and
·            Build the needed support systems, including roads and transport facilities to improve Boracay as the country's premiere tourist destination. (END)

CONGRESS RELAY TEAM FINISHES IRONMAN 70.3 DAVAO QUEST

Two Members of the House of Representatives and a congressional spouse joined the Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao triathlon on Sunday and completed the course in their "Happy Triathlete" fashion.

The Happy Triathlete Inc (HTI) - Congress relay team of 1-CARE Party-list Rep. Carlos Roman Uybarreta, MATA Party-list Rep. Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catera, and Sherwin Catera finished 140th out of 177 in the relay and 959th out of 1,327 overall.

[Certified finishers from Left to Right: Rep. Caloy Uybarreta, Rep. Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catera, and Mr. Sherwin Catera https://goo.gl/csTfpf]

"It was good. I was able to finish the swim part in less than an hour (56:05 minutes). Am happy with that considering the limited time of training I had, because of my work in Congress," Rep. Carlos Roman Uybarreta said. That time put him in 159th place in the relay, 974th by gender, and 1,146th overall.

"It's my first time to do a relay. Beside the fact that it is easier, especially for my age, since I only have to concentrate on my discipline," the 52-year-old solon said.

Sherwin Catera took the bike leg in 3:13:37 to finish 79th in relay, 749th by gender, and 841st overall while his wife, Rep. Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catera, clocked 3:06:36 in the run segment for 149th in relay, 854th by gender, and 1,011th overall.

"Joining a triathlon forces you to train and it will eventually and surely benefit your health," Uybarreta said.

He also does triathlons to set the example for his kids. "To inspire and encourage my two boys to take care of their body and mind and to encourage them to engage in sports, in any sport not necessarily triathlon (although my eldest joined several triathlons before and was one of the pioneers of Ironkids)."

"I consider triathlon to be one of the most challenging sports as far as mental and will power are concerned. So many times in the course of the race your mind will question your purpose in pursuing the race, when almost all parts of your body are in pain, and you are at your lowest morale," Uybarreta reflects.

He added: "Your mind will play tricks on you and the easiest way is to give up. but despite all those things you have to fight back and will yourself to go on and stick to your goal. Similarly, in life too we just have to stay on course and trust the Lord's plan even if everything is going against us."

"Relay puts emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie. In training you have to encourage each other and in the actual race you have to support one another. So when I was swimming earlier I knew that was not doing it for myself but for my two other teammates. But in all of these we have to give credit and glorify the true source of our strength and power, our Lord and Savior!" Uybarreta said. (END)

We are writing to you in respect of your agreement with us regarding the license of our mobile software application through which you can seek transportation services (the "Agreement").

We hereby give you notice that pursuant to a Bill of Sale, dated as of March 25, 2018 with Grab Holdings Inc. (GHI), we have assigned to GHI our legal relationship under the Agreement as of March 25, 2018.

All future correspondence, dealings notices and payments in respect of the Agreement should be sent to GHI, whose contact details are set out below:

legalnotices@grab.com

Effective March 25, 2018, ("Effective Date") updates will go into effect and starting from that time, the following GHI terms will govern your use and access to the platform:

grab.com/terms
grab.com/privacy

Please note that by continuing to use or access the platform after the Effective Date, you agree to be bound by the terms.

Sincerely,
The Uber Team

REP. CIRIACO "ACOY" S. CALALANG
KABAYAN Party-list
Member, Transportation, Good Government & Public Accountability, Public Order & Safety, Justice, and 12 other committees Mobile: 0917-729-2437

REP. CALALANG TO LTFRB: MAKE THE TNC SECTOR MONOPOLY-FREE

Given the new development of the sale by Uber of its entire Southeast Asia business to Grab, the Philippines now suddenly finds itself with a ride-hailing service monopoly—a situation that is not good for the riding public because of the lack of competition and competitive pricing.

It may take some weeks or months for the effects of the Uber sale to Grab to cascade to the Philippines, but it will eventually happen.

The urgent task now before the LTFRB is for it to adjust to the new situation by allowing the entry of more ride-hailing services and promulgating sound fare-setting mechanisms. U-HOP, the other TNC, as it is now is not as large an operation as Grab will very soon be.

LTFRB should proactively encourage other TNCs to enter the Philippine market in order to serve more passengers and break the monopoly of GRAB. LTFRB can do so by reducing red-tape inside the office, setting new regulations opening the TNC sector to new investors both local and foreign, and creating an environment ready for the influx of new TNCs.

Such proactive move shall benefit the riding public as healthy competition naturally breeds innovations, new technologies, higher standards, and lower prices.

The riding public needs more choices and better price options and this means having more than just Grab and U-HOP. Two or three more TNCs can address the huge demand not just in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, but also in the highly urbanized cities of Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan.

A liberal, yet public safety grounded LTFRB policy, through a board resolution encouraging more TNCs to be accredited, is what the new environment calls for.

If, after some reasonable time, the LTFRB is unable or unwilling to protect the riding public with these measures, then it may very soon be necessary for Congress to divest the LTFRB of its power to regulate TNCs.

Congress might opt to regulate the TNCs with its power to grant legislative franchises or transfer the regulatory authority of the LTFRB over TNCs to another government agency. (END)

REFERENCE:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-25/uber-is-said-to-reach-agreement-on-southeast-asian-sale-to-grab
https://www.rappler.com/nation/126117-uhop-tnc-accredited-ltfrb
http://www.fleetshare.ph/

REP. CIRIACO "ACOY" S. CALALANG
KABAYAN Party-list
Member, Justice, Good Government & Public Accountability, Health, Public Order & Safety, and 12 other committees
Mobile: 0917-729-2437
REP. CALALANG ASKS DND, PNP

TO FIND, ARREST KILLERS OF DR. DREYFUSS PERLAS

More than one year has passed since Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas of the Doctors to the Barrios program died on March 1, 2017. He was shot dead after he had just come from a medical mission in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

Dr. Perlas was the municipal health officer of Sapad, Lanao del Norte.

Considering that Mindanao is under martial law, I now ask both DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa to bring to justice whoever masterminded Dr. Perlas' murder. So far, only the alleged hitman is accounted for and killed in an encounter.

GMA NEWS https://goo.gl/fsrV6T  and SUNSTAR https://goo.gl/tu1WFf

Find the mastermind or masterminds and arrest them. If they resist arrest, then the military and police have their rules of engagement protocols to follow.

Murder charges were filed on March 21 at the Lanao del Norte provincial prosecutor's office.

To honor the memory of Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, I ask the bicameral conference committee that will work on the proposed Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program Act (https://goo.gl/wZ6wWR ) to name the bill after the heroic doctor.

House Bill 6571 was approved on third and final reading last November and was promptly transmitted to the Senate that same month.

Dr. Perlas was among the best of his generation. He is an alumnus of UP Los Baños and the West Visayas State University. (https://goo.gl/VitH3f )

It is but proper that our grateful nation honor him in words, deeds, and in law. Dr. Perlas' killers must be brought to justice. (END)

REP. SALVADOR B. BELARO, JR.
1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader
Member, Higher and Technical Education and 10 other committees

REP. BELARO: DOWNGRADE DUTY FREE PHILIPPINES TO AN OFFICE OR MERGE WITH TIEZA

Given the current and future economic environment in the country, Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) can even be considered a competitor of local businesses, especially the shops catering to tourists foreign and domestic.

It is a competitor with built-in duty-free advantages—a situation that is unfair to local merchandise shops which are after the same tourists as customers and clients.

Minus the irrelevant purposes and diminished roles, what remains of some value is its support role in tourism promotions and tourist services.

Now that the duty free shops are in support role mode, I am inclined, as Member of the House Committee on the Revision of Laws, to support its merger into the TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) or its downgrading to an office attached to the Tourism Promotion Board.

Recent developments at the DFPC have made me support House Resolution 1742. Serious allegations of bidding irregularities, supply and delivery contract extensions involving millions of pesos made a number of House Members, including this Representation, call for an investigation of DFPC.

Recurring audit findings by the Commission on Audit also compel the House to undertake a very detailed probe of Duty Free Philippines' operations. DFPC is supposed to remit earnings to the Department of Tourism. The audited reports show remittance problems year after year. (END)

BACKGROUNDER: http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2009/05/12/republic-act-no-9593-s-2009/

Chapter VI
SECTION 90.         Mandate. — The DFPC shall be a body corporate to operate the duty- and tax-free merchandising system in the Philippines to augment the service facilities for tourists and to generate foreign exchange and revenue for the government, as established by the Department under Executive Order No. 46.

Rep. Salvador Belaro, Jr. is one of the authors of House Resolution No. 1742 urging the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation into the supply and delivery agreements allegedly entered into by Duty Free Philippines Corporation without public bidding close to the end of the Noynoy Aquino administration.

HON. BERNADETTE "BH" HERRERA-DY                       
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list
Chair, Committee on Women & Gender Equality

REP. HERRERA-DY LAUDS PAL FOR ADJUSTING TO BORACAY SITUATION

Congratulations to Philippine Airlines on its acquisition of its first Airbus A350-900 XWB (extra wide body) jet expected to be delivered in June 2018 and assigned to non-stop flights from Manila to New York, Toronto, and London.

It is always awesome to see our country's tricolors on any PAL aircraft. The XWB jet just got its fresh coat of paint at the Airbus assembly complex in Toulouse, France. For installation on it are two Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines.

We, in Congress, welcome this development because it will surely boost our tourism sector with foreign tourists and Balikbayan from New York, Toronto in Canada, and the UK.

We also appreciate the decision of PAL to "be ready to assist passengers in rebooking, refunding and rerouting their flights" following the painful yet necessary decision of government to rehabilitate Boracay.

As author of House Bill 6056 on the Air Passenger Bill of Rights, quality customer service is my concern on behalf of air travelers and the general public.

"Philippine Airlines will be ready to make the appropriate adjustments to schedules of flights to and from Caticlan (Boracay) airport and Kalibo International Airport...Our adjustments will depend on the scope and duration of the Boracay closure, and we will also take into account the need to retain some flights to serve the residents and businesses in Kalibo and the rest of Aklan province," the airline has said.

PAL added it plans "to help minimize any impact on tourism, our passengers and on our airline operations by redirecting flights to other routes where we can continue to promote domestic and international tourist travel for the Philippines, during the temporary closure period." (END)

REP. RON P. SALO
KABAYAN Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader
Member, Good Government and Public Accountability and 11 other Committees
REP. RON SALO: PRIVATIZE DUTY FREE PHILIPPINES

The reconfiguration of Duty-Free Philippines has become a necessity because its relevance as a foreign exchange and revenue earning government corporation and its relative importance as an instrument for augmenting the service facilities for tourists have greatly diminished.

I prefer that it be privatized. It is time for government to get out of this business of running duty-free shops. Perhaps the business sector can make the duty-free shops relevant again or focus it on specific niche markets.

"Dati, ang imported chocolates tulad ng Toblerone, Hershey's, Cadbury, at Reese's ay sa Duty Free lang mabibili. Ngayon, mayroon na niyan sa mga supermarkets at 24-hour convenience stores."

"Dati ang mga mamahaling brands ng sapatos, damit, make-up, at pabango ay sa Duty-Free lang mabibili ng mga Pilipino, pero ngayon kaliwa't kanan nang available ang mga iyan sa department stores at shopping malls."

The Philippines' monetary and fiscal health is strong and getting even stronger under competent management of President Duterte's economic team. Our country is no longer "the sick man of Asia" and has even become a creditor nation instead of a debtor nation under the intensive care of the IMF.

Merchandise which decades ago could only be bought at Duty Free Shops, at Subic, and from the black market are now available to Filipino consumers at the department stores, shopping malls, and online shopping portals.

Also, a recent complication is the surfacing of allegations or suspicions of anomalies at the DFPC involving procurement, public bidding, and contracts entered into—which prompted 22 lawmakers including myself to file House Resolution 1742 urging the House Committee on Good Government & Public Accountability to look into the matter in aid of legislation. (END)

Commentary: Spare the urban poor, please

Baguio City (4 July 2005) -- Hundreds of urban poor folks from Marikina City are furious that they have not received the P250 they were promised for attending the anti-government rally in Makati City last Friday. Rented protesters are a mockery of democracy.

The President's detractors and other groups are asked to spare the urban poor in the pursuit of the raw ambition for power. Ordinary Filipinos are the sore losers in the prevailing atmosphere of political bickering and mudslinging, let us not degrade and exploit them further by taking advantage of their economic condition.

We respect the expression of opinions and ideas as well as the open discussion of all the allegations being hurled against the President, but let us deal with these issues with hard facts and the right information raised in proper venues in order not to further aggravate the political and economic condition of the country.

Instead, We call on everyone to put up a strong fight for the support of sectors in the middle of the spectrum as they move to solidify their positions. We must also help the church as they help prevent other sectors from splitting its ranks.

Government must double its efforts in solidifying the country's political direction, quickly implement big and bold reforms and support the same with a popularized and sweeping communication effort to all sectors mainly the middle and lower classes in order to avoid the public from being misinformed and exploited. (PIA)

Land Bank extends loans for macro, micro enterprises
By Danny O. Sagun

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan (4 July 2005) -- No local government unit in Pangasinan has ever defaulted in the repayment of loan amortizations with the Land of the Philippines, a bank official said recently.

Manager Victoria Zambrano of the LBP Pangasinan lending Center said that Dagupan City and other towns which barrowed money from the bank find their respective projects like market construction have been up-to-date in their repayments.

"Wala silang past due," she told the Pantongtongan Tayo radio programj of the Philippines Information Agency over Radyo ng Bayan-DZMQ.

Recent reports said that LGUs which recently built new market buildings like Dagupan and San Carlos City have difficulties realizing their income targets because of low stall rental collection.

Zambrano said it was expected that the LGUs concerned would experience difficulties in the first two to three years of operations of a new market building.

Asked if such problem would affect the capability of the municipality to pay back the loan, she said the town can tap the internal revenue allotment as source of payment. "They can use the IRA for debts servicing." She said.

The only drawback on the system however is that delivery of other services for the public is affected, observers said.

She said the feasibility studies have been made to determine the capacity of the town to pay its loans, she pointed out.

Dagupan has barrowed a total of P362 million for the construction of the new Malimgas market, a modern mall-like market with air conditioning and parking facilities, and has a standby letter of credit amounting to P40 million for the renovation of the Mac Adore building, the former five-star hotel which the city bought for P50 million in installment basis from the finance department.

Due to poor daily sales, stall occupants at the Malimgas market have asked the city government to lower their monthly rentals. The city refused but nonetheless extended help to them by aggressively advertising the advantage of the new market thru the media.

Under the bank's agriculture-agrarian loan program, LBP has allotted some P1.2 billion in loans to the LGUs which cornered some P700 million, 179 million for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and P187 million for farmers and fisher folks.

The bank does not directly deal with individual barrowers but thru cooperatives and countryside financial institutions like rural banks, she clarified.

The IBP lending center is based in Urdaneta.

Meanwhile, Land Bank has launched an easier and more convenient way to send money from overseas Filipino to their beneficiaries here, LBP Dagupan branch head Inocencia Pacheco said.

All the beneficiary will have to do is open a Peso Savings or ATM account with any branch with two valid IDs and inform the remitter of the complete savings account or ATM number and the Land Bank branch.

For the remitter, he must give the same and address of the beneficiary, the savings account of ATM number and bank branch.

If it is coursed thru a depository or corrbank, use the SWIFT code of Landbank which is TLBPPHMMXXX.

Pacheco said the process is simple, convenient, fast, safe and reliable. The bank has overseas officers and contract persons in Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Abu Dhabi, Italy and USA. It has also depository banks, correspondent banks, and remittance tie-ups in the Middle East, USA, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The money may also be delivered in cash at the beneficiary address.

Zambrano, Pacheco and account officers Laila Magleo guested at the radio program to inform the public about the banks lending program for macro and micro enterprises and deposit and remittance system. (PIA Ilocos)

Lifestyle check effective in fighting graft - PAGC

Manila (4 July 2005) -- Where her predecessors failed, President Arroyo is now coming out successful in stamping out graft and corruption from the bureuacracy.

With only a year after creating the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission or PAGC by virtue of Executive Order No. 12, PAGC Chairwoman Constancia P. de Guzman reported recently the biggest government haul of grafters, including a cabinet undersecretary.

In a report released through the Philippine Information Agency Mega Manila Information Office (PIA-MMIO), De Guzman said 12 high ranking government officials were the initial casualties of the highly effective Lifestyle Check project.

The PAGC head also revealed that close to 40 officials from various government agencies have been slapped with punitive sanctions.

Punishments imposed on the culprits ranged from suspension, dismissal from service with forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from public office.

De Guzman's report confirmed a separate report published in the May 12, 2005 17th anniversary issue of the Ombudsman's Journal of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), which is mandated to investigate graft cases.

For his part, Ombudsman Simeon V. Marcelo said through the Lifestyle Probe, a priority project of the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft body, OMB netted top-ranking officials from the three graft-prone agencies.

As per OMB data, officials dismissed from the service were: one Undersecretary and one Regional Director (Department of Public Works and Highways); and one Assistant Commissioner, one Regional Director and one chief revenue officer (Bureau of Internal Revenue).

One legal officer, one Revenue Regional Head Executive Assistant, and one Assistant Regional Director.

In the Bureau of Customs, one Deputy Commissioner, one Customs Operations Office chief, Miscellaneous Division chief, and one customs collector were dismissed.

Despite the severe lack of manpower and financial resources, the two agencies promised to work relentlessly to achieve significant accomplishments, noting that corruption, together with poverty, is the most pressing problem of the country today. (PIA-MMIO)

CSC-13 updates database on public sector unions
by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

Butuan City (4 July 2005) -- To strengthen the good governance thrust of President Arroyo, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Caraga Region is presently updating its database on public sector unions.

The CSC is now gathering information regarding existing unions or associations in all government agencies and offices. Such information include if said organization has been duly registered with the Bureau of Labor Relation under the Department of Labor and Employment (BLR-DOLE) and accredited by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). This accreditation will give these groups official recognition.

The commission also require those data to determine the number of existing registered and accredited unions or association of government agencies or offices within Caraga. (PIA-13)

USEC Bacani woos LGUs to enhance support of ALS
by Cathy Apelacio

ALABEL, Sarangani (4 July 2005) -- Department of Education Undersecretary Ramon Bacani urged the local government units here to help the national government in the popularization of literacy program in the province.

"We know that the LGUs have been supporting our educational efforts especially in Formal Education but we are appealing that added attention should also be devoted to out-of-school youth and adult illiterates," he told the audience comprised mostly of representatives of local chief executives from the seven municipalities, Alternative Learning System (ALS) Coordinators, non-governmental organization, and the media.

He also commended the local governments in making literacy program part of their plans and programs stressing that "investments in ALS are as important as the investments in formal education."

Aimed at motivating the local government chief executives to include literacy program in their development plans, the one-day Briefing/Orientation on the Universalization of Literacy Program ended successfully with a plan of actions on June 24.

The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) sponsored and organized respectively the event geared toward promoting literacy program all over the country.

Director Emelyn Libunao, Project Division of PIA Central Office underscored the importance of the activity particularly in eliminating illiteracy in the Philippines.

She said the team lead by LCC would be moving around the provinces to promote the universalization of literacy program among LGUs.

Sarangani Provincial Administrator Fredo Basino, representing Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez, in his welcome address said the provincial government has been responding positively to the call of promoting literacy program among poorly educated sectors of society.

He said the province particularly the Office of the Governor, is strengthening the Madaris Program in line with the 10-point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo specifically on making education accessible to all.

According to him, the program, which has a funding allocation of P2.2 million, is aimed at uplifting the socio-cultural and economic condition of Muslim communities by providing them education in Arabic literacy integrating the core values of peace and development.

Basino also articulated the launching of the Sarangani Integrated Literacy and Livelihood for the Indigenous People (SILLIP) under Vice Governor Bridget Chiongbian-Huang to provide far-flung children of indigenous peoples (IPs) easy access to education and their parents a decent income.

Emphasizing the importance of "addressing the need of adult illiterates most especially the out-of-school youth," Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Austere Panadero described these sectors as human resources that are "key elements for development."

"They are human resources that are needed to drive our economy and if they are not functionally literate, then we have a problem, that's why they should properly be given attention to and be made productive and responsible members of society," he added.

Both Bacani and Panadero, in closing emphasized that ALS can only be successful if LGUs and concerned national line agencies get actively involved and cooperate as partners in the program implementation. (PIA SarGen)

Caraga regional youth skills competition set
by Robert E. Roperos

Butuan City (4 July 2005) -- The Caraga Skills Olympic Foundation, Inc. (CSOFI), in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Caraga Region is set to conduct the 4th Regional Skills Competition from July 26-29, 2005 here with the theme "Galing sa Trabaho, Kredit sa Kolehiyo, Angat Tayo!"

Designed purposely to showcase and recognize the work excellence of young skilled workers and industry workers for both sexes in a competitive setting, the activity also supports the effort of the Arroyo Administration in giving youths the opportunity to develop their skills in different fields and prepare them to be world-class craftsmen for better job opportunities both here and abroad. It also raises the level of public awareness and importance of blue-collar jobs and the vital workers in nation building.

The four-day activity also challenges young, skilled and industry workers to do better to have quality products that can compete in the world market.

CSOFI President Shirley Lim of the Agusan Institute of Technology (AIT) called on its government and private partners, and other stakeholders for support and cooperation in this undertaking for the promotion and development of the middle-level workforce, especially the youth. (PIA Caraga)

Agusan Sur hosts media congress
by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (4 July 2005) -- "I think the rights of women and children are also concerns of the media. But more importantly, I hope media practitioners will understand and live by their ethics. I encourage you all to look into the positive news to motivate the community. Positive news is one way of influencing the mindsets of our constituents", says Governor Adolph Edward Plaza during the two-day Regionwide Media Practitioners Congress at the Provincial Training Center of this province recently.

The congress was a joint undertaking of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) anchored on President Arroyo's deep concern for the rights of women and children. The congress sought to orient media practitioners regarding the Convention on Rights of Children (CRC), Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), media ethics and the ten-point agenda of President Arroyo.

David Suyao, PIA Infocenter Manager for Agusan Sur talked about the ten-point agenda of President Arroyo, as contained in the acronym, BEAT THE ODDS. Suyao also oriented the media of their role in the CRC and CEDAW. He emphasized that the media plays a vital role in the advocacy of the rights of women and children. He also discussed the Communication Process and Journalism Ethics. He stressed that journalists and information officers must always live by their ethics.

The Profile of Agusan del Sur and the Executive Agenda of Governor Plaza were also presented. Highlighted during the discussion is the paradox of Agusan del Sur. Sally Balantero, Planning Officer of the provincial government of Agusan Sur said, " Agusan del Sur has very rich natural resources yet its people are poor. It also has the lowest literacy rate in Caraga."

Balantero further added that CRC and CEDAW enables the inclusion of children and women's rights and needs to the developmental plan of the government. She said that the Child Friendly Movement moves the entire agenda of Agusan Sur since the province is one of the recipients of the Country Program for Children VI.

One of the issues raised in the course of the congress is the root cause of children abuse such as incest rape. Edward Reyes of DXDA surmised that it is because of poverty. He emphasized that this happens because whole family sleeps in one room thus providing opportunity for older male members to sexually abuse children.

Joy Bungabong of CDA on the other hand argued that incest does not only occur to poor families but to rich people as well. Senior Police Inspector Nelia Villagarcia supported this observation, emphasizing that these abuses occur not only because of poverty but mostly because of degrading moral values of the people involved. She strongly endorsed a moral recovery program.

Forty media practitioners from different parts of Caraga attended the Congress. Some private practitioners present expressed their dissatisfaction over some public offices particularly the PNP because of allegedly withholding information from them. Villagarcia of PNP reacted to the issue and said that reports are open to the media because it is for public consumption.

Several Public Information Officers (PIOs) also open up their dissatisfaction with the media, saying that they often sensationalized controversies in the government service but failed to air the accomplishments and milestones reached by concerned agencies. (PIA 13)

First Convergence Botika ng Barangay set up in Agusan

Agusan del Sur (4 July 2005) -- Acute respiratory infection, diarrhea and wounds of all types, are recorded the top three leading causes of morbidity in the province which affects thousands of children and adults alike from year 2000 - 2004, according to records of the Provincial Health Office.

For these reasons, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza launched the convergence development program designed to improve the quality of life of the Agusanons. One of the strategies identified is the setting up of Botika ng Barangay, which sells cheap, quality medicines in areas where these are most needed.

Botika ng Barangay (BnB) is not new in the province. In fact it was started by the Department of Health in the early 1980s, along with foreign donor, the United Nation Family Planning Assistance Program. Sadly, however, the project was not sustained in other areas for lack of popular popular.

Now, under the administration of Gov. Eddiebong Plaza, in support to the Arroyo Administration's 10-point legacy agenda with the slogan "BEAT THE ODDS", the Botika sa Barangay aims to provide safe, effective and quality medicines that are accessible and affordable for the poor people, most especially in far flung barangays.

According to BnB focal person Nanette Cabanos of the Provincial Health Office, setting up a BnB should follow a system in order to make it effective and sustainable. She added that the Provincial Management Team, composed of provincial health workers, municipal and barangay health workers was created to set up, supervise, monitor and prepare the necessary requirements and make all BnBs sustainable in the long term.

"We have started the phase 1 early in January of this year. We conducted consultations, surveys, seminars and orientations to ensure that people understand what is BnB, its benefits, the concept of ownership of the business and the support it needs from the community," Cabanos reported.

She also added that along the process of implementation, their team have innovated and improved the manual to suit the demand of the different areas and make the system effective and applicable in Agusan del Sur. Ms Cabanos said they made sure that the community fully accepts and supports BnB. They have trained 10 accredited operators instead of one and sign a memorandum of agreement among provincial health office, local government unit and operators.

"Barangay Duangan of Esperanza is our first established BnB in the province and we are now in the phase 2 of the implementation, which is the downloading of medicines. The provincial government has already extended P20,000.00 for the medicines which would serve as the seed capital. But said assistance will be paid by the BnB within a 3-5 year period without interest", Cabanos disclosed.

According to Cabanos, once fully operational, BnB will provide an early identification of illnesses as well as treatment in the area thereby lessening the congestion of hospitals and clinics. She also said that the program is believed to reduce ambulant sellers of fake medicines because even the poor could now buy the medicines needed at the Botika ng Barangay at a very low price. (PIA)

Biliranons express full upport to PGMA presidency

Naval, Biliran (4 July 2005) -- Unlike the rallies held by members of the militant groups and some supporters of the opposition in the business district of Makati and other parts of Metro Manila, a multi-sectoral rally was conducted here in the province of Biliran by Biliranons from all walks of life as a show of full support to the leadership of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA).

The action of the Biliranons was in consonance to the pronouncement of Secretary Ignacio Bunye appealing to all Filipinos to work within the framework of the constitution and laws in order to truly achieve a stable government that rest upon the rule of law.

Likewise, former president Corazon C. Aquino believes that the Constitution contains all the way by which one may safely effect even the most difficult political changes and that to step outside the Constitution will only expose the country to greater danger than the injustices we want to correct.

In a consultative meeting initiated by Biliran Governor Rogelio J. Espina in coordination with Congressman Gerry Boy Espina, Jr., Representative of the Lone District of Biliran, all provincial, municipal and barangays elected officials, women's group, senior citizen's association, various non-government organizations and different people's organizations in the province of Biliran passed and approved a resolution expressing steadfast support to the Arroyo administration.

The resolutions coming from the local elected officials and the different socio-civic organizations in the province of Biliran was personally handed to Congressman Juan Miguel "Mickey" Arroyo, presidential son and representative of a district in Pampanga, in his visit to the province for the premiere night of his movie titled "Sablay Ka Na, Pasaway Ka Pa" where he is the lead actor.

Congressman Gerry Boy Espina who is a close friend of Congressman Mickey Arroyo is also a cast of the movie in an introduction rule.

The expression of full support of the Biliranons to the GMA presidency is in connection to the controversial issues hounding the Arroyo administration that subtly affect the smooth governance and strong leadership of the country.

Meanwhile, Governor Espina being the father of the province appeals to Biliranons to support the duly recognized leadership and cautioned not to make any drastic actions that would tend to undermine the progress and development of the country.

Congressman Gerry Boy Espina on the other hand, calls for sobriety among the people in the province of Biliran with the situation experienced by the present administration and further emphasized to the public to follow what is provided in the constitution in order to avoid chaos in the country.

For his part, Naval Mayor Gerardo S. Espina, Sr., reminded Biliranons of the good things provided by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as manifested by the various infrastructure projects, livelihood programs and financial support given to the province of Biliran that greatly helped in its progress and development.

With the provisions of these manufacture projects, livelihood programs and financial support by the Arroyo administration, Mayor Espina heartily appeals to the Biliranon to rally behind the present administration as our gratitude to the good things given to the Biliranons and for the sake of stability, progress and development of the country.

During said consultative meeting held at Marvin's Place in Brgy. Atipolo this town, the province of Biliran thru Governor Rogelio Espina handed to Congressman Mickey Arroyo a resolution conferring him as an adopted son of Biliran province. (PIA-8)

Government confident E-VAT wisdom be recognized by Supreme Court

MANILA (4 July 2005) -- The Palace has expressed confidence that the wisdom behind the implementation of the expanded Value Added Tax (E-VAT) would be recognized by the Supreme Court.

The statement was made by Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye after a Temporary Restraining Order was issued last Friday by the High Court to suspend the implementation of the new tax measure.

He pointed out that the E-VAT law is all about economic stability, and stressed out the legality of the tax measure and the unprecedented benefits it could bring to the Filipino people.

The Palace official said the country cannot afford to have further delays in the law's implementation for what is at stake is the welfare of the Filipinos, particularly the poor.

"We will plead before the High Court to reverse its decision soonest," Bunye added. (PIA-MMIO)

Palace to PGMA detractors: "Spare the urban poor"

MANILA (4 July 2005) -- Malacañang has called on the detractors of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other groups to spare the urban poor in the pursuit of their raw ambition for power.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye made the call as hundreds of urban poor folks from Marikina City went furious after failing to receive P250 as attendance fee in the anti-government rally at Makati City last Friday.

Bunye said the present administration respects the expression of opinions and ideas as well as the open discussion of all the allegations being hurled against President Arroyo, but pointed out that the issues must be dealt with hard facts and the right information raised in proper venues in order not to further aggravate the political and economic condition of the country.

The Palace official stressed that the ordinary Filipinos are the sore losers in the prevailing atmosphere of political bickering and mudslinging, and urged the government detractors not degrade and exploit them further by taking advantage of their economic condition.

"Rented protesters are a travesty of democracy," he added. (PIA-MMIO)

Samar DTI tag watchers reactivated

Catarman, Northern Samar (4 July 2005) -- They are everywhere. Sharp and eagle-eyed this untiring special team of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will watch at price tags closely as if they have never seen one before.

In a recent interview in "Huruhimangraw Sa Panginudto", a weekly tie-up radio program of PIA and Radio Station DYSM in Catarman, DTI's provincial director Stanley Tabiando announced the reactivation of the Price Monitoring Team in Northern Samar. The DTI group will prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of the vulnerable situation in the local market.

Tabiando said that the prices of such items as sardines, noodles, cooking oil, laundry soap, sugar, milk, bread, coffee including construction materials, school supplies and electrical supplies will be closely monitored.

During the interview, Tabiando was pleased to report that there were "no price movements" and that "supplies were adequate" during the conduct of the monitoring yesterday.

Tabiando also hopes that with the organization of the Northern Samar Consumers Association, private citizens and teachers will now be able to assist in price monitoring.

He warned unscrupulous individuals that Republic Act 7395, otherwise known as Consumers Act have sanctions for "enterprising" business establishments if found violating the said law. There are fines ranging from Php 50,000 to Php 100,000. He added that DTI will not hesitate to recommend the closure of business establishments if the situation calls for it. (PIA Northern Samar)

Butuan set to celebrate 55th foundation
by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

Butuan City (4 July 2005) -- With President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest of honor, Butuan will once again celebrate another milestone - the 55th Adlaw Hong Butuan Charter Day Anniversary on August 2, 2005. According to organizers, the celebration will highlight the basic Filipino values and time honored customs and traditions of the Philippines.

Butuan City, the region's capital and trade center was declared charter city on August 2, 1950. This made the Municipality of Butuan the capital city of the then undivided provinces of Agusan through Republic Act 1162 authored by former Agusan Representative the late Marcos Calo.

This year's theme "Butuanons: Proudly Pinoy" will feature the Filipino talents, values and services. These will be showcased through a float parade that is expected to revive and instill in every Butuanons the moral and civic values of a true Filipino.

The float parade will be participated by different government agencies and private companies in the city. To date most government agencies have signified their intention to join and mount a float parade.

Mayor Plaza expects the President to be present during this momentous occasion after the President failed to grace the blessing and inauguration of Butuan City Hall during her recent visit in San Luis, Agusan del Sur this region.

Mayor Democrito Plaza announced this during a joint press conference with Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza whereby both declared unequivocal support to President Arroyo. (PIA 13)

DTI-13 conducts consumer education seminar for media
by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

Butuan City (4 July 2005) -- Bent on developing small medium enterprises and helping businessmen the Arroyo administration equally seeks to promote the general welfare of the consumers as contained in the Consumer Act. To this end the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a Consumer Education Seminar for Media at the Small Medium Enterprise Center at DTI-Agusan del Norte recently.

In recognition of the fact that people are consumers from birth to death, the department intensified their advocacy on Consumer Act, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, Price Tag, Product Certification and Price Act. It also recognizes the important role of media as workers in disseminating information at all levels and believes that education, communication and information is an important tool in the realization of its goals.

The Consumer Act of the Philippines was enacted into law to establish the policy of the State of protecting the interest of the Filipino consumers, promote the general welfare and at the same time encourage business and industry to adopt fair standards of conduct.

Other topic discussed was the Consumer Rights and Responsibilities. Christina Dedel, Trade and Industry Development Specialist emphasized that the "No Return, No Exchange" policy does not anymore apply. Each consumer has a right to redress; any defective goods must either be replaced, repaired or refunded. Although DTI emphasizes the rights of the consumers, they also reminded them of their responsibilities as consumers. Each consumer must be critically aware, socially responsible among others", Dedel stressed.

The Price Act Law, the commodities under it and other pertinent information about the said law were also thoroughly discussed. Emphasized in the discussion is the government's capacity to implement Automatic Price Control (APC) and Mandated Price Control (MPC) in times of calamities and disasters to protect the consumers.

Myrna Luz Gavero, Señior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI emphasized that not all consumer complaints are their concern because there are other agencies tasked to implement the Consumer Act. These agencies include the Department of Agriculture for agricultural products; Department of Education for consumer education and information; Department of Health for food, drugs, cosmetics and devices and hazardous substances; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for consumer credit transaction extended by banks and other financial intermediaries; and the Securities and Exchange Commission for the credit facilities extended to consumers by financing companies.

"DTI's main concern is regarding consumer product, quality and safety as well as deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales act and practices. Issues other than these regarding certain consumer products and services must be referred to the appropriate agency," Gavero explained. (PIA-13)

AgSur officials give unequivocal support to PGMA
by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (4 July 2005) -- With the political crisis that the country is facing at present, Agusan del Sur officials led by Governor Adolph Edward Plaza gave their unequivocal support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The joint resolution dated June 30, 2005, the officialdom of the province represented by their chosen leaders expressed their full support to the leadership of President Arroyo stating that she is the "duly constituted and elected President of the Republic of the Philippines who will lead the country towards our common aspiration of development and good governance."

Aside from Gov. Plaza, others who signed the joint resolution were Chrisan Perez, SK Provincial Federation President; Edwin Elorde, Liga ng mga Barangay President; Frederick Mark Millana, President of the Provincial Councilor's League; Martin Johnson Heje Jr, Vice Mayors' League President; Mayors' League President Romeo del Torre; Santiago Cane Jr., Provincial Board Members' League Chair; and Vice Governor Virginia Getes.

The resolution observed that the recent scenario in the national level coupled with the political issues and controversies has greatly affected the vision and mission towards the attainment of economic development as a nation. "All these moves for the destabilization of the present leadership which desire to grab the power by any means, even resorting to "mob rule" against the duly constituted elected President of the Philippines could directly and indirectly affect not only the peace and order condition but as well as the nation's progress and prosperity", it said.

The officials also stated they believe that the President has not lost her "moral ascendancy" to govern the Filipino people and are unanimous in their intense and passionate support to the presidency of Arroyo. (PIA Caraga)

DepEd targets pre-school, first grade students

Iloilo City (4 July 2005) -- The Department of Education and Culture is currently targeting the physical and mental development of pre-school and first-grade students in public schools, with the line-up of three important programs, the Supplemental Feeding Program, the Universal Medical and Dental Check-up and the Pre-School sa Bawat Barangay. Its Visayas launching was held in Iloilo City recently.

The three programs are collaborative efforts of the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Council for the Welfare of Children, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and the local governments across the country.

According to the DepEd, with the three programs, it expects that the drop-out rates would be reduced and it would improve the ability of young children to adapt quickly to the learning demands of elementary school.

DepEd reports that most children who drop out from school do so between the first and third grades. Two of the most frequent reasons for the drop-out rate is the child's being undernourished and short term hunger, which hinders the child from participating in the classroom Pre-elementary and first grade students are the most nutritionally at-risk because they are still developing physically, mentally and emotionally. Children who drop-out from school early are more likely to suffer from low levels of literacy later on.

Per DepEd records Western Visayas Region has shown alarming trends of undernourishment among schoolchildren. At the beginning of school year 2003-2004, the region had the highest incidence of underweight elementary pupils in the country, with more than 31 percent of children with below-average weight-for-age. The second highest incidence of underweight children came from MIMAROPA Region with 28.9 percent.

Thus with the Supplemental Feeding program, it will provide first graders with milk and breakfast supplements composed of iron-fortified rice, instant noodles or biscuits for 120 days. The nutritional status of beneficiaries will be measured before and after the feeding.

On the other hand, the Universal Dental and Medical check-up will mobilize volunteer health professionals to administer these check-ups and gather more comprehensive information on the health status of all first-grade students. Past efforts to administer health check-ups to elementary students were hindered by lack of school health personnel, which the DepEd is trying to address.

In addition to the two other programs, the 'Pre-School sa Bawat Barangay" will expand and augment existing day care centers and pre-schools to ensure that every child has access to pre-schooling before they enter first grade. Funding for the pre-school expansion efforts will be jointly shouldered by the DepEd, DSWD, CWC, the local government units and parent-teacher community associations. (PIA-6)

Leyte solon urges support for GMA

MAASIN CITY (4 July 2005) -- Rather than call for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, we should instead support her, according to Southern Leyte Lone District Rep. Roger "Oging" Mercado.

This was the solon's solid remark when asked about his reaction on the public apology made by the President on June 27 regarding the so-called "Gloriagate" controversy.

In a live, long distance phone interview over radio station DYDM on July 1 with anchorman Zaldy Olita, Cong. Mercado admired the President for her courage in admitting the voice in the tape was hers.

"Sakto kadtong iyang gibuhat nga iyang gi-akseptar ug akong gi-suportahan siya, dili nato siya pa-resign-non" (What she did was right and I support her for that, we will not let her resign), Cong. Mercado said.

He added: "Atong suportahan ug tabangan, mao nga I-ampo nato siya, ug hinaut unta kanang iyang mga programa nga gisugdan iyang ipadayon. Ug hinaut untang mohimo siya'g mga lakang karong panahona aron gyod pag-pakita sa mga tawo nga siya naningkamot ug aron makita ang mga accomplishment." (Let us support and help, so we pray for her. I hope the programs she started can be pushed through. And I hope she would initiate moves this time to show the people she was trying her best and to show accomplishments.)

The Southern Leyteno lawmaker himself offered an apology to the people of the province for not being able to personally attend the 45th provincial founding anniversary on July 1, saying his presence in Congress was badly needed as the Congressional inquiry on the wire-tapping issue was still in progress.

Mercado's wife, Luz, read a prepared message in his behalf during the anniversary program.

The national dailies reported that Congress finally listened to the tapes well into the night of June 30. In the July 1 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Cong. Mercado was quoted as saying: "The tape will be opened and heard by our people. But these tapes that we are going to hear are not pure; they are adulterated, tampered, filled with corrections and splicings."

He also insisted that "the President did not cheat in last year's polls." (PIA Southern Leyte)

Balskie, unsay nahitabo? Why are you in the hospital? Kumusta imong pamati sa lawas?

EVAT vital to economic stability
By Jennilyne O. Casimiro

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (04 July 2005) -– The Expanded Value-Added Tax (EVAT) has been a move for the government to ease our financial problems as it is seen as the lifeline of our economy, along with the positive outlook in the global market.

According to Sec. Bunye, the President believes that the EVAT is a vital instrument to fix our budget deficits and at the same time, finance basic programs and services intended for the people.

It was projected by the economic managers of the President that the pursuance of the EVAT will raise about P28B revenue for the government and will eventually pave for P145B in 2006.

Malacañang stressed that the EVAT will not only address the ballooning budget deficit, but it will also serve as an alternative source for the government to fund basic needs of the people that include infrastructure improvements and a source to pay the country's debts.

The issuance of the temporary restraining order (TRO) by the Supreme Court has resulted to negative outlook by the financial analysts and foreign creditors.

But according to Secretary Bunye, the government will fight for the lifting of the TRO, pending the 10-days timeframe for the Supreme Court to file an answer for issuing a TRO.

"The President is firm in her stand and calls for everyone that the EVAT is a vital law for the nation, to address the long time problem of the government in terns of budget," Sec. Bunye said. (PIA Ilocos)

Leyte students benefit from new education approach

Tacloban City (4 July 2005) -- The Applied Education for Excellence (APEX) which was started in school year 2004-2005 in selected public high schools in eight municipalities and cities of Leyte is now shoowing good results as indicated in the evaluation made by the coordinator of the project, the South East Asia Ministry of Education Organization (SEAMEO0 Innotech based in Quezon City and supervised by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The APEX program is in line with the Ten Point Agenda (Beat the Odds) of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as it provides the high school students the much needed emphasis on the subjects in Math, Science and English in order that they will be globally competitive. It also affords the students to actively participate in class activities as the new approach involves every student through group dynamics and at the same time they are taught the necessary skills needed in the industries available in the community, thus, they are qualified to become entrepreneurs upon graduation in the secondary level.

The piloted cities of this program are Tacloban and Ormoc and the municipalities are Tanauan, Dulag, Alangalang, Baybay, Isabel and Kananga. According to Mayor Roque Tiu of Tanauan who finds time to observe the APEX class at the Tanauan National High School, this is one of the best things that ever happened to the education sector of the municipality.

The above-mentioned local government units together with the provincial government of Leyte contributed separately different amounts, depending on the size of the locality, to the program which will last for the next four years. This school year starts the training of the teachers of other high schools of the covered local governments so that all the secondary schools thereat will all follow the APEX approach.

The APEX program is a technology transferred from Cord International which holds office in Waco, Texas, USA. In 2003, several educators and elected officials from the covered local government units visited and made observations in the USA specifically at Nashville, Tennessee on the APEX program. The team was composed of Then governor now representative of the first district of Leyte, Congresswoman Remedios L. Petilla, DepEd VIII regional director Sol Matugas, Leyte division superintendent Aurora Villarente, Mayors Loreto Yu of Alangalang, Manuel Sia Que of Dulag, Jose Carlos Cari of Baybay and Roque Tiu of Tanauan. (PIA

EVAT walang epekto sa preyo ng bilihin - Bunye

Cotabato City (3 July 2005) -- Tiniyak ng Malakanyang na hindi makaka-apekto sa presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin ng ating pamilihan ang implementasyon ng Expanded Value-Added Tax.

Ayon kay Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye, mahalaga ang E-VAT upang maisalba ng pamahalaan ang pagbagsak ng ekonomiya ng bansa.

Ginawa pa nitong halimbawa ang pag-alis ng tariffs at excise tax sa mga inaangkat na produktong petrolyo upang mapagaan ang burden ng naturang tax measures.

Idinagdag pa ni Bunye na kinakailangan n gating pamahalaan ang karagdagang revenue upang mapunoan ang kaban n gating bayan at maaakit ang mga mamumuhunan na maglagak ng kanilang puhonan dito sa Pilipinas.

Layunin ng E-VAT LAW na maisakatuparan at mapalawak ang mga social services at mga pangunahing proyektong pang-inprastaktura at maipagpatuloy ng Administrasyong Arroyo ang mga parogramang naglalayong labanan ang matinding kahirapang dinaranas n gating mga mamamayan. (ATRUDA)

Commentary: Filipinos are tired of political upheavals

Tacloban City (3 July 2005) -- The chances of another people power succeeding are remote because the public is tired of political upheavals.

At this point in time, most of civil society and the Filipino people are reluctant to plunge into another people uprising. If there are differences to be resolved or wrongs to be redressed, they would prefer these to be done through legal and constitutional processes. Quitely so, for nobody really knows where taking a different path would lead to.

For one, the people are aware of the opposition's game plan seem to lead to lead the country into chaos by stoking the flames of another people revolution.

The recent protest action in Makati caught the attention of many not only becauseit lacks the desired number but because of the lack of support from the ordinary Filipinos as most of those present were opposition leaders and menbers, political losers and those aspiring to become political candidates, members and officers of the militant and partylist groups.

Most noticeable, however, were the presence of minors and children who were exposed to danger of getting sick because of the unpredictable weather conditions. Are they being used as a shield against the dispersal or arrest of the police authorities?

If these groups can endanger the minors and children for their self-enterests, how can the Filipino people trust them to run the government?

The message of Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales rings clear as he issued a warning against any short cuts to solve the current political crisis. The church leader also called the citizenry to remain calm amid the political turnoil so as to avoid further divisions among the Filipinos.

He said he is against any form of unconstitutional moves and ththe hands of justice and the rule of law must prevail. "Any proposed solution to the present situation that relies on or leads to violence is unacceptable,"he said. Violence harms the innocent and inflicts wounds so deep that take generations to heal.

Even former President Corazon Aquino has spoken. She is against any illegal political takeover specially if this is motivated to give power to the self interest of a few and not for the sake of the Filipino people.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines vowed to crush all attempts to destabilize the government and to see to it that the rule of law is followed.

In the local front, Governors Jericho Petilla of Leyte and Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar issued an appeal to critics of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo not to demand her ouster but for the whole country to move on lest it hurt the country's economy.

Indeed, minus partisanship and self-serving interests, there is always hope for political healing. National unity, reconciliation, not political upheavals, is the key for the country to move forward and achieve its goals. (PIA

Housing project benefits soldiers, families

Quezon City (2 July 2005) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines recently turned over a total of two hundred forty newly-constructed condomunium units to soldier beneficiaries at a rites held in Bonifacio Heights in Makati City. Vice President and HUDCC Chair Noli de Castro led the ceremonires.

AFP Chief of Staff General Efren Abu said that the housing units are part of the AFP's housing project, in cooperation with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

Incidentally, a housing project also took off in Philippine Army's Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City. The one hundred low-cost housing units for soldiers and their families are under a fifty-fifty cost-sharing scheme between the Department of National Defense and the Gawad Kalinga, a non-government organization involved in socialized housing.

The Bonifacio Heights and Camp Aquino projects are among the seven on-base housing sites approved by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the AFP personnel. Other sites include Cagayan de Oro City, Camp Riego de Dios in Cavite, Camp Tinio in Cabanatuan City, and Fort del Pilar in Baguio City.

The DENR, HUDCC and the AFP are likewise evaluating ten other areas in the country for possible sites of the AFP mass housing projects in a bid to boost the confidence of our soldiers, knowing that their families are decently sheltered while they are out in the fields, defending the nation's security against hostilities created by terrorist groups. (Beat the Odds Infobits)

P134.5 M irrigation project to boost Mindanao farm productivity

Quezon City (2 July 2005) -- The Department of Land Reform recently launched an irrigation project in Mawab, Compostela Valley to make farmlands more productive. The P134.5-million project will water more than a thousand hectares of land and benefit more than eight hundred farmer-beneficiaries from Agrarian Reform Communities or ARCs in the area.

DLR Secretary Rene C. Villa said that the expected improvement of produce and income of the farmers will consequently help in the overall growth of the country's economy.

The irrigation project is a tie-up undertaking between the DLR and the National Irrigation Administration in support of the 10-point priority agenda of the Arroyo administration.

The project is funded by an official development assistance from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. The local government of Compostela Valley likewise has a ten percent counterpart of the project cost, equivalent to thirteen point 3 million pesos.

Mawab Mayor Samuel Ampayas said that the irrigation project is so far the biggest support extended to his constituents by the national government.

Compostela Valley Governor Jose Caballero further added that the project assistance is a fruit of the farmers' unity and desire to improve their farm productivity and income. (Beat the Odds Infobits)

RORO cuts 50% off delivery period from Mindanao to Manila

Quezon City (2 July 2005) -- The Department of Agriculture recenlty activated the roll-on, roll off terminal system linking Mindanao to Metro Manila. This ensures enough supply of fresh farm produce in Manila when the Luzon area's produce is affected by typhoons.

The previous delivery period of six days has been cut by fifty percent. The inaugural shipment of the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries of Northern Mindanao arrived in Manila from Cagayan de Oro port in just three days. Former Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap says that the RORO terminal system provides an opportunity to suppliers and cooperatives from other parts of the country to transact businesses in Metro Manila. Yap says that by bringing farm and fishery products from the provinces to major markets in urban centers, consumers are protected from further spikes in prices caused by soarding crude oil costs in the world market. (Beat the Odds Infobits)

RP poised to be Asia's ICT outsourcing hub

Quezon City (2 July 2005) -- The government is bent in making the Philippines an information and communications technology (ICT) outsourcing destination of choice. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that the cyber services corridor concept is gaining ground from Baguio to Zamboanga. The President even projected that more than a hundred thousand jobs will be generated by the booming ICT outsourcing industry this year.

The Philippine ICT infrastructure is world-class in every way, from quality, to cost and availability.

Cebu, in particular, has economic zones that speak well of its strategic location as a selling point to ICT investors.

President Arroyo likewise expects Filipino software developers alone to increase from 30,000 to 100,000 in 2010. But according to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the government and the private sector should continue working together to streamline investment procedures and increase the country's attractiveness as a destination for all types of value-added investments. (Beat the Odds Infobits)

Father, in the name of Jesus I intercede for _____ . I pray mercy for them. We bind their strongman and command every demon to stand-down and loose their mind and will so they can make a decision to receive the Lord as their savior.

I loose spirits of adoption, salvation, repentance, and fear of the Lord into them. I remit their sins in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and thank you Lord for giving them space to repent. I loose the goodness of God that leads to repentance into them. (Rom 2:4)

Father, I pray that you would surround ____ with Christians that would show them what it looks like to live a truly blessed and surrendered life.

Lord, I pray the Holy Spirit would draw ____ to you, Father...in Jesus name! Father, please breathe on any Word that is in ____ and make it come to life in them! Father, make ____ to be the good ground as in the parable of the sower. Help me to be a great example of Christ-ian in their life. All glory to God the Highest! Thank you Jesus!

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Philippians 3 New International Version (NIV)
No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul's Example
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

️Mga puntos na madaling tandaan tungkol sa ating Voluntary SSS Membership️

1. Sa mga dati na pong myembro ng SSS na nahinto ang hulog dahil sa paghinto sa pagta trabaho, maaring ituloy ang paghuhulog sa SSS as voluntary member. Hindi na kailangang magpa rehistro ng bagong SS Number. Hindi na maaring bayaran ang mga nalampasang buwan at taon. Maaring bayaran lang ay ang current quarter, ang buwan ngayon at mga darating na buwan.

2. Tandaan ang deadline ng iyong paghuhulog as voluntary SS Member. Para malaman ang iyong deadline, alamin ang huling digit ng iyong SS Number: Kung ang huling numero ay 1 o 2, ang deadline ay ika 10 ng susunod na buwan; Kung 3 o 4, ika 15 naman ng buwan; sa 5 o 6- ika 20 naman ng buwan; 7-8 end digit ay ika 25 ng buwan; at kung 9 o 0 ang huling numero ng iyong SS Number ay katapusan naman ng buwan ang iyong payment deadline.

3. Pwedeng iaccess ang iyong SS Records online. Ang SSS Inquiries ay pahina lamang po na magbibigay sa inyo ng guide at instruction ngunit hindi po ng personal na record nyo sa SSS. Para makapag register sa SSS Website, kailangan nyo po ng Receipt Number ng pinakahuling hulog niyo. Aabutin ng 24 oras bago ma activate ang inyong SSS Account. Sa SSS Online nyo po malalalamqn kung ilan at magkano na ang naihulog niyo, magkano ang balance sa loan, etc. Makikita niyo rin po kung hinuhulog pa ng kumpleto ng inyong Employer ang binawas na SS Contribution sa payslip niyo.

4. Mga numerong magandang tandaan para sa iyong qualification sa SSS benfits at program

36 Months - contribution para maqualify sa loan pero dapat active ang bayad sa huling anim na buwan

120 months - minimum contribution para makapag pension. Kung kaya niyo pong maghulog ng mas maraming taon at mas malaki sa huling limang taon bago kayo mag 60, mas maganda para mas malaki ang magiging pension

4 times pwede mag avail ng Maternity Benefit. Mahalagang mag submit ng Maternity Notification sa SSS pag nalaman mong buntis ka. Para ma qualify, kailangan na nakapag hulog ka ng 3 buwan sa loob ng 12 buwan bago ang semester ng iyong panganganak o pagka kunan.

5. Kung kayo po ay may dating loan na sa SSS at hindi pa nababayaran, magkaka roon po ng Loan Condonation ngayong April 2 - October 1, 2018. Magandang opportunity po ito para ma restructure ang inyong loan at mabawasan ang penalty ng inyong loan.

Muli, ang SSS Inquiries ay hindi opisyal na pahina ng SSS. Kami po ay regular na miyembro ng SSS lamang din na nais makatulong sa kapwa SSS Member.

️Mayroong tips ka ba sa kapwa ka Sss Inquiries? Halinat ibahagi ito sa ating pahina.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Mar. 28 (PIA) - - Emergency responders in Capiz will be deployed this Holy Week. 

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Esperedion Pelaez said that the personnel of the Capiz Emergency Response Team together with the Capiz Archdiocesan Disaster Emergency Responders (CADER) of the Capiz Archdiocesan Social Action Center will be deployed to the two main churches in Roxas City.

He said that from Holy Thursday until Good Friday, the responding teams will be deployed within the area of Roxas City Metropolitan Cathedral and Mt. Carmel Parish Church.

He added that during said dates, an operation Operation Center of the PDRRMO will be opened at the Capiz Provincial Capitol.

Starting March, 31 which is Black Saturday until April 1 or Easter Sunday, the emergency teams will be deployed at Baybay Beach and ni Talon Beach, all in Roxas City and in Basiao Beach in Ivisan town.

On the other hand, Dennis Saneo of the Philippine Red Cross-Capiz Chapter disclosed that Emergency Response Unit of the PRC with the Roxas City Emergency Response Team will be stationed at the Roxas City Metropolitan Cathedral and in Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish Church in Loctugan, Roxas City.

Saneo noted that in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard and RCERT, their team will be deployed this Saturday and Sunday at Baybay Beach in Roxas City aside from the their roving emergency team. (JBG/PIA-Capiz)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 28 (PIA) – The fall of two top New Peoples' Army (NPA) leaders in a matter of month coupled with the rising number of rebels coming down to heed the state call to return to the fold of the law has led the top AFP official in Caraga region to say that the Community Support Program (CSP) here has continued to yield good results. 

Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA), whose area of responsibility (AOR) covers the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and the northern part of Surigao del Sur, said that a quantum leap in achievement had been noted since CSP was launched early this year.

CSP, an army-initiated endeavor, was simply defined by Gacal as a "convergence program" which had been "hitting rebels hard" thus the favorable chain of events.  He added that the presence of government had already started to be felt in insurgency-affected communities now keeping these areas become useful ones.

Among the telltale signs noticed that the half-century old insurgency problem had begun to dwindle in strength was the fall of both Leonida Padilla Guao and Pablo Campos aka "Batik" or "Ponsoy" in February, the Caraga army general bared.

Army reports tagged Guao, 64, as head of the Finance and Education Bureau of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) while Campos, 43, as front secretary and political officer of Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 21A. 

BGen. Gacal indicated that the capture of both rebel leaders would lead to more triumphs.

On March 3, an NPA couple identified as Aladin and Luzviminda Apolinaria were reportedly nabbed by joint police and army operatives in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte for violation of R.A. 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 as well as R.A. 7610 or Anti-Child Abuse Law.

Allegedly, the couple were involved in recruiting child warriors to join the NPA ranks. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag City/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 28 (PIA) - - Col. Andres Centino, brigade commander of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA), bared that the Community Support Program (CSP) they launched during the late part of February this year would last for a couple of months.

Purposely done for "immersion and interaction," the brigade chief based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur disclosed that their presence would "only be in areas with security issues."

So far, Col. Centino reported that CSP had started to gain ground, confident that this would not get in the way of the normal lives in the communities of Indigenous Peoples (IPs).  The area of responsibility (AOR) of the said brigade covers the province of Agusan del Sur and the southern part of Surigao del Sur.

However, he stressed that the brigade would always need the backings of stakeholders.

When asked to comment on whether CSP could be taken as reason by NPA rebels to egg on the IPs to again move out for the "taktikang bakwit," Col. Centino thought otherwise.

The army-initiated endeavor aims "to transform insurgency-affected areas into thriving and sustainable ones by integrating programs that promote economic growth and address the fundamental issues affecting lasting peace and security," it was learned.

During the CSP send-off ceremony, the good army colonel was glad to note that local government officials and stakeholders were present to cheer on. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 28 (PIA) - - The province of Dinagat Islands joined the world in the celebration of the International Day of Forest through a tree planting activity conducted on March 20, 2018 along Kabisig Highway connecting Mahayahay Junction to Capitol Site in San Jose town.

This year's celebration of the International Day of Forest is anchored on the theme, "Forests for Sustainable Cities, Lets promote a greener, healthier and happier place to live in."

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) initiated the planting of 1,010 seedlings of Agoho tree most commonly known as "Pine Tree" and the simultaneous tree planting activity in the municipalities of Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo and Basilisa.

The activity was also part of the flagship program of Governor Glenda B. Ecleo's Verde Dinagat Highway that aims to promote a green community from the municipality of Cagdianao to Loreto.

Around 500 employees from the national line agencies, civil society organizations, cooperatives, people's organizations, and Provincial Capitol employees took part in the said activity. (PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, March 28 (PIA) - - All forest rangers in the Cagayan Valley Region will be on full alert after the regional environment chief here ordered all provincial and community environment officers to be vigilant and implement the "Oplan Huli Week" during the observance of the Holy Week.

Atty. Gil A. Aromin, DENR regional director, directed all environment officials in the ground to establish a 24-hour mobile checkpoints in strategic locations within their respective territorial jurisdictions.

"We need to be on guard as perpetrators of illegal forest activities would take advantage to engage in timber poaching and transport of forest and wildlife products," Aromin said.

He added that all forest officers, forest rangers and forest protection officers shall be mobilized in monitoring illegal transport of forest and wildlife products.

Aromin also advised the concerned personnel to be alert in detecting and providing quick response on forest fires and other forest destructive incidents in their respective areas as well as in coordinating with the law enforcement agencies for assistance to ensure security of those who will man the checkpoints.

In the "Oplan Huli Week" last year, DENR personnel apprehended a total of seven units of conveyances loaded with 39.54 cubic meters of forest products. (ALM/OTB/PIA-Cagayan with reports from Corie Corpuz, DENR-2)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 30 (PIA) – The annual 'Ammungan' Festival, along with other eco –tourism and historical sites here continue as one of the favorite tourist attractions in the province.

Marichelle Costales, provincial tourism supervising officer said the province has attained 100 percent increase of tourist arrivals from 2016 to 2017.

Close to 300,000 tourist arrivals in 2017 compared to the more than 103,000 arrivals in 2016 have been recorded, according to Costales.

She added that tourist arrivals in 2017 ranged from 10 to 15,000 a week, mostly going to Capissaan Cave System in Kasibu town, Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park in Diadi town, St. Vincent Church in Dupax del Sur town and other historical and cultural sites of the province.

The 'Ammungan' Festival, which will start on May 22, features Agri-Industrial Trade Fair where local products of the province will be exhibited, walk of history photo exhibit, landscaping contest, free health services, jobs fair, Search for model Grand Father and Grand Mother, native games, arts and music festival and beauty contest.

On May 23, there will be a cultural day, jobs fair, free music lessons, iluko literature contest while on May 24, it showcases the grand parade, street dancing and variety shows.

A farmers Day and the 2nd Nueva Vizcaya Historical Congress will also be held on May 25 to cap the weeklong festival. (ALM/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

DAVAO CITY -- There is no room for complacency in Davao Region to ensure a safe observance of the Holy Week as the Police Regional Office (PRO 11) placed beach resorts, bus terminals, markets, ports and seaports under tight watch.

Until 12 midnight Wednesday, PRO 11 director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan made random checks at beach resorts on the Island Garden City of Samal even talking to visitors to report suspicious persons. He particularly inspected Paradise Beach Resort and Sunset Beach.

Gaerlan, who also assigned field supervisors in the provinces to check on the police personnel and places where people converged like churches, said his main concern is the safety and convenience of the public.

On Wednesday night, Gaerlan asked all road marshals to keep blinkers on patrol cars on the road. All night duty personnel were also ordered to be out of the station and stay on the streets.

In bus terminals, Gaerlan ensured that police personnel, including the K9 unit, were in their post. He appreciated the presence of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Highway Patrol Group to check on the roadworthiness of the provincial buses.

PRO 11 has put Davao Region on full alert status and sent out the maximum deployment of personnel.

So far, PRO 11 spokesperson Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz said there was no report of untoward incident as of Thursday afternoon.

"It is generally peaceful and no untoward or significant incidents in Davao," Driz said.

The Davao City Police Office has also provided maximum deployment in churches in coordination with the Task Force Davao and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office.

Police personnel will be deployed during the major church activities, especially the procession on Good Friday, Visita Iglesia, and Easter Sunday. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

DAVAO CITY – Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 Director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan seeks to form an inter-agency team for the crackdown of colorum public utility (PUVs), although the police already started the operation following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Gaerlan said he will recommend the creation of the inter-agency action team so that it would be a regular activity and could also address road discipline issues.

Gaerlan underscored the importance of the presence of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in addressing the operation of colorum PUVs especially on franchise-related issues.

The team could include the Highway Patrol Group, PRO-11, LTFRB, LTO, and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO).

For the police, Gaerlan said teams have been deployed in the boundary areas like Buda highway in Marilog.

It may be recalled that President Duterte ordered a crackdown on colorum or illegally operating public transportation in the country following the deadly road accident involving the Dimple Bus Company in Occidental Mindoro.

Duterte asked authorities to arrest drivers and operators who continue to operate public transport without securing registration and permits for their operation.

He expressed his disappointment that the operation of colorum PUVs did not stop to the detriment of the riding public. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao -- Army Maj. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, celebrated his natal day on Wednesday in the company of orphans of Maguindanao, describing it as his most meaningful birthday celebration.

Dela Vega spent about two hours with orphans housed at the Markazul Aytam orphanage in Barangay Gang here. It was the second time that he spent time with the orphans on his birthday.

The 6th ID chief said he wanted to inspire the orphans, mostly Maguindanaoans, to push with their studies and earn a degree in the coming years. Their parents either abandoned them or have perished due to violence that transpired in their communities in Maguindanao.

Taking up Arabic lessons, the students are determined to memorize the whole Qur-an as required by the Madrasa. Many dream of becoming religious teachers and become ustadz or work abroad as missionary.

Municipal Mayor Shamin Mastura lauded Dela Vega's decision to spend his birthday with the orphans describing it as an act of gratitude for all the blessings he received as a military officer and as a family man.

Dela Vega, with the help of local officials and peace advocates, distributed food packs, school supplies and books.

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the blessings that the Almighty God has given me. I want to share these blessings with you today," Dela Vega told the orphaned students in the vernacular.

"Keep dreaming, help yourselves, keep on pushing yourselves to attain your dreams in life. If you want to be a soldier, in time, all you have to do is to tell us and we will be glad to welcome in the military service," Dela Vega added.

He challenged the young orphans to share whatever they can, either big or small things, so that a peaceful community could be established in Maguindanao. (PNA)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

MANILA -- The Chinese government expressed its support to the Philippines in its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, and called on the international community to "support" and "understand" President Rodrigo R. Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs.

"China always maintains that the ICC should respect the sovereignty of nations, act cautiously and avoid being used as a political tool," Chinese Foreign Minister Lu Kang said in a press briefing earlier this week.

Beijing backed Manila's decision to pull out from the Rome Statute which established the ICC, and urged other countries to "respect" the sovereignty of nations.

The Philippines earlier served a notice of its withdrawal from the ICC through a one-page note verbale to the secretary-general of the United Nations.

"China believes that a sovereign country has the right to say no to political manipulation under the cloak of law," Lu said.

During the presser, Lu acknowledged Duterte's crackdown on drug-related crimes, noting that since the program was launched, the country's public security "improved," creating a "sound environment for the Philippines' economic development and its people's peaceful life."

"The international community should give more understanding and support to those efforts instead of pointing fingers and casting blames," he said. (PNA)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Full Chapter 9, Gospel of Apostle John
9:1 ¶ Unya ang Napulog-Duha iyang gipatigum, ug iyang gihatagan silag gahum ug pagbulot-an batok sa tanang mga y*&^%, ug sa pag-ayo sa mga sakit.

9:2 Ug iyang gipaadto sila aron sa pagwali mahitungod sa gingharian sa Dios ug sa pagpang-ayo sa mga masakiton.

9:3 Ug siya miingon kanila, "Ayaw kamo pagdalag bisan unsa alang sa inyong panaw, bisan sungkod, o puyo, o tinapay, o kuwarta; ug ayaw kamo pagbaton ug duha kabuok kamisola.

9:4 Ug sa bisan unsang balaya nga inyong sak-an, pabilin kamo didto ug unya panglakaw kamo gikan didto.

9:5 Ug bisan diin gani kamo dili pagadawaton, inigpahawa ninyo sa maong lungsod, itaktak ninyo ang mga abog gikan sa inyong mga tiil ingon nga pagtutol batok kanila."

9:6 Ug nanglakaw sila ug nangadto sa mga kabalangayan, ug nanagwali sa Maayong Balita ug nagpang-ayo sa mga masakiton bisan diin.

9:7 Unya si Herodes nga gobernador nakadungog mahitungod sa tanang nangahimo; ug siya nalibog kay giingon man ugod sa uban nga kono si Juan gibanhaw gikan sa mga patay,

9:8 ug sa uban nga si Elias nahitungha, ug sa uban nga usa sa mga karaan profeta nabanhaw.

9:9 Ug si Herodes miingon, "Si Juan ako nang gipapunggotan sa ulo; apan kinsa man kini siya nga mahitungod kaniya nadungog ko kining mga butanga?" Ug naninguha siya sa pagtan-aw kang Jesus.

9:10 ¶ Ug sa paghiuli na sa mga apostoles, ilang gisugilon kaniya ang ilang mga nahimo. Ug iyang gidala sila ug mipahilit nga silasila ra ngadto sa usa ka lungsod nga ginganlan ug Betsaida.

9:11 Sa pagkasayud niini sa mga panon sa katawhan, sila miapas kaniya; ug sila gidawat niya nga mahinangpon ug iyang gisuginlan mahitungod sa gingharian sa Dios, ug iyang gipang-ayo ang mga nanagkinahanglan nga pagaayohon.

9:12 Ug unya ang kahaponon misugod na; ug ang Napulog-Duha miduol ug miingon kaniya, "Palakta na ang panon sa katawhan aron mangadto sila sa mga kabalangayan ug sa mga kasikbitan nga kayutaan sa pagpangatulog didto ug sa pagpangitag makaon, kay ania kita dinhi niining dapit nga awaaw."

9:13 Apan siya miingon kanila, "Kamoy maghatag kanilag makaon." Ug sila mitubag kaniya, "Aduna lamang kitay dili molabaw sa lima ka tinapay ug duha kabuok isda-- gawas hinoon kon mangadto kami sa pagpamalit ug pagkaon alang niining tanang mga tawo."

9:14 Kay ang didto may mga lima ka libo ka mga lalaki. Ug siya miingon sa mga tinun-an, "Palingkora sila nga magpundokpundok, mga tagkalim-an ang matag-usa."

9:15 Ug gihimo nila kini, ug ilang gipalingkod ang tanan.

9:16 Ug sa nagkupot siya sa lima ka tinapay ug sa duha kabuok isda, siya miyahat sa langit ug nagpasalamat, ug kini iyang gipikaspikas ug gihatag ngadto sa iyang mga tinun-an aron idulot ngadto sa panon sa katawhan.

9:17 Ug ang tanan nangaon ug nangabusog. Ug ilang gihipos ang nahibilin nga mga tipik, nga napulog-duha ka bukag.

9:18 ¶ Ug nahitabo nga sa nag-ampo siya nga nag-inusara, ang iyang mga tinun-an uban kaniya. Ug siya nangutana kanila, "Sumala sa sulti sa mga tawo, kinsa man kono ako?"

9:19 Ug sila mitubag nga nag-ingon, "Si Juan nga Bautista kono; apan ang uban nagaingon nga si Elias kono; ug ang uban pa, nga kono usa sa mga karaang profeta nabanhaw."

9:20 Ug siya miingon kanila, "Apan kamo, unsa may inyong sulti, kinsa man ako?" Ug si Pedro mitubag, "Ang Cristo sa Dios."

9:21 Apan iyang gitugon ug gibaoran sila nga walay bisan kinsa nga ilang suginlan niini.

9:22 Ug siya miingon, "Ang Anak sa Tawo kinahanglan magaantus sa daghang mga butang, ug igasalikway siya sa mga anciano ug sa mga sacerdote nga punoan ug sa mga escriba, ug pagapatyon, ug sa ikatulo ka adlaw pagabanhawon siya."

9:23 Ug siya miingon sa tanan, "Kon adunay buot mosunod kanako, kinahanglan magdumili siya sa iyang kaugalingon ug magpas-an sa iyang krus matag-adlaw ug magasunod kanako.

9:24 Kay bisan kinsa nga buot magpatunhay sa iyang kinabuhi kawagtangan hinoon siya niini; ug bisan kinsa nga magawagtang sa iyang kinabuhi tungod kanako, magapatunhay niini.

9:25 Kay unsa may kapuslanan alang sa usa ka tawo kon maangkon niya ang tibuok kalibutan nga pagawagtangan o pagapildihan niya sa iyang kaugalingon?

9:26 Kay bisan kinsa nga magakaulaw tungod kanako ug sa akong mga pulong, siya igakaulaw man sa Anak sa Tawo inig-abut niya diha sa iyang himaya ug sa himaya sa Amahan ug sa mga balaang manolunda.

9:27 Apan sa pagkatinuod suginlan ko kamo nga adunay mga nanagbarug karon dinhi nga dili una patilawon ug kamatayon samtang dili pa sila makakita sa gingharian sa Dios."

9:28 ¶ Ug unya sa may mga walo ka adlaw tapus niining mga pulonga, iyang gidala uban kaniya sila si Pedro ug si Juan ug si Santiago, ug mitungas sa ibabaw sa bukid aron sa pag-ampo.

9:29 Ug sa nag-ampo siya, nausab ang panagway sa iyang nawong ug ang iyang mga sapot misidlak sa kaputi.

9:30 Ug tan-awa, dihay nakigsulti kaniya nga duha ka tawo, si Moises ug si Elias,

9:31 nga mipakita nga mahimayaon ug nanagsulti mahitungod sa kamatayon ni Jesus nga iyang mahiaguman didto sa Jerusalem.

9:32 Ug nanagduka sila si Pedro ug ang iyang mga kauban, apan sa ilang paghigmata nakita nila ang iyang himaya ug ang duha ka tawo nga nagtindog uban kaniya.

9:33 Ug samtang kining mga tawhana nanagpamahawa gikan kang Jesus, si Pedro miingon kaniya, "Magtutudlo, maayo gayud nga ania kami dinhi. Magbuhat kamig tulo ka payag, usa alang kanimo, usa alang kang Moises, ug usa alang kang Elias." Siya namulong niini nga wala makasabut sa iyang gisulti.

9:34 Ug samtang nagsulti pa siya niini, mitungha ang usa ka panganud ug mitabon kanila, ug sila nangalisang sa pagsulod nila sa panganud.

9:35 Ug gikan sa panganud dihay tingog nga miabut nga nag-ingon, "Mao kini ang akong Anak, ang akong Pinili; patalinghugi ninyo siya!

9:36 Ug sa nakasulti na ang tingog, si Jesus nakita nga siya na lamang usa. Ug sila nagpakahilum ug niadtong mga adlawa walay bisan kinsa nga ilang gisuginlan mahitungod sa ilang nakita.

9:37 ¶ Ug sa pagkasunod nga adlaw, sa paghilugsong na nila gikan sa bukid, si Jesus gisugat sa usa ka dakung panon sa katawhan.

9:38 Ug dihay usa ka tawo sa panon nga misinggit, "Magtutudlo, mangamuyo ako kanimo nga imo untang tan-awon ang akong anak nga lalaki, kay siya bugtong ko rang anak.

9:39 Siya pagadakpon sa usa ka espiritu ug sa kalit motiyabaw siya; ug pagalubaglubagon ug palit-aron siya niini hangtud magapabola siya sa baba; ug kosokosohon siya ug halus dili kini mobiya kaniya.

9:40 Ug gihangyo ko ang imong mga tinun-an sa pagpagula unta niini, apan sila wala makahimo."

9:41 Ug si Jesus mitubag, "O dili masinaligon ug sukwahi nga kaliwatan, unsa ba kataas sa panahon nga gikinahanglan pa sa akong pagpakig-uban kaninyo ug pag-antus kaninyo? Dad-a dinhi ang imong anak."

9:42 Ug samtang ang bata nagsingabut, siya gikosokoso ug gilubaglubag ug gipalit-ad sa y*&^%. Apan gibadlong ni Jesus ang mahugawng espiritu, ug ang bata iyang giayo ug giuli ngadto sa amahan niya.

9:43 ¶ Ug ang tanan nanghitingala sa pagkadaku sa Dios.

9:44 "Ipatidlum kining mga pulonga diha sa inyong mga dalunggan, nga ang Anak sa Tawo igatugyan ngadto sa mga kamot sa mga tawo."

9:45 Apan wala sila makasabut niining sultiha ug gililong kini kanila aron dili nila masabtan, ug sila nahadlok sa pagpangutana kaniya mahitungod niining sultiha.

9:46 Ug nahitabo ang usa ka paglalisay nila sa pagsuta kon kinsa kanila ang labing daku.

9:47 Apan sa pagkasabut ni Jesus sa ilang gilalisan nga diha sa ilang mga kasingkasing, iyang gikuha ang usa ka gamayng bata ug iyang gipatupad kini kaniya,

9:48 ug miingon siya kanila, "Bisan kinsa nga tungod sa akong ngalan magadawat niining gamayng bata, magadawat kanako; ug bisan kinsa nga magadawat kanako, magadawat kaniya nga mao ang nagsugo kanako; kay ang labing diyutay kaninyong tanan mao ang daku."

9:49 Ug si Juan mitubag, "Magtutudlo, dihay tawo nga among nakita nga nagpagulag mga y*&^% pinaagi sa imong ngalan, ug amo siyang gidid-an kay wala man siya magasunod uban kanamo."

9:50 Apan si Jesus miingon kaniya, "Ayaw siya pagdid-i; kay ang dili batok kaninyo, dapig kaninyo."

9:51 ¶ Ug sa nagkahiduol na ang mga adlaw nga siya pagabayawon, iyang gituyo sa malig-on gayud nga siya moadto sa Jerusalem. Ug dihay mga sinugo nga iyang gipauna kaniya,

9:52 nga nanagpangadto ug misulod sa usa ka balangay sa mga Samarianhon, aron sa pag-andam alang kaniya.

9:53 Apan ang mga tawo didto nanagdumili sa pagdawat kaniya kay sa malig-on gayud iya mang gitinguha ang pag-adto sa Jerusalem.

9:54 Ug sa pagkakita niini sa iyang mga tinun-an nga si Santiago ug si Juan, sila miingon kaniya, "Ginoo, buot ka ba nga among ingnon ang kalayo sa pagkanaug gikan sa langit ug sa pag-ut-ot kanila?"

9:55 Apan siya miliso ug iyang gibadlong sila ug miingon, "Wala kamo masayud unsang espirituha ang inyong gipakig-ambitan, kay ang Anak sa Tawo mianhi dili aron sa paglaglag sa kinabuhi sa mga tawo kondili sa pagluwas kanila."

9:56 Ug sila mipadayon ngadto sa laing balangay.

9:57 ¶ Ug sa nanaglakaw sila sa dalan, diha pay usa ka tawo nga miingon kaniya, "Mosunod ako kanimo bisan asa ikaw moadto."

9:58 Si Jesus mitubag kaniya, "Ang mga milo adunay kalobluban, ug ang mga langgam sa kalangitan adunay kabatugan; apan ang Anak sa Tawo walay dapit nga kapahulayan sa iyang ulo."

9:59 Ug dihay usa nga iyang giingnan, "Sumunod ka kanako." Apan kini mitubag kaniya, "Ginoo, tugoti una ako sa pag-adto ug paglubong sa akong amahan."

9:60 Apan si Jesus miingon kaniya, "Pasagdi ang mga patay ngua maoy magalubong sa ilang kaugalingong mga minatay; apan sa imong bahin, lumakaw ka ug imantala mo ang gingharian sa Dios."

9:61 Ug dihay lain nga miingon kaniya, "Ginoo, mosunod ako kanimo, apan tugoti una ako sa pagpa-namilit kanila nga atua sa akong panimalay."

9:62 Si Jesus mitubag kaniya, "Walay tawo nga angayan alang sa gingharian sa Dios kon kini siya, sa nagakupot na sa daro, molingi pa sa likod."

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Is Turmeric the Natural Remedy
of the Century?
The Promise: A Stronger Heart, Sharper Brain, More Comfortable Joints and Youthful Energy—Does It Deliver?

There's a lot of exciting buzz around turmeric these days, and there's plenty of good reason for it.

Hidden deep in the plant's bright yellow roots is an extraordinarily powerful compound called curcumin that has the unique ability to block an enzyme that causes inflammation, while combating free-radical damage to highly sensitive vital organs like your brain and heart.[1,2]

In fact, curcumin's antioxidant benefits and ability to promote a healthy inflammatory response can revolutionize your health from head to toe. Curcumin is so powerful that some are calling it the "natural remedy of the century."[3]

If you think that inflammation is something that only happens when you're injured, or is only a minor annoyance—you're making a big mistake.

Many experts now believe "silent inflammation" is the root cause of many of the common signs of aging, from diminished brain and heart function to painful joints, low energy levels and more.

In short, silent inflammation can make you old before your time.

I'm Joshua Corn, Editor-in-Chief of the Live in the Now newsletter, one of the fastest-growing natural health publications in the nation. My passion for natural health drives me to seek the truth about the causes of health problems and to educate people on alternative solutions that are both safe and effective.

If you're worried about how well your brain and heart will function as you age... or if perhaps you're dealing with nagging health problems that no one seems able to solve, please keep reading. I'll explain to you how curcumin, along with other key antioxidants, can help save you from having to deal with serious health issues.

Could This Be the #1 Way to Protect Your Health?
I advise my readers on a regular basis that taking steps to control inflammation could be the single most important thing you can do to protect your cognitive and overall health at any age.

And there is perhaps no nutrient on earth more effective than curcumin at promoting a healthy inflammatory response in your brain, heart and throughout your entire body. It has been shown in numerous studies to support brain and cardiovascular health, tame joint pain, improve mood balance, boost immune system health, promote detoxification and much more.[4-8]

The list of remarkable health benefits just goes on and on.

You see, while inflammation itself is normal, it becomes a problem when triggered by something other than injury or pathogenic invaders. These triggers can include food allergens, toxins, stress, lack of sleep or even the use of some pharmaceutical drugs. And since we're exposed to these triggers on a daily basis, the inflammatory response can stay turned on indefinitely, causing significant harm to the body.

Fortunately, curcumin can help to neutralize the harmful effects of the free radicals that can cause inflammation. But that's not all it can do!

Clinical studies have shown that curcumin is perhaps the most effective natural substance on earth at inhibiting COX-2, an enzyme that is responsible for sparking your body's inflammatory response.[1,4]
4 Signs of Systemic Inflammation
As scientists begin to understand the body's complex systems better, a clearer picture of how silent inflammation can impact your health is emerging.

Here are four of the most common symptoms:
1.   Brain Fog: Unfortunately, many people start to believe that scattered thoughts and poor concentration are an inevitable part of aging—but they're not! Inflammation can often be the culprit.[9]
2.   Cognitive Impairment: When the brain is inflamed, memory formation and recall can both suffer. Research has shown a link between cognitive impairment and the presence of neurological inflammation.[9]
3.   Aches and Pains: Silent inflammation creates heightened pain sensitivity in the body, as well as common everyday aches and pains in joints and muscles. If your body feels sore and stiff, systemic inflammation may be to blame.[10]
4.   Mood Issues: While neurotransmitter imbalances may be the primary cause of mood issues, recent research suggests that these imbalances may be related to inflammation in the brain.[11]
While your symptoms may be mere annoyances now, your heart and brain could be at serious risk over time.

Fortunately, you can solve this problem naturally, quickly and with no side effects.

Let's explore some of the research that shows how...
The Right Curcumin Supplement
Can Make You Feel Better from Head to Toe
I spend a good part of my day reading up on the latest research on nutrition and how it impacts human health. I can tell you firsthand that the scientific data on the benefits of curcumin are simply remarkable. For example:
•   Inflammation: A recent meta-analysis examined dozens of studies on curcumin's effects on blood levels of CRP, a key marker of inflammation that has been linked to health problems. The studies reflect an astonishing conclusion: Curcumin lowers levels of CRP.[12]
•   Cognitive Health: A recent study found that curcumin promotes the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth hormone responsible for youthful brain function. According to scientists, higher BDNF levels may hold the key to improved memory and sharper thinking as you age.[13]
•   Short-Term Memory: A new Australian study found that daily intake of curcumin produced short-term memory improvement in adults over 60![14]
•   Heart: Preliminary research also indicates that curcumin can help prevent cholesterol oxidation, which is the real threat behind the arterial clogs and blood vessel damage caused by cholesterol. It may also work to prevent clot formation, lower harmful LDL and increase healthy HDL cholesterol.[15]
•   Joints: In a landmark 2014 study, curcumin was shown to relieve joint discomfort as effectively as a popular mainstream approach, while reducing stiffness and improving overall joint function.[8]
•   Mood: Curcumin can even support optimal mood balance. A 2014 study showed that it's as effective as a popular mainstream medicine solution for mood support without the potentially dangerous side effects.[16]
•   Digestion: Curcumin's anti-inflammatory benefits may aid in promoting healthy digestion. In one study, curcumin was associated with up to a 25% reduction in digestive discomfort, with two-thirds of participants reporting overall improvement in digestive function.[17]

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

The article above is a Press Release.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Our CUR-Q10 ULTRA Customers Say It Best...

One of the best parts of my job is reading some of our customers' remarkable success stories.

So you don't have to take my word for it. You can hear from people just like you who had health problems they wanted to resolve the natural way, without side effects or complications.

Here are just a few that I've recently received:

My stiffness is significantly better!
"CUR-Q10 ULTRA is my favorite supplement. At 45, I started experiencing stiffness in my hands. My doctor told me to just deal with it. After taking this product for a couple of months, my stiffness is now significantly better."*
- Kristi Miller from Livermore, CA

No one can believe I am 60!
"I'm able to be active with my grandkids! CUR-Q10 ULTRA combines both curcumin and CoQ10, two of my favorites for staying mentally and physically fit and active. At 60 I'm able to be active with my grandkids whether running in the yard or white water rafting."*
- Nancy Payne from Beckley, WV

My joint aches and pains are greatly improved!
"I'm 64 years old. My energy was gone and my joints were so stiff I could barely walk. I started using CUR-Q10 ULTRA and now my joint aches and pains are greatly improved to the point that I've started riding my bike again."*
- Ken Cordova from Somerset, CA

My mental alertness and recall are better!
"I have been taking CUR-Q10 ULTRA for almost two months and I have noticed a gradual increase in my energy level. CUR-Q10 ULTRA is giving me the stamina I need, and my mental alertness and recall are better too."*
- Gerry Lanctot from Kerrville, TX

My discomfort is nowhere near what it used to be.
"I have struggled terribly with joint issues for years. Within one month of starting CUR-Q10 ULTRA, my discomfort is nowhere near what it used to be. This formula has made a tremendous difference in my quality of life."*
- Sonya Liebendorfer from Columbus, GA

CUR-Q10 ULTRA is a great product!
"Along with supporting my heart and brain health, I have definitely noticed that my knees are less achy. And at age 52, I have the energy and stamina to do my weight lifting at the gym."*
- Kevin Lorenzen from Stem, NC
See for Yourself Risk Free with Our
365-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Clinical studies have documented the unbelievable health benefits of curcumin, as well as CoQ10. Now see what they can do for you
with CUR-Q10 ULTRA. You'll feel the benefits faster than you ever thought possible because it:
•   Promotes a healthy inflammatory response
•   Promotes optimal brain health
•   Supports mental clarity and memory retention
•   Improves your cardiovascular function
•   Reduces joint discomfort and supports joint function
•   Boosts energy and stamina
•   Promotes an overall sense of vitality
Get CUR-Q10 ULTRA For As Low As $24.95
Per Bottle PLUS Free Shipping

Scientific References
1.   Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:213-26.
2.   J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008;28(1):110-3.
3.   http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/curcumin
4.   Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009;41(1):40-59.
5.   J Neurosci Res. 2004 Mar 15;75(6):742-50.
6.   J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2007 May;321(2):616-25.
7.   Biochem Pharmacol. 2005 Sep 1;70(5):700-13.
8.   Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Mar 20;9:451-8.
9.   Neurobiology of Aging. 2000 Jun 30;21(3):383-421.
10.   Nature. 2001 Mar;410:471-475.
11.   Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2014 Aug 4;53:23-34.
12.   Phytother Res. 2014 May;28(5):633-42.
13.   Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2014;5(4):100.
14.   Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2014. http://monash.edu/news/show/spice-up-your-memory
15.   Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1992 Oct;36(4):273-5.
16.   Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):579-585.
17.   J Altern Complement Med. 2004;10(6):1015-8.
18.   J Am Geriatr Soc. 2007 Jul;55(7):1141-2.
19.   Arch Neurol. 2004;61:889-892.
20.   http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/coenzyme-q10/evidence/hrb-20059019
21.   Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2009;5:597-610.
22.   Planta Med. 1998;64(4):353-356.


Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

REP. SALVADOR B. BELARO, JR.
1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader
Member, Higher and Technical Education and 10 other committees 

PHILIPPINES ALSO HAS A GUN CONTROL PROBLEM: LOOSE FIREARMS, MEN WHO RUN AMOK SHOOTING, PRIVATE ARMIES, ELECTION-RELATED VIOLENCE 

Rep. Belaro asks PNP, DOJ to report on gun possession and shooting incidents
involving students and teachers on-campus and off-campus. 

Uncommon but it does happen sometimes in some schools here in the Philippines that a student is caught in possession of a gun while on campus. However, we do not have the active shooter problem that happens often in schools in the United States, where students are now rising up in protest against the lack of stricter gun control laws and enforcement.

Here in the Philippines, the need is for preventive and security measures especially for high schools because the older students are the ones caught bringing guns to school. These measures must be consistent with the DepEd's child protection policy.

In August 2017 in Pangasinan, a gun was found in the possession of a high school student. https://youtu.be/SiaxKEpYK_c . 

In June 2013 in Iloilo City, an unidentified 16-year-old student brought a revolver to school. A schoolmate of his reported him to school authorities. These are among the reported incidents. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/balitapilipinas/167865/16-anyos-na-estudyante-nahulihan-ng-baril-sa-loob-ng-eskwelahan-sa-iloilo-city/video/ 

How many are unreported "dahil nakakahiya" is unknown.

Sometimes, school teachers are victims of shootings but usually not on-campus. Here are two excerpts of separate statements of the DepEd on shooting incidents involving its personnel:

July 2017

Emily Mallari, principal of Alitagtag National High School, was driving her car morning of July 4 when unidentified suspects on a motorcycle fired shots at her in Purok 4, Barangay Pinagtongulan, Lipa City. Based on the report of Lipa City Police, she lost control of the steering wheel and swerved to the roadside. Mallari sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed by a barangay tanod to the hospital.

July 2016

On 18 July 2016 during its Executive Committee Meeting, the Department of Education leadership received a report from its Schools Division Office in Cotabato City of a shooting incident that killed two elementary school teachers of the department and injured another teacher in Brgy. Tamontaka 1, Cotabato City. The incident happened at around 4 pm on 12 July 2016. 

According to the report, the three teachers, all from the Mokamadali Elementary School in Tamontaka 4, Cotabato City, were on their way home coming from a PTA meeting when the incident happened. The three were riding a public utility motorcycle when they were fired upon by an unidentified gunman also riding a motorcycle. Tragically, Teacher Fajara Cabuntalan La was declared dead on arrival at the at the Cotabato City Regional Medical Center, while Teacher Sitti Usop Abdullah also passed away later in the evening. It was only Teacher Aisha Karon Malogka who survived the injuries. The driver of the motorcycle was also injured.

We would appreciate it if the PNP and the DOJ can update us in detail on what happened to these incidents involving the teachers and students.

I have filed House Bill 6072 (Rationalized Cancellation and Suspension of Work and School Classes Act) which has a provision (section 4) authorizing the suspension of classes when there is an active shooter situation, kidnapping, or hostage-taking within or in the immediate vicinity of the school.

On the streets and in homes in Metro Manila and other densely-populated areas, we have near-daily occurrence of fatal shooting incidents involving neighbors and suspected drug dealers and runners.

Every now and then, some men go amok shooting to death their relatives and neighbors or taking innocents hostage. 

EAGLE NEWS http://www.eaglenews.ph/lalaking-walang-habas-na-nagpaputok-ng-baril-arestado-sa-cubao/ 

TEMPO http://tempo.com.ph/2017/01/14/binatilyo-binaril-sa-ulo/   

Especially in the provinces, thousands of loose firearms are in the hands of private armies, bandits, and rebels. Local elections in many hotspots tend to be bloody, deadly, and often involving unlicensed firearms.

The election gun ban and checkpoints siphon away some of the loose firearms, but little is known about whether those caught ever get prosecuted and convicted.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

REP. MICHAEL "MIKEE" L. ROMERO, Ph. D.
1-PACMAN Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader Twitter: @MikeeRomeroPhD

GIVE SENIOR HIGH GRADS FAIR CHANCE AT ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS

Why would a college degree be needed to qualify as sales personnel at a convenience store or sales outlet? Is a college degree really necessary to be a technician at an auto detailing shop? To work as a nursing assistant, caregiver, or a teacher's assistant is the bachelor's degree truly necessary? For the job of cooking hamburgers and French fries, must the applicant be a college graduate? To become a customer service representative in a business process outsourcing company, what are the competencies needed and are those competences represented fairly by a college degree? 

Are the so-called 21st Century skills like innovation and critical thinking necessary for entry-level sales, clerical, and technician jobs? To that question, my response is no.  Those are for the highly-specialized, the supervisory, and the middle-level managerial positions.

Credentials inflation is a different kind of jobs mismatch. It is the practice or belief system that makes an employer—whether an individual, company, institution, or group—require academic credentials that are more than what is really needed for a particular job or range of jobs. (Backgrounder: https://goo.gl/jHdJr6 ) 

Credentials inflation, I dare to say, is one of the reasons thousands of Filipinos are unemployed in this country and some are even forced to work overseas because credentials inflation is pervasive in the Philippine economy. 

Truth is, employers in this country did not trust the high school diploma of before and many still have said they would not trust the senior high school graduation diploma. (https://goo.gl/qqtEwJ ) 

They say this now when the senior high school students have not even graduated and gone through their employment screening processes. 

The employers and business sector have already prejudged our senior high school students even before they have graduated. That is BLATANT DISCRIMINATION. They have not even given them the chance to prove themselves, to show what they can do. 

True, some of the senior high school graduates will be accepted in the colleges and universities they will apply to, but some will not pass the entrance examinations or do not have money to pay for tuition in the private colleges and universities, and therefore have to find work or be young entrepreneurs. 

I, therefore, ask the Small Business Corporation to be ready with their P3 loans for this year's and future years' batches of senior high school graduates. Some of the future tycoons of business will rise from among the senior high graduates whom many in the business sector have already prejudged. 

I urge the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) to re-examine the situation and rethink their value systems. 

I dare the PCCI and ECOP to stamp out discrimination from their hearts and minds and from among their ranks to give the graduates of senior high school a fair chance to prove the worth.

Senior high graduates do not deserve to be the objects of prejudice and discrimination when they try to enter the world of work. (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

MANILA -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has assured the riding public that it will continue to monitor and regulate the fare structure of transportation network companies (TNCs) in the country amid the recent acquisition of Grab of the Southeast Asian operations of its corporate rival Uber.

LTFRB will continue to conduct its consolidated hearing on the fare hike petitions filed by Uber and Grab on April 3, 2018.

"Rest assured that LTFRB will continue to regulate the fare structure and monitor for the benefit of the riding public," LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada said in a text message to reporters late Monday.

"As regards to trust issues, we have the PCC (Philippine Competition Commission) whose mandate is to check the same. We will be awaiting the manifestation to be filed by Uber in due time to resolve issues pending before the LTFRB," she added.

LTFRB has earlier said that it is pushing for a unified fare structure for TNCs to further improve their services to passengers.

The ridesharing companies currently use a dynamic pricing scheme on their fares, based on various factors, such as traffic, rider and driver profile, time of day and number of active drivers at a particular time. They also offer incentives and promos as a marketing and business strategy to attract more riders to avail of their services.

Meanwhile, Grab announced Tuesday that it will absorb Uber's employees that might be displaced due to the acquisition.

"We understand it's been an emotional and trying day for Uber's employees in Southeast Asia. On the part of Grab, we are committed to try to find roles for over 500 Uber employees. In addition, we will find roles for their contract staff," the company said in a statement.

Grab will hold discussions with Uber employees on how they will be absorbed into its system.

Uber's drivers in the Philippines and Southeast Asia should migrate to Grab's platform in two weeks as its operations in Southeast Asia will only continue until April 8.

Grab announced Monday that it has taken over Uber's ridesharing and food delivery businesses in Southeast Asia integrating them into its transportation and financial technology platform. Uber will take 27.5 percent stake in Grab as part of the acquisition.

Last February, the LTFRB has issued a memorandum setting the common supply base for transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) units at 66,750.

The LTFRB welcomes companies that are willing to be accredited as new TNCs.

"All franchises issued by government are generic. With the system in place now, any new TNC is welcome as long as they're accredited by the LTFRB and that they submit the necessary documents for their respective accreditation," Lizada said.

There are 59,020 accredited TNVS units for both Uber and Grab whose Certificates of Public Convenience were not processed by the LTFRB due to the moratorium on applications last July 2017. (PNA)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

God Justifieth the Ungodly
By Charles H. Spurgeon

*GOD JUSTIFIETH THE UNGODLY*

THIS MESSAGE is for you. You will find the text in the Epistle to the Romans, in the fourth chapter and the fifth verse:

_To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness._

I call your attention to those words, "_Him that justifieth the ungodly_." They seem to me to be very wonderful words.

Are you not surprised that there should be such an expression as that in the Bible, "That justifieth the ungodly?" I have heard that men that hate the doctrines of the cross bring it as a charge against God, that He saves wicked men and receives to Himself the vilest of the vile. See how this Scripture accepts the charge, and plainly states it! By the mouth of His servant Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, He takes to Himself the title of "Him that justifieth the ungodly." He makes those just who are unjust, forgives those who deserve to be punished, and favors those who deserve no favor. You thought, did you not, that salvation was for the good? that God's grace was for the pure and holy, who are free from sin? It has fallen into your mind that, if you were excellent, then God would reward you; and you have thought that because you are not worthy, therefore there could be no way of your enjoying His favor. You must be somewhat surprised to read a text like this: "Him that justifieth the ungodly." I do not wonder that you are surprised; for with all my familiarity with the great grace of God, I never cease to wonder at it. It does sound surprising, does it not, that it should be possible for a holy God to justify an unholy man? We, according to the natural legality of our hearts, are always talking about our own goodness and our own worthiness, and we stubbornly hold to it that there must be somewhat in us in order to win the notice of God. Now, God, who sees through all deceptions, knows that there is no goodness whatever in us. He says that "there is none righteous, no not one." He knows that "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," and, therefore the Lord Jesus did not come into the world to look after goodness and righteousness with him, and to bestow them upon persons who have none of them. He comes, not because we _are_ just, but to make us so: he justifieth the ungodly.

When a counsellor comes into court, if he is an honest man, he desires to plead the case of an innocent person and justify him before the court from the things which are falsely laid to his charge. It should be the lawyer's object to justify the innocent person, and he should not attempt to screen the guilty party. It lies not in man's right nor in man's power truly to justify the guilty. This is a miracle reserved for the Lord alone. God, the infinitely just Sovereign, knows that there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not, and therefore, in the infinite sovereignty of His divine nature and in the splendor of His ineffable love, He undertakes the task, not so much of justifying the just as of justifying the ungodly. God has devised ways and means of making the ungodly man to stand justly accepted before Him: He has set up a system by which with perfect justice He can treat the guilty as if he had been all his life free from offence, yea, can treat him as if he were wholly free from sin. He justifieth the ungodly.

Jesus Christ came into the world to save _sinners_. It is a very surprising thing--a thing to be marveled at most of all by those who enjoy it. I know that it is to me even to this day the greatest wonder that I ever heard of, that God should ever justify _me_. I feel myself to be a lump of unworthiness, a mass of corruption, and a heap of sin, apart from His almighty love. I know by a full assurance that I am justified by faith which is in Christ Jesus, and treated as if I had been perfectly just, and made an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ; and yet by nature I must take my place among the most sinful. I, who am altogether undeserving, am treated as if I had been deserving. I am loved with as much love as if I had always been godly, whereas aforetime I was ungodly. Who can help being astonished at this? Gratitude for such favor stands dressed in robes of wonder.

Now, while this is very surprising, I want you to notice how available it makes the gospel to you and to me. If God justifieth the _ungodly_, then, dear friend, He can justify you. Is not that the very kind of person that you are? If you are unconverted at this moment, it is a very proper description of you; you have lived without God, you have been the reverse of godly; in one word, you have been and are _ungodly_. Perhaps you have not even attended a place of worship on Sunday, but have lived in disregard of God's day, and house, and Word--this proves you to have been ungodly. Sadder still, it may be you have even tried to doubt God's existence, and have gone the length of saying that you did so. You have lived on this fair earth, which is full of the tokens of God's presence, and all the while you have shut your eyes to the clear evidences of His power and Godhead. You have lived as if there were no God. Indeed, you would have been very pleased if you could have demonstrated to yourself to a certainty that there was no God whatever. Possibly you have lived a great many years in this way, so that you are now pretty well settled in your ways, and yet God is not in any of them. If you were labeled



UNGODLY

it would as well describe you as if the sea were to be labeled _salt water_. Would it not?

Possibly you are a person of another sort; you have regularly attended to all the outward forms of religion, and yet you have had no heart in them at all, but have been really ungodly. Though meeting with the people of God, you have never met with God for yourself; you have been in the choir, and yet have not praised the Lord with your heart. You have lived without any love to God in your heart, or regard to his commands in your life. Well, you are just the kind of man to whom this gospel is sent--this gospel which says that God justifieth _the ungodly_. It is very wonderful, but it is happily available for you. It just suits you. Does it not? How I wish that you would accept it! If you are a sensible man, you will see the remarkable grace of God in providing for such as you are, and you will say to yourself, "Justify the ungodly! Why, then, should not I be justified, and justified at once?"

Now, observe further, that _it must be so_--that the salvation of God is for those who do not deserve it, and have no preparation for it. It is reasonable that the statement should be put in the Bible; for, dear friend, no others need justifying but those who have no justification of their own. If any of my readers are perfectly righteous, they want no justifying. You feel that you are doing your duty well, and almost putting heaven under an obligation to you. What do you want with a Saviour, or with mercy? What do you want with justification? You will be tired of my book by this time, for it will have no interest to you.

If any of you are giving yourselves such proud airs, listen to me for a little while. You will be lost, as sure as you are alive. You righteous men, whose righteousness is all of your own working, are either deceivers or deceived; for the Scripture cannot lie, and it saith plainly, "There is none righteous, no, not one." In any case I have no gospel to preach to the self-righteous, no, not a word of it. Jesus Christ himself came not to call the righteous, and I am not going to do what He did not do. If I called you, you would not come, and, therefore, I will not call you, under that character. No, I bid you rather look at that righteousness of yours till you see what a delusion it is. It is not half so substantial as a cobweb. Have done with it! Flee from it! Oh believe that the only persons that can need justification are those who are not in themselves just! They need that something should be done for them to make them just before the judgment seat of God. Depend upon it, the Lord only does that which is needful. Infinite wisdom never attempts that which is unnecessary. Jesus never undertakes that which is superfluous. To make him just who _is_ just is no work for God--that were a labor for a fool; but to make him just who is unjust--that is work for infinite love and mercy. To justify the ungodly--this is a miracle worthy of a God. And for certain it is so.

Now, look. If there be anywhere in the world a physician who has discovered sure and precious remedies, to whom is that physician sent? To those who are perfectly healthy? I think not. Put him down in a district where there are no sick persons, and he feels that he is not in his place. There is nothing for him to do. "The whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick." Is it not equally clear that the great remedies of grace and redemption are for the sick in soul? They cannot be for the whole, for they cannot be of use to such. If you, dear friend, feel that you are spiritually sick, the Physician has come into the world for you. If you are altogether undone by reason of your sin, you are the very person aimed at in the plan of salvation. I say that the Lord of love had just such as you are in His eye when He arranged the system of grace. Suppose a man of generous spirit were to resolve to forgive all those who were indebted to him; it is clear that this can only apply to those really in his debt. One person owes him a thousand pounds; another owes him fifty pounds; each one has but to have his bill receipted, and the liability is wiped out. But the most generous person cannot forgive the debts of those who do not owe him anything. It is out of the power of Omnipotence to forgive where there is no sin. Pardon, therefore, cannot be for you who have no sin. Pardon must be for the guilty. Forgiveness must be for the sinful. It were absurd to talk of forgiving those who do not need forgiveness--pardoning those who have never offended.

Do you think that you must be lost because you are a sinner? This is the reason why you can be saved. Because you own yourself to be a sinner I would encourage you to believe that grace is ordained for such as you are. One of our hymn-writers even dared to say:

A sinner is a sacred thing;
The Holy Ghost hath made him so.

It is truly so, that Jesus seeks and saves that which is lost. He died and made a real atonement for real sinners. When men are not playing with words, or calling themselves "miserable sinners," out of mere compliment, I feel overjoyed to meet with them. I would be glad to talk all night to bona fide sinners. The inn of mercy never closes its doors upon such, neither weekdays nor Sunday. Our Lord Jesus did not die for imaginary sins, but His heart's blood was spilt to wash out deep crimson stains, which nothing else can remove.

He that is a black sinner--he is the kind of man that Jesus Christ came to make white. A gospel preacher on one occasion preached a sermon from, "Now also the axe is laid to the root of the trees," and he delivered such a sermon that one of his hearers said to him, "One would have thought that you had been preaching to criminals. Your sermon ought to have been delivered in the county jail." "Oh, no," said the good man, "if I were preaching in the county jail, I should not preach from that text, there I should preach 'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.'" Just so. The law is for the self-righteous, to humble their pride: the gospel is for the lost, to remove their despair.

If you are not lost, what do you want with a Saviour? Should the shepherd go after those who never went astray? Why should the woman sweep her house for the bits of money that were never out of her purse? No, the medicine is for the diseased; the quickening is for the dead; the pardon is for the guilty; liberation is for those who are bound: the opening of eyes is for those who are blind. How can the Saviour, and His death upon the cross, and the gospel of pardon, be accounted for, unless it be upon the supposition that men are guilty and worthy of condemnation? The sinner is the gospel's reason for existence. You, my friend, to whom this word now comes, if you are undeserving, ill-deserving, hell-deserving, you are the sort of man for whom the gospel is ordained, and arranged, and proclaimed. God justifieth the ungodly.

I would like to make this very plain. I hope that I have done so already; but still, plain as it is, it is only the Lord that can make a man see it. It does at first seem most amazing to an awakened man that salvation should really be for him as a lost and guilty one. He thinks that it must be for him as a penitent man, forgetting that his penitence is a part of his salvation. "Oh," says he, "but I must be this and that,"--all of which is true, for he shall be this and that as the result of salvation; but salvation comes to him before he has any of the results of salvation. It comes to him, in fact, while he deserves only this bare, beggarly, base, abominable description, "_ungodly_." That is all he is when God's gospel comes to justify him.

May I, therefore, urge upon any who have no good thing about them--who fear that they have not even a good feeling, or anything whatever that can recommend them to God--that they will firmly believe that our gracious God is able and willing to take them without anything to recommend them, and to forgive them spontaneously, not because _they_ are good, but because _He_ is good. Does He not make His sun to shine on the evil as well as on the good? Does He not give fruitful seasons, and send the rain and the sunshine in their time upon the most ungodly nations? Ay, even Sodom had its sun, and Gomorrah had its dew. Oh friend, the great grace of God surpasses my conception and your conception, and I would have you think worthily of it! As high as the heavens are above the earth; so high are God's thoughts above our thoughts. He can abundantly pardon. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners: forgiveness is for the guilty.

Do not attempt to touch yourself up and make yourself something other than you really are; but come as you are to Him who justifies the ungodly. A great artist some short time ago had painted a part of the corporation of the city in which he lived, and he wanted, for historic purposes, to include in his picture certain characters well known in the town. A crossing-sweeper, unkempt, ragged, filthy, was known to everybody, and there was a suitable place for him in the picture. The artist said to this ragged and rugged individual, "I will pay you well if you will come down to my studio and let me take your likeness." He came round in the morning, but he was soon sent about his business; for he had washed his face, and combed his hair, and donned a respectable suit of clothes. He was needed as a beggar, and was not invited in any other capacity. Even so, the gospel will receive you into its halls if you come as a sinner, not otherwise. Wait not for reformation, but come at once for salvation. God justifieth _the ungodly_, and that takes _you_ up where you now are: it meets you in your worst estate.

Come in your _deshabille_ [disorder]. I mean, come to your heavenly Father in all your sin and sinfulness. Come to Jesus just as you are, leprous, filthy, naked, neither fit to live nor fit to die. Come, you that are the very sweepings of creation; come, though you hardly dare to hope for anything but death. Come, though despair is brooding over you, pressing upon your bosom like a horrible nightmare. Come and ask the Lord to justify another ungodly one. Why should He not? Come for this great mercy of God is meant for such as you are. I put it in the language of the text, and I cannot put it more strongly: the Lord God Himself takes to Himself this gracious title, "Him that justifieth the ungodly." He makes just, and causes to be treated as just, those who by nature are ungodly. Is not that a wonderful word for _you_? Reader, do not delay till you have well considered this matter.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

REP. HENRY C. ONG
2nd District of Leyte
Vice Chair, Committee on Banks & Financial Intermediaries
Member, Economic Affairs, Trade & Industry, and 9 other committees
cong.henryong@gmail.com   ‎0917-729-2437

REP. HENRY ONG ASKS B.I.R. TO CLARIFY APRIL 15 ITR DEADLINE FALLING ON A SUNDAY

Individual income taxpayers who are not exempted from filing their annual income tax returns may start filing their yearly ITR even before the April 15 deadline stated in the law.

Be reminded however that for this tax filing season, the income tax provisions before TRAIN are what will still apply. The P250,000-exemption in the TRAIN law did not apply to taxable year 2017. That provision and the new income tax brackets apply only to taxable year 2018.

Exempted from annual ITR filing are the following:

We note however that this year, April 15 falls on a Sunday, so does that mean the deadline moves to the following day or will the BIR offices nationwide be open on that Sunday to serve those filing on the deadline itself?

Perhaps it would be best that the BIR issue a clarificatory statement on this to settle the matter.

Karong Adlawa
ni Kei Valmoria Bughaw

Tin-aw ang langit apan gakanta ang mga gangis
Nga murag dunay nagsingabot nga uwan.
Ang mga kahoy gakurog, sama kanako,
Matag pagdat-ol sa atong mga panit.
Makahinumdum ko kanimo sa hangin
Nga nagahupaw diha sa kakahuyan
Nagakanta og mga kanta nga madungog
Bisan sa mga lagyo nga bituon.
Buot nakong tabunan ka og mga halok
Hangtud mubiya ang kasubo,
Maabwag sama sa mga laya nga dahon
Diha sa pagduaw sa huyohoy.

Karong adlawa buot unta nakong suroyon
Ang kahumayan kuyog nimo
Samtang galurat ang adlaw,
Masinahon sa kahayag sa atong mga nawong.
Apan kilomkilom na.
Tana, magkuyog nalang ta
Ngadto sa naglaray nga akasya
Ug gunitan ko ang imong kamot.
Pasagdan nato mangigi ang mga engkanto.
Kay mututok gyud sila sa atong katahum,
Ang katahum sa duha ka tawo
Nga wala na'y ugma.

BALAK SA GWAPO
sinulat ni Jun Abines

Gwapo ko dili sa pag panghambog
Bisag asa ko paingon daghan babayeng maibog
Bisan minyo nga babaye kanako mototok
Labi na mga mahuyang di gyud mamilok

Ayaw ko basula kong daghan ko'g uyab
Lisod mobalibad kung gwapa na modasmag
Daghan magpa cute with thier beautiful eyes
Ilang gibati kanako ni gyud nila i- disguise.

Unsay akong himoon aron magmalipayon
Makit-an ang babayeng angay gyud sa kaminyoon
Daghan mga babaye magpaila gyud mga boutan
Pero ang tinood ngil-ad diay'g batasan

Nia pay mga lalaking nga maot ug nawong
Masuya kanako ila gyud kong hadlokon
Sa gwapa nga babaye di ko nila paduolon
Kung di ko motuo ila daw kong tablahon

Naa sab mga matrona sige magpabantang
Kwarta ug regalo sige ko nila hatagan
Wa koy ikabayad kundi pahiyom lamang
Dip-ig ug hapyod maoy ilang gilauman

Unsa kaha mag artista na lang ko
Basin sa mga action star ipakulata ra ko
Kung swertihon ma leading man ko ni Anne Curtis
Aw dugay ra usa ka buwan nga di siya mabuntis

Pag tan-aw ko sa samin ako nahibolong
Di diay ko gwapo nasubrahan lang sa ilimnon
Sakit sa akong dughan nawala na hinoon
Kay gi gibasted man ko sa babayeng taga Diatagon. Bow!

(By: Jun Abines)

Opening statement of Ia Isidro, Chairperson of AKMA UP, during the public consultation of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes in Baguio City:

Good morning, Mr. Chair. I am Maria Meryl Isidro from the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines North Luzon.

Duterte's 2016 campaign has two imperatives, first is his promise of Peace and Order and federalism. We've seen and felt the effects of Oplan Tokhang under its massive implementation, and now we face, the threat of an undercooked constitutional change in fulfillment of a campaign promise.

Federalism in its basic sense, regardless of the model, moves under the concept of economic development through decentralization of power. In essence, local autonomy will give regions power to decide and redistribute resources amongst themselves, under the assumption that they are efficient and functional enough to know the needs of their constituents. This brings us to the point of conjuncture, the stakeholders. In the course of Charter Change, we see Duterte, the main proponent, the House of Representatives, allies of the president, who are so keen on rushing this that they want to omit the senate in the process, and the questionable integrity of the Consultative Committee under Reynato Puno. Dito natin makikita, na sa lahat ng proseso na ito, may nakakalimutang importante ang administrasyon, ang tao, para kanino ba natin binabago ang konstitusyon? Sino ang makikinabang dito?

Our first point of non-negotiation is the need for a Constitutional Convention. It's costly and time consuming, but when we think about it, what's the rush? If we really want to maximize the people's participation, tutal para sa amin, para sa atin naman to, bakit hindi natin sila hayaang bumoto? This is essential and critical to our democracy. Mr. Chair, what we fear is that, the people present in a Constituent Assembly, will only be forwarding their own agenda. Smokescreening their primary motive, term extension. Because of the wide influence of the President in the House of Representatives, we feel that a Con-Ass will only operate as a form of formality with predicted and manipulated outcomes. However, considering a Con-Ass, the House and the Senate should vote separately. Magkahiwalay silang magpasa at magdeliberate ng mga batas, magkahiwalay rin dapat silang boboto sa pagbabago ng konstitusyon. Sa ganitong paraan, makakasiguro tayo na hindi lulunurin ng numero ng House of Representatives ang ating senado. Kaya ng apo tayo bicameral, for checks and balances.

On the basis of economic development and decentralization, I believe devolution of powers is already present in our Local Government Code of 1991. Kung gusto lang naman natin taasan ang Internal Revenue Allocation ng LGUs, maaari naman natin itong amiendahan na lamang. Kung parehas lang din naman ang punto ng pagbibigay ng mas malaking budget sa mga LG na mas nangangailangan, hindi na natin kailangan ng pederalismo, kailangan lang natin pagtibayin yung already existing mechanisms natin such as Local Government Code under the 1987 Constitution. What I mean to say, Mr. Chair, is that hindi pa nga natin nakikita ang full potential ng 1987 Constitution, pinapalitan na natin ito.

Under the proposals of the subcommittees of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, we see federalism as a smokescreen to their real agenda. First, the extension of terms of all government agents, second, granting excessive powers to the president, third, limiting the rights of the people, fourth, removal of the 60-40 rule on National Economy and patrimony, and institutionalization of warlordism.

All the proposals specifically state that the elections under the new constitution will be in 2022, at the rate we're going, if this is passed before the 2019 elections, there will no longer be elections for 2019. This means term extensions for everyone. This will prolong the exercise of power and privileges of undeserving public officials and deprive the deserving and aspiring public officials the ability to serve their constituents. Apart from this, the proposals allow for the president to run for office again in 2022 as if his first term and for reelection in 2027 under the new constitution. This means that Duterte can be president from 2016-2032. We're looking at a possibility of 16 years under Duterte.

Also under the new constitution, we see huge chunk of power awarded to the president. The president will have oversight powers of all the branches of the government – including the Supreme Court and the Ombudsman. The incumbent president will also have the power to dissolve the interim parliament or the congress. If this is so, who will be our legislator? Should we see a comeback of presidential decrees? This is the functional importance of the separation of powers in our current constitution.

In the proposed constitution, free speech is qualified into responsible exercise of speech. This is vague, to whom to we give the task of defining responsible exercise? Free speech should be free, Mr. Chair, it should operate without inhibitions.
Late President Carlos P. Garcia's 60-40 rule on National Economy and Patrimony ensures that 60% of the countries resources are Filipino owned. Under the new constitution, this rule will be removed altogether allowing for an open economy. Given our context, na ngayon palang with the 60-40 rule, natatalo na ng sibuyas ng Tsina ang sibuyas ng Benguet at ang bigas ng Pilipinas sa bigas ng Vietnam, we are exposing ourselves to a market which we are not competitive enough for.

The new constitution also awards absolute control of the police and security to the localities. In the case of Alfred McCoy's (1993) Anarchy of Families, we see that prominent political families are able to create their own private armies. This provision allows for the institutionalization of that case.

The administration's half-cooked proposals on Charter Change are unacceptable to the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines. We strongly oppose President Duterte's Charter Change. If we are really serious about this mode of change, then it shouldn't be as rushed as it is today. We do not rush the passage of laws, so why would we do it in the creation of a new constitution? There are prerequisites to an applicable model of Federalism, a series of meaningful discussions, deliberations and consultations. We, the youth, refuse to be collateral damage in the process of simply fulfilling a campaign promise, and a projected legacy. We will resist Duterte's charter change.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Manila, March 24, 2018 — On Friday, March 23, PAEF celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright program in the Philippines with a gala dinner at The Peninsula Manila.  Speaking at the dinner, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim said the "the remarkable success and longevity" of the Fulbright program in the Philippines is, "a testament to the enduring relationship our two countries share."

At a similar reception, hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. on March 22, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Cayetano affirmed via video message that, "seventy years of educational and cultural exchange has greatly contributed to the strengthening and deepening of the Philippine-U.S. relationship."

On March 23, 1948, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Emmet O'Neal and Philippine Vice President Elpidio Quirino signed an executive agreement to promote mutual understanding between the United States and the Philippines through educational exchange.  That agreement officially formed the bilateral United States Educational Foundation in the Philippines, which later became the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF).  At 70 years old, PAEF is the longest continuously-running Fulbright Commission in the world and the oldest international educational exchange program in the Philippines.

At the Manila event, PAEF underscored the historical impact of the program by honoring 11 notable Fulbright alumni as the first class of Fulbright Philippines Hall of Fame inductees.  The inductees included Conchita Abad, one of the Philippines' original 1948 Fulbright Scholars, who – at 94 years old – attended the event.  Also inducted were former Ambassador Jose Cuisia, former President of the Philippine Social Security System Corazon Dela Paz-Bernardo, and former Senator Rene Saguisag; National Artist award recipients Bienvenido Lumbera, Napoleon Abueva, Abdulmari Asia Imao, and Lucrecia Kasilag; and National Scientist award recipients Dr. Angel Alcala, Clare Baltazar, and Bienvenido Nebres.  PAEF also awarded plaques of appreciation to Former Senator Edgardo Angara and the family of Washington SyCip for their important contributions to the Fulbright program.

PAEF is a non-profit, bilateral organization responsible for the administration of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship Programs, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowships, Global Undergraduate Exchange Programs, and other educational exchange initiatives.  Since 1948, PAEF has awarded Fulbright grants to nearly 3,000 Filipinos and close to 1,000 Americans to study, teach, lecture, and conduct research in the United States and the Philippines.

MIKEE ROMERO-LED GLOBALPORT POLO TEAM IN THE FINALS OF AMBASSADOR CUP MARCH 24

BANGKOK - Globalport galloped past L'Oreal Men Expert Friday evening, 6 ½ to 3, in the semifinal round of the Ambassador Cup Polo Tournament hosted by the Thailand Polo Association, to advance to the finals on Saturday, March 24.

Michael "Mikee" L. Romero, Chairman of Globalport 900 Inc., is team captain. Team Globalport's finals match will be against the King Power team which cast aside Ahmibah in their semis match, 11 to 8.

Nine (9) international teams are participating in this year's Ambassador Cup. The fields of the VS Sports Club and the Siam Polo Club are venues of the tournament.

The Ambassador Cup is the second major polo tournament of Team Globalport and Rep. Mikee Romero of the 1-PACMAN Party-list. Last January, they placed second in the All Asia Cup, also in Bangkok, while Romero was named most valuable player. (END)

What happened to you, Balskie? Kumusta ka na? Get well soon. Fight. Fight.

American Muslim Scholars Lead Institute for Muslim Women
                                                     
Manila, March 21, 2018 — From March 5 to 16, prominent American Muslim scholars from the U.S.-based KARAMAH organization led a 12-day Institute on Law, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution for 34 female madrasa teachers and community leaders from across Mindanao in addition to delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore.  The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines sponsored the Institute with Miriam College's Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) serving as program host.

Guided by KARAMAH founder Dr. Aziza al-Hibri and other leading American Muslim scholars, participants explored women's leadership roles in the Islamic world with a particular emphasis on conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Muslim communities, while developing practical skills to advocate successfully for peace and development in their communities.

KARAMAH scholars also shared their experiences in strengthening American Muslim communities with a wide range of Muslim and non-Muslim audiences.  To mark International Women's Day, the scholars discussed the role of women in Muslim communities with 80 imams from Mindanao and Manila at the University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Islamic Studies.  Additional programs focused on navigating between civil law and Muslim family traditions, improving relations with law enforcement, encouraging Muslim women to engage in the political sphere, and promoting student leadership.

As a direct follow on to the Institute, participants will lead service projects in their communities to address local barriers to peace and development.  One participant remarked, "Muslims in the Philippines are a minority, just like Muslims in the United States.  Through this program I learned how to be a role model and show to all Muslims that even if we are a minority, we can do something for peace, justice, and women's rights."

The KARAMAH Institute is just one example of the U.S. government's response to the Marawi crisis and support for Mindanao.  To date, the U.S. government has announced more than 1.2 billion pesos for recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi and surrounding areas.

Marjorie Evasco, Alma Apalisok-Bandillo, Ben Cal, Cooper Resabal, Coy Ponte, Reigh Monreal, etc

UKULELE ARTISTS TO FILL THE APRIL SUMMER AIR WITH HAPPY MUSIC

After a two-year hiatus of sorts, the Philippine Ukulele Festival returns for its fourth salvo of weekend jamming with music lovers of all ages and from varied walks of life.

The ukulele revelry will happen on April 21 - 22 at the Centris Mall beside where EDSA MRT passengers get on and off the light rail terminal at Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Festival organizer, Happy Music, a retail store operation specializing in ukuleles, and members of the Ukulele Underground Philippines (UUP) community did not actually stop playing their hearts out after the first three successful PUFs in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Post-PUF3, they chose to sow and cultivate in key locales outside Metro Manila and spread the love for the petite package of musical delight through social media.

Grow they did. From fledglings of enthusiasts here and there, UUP now has over 8,000 followers on Facebook. On its Facebook page, HappymusicPH has earned "likes" from over 58,000 people.

Retreat from the music scene they did not. They have participated in the Pasinaya arts festival of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Why, at the CCP just last month, 200 ukulele artists joined the Pasinaya.

Since 2015, they have had jamming and beginners' tutorial sessions in public parks, schools, and picnic grounds. The result: ukuleles now compete for store space in music stores nationwide for scores of people choose the diminutive instrument as their new beloved.

The potential for the growth of the ukulele community in the country is vast. Millennials, post-millennials, and even the Gen-Xers have developed a strong liking for the ukulele because it is easy to learn, fun to play, portable, and light.

Music is taught in elementary schools and high schools nationwide. That's their baseline right there. Another factor is that the ukulele has become a first choice of instrument for Filipino kids inspired by the skill, fame, and success of ukulele playing artists like Hawaii's Jake Shimabukuro, South Korea's Sungha Jung as well as local players led by Happy Music in-house artist Pao Gumba.

On April 21 and 22, PUF4 will showcase the fruits of their labors these past three years. Ukulele artists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will converge at the Centris to fill the air with happy music that lifts the soul, puts smiles on faces, and warms hearts.  (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

NEWS RELEASE – ADVANCER
ALVEO IRONMAN 70.3 DAVAO
March 22-25, 2018
Released by the Office of Rep. Carlos Roman Uybarreta
1-CARE Party-list, Vice Chair, Committee on Energy

Member, Appropriations, Constitutional Amendments, and 7 other Committees Mobile: 0917-729-2437 

TRIATHLETES SURGE INTO DAVAO FOR IRONMAN RACE

Triathletes from all over the country and some from other countries are converging upon Davao City for the Alveo Ironman 70.3. 

Some of the athletes, including Rep. Carlos Roman L. Uybarreta of the 1-CARE Party-list of electric cooperatives, checked-in Thursday to, among others, get familiar with the route and its challenges ahead of the race on Sunday, March 25.

Rep. Uybarreta is a veteran triathlete. Among the triathlons he joined were the Camsur Triathlon in 2009, the Ironman in Naga City in Camsur in 2011, and the Century Tuna Animo Sprint Triathlon in 2012. 

As to mental preparation, he graduated in 1986 from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, then took up law at San Beda College (now a university) where he graduated in 1992. He has been a practicing attorney adept in litigation of civil, commercial, election, and labor cases.

File photos of Rep. Caloy Uybarreta

Saturday afternoon, the organizers conduct race briefings and give race day tips. Mandatory bike and helmet checks also take place that day. At the Azuela Cove in the morning, the Alaska Ironkids take to the swim-bike-run race with all their youthful energy.

On Sunday, the first of a series of gun starts is at 6:10 am. Breakfast will be served very early at 3:00am. Participants must be at the designated transition area by no later than 5:30 am. Athletes get 20 minutes of swim practice from 5:30 am to 5:50 am.

"The race begins with a one-loop swim at the beautiful property development of Azuela Cove where they will go back for their first transition. They will then exit onto the main highway to start the 90km bike course," according to organizers.

They also said the "fast, single loop bike course heads all the way to the turnaround point at Tagum City. Participants will then head back to Azuela Cove for the second transition. They exit out to the flat roads of J.P. Laurel Avenue towards the commercial district of Davao to complete the two-loop 21.1km run." 

"Participants will be cheered by a crowd of spectators lining up along the streets until the finish line at the Azuela Soccer Field," they added.  (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

DOE E-SAFETY MO Advisory: 2.7kg LPG Cylinders "For Outdoor Use Only"

(Taguig City). The Department of Energy (DOE) required manufacturers and retailers to comply with the additional marking of 'For Outdoor Use Only' on the body of every small-sized 2.7 kilogram liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders sold in the market.

This new rule is outlined in Department Circular No. DC2018-03-0004 entitled: "Prohibiting the Sale and Distribution of Small-Sized 2.7kg Capacity and Below LPG Cylinders without the Required "For Outdoor Use Only" Marking in Addition to the Usual Mandatory Marking for LPG Cylinders."

The policy is consistent with the revised Philippine National Standards (PNS) 03-1:2014 issued by the Bureau of Product Standards specifying the additional mandatory marking to be indicated in the body of a small-sized 2.7kg LPG cylinders.

The new marking also serves as a warning to consumers that the product should not be used inside their homes. Other mandatory markings are brand name and logo, net content in kilogram, tare weight in kilogram, date of requalification (month/year) and safety warning signs and other informational signs as prescribed.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G.  Cusi pointed out, "The intention of the new policy is to increase the safety precaution on the use of LPG products, particularly the 2.7kg LPG cylinders to significantly reduce the risks of fire hazards."

"We need to put a stop to the destructive fire incidents caused by the misuse of 2.7kg LPG cylinders, which should technically be for outdoor use only", Cusi explained.

The energy chief said the issuance is timely as the country observes Fire Prevention Month this March. 

Based on the monitoring of the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), the recent fire incidents in Caloocan, Quezon City and Taguig were all related to the indoor use of 2.7kg LPG.

The DOE advises the public that 2.7 kg cylinder lacks the following safety features:

1.) Pressure Relief Valve (PRV); and
2.) Regulator

Without these two components, the possibility of having LPG leaks is much higher as compared with household LPG cylinders which comply with these features. This is a major reason why the DOE is advising the consumers that small-sized 2.7kg LPG cylinders should only be used outside for proper outdoor ventilation to prevent the accumulation of LPG vapor in an enclosed space that would result in fire hazards, including explosion. 

The Circular also outlined the penalties for any violation committed by LPG refiller/marketer, dealer and LPG retail outlet.

Based on the latest data from the DOE-OIMB, the LPG companies with small-sized 2.7kg LPG cylinders are the following:

1.) Shine Gaz;
2.) Petron Gasulette;
3.) Superkalan (Brenton); and
4.) Powerkalan (Pryce Gases).

The Circular on 2.7kg LPG markings was published on 20 March (Tuesday) in two (2) newspapers of general circulation, which will take effect immediately after its publication. 

"Your safety is our paramount concern. Let us use our energy resources wisely," Cusi concluded.

Please report any violation of the new rule to the DOE-OIMB through tel. nos. ‎840-2184 and ‎840-2130 or email at info@doe.gov.ph

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Hello Partners,

Lazada is moving forward at a rapid pace and we want to share some of that excitement with you!

Lazada has a new app, website, CEO Lucy Peng, and Alibaba has invested another $2bn. Exciting times indeed.

These changes show the growth of ecommerce in Asia and the strategic focus of Lazada. The affiliate program, along with the rest of Lazada, will be focusing on 3 strategic items for the year, beginning April 1.

App first
Empowering women
Clear and Simple communication
App First

Most shoppers in South East Asia engage with commerce on mobile devices. Our new app platform is designed to increase the joy of engagement with our company. We are rolling out personalized landing pages, in app seller communication and special deals only on app.

The affiliate program is also giving a boost to app with higher commission on app in every country and adding Smart Links to every mobile offer and data feed.

Smart links are a single link that understands the device the user is on and send them to the correct property. Our new backend migration ensures the user is tracked every step of the way!

Empowering Women

We have heard that users want more from Lazada, more fashion, beauty and home goods!  Lazada has worked to expand the assortment in these categories and we are now working to increase the commission to reflect our approach.

Clear and Simple Communication
We have heard that some of our policies and commission systems have been difficult to understand, we are now making sure everything is clear.

We will be implementing a commission cap for each order to replace more difficult communication around specific fraud types.

Categories and commission groupings will be streamlined to fewer levels to make it easier to understand.

We are also measuring performance against our daily and monthly active users, a measurement that is clear for us and for you!

Starting April 1st, 2018, we will move forward with this new structure:

Keep your eyes open for our next email, our annual Birthday sale is coming soon and we will give you even more ways to earn then.

Thank you for continuing to be a partner with Lazada, we look forward to our mutual success and growth in 2018!

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Press Release
For Immediate National Release

ASUS Philippines Strengthens its Partnership with the Biggest Shopping Website in the Country Lazada by Opening Three Online "Concept Stores"

ASUS Philippines expands its reach by allowing Filipino end-users to purchase its products through online shopping website Lazada Philippines starting this March 2018

Manila, Philippines, March 19, 2018 — ASUS Philippines formally announced today the official opening of its three "concept stores" online namely – ASUS ZenFone Store, ASUS Republic of Gamers and ASUS Store which are all officially operated by ASUS Philippines together with its select key dealer partners.

The newly opened online stores will be ASUS' gateway to its fans and other Filipinos end-users all over the country who want to purchase its whole range of product line from smartphone, notebooks, gaming laptops, motherboards, monitors, mini PCs, peripherals and all key devices conveniently through the hassle-free online shopping experience. The ASUS ZenFone Store will be carrying the complete line-up of smartphones of the company and as well as their soon-to-be-launched devices which is dubbed as the "most intelligent ZenFone ever" the ZenFone 5 series. On a similar note, ASUS Republic of Gamers will be also offering its key gaming machines in the newly opened online store which brings ROG closer to its fans all over the country. ASUS store, on the other hand, will be more focused on selling ASUS' entire consumer line-up from mainstream notebooks, ultra-books, 2-in-1s, convertible, all-in-one and mini-PCs and monitors.

"We started our business in the Philippines ten years ago and we have experienced a lot of changes in the business ecosystem locally. From just selling motherboards in our early days in the country now we have a full line-up of products that we share to Filipinos to meet their evolving demands," shares, George Su, ASUS Philippines Country Manager for Systems Group.

Opening three concept stores online is our way to make our products easily accessiblefor our fans and all Filipinos who want premium yet value-for-money devices. There is no doubt that Lazada is the perfect online partner for us because they are the number-one online shopping website in the Philippines that offers effortless shopping experience, Su added.

Newest ASUS and ROG products available in Lazada

The ASUS x407 and X507

The ASUS X407 and X507 is a perfect device for people who are looking for a notebook that offers great performance, portability, premium design without hurting your wallet.

Both devices are powered by the latest Generation Intel Core i3 processor with 1TB HHD and NVIDIA GeForce MX110 discrete graphics while the Pentium and Celeron are equipped with 500GB storage. The X407 and X507 have a super thin NanoEdge display with a slim bezel for an immersive viewing experience. Both feature a fingerprint sensor for quick and easy logins with Windows Hello. Despite its large display, X507 is extremely portable, with an overall weight of just 1.68kg. The 14" version, ASUS X407, weighs just 1.42kg.

Both X407 and X507 are designed for daily computing and entertainment. These Windows 10 laptops also support new and exciting Windows features including Cortana with voice recognition, allowing the user to wake the device from sleep mode simply by saying the "Hey, Cortana" command. For maximum convenience and compatibility, X507 includes a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port and a microSD card reader, as well as 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, despite coming in an ultrathin form factor.

Both laptops support fast charging, requiring only 49 minutes to charge a near-flat battery to 60%. In addition, ASUS SuperBattery technology ensures a 3X-longer battery lifespan compared to traditional laptop batteries.

ASUS AiMesh Whole-Home Wi-Fi Routers

AiMesh overcomes many of the limitations found in alternative off-the-shelf whole-home Wi-Fi systems, such as mesh-networking systems. Although these systems can be convenient all-in-one solutions, they are often only available in fixed bundles, with a limited choice of Wi-Fi speeds, hardware features and upgrade paths. With AiMesh, users can create a completely flexible whole-home Wi-Fi system tailored to their needs, while continuing to enjoy all the functions of each individual ASUS router, such as extreme Wi-Fi performance and exclusive advanced networking features. AiMesh also offers convenient central management and control via either the ASUS Router mobile app or the ASUSWRT web interface.

Enabling AiMesh on a compatible ASUS router just requires an easy — and completely free — firmware update that allows it to be added to any AiMesh network, so users can mix and match models according to their budget and/or needs, and make good use of their old router when they upgrade.

AiMesh is an unbeatable solution for discerning users looking for the ultimate whole-home Wi-Fi system, adding yet another dimension to the award-winning family of fast and reliable ASUS routers.

The ROG Strix GL503 and 703

All-around performers, the 15-inch ROG Strix GL503 and 17-inch ROG Strix GL703 are powered by the newest Intel Core i7 processor, and Windows 10, equipping the gamer to control the competition. Both laptops also offer up to 32GB of fast DDR4 2400MHz memory and include a VR-ready GeForce GTX 1060 GPU that delivers smooth and stutter-free gameplay for unforgettable virtual-reality experiences.

Strix GL503 and GL703 feature built-in Aura RGB illumination technology, so you can fully customize the backlighting to match your gaming style or mood! The newly designed four hotkeys are for in-game convenience and speedy control: With mute, volume up/down, and ROG Gaming Center buttons right where you need them, full control is at your fingertips. The keyboard features a highlighted WASD key group and anti-ghosting technology with n-key rollover to ensure that your inputs are tracked precisely, no matter how many keys are pressed; and the 0.25mm-deep keycap curve is precisely shaped for typing accuracy.

Both the Strix GL503 and GL703 includes ROG Sonic Studio software with in-game noise cancellation and voice-volume stabilization technology, to deliver clearer, louder and more enjoyable audio and chat. Sonic Radar helps gamers detect opponents through an on-screen overlay that shows the relative position of gunshots, footsteps and other in-game sound effects. With Sonic Studio and Sonic Radar, gamers enjoy high-quality in-game audio that provides a strategic advantage.

ROG Strix XG32VQ and XG35VQ

The ROG Strix XG32VQ and ROG Strix XG35VQ are two impressive curved gaming monitors that deliver an immersive and comfortable viewing experience.

The 32-inch ROG Strix XG32VQ isversatile curved monitor that offers the perfect balance between smooth gaming and brilliant image quality, while the 35-inch ROG Strix XG35VQ is the largest curved monitor in the ROG family and offers unparalleled viewing immersion. Both models feature Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync) for extremely fluid gameplay without tearing and stuttering and include ASUS Aura Sync lighting that allows for seamless synchronization with other Aura-enabled components and peripherals.

The ASUS ZenFone "Battery King" Max Plus

ASUS ZenFone Max Plus (M1) is a smartphone designed to go the distance, to accompany you on all of life's adventures, and to bring you the bigger picture. With its 5.7-inch full view display, high-capacity 4130mAh battery with advanced power management and 16MP dual cameras, ZenFone Max Plus keeps up with your active lifestyle and is always at the ready to capture every extraordinary moment.

With a full view 5.7-inch Full HD (2160 x 1080) resolution with its outstanding 80% screen-to-body ratio and 2.5D front glass design, allows you to dive in the immersive visual experience. ZenFone Max Plus makes photos, videos, and all your other content like you never experience before.

ZenFone Max Plus features an advanced dual-camera system designed to take your mobile photography to new heights. Its 16MP main camera is equipped with the wide, F2.0 aperture lens to capture clearer photos. Its 120° wide-angle camera lets your fit more scenery and people in the frame for dramatic landscape shots, better group photos, and a more convenient photography experience in confined indoor spaces.

The 120° wide-angle camera on ZenFone Max Plus has a 200% larger field of view than standard smartphone cameras, so you can fit more scenery and people in the frame for dramatic photos and videos that capture a true sense of place. When taking photos indoors, the wide-angle view makes it much easier to get the shot you want — especially in confined spaces where it may not be possible to take a few steps back to fit everyone and everything into the photo. The unique perspective of the wide-angle lens can also be used to stylistic effect, allowing you to exaggerate the sense of space in any setting to capture more dramatic scenes and stunning, expansive landscapes.

To know more about the activities of ASUS Philippines, head over to ASUS and ROG Philippines' official social media pages. For hassle-free purchasing of ASUS and ROG products online please check out the official ASUS and ROG store in Lazada:

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) " Malaysia's health minister said Sunday autopsy results suggested a nerve agent caused "very serious paralysis" that killed the exiled half brother of North Korea's leader, as police completed a sweep of the budget terminal where he was poisoned and declared it safe of any toxin.

The investigation has unleashed a serious diplomatic fight between Malaysia and North Korea, a prime suspect in the Feb. 13 killing of Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur's airport. Friday's revelation by Malaysian police that the banned chemical weapon VX nerve agent was used to kill Kim raised the stakes significantly in a case that has broad geopolitical implications.

Health Minister Subramaniam Sathasivam said the state chemistry department's finding of the VX toxin confirmed the hospital's autopsy result that suggested a "chemical agent caused very serious paralysis" that led to death "in a very short period of time." The VX agent can lead to death very quickly in high doses, he said.

The killing of Kim Jong Nam took place amid crowds of travelers at Kuala Lumpur's airport and appeared to be a well-planned hit. Kim died on the way to a hospital, within hours of the attack.

Tens of thousands of passengers have passed through the airport since the apparent assassination was carried out. No areas were cordoned off, and protective measures were not taken. Subramaniam said there have been no reports so far of anyone else being sickened by the toxin.

Late Saturday, however, police said they would begin a sweep of the budget terminal where Kim was attacked to check for traces of VX.

The sweep started around 2 a.m. Sunday involving officers from the police's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear teams, as well as the fire department's hazardous materials unit and the government's atomic energy board. Although VX is not radioactive, police said the radiological team and the atomic energy board were involved as a precaution.

Abdul Samah Mat, the police official leading the investigations, said a two-hour sweep by more than a dozen officers in protective gear detected no hazardous material. He said the budget terminal is "free from any form of contamination of hazardous material" and declared it a "safe zone."

Earlier Saturday, police warned they would issue an arrest warrant for a North Korean diplomat if he refuses to cooperate with the investigation into the attack.

Experts say the nerve agent used to kill Kim was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory and is banned under an international treaty. But North Korea never signed the treaty, and it has spent decades developing a complex chemical weapons program.

Kim was not an obvious political threat to his estranged half brother, Kim Jong Un. But he may have been seen as a potential rival in North Korea's dynastic dictatorship, even though he had lived in exile for years. North Korea has denied any role in the attack.

Malaysia said earlier in the week that Hyon Kwang Song, a second secretary at the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, was wanted for questioning. But authorities acknowledged at the time he has diplomatic immunity and they couldn't compel him to appear.

On Saturday, Malaysia's tone changed.

Abdul Samah, the police official, said authorities would give the diplomat reasonable time to come forward. "And if he failed to turn up ... then we will go to the next step by getting a warrant of arrest from the court," he told reporters.

Lawyer Sankara Nair, however, noted that diplomats have immunity privileges even in criminal cases. "Police can apply for a warrant, but it can easily be set aside by the embassy," he said.

Malaysia hasn't directly accused the North Korean government of being behind the attack, but officials have said four North Korean men provided two women with poison to carry it out.

The four men fled Malaysia shortly after the killing, while the women â€" one from Indonesia and the other Vietnamese â€" were arrested.

On Saturday, representatives from the Indonesian and Vietnamese embassies in Malaysia met with the two women.

Indonesia's deputy ambassador Andriano Erwin told reporters later that Siti Aisyah said she had been paid the equivalent of $90 for what she believed was a harmless prank. Aisyah, 25, said she had been introduced to people who looked like Japanese or Koreans who asked her to play a prank for a reality show, according to Erwin.

Asked if she knew what was on her hands at the time of the attack, Erwin said: "She didn't tell us about that. She only said that it's a kind of oil, baby oil, something like that."

An odorless chemical with the consistency of motor oil, VX is an extremely powerful poison, with an amount no larger than a few grains of salt enough to kill. It can be inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Then, in anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours, it can cause a range of symptoms, from blurred vision to a headache. Enough exposure leads to convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure and death.

The Vietnamese woman who was arrested, Doan Thi Huong, also thought she was taking part in a prank, Vietnam's foreign ministry said Saturday.

In grainy surveillance footage, the women appear to smear something onto Kim's face before walking away in separate directions. Malaysian police said the attackers knew what they were doing and had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and clean their hands.

Experts say the women must have taken precautions so the nerve agent wouldn't kill them.

An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected.

Also Saturday, police confirmed that a raid earlier in the week on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur was part of the investigation. Abdul Samah, the police official, did not specify what authorities found there, but said the items were being tested for traces of any chemicals.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

TEMPE, Ariz./SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - An Uber self-driving car hit and killed a woman crossing the street in Arizona, police said on Monday, marking the first fatality involving an autonomous vehicle and a potential blow to the technology expected to transform transportation.

The ride services company said it was suspending North American tests of its self-driving vehicles, which are currently going on in Arizona, Pittsburgh and Toronto.

So-called robot cars, when fully developed by companies including Uber, Alphabet Inc and General Motors Co, are expected to drastically cut down on motor vehicle fatalities and create billion-dollar businesses. But Monday's accident underscored the possible challenges ahead for the promising technology as the cars confront real-world situations involving real people.

U.S. lawmakers have been debating legislation that would speed introduction of self-driving cars.

"This tragic accident underscores why we need to be exceptionally cautious when testing and deploying autonomous vehicle technologies on public roads," said Democratic Senator Edward Markey, a member of the transportation committee, in a statement.

Elaine Herzberg, 49, was walking her bicycle outside the crosswalk on a four-lane road in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe about 10 p.m. MST Sunday (0400 GMT Monday) when she was struck by the Uber vehicle traveling at about 40 miles per hour (65 km per hour), police said. The Volvo XC90 SUV was in autonomous mode with an operator behind the wheel.

Herzberg later died from her injuries in a hospital, police said.

"The pedestrian was outside of the crosswalk. As soon as she walked into the lane of traffic she was struck," Tempe Police Sergeant Ronald Elcock told reporters at a news conference. He said he did not yet know how close Herzberg was to the vehicle when she stepped into the lane.

Elcock said he believed Herzberg may have been homeless.

The San Francisco Chronicle late Monday reported that Tempe Police Chief Sylvia Moir said that from viewing videos taken from the vehicle "it's very clear it would have been difficult to avoid this collision in any kind of mode (autonomous or human-driven) based on how she came from the shadows right into the roadway." (bit.ly/2IADRUF)

Moir told the Chronicle, "I suspect preliminarily it appears that the Uber would likely not be at fault in this accident," but she did not rule out that charges could be filed against the operator in the Uber vehicle, the paper reported.

The "Tempe Police Department does not determine fault in vehicular collisions," the department said in a statement late Monday, in reply to questions from Reuters about the chief's comments. "Ultimately the investigation will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review and any potential charges."

Tempe authorities and federal officials are still investigating the incident. Canada's transportation ministry in Ontario, where Uber conducts testing, also said it was reviewing the accident.

2 killed in New Year violence in Carmen
Originally Published on January 3, 2010 by Sunday Post

CARMEN, Bohol.-Police investigators are looking into the possibility that two victims of New Year violence in Carmen town were attributed to the same suspects. This surfaced yesterday as investigators zeroed in on four suspects who were seen by eyewitnesses fleeing the crime scene after they shot to death a certain Romeo Alcocer, age unknown, and a resident of sitio Upper Cabus , barangay Bicao, this town. He was gunned down with a 357 hand gun. An hour later and about 600 meters from where Alcocer was killed, a certain Salvador Ramirez, age unknown, also of the same barangay, was slain by unknown gun men. He was killed on the spot. According to the Carmen police blotter, Alcocer was with three other companions having a drinking spree in one of the residences of the barangay. His companions were identified as Rolando Ramirez, Basilio Oyangoren and a certain Inting Lage. A barangay kagawad identified as Efren Ramirez of barangay Bicao narrated that he went to the house of his uncle Rolando to join in the New Year drinking revelry. Then, all of a sudden, the barangay official said, he heard a loud gun burst.

At first, the kagawad thought that he was the target of the shooting only to learn later that Alcocer who was beside him was the one hit by the bullet fired from the hand gun. The victim was rushed immediately to the Simeon Toribio Memorial Hospital in Carmen but died minutes later. Seeing the fleeing suspects, Ramirez sought police assistance to pursue the assailants. The other shooting incident involving Ramirez took place in a house about 600 meters from the residence where the first shooting happened. The victim was attending a prayer of a dead neighbor when the shooting took place. In the subsequent pursuit operations, the Carmen police bagged one of the suspected assailants identified as Jesus Reboyon, Jr. In an interview in his cell yesterday, Reboyon denied any knowledge of the twin shooting.

The suspect said he was willing to submit to any paraffin examination to prove if he did fire a gun on new year's day. While under investigation, he told Carmen policemen what befell him the past days. While he was suspected as part of the gang that killed two persons on new year's day, he said what happened to him was that his house was razed to the ground last week leaving the family's personal belongings going up in smoke. He said he even sought the assistance of Carmen Kagawad Dindo Palgan for any financial help in order to tide him over as a result of the fire that burned his house. He also sought help from V-Mayor Ramoncito Torrefranca who lost no time also in extending relief assistance to him, his wife and two-year old child. In fact, he was arrested by police while asking help in the residence of V-Mayor Torrefranca. Meanwhile, three of the other suspects in the New Year Shooting were already identified.

SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and South Korea will resume joint military drills next month, Seoul and Washington said on Tuesday, exercises that will go ahead despite U.S. President Donald Trump's planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Seoul and Washington said in January they would delay the annual exercises until after the Winter Olympics and Paralympics held in South Korea last month, helping to create conditions for a resumption of talks between South and North Korea.

The reclusive North routinely denounces the drills as preparation for war.

The Foal Eagle field exercise is scheduled to begin on April 1 and go on for a month, while the computer-simulated Key Resolve will be held for two weeks starting in mid-April, a South Korean military official told reporters in Seoul on Tuesday.

There has been a flurry of diplomatic activity across Asia, the United States and Europe since the North sent delegations to the Winter Olympics, moves that culminated in North Korea's planned summits with the South and with the United States.

The South Korean and U.S. militaries usually stage the two drills in March for about two months but the period of this year's field exercise was cut by half, mainly due to the Olympics, said the South Korean official, who asked not to be identified.

The exercises will be of a "scale similar to that of the previous years" and are meant "to improve our readiness against various North Korean threats", the official said.

North Korea is pursuing nuclear and missile programs in defiance of U.N. Security Council sanctions and has made no secret of its plans to develop a missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

Such plans, and the exchange of insults between Kim and Trump, had led to increased fears of confrontation on the Korean peninsula in recent months before the diplomatic contacts. China, North Korea's main ally, says it is happy to see an easing of tensions.

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Maldives President Abdulla Yameen will lift a 45-day state of emergency on Thursday and the government will bring bribery charges against former leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the chief justice, said a senior Maldives diplomat.

Yameen imposed a state of emergency on Feb. 5 for 15 days to annul a Feb. 1 Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison. He later extended the state of emergency for another 30 days with parliament approval, a move challenged by the opposition.

Under the emergency, Yameen's administration arrested former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge, and a Supreme Court administrator on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. They have all rejected the charges.

"Unless something unusual happens, we should not have emergency by Thursday," Mohamed Hussain Shareef, Maldives Ambassador for Sri Lanka told a Foreign Correspondents Association forum on Monday.

"The government has no intention of extending it any further barring very unusual circumstances like widespread violence. The intention is to do away with this state of emergency when the current 30 day period expires on March 22."

Shareef said bribery charges against Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed have been sent to the prosecutor general and that bribery charges will also be brought against former president Gayoom and Supreme Court administrator Hassan Sayeed.

"That is definite. We know that charges will be pressed against the four of them," Shareef said.

Gayoom is accused of bribing the three legal professionals to overthrow the Yameen government.

Despite opposition claims that hundreds of people have been arrested under the state of emergency, Shareef said only 38 had been arrested so far while others were "detained and released".

Maldives police told Reuters on Saturday that at least 139 opposition protesters were arrested as they attempted to defy orders under the state of emergency and march into the high security zone in capital Male.

When asked if any foreign agent or country had a role in the Maldives crisis, Shareef said: "For my knowledge, the investigations at the moment are focused on local actors only".

Inventors take the spotlight at Radyo Pilipinas 
  
Some Filipino inventors took center stage as they were interviewed by veteran host Rolly "Lakay" Gonzalo at "Kita mo na? Galing ng Pinoy" program by Radyo Pilipinas DZRB-AM, sharing practices and experiences on technology generation, development, and marketing.

The radio program owned by the Philippine Broadcasting Service also known as Bureau of Broadcast Services is produced by the Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative (FISPC) as stories focus on the success of Filipino inventor-entrepreneurs as they become powerhouse name and contribute to national development. 

Consistent with providing assistance to Filipino inventors, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) has provided a list of inventors assisted by the Institute to be featured in the said program for February.

The Institute's promotional initiatives for previously and currently assisted inventors are in complementary with the technical and financial assistance provided by DOST-TAPI particularly the Industry-Based Invention Development (IBID) and Invention-Based Enterprise Development (IBED) programs.

The IBID program involves technical and financial assistance for the development and initial commercialization of inventions, including fabrication of commercial prototype model of the invention in a real working environment. Likewise, the IBED program supports invention development into business enterprise by making the invention available to the consumers.

"The programs encourage inventors to generate demand-oriented invention, hasten technology transfer for economic and social development," said Mechelle D. Balboa, Program Manager of IBID and IBED programs.

The inventions featured in the radio program include the unsinkable porta-boat, high-pressure recovering equipment, mosquito larvicide, grooved perforated carburetor nozzle, fluid distribution network, pre-cast composite black panel, water saving toilet and bathroom assembly, increasing dissolved or stabilized oxygen in water process, and in-line water purification and sterilization apparatus, all of which are beneficiaries of the IBID and/or IBED programs.

"Kita mo na? Galing ng Pinoy" is aired every Saturday and Sunday from 8 to 9 PM on DZRB 738khz AM.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Vegetable productivity in most parts of southern Philippines is hampered by low nutrient availability in the soil. Overapplication of mineral fertilizers and application of unbalanced nutrients are also major concerns in vegetable production. These fertilizer use practices take a large share of the total cost of production inputs.

A project has been addressing these concerns through research activities that  have been ongoing since 2014.

Titled, "Soil and nutrient management strategies for sustainable vegetable production in southern Philippines," the project compares the productive capacity, soil fertility, and economics of conventional, organic, and protected vegetable production systems in southern Philippines. Initiatives are also in place to identify key soil and nutritional constraints to vegetable production. 

The project is funded by the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and co-monitored by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). 

The project is being implemented by researchers from the Visayas State University (VSU), Bureau of Soils and Water Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños, and Landcare Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. in partnership with the University of Queensland and Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. It is  focused on priority areas of Leyte, Northern Mindanao, and Bohol and selected vegetable crops including tomato, bell pepper, eggplant, squash, and cabbage.

The project has identified the optimal rates of nitrogen that can be applied  in peppers and eggplant for conventional production. In the organic production system, it has also determined the optimal rates of chicken dung that can be applied,  with eggplant as test species. These findings will aid in assessing the economics of organic and conventional vegetable production systems and will contribute in maximizing yield.

Changes in soil fertility under conventional, protected cropping, and organic systems are also being observed. Nutrient schedules (budgets) along with nitrogen and phosphorus levels in conventional and protected cropping systems are being compared in experiments. Findings will be used to develop improved and targeted site-specific nutrient management strategies. 

Through the project, key constraints in vegetable production systems have also been identified through surveys in Leyte, Claveria, Bukidnon, Bohol, and Samar. Interviews with 91 vegetable farmers from said areas confirmed that poor soil fertility is perceived as a major constraint and main driver in overapplication of fertilizers which unnecessarily raises input cost.

As part of the project's capacity building efforts, ten Filipino project team members were trained in Australia. The training included laboratory-based studies and covered field experimental sites, commercial farming operations, and landscape production issues. Twenty-five farmer-cooperators from Samar, Leyte, and Bohol also underwent a training on "Soil fertility assessment for improved crop nutrient management in vegetable production," which was led by Landcare Foundation Philippines, Inc. in partnership with Visayas State University (VSU).

The team seeks to develop, publish, and disseminate soil and nutrient management strategies and materials for profitable smallholder vegetable production by the end of its implementation in 2018.

These efforts, among many others, are expected to contribute in reducing input costs of farmers and increasing crop yield. 

Project activities are aligned with the main goal of the program, "ACIAR-PCAARRD Horticulture Program on Fruits and Vegetables Phase 2," to improve food security and livelihood of farmers in southern Philippines, with the soils project being one of its ten components.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Batang Guro mulang Ateneo, Hinirang na Makata ng Taon 2018

Hinirang na Makata ng Taon 2018 si Christian Jil R. Benitez, isang instruktor sa Ateneo  de Manila University para sa kaniyang tulang "Sapagkat Pag-ibig ang Tuod sa Pinakamahabang Bugtong sa Kasaysayan."

 "Nagsusulat ako ng mga tula na may malayang taludturan ngunit naging hámon sa akin ang magsulat ng tula na may tugma at sukat. Nakatulong sa akin ang lektura ng dati kong propesor sa Ateneo na si Dr. Edgar Samar hinggil sa pagsulat ng tula na may antas tudlikan ang tugmaan." banggit ni Christian.

Bukod sa paghirang na Makata ng Taon 2018, tatanggap si Benitez ng PHP30,000.00 at tropeo mula sa KWF. Tatanggap naman sina Aldrin P. Pentero ng PHP20,000.00 para sa Ikalawang Gantimpala at Paul Alcoseba Castillo ng PHP15,000.00 para sa Ikatlong Gantimpala.

Ang pagkilala kay Benitez ay gaganapin sa Araw ni Balagtas sa 2 Abril 2018 sa Orion Elementary School, Bataan. Ang Araw ni Balagtas ang hudyat din ng pagsisimula ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Panitikan ng Filipinas.

Si Benitez ay nagtapos ng programang AB-MA Literature (Filipino) sa Pamantasang Ateneo de Manila. Kasalukuyang siyang nagtuturo ng Filipino, Panitikan ng Filipinas, at Kritisismong Pampanitikan

Kinilala na rin ang kaniyang mga tula sa Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, Maningning Miclat Poetry Awards, at Loyola School Awards for the Arts.

Ang mga hurado ng timpalak ay sina Michael M. Coroza, Louie Jon Agustin Sanchez, at Enrique S. Villasis. Si Michael M. Coroza ay isang makata, Carlos Palanca awardee, at kasalukuyang Tagapangulo ng Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL). Tatlong beses naman na itinanghal na Makata ng Taon si Louie Jon A. Sanchez. Si Enrique S. Villasis ay limang  beses nang nagwagi sa Don Carlos (2011, 2012, 2013) at scriptwriter sa telebisyon.

Kabilang sa mga naunang kinilalang Makata ng Taon mula pa noong 1963 ay ang mga ginagalang, premyado, at haligi na ng panitikang Filipino ay sina Pambansang Alagad ng Sining Virgilio S. Almario, Bienvenido Lumbera, at Cirilo Bautista. Kinilala na rin biláng Makata ng Taon sina Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Rogelio Mangahas, Lamberto Antonio, at Mike Bigornia.

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

REP. CARLOS ROMAN UYBARRETA
1st Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy Party-list (1-CARE) 

Vice Chair, Committee on Energy

Member, Appropriations, Constitutional Amendments, and 7 other Committees

Mobile: 0917-729-2437 

While it is summer...

ELECTRIC COOPS PARTY-LIST SOLON HOPEFUL CONGRESS CAN SOON CLEAR WAY FOR THE REMOVAL OF HAZARDS TO POWER LINES, FACILITIES

Congress still has time to pass the Anti-Power Line Disturbance Act before storms come starting next July.

1-CARE Rep. Carlos Roman Uybarreta said the energy committee chairmen of the House and Senate have worked out how to get the law passed before Congress adjourns in May and ready for signing by June.

"Senator Win and I, together with Chair Lord Velasco had a meeting last Wednesday evening and among others we agreed to hasten the passage of certain legislation affecting the energy sector for the betterment of the general public, and one of those legislation is the Anti-Power Line Disturbance bill," Uybarreta said.

Sen. Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian is the Senate Committee on Energy Chair; while Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco is the Chair of the House Committee on Energy.

Approved on third and final reading by the House was HB 6276 last September 25, 2017 and sent to the Senate on September 27.

The electric cooperatives distribution & transmission utilities would still have time to clear all potential hazards to power lines and prevent blackouts during storms of the rainy season this year.

"Prevention is better than cure in this situation. We keep our technical crew out of harm's way and we spare electric coop customers the power outages when storms topple tall trees that grow near or under power lines," Uybarreta also said.

The Anti-Power Line Disturbance bill of the House (HB 6276) has a provision reserving only to the Supreme Court the power to issue injunctions o temporary restraining orders against efforts to clear right-of-way areas of hazards to power lines.

HB 6276 also requires applicants for building permits to secure first the permission of electric cooperatives before they build any structures at or near the right-of-way zone at power lines and facilities. (END)

Going to travel? Book your place to stay at www.booking.com

Objects around the earth

Senior Reporter, Asia Pacific Banking
The successful candidate will be based in Hong Kong and play a pivotal role in covering news on Chinese financial institutions. You will be delivering features, building up a range of news sources, as well as working with and mentoring reporters in multiple locations. Native English proficiency, some knowledge of the banking sector in China and financial journalism experience are required.

Reporter, Asia-Pacific Banks and Financial Services, Japan
The Reporter will cover news on Japanese banking and financial services. You will be providing English content in different formats from sources in Japanese, conducting in-depth interviews and covering news from the conference beat. An extensive knowledge and proven experience in writing about Japanese banking and financial institutions are required. Fluency in English is necessary. Knowledge of Japanese or another major Asian language is highly desirable.

Freelance Reporter, China Banks and Financial Services
The Freelance Reporter will produce original features, news analysis and, occasionally, hard news stories on banking and other financial institutions in China. The successful candidate can be based either in Hong Kong or China. To be considered for this role, you must have experience in reporting and knowledge of the financial services and banking sector.

Coconuts seeks Managing Editor (Singapore / Bangkok)
Coconuts Media is hiring a Managing Editor: Food, Lifestyle, and Travel (FLT) to be based in its Singapore or Bangkok office. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing, writing and leading the team for the new standalone Coco Travel section, in addition to the food and drink and lifestyle stories for the eight city sections covering Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon and Bali. Apart from an eye on trends in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, the successful candidate should have five to ten years of experience in a senior editorial role at relevant online or print publications.

Reuters hiring TV Producer (Hong Kong)
The Producer must have a demonstrated ability to efficiently conceptualise and edit news packages created in the field by Reuters' worldwide staff of video and text journalists. The Producer will be based in Hong Kong and be responsible for several videos each day from either planning field / location shoots to re-editing previously-produced footage into broadcast-quality packages for a new audience. The position demands mature news judgment, solid writing and strong editing skills. Priority will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a feel for craft editing techniques. This position may require occasional work on weekends and / or public holidays.

Metro Daily recruiting Entertainment & Features Reporter (Hong Kong)
Metro Daily is in search of a Reporter, Entertainment & Features to source and produce daily entertainment news. The Reporter will also arrange for shoots and report the latest trends through text and videos. The position requires knowledge of the local and international entertainment scene, and excellent Chinese and English writing skills.

Finance Reporter at Asia Pacific Media (Hong Kong)
Asia Pacific Media Ltd, publisher of Asia Asset Management, is seeking a Finance Reporter in Hong Kong. The successful candidate will generate daily news and write features for the monthly publication. The position calls for individuals who have at least three years of experience in financial journalism and possess a valid work visa in Hong Kong. To apply, please send your CV to jobs@asiaasset.com

Reporter roles at China Times (Beijing)
China Times' stock news desk and investigation news desk are now looking for four to six Reporters. Ideal candidates should have a passion for journalism and willingness to undergo in-depth news investigation; at least two years of work experience in journalism; and a degree or above in economics, journalism or related disciplines. Interested parties, please send your CV to 95001776@qq.com