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EUFRASIO MANTE MASCARIÃ'AS
THE GIFTED ENGINEER DEDICATES HIS LIFE TO THE MASSES
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard
By Loy Palapos

Life is indeed man’s greatest journey. Mapped out with roads to be traveled on, it is an adventure that takes a lifetime to decipher. Nobody knows its outcome. All one could do is fervently dream, burning a hope that life would be colorful and meaningful.

Born to parents Policronio T. Mascariñas and Felisa Mante, on January 14, 1946, Eufrasio “Prasing” Mante-Mascariñas started on his life’s journey, as the second son of a family of eight siblings. A local boy of the town of Tubigon, he took his education in stride. Elementary learning was at Tubigon Central School (1952-1958) and secondary education was at Holy Cross Academy, where he graduated salutatorian (1958-1962). Then, he was off to the Cebu Institute of Technology as an academic scholar taking a degree in BS Civil Engineering (1962-1967). Successfully passing the board examination right after graduation, he had the world at his feet.

At 22, he was the Acting Officer-In-Charge of the national Irrigation Administration, Eastern Visayas Irrigation Region (NIA-EVIR), at the Bohol Sub-Office in the City of Tagbilaran. His administrative skill was honed to his advantage. While others were still day-dreaming, he was exposed to a managerial task that squeezed out the best in him. The following year, he became an instructor at the University of Bohol (1965-1975).

Prasing has always been born a leader, it is in this period of his life that fate charted out a different course venturing into a realm totally new to him â€" public service. It was told that this young and unheard of man wearing t-shirts, shorts, and slippers would tirelessly go around from barangay to barangay, knocking from door to door, shaking countless hands. The hesitant greetings of the people turned to gleeful welcome smiles and soon enough they began to talk about the name “Prasing.” In 1972, he became the youngest vice-mayor of Tubigon at 25 (1972-1975). Among his more memorable projects was the Founding of the Federation of Tubigon Youth.

After his stint as vice-mayor, he thought of fulfilling the occupation that he studied for in school. He became the project engineer of the E.G. Delegencia Construction in Cagayan de Oro (1975-1978). However, destiny had a stronger pull than what this man envisioned for himself. On December 13, 1978 Prasing was appointed as Municipal Mayor of Tubigon by the late Ferdinand E. Marcos. There was no turning back after that.

Preparing for what fate held up ahead, Prasing took a post-graduate course in Local Administration and Development Program at the University of the Philippines. Manila. And as they say, the rest is history. He won elections after elections and served the town as municipal mayor for twenty (20) uninterrupted years (1978-1998).

As Tubigon’s top executive, he endeavored on major projects in the field of education: the establishment of the Mater Dei College, a National High School, a Barangay High School, and the establishment of elementary and primary schools in the barangays; agriculture: the construction of the water impounding projects of 5 barangays; rural electrification of 28 mainland barangays and 90% of all sitios; cottage industry: the establishment and strengthening of the loom weaving and raffia industry; infrastructure: the concreting of municipal streets, opening and improvement of barangay and farm to market roads; waterworks: the rehabilitation of the Tubigon Municipal Waterworks System and the establishment of Level II waterworks systems in 7 major barangays; to name a few. His more recent contribution was the expansion of the wharf, the constructions of the Tubigon Cultural and Sports Center and the Tubigon Community Hospital.

He was the town’s most clamorous advocate for progress. Having won the hearts of the Tubigonians who have migrated to other countries, they became his most avid supporters always willing to extend what they can for Tubigon’s betterment. Upon their invitation, they sponsored his trips to the United States (1989 & 1991), Hawaii (1991), and Hongkong (1994) with the aim to raise funds for his various infrastructure projects.

As an Ambassador of Goodwill, he was also instrumental in bridging and building international partnership programs with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany (1995), the City of Portage la Praire in Manitoba, Canada (1996), and with the Local Government Development Foundation (LOGODEF). He was also a delegate to the various government promoted trips: the Philippine Local Government Officials Visit to the People’s Republic of China (1994), and the FCM Southeast Asia Partnership Workshops in Chiang Mai, Thailand (1997).

With the passage of the term limit in the 1987 Constitution, the law barred Prasing to seek re-election. Convinced by party leaders that he can be of service to more people in Bohol, he ran for office at a provincial scale. In May of 1998, he was elected as a Provincial Board Member in the First District. He is the first Tubigonian to have achieved this feat.

Now on his third term of office, he has continued to sponsor major ordinances and resolutions to promote efficient and effective local governance. At present, he is the Chairman of the committee on Public Works, Highway & Related Infrastructure and the Committee on Personnel and Related Policies; Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Justice & Human Rights and Committee on Cooperative & NGO’s; and Member of the Committee on Appropriations & Finance, Committee on Ways & Means and Committee on Public Utilities and Franchises. As when he was mayor, he continues to represent the province and the country. Recently he took part in the Bergen Seminar in Development in Bergen, Norway (1999) and the Klondike Days Exposition in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2002).

He believes that contributing for one’s province or town does not have to be in the form of public office. It just happened that for him, this was the path that destiny has laid out. It has not been all glory and glamour. There had been times of trials, of sacrifices and of faith stretching. But through it all, with unwavering faith in God and with the love and support of his family and friends, it has indeed been one joyous journey. And his journey does not end here.

Prasing is married to a family physician, Dr. Yolanda “Chuchie” Abogatal, with whom he has three children. The eldest, Sarah Joy is a Manila-based Assistant Sales Manager of Waterfront Philippines, Inc. She graduated from the University of the Philippines, Diliman with the degree in BS Hotel and restaurant Administration. Jasper graduated high school at the Philippine Science High School Western Visayas (Iloilo) Campus and is now enrolled at UP-Los Baños for a degree in BS-Biology. Jairus, the youngest is a second year Physical Therapy student Silliman University, Dumaguete City.

Only a few Boholano politicians are really loved the way Prasing Mascariñas is. He may have reached high places, rubbed elbows with the power-that-be, has accomplished a great deal, and helped his constituents for almost forty years, but he has remained the humble public servant everybody admires. After his third term as a Provincial Board Member expires this year, he has various plans, and they always include the good of Tubigon.

THEREFORE IT IS
(Part 2)
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard
By Yes Tirol Dumagan

Conflict happens anywhere even when we least expect it. Many people see conflict as inherently negative, but that is a misunderstanding of what conflict is and how it operates. To address to that, it is a must that we know the principles of conflict as identified by a communicologist, Julia Wood.

Conflict is a natural process in all relationships. The presence of conflict does not indicate that a relationship is unhealthy or in trouble, although how partners manage conflict does influence relational health. Actually, conflict indicates that people are involved with each other. If they weren’t, there would be no need to resolve differences. This is a good point to keep in mind when conflicts arise because it reminds us that a strong connection underlies even disagreement.

Conflict can be overt or covert. Overt conflict is out in the open and explicit. It exists when people deal with their differences in a direct, straightforward manner. They might calmly discuss their disagreement, intensely argue about ideas, or engage in a shouting match. Overt conflict can also involve physical attacks, although of course that’s not healthy or constructive. On the other hand, covert conflict is unacknowledged. It exists when people have disagreements and express their feelings indirectly.

Conflict can be managed well or poorly. Because conflict is natural and inevitable, we need to learn to deal with it in ways that benefit us and our relationships. People respond to conflict in a variety of ways, ranging from physical attack to verbal aggression to reflective problem solving. Although each method may resolve differences, some are clearly preferable to others. Depending on how we handle disagreements, conflict can either promote continuing attachment or split a relationship apart.

Conflict can be good for individuals and relationships. Although we tend to think of conflict negatively, it can be beneficial in a number of ways. When managed constructively, conflict can help us grow as individuals and strengthen our relationships. We can enlarge our perspectives when we engage in conflicts that propel personal growth and learning. We deepen insight into our ideas and feelings when we have to express them and consider critical responses. Sometimes this supports our own identity by clarifying how we differ from others. Differences can also prompt personal growth by helping us see when it’s appropriate to change our minds. Conflict allows us to consider points of view different from our own. Based on what we learn, we may change our opinions, behaviors, or goals. Conflict can enhance understanding and spur personal growth.

With this information that we have, we can now easily assess matters on how to avoid or face our dilemmas in times we encounter them. What is therefore very essential is on how we treat these problems as challenges not to destroy our inner being but to strengthen our audacity and faith with respect to how we perceive and how we manage ourselves as social beings.

(the end.)

THE VERDICT: WHAT WILL IT BE?
By Atty. Check Baluma
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

The much awaited moment, the promulgation of the judgment involving the rape case filed by a Filipino woman against four accused US Marines will be known soon. The rape case, which has captured the national limelight for more than a year already, will draw to a conclusion soon, with several cause-oriented groups and supporters of the rape victim, only named as “ Nicole” closely monitoring the situation.

Originally, the promulgation of the decision was scheduled tomorrow, November 27, 2006, however, the presiding judge hearing the controversial Subic Rape case rescheduled the promulgation from November 27 to December 4, 2006 at one o’clock in the afternoon.

Makati City Regional Trial Court Judge Benjamin Pozon was quoted in the Philippine Star, November 25, 2006 issue as having said in his interim order “ To render a fair and just decision, the court is constrained, much to its regret, to reset the promulgation of judgment in this case on December 4 at 1 p.m.”. The deferment of the promulgation is clearly within the discretion of the Presiding Judge. No wonder, both the lawyers for the prosecution and the accused interposed no objections to the resetting of the promulgation.

Judges should not sacrifice quantity of decisions for quality, but they should never forget the old saying that goes “ Justice delayed is justice denied”. No amount of media gimmick could ever restore the image of a Judiciary if a serious blunder is committed on this point. It is because our Courts are considered as the last bulwark or bastion of democracy. When the people lose their faith and trust with the Courts, our society will be filled with chaos and lawlessness. Certainly, a well- studied and prepared decision is needed at this point of time in order to erase all doubts as far as the impartiality of the proceedings is concerned. A hastily prepared judgment which does not clearly set out the facts and the laws on which the judgment is based, would do no favor to our already troubled and divided nation . The rape case, which allegedly happened on November 1, 2005 at the formal US naval base in Subic, has caught the attention not only of our local media, but as well as the foreign media, more specially the American media. The prosecution presented a total of 23 witnesses while the defense presented six during the four- month long marathon hearings. This rape case has a historical significance to the Philippines, since it will once more put to a legal test the Visiting Forces Agreement. In the past, to recall, there were many oppositors to the VFA, as it was viewed as a treaty or pact which only sided with the Americans. Under the Visiting Forces Agreement, a US serviceman may be tried for violation of Philippine laws for only one year.

Without going over the merits of the case, as this breaches with the sub judice principle, we are inserting hereto some of the guidelines and pronouncements laid no less by our Supreme Court in rape cases:

“The guiding principles in determining guilt in rape cases are: (1) that an accusation of rape can be made with facility; it is difficult to prove, but more difficult for the person accused, though innocent, to disprove; (b) that in view of the intrinsic nature of the crime which usually involves two persons, the testimony of the complainant must be scrutinized with extreme caution; and (c) that the evidence of the prosecution must stand or fall on its own merits and cannot be allowed to draw strength from the weakness of the evidence of the defense.” ( People vs. Ulit, 423 SCRA 374)

The absence of spermatozoa does not of course negate rape. ( People vs. Alibuyog, 425 SCRA 353).

In rape cases, the lone testimony of the victim, if credible and free from fatal and material inconsistencies and contradictions, can be the basis for the prosecution and conviction of the accused. ( People vs. Oden, 427 SCRA 634).

Physical resistance is not an essential element of the felony, and need not be established when intimidation is exercised upon the victim and the latter submits herself against her will to the rapist’s embrace because of fear for her life and personal safety. Failure to shout or offer tenacious resistance did not make voluntary the complainant’s submission to the criminal acts of the accused. ( People vs. Alberio, 433 SCRA 469)

As to what will be the verdict on this controversial case, your intelligent guess is as good as mine. But as good citizens, rest assured that the forthcoming decision would be supported by the facts and the law in observance of the basic requirements of a decision, as provided by our Constitution.

Argentina’s E-mail
By Fred C. Amora
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

Again, I had to download many messages from my e-mail address as they keep coming. The most-lengthy is the e-mail from my voluptuous ex-lover Argentina detailing how happy she is now in the land of milk and honey, the USA, and her luck of being able to wiggle herself from a murky past.

Well, Good Riddance too. Life is indeed “weather, weather.” Wither you like it or not!

* * * * *
The fear of facing the truth and accepting the inevitable is a sign of weakness. It also spawns a creeping sense of Guilt, that feeling of realizing your blunders and the wrong you have done to others.

To most people, it is unlikely that they would openly admit such wrongful acts because of Pride. They may feel such guilt but more-often, they opt to stay “play-acting” as if unmindful of what they have done (patay-malisya).

For some exceptional few, admitting mistakes is one relishing moment to unload all burdens of Guilt; - a virtue that is so rare that it is only expected from a handful who have mastered themselves and have full control of their lives.

* * * * *
To stress my point, let me deviate from my usual serious homilies and share to you this humorous laugh-line and let’s see if the message gets through. This is, however, laced with a subtle dose of green humor. Take caution!

The story goes like this:

A doctor once approached his Confessor and asked for atonement and advice how to cope with his guilty feeling of something he had done.

“Father bless me for I have sin…”

“Go ahead son… please make it brief, the waiting line is quite long,” the Father Confessor said.

“Father I am a doctor and I had sex with my patient one time.”

“Oh… that’s not right, but it is normal. It happens sometimes,” the confessor reassures the penitent.

“But one thing Father is ….”

“You don’t have to explain. Stop worrying. Go in peace and recite the Act of Contrition and pray five times a day facing the East,” the Father Confessor blessed him and shouted: “Next.”

The penitent stood up and went to a secluded aisle of the church with his eyebrows still wrinkled with guilt.

“Oh my God … I have sinned again. I did not tell the Father Confessor I am a Veterinarian.”

(It’s a joke! Did you get the punch line? If not, please see and consult a doctor.)

* * * * *
On Friday, I was able to join the final board meeting of the Bohol Tri-Media Association (BTMA) at the JJs Seafoods Village threshing out details of our Christmas party and the holding of recognition awards for media excellence.

One board member asked me if I can propose to insert one award that was not included during the last meeting. What awards would that be?

He said the “Most Extortionate” radio program that is dreaded by public officials and those having business with government, like contractors and suppliers.

“Naa diay radio program nga ingon ana?” I asked him.

“Oh... come on! Kana diay ilang telepono nga ang iyang ring tone morag cash register,” he said.

“No comment ko ana oy,” I simply said.

Lesson for Today: “A brother may not be a friend, but a friend will always be a brother.”- Samuel Richardson

Don’t Die For Your Country, Don’t Die For Manny
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard
By Atty. Koykoy Lim

Some causes are worth dying. Some deaths are not worth mentioning.

In countries where there is an enormous hostility towards Christianity, certain missionaries had been killed in the name of their faith in the God of the Bible. We Christians would rather look at their deaths as glorifying, and the demise, in an eternal perspective, can never be considered a waste and loss.

The Jewish people have been in constant battle against enemies surrounding Israel, countries which for centuries have been harboring consuming hatred against them. Both Jewish men and women have answered the call to defend their land and push out those who want to erase them from the map of the earth. Death, for Jewish soldiers, is glorifying.

Last Sunday’s historical fight of Manny Pacquiao against Mexican boxing icon Erik Morales is painted with comical, if not stark, reality of the Philippine condition today.

Two Manny fans, it was reported, succumbed to death while the whole nation was still reeling from overflowing happiness.

Highly industrialized countries don’t care so much on the achievements of their citizens. Yes, they give attention in newspapers, radios, and televisions for their sports heroes, but it is almost impossible to hear of a report that an American citizen died because the U.S. Dream Team emerged champion in the Olympics.

Brazilians are crazy about football. Pandemonium is always expected to break out on Brazil’s streets either in celebration of victory or in mourning of defeat. This year’s World Cup in Germany saw the tears of many Brazilians when their national team failed to qualify for the finals but there was no report of heart attack on any Brazilians.

Brazilians’ feeling for their soccer team is quite different from what most of our Filipinos have for Manny Pacquiao. Theirs is a national sentiment as it is being poured out for a national team, who represents the very emblem of Brazil. A national team is a national effort.

But boxing cannot be categorized as a national effort. Any boxing feat is a matter of personal credit. Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson did not become heavyweight champions because the entire American nation was giving out all their cheers and screams. These two boxing legends occupy a special place in sports history because they really had worked hard for it.

Given the intensity of hard work Manny Pacquiao had gone through before he climbed to the ladder of international stardom, we can only imagine how lonely his former life was when he had to go through all the sacrifices before without an Arroyo sending him a postcard or a Manila mayor smiling at him or even a General Santos politician offering him an ice water.

Manny is not worthy to die for. And Manny should not die or fight for the country either.

To some, this statement may appear antagonistic. But let us be real here.

Manny Pacquiao had to clash with Morales because the millionaire promoters had to earn more money. Manny had to knock out Morales because for him that was the most important thing to do last Sunday, otherwise his market value in America’s gambling capital would greatly diminish.

If one died because he was overwhelmed with happiness over Manny’s monumental victory, he must have forgotten the fact that the roaring crowd, the deafening scream, the worldwide jubilation over a temporary boxing happiness couldn’t make his life any better a day after Sunday. A day after Manny’s fight, this person had to think of rice and fish that must be served on his family’s table.

We do not contest of Manny saying that he was fighting for the country. There was nothing wrong, really, for him to say that. That is his personal conviction.

But wait. Boxing is his profession. With or without him, the national budget deficit continues to soar high. With or without him, ghost projects all over the country would remain ghostly. With or without him, the country will continue to experience an exodus of workers in search of greener valleys abroad because what they can find in their homeland are patches of dead leaves left by greedy businessmen and heartless public officials.

As to why Manny’s victory had provided jobs to funeral homes, it may be due to the fact that some of us Filipinos are starving for good report.

Some are not ready for national happiness, and perhaps have shallow understanding of a balanced life.

Don’t die for your country. Don’t die for Manny. Your country or your government and Manny Pacquiao won’t die for you.

Column: Official candidate
By Atty. Aleckoy Lim
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

One of the indications that the election is drawing near is the jockeying for position for the coveted anointment of the Lakas-NUCD for candidates to the different positions. The jockeying for position is understandable in a province that is known for voters who go for administration candidates. Another reason for this is the possibility that there will again be a unification of the top provincial officials led by Gov. Erico Aumentado and Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera.

Although the two officials belong to rival political factions in past elections, they ran and won under the Lakas ticket in the last election. Many people believed that it would be the last time that the two would run together because Herrera was expected to run for governor especially since Aumentado himself declared during the campaign sorties that Herrera would be the next governor.

Judging by the way things are shaping up, it seems that Herrera will be hard pressed to challenge Aumentado because of the repeated appeal made by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for them to unite. If the two of them will again join forces under the administration coalition ticket, the administration is again heavily favored to win in Bohol. This adds pressure for candidates vie for the Lakas nomination because they believe this will increase their chances of winning.

The Lakas nomination in the third district is expected to be contested by board member Dionisio Balite, Manila-based businessman Angelo Balili and either Dr. Elpidio Jala or Adam Jala, brother and son respectively of Cong. Eladio Jala. Balite insists he deserves the nomination as the highest-ranking Lakas official in the district but it is doubtful if Jala is going to give it to him on a silver platter.

In fact, this is the reason why the names of the congressman’s brother and son are floating as possible candidates. If Balite does not watch out, he will suffer the same fate that he did in 1998 when he was not chosen official candidate because then Cong. Isidro Zarraga succeeded in having his nephew Dr. Jojo Flordeliz proclaimed as Lakas official candidate. If he does not watch out, Jala will have either his brother or son proclaimed official candidate for the post that he will vacate. Balite might again be forced to run under the Liberal Party.

Balili is part of the equation as the sponsor of the so-called Group of 10 mayors in the third district. Since the mayors are identified with Gov. Aumentado, they will have a say in the choice of the official candidate.

Who will become the administration’s official candidate is anybody’s guess.

Arroyo still not giving up cha-cha
Con-Ass may cancel elections?
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

With President Arroyo herself strongly mobilizing a force for one final push for charter change, the possibility of “no elections” next year again is hovering in the air.

The scenario loomed closer as the President gave her nod this week to push charter amendments via Constituents Assembly (Con-Ass).

Palace officials said they were not giving up on Charter change despite the setback at the Supreme Court.

“We respect the Supreme Court decision on the people’s initiative, but It will not stop us, however, from our advocacy that we need fundamental reform in order to remove the remaining stumbling block to our competitiveness;” Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said

Constituents Assembly is provided in Section 1 of Article 17 of the Constitution which states: “any amendment to, or revision of the Constitution may be proposed by Congress upon a vote of the three-fourths of all members.”

Acting with precision, the House leadership immediately created a multi-party working group to finalize proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution.

House Speaker Jose De Venecia, Jr. is confident the body will be able to present to the public the reformed constitution before Nov. 30 or before Congress takes their Christmas break.

The working group includes Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, chairman of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), Atty. Raul Lambino of the coalition Sigaw ng Bayan, Luis Villafuerte of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) Gilbert Teodoro of the Nationalists People’s Coalition (NPC), and Rep. Constantino Jaraula of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

The selection came up during the first of the three caucuses which took place in Malacañang with President Arroyo and De Venecia presiding over the meeting. Two more caucuses will be held in the next six days.

The working group has been tasked to finalize the amendments or revisions to the Charter on or before Nov. 30, after which the document would be presented at a date still to be determined for approval by a three-fourths vote of all members of Congress.

Gabriel Claudio, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s adviser on political affairs, said the Supreme Court’s decision “formally activates” the constituent assembly (Con-ass) mode of changing the Constitution and there is still enough time (one month) to work on the matter before Congress takes its holiday break.

Capitol seeks for P55.3M supplemental budget
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

A total of 11,066,031.60 worth of projects forms part the 20% development fund of the supplemental budget # 3 for the calendar year 2006.

THIS is revealed by Gov. Erico Aumentado in his weekly radio program, “The Governor’s Report”.

The said amount supports the Duero Cultural Center, Sagbayan Cultural Center and Sevilla Municipal building with 500,000 each as counterpart fund.

The asphalting of Doljo, Panglao provincial road gets a share of 3,900,000 while Tinago to Dao, Dauis provincial road asphalting has 5,000,000.

The Uptown phase 3 road improvement gets 400,000 while the remaining 266,031.60 is allotted for the Financial Management Information System (FMIS) and Electronic National Government Accounting System (ENGAS) which will be used by the provincial government’s financial offices. Supplemental Budget # 3 for the calendar year 2006 which amounts 55,330,158 was submitted by Gov. Erico Aumentado to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last Friday, November 24, 2006.

DILG wants transfer of fire protection, jail management to LGUs

DESPITE opposition by mayors and governors, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is seeking to devolve jail management and fire protection functions from the national to the local levels.

This was disclosed by Marius Corpus, DILG undersecretary, during a hearing by the committees on public order and illegal drugs, local government, and finance. But Len Sicat of the League of Cities of the President said municipal and city mayors were opposed to the proposed devolution if it would not be funded by the national government.

Jail Chief Superintendent Antonio Cruz of the BJMP instead proposed that the devolution be phased according to the capability of the local government units (LGUs).

60,041 inmates in various municipal and city jails were still under the BJMP while 27,522 have been placed under the management of the provinces and sub-provinces, Cruz added. Cruz noted that while BJMP inmates got a food allowance of P40 per capita per day, LGU inmates got between P15 and P55. He added that jail guards’ training in LGUs were not uniform.

Corpus admitted to the wide disparity between the management in jails controlled by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and those by LGUs, but also revealed the executive department’s plan to devolve fire protection and create a single national commission on public safety.

Lakas-Kampi formula? Equity of the incumbent!
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

The incumbents were assured one more thing: their preferential choice in the party slates.
Reports leaked this week bare that during the closed-door consultation held the other Saturday by the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and members of Pres. Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), the “equity of the incumbent” formula have been adopted to further strengthen their political alliance.

The meeting held at the People’s Mansion in this city was called by Lakas party-strongman governor Erico Aumentado, who is also the Lakas-CMD chairman for the Central Visayas region.

The incumbents were assured one more thing: their preferential choice in the party slates.

Simply put, equity of the incumbent allows the sitting officials to retain their names in the party slate. Only those with expiring terms are replaced according to party decisions that will be reached and respected via a party convention. Party by-laws, however, ban non-party members to join vacant slates even if they appear to be politically prominent.

With their visibly efficient campaign machinery in place for the May 14, 2007 elections, the formula offering the preferential seats for incumbents assures the local political aspirants the favorable endorsements by higher administration candidates gunning for elective posts.

The source also revealed that in principle, the tandem between Aumentado and Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera for the province’s top posts will stay.

Herrera used to belong to a camp opposite Aumentado, but a unification ticket in the previous election has sealed the victories of both, with Herrera credited for the votes Aumentado reaped in the first district where he profusely lost to former governor Rene Relampagos in the 2001 elections.

A merged Lakas-CMD and Kampi here boast of 43 out of Bohol’s 47 mayors, plus a still politically strong, former Tagbilaran City mayor Jose V. Torralba.

Meanwhile, the alliance is believed to have effectively isolated the opposition, which officially only has four town mayors.

Identified as Bohol’s only seating “non-allies” are Loon Mayor Cesar Tomas Lopez, Trinidad mayor Osias Flor Jr, Guindulman Mayor Oriculo Granada and Panglao Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan; also counting incumbent City Mayor Dan Lim that claims “he doesn’t rely on party affiliation”. (With reports: rey anthony chiu)

GSIS pensioners, members advised to enroll on E-Card now
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

OLD-age pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) have only until November 30 to enroll for their Electronic cards (e-cards) at the GSIS Field Office here, GSIS recently advises.

Failure to do so would mean possible suspension of monthly pensions as soon as the GSIS implements the GSIS e-cards for pensioners crediting early next year.

By that time, pensioners without the e-cards could not have their records updated and the GSIS database would show their records empty. This then results to automatic suspension of the monthly pensions, GSIS Bohol Field Office FOU Manager Atty. Douglas Arturo C. Marigomen explains in a press statement sent to the media.

The same is true to active GSIS members who may find that without the e-cards, their membership data reckoning at the GSIS would be suspended and the membership benefits may necessarily be affected.

In this connection, active members and pensioners from Tagbilaran, Cortes, Dauis, Panglao, Baclayon, Alburquerque, Loay, Loboc, Sevilla, Lila, Corella, Sikatuna, Balilihan, Maribojoc, Antequera, Loon, San Isudro and Catigbian who have enrolled and are yet to claim their cards may claim their cards at the GSIS Tagbilaran Field Office starting November 27 to December 15, 2006.

For those from outside the areas mentioned, GSIS said special e-card Distribution Centers are set in Jagna, Ubay, Carmen, Tubigon and Talibon from November 27 to December 8.

For Jagna and its catchment of towns, including Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Valencia, Dimiao, Guindulman and Anda, the distribution center opens November 27, Monday.

The following day, November 28, the e-card distribution team moves to Ubay to serve Anda, Mabini, Candijay, Alicia and Carlos P. Garcia member claimants.

On the 29th, the team again puts shop in Carmen for Dagohoy, Sierra Bullones, Batuan, Bilar, Sagbayan, Calape and Buenavista member claimants.

By November 30, the team pitches camp in Tubigon for the Inabanga, Danao, Clarin, Sagbayan, Calape and Buenavista clients. After a long lull, e-card claim distribution center again opens in Talibon for member claimants from Trinidad, Bien Unido, San Miguel, Getafe and Buenavista.

Even then, GSIS authorities here said pensioners’ and active member representative claiming the e-cards is not allowed even with a special power of attorney.

Claimants still need to bring with them the pensioners identification, office identification for active members and one more valid identification card. (rachiu/PIA)

PPA ‘invites’ legal suit if it pushes increase fees
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

“Tell it to all and sundry that I will file a case against the Philippine Ports Authority Tagbilaran Management Office if they insist on their plan to increase the passenger terminal fee at the city port.”

Former OIC Governor Atty. Victor De la Serna, told the Bohol Standard without batting an eye upon learning of the increase of fee for passengers using the terminal operated by private firm Starlite Maritime Industries, Inc..

In a meeting with the Ports Management Advisory Council (PMAC) held last week, the amount of P22 per passenger was reached as the new terminal fee, instead of the P11.25 imposed by Starlite company.

The amount was 100% higher and is aimed to supposedly recover the cost of the Walk-Through Detector X-Ray that will be installed at the passenger terminal building.

Public reactions flooded radio programs asking why PPA should collect fees when putting security machines for passengers is their mandate as a government agency.

PMO Tagbilaran manager Raul Oblenda corrected the impressions that “everything coming from the government is always free.”

“The PPA does not ask budget from the national government and operates by its own income and not from taxpayers’ money. We only intend to recover the cost. What would happen to this country if our people always expect everything free from the government,” Oblenda said.

Lawyer De La Serna however sees it as something anomalous. It was decided without even consulting the most affected; - the riding public.

Oblenda however said a public consultation was held simultaneous with the PMAC meeting held last Thursday at the Metro Center Hotel this city.

The province was represented by Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo, Jr. while Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes attended for the city.

“Lawyer De la Serna can file a case; it is his right,” Oblenda said.

The port manager also mentioned about consequence of opposing development moves that will consequently affect the public in the end.

Oblenda recalled the alleged opposition of De la Serna on the proposed plan of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) years back for an increase as the company embarks on expansion of its existing lines.

“We should look at the lessons from the PLDT experience here. There are no more additional company’s lines and these affect business in the city as well,” Oblenda pointed out.

But the proposed hike of the city port passenger terminal fee is seen to experience rough sailing as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Friday a resolution opposing such move.

The city government council will like wise tackle the issue this week.

Forum tackles copyright, intellectual property protection
By: ISAGANI MICABALO
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

The Bohol Librarians Association, Incorporated (BOLA, Inc.) in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Holy Name University Library System will hold a seminar entitled, “Basics of Copyright and Related Right and The National Library as National Center of ISBN, ISSN AND ISMN: A Forum” which will be held on November 27, 2006 at the Holy Name High School Multi-Media Center Janssen Heights, Dampas District, Tagbilaran City.

The objectives of the seminar are (1) to recognize the importance of the protection of Intellectual Property Rights, (2) to encourage creators of Intellectual Property to register their works and at the same time safeguard the public right and general information, dissemination and conservation of knowledge and culture, (3) to educate public and government officials or the importance of IPR protection and enforcement throughout the country, (4) to effect close coordination among government agencies responsible for the protection of IPR.,(5) Coordinate with government and non-government organization to implement IPR information dissemination campaign and develop advocacy programs, (6) to disseminate the important role of the National Library as national center in the issuance of ISBN, ISSN AND ISMN, and (7)to encourage publishers and musical composers to have any kind of work bears the ISBN, ISSN OR ISMN as the case may be.

This forum is not only intended for librarians but also for information officers, press media, local newspapers editors and writers, school publication editors and writers as well as journalism teachers of the colleges and universities. The seminar fee is Five Hundred (P 500.00) Pesos per participant inclusive of lunch, 2 snacks, papers and certificate.

The resource speakers are from the National Library of the Philippines namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Arevalo, the Chief Bibliographic Division who will discuss on the “Basics of copyright and related right” and Mr. Virginio Arriero, the Acting Chief Public Administrative & Special Services who will discuss on ISBN, ISSN and ISMN and promoting Philippine Bibliography. The seminar will start with a holy mass to be officiated by Fr. Felino B. Javines, Jr., SVD and to be concelebrated by Fr. Ramilo Mapaye, SVD, the HNU Vice President for Administration and HNU High School and Elementary Chaplain respectively. The oath taking of the new set officers for calendar year 2007-2009 will be held before the final blessing to be administered by Congressman Edgar M. Chatto of the first District in the Province. The following are to be inducted: Corazon B. Garcia, President; Nicandro M. Pagaran, Vice President; Ma. Vida Cloma-Aparecio, Secretary; Erlinda Rule, Treasurer; Ma. Nila Mejorada; Gina Macalos-Galbo and Simfrosa Baloco, PRO; Fatima F. Belderol and Rosario Pabulario, members of the Board.

The opening ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Nicandro M. Pagaran, BOLA Outgoing President will give the statement of purpose, Fr. Romeo P. Bancale, SVD, HNU Vice President for Academic Affairs will give the Welcome address, and Congressman Edgar M. Chatto will give a “Keynote address”. The forum proper will start at 10:30 a.m. and this will end at 5:00 p.m. with the giving of Plaque of Appreciation to the resource speakers and distribution of certificate of attendance to the participants.

The early registrants of this forum are Mrs. Mary Allen P. Oral and Jovita Ybañez of University of San Carlos; Miss Metchelin Loquias of Santo Tomas College of Danao City; Mrs. Violeta Rusiana of Siliman University; Mr. Geminiano Sabanal of Foundation University and Mr. Maurito Jumamoy of Inabanga Municipal Library.

Economy grew 5.2-5.8% in 3rd quarter-NEDA exec
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

THE ECONOMY in the third quarter likely grew by 5.2-5.8 percent from a year earlier, supported by strong exports and sustained growth in farm output, with brisk remittances from Filipinos working abroad boosting domestic demand.

Dennis Arroyo, director for planning and policy at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), also said the economy would likely sustain the growth momentum in the fourth quarter.

Domestic consumption is expected to remain strong in the last quarter given the seasonal surge in remittances during the Christmas holidays, he added.

The Department of Agriculture last week said the farm sector in the third quarter posted growth of 4.27 percent from a year earlier despite the strong typhoons during the period, seeing a sustaining growth in the farm sector in the last quarter.

Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri said in October that he expected third quarter GDP to grow at about 5.5 percent or above, putting the economy on track for at least 5.6 percent growth in 2006.

Last week, the International Monetary Fund upgraded its growth outlook on the economy to an annual rate of 5.5 percent this year and 5.8 percent in 2007 due to double digit export growth and an improving investment climate. The country has benefited from strong overseas demand for electronics, strong domestic consumption fuelled by overseas remittances and a calmer political climate, which has encouraged higher foreign direct investment.

A quarterly poll by Reuters this month showed a median economic growth forecast of 5.5 percent this year, faster than the 5.0 percent in 2005, before easing to 5.3 percent in 2007 due to slower demand and a mild drought.

SEEKING TO END POLITICAL KILLINGS
Police chiefs must take command responsibility
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

FOLLOWING the murder of three militants in as many provinces in just a week, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Calderon said that chiefs of police in areas where future political killings happen will be relieved.

Calderon, at a press conference following the National Forum on Internal Security, said the move should prove his sincerity in seeking to end the continued political killings.

“The principle of command responsibility will be in effect,” Calderon said. “Station commanders will be suspended pending the result of investigation.”

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno also said the new policy is proof government is really against political killings.

Calderon said his new directive is similar to the “one-strike policy” in the campaign against jueteng, in which provincial police directors are sacked if they fail to stop the illegal numbers game.

However, in the case of the killings, Calderon said the relief would be temporary unless the officer in question is found guilty of failing to stop the killings.

In Bohol, police already filed murder charges against three notorious police characters, twenty-seven days after the killing of erstwhile Hugpong sa Mag-uumang Bol-anon (HUMABOL) Chairman and Bohol Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Chairman Victor Olayvar last September.

Two other killings this year were already in the books. In the case of Lizelda “Inday” Estorba, a Gabriela Coordinator in Candijay, she was gunned down due to a feud with her neighbors.

Although the killers of Nestor Arinque, a known ‘collector’ and a member of a local farmer organization in Mabini who was gunned down last March, were still unidentified; police however dropped the case due to lack of interests from Arinque’s family. (PIA/BOHOL-aeescobia)

“Terror groups still strong” - PNP chief says
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

Terrorist organizations remain strong despite government counter-insurgency efforts, Philippine National Police Director (PNP) General Oscar Calderon acknowledged Wednesday.

SPEAKING before more than a hundred local government and police officials from all over the country at the National Forum on Internal Security, Calderon said the Communist Part of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) still aims to launch more ambuscades and raids to seize more firearms.

Midyear statistics showed the CPP-NPA’s strength at 7, 260. Of these, 6,050, or 80 percent, are armed, Calderon said.

The PNP chief also worried that, unless revived, the stalled peace talks between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could lead to attacks on bridges and communication lines, and the sabotaging of government facilities.

The 11,150-strong MILF has 8,170 firearms, he said.

He added that the Abu Sayyaf might soon carry out terror attacks such as the bombing of commercial areas and the seizure of commercial shipping vessels to trade for the freedom of captured comrades.

Earlier, DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno ordered barangays officials to comply with the Local Government Code on listing and monitoring of all residents in their respective areas. This will help prevent terrorism and insurgency problems in their areas.

All on paper
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

So much have been said about the proposed Panglao airport. If the press releases are to be believed, it will in fact be an airport of international standards.

And yet, for all its claims, the airport still has not materialized. Many Boholanos who have been away from home for a long time and who depend on the newspapers on the internet for sources of information from Bohol had assumed all along that the airport is already being constructed if not nearly completed. It is therefore very surprising for them to find out that there is not even a ghost of the project when they visit Panglao.

Far from the newspaper reports coming out from press releases of government offices, there is no hint that an airport is actually going to be constructed in Panglao. This is not to say that the airport will never materialize.

That would mean the airport project will not push through and would make all the people making the press releases guilty of something that is not flattering. Still, the problem is that the steady flow of press releases gives the idea that the project is going on smoothly when it has ran into one obstacle after another.

All these years, from one administration to another, the airport remains a dream. The best thing to do for the concerned government officials and offices is to proceed with the project without fanfare.

That will allow them to move on without much opposition because those who are against the project will not be aware of the progress. If the airport will push through in the next 10 years, there should be a stop to the press releases especially the ones that are still in the planning stage. As pointed out earlier, this will only alert the opponents of the project ahead of time.

One of the problems being experienced by passengers flying to Bohol is the high cost of ticket prices. This will only be solved if the Panglao airport, or any other airport near Tagbilaran, will be constructed. Tourists who have to divert to Cebu will no longer need to do that if bigger planes and more flights are available for them.

If the Panglao airport becomes operational, this problem will be solved and more tourists will be flying directly to Bohol. The tourism boom that the tourism sector is expecting will finally become a reality in the real sense. There is no question about the need for another airport in Bohol. Panglao is the most ideal because it is very near Tagbilaran.

But until this time, the fact remains that the Panglao airport is still all on paper.

Sexism, Violence and RACISM IN COMPUTER GAMES
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard
By Atty. Gee Biliran

Practically all teenagers (and some adults) play computer games on their play stations. Those who could not afford to buy one can easily go to the nearest internet café and play an online game there for hours.

Playing computer games is likewise my nephews’ favorite pastime. I tried “playing” basketball with them one time and to my amusement, was able to shoot the ball from under one ring all the way to the other ring. It was fun for a while but playing the real game, which we did when we were kids, was a lot more fun. And healthier.

The kids also play the “Grand Theft Auto,” a game which earns you points as you kill and steal. The more you kill and steal, the more points you have. I remember watching with shock as the kids played it, laughing and enjoying themselves with their “killing and stealing sprees.”

Turned out, my shock was not unfounded. I read an article in the Reader’s Digest about an African-American teenager from a middle-class suburb in the United States who was arrested after stealing a car and killing its owner. When asked why he did it, he bragged that he knew what to do as he had mastered the “Grand Theft Auto” computer game.

Likewise in the United States, a teenager and his best friend killed everybody inside the school, using high-powered firearms. Their killing spree was patterned after a computer game which they mastered for several days. The kids, who were considered nerds in school (one played the piano), studied beforehand the layout of their school canteen, library and lobby to ensure success of the rampage. In the movie “Butterfly” which was based on a true story, the kids’ face looked as stoic as the characters in the computer game as they methodically shot everyone in sight, even as their victims-the school principal, classmates, friends and schoolmates-pleaded for mercy, blood splattering everywhere as they shot people they knew and met everyday.

In China, a 13-year-old boy jumped to his death from a tall building after playing one of the popular “Warcraft: Orcs and Humans” online games for 36 hours straight. He left behind a suicide note saying he wanted “to join the heroes of the game he worshipped.”

Specialists at a Beijing hospital examined the kid’s diary, school records and suicide note and concluded that the kid “had excessively indulged in unhealthy games and contracted serious internet addiction before his death.”

Several cities in China have clinics to treat what psychiatrists have dubbed “Internet addiction” in users, many of them children and teenagers who play online games or surf the Web for days at a time.

China has 111 million Internet users, second only to the United States. It is one of the world’s biggest markets for online games, with tens of millions of players, many of who hunker down for hours in front of PCs in public Internet cafes.

Concerned about the violence and sexual content of some games, the Chinese government has imposed curfews and time limits on children in Internet cafes and banned them near schools.

It is not, however, only violence that plagues computer and online games these days.

In a study of four of the best-selling games designed and published in the United States during a 20-year span: Kung Fu, Warcraft 3, Shadow Warrior and Grand Theft Auto 3, one Robert Parungao, a Canadian-Filipino-Chinese based in Canada, came up with findings that some popular video games promote racist, negative stereotypes of Asians that would be unacceptable in other forms of media.

According to Parungao, the games feature evil gangsters, all of them non-white, who “function as narrative obstacles to be overcome, mastered or ultimately

blown to smithereens by the white hero.”

In reaction to Parungao’s study, some say racist stereotypes in games is terrible. Other people in the games community say, ‘Lighten up, it’s a game, you don’t have

to worry about political correctness.”

While blatant racism is not tolerated in mainstream films or in television, racism in video games has not been given any notice. We’ve heard about sex and violence, but

racism in video games is new territory.

Parungao’s study is one of the first to look at racism in video games.

Parungao expressed concern that because games are interactive, they may have more effect on a player’s real-life behavior than television or film, “being that you’re much more engaged with it, or it

could have the counter-effect.”

According to Parungao, “the most insidious thing about racism

is when people accept it. Studies like this help create consciousness.”

Sadly, while computers are very helpful in this modern world, they have often been instrumental in the proliferation of the culture of violence and racism among children.

It’s about time parents intervene-like help choose the computer game their kids would purchase, or put the computer in the family room, instead of in the kids’ bedrooms, so that the kids could be better monitored.

Our authorities should likewise ban violent and racist computer games in internet cafes and close down erring establishments.

Unless we take drastic measures, violence and racism among our kids would not be surprising anymore.

THEREFORE IT IS
(Part 1)
By Yes Tirol Dumagan
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

Communication is very essential to our lives. It is given, a fact, thus is not debatable. Communication gives us countless reasons to live and experience life. Communication, according to communicologists, is defined as a dynamic, systemic or contextual, irreversible and proactive process in which communicators construct personal meanings through their symbolic interactions. As they summarized it, communication functions in many ways. It helps us to define and understand ourselves and our environment. It breaks barriers between two or more persons, thus, leading to relationships. It also creates bonding in groups and affirms the human need to belong. It facilitates cooperative action toward goal attainment. Communication informs and enlightens people for knowledge’s sake and informed judgment. It leads to enduring friendships and intimacy between individuals and among groups. It also enhances our understanding of and respect for different cultures. More importantly, communication opens avenues for growth of the individual and society.

Communication can be expressed verbally or nonverbally. The verbal portion is language â€" the words, phrases, and sentences you use. The nonverbal aspect consists of a wide variety of elements â€" spatial relationships, time orientation, gestures, facial expressions, eye movements, touch, and variations in the rate and volume of one’s speech.

Because communication can be conveyed either verbally or nonverbally or both, and because communicators communicate uniquely, meaning, “no two people will attribute the same meaning to one distinct or particular situation,” several interpretations are expected to be drawn from these situations. Moreover, each individual interprets or assigns value and meaning differently on the basis of his past experiences, beliefs, attitudes and values, and cultural makeup. It is well nigh impossible to elicit the same comments because of every person’s uniqueness.

Because of this attribute, it is unavoidable that problems or conflicts will arise due to miscommunication, misunderstanding or simply because of conflicting interests.

Conflict happens. It happens in no specific instance, in no particular manner. It happens to anyone, whether one likes it or not. It happens elsewhere, in our society, in our careers, in our daily activities. It happens right in the middle of our most personal relationships. Conflict is ever present that it can happen to you even when you least expect it.

Conflict is inevitable in any meaningful relationship. It is a part of every interpersonal relationship, between parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends, colleagues and lovers. Disagreements between and among these relationships are unavoidable especially when people matter to each other and affect each other. The relationship would then be dull, irrelevant and insignificant without some spices we call conflicts to garnish our relationships.

As one author defines it, an interpersonal conflict is that it exists when people who depend on each other express different views, interests, or goals and perceive their views as incompatible or oppositional. Interpersonal conflict can occur only between people who depend on each other in particular realms. It occurs because people depend on each other and need each other’s agreement or disapproval. It exists only when it is expressed by people who affect one another.

Many people view conflict as inherently negative, but that is a misunderstanding of what conflict is and how it operates. To address to that, it is necessary to discuss the four principles of conflict as identified by Julia Wood, which yours truly will expound on this on the next issue.

(to be continued…)

LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!
By Atty. Cristifil Baluma
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

Finally, the long awaited “Grand Finale” fight between Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and Mexico’s ring legend Erik Morales will push through as both fighters during their weigh-in tipped the scale at exactly 129 lbs. The much feared scenario shared by this piece last week did not happen as Erik Morales, the fighter many believed would not make the weight, surprisingly made the weight!

The classic fight will be held at the Thomas and Mack Center, a 17,000-seat venue where the Lewis-Holyfield bout and the Camacho-Chavez fight were held. Unlike in the past fights of Pacquiao against Mexicans in America where majority of those in attendance were Mexicans rooting for their countrymen, today’s fight is different as more Filipinos are expected to crowd the great venue and many Mexicans would be rooting for Pacquiao. Unlike in the past where the odds where almost even, now Pacquiao is a 3â€"1 favorite to win over Morales. The betting game in Las Vegas is that a $270 bet for Pacquiao would only win a hundred dollars. While a $100 bet for Morales would win $230.

Because of the high level of public interest generated by the Pacquiao-Morales III fight, this writer is once again sharing his views on the matter. For places where normally the public would flock or go to in the morning will be wide and quiet as many drivers would never compromise watching the fight over anything. Unofficially, the Philippines takes a break from the pressures of politics, intrigues and economic struggles in order to watch and see one of her top flag-bearers, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao wage battle with Mexico’s Morales.

Although the fight is not billed as Philippines versus Mexico boxing match, the hype seems to be leading to that direction. Last Friday, the brother of Manny Pacquiao, Bobby Pacquiao, lost by disqualification to a Mexican. Today, two Filipino fighters, Pacquiao and Viloria slug it out with Mexicans. A victory by both Filipinos today would certainly create a gigantic impact on the mood and atmosphere of the Filipino nation.

While our very own Pacquiao trained abroad at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach, Erik Morales before plunging into deep training at the Otomi Mountains of Mexico, took an eight-week weight reduction and condition program under the auspices of a group of professional conditioning coaches at the Velocity Sports Performance Center in Los Angeles. The effect of what modern science can do to an aging and troubled Morales will be answered today as he battles a fighter who is reaching a superstardom status in the boxing world and who has redefined the sport of boxing.

The factors working in favor of Morales are the following: his hunger and determination to regain his once lofty position as the top super-featherweight boxer of the world; his superior skill and technique; and lastly his experience.

The question as to whether Morales has the stamina to face an agile and cat-quick Pacquiao will all be answered in this great fight. The question as to whether Morales was more focused in reducing his weight than in his fight plans against Pacquiao will likewise be answered today.

Rafael Mendoza, a noted Mexican boxing expert, once said that Morales would have to cut his legs just to make 130 lbs. With Morales making the weight, Mendoza was stunned to see the Mexican boxer in such a good shape. This writer agrees with the opinion of Mendoza who opined that if Morales manages to keep his stamina after losing so much weight, then the coming fight at the Thomas and Mack Center might just go the distance.

While many boxing experts are not taking Morales seriously to pose a challenge against Pacquiao in this fight, in boxing it takes only a single punch to close a fight.

Almost all factors are going for Pacquiao. With his blinding speed, power and a courageous heart, it would take the very best performance of Morales in order to score an upset.

Pacquiao now has developed into a natural super-featherweight division and now has become very comfortable with the 130 lbs. division. In one advertisement, it is depicted that Pacquiao carries the hopes of the millions of Filipino people. I hope this won’t carry much pressure on him as to affect his performance against Morales.

Wherever you are today, whether you are in the comfort of your home or at the malls watching the live action before the wide movie screen, let us all be united in hoping and praying that our top fighters, Pacquiao and Viloria would in the end, carry our flag to victory.

Revolution in Las Vegas
By Atty. Aleck Francis T. Lim
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao said recently that his third encounter with Erik Morales is dedicated to all his countrymen, and the author of a news article commented that Pacquaiao’s “war in the ring” seems to unify a fragmented Philippines.

How true is the observation of the author. It appears that Pacquiao has this charm that removes political boundaries and puts warring political foes into amnesia when the ring idol waves the Philippine flag on Nov. 19 in Las Vegas.

We will be gripped then with hysterical excitement as our very own will prove to the world that yes the Filipino can.

It may take another generation to watch a Filipino like Manny Pacquiao who can dazzle sports enthusiasts around the world and will place the Philippines in the spotlight of HBO’s pay-per-view.

There are many aspiring Pacman but they cannot last long. The moment they taste the glory of initial feats in the ring they plunge into self-destruction by pulling wine, women (what else) as their championship belts, not to mention a burgeoning ego and swelling head.

So a Manny Pacquiao is always a tv affair to remember. It will be recorded in the pages of history to be read by millions of children in the future like the way we learned about the conquest of Flash Elorde in the elementary books.

But Manny’s fight is more than a breathtaking entertainment.

There is a sense of relief in the fact that at least once in a while in a chaotic country like ours we savor a wind of unity at a time when we need it most.

Unity is really one of the tools that can uplift our land and restore its health and vigor.

If we’re like two boatmen who paddle on the different directions, then we’re going nowhere.

Many Pacquiao will once again put the country into a moment of silence that we may be able to reflect on the fact that we’re all Filipinos and we don’t need to murder each other.

There is nothing heroic about being a boxing champion as this is a personal glory that must be credited to Pacquaio alone for he worked hard for it. The entire country did not help him become a boxing icon.

But one thing we’re sure: in a time like this in which the country is soaked with controversies and killings we need a figure to look up to, someone who has the charisma and who is believable.

This is how Manny Pacquiao becomes a very much part of the Filipino psyche today. He stands different. And he is more believable than our president. And he has more charisma than many of our congressmen and senators.

Even if he’d lose on this third battle with Morales, at least at one point in our story as a Filipino nation we have something to cheer on, we have something to talk about with sense of pride and accomplishment.

We can no longer reclaim the glory of forgotten Edsa Revolution. That has been tainted with diluted meaning of what a truly bloodless revolution is.

We need a new kind of revolution - that is a revolution of our sense of patriotism and self-realization as a Filipino nation even if this realization may take place in Las Vegas.

Column: An exciting election
By Atty. Aleckoy H. Lim
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

There is persistent talk that Jagna Mayor Exam Lloren will no longer be seeking a third term but is instead eyeing a congressional seat through the party list Akbayan. If it is true, Lloren would be a good material to sit in Congress.

The one-time rebel who was arrested and detained for his involvement in the underground, Lloren eventually decided to work for the people in the mainstream. He started at the bottom of the stepladder, working his way up from barangay captain, councilor and eventually mayor.

A low-profile worker who knows how to stand up for his beliefs, Lloren would definitely boost the chances of the poor not only in Jagna but also other towns in Bohol to get access to government assistance if he makes it.

Of course, it is still a long way to go.

At this point, Lloren has not yet made any official declaration about his political plans. Of course, he will also have to consider that he will have to think of his home base because it would be a hollow victory if he makes it to Congress and yet lose control over Jagna. He has to make sure that he will turn over the mayor’s seat to his anointed.

In the event that Lloren decides not to seek for reelection, the probably contenders include his wife Nimfa and his brother Senen. There are also other contenders outside of the family including Vice Mayor Teofisto Pagar.

Lloren however has to consider the talk that former Mayor Marcing Tsurumi is planning to make a comeback. Tsurumi has been out of circulation for a while but this lady wants to be where the action is. A scene-stealer who danced her way not only in Japan but to the mayor’s seat in Jagna, Marcing remains to be a force to reckon with.

If Lloren is not running, she will have a good chance to at least put up a good fight. Although there are those who doubt whether she still has enough resources to run a campaign like she did in the past, there is no denying that she can still draw in votes.

In fact, there are people who believe that Marcing will run even if Lloren seeks reelection. The former mayor is known for her persistence and she had defied the odds several times. She beat two lawyers, former Vice Mayor Adelaido Singco and former Mayor Alex Villacastin, on her way to becoming mayor.

She lost her seat to Lloren in 1998. Obviously, she misses the attention given to her when she was mayor and would like to take that back.

Like many incumbents, Lloren will have to deal with people whom he has disappointed along the way. That is one of the disadvantages of an incumbent. Lloren’s organization is expected to be superior not only because he is the incumbent but also because of his organizing skills. At any event, it will be an exciting election in Jagna.

Contractor’s work quality now under close scrutiny
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

After the Department of Public Works and Highways, Region 7, Cebu office corrected erroneous media reports concerning the mode and awarding of a P64-million worth of road concrete paving projects in four areas of the third congressional district of Bohol to just one contractor, the issue has shifted to the contractor’s work performance.

Manila-based Persan Construction, Inc. is now questioned on the quality of their work in the P40-million asphalting work of the Panglao Island Circumferential Road Improvement Project.

DPWH 7 assistant director Gloria Dindin personally came to Bohol Wednesday leading a team of material engineers in extracting samples from the road project, particularly in the Tangnan-Doljo road sections.

Joining the inspecting team were DPWH-Bohol 1st District Engineering Office construction section engineers Ester Calacat and Alejandra Clarete.

Two sacks of base coarse aggregates extracted from the site were taken to the DPWH-1 Materials Quality Control laboratory while samples of core asphalt are now under laboratory test at the DPWH 7 MQC in Cebu City for grading.

The samples are subjected to natural air drying for a week to determine its quality as per approved material billing s and specification in the program of work provided for the project.

DPWH-Bohol 1st District Engineering Office MQC head Engr. Wilfreda Bolotaolo assured release of the report this Wednesday.

Track record

Persan is reported to have undertaken similar multi-million projects in Davao and in Surigao, as well as in other parts of the country.

A secretary who had been with Persan for the last six years said the company is used to controversies and don’t pay much attentions to media rumblings.

It caught the limelight when local contractors begun questioning circumstances on how the firm bagged the assailed P64-million worth of road concreting projects that were allegedly not published and kept away from the knowledge of local contractors.

The firm further created public attention when former Panglao mayor Benedicto Alcala exposed the lack of crushed stones in the base preparations of the Panglao road asphalting project.

A Persan engineer allegedly told the DPWH 7 monitoring engineers that the base had indeed no stone base since the materials were “too expensive”.

Vigilance

Reacting on the media hype, Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado urged for the filing of a case against those responsible if evidence and circumstances so warrant.

Third district congressman Eladio Jala had also called on the public to closely watch the construction of the four road concreting projects in his area.

Aside from denying his participation in choosing Persan contractor, Jala also was worried of the lack of approved quarry sources near the project sites where the Chocolate Hills protected areas are located.

The apprehension was confirmed by the Bohol Standard when it went to the Persan Bicao, Carmen field office and learned from project engineer David Ramirez that they are still looking for a quarry source since they cannot obtain such materials in sites within the protected areas.

Materials quality control (MQC) engineers expressed disapproval of the nearest Napo, Alicia quarry source since the materials found there are mostly dolomites which are not stable unlike anapog base coarse.

The projects costing P17-million each bided at the regional office were the improvement concrete paving works of Junction Jagna-Siera Bullones Road and the same type of work from junction Dat-an Carmen-Sierra Bullones-Alicia Road.

The two other projects bidded and to be supervised by the DPWH-Bohol 3rd Engineering Office under district engineer Aramis Torrefranca are: the improvement concrete paving along Loay Interior Road (LIR) Carmen-Sagbayan, Bacani National Road (St. 63+560 to St. 64+520 with exception Carmen Section) with a contract amount of P14,255,870.68 and another LIR concrete paving Buenavista-Carmen-Danao-Jetafe Road (St. 65+311.63 to St. 66+500 with exception of Carmen Section) with a contract amount of P14,198,899.44.

Each is estimated to be only 900 meters long, more or less; has set a completion period of 195 working days.

A certain Reynaldo Perez, introduced as owner of Persan Construction, Inc. came to Bohol Thursday and conferred with the firm’s project engineer Jun Israel on the noise coming from the local contractors and the question of their work performance that came up lately.

SSS pensioners to get 5-month pay, +bonus

IT’S an early Christmas for Social Security Systems (SSS) pensioners when they will get this month of November a five-month bonanza in differential pay over and above their usual Christmas bonuses.

The cash windfall comes from the 10 percent pension increase, which was announced by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo earlier last week, a senior official said.

SSS Officer-in-Charge Horacio Templo said the 10% differential pay, which took effect on September 1, would be released by the middle of November together with the differential for the pensioners’ Christmas bonus.

“Pensioners who are covered by the pension increase would get by mid-November a five-month bonanza which represents the 10 percent pension differential from September to December, including their 13th month pension ,” Templo said.

By this development, SSS would disburse a total of P1.4 billion for the five-month differential of pensioners, Templo was earlier quoted by the national papers.

As of September 1, SSS has more than 1.1 million disability, death and retirement pensioners with pensions ranging from a minimum of P1,200 to a maximum of P14,970.

About 98 percent of them get their pensions through the banks while the remaining pensioners receive their checks through the mail.

Social Security Commission Chairman Thelmo Cunanan announced the pension adjustment during the 32nd Philippine Business Conference last week.

The last pension increase was in 2000, SSS records revealed.

Templo however said only pensioners who started to be officially considered pensioners until August 31 are covered by the benefit adjustment which was approved by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The rest of the pensioners would begin receiving the adjusted rate starting in January next year, SSS said.

“SSS is updating its records to integrate the 10-percent hike in the pensioners’ accounts beginning January next year,” Templo said. rachiu/PIA)

Disaster team cites role of mass media
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

IF timely information is crucial in disaster preparedness, then the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) is hitting the bull’s eye when it activated its response to the need: the communication and warning team to issue timely alerts in times of disasters.

Retired Colonel Jacinto Piquero, PDCC action officer said information that failed to reach the constituents proved to be the culprit on the near fatal incidents of fishers caught in the eye of the storm Neneng, which wrecked havoc among Bohol towns lately.

Piquero, when reporting to the Boholanos of the status of Bohol disaster preparedness plan confessed that the council is still updating the local disaster plan to respond to the dire need for information cascading in dire times.

He cited near fatal incidents of fishermen from Getafe and Jagna who were literally fished out of the water at the height of the weather disturbance because of the failure in disaster communication.

Speaking with Office of the Civil Defense Provincial Coordinator Engr. Verneil Balaba and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAG-ASA) chief meteorologist Emmanuel Oronan at the weekly Kapihan sa PIA, anti disaster preparedness team agree that disaster can be mitigated by timely information.

The PDCC has recently convened the communication and warning team so as to network on passing the accurate and timely information in the event of disasters, Piquero said.

The team, composed of the Philippine Information Agency, Bohol Law Enforcement Communications System as its main communication arm, Bohol Provincial Police Office, OCD, PAG-ASA, National Telecommunications Commission, RCPI-Bayantel, telecommunications companies and radio stations would be activated as soon as the PDCC gets the information from the National Disaster Coordinating Council of an impending disaster.

Even then, Engr. Balaba said the local OCD is into intensified information and communication campaign on natural disasters. He pressed on the ongoing OCD spearheaded campaigns on “Safe ka ba” which condensed tips on the must dos in the event of disaster.

This, the local OCD head said is what they and the deputized civil defense personnel in the towns have been cascading to city and town disaster coordinating councils to equip people of the knowledge on coping with disaster and its early warning and communication components.

With the onset of massive digital communications window opened by the cellular networks, the police have set up a disaster hotline, Balaba continued.

The number, 0915 318 1146 connects directly to an active personnel at the Bohol Provincial Police Office where an operational team can be deployed to respond to “maydays” in short notice.

All of these to help Boholanos feel safe, eliminate disaster caused accidents, protect property and if not stopped, at least, mitigate its effects. (rachiu/PIA)

‘Wipe out’ plan laid for landfill oppositors
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

WANTING to help sanitize the dirtied talks about the Metro Tagbilaran Cluster Sanitary landfill, cluster members are now mulling a social marketing team that will help scrub the issue clean from host Alburquerque and Mayor Efren Tungol’s sleeves.

In an interview with Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO), Fe Tandugon said the move was molded after the Provincial Ecological Solid Waste Management Technical Working Group met a few days ago to clean the issues that has littered after the sudden vocal opposition popped up in host town Alburquerque.

Oppositors of the cluster landfill have so far been very effective in voicing out the popular “not in my back yard” (NIMBY) advocacy. They have alleged that the plan was mulled without consultation and that their town would never be used as a dumpsite for the refuse that comes from more than ten town cluster members.

This stand comes even with the BEMO claim that the bulk of refuse that goes to the cluster sanitary landfill constitute only a small portion of the garbage from the towns. The cluster has earlier agreed on garbage segregation at source, which in their consultations have revealed to significantly reduce the garbage for the Alburquerque facility.

BEMO data however show that as early as 2002, Bohol has asked for a technical assistance from Eco governance on the ESWM peaking in the signing of a memorandum of agreement with ten towns of Alburquerque, Corella, Cortes, Baclayon, Tagbilaran, Dauis, Panglao, Loon and Maribojoc. In the same year, the landfill site has been identified based on its geophysical considerations.

Landfill oppositors have also made it clear that their oppositions comes only after the towns in the metro Tagbilaran cluster share in filling their facility, ananalogous move to dirtying the environment in Barangay Dangay, the site of the mulled sanitary facility.

Environmental consultants preparing the Albur feasibility study said the option for Dangay came after careful consideration of the clay constitution of the landfill site, the idea site to contain the facility seepages.

The decision to form a cluster came after the Republic Act 9003, the ecological solid waste management act transfers to the local government units the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the new law.

Section 33 of the law mandates consolidated efforts by local government units efforts, resources and services to address common garbage disposal issues including establishment of common disposal facilities.

The law also specifies that the solid waste as used does not entail hazardous and infectious wastes, laboratory wastes and mining tailings.

Section 37 has provided for the measure to close all open dumpsites while converting them into sanitary landfills by 2006. (rachiu/PIA)

Gen. Tabaquero earns 1st star
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

THE commanding officer of the Katipunan, Carmen-based 302nd Infantry Brigade is now a general.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently approved the appointments of 14 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the rank of brigadier general. On receiving his copy of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita’s transmittal of President Arroyo’s approval to Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Tabaquero immediately called on Gov. Erico Aumentado whom he thanked for all the support that led to his promotion. A full colonel when he first assumed as commanding officer of the 302nd Brigade vice BGen Juanito Gomez, BGen Arthur Tabaquero now also sports a star on his collar. Aumentado is all praises for Gomez to whom he attributes the dissolution of four of five communist guerilla fronts in Bohol . Gomez also supported the organization into a cooperative of former rebels and helped provide them with housing and livelihood so that it was Tabaquero’s biggest challenge to sustain the grounds his predecessor had gained. President Arroyo even cited Aumentado and Gomez for their joint peace and development program that not only left the insurgency in Bohol in scrawny rags but advanced the former rebels’ return to mainstream society as well. But the Tarlac City-born new commanding general apparently has some fire in him, too. Intent on also leaving an indelible mark apart from trying to fill in Gomez’ big shoe, he was quick to borrow and copy Aumentado’s principle of building on the accomplishments of his predecessors. He further pushed the special operations teams (SOT), built the confidence of the mayors, other government officials and the private sector, heightened intelligence gathering, improved Camp Rajah Sikatuna which is the brigade headquarters, constructed additional buildings and offices, shepherded and continued the housing project for former rebels, provided guidance to lower units and other tasks.

It was also during his time â€" only last week â€" that the political officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) Domingo Samuya returned to the fold of the law through his cousin San Isidro Mayor Requillo Samuya and Aumentado. Apparently, Tabaquero shares his father’s love of serving the country as a soldier. His father Luciano is a retired 2nd lieutenant who is now into business, ably partnered by his mother Rosalina. The younger Tabaquero graduated valedictorian from the Sinait Elementary School and was a distinguished graduate of the Tarlac High School . He started the B.S. Electrical Engineering course at the St. Louis University in Baguio City but the nearness of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) proved too tempting. As such, he first entered the military service as a PMA cadet on April 1, 1974 and was a second lieutenant on graduation on Feb. 18, 1978. Later he took up Masters in Public Administration at the Manuel L. Quezon University where he has yet to defend his thesis. His first assignment was Patikul, Jolo, Sulu where he also met his wife Amie. They have two daughters and a son. He also had assignments in Isabela, Cagayan, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Fort Bonifacio in Makati City , Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City ; Cebu City where he was chief of staff of the Central Command; Davao del Norte as deputy brigade commander before his present assignment. He trained as a scout ranger, took up basic courses in airborne and field artillery officer and all required schoolings for promotion. He also underwent the regimental officer advance course and the joint warfare course in New South Wales in Australia and the International Defense Management Course at the Naval Post Graduate School in California , USA . Tabaquero has piled up five distinguished service stars, an outstanding achievement medal, two bronze cross medals, 21 military merit medals, 16 military commendation medals and special awards for being the most outstanding junior officer of the year as company commander, best field artillery battalion of the year as battalion commander, division’s best infantry battalion in personnel administration and management as battalion commander and command plaque when he was the Army’s assistant chief of staff for personnel, on top of 65 letters of commendation, certificates and plaques of appreciation from different military commanders and heads of offices of government and non-government organizations as well as local government units.

Comelec Bohol gears up for May 2007 polls
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

NOW, as to the timeline, the local office has run the gears to feed the information relative to the May 14, 2007 polls according to the resolution, lawyer Petalcorin disclosed.

Guesting the weekly Kapihan sa PIA and further spreading the word on the calendar of activities set for the 2007 elections, Petalcorin, who was a student leader, three term councilor and lawyer reiterated that the constitution has set the elections next year.

With this and whether the government has fully or partially implemented its computerization program, he pressed that barring any irregular event, the elections should push through.

Clarifying points over the alleged failure of the country to implement the computerization, which international observers believe would shape up the country’s notoriously flawed electoral systems, the provincial supervisor said the full computerization is still set for 2015.

“What we have been implementing is computerization of out electoral database, which may help straighten the list of voters and eliminate the ghost precincts, flying voters and other registration irregularity,” he clarified.

The idea of a fully computerized elections using digitized data may not still be used in this coming elections, though he admits Comelec is still coping with the need to streamline local operations.

According to the Comelec Resolution 7707, the calendar of activities for the May 14 elections has started last July 26 and lasts until July 13, 2007 when the candidates shall have filed their election expense and expenditure reports. This is over and above the election commission’s long-running registration of voters.

Election period, he said starts January 14 and ends June 13, he said basing on the resolution signed by chairman Benjamin Abalos and five Comelec commissioners.

Before November 30, this month, parties should have selected and nominated official candidates for all positions pursuant to Section 6, of the Republic Act 7166 in relation to Section 29 of RA 6646, the calendar bares.

Even then, and asked about the abuse of broadcast airtime by political wannabees, he pointed that the law does not prohibit early campaigns before March 30, which is the official campaign period for Congressional bets down to the local candidates.

The only thing inconvenient about floating out early is that they may use up their issues and funds as easily that they may not last while they open up the possibility of spending more, he said. (rachiu/PIA)

Governor to get gold medal in KAME IV Award
By: JUNE S. BLANCO
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

A GOLD medal and a plaque of special recognition to be presented Dec. 6 at the Manila Hotel by German Ambassador to the Philippines Axel Weishaupt to Gov. Erico Aumentado will forever stand witness to the high performance of Bohol ’s bureaucracy in 2006. In a letter to Aumentado dated Nov. 15, Executive Director Gaudioso Sosmeña Jr. of the Local Government Development Foundation (Logodef) said the gold medal and the plaque are mementoes that the foundation and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Philippines give out to awardees once only every three years. The Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence (KAME), now in its fourth edition, is the only foreign award for local governments in the Philippines recognized by the Philippine Senate in its Resolution No. 881 during the 10th Congress. This year, the awards will be presented at the Champagne Salon of the Manila Hotel at 9 a.m. Aumentado expressed elation over the award, saying it expresses how he has worked for the province these past three years. He assures his constituents that he will not rest on his laurels though. He said the award is another milestone but at the same time it becomes yet another benchmark in the task of reducing poverty incidences in the province. Aumentado has steered his Team Bohol from No. 17 of Club 20 â€" the 20 poorest provinces out of 79 in the country â€" when he first assumed as governor in 2001 to No. 41 last year according to the 2005 Philippine Human Development Report of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Only last May however, the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that Bohol has moved farther away from Club 20 â€" it is now No. 52. The governor attributes the climb â€" and the recognition â€" to his flagship poverty reduction program for peace and development that is a convergence of funding, services and support from and effort of national government agencies, the different provincial government departments and offices, the municipal and barangay governments and the private sector. For the governor, the gold medal means another trip to China in the offing. Sosmeña said for the awardees, Logodef is arranging with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for a study tour in the early part of 2007. In the Philippines , the KAS country representative is Klaus Preschle while the chair of the Logodef Board of Trustees is Nestor Pilar.

Lakas-Kampi consultations kept in wraps?
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

The announced consultations among members of the ruling Lakas-Kampi political party yesterday was tightly wrapped that no outsider was certain what was discussed during the gathering.

Members of the media who went to the People’s Mansion to take a look at the gathering of politicians and their handlers were disappointed after being told it was a closed-door meeting.

Expectations run high that party bigwigs would resolved internal conflicts as various elective position for the coming may 14, 2007 elections are being contested by administration party candidates themselves.

Some aspirants were earlier reported intentionally boycotting the consultation as the idea of putting up a convention to select the party official candidates was leaked earlier.

Determined candidates saw no point in participating in any convention knowing that those who would lost in the pre-selection would disregard the party will and would run in the elections anyway.

In a telephone interview last night, Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado who is also the Lakas-CMD party chairman for Central Visayas said the gathering yesterday was not actually a party political consultation. It was a meeting with local officials to forge a common effort in sustaining the present gains of the province like the overseas assistance it got and the numerous awards it received.

The governor said party consultations will be done by districts and this will be conducted before Dec. 30.

Idiotic issue
Published: November 19, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

Still unable to recover from the stinging defeat inflicted on the so-called people’s initiative via an 8-7 squeaker in the Supreme Court (SC), a shadowy group now wants Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban and Justice Antonio Carpio to inhibit themselves from the deliberations on the motion for reconsideration lodged before the High Court. It does not take much to understand that the purpose for this move is to pull out two of the eight votes that buried the people’s initiative, a misnomer because it was obviously an initiative of Palace sycophants. Indeed, you cannot fault the Cha-Cha proponents for not trying. With a little help from the resignation of Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz who correctly predicted that the people’s initiative wasn’t going anywhere, Malacañang has seen the futility of it all and has started to distance itself from any such move. Of course, it does not always follow that the Palace has altogether abandoned not only the idea but also this last attempt to resurrect a dead horse. After the “I will not run” and “I am sorry” episodes, it is hard not to be cynical about pronouncements coming from Malacañang. If this administration’s credibility problem has not reached crisis proportion, we don’t what is. We really don’t know what to believe anymore. There is little respect for word of honor coming from Malacañang these days. Proof of this is that people actually expect the opposite when there are official pronouncements. Nobody can blame them anyway. You reap what you sow. It is indeed pathetic how deep the sense of morality of those wielding power in this administration has sunk. Just several weeks after a survey showed that millions have gone hungry in the last quarter of this year, it seems nobody cares about that anymore. Instead of trying to at least stem the downslide by stop-gap measures while waiting for the more fundamental ones to ripen, it remains a one-way street to that panacea called Charter Change. All roads still lead to the cemetery where the people’s initiative petition has been buried. Unfortunately for them, this absurd petition asking Panganiban and Carpio to inhibit themselves only opens more opportunities for the two gentlemen and the remaining enlightened souls in the SC to let the light in. Only the harebrained can fail to see the ploy intended to take the wind out of the sail that was the SC decision. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. did not have to think hard looking for a word to describe the motion for inhibition. Without a doubt, it is an “idiotic issue”.

Now costing P22.00/passenger
PPA Raises Terminal Fee
Published: November 19, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Those who frequently travel would again absorb the burden of paying more to avail of facilities at the city port passenger terminal.

The Philippines Port Authority â€"Tagbilaran Management Office said the commuting public will now have to pay P22 for terminal fee upon final approval of the increase submitted during the meeting of the Port Management Advisory Council meeting and the simultaneous public consultation held last Wednesday.

The amount was fixed, lower than an earlier proposed P25. It would be implemented soon upon approval from PPA-Manila, Oblenda said.

The scheduled public consultation was however noticed not amply disseminated and there was no announcement made for the purpose in any media outlet both in radio and print.

The terminal pay at the city port is presently P11.25; plus an optional insurance fee of P5. All these are collected by the private operator Starlite Maritime Industries, Inc. for every outgoing passenger that passes through the city port.

The set-up at the city port however provides no choice for outgoing passengers.

All outgoing passengers must pass through the passenger terminal and pay the fee.

The port provides no other terminal facility, like an arrival terminal for passengers new to Bohol, who might be stranded while waiting for friends or relatives to fetch them.

Under an existing contract with PPA, the Starlite company operates the passenger terminal for a period of 15 years up to year 2014.

The additional amount is imposed to purportedly cover cost of the new P7-million worth security x-ray machine to be installed at the passenger terminal and also to cover its operating and maintenance cost.

Why pay?
But the Bohol Standard learned from Tagbilaran PMO chief Oblenda in an earlier interview that the x-ray machine was purchased by PPA through the efforts of first district Rep. Edgar Chatto, who is currently chairman on the House of Representatives Tourism Committee.

Why then would the public pay when the x-ray machine was purchased using taxpayers’ money?

The public was made to understand that the installation of the x-ray machine was the government’s commitment to provide safety to all passengers in all ports in the country.

Bohol in particular is one of the country’s top tourism destinations; hence the installation of the machine comes as a must after Tagbilaran was declared as a “tourism port.”

Reactions gathered by this paper from travelers all expressed surprise on this recent announcement of an increased terminal fee at the city port.

The different legislative committees from both the city and provincial government units are expected to discuss this new fee imposition this week.

ENRIQUETA BORJA-BUTALID
HER WORLD IS MUSIC
By Loreto "Loy" Palapos
November 19, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Beautiful. Tall. Talented. Intelligent. Ageless. Articulate. Sophisticated. Learned. Compassionate. All these, and more, describe Enriqueta Borja-Butalid. She embodies the modern Filipina: updated on issues, reasonable on trends, replete with artistic ambience, a delightful presence, good conversationalist, exquisite dresser, with urbanized tastes; never a wall flower even in the world of glitz and glamour. An epitome of what a woman of today should be gifted…aware and involved.

Equet was born in Tagbilaran City to Gerardo Manigque Borja and Petra Gabines Buma-at. She was brought up in a devotedly religious home. All her brothers and sisters excelled in their professions. Jaime was an Architect whose career was highlighted by being the City Engineer and City Councilor after retirement. Cecilio joined the US Navy. Florencio finished a course in Mechanical Engineering, while Heracleo was an Accountant. Flora B. Apalisok had a Master’s Degree in Music Education, raised her family in the United States, where she expressed her love of Music by organizing and conducting choirs after her office work, and came back to Bohol to retire. Luz B. Gaviola was a Pharmacist, while Epifania B. Magaro was a Master in Mathematics and Statistics. Emilio is an Electrical Engineer.

Enriqueta Borja married Atty. Rolando Butalid. The couple stayed in Manila for a number of years where Atty. Butalid, had a brisk law practice, until politics beckoned. Prodded by their relatives and friends, they came back to Tagbilaran where Rolly ran for Mayor. He made it, and she commenced life as a wife of a politician. She was the First Lady of the City, and had several obligations to fulfill, but she never abandoned her first love, Music. Then Rolly became Governor of the Province of Bohol. Her responsibility increased as the First Lady of the Province, but this did not deter her from being deeply involved in cultural activities, especially those associated with Music. Rolly and Equet have four children. The eldest, Dominic, has a Masters in Business Administration from AIM (Asian Institute of Management). Claire also has a Masters in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila. Val studied and finished a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at the University of San Carlos. The youngest, Tim, is a Business Administration graduate from the University of the Philippines.

Equet took up formal piano lessons, together with sister Flora, under Mrs. Rosario Dejaresco. She was only eight years old, and her father was the person she accredits her inclination to music. Her elementary and secondary educations were with St. Joseph College (College of the Holy Spirit, now Holy Spirit School). Already convinced that she belonged to the musical world, she went to Manila and enrolled at the College of the Holy Spirit. She finished Bachelor of Music under the main tutelage of Sis. Cyrilda Ferriols, S.Sp.S.

At the College of the Holy Spirit she had the distinction of being the only student who performed with the faculty in some concerts. She also was privileged to perform in various Manila organizations during her free time. These achievements earned for her the admiration of music aficionados. After graduation in 1971 the Rotary Club of Manila and the Society for the Promotion of Fine Arts accorded her awards for her contributions to music, songs, and music aficionados. After graduation in 1971 the Rotary Club of Manila and the Society for the Promotion of Fine Arts accorded her awards for her contributions to music, songs, and dances. It was also during this time when she was a pianist to Dr. Eliseo Pajaro, a composer, conductor, and professor of the University of the Philippines. While he lectured on the works of Chopin, Rashmaninoff, and other great artists, it was Enriqueta whom he handpicked to play their masterpieces on the piano. With her teaching music, it was a life fulfilled; until the family moved back to Tagbilaran.

With Mayor Rolly Butalid engrossed at the helm of the City, Mrs. Enriqueta Butalid was appointed by Governor Lino Chatto as a Music Consultant. Her main job was to revive the love of music and dance among Boholanos. She delivered lectures and spearheaded competitions on indigenous Boholano performing arts, like Nilambay, Balitaw, and Kuradang. Her name became a by-word when she formed a select group of professionals and joined “Sanghimig,” a national choral competition, in 1975. Bohol won as Champion from entries all over the country, including the Metro Manila area. The feat was duplicated the following year; which brought Bohol to the limelight.

So well-received was the success of the Bohol-Tagbilaran Choral Group that requests for concerts all over the Municipalities of the Province followed, for which Mrs. Butalid did not have the heart to reject, knowing that talent should be shared. There were also performances in Manila (University of the East, Philam Life), Cebu (Sacred Heart School), Davao, and Butuan. In these tours she included not only classical, but also contemporary music, for popular appeal. From 1980 to 1984 she represented the province as Coordinator of the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA). It was an opportunity she could not miss. She went even to the grassroots of Bohol and organized children’s choirs, with she herself battling for improved performances. She was elected Vice President (Visayas) of the Cultural Planners Association in the Philippines. Simultaneously she was the adviser and consultant of the Music Teachers of the Province. Her efforts paid off. In the Regional Children Choral Competition in Dumaguete City, the contingents of Bohol took the grand slam by winning all the first three places.

Any cultural organization being formed always considers Mrs. Enriqueta B. Butalid as head. She was responsible for an exhibit of the paintings of Picasso. She brought Lucresia Kasilag, then President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, to lecture on ethnic music. In return she brought to the Folk Arts Theater some Boholano talents to perform native dances. She was a member of the Philippine Cultural Delegation to China. Presently, she is in her best elements as Head of the Center for Cultural Arts and Development (CCAD).

She organized the local Cultural Planners Association of the Philippines, and the Bohol Cultural Society, which metamorphosed into the Bohol Arts Council. Even in the First Bohol Pop Music Festival, she contributed her talent in the screening committee. The musical landscape of Bohol would not be complete without Enriqueta Borja-Butalid enthroned as the prime-mover in an act that defines all ages. Music is a universal language, and in its universality she reigns supreme in this island province known for the Loboc Children’s Choir, the Dimiao Rondalla, and Alicia’s Pangkat Kawayan.

Being married to a very accomplished individual usually results to a wife basking in the shadow of her husband. In the case of Mrs. Enriqueta Borja-Butalid, this is not so. She is her own woman, who can hold a candle to any man, while remaining a fulfilled wife and mother. In her world of music she plucks her glory.

(Reference: Handel Lagunay, Bohol Chronicle, June 4, 1989)

BRAZIL, HERE I GO
By Yes Tirol Dumagan
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

People ask me of what I would want to become when I grow up. Surprisingly for them, my answer doesn’t usually fit to what they expected from a youth like me who has been part of politically-inclined families. They are expecting me to follow the footsteps of my father, at least. I have thought of that ever since, yes, but now that I have reached college wherein plans of the future have already been mapped at least not too sharp, I have realized that I want something new for myself. As I continue to unravel the cosmopolitan world, I have come to think that there’s a bigger world for me out there and there’s always a place allotted for me someday in that bigger world. I want to be a cosmopolite. I want to travel around the world. I am eager to discover new things about the wonders in life. And of course how can I forget, one of my top priorities, I always want to continue the legacy of my family â€" I want to serve the people in whatever way I can. And nevertheless, enjoy. I always want to live in a simple and happy life full of fun and excitement. I always dreamed of a family living in an undemanding lifestyle harmoniously. I always want life to be simply perfect. That’s why in my article for this issue, I’ve tried to research something fabulous on one of my favorite countries I plan to visit soon â€" Brazil. Below are some of the facts about this beautiful, close-to-nature, country.

Brazil with its capital Brasilia is located in the Eastern part of South America bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of almost two hundred million with an area of about eight million five hundred thousand square kilometers. That’s roughly twenty eight times as big as the Philippines. And olá (hello), Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country. Now doubt Portuguese is one the top ten most popular languages in the world according to the census.

What’s interesting about this country is that this country is a bit like the Philippines.

Like us, Brazilians are very emotional and much attached with their families and friends. Before they make conversations, it is necessary for them to give a kiss on their cheeks (we call it beso-beso) or a handshake. Asking about the family’s background and how the family is going on is very important likewise. In that way, you show your deep concern for them.

Brazilians like coffee as much as we do. They are also very into coffee, and that they serve really strong coffee. These coffees are now served mostly during business transactions. When it comes to business dealings however, Brazilians are very particular with time so that when you make appointments with them, make it at least two weeks in advance. Never try to make impromptu calls at business or government offices. During meetings, Brazilians start on time (a very reflecting part for the Filipinos). Gift giving in doing business meetings is also usual in Brazil so that the host will have to give a present to her colleagues or if not he must buy lunch or dinner instead during or after the transaction.

An unfamiliar fact about its people is that they have this unique gesture that they do every time they express appreciation to someone; that is, Brazilians pinch their earlobes in front of the person they admire using their thumbs and forefingers. For what reason they’re doing this, I still don’t have a clue, but I’ll promise to know the reason behind this as soon as I interview a Brazilian the moment I’ll be in Brazil. I mean, we can always dream right? It’s the only thing left here on earth that is free, so just dream on.

Here’s more. If somebody asks you a question and you do not know what the answer is, just flick your fingertips underneath your chin. It indicates that you do not know the answer to the question. Imagine it and try doing it. Its fun and amazing realizing that we only see this in cartoons shows.

Before I close this article, I want leave some questions for reflection to help us realize what it takes to be a Filipino. What can we say about these Brazilians? How do they differ from us? Do we have “strange” qualities too that are exceptional in our culture? What are these? Are we proud of these traits and customs we have like the Brazilians do? Or do we, like most of us, forget our customs and traditions our ancestors passed on to us?

Adeus!

RESPECT
By Atty. Gee Biliran
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Lately, something happened which reminded us of one of the basic rules in life we learned in kindergarten-RESPECT.

We must have already learned about the unpleasant encounter of Luli, the First Daughter, with an immigration officer at the international airport. We learned about how the immigration officer allowed a foreigner to queue in the VIP line in front Luli and about how Luli confronted the immigration for such behavior. Accordingly, the immigration officer scolded Luli for not knowing how to wait and even ridiculed her for queuing at the VIP line. The newswriters likened the scene to a sitcom, as his colleagues were vainly giving him hints that he was insulting the daughter of the President of the country.

It took a supervisor to bring him to his senses.

It must have been the most unfortunate day of his life. When he later realized his faux pas, he must have wished he were not born.

“Why, oh why, did it have to be the daughter of the President?” he must have lamented, to the point of self-flagellation.

In fact, days after the incident, he absented himself from work and made himself scarce before he gathered enough courage to answer the charges against him.

Looking back, I think it was fortunate that the immigration officer did not recognize Luli when it happened. Fortunate, too, that Luli did not immediately “show her badge” to the immigration officer. At least, the officer’s real color showed. It showed his mean demeanor towards Filipinos in favor of foreigners and his arrogance towards people who “do not deserve to queue at the VIP line.”

Had he recognized Luli, he would certainly have treated her like royalty. But since he did not know her, he treated her shabbily, perhaps, just as shabbily as he treats “ordinary people.”

The incident is a lesson for us all. It is a reminder for us to respect other people, especially those we consider “inferior.”

While it is natural for us to respect our superiors, we often forget to respect our “inferiors,” in the same way that the immigration showed disrespect to Luli, thinking that she was just a commoner who did not deserve to be at the VIP line.

Public officers tend to forget to respect civilians. Teachers tend to forget to respect students. Lawyers tend to forget to respect litigants. Employers tend to forget to respect employees.

“Hotel Workers Rising,” a union campaign led by hotel workers in the world’s top 10 international hotel chains and corporations, is now brewing in the United States and Canada.

In Canada, the Toronto Mayor proclaimed November 10 as the International Hotel Workers’ Day in the city, during which members of the “Hotel Workers Rising” campaign held a rally and forum to make public their workplace issues.

As expected, the union campaign was met with obstinacy by the employers. Early on in the talks, a member of the negotiating committee was fired. During the international conference on AIDS (which the union members bannered as a hotel worker’s issue), 70 of the workers were suspended for defying management’s order to remove the buttons they were wearing, which expressed the workers’ solidarity with the conference.

A union activist proudly recounted how a worker responded to a taunt that went: “So what have you gained from wearing all those buttons and rallying? Those who did overtime would thank you because they earned a lot of money! You, what did you get?”

The worker replied simply: “RESPECT.”

When we show respect to our parents, we kiss their hands (which children no longer do). Before our superiors, we bow our heads.

How do employers show respect to employees, teachers to students, public officers to civilians, lawyers to litigants?

This, by giving them their due to enable them to live lives deserving of human beings. This, by allowing them to exercise their basic constitutional rights to due process, among others. This, by avoiding discrimination. This, by talking to them in the same way that you talk to your superiors-pleasantly. This, by avoiding name-calling. This, by allowing them to “open their minds” and not be threatened by their emerging empowerment.

The list goes on and on, but our false sense of importance more often than not prevents us from giving these “lowly” people even a little bit of kindness.

When I take up the cudgels to right a wrong, it often entails a lot of sacrifice in terms of reputation, time, money and energy, especially when I defend a David against a Goliath. Sometimes, I wish I just accepted the status quo, shrugged my shoulders, and turned a blind eye to the injustices and discrimination going around. It can be frustrating, especially when supposed like-minded friends desert me.

I sometimes ask myself if my efforts are worth it.

What have I gained by helping them?

After having read about the “Hotel Workers Rising,” I knew the answer: RESPECT.

Not for myself, but for them.

(Happy birthday to brod phim)

WHO WILL FINISH THE FIGHT?
By Atty. Check Baluma
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Exactly a week to go before the match between the Philippine pride and sports hero, Manny “ Pacman” Pacquiao and the pride of Mexico, Erik “ El Terrible” Morales, the Filipino people is anticipating no less but a display of a classic boxing match and fireworks inside the ring. The fight has even the promise, the making of a fight of the year, with the two protagonists eagerly itching to inflict the other a second humiliating loss.

As the fight draws closer, noted boxing analysts are often heard and observed giving their fight predictions in the television, radio and even in the papers. The Pacquiao-Morales III fight has generated more interest and following than their two previous classic fights. Ring tickets sold for the fight according to Bob Arum, the promoter, has already reached 14,000 and an expected 3,000 more tickets will be sold. This figure does not even include the subscriptions to the Pay-per-View coverage of the fight.

Although in this fight, there is no doubt that Manny Pacquiao is the favored fighter to win, there is no question that Erik Morales could still pull surprises and relived once more his lofty position as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers of the world. Pacquiao, who is ranked third in the pound-for-pound best boxers of the world, is highly favored to repeat over Morales in this fight, not only because he is the much younger and fresher fighter of the two, but also because of the past fight performances of Morales, who has already lost three of this last four fights, with the last of his lost coming by way of technical knockout, his first loss by stoppage.

The preparation of the two boxers for their fight scheduled on November 18( November 19 in Manila), 2006 took different turns. While Manny Pacquiao began his training in the Philippines and in the latter stage proceeded to his favorite training camp, the Wild Card gym of his friend and trainer, Freddie Roach, Erik Morales has decided to isolate himself and hold his training in one of the mountains in Mexico with his father, who is once again standing as his chief trainer. While Pacquiao seems not to be in danger of not making the 130 lbs. weight limit for their Super Featherweight fight, weighing 138 lbs. with his shorts and shoes on, a month to go before their fight, Morales is in danger of not making the limit, since he weight-in 142 lbs. a month prior to their fight.

For this particular fight, Morales because of his weight problems has hired experts to closely monitor his weight. Any fighter who goes beyond 130 lbs, stands to lose at least $ 500,000. A $ 1,000,000 penalty awaits the boxer who will weight 132 lbs. for the fight, with the option on the part of the fit boxer not to pursue the fight.. This scenario is feared by this writer, since from the looks of things, Morales is encountering difficulty in making the prescribed weight limit. If Morales weighs more than the prescribed weight limit for the fight by at least five pounds, Pacquiao should think not only twice but many times before agreeing to fight Morales. Fighting a much heavier opponent is not an advantage for Manny Pacquiao in the weight-class he is campaigning, since the power of his punches will be neutralized. A highly potential great fight in the past, the Corrales-Castillo fight was cancelled because the latter fighter failed to make the weight limit.

Robert Mladinich, of World Boxing Magazine, said Morales is finally showing the wear and tear of so many rugged fights in a 48-4 ( with 31 KOs) record. Another devastating loss to Pacquio will likely signal the end of his career. He further said that “ It might look light Pacquiao is nothing but a go-for-broke brawler with good power and endurance but he’s actually more of a thinking man’s fighter than he gets credit for and has learned to utilize savvy footwork to create punching angles. Morever, his once inconsequential right hand is now almost as menacing as his sizzling left”.

A victory by Pacquiao, who has a record of 42-3-20 (with 33 KOs) will likely lead him to a fight date with the current Super Featherweight Champion and another Mexican legend, Marco Antonio Barrera, whom Pacquiao once fought and humbled in a convincing fashion. It will likewise install and firm his name as the best Filipino boxer of all time. A loss, although it is far from the mind of this writer, will not so much diminish his popularity and rankings, but it will deprive him of the multi-million dollar earning opportunity to fight Barrera. On the other hand, a victory by Morales , though it seems less probable, will likewise lead him to a fourth rematch with Barrera for the SuperFeatherweight Championship. It will likewise revive and reaffirm his status as a fighter to reckon with in his weight division. The WBC has formally announced that the winner of the Pacquio-Morales III fight gets the right to challenge Marco Antonio Barrera for the SuperFeatherweigh title.

It is expected that on Sunday ( Philippine time), November 19, 2006, our countrymen will once again be glued to their television sets to watch and hope that their countryman and hero, Manny Pacquiao will deliver the finishing touches to the career of a Mexican boxing legend. Another Pinoy, Brian “ The Hawaiian Punch” Villoria, gets a chance to redeem himself from a poor previous fight performance and retake the WBC Flyweight title from his tormentor, Omar Niño, who is coincidentally from Mexico.

This is once again the time for Filipinos to show unity. While our country is often confronted by many issues that caused divisiveness among its people, it takes a man filled with fighting heart and love for country like Pacquiao for the people to show unity. In the previous fight dates where Pacquiao starred, the peace and order situation in almost all parts of the nation vastly improved, with many provinces and areas enjoying a zero crime incident. This only shows that whether saints or sinners, Manny Pacquiao has a special place in their hearts. May our sports hero emerge victorious and may he finish the fight in grand fashion.

Wanted: Benjamin Franklin
By Atty. Aleck Francis Lim
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

One factor why other countries have eclipsed the Philippines in nomic race is that we have been lacking of discipline.

Thailand citizens used to go to the Philippines to study the modern way of growing rice. That was in the 70s. Now we are importing rice from Thailand.

Vietnam was almost nothing after the Vietnam War. That was 30 years ago. Now Vietnam, like many Asian countries, is hiring Filipino teachers to fill in their classrooms.

What about us? When would be the time we’d start importing workers from other countries?

Practically what we can offer to the world is manpower. Not tourism. Not agri products.

But this sending of workers abroad is not forever. China and India are harnessing their nursing schools. Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and a host of other Asian countries are aggressively hiring English teachers from all over the world to prepare their citizens for the outpouring of outsourcing jobs like call centers.

There is something wrong with us. Right here in our own backyard, there is something wrong. One cancer in Philippine society is lack of discipline.

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Fathers of the United States and considered as one of the most respected and accomplished men in U.S. history, is a perfect example of discipline.

Born in 1706, Benjamin Franklin, at the age of 20, embarked on an 80-day voyage from London back to Philadelphia, and during this solitary, quiet journey, Benjamin Franklin drafted 13 rules on how he would conduct himself in all his waking hours. Until his death.

He was so disciplined on following the 13 rules that he kept a daily chart, recording from Monday to Sunday whichever rule he failed to follow.

What are these rules?

Temperance: Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation. So this is for Boholanos who celebrate fiestas with much fanfare but ended up with a lot of debts.

Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation. In other words, if you cannot improve the silence, don’t speak.

Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time. Play while you play. Work while you work.

Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve. 100 days must be 100 days. 30 days must be 30 days.

Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing. Ah, half million pesos for a 2-day seminar in a Cebu hotel. Provincial officials: attention.

Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions. Government offices have too many casuals that most of them can’t find any worthwhile thing to do.

Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly. And if you speak, don’t use people’s money to destroy people.

Justice: Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty. If you conduct a search operation, make sure you are truly on a search operation, and not on extortion operation.

Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve. If a business is legitimate, then don’t find fault in it to the point of depriving others of livelihood.

Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation. This should be the mantra for all city residents.

Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation. Don’t mess up your life for a minute of fleeting pleasure.

Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. Don’t sweat on the small stuff, it’s just a small stuff, a title of a book says.

Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates. Just the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is more than enough. The Creator who died for His creation.

Until the age of 79 (until his death), Benjamin Franklin committed himself in sticking to his 13 rules.

He was so disciplined he accomplished a lot. He did not just fly kite. He was an outstanding writer, diplomat, a great leader, and printing press operator, and Benjamin Franklin was behind the founding of the United States and the making of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Do we have a Benjamin Franklin in the Philippines? Do we have a Benjamin Franklin in Tagbilaran?

A possible comeback
By Atty. Aleckoy Lim
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

There are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies in politics. This is not a new revelation but it has taken a new meaning in the town of Lila .

Once, Mayor Telly Balagosa and Vice Mayor Edwin Cahatol were on the same side of the political fence. Unless a compromise is reached, they are set to go up against each other in next year’s mayoralty election.

In 1998, the two had conspired to bring down the reign of former Mayor Alfonso Lim in Lila. Lim’s wife Royeth was then Lila mayor but there was no doubt that it was her husband who wielded real power in the town.

The coalition between Balagosa and Cahatol succeeded in bringing down the Lims and they repeated this in the last election when they were reelected into their respective positions.

Coalitions that were born out of convenience do not last long and the Balagosa-Cahatol alliance is no exception.

With Cahatol now ineligible for reelection after completing his third consecutive term as vice mayor, there is no other way to go but up. Believing that he is now ready for the top post of the town, Cahatol does not care anymore if he will have to burn bridges and fight his old political ally.

Of course, Cahatol and Balagosa will now exchange issues and allegations of wrongdoing against each other. They will have to do that to justify their refusal to step aside for the other party.

To many people however, it is simply because they now have to fight over the same position. They have to destroy each other if needed to get hold of the position.

I do not intend to pass judgment over either Balagosa or Cahatol. More than anybody else, it is the people of Lila who know them more closely and who are in the best position to do that in next year’s election.

The point is that this is going to happen even to the closest friends. In fact, there have been instances in other places where brothers ran and fought against each other for the same reason.

In this case, both Balagosa and Cahatol now have to make a move which they possibly would not like to do under better circumstances. That is to try to win over the Lims to their side.

While the Lims had lost in the previous elections, they are now in the position to tilt the balance in Lila. Unless there are other factors that surface between now and the elections, the Lims will determine who will become the next mayor of Lila.

If Balagosa and Cahatol are evenly divided, the Lims can stage a comeback.

Editorial: Powerless
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

For the past few days, Boholanos experienced another series of intermittent power outages that disrupted the natural flow of activities. Commonly called as brownouts, these disruptions have been coming at a frequency that is making people uncomfortable at the very least.

Those involved in the power distribution always have a way of explaining the cause for these brownouts. Needless to say, the causes are always beyond their control and therefore should not be blamed on them.

There are however a lot of questions that Boholano consumers are asking and for which all the bright boys in the power sector have not sufficiently answered.

For instance, why do power interruptions occur in Bohol whenever the weather deteriorates? There are many explanations and technical jargons but the question is why, in spite of the presence of all the bright boys, they still have not done enough to solve this.

The point is that why are other provinces spared from the same fate? Again, there will always be explanations but the fact remains that Bohol is helpless whenever there are storms and heavy rains.

Another question that people are asking is why Boholanos are paying much more than the rest of the power consumers in the Visayas. Again, there will always be graphs and tables to show why the power distributors arrive at their respective computations. There is always proof but it does not address the question.

So what makes Bohol different? From what we have heard from our public officials, they are doing everything to make life easier for Boholanos. They even claim that they have succeeded in a lot of things and accomplished much.

Each time Boholanos receive their bills however, they remember the question. Why are the experts unable to solve the riddle? If there are limitations and problems, what are they doing about them?

Bohol is trying to project itself as a province of the future. There are even very grandiose plans that excite a lot of people. And yet, all of these plans are mere illusions for as long as the power situation does not improve.

No investor in his right mind will invest in a province where the power cost is much higher. As if that is not enough, the power supply is also unstable when you need it most.

That in itself summarizes the fate that Bohol is facing. There should be no more talk of progress unless these problems are dealt with. Granting that no one is to blame for these, the fact is that we are â€" for all intents and purposes â€" powerless.

Bautista Training Goes To High Gear
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Los Angeles -- After two weeks of sluggishness, it was a rejuvenated Rey ‘Boom-Boom’ Bautista who was all business yesterday afternoon as he went six rounds of no-holds-barred sparring against top-rated pugilists at the Wild Card Gym of reknowned trainer Freddie Roach.

The charismatic 20-year old Bautista traded blows with IBF No. 1 super flyweight contender Dimitri Kirilov and former NABO super flyweight champion Kahren Harutyunan for three rounds each.

"Maayo iyang sparring kay nagtan-aw na siya. Dili na pataka ug sumbag kay iyang duha ka sparmates puro man stylish boxers pero maayo na iyang lihok ug condition na sad siya" ("His sparrings have improved because he is more alert. He doesn't waste his punches because his sparmates are stylish boxers and he moves well because he's more conditioned now"), observed Edito Villamor, who is a two-time Elorde awardee as Trainer of the Year.

Bautista has so far accumulated a total of 26 rounds of sparring since his arrival in the States two weeks ago.

Surprise visitors at the Wild Card Gym was the two Revilla senators, father and son, Ramon and Bong, and grandson, Jolo who posed for pictures with Bautista who was star-struck to see them.

The Revillas however failed to witness the sparring of Bautista as they arrived just when the latter had ended his sparring session.

It was a rather busy day for Bautista as he was also interviewed by Brad Cooney of BoxingTalk.

With barely three weeks before his fight in Tampa, Florida, Bautista is eager to climb the ring once again if only to prove that he is definitely back on track.

P64-M QUESTION ON ROAD PROJECTS
TRUE LIES?
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

The report on the alleged anomalous manner of awarding four multi-million road projects in the third district of Bohol was highly inaccurate and irresponsible!

This was the reaction of officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 7 in an exclusive talk with the Bohol Standard Wednesday at its office in Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City.

“The reporter should have (at least) exercise diligence in getting the true facts before making such reports,” DPWH 7 construction division chief Engr. Buenaventurada C. Pajo said.

“It is not true that the four road projects were awarded through a negotiated bidding facilitated in the regional office, neither that it was not published,” Pajo pointed out.

She clarified that only two of the projects were bided at the regional office while the two others were made at the DPWH Bohol 3rd District Engineering Office based in the town of Guindulman.

The projects costing P17-million each bided at the regional office were the improvement concrete paving works of Junction Jagna-Siera Bullones Road and the same type of work from junction Dat-an Carmen-Sierra Bullones-Alicia Road.

This was also confirmed by DPWH-Bohol 3rd engineering district BAC secretariat chairman Engr. Timoteo Bagucan in a phone interview Friday.

He said two of the projects were indeed bided at the local office.

They are: the improvement concrete paving along Loay Interior Road (LIR) Carmen-Sagbayan, Bacani National Road (St. 63+560 to St. 64+520 with exception Carmen Section) with a contract amount of P14,255,870.68 and another LIR concrete paving Buenavista-Carmen-Danao-Jetafe Road (St. 65+311.63 to St. 66+500 with exception of Carmen Section) with a contract amount of P14,198,899.44.

Each is estimated to be only 900 meters long, more or less; has set a completion period of 195 working days.

“A certain Ismael Malagar called me about this and I told him the projects were published. If the Bohol contractors were not able to read (know about) this, that is not our watch. Records of the Bids and Awards Committee are open (upon request) for them to scrutinize,” the DPWH 7 construction division chief added.

Insinuations
The four projects that were awarded to one contractor Persan Construction, Inc. was reported by a local newspaper as some sort of “pabaon” (parting gift) to former DPWH 7 director Juanito Abergas who was promoted as department undersecretary but set to retire January next year.

The idea to award the four projects allegedly took place during the time of Abergas and was executed by his successor Robert G. Lala.

“Regional Director Lala won’t certainly condone such acts. And it should be noted that he has Boholano roots, particularly from the town of Baclayon. Those projects are for Bohol and he could never do all those allegations being insinuated in those reports,” construction division chief Pajo, who also hails from Tagbilaran, said.

Facts
DPWH 7 Legal officer Atty. Augustinito Hermoso said the projects were awarded pursuant to existing laws, like the new Reformed Government Procurement Act - RA 9184.

The projects were awarded through an alternative mode of procurement but it was not negotiated but through “limited source bidding” allowed in the same law.

This mode of procurement undergoes the same competitive bidding; with each pre-qualified bidder dropping their project-cost quote in a sealed envelope and opened in the presence of their representatives.

“We are all careful here particularly in these times that the government is strongly campaigning against all forms of graft and corrupt acts. And besides, these projects should be taken by the Boholanos in the positive light,” Hermoso said.

He confirmed that the implementation of the project had some relations to the visit of many foreign dignitaries for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to be held at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City this coming December.

“Because of the summit and taking the tourism growth seen in Bohol, the province gained some blessings from the activity. Napiksan ug grasya ang Bohol tungod ani,” the DPWH lawyer added.

“It was approved by no less than President Arroyo and DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane,” he further clarified.

The DPWH 7 bids and awards committee secretariat assured the Bohol Standard that all documents pertaining to the bidding and awarding of the project will be provided this week for all Boholanos to really know the true facts of the report.

Close watch
Meanwhile, third district congressman Eladio Jala denied any involvement in the selection of the projects’ contractor.

He, however, vowed to closely monitor the construction of the project and that it would be completed true to its specifications and standard quality.

Governor Erico Aumentado also assured the Boholanos and the group of local contractors that he will look into the matter at the DPWH-Manila central office.

FOR PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
Pres. Arroyo to pour P3-M for Internet link here
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

GOV. Erico Aumentado yesterday sought the release of P3 million from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as her counterpart to the P19.5-million Information and Communication Technology project with Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) that will benefit 115 public high schools throughout the province.

Aumentado presented to President Arroyo a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Provincial Government of Bohol and project partner AFI that is implementing Project GILAS or Gearing up Internet Literacy and Access fir Students.

AFI President Victoria Garchitorena signed for the foundation which will fund half of the P19.5-million total amount of the project.

“The Provincial Government’s share will be divided as follows: Office of the President, P3 million; Provincial Government of Bohol, P3 million; and the three congressmen and the 47 municipalities of Bohol , P3.75 million. This will be our joint counterpart for Ayala Foundation’s P9.75 million,” the governor reminded President Arroyo.

“This is an implementation of our joint public high schools Information and Communication Technology (ICT) program with the help of the Ayala Foundation as embodied in my letter to Her Excellency dated 31 July 2006 which is hereto attached also,” he wrote.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera and Congressmen Edgar Chatto and Roberto Cajes witnessed the signing ceremony Nov. 3 at the harbor View of the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City .

“I trust and request most respectfully that Her Excellency will order the release of P3 million as the counterpart of the province at the soonest possible time in order that we can sign the MOA with Ayala Foundation and implement the project before the year ends,” Aumentado wrote.

Ayala Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization. Together with other private corporations, foundations, government agencies and public leaders, it aims to bridge the existing digital divide especially among Filipino high school students.

It recognizes the digital divide as a new form of poverty which is adding to the already compounded challenges burdening the Philippine education system. As such, it initiated Project GILAS to provide the necessary infrastructure that will allow the highs chool students in the public educational system to access the wealth of resources in cyberspace.

On the other hand, the provincial government aims to create effective and efficient policies and structures, adopt appropriate technologies and participatory processes, ensure and safeguard its balance and sustainable development, advance the economic social and cultural well-being of the Boholanos and spearhead the growth and sustain the competitive edge of its prime industries.

1,000 meters extension of Panglao Airport Runway proposed
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

THE Panglao International Airport Development Project Local Task Force passed a resolution recommending the approval of the proposed increase of 1,000 meters of the runway to the northwest side towards Lourdes, Panglao instead of towards barangay Danao.

This is what Atty. Jose Torralba, Department of Transportation and Communication assistant secretary, revealed last Friday, November 10, 2006 in time of the Consultation and Information Education Campaign Committee meeting.

This plan to increase the length of the runway of the proposed airport from the present 2,500 to 3,500 meters which is also recommended by Gov. Erico Aumentado is designed to accommodate international flights direct to Bohol.

Furthermore, the extension of the length of the runway of the proposed airport will be on the northwest side towards barangay Lourdes since the cost will be lesser as there are few structures or houses that will be affected and the Panglao Island Circumferential Road will not be affected.

According to Torralba, extending the runway of the present proposed airport site towards barangay Danao would need sizable amount for land acquisition and payment as it would traverse a densely populated area which has 150 households as per verification by the Municipal Assessor of Panglao.

Moreover, the land acquisition for the Panglao Bohol International will start as soon as possible to meet the 6 months timetable.

Bohol is K. Adenauer performance awardee
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

BOHOL has another feather tucked into its already heavily decorated cap â€" this time as the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and Local Government Development Foundation (Logodef’s) national winner in the search for a highly performing provincial government.

IN a letter to Gov. Erico Aumentado dated Nov. 10, KAS Country Representative Klaus Preschle and Logodef Board of Trustees Chair Nestor Pilar congratulated and invited him to the awarding ceremony at the Champagne Salon of the Manila Hotel on Dec. 6 at 9 a.m.

“I attribute to the unity of the Boholanos the giant leap of the province out of Club 20 â€" 17th among the country’s 20 poorest provinces out of 79 in 2001 â€" to the 52nd place this year,” Aumentado said the other day during his weekly program The Governor Reports simulcast live over all AM radio stations in Bohol.

The award is named after Germany ’s first chancellor, Konrad Adenauer.

To note, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2005 Philippines Human Development Report pegged Bohol in the 41st position. Last May, however, the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) ranked Bohol 52nd out of 79 provinces.

The governor said he and his department heads and chiefs of offices are gunning for a Top 10 berth in 2010 even as he recognized the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) under Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera, the employees, the non-government organization (NGO) partners, Official Development Assistance (ODA) funders and other groups.

This unity, he pointed out, enabled Bohol to clinch the top Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) last year.

The concerted efforts, he said, led to the province’s bagging the Galing Pook Award for Continuing Excellence (ACE) while the Peace and Development: Bohol Experience program got a Trailblazing Award.

The same unity and cooperation also won for Bohol the 2003, 2004 and 2005 Top Tourism Destination of the Country plums.

‘Red tide’ alarm raised in islands
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Reports of food poisoning caused by “red tide” affecting shells like tahong (green mussels) are now being closely monitored here.

A family of five perished the other week in Laguna and authorities had confirmed toxins from “red tide contamination” that caused the deaths.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) facility here located in Lawis, Pangangan Island, Calape is closely monitoring the situation and is regularly collecting water samples for test at its regional office.

Aquaculturist 2 Nimfa Mesina said, so far there is no advisory yet from its regional office on red tide affecting Bohol seas.

BFAR operates a multi-species hatchery facility in Pangangan Island and is aware of the red tide scare resulting from sudden changes of sea water temperature from hot to cold.

Food Poisoning, in the broadest sense, is a condition in which a food causes a toxic reaction, whether as a result of a toxin naturally present in the food (for example, green or sprouting potatoes, partially cooked red kidney beans, many mushrooms, and so on); a toxin acquired by the food as a result of natural accident (such as contamination of fish or shellfish with toxins from dinoflagellate organisms in planktonâ€"the so-called “red tide”.

Fungal spoilage leads to the production of mycotoxins in the food; or contamination of the food with toxins.

Cebu-Bohol sea route claims another “jump-ship” victim
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

It’s the second fatality in a span of two months for Bohol-bound passengers, reportedly jumping off from a cruising ship.

THE latest fatality was identified as 19-year old man Stephen Torrefiel who jumped off M/V Ara when the ship was along Gilutungan Channel on its way to Talibon, Bohol Monday night.

The first was reported last month when a detainee of the Bohol Detention and Rehabilitation Center was also reported to have jumped ship on its way back to Bohol from Cebu.

Both incidents are now being investigated by the Coast Guard of the Central-Eastern Visayas regional command.

Torrefiel reportedly jumped into water 1.5 nautical miles away from the shorelines of Cordova town.

The ship’s crew conducted a search and rescue operations delaying the ship for two hours. The body of Torrefiel was never found.

A Special Operation Group from the Coast Guard also proceeded to the place of incident but still no trace of the victim’s body was found. Heavy current might have swept the body into the open seas.

The investigation will focus on whether the victim accidentally fell or intentionally jumped-off from the ship.

Local residents of coastal towns along the route in the islands of Cebu and Bohol are requested to inform the Coast Guard any sighting of a floating body near their shores.

Top communist officer surrenders, pledges allegiance to country
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

“I cannot take the rigors of a life on the run anymore,”

POLITICAL officer Domingo Samuya alias Ka Aryong of Front 1 of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) in Bohol has returned to the fold of the law.

Accompanied by his wife Vitaliana, daughter Dovilia and cousin San Isidro Mayor Requillo Samuya, the former rebel (FR) took his oath of allegiance administered by Provincial Prosecutor Toribio Quiwag and witnessed by Gov. Erico Aumentado to make permanent his “leave of absence” from the movement following two operations for kidney stones.

“I cannot take the rigors of a life on the run anymore,” the 49-year-old Ka Aryong said, hence he sought the mayor to relay his surrender feelers to the governor.

The Samuya party arrived at the governor’s residence at around 11:30 a.m. Friday where, over lunch and on into the afternoon, he gave his circumstances and sought Aumentado’s and Quiwag’s advice, and finally took his oath of allegiance.

He decided to return voluntarily and freely after seeing the sincerity of the government in looking after the welfare and well being of the people and the development of the province as well.

He renounced the communist insurgency movement and committed himself to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the land.

He pledged allegiance to the country, fulfill his duties as a citizen and promised to help the government attain peace and development, with his mayor-cousin, wife and daughter also standing as witnesses.

As such, Aumentado and Quiwag issued him a certification that he has no pending criminal case with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor that would serve as “safe conduct pass.”

The governor and prosecutor issued the certification after Ka Aryong renounced his support of the communist insurgency. At the same time, it requested all authorities concerned to give due recognition to his return to normal life and that he be accorded the rights and privileges due to a citizen.

Ka Aryong conformed and committed to be a law-abiding citizen, abandon the communist insurgency and assured the government that he will help Bohol attain peace and harmony in his humble capacity.

With the pass, Aumentado called Col. Arthur Tabaquero, commanding officer of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Katipunan, Carmen town to request that Ka Aryong be de-listed from the order of battle (OB) and that his name as top CPP official in Bohol be removed from the army’s monthly updates on insurgency during the next Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting.

ARYONG’S EXPLOITS
Among his exploits as political officer, Ka Aryong admitted to sitting at the negotiating table with Inabanga businessman Maximo “Memong” Estoreon somewhere in the hinterlands of Danao town attended by Msgr. Leopoldo Tumulak, former bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran and now the military vicar.

Aryong alleged that they burned the Estoreon’s cargo truck on Friday the 13th of September 2002 at the instance of “the people” against whom the family had committed violations like unfair sharing in cattle fattening and coconut farming, and usury.

Aryong said they initially sought to collect revolutionary taxes. The family failed to shell out the taxes. They burned the truck only as punishment for the violations.

The Estoreon family said Ka Aryong, his revolutionary wife Ka Elma, a certain Ka Resty and another commander had demanded for four heads of cattle and 10 percent of their gross income a month for life. The family said this was too stiff.

When Ka Aryong said the taxes will go to the poor, the family said they are already helping the poor through scholarships and even offered to give school supplies to all their cattle caretakers who live within Front 3, his area of operation, but he refused.

Asked what he really wanted, Ka Aryong reportedly answered firearms. As this definitely will not improve their cattle caretakers’ lot, nor help the poor, the family refused.

Ka Aryong had said he negotiated for the decrease of interest rates from 10 percent to initially five percent, then up until eight percent, but failed to reach an agreement nonetheless. The Estoreons said they are engaged in business but not into usury.

The family also said those who complained against their coconut sharing are those who fell from their graces. The Estoreons said they accept pawns of coconut palms. The unwritten law on pawns states that the pawnee harvests the crop until the pawner fully pays, but they do not even do so. The sharing remains the same.

When a group conducted a rally in front of their house, they did not mind them as they turned out to be members of the Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon (Humabol) and other known CPP-NPA legal fronts and not people who they might have aggrieved.

SCHOLARSHIP, ETC.
To show the government’s sincerity to keep its end of the bargain in Ka Aryong’s surrender, Aumentado called Dir. Carla Villarta of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to inquire on its scholarship program for children of FRs.

He also enumerated to Ka Aryong the amounts he would have received if he turned over firearms.

The FR turned out to have two sons in the underground. Aumentado asked Ka Aryong to invite them to similarly return to the fold of the law so that they can form another FR cooperative.

Ka Aryong said his children still needs convincing and warned that it might take some time. Aumentado said he is willing to wait.

From the governor’s residence, Ka Aryong left with Mayor Samuya that afternoon.

LTFRB to phase out franchise of v-hires
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

It would be bad news for operators of vans-for-hire.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have announced plans to phase out franchises of vans-for-hire to encourage the operations of public utility bus (PUB).

LTFRB has stopped accepting applications for franchise or renewals for v-hires because the agency wanted to phase out this kind of transportation.

A study released by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) said PUB is still the most efficient and less costly mass transportation in the country today.

Likewise, findings reveal that jeepneys cause heavy traffic in major thoroughfares and should be allowed only in secondary roads.

The capacity of four passenger jeepneys is equivalent of one bus.

LTFRB Legal Officer Jose Douglas Sanson said v-hire franchises issued in the late 1990s and 2000 are valid for five years.

The operator is entitled to one renewal for the same period to recover his investment.

The agency is also encouraging the operations of AUV (Asian utility vehicles) to serve point-to-point routes.

CITY PORT SECURITY ISSUE
X-ray machine to finally operate
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Apprehensions of tragic incidents resulting from terrorists’ attacks would lessened by now as the Philippine Ports Authority disclosed the other day that the x-ray machine that had arrived a month ago will finally be in operation.

Port Management Office (PMO) manager Raul Oblenda said construction of the compartment that will house the x-ray machine will start this week.

“All issues concerning its operation have been ironed out and the Starlite management, who operates the city port passenger terminal, had agreed to the installation of the machine inside the terminal,” Oblenda said.

Under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement with PPA, Starlite, a private company, operates the passenger terminal for a period of fifteen (15) years starting from 1997 to 2014.

But under the same contract, it was not provided that Starlite should install an x-ray machine in the said passenger terminal.

When former PPA general manager Alfredo Cusi issued an order that all ports in the country should have an x-ray machine after the New York World Trade Center attack and the threat of bombings hounding the country, Starlite questioned the issue on who should buy such machine.

“We tried to bargain with PPA that if we buy and install an x-ray machine that would entail a new investment of about P7-million, we be granted an extension of the lease agreement to about 8 years more. But this was denied,” Starlite-Tagbilaran manager Nennet Nicasio said.

Starlite filed a motion for reconsideration on the denial. When the x-ray machine, provided and purchased by PPA corporate funds arrived, Starlite could not immediately allow the installation of the machine pending resolution of their motion filed at the PPA Manila office.

“I have now received a confirmation through the e-mail from Starlite general manager Karl Wozniak that the company will purchase its own x-ray machine for the Tagbilaran port passenger terminal. That will be next month,” Nicasio said.

Starlite head guard Christopher Tulop said, so far, the city port is safe as the company-hired security guards impose strict inspection of luggage and the prohibition of bringing firearms on the boat.

Port police, the PNP Maritime and Coast Guard units, sniffing dogs of shipping companies also help in the insurance of security in the port, guard Tulop said.

Meanwhile, the PPA owned x-ray machine will be installed temporarily as the peak of the Yuletide season approaches. PPA will provide the personnel while waiting for Starlite to have their own machine and trained personnel.

Oblenda said, a minimal charge will be collected to recover the investment for the machine. Determining how much is the amount will be submitted for discussion with the port management advisory council.

Upon arrival of the Starlite-owned x-ray machine, the one purchased by PPA will be pulled-out and eyed for transfer to the busy port of Tubigon.

Boholano chess master tops CPG chess tilt
By: BEGT Zabala
November 12, 2006 The Bohol Standard

The pool of casual employees in the Provincial Capitol is a concoction of a variety of talented individuals and among them is Boholano National Master Elmer Sumngat of Poblacion Antequera.

Mr. Sumngat showed his mettle and proved his title of being Bohol’s premier chess master by the topping the recently concluded 2006 CPG Memorial Open Active Chess Challenge last November 2-3, 2006 held at the Island City Mall, in this city. One of the activities to commemorate the 110th birthday of Bohol’s illustrious son, the late Philippine President Carlos Polistico Garcia, the pride of Talibon.

After finishing 6 points in the 7-round Swiss system eliminations, the attack-driven Sumngat scorched CVSCAFT Junior stand-out Michael Joseph Pagaran of Tagbilaran City with a score of 2-0 in their best-of-two semi-finals and then proceeded to outsmart Candidate Master Odillion Badilles of Alicia in the two-game sudden-death finals with a score of 1.5-0.5 en route to capturing the top prize of P7,000 and coveting a beautifully crafted Champions trophy.

Badilles settled for 1st runner-up honors and brought home P5T and a neatly crafted glass trophy, while Pagaran copped 3rd place and a cash purse of P3T and also a trophy. Retired army officer Jose Macute collared the 4th place prize of P2T after succumbing to Pagaran in the knock-out game for 3rd place.

Rounding out the top 12 places in the Open Division are as follows with their corresponding scores and cash prize; 5th place Gerry Milan (5.5 pts, P1T), 6th, Joselito Dabalos, 7th, Glicerio Pardillo, Jr., 8th, Achilles Villamor each having 5 pts and equally sharing a P1T prize. 9th, Noel Ray Gullan, 10th Juan Lopecillo, 11th Henry Batoon, all three having 4.5 pts and receiving P200 each and 12th, Carl Villaruz having 4 pts and getting P100.

Winners per category are as follows; Top Kiddie Boys - Kyle Bantol, (champion) and Marwin Garzon (runner-up). Top Kiddie Girls - Christine Barrot and Madel Aligan. Top Junior Boys â€" Philip Caderao and Jerome Galan. Top Seniors â€" Siegfried Saniel and Ricardo Ocoy. Champions bagging P500.00 and runners-up with P250.

Meanwhile in the Blitz side event Candidate Master Glicerio “Glen” Pardillo, Jr. reigned supreme and becoming Bohol’s Blitz King after scoring 6.5 in the 7-round fast-play matches taking home a P1T cash prize.

The competition was played with a time control of 30 minutes per player. The event offered cash prizes up to the 12th place in the Open Tourney, as well as category prizes, informative magazines and the specially crafted trophies. During the events awarding ceremonies the participating players and the Boholano chess community expressed their gratitude to the Bohol Provincial Government especial to Gov. Erico B. Aumentado and Prov’l Administrator Atty. Tommy Abapo, Jr. and to the Prov’l. Sports Commission headed by Sr. Board member Atty. “Dioning” Balite and staff Mr. Joel Rosario and to the Tagbilaran Chess Club thru its prexy Mr. Johnny Torralba for their unceasing efforts and all out support in making the tournament a huge success.

VICENTE KUELLES NUNAG, JR.
REQUIEM FOR A HERO
By Loy Palapos
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard


“Jitterbug, Captain Nunag, ang lawas naglubag-lubag” goes a popular wartime jingle to glorify a local folk hero whose exploits earned for him the respect of his subordinates, has colleagues, and even his enemies. With the war years only a memory, Colonel Vicente Kuelles Nunag, Jr. took life in strides, aware that the bitterness brought about by international conflict has wavered down, as he gave that impish smile when he was called a living hero.

Born in Tamparan, Lanao del Sur, on January 24, 1920, he was the 4th of 10 children of a Philippine Constabulary officer, Vicente T. Nunag, Sr. of Hagonoy, Bulacan and Emilia Kuelles, a Surigaonon with roots from Valencia, Bohol. His early years brought him to many places all over the country, depriving him of the opportunity to develop deep, and lasting relationship with his peers. This part of his upbringing came in handy in the war years, when being on the move was a way of life. A rolling stone gathering no moss.

A soldier’s son, he was schooled where his father was assigned. He began his elementary education in Cotabato, then secondary in Jolo, Sulu, where he excelled as an interscholastic champion in boxing, hop-step-and-jump, and in the 400-meter relay. He took up Civil Engineering at the National University, when he became the Philippine Amateur flyweight boxing champion.

Until the time came when he came to Bohol. The family had to move to the new assignment when his father assumed his post as Bohol Provincial Commander. Never a person to gloat in leisure and idleness, Engineer Vicente Nunag worked as Assistant Mining Superintendent at the Guindulman Manganese Mines.   The situation was ideal. He found home in the island province, until World War II broke out. Adversity and emergency separate the real men farm the ordinary boys. He heeded the call to fight for the country. On March 27, 1942 he served the “ D” Company, Bohol Provincial Battalion, 83rd Infantry Regiment, USAFFE, in Carmen, Bohol as 3rd Lieutenant. When the USAFFE disbanded, Lt. Nunag did not surrender. He went underground and formed his own guerilla group known as Ba-ang Force, which joined the Behind the Clouds Forces under Capt. Francisco Salazar and Lt. Ismael Ingeniero.

Lieutenant Nunag figured in the famous encounter with the Japanese in Mo-along, Loon, where he led the ill-equipped guerilla fighters in an ambush that led to the complete routing of a truckload of Japanese soldiers aboard a commandeered “Bohol Land Trans” passenger truck. He also figured in the legendary battle of Ubujan, where the Japanese suffered heavy casualties. The guerilla fighters, however, lost their leader, Capt. Francisco Salazar. It was at this point that Lt. Nunag took over the command of the group, with headquarters in Cortes, Bohol.

In a week-long Battle of Sombria Bridge, Manga he elicited the respect of Capt. Mori of the Japanese garrison in Tagbilaran for gallantry and for being a gentleman in the battlefield. The kind-hearted leader allowed the Japanese to retrieve their dead without being harassed after several unsuccessful onslaughts against the guerilla’s first line of defense on the Cortes side.

On October 23, 1942 Lt. Nunag was conferred Combat Head of the Bohol Guerilla Force. He was promoted to the rank of Captain and Commanding Officer, 1 Bn. Bohol Force, USFIP. On January 1944 he was designated Executive Officer, 84th Inf. Rgt., Bohol Area Command; and Commanding Officer of the 85th Inf. Rgt. His promotion to the rank of Colonel, and then Major followed.

His prowess and gallantry in the battlefield became a by-word, even to his enemies. Far and wide he was called a hero. It was at this time when he was accorded two other names: the “Lone Wolf,” for his dexterity in combat; “ Robin Hood,” for his magnanimity even to his adversaries. A reason why Lt. Col. William Smith of the USAFEE designated him Commanding Officer of a special unit. He headed a favorite patrol of twelve selected men. With himself as number 13, a group that never suffered any casualty in their engagements. No wonder, until death last November 3, he considers 13 his lucky number.

Those who saw Major Nunag in the battlefield and witnessed his leadership skill in dealing with his subordinates and allies, were candid enough to accurately describe the war hero. Atty. Simplicio Doron, a very close buddy, who was also a guerilla Captain, said Major Nunag “had a steady pulse, and was a veritable sharp shooter.” The respected Congressman Luis T. Clarin saw in the Major “a whirlwind in the battle, running from one position to another, commanding his men, without ducking.”

According to Atty. Juvenal Osorio, another close friend of Major Nunag, the folk hero “could hit a moving target bulls eye while riding on a galloping horse.” His favorite sidearm was a Colt 45 revolver, and his favorite riffle was the Caliber 30 Springfield. Former Tagbilaran Mayor Honorio Grupo used to recall even the native cigarettes then were labeled “ Fighting Nunag.” It was another accolade for a soldier whose bravery and exploits were admired and praised by the multitudes.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur made true his promises (“ I shall return”), and landed in Leyte. Japanese troops began to abandon their garrisons in a number of towns. Major Nunag led units of the 85th Inf. Regt. to clear Pangangan Island of enemy troops. One of those captured was a journalist-editor of the Visayang Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper based in Cebu City. Two months later, major Nunag received a letter from the editor thanking him and his men profoundly for the human treatment they received while in captivity.

On April 11, 1945 American troops landed in Bohol to officially liberate the province. Major Nunag organized a Special Unit of guerilla soldiers. Together with American soldiers they rounded up 300 Japanese soldiers evading capture in the hinterlands of Bohol. On May 30, 1945 the Bohol Area Command was officially inactivated.

After the war, the multi-medalled hero returned to civilian life, a transition many warriors find burdensome. Being a Civil Engineer, he found work in the government bureaucracy, at the Bureau of Public Highways. He transferred to private employment at Coca-Cola Bottling Corporation. His Administrative acumen was then put to good use when he was the Manager of the Southern Industrial Projects Galvanizing Plant in Cortes; after which he was offered to manage the SIP shipping. The Davao Steel Corporation Galvanizing Plant in Mandaue City beckoned. The offer for another managerial job was too tempting to negate. Then came another responsibility, that of General Manager of Philsteel in Laguna. As Manager in all aforementioned establishments he never experienced a labor strike, at a time when locked-up and Labor-Management conflict was the vogue. In war and in peace Major Nunag was loved and respected.

He could have lived a life of leisure after retirement; but gifted individuals are always in demand. He was appointed OIC Mayor of the Municipality of Antequera after the assumption of Corazon Aquino as President of the country. When Constantino Torralba became Governor of Bohol, Dodong Nunag joined the Capitol beleaguers as Technical Assistant on Peace and Order, and concurrently as Warden of the Provincial Jail. In the only jail riot that occurred, he dared to let himself be locked among the inmates to communicate face-to-face with the hotheads. Even the irrational and hot-headed shimmered down

His life with Eugenia Morgia, a school teacher from Antequera, withstood the ups-and-downs of marital woes and bliss, with her supporting his husband in every decision he made. They are blessed with 10 children, who now have their own lives to live. Ma. Aurora “Nora” Kuntz is a journalist-nurse married to a Psychiatrist in Maine, USA. Msgr. Vicente “Boy” Nunag III is presently the Parish Priest of Baclayon. Atty. Lucas “Doy” is a senior partner at Quisumbing and Evangelista Law Office in Quezon City and is married to another lawyer at the Supreme Court. Lilioso “Lil” is an accountant who retired from PCI Bank, and is now the number one Councilor of Antequera. Moises “ Mesing” is doing good business in Washington, USA. Urcisio “Nonoy” is a Finance major now in Ontario, Canada. Efleda “Inday” Mediano is another nurse, married to a Doctor in Pennsylvania, USA. Ma. Lirio “Nenette” is a Physician-Nurse in New York, USA. Philip “ Ping” is a businessman and a masters degree holder. Ma. Virgel “Girlie” finished his MA in Nursing at Columbia University and is a Clinical Instructor of New York University and Mt. Sinai Hospital, USA.

At 86, Major Dodong Nunag maintained a little farm in Antequera to keep himself fit. He still drove his own car, when most of his peers, and even those younger, cannot manage all alone by themselves, never a fence-sitter who watches the world pass by, he served as the District Commander of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, and attended regularly the Breakfast Fellowship Meetings and other spiritual function of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals. “Jitterbug,” “the living hero,” lived life to the hilt by serving others.

CULTURE OF CHEATING
By Atty. Gee Biliran
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

In our previous column, we expressed our consternation over the culture of violence besetting our country today. This time, we pour out our dismay over the country’s culture of cheating.

About 2,000 passers of the 2006 licensure board exam for nurses were able to beat the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Court of Appeals (CA) last Friday. Upon receipt of the TRO by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) at 4:30 p.m., about 100 passers had yet to take their oaths.

The Petition for a TRO was filed by the University of Sto. Tomas College of Nursing Faculty Association, the League of Concerned Nurses, and the Binuklod na Samahan ng mga Student Nurses (Federation of Student Nurses Organizations). According to the Petitioners, the PRC and the Board of Nursing violated Republic Act 9173 or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 by putting the public’s health and safety at risk.

In the TRO, the PRC and the Board of Nursing were directed to cease and desist from proceeding with the oath-taking allegedly scheduled on August 22.

The court said it was issuing the TRO to “preserve the rights of petitioners pending disposition of the subject petition and so as not to render any judgment hereon moot and academic.”

Apparently, the PRC learned about the application for a TRO and, to beat the TRO, hastily conducted the oath-takings in PRC offices in Manila, Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo. Allegedly, 5 of the topnotchers took their oath in Bacolod.

The PRC admitted that some passers took their oaths immediately after the results came out.

One is made to wonder why the PRC proceeded with the oath- taking, hastily at that, despite the ongoing hullabaloo surrounding the alleged leakage of test questions. Smart alecks. But it isn’t something the PRC should be proud about.

While we sympathize with the passers who did not benefit from the leakage, it would have been a matter of prudence on the part of the PRC to defer the oath-taking until after the issue shall have been resolved.

Now, another dilemma hounds the PRC. What will happen to the 100 nurses who were not able to beat the TRO? Is it not unfair that they were deprived of taking their oaths and licenses simply because they were not as fast as the early birds, even if, like the early birds, they were listed as among the passers?

If I were one of these 100 passers, I would invoke the equal protection clause of the Constitution (all similarly situated should be treated similarly) and pray for any of the 2 alternatives: either nullify the oath-takings already conducted for having been made in bad faith, or allow the remaining 100 to take the oath. Both, under the constitutional mantle of equal protection.

The PRC’s act of beating the TRO smacks with malice. It would come as no surprise if the CA would invalidate the oath-takings conducted before the issuance of the TRO.

We agree with Marco Antonio Sto. Tomas, vice president of the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing, that if and when the courts decide that the decision of the PRC to proceed with the oath-taking despite the unresolved issues is illegal, it would be bloodier, as licenses would be revoked. We agree with the position of Sto. Tomas that the PRC should defer all actions until the investigations are finished.

The PRC’s indifference to calls for investigation of the reported leakage and its disrespect for court processes very well reflect the culture of cheating and the tolerance for such culture now pervading in our country. Apparently, we, Filipinos, have lost our hiya and our delicadeza.

While other erring leaders of other countries would gallantly resign or, in the extreme, commit a hara kiri, all that our leaders do is pin a look of remorse on their faces, albeit unsuccessfully, and say, “Sorry…it was a lapse in judgment.”

Malacañang has opted to distance itself from the controversy. Of course, because it has no moral authority to condemn the leakage. The Secretary of Justice commented that the passers should not be deprived of becoming full-fledged nurses because not all of them benefited from the leakage. We have yet to hear him, though, assail the leakage and promise to send to court the erring officials.

By proceeding with the oath-taking, the PRC has put public health and safety at risk. It would be no wonder if local private hospitals would not accept even those who have taken their oaths. These new nurses would only end up working in the public hospitals and who else would the likely victims be but the poor?

Hospitals outside the country have maintained that they will refuse the 2006 passers any employment. It is doubtful if they would change their stand simply because these passers had managed to take their oaths and secure their licenses.

Hence, it is a loss-loss situation for both the integrity of the nursing profession in the country and the opportunities for jobs here and abroad. The PRC should have instead conducted an investigation or cooperated in any investigation made, punished the erring officials and cleaned up the system, if only to maintain the integrity not only of the nursing profession, but also of the licensure examinations of all professions in the country.

A good start would be for GMA to do more than say sorry for her “lapse in judgment.” An eradication of this culture of cheating should start with the country’s supposed leader.

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT CHIEF JUSTICE?
By Atty. Check Baluma
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

The Supreme Court is described as the ultimate bulwark of human rights and individual liberty. In these times where many controversial issues are pending for consideration by the Highest Court of the land, it is but fitting to say that the next person who will sit as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court must, just like past Chief Justices and the present Chief Justice, be a man of integrity, independence, industry and intelligence.

The position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will be vacant as soon as our present Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban reaches 70 years of age on the 7th day of December, 2006. This early, five (5) credible and equally deserving candidates are being considered for the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Samuel Krislove of the University of Minnesota in his studies on appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court entitled “ The Supreme Court in the Political Process” ( 1953, Macmillan Co.) shares:

“ How do aspiring judges come to the attention of those who are in the position to chose them? What is the route they travel through life to arrive at the ultimate rule of the Supreme Court? It is obvious from our previous discussion that part of the secret lies in being born of the proper parents and thus obtaining the proper background and ambition, though which is causative and which is derivative is problematical. Going to the proper schools, both undergraduate and graduate is also valuable. Valuable friendships with future Presidents or senators or attorneys-general are invaluable and somewhat invaluable assets which have helped many a potential judge obtain his post. And, of course, he must decide to become a lawyer.”

Our present Constitution requires that in order for one to be a member of the Supreme Court, he must be natural born-citizen of the Philippines, must at least be forty years of age, must have been for fifteen years or more a judge of a lower court or engage in the practice of law in the Philippines. Our fundamental law further requires that one must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.

The members of the Supreme Court and judges of lower courts shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least three nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for every vacancy. Such appointments need no confirmation. ( Sec. 9 , Article VII of the 1987 Constitution.)

The Judicial and Bar Council, which is under the supervision of the Supreme Court is composed of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as ex-Officio Chairman, the Secretary of Justice, a representative of Congress as ex officio Member, a representative of the Integrated Bar, a professor of law, a retired member of the Supreme Court and a representative of the private sector.

Being considered for the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are Associate Justices Reynato Puno ( May 17, 2010, retirement date), Leonardo Quisumbing ( November 6, 2009, retirement date), Consuelo Ynares-Santiago ( October 5, 2009, retirement date), Angelina Sandoval Gutierrez ( February 28, 2008, retirement date) and Antonio Carpio ( October 26, 2019, retirement date) and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Although in the past the rule of seniority was often upheld by Presidents, there is no express provision under the present law prohibiting an outsider from heading the Supreme Court. This early no less than Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales and Solicitor-General Antonio Nachura are openly declaring positive remarks for Senator Santiago.

It is beyond question that the appointment of the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is subject to the exclusive power and discretion of the President of the Philippines. The function of appointing the next Chief Justice is a big responsibility on the part of the President and for this reason, this writer is hoping for divine intervention and guidance to lead her to the right person.

Justices and Judges once appointed to the judiciary must follow certain norms in order to best serve the interest of justice. For this reason, Checkpoints is reiterating this piece:

“To paraphrase the late Chief Justice Earl Warren of the United States Supreme Court, the Justices and judges must ever realize that they have no constituency, serve no majority nor minority but serve only the public interest as they see it in accordance with their oath of office, guided only by the Constitution and their own conscience and honor.” ( Galman, et al. vs. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 72670, September 12, 1986).

Whoever is appointed as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, we as good citizens of the Philipines must respect the decision of the President, in line with principle that the rule of law must always be upheld.

THE CREEPY GLOBALIZATION: ITS IMPACT ON MIGRATION IN THE PHILIPPINE CONTEXT
(Final Part)
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard
By Yes Tirol Dumagan

We ask ourselves why do we migrate to other countries? Why is it that according to the Pulse Asia survey of 2005 one out of five Filipinos expressed their desire to migrate? According to an article titled “Globalization and Migration”: “In the last 30 years, a "culture of migration" has emerged, with millions of Filipinos eager to work abroad, despite the risks and vulnerabilities they are likely to face.”

Moreover, more recent Pulse Asia in 2005 found an increasing percentage of adult respondents â€" 26 percent in July and 33 percent in October â€" agreeing with the statement, "If it were only possible, I would migrate to another country and live there." Interest in leaving the country is not limited to adults. In a nationwide survey in 2003 of children ages 10 to 12, 47 percent reported that they wished to work abroad someday. Sixty percent of children of overseas foreign workers said they had plans to work abroad. Let me take the country’s history in terms of its migration, “Since the 1970s, the Philippines…has supplied all kinds of skilled and low-skilled workers to the world's more developed regions. As of December 2004, an estimated 8.1 million Filipinos â€" nearly 10 percent of the country's 85 million people â€" were working and/or residing in close to 200 countries and territories. “

This rate of migration is actually increasing every year so that in 2004 alone, 933,588 OFWs left the country. What would be its implications?

Simple. The citizens of our country, especially the migrants and those who expressed their interests to migrate, have lost their trust to the state being an institution that would provide basic and other essential needs to its people. The push and pull theory of migration will explain this: People moved either because social and economic forces in the place of destination impelled them to do so, or because they were attracted to places of destination by one or more social and economic factors there. In the case of the Philippines, the first premise of the theory is true: Filipinos migrate because economic forces in here in our country impelled our citizens to do so. Why do this happen? Again, the issue will run in a cyclic manner. Why can’t our own country provide us with all our needs? Simple. The reason we Filipinos developed a “culture of migration” is the very “culture of corruption” that is creeping from one generation to the next. Kaya nga tayo di umuunlad, eh. This is, I believe, the very reason why we Filipinos go the same flow to what is “fashioned”, to what is “dominant.” The reason why we now are attached to globalization so deeply that even our concept of migration has gotten to the nerves of our people â€" even compromising family and societal relationships with one another â€" is that we think that because the United States head this, and because we think that US is strong and dominant and has a stable economy in a sense, we deduced that globalization is thus essential and inevitable and is therefore good; so why not adopt it and go where the orientation is so we’ll eventually be a super-power like the US? The sad fact is that it brings no good to us, no good to me and definitely no good to my family. Yes, I concede that it brings money to the family of the migrant and to the nation as a whole in the form of remittances, but it actually don’t do us any good more than the money it can offer. As a Filipino critic said it, “All over the world, dehumanization serves the interests of the multinational capitalists who regard people as human resources…to secure a condition of perpetual servitude, poverty, and exploitation for the next generations of Filipinos.”

So what are we going to do about this? To be honest? I don’t know. It would be hard if only dots of the whole imagery are only the ones working to whatever desirable change we can think of for our country. Our main problem here as I have pointed out earlier is the incompetence of our country’s leaders in running the government. So how can we address this? Change the set of leaders we currently have? Change the system of government? Then this will be another story all together. Then let’s go more specific. The very basic problem we have right now is the incapacity of the state to literally feed all its citizen (the very reason why Filipinos migrate â€" for survival, for greener pasture). Therefore, if we see it this way, then I think the best way to address this problem is for the government to adopt reforms in their programs that would address the basic needs of the citizens. Moreover, since migration has been a trend, the government therefore should establish programs that would promote and protect the rights of the migrants. I say not just establish programs that are beautifully written in paper but I mean programs that will be properly implemented for the protection of these unsung heroes. After all, they bring pride and extra help to our nation’s economy.

Worst than Death itself!
By Fred C. Amora
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

The Fear of Dying is worst than Death itself!

Indeed it is true and I have seen its chilling effects on many people who seemed not able to accept that Death is the end of everything and no one is an exception.

*****
On All Souls Day, I had the rare opportunity of going back to my hometown and be with my childhood buddies, reminiscing the old good times we had.

I was told of the story of a smart classmate who worked as a policeman and was known as a womanizer and a good money maker.

He spent his days in a glorious blaze of wine and women, and dining till his heart’s content.

Friends told him to go slow and reminded him on the ill-effects of lechon, cigarettes and liquor.

That smart classmate simply laughs off all the admonitions and said “let’s dine and be merry for tomorrow we die.”

He sounded pragmatic and people thought the guy was indeed smart.

But later saddled with a lingering liver failure, he changed tune.

It was then that he recovered memory of his long-abandoned family, wife and children.

He started looking for them, pleading for their care and attention.

Everything he accumulated during his heydays was all disposed to cover medical expenses in a futile effort to prolong his life.

The brave front gave way as he hanged on to dear life up to the last minute; gasping for breath through a plastic tube connected to an oxygen tank by his bedside.

*****
True brave hearts put up no front when faced with death.

In 1803, Irish patriot Robert Emmet was condemned to death.

He gave this address before the court.

“I have but one request to ask at my departure from this world; it isâ€"the charity of its silence. Let no man write my epitaph....let me rest in obscurity and peace, and my tomb remain uninscribed, and my memory in oblivion, until other times and other men can do justice to my character.”

A Wireless Panglao?
By Atty. Aleck Francis Lim
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Mauritius is a country 11 times the size of Washington D.C. and has a population as many as Bohol’s 1.2 million.

What is remarkable about this small republic is that it has transformed its entire 2,040 sq km island into a wireless zone in which all tourists can now be connected with the rest of the world while having an unforgettable vacation on this tropical paradise in Indian Ocean.

This breakthrough makes Mauritius as the first country in the world with complete wireless Internet coverage.

Today, being connected to the Internet while relaxing on the beach is far more important than having an airport, that is the fact of the matter.

The Internet has revolutionized how we live, how we travel and how we do business in a globalized era.

Bohol is not an island that is almost impossible to reach. There are many doors through which the province, let alone Panglao, can easily be accessed. That is self-explanatory. So why worry of an airport?

We should instead be concerned that Panglao is not yet connected with the rest of the world. Panglao remains a remote place, technologically speaking.

How many resorts there are fully covered with wireless Internet? How many spots in Panglao that are Wi-fi zones?

Let it be known here that tourists today don’t give a damn on an airport but they care so much on being able to connect with the rest of the world with convenience and with little money to spend on communication.

Panglao can duplicate the effort of the Republic of Mauritius. Why not? Panglao is just a small island compared to Mauritius.

The effect of Mauritius’s move is that international tourists can choose to say in this tropical island longer than the usual number of days, yet can still do business and complete their work back home or back at their respective offices.

If you are a no-nonsense businessman who relies on the power of information and technology, you wouldn’t consider going to places in which you cannot be as productive as you can be in an Internet-connected place.

Softwares have afforded us the means to access and transfer files in our computer located thousands of miles in another continent from wherever we are in the planet as long as we are connected with the Internet.

If Panglao has this advantage of being a wi-fi island, I am sure that it will lure tourists to come here and have a week-long and even month-long vacation with their laptops open and running.

Who wouldn’t want to work in a dazzling paradise as beautiful as Panglao rather than stay inside a four-walled office with all the interruptions available every now and then?

The world today has a complete different meaning of what an office is. It is no longer a brick and steel prison house for those who love the great outdoor and for those who want to explore their creativity.

Many businesses are operating at the click of a computer mouse right there inside their bedrooms and right there on the roads.

Panglao has the potential of doubling its current tourist arrivals if its leaders know the secrets and trends on travel, business, and lifestyle. It is imperative to make Panglao an irresistibly attractive option for travelers.

The island should invest in information and technology instead of wallowing in seemingly endless bickering that will only leave the general public a miserable loser.

Potential target
By Atty. Aleckoy Lim
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

A news item in the Bohol Chronicle last week included my name among four probable congressional candidates for the third district. When I learned about it, I had mixed feelings.

I don’t deny the fact that all four probable candidates are serious contenders so my inclusion is something that I consider as a compliment. It means that I must be worthy to be in the same league with the three others.

Before my entry to politics, I have always believed that the elections should be a friendly contest. During the campaign, the bets argue and debate against each other. Debates and arguments are part of the democratic process.

Unfortunately, the elections in our country have sunk to the level of mudslinging and dirty tricks. This is the reason why I have mixed feelings. The mere mention of my name has opened me to the attacks of those who have an ax to grind against me.

We all know that the election season starts long before the campaign period officially begins. This early, there are already incidents where potential rivals had been subjected to bad publicity and even foul tactics.

This is sad but it does not mean that we are afraid of under-handed tactics. We know how it is to be the object of black propaganda in the past and we know how it hurts not only the target of the attack but also his family.

For this reason, we promised ourselves never to engage in such unethical and dirty campaign if ever we will engage in political activity. We do not want other people to go throw what my family and I experienced in the past.

Of course, we cannot prevent other people from doing that. Perhaps because it is their upbringing or maybe because they do not adhere to moral and ethical standards, they employ every dirty trick just to be elected to public office.

The lessons of the past made me realize the need to prepare for this. The threat comes not only from potential political rivals but also from non-politicians who will exploit the situation because it is the politicians who get the blame.

This means that I have also prepared myself with certain measures on how to deal with this. In this world, the one who runs away ends up the loser. I am not saying this because I have admitted that I am a candidate but because I need to defend myself.

One reason why many people who are good materials for public office refuse to do so is their fear for bad publicity. For me, this is a small price to pay. If you really want to make a difference in the lives of people, you will be willing to take risks.

Those who play dirty however must be aware that they should be able to take as much as they can give. By this time, I am old enough to take care of myself.

Lakers remain unbeaten with Kobe’s help

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers were able to win without Kobe. Now they’ve won with him. Kobe Bryant made his season debut with 23 points, Lamar Odom scored 28 and Los Angeles remained unbeaten with a 118-112 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Lakers won their opening two games while Bryant worked his way back from the arthroscopic surgery he had on his right knee during the offseason.

“I feel pretty good. I wasn’t thinking about the knee that much,” said Bryant, who seemed to be moving as well as usual on the court. “It’s exciting to be back. I am happy to be out on the floor.

“The timing and rhythm was off but that will come back in time. In the first half I jumped off the leg for a reverse layup. That was something I didn’t do at all last year.”

Ray Allen had 30 points and Rashard Lewis added 28 for Seattle (0-2).

Bryant played 41 minutes and went 8-of-15 from the field. He had six assists and four rebounds.

Odom made five free throws in the closing 36 seconds to help the Lakers hold off the Sonics. Luke Walton had a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds for Los Angeles.

“Having Kobe back, watching Ronny (Turiaf) come up big in the end, that was awesome. That was a lot more fun for me than having a career high in points,” Walton said.

The 28-year-old Bryant, an eight-time all-star who led the league in scoring with a 35.4 average last season, missed all the Lakers’ exhibition games this fall.

Without Bryant, Odom had 34 points and 13 rebounds in a season-opening win over Phoenix and 22 points in the second victory, against Golden State.

“The guys worked extremely hard in the offseason,” Bryant said. “To step up when we needed them at the beginning of the season is great.”

The Sonics led 102-100 with 4:55 left in the game. But Turiaf’s two free throws pulled the Lakers even, and he added a jumper for a 104-102 lead shortly afterward, and Los Angeles didn’t trail again.

Hill said. “That’s very difficult to overcome.”

He was particularly displeased that Chris Wilcox didn’t get a call late in the game.

“We were down by four with 30-something seconds left to play and we wanted to go two-for-one with a chance to win the game. Wilcox just got knocked,” Hill said. “The Lakers grabbed his arm and just knocked him on his back.

“That’s wrong and we earned the right to get a foul on that play. I just can’t believe that Wilcox didn’t get a free throw on that play.”

Allen hit a jumper, was fouled by Bryant and made the free throw to draw the Sonics even at 77-77 with 4:07 left in the third quarter. Down 33-13 nine minutes into the game, the Sonics chipped away at the lead and pulled within 50-48 with 4:44 left in the second quarter. Los Angeles led 65-56 at halftime.

NOTES:@ Bryant wore his new Lakers’ number, 24, for the first time. He had worn 8 in Los Angeles, but decided he wanted to go back to the number he wore as a high school freshman. ... The Lakers averaged 112 points in their two wins without Bryant, defeating Phoenix by eight in the season opener in Los Angeles, then beating Golden State by 12 in Oakland. ... The Sonics lost their season opener 110-106 to Portland on Wednesday. ... The Lakers still are missing F-C Kwame Brown (shoulder), C Chris Mihm (ankle) and G Aaron McKie (back).

Pacman to retire a champ
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

FILIPINO ring idol Manny Pacquiao, who battles legendary Mexican Erik “The Terrible One” Morales in what may well be a career-defining rubber match at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 18, said he wants to quit boxing when he is still a champion.

“I want to retire when I am still healthy and a champion so that I can enjoy life,” said Pacquiao answering a question on how much longer he intended to keep on fighting.

Pacquiao, the current World Boxing Council international super featherweight champion, is looking at winning the title that could come in a re-match tentatively planned for next March against WBC super featherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera.

Barrera said he was looking forward to avenging his November 2003 demolition by Pacquiao and claimed he was distracted by a number of pre-fight issues that hurt him and caused him to lose the fight.

Pacquiao has refused to talk about a Barrera re-match while in intense training for the grand finale with Morales, saying he was not looking past Morales and would only decide after the Nov. 18 showdown.

Emerging ring sensation Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, who has resumed training at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach, along with trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor, met Pacquiao and watched his workout.

“Nakita ko kanina at grabe ang kanyang condition, parang hindi napapagod sa kanyang practice,” Villamor said.

Asked what he wished for in life, Pacquiao said: “I still have many dreams in life and there are many things that I have not done because I started out as a boxer at a very young age.”

Pacquiao began his professional career when he was 16 years old and figured prominently on the weekly boxing show “Blow by Blow” promoted by Rod Nazario and Lito Mondejar.

In a message to his millions of Filipino fans, Pacquiao said: “Sana po, ipagpatuloy ninyo akong ipagdasal na sana ay manalo ulit tayo sa Nov. 18. Kayo pong lahat ay aking inspirasyon at para sa inyo ang laban na ito. Sana po, manood kayong lahat sa laban ko. Maraming salamat.”

No Halloween break for ‘BOOM-BOOM’ Bautista
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

WHILE the whole nation was celebrating All Saints and All Souls Day, the other day, there was no such thing at LA’s Wild Card Boxing Club where all the living souls were knocking off each other’s head.

A tired and sluggish Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista sweated it out for five rounds against two Mexican bangers, Alejandro Perez and Mike Franco, yesterday afternoon at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach.

The undefeated 20-year-old Bautista went two rounds with Perez and another three rounds with Franco. Both Mexicans are regulars at the Wild Card Gym and have previously sparred with Bautista in the past.

Yesterday was only the second sparring session for Bautista who is still suffering from jet lag and is oftentimes sluggish and immobile and has yet to regain his natural time clock.

After five days since their arrival in LA, the only highlight that Bautista has experienced so far is his personal meeting with the Philippine boxing icon, the fire-breathing Manny Pacquiao who was gracious enough to pose with Bautista for a souvenir picture.

When asked about Pacquiao’s present condition, Bautista’s trainer Edito ‘Ala’ Villamor said, “OK lang kami dito at saka si Manny nakita ko kanina at grabe ang kanyang condition parang hindi napapagod sa kanyang practice.”

With his clavicle injury now a thing of the past, a rejuvenated Bautista hopes to showcase his vaunted power against the veteran Giovanni Andrade of Brazil on December 2, 2006 in Tampa, Florida.

Pacquiao vs Barrera II:
The Much-Awaited Fight for 2007
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Marco Antonio Barrera, 63-4 (42), has had an excellent career, he’s been a 3-weight world champion, and he’s beaten fighters like Erik Morales, Paulie Ayala, Naseem Hamed, Johnny Tapia and Kennedy McKinney. The ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ will probably be considered the greatest Mexican fighter since the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez. Barrera has been fighting professionally for 17 years and won his first world title 11 years ago. He first won the WBO Super Bantamweight title in 1995 against Daniel Jimenez.

Then after defending his title 8 times he suffered a shocking defeat to Junior Jones and also lost the rematch. However, 2 years after loosing his title he regained it against Richie Wenton. Although 3 fights later he controversially lost it again to arch rival Erik Morales. He responded well by being the first and only man to beat the top Featherweight at the time in Naseem Hamed to capture the true World Title (Ring Magazine Belt) at the weight. After this triumph he gained revenge on Erik Morales, he then went on to beat Kevin Kelly and Johnny Tapia. At this time Barrera was considered one of the top 3 ‘P4P’ fighters in the world.

However in November 2003 Marco Antonio Barrera opted to fight Manny Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao, 42-3-2 (33), An aggressive, all action, crowd-pleasing fighter has also had an outstanding career. A professional since 1995, Pacquiao first won a WBC World title at Flyweight in 1998 against Chatchai Sasakul in Thailand. He subsequently lost this title 9 months later being stopped by Medgoen Singsurat. Pacman rebuilt himself, moved up in weight and won the IBF Super Bantamweight title in June 2001. He defended his second title 4 times before stepping up again to Featherweight to fight for the unofficial but true World Champion (The Ring Magazine Belt â€" none of the alphabet titles were at stake) against Marco Antonio Barrera.

Despite being a big favourite, over 11 rounds Barrera took a brutal beating from Pacquiao. Dropped in the third Barrera continued to take sustained beating until he was floored again in the 11th. Struggling with Pacman’s southpaw stance, power, speed, work rate and fighting through a nasty cut Barrera’s team pulled him out in 2:56 of the 11th round. His defeat to Pacquiao brought back memories to his shocking loss to Junior Jones.

Since the Pacquiao defeat Barrera has once again come back well. He moved up in weight to Super Featherweight to once again defeat Erik Morales. He’s also proved superior to all other contenders he’s faced at the weight.

Pacquiao has been a little bit erratic since he fought Barrera. In his next fight he took on the dangerous Juan Manuel Marquez and although knocking down the Mexican 3-times in the opening round, he was out boxed for the majority of the remaining 11 rounds but escaped with a controversial draw. 2 fights later he moved up in weight to Super Featherweight to take on Erik Morales. Morales controlled the fight beating Pacquiao on points over the full 12.

After these two average performances against Morales and Marquez, Pacquiao came back to prove his doubters wrong.

In the rematch Pacquiao dominated Morales and stopped the Mexican legend. Pacquiao looked awesome that night but how much of that was due to Morales’ decline is debatable.

Last time out, Pacquiao turned in another solid performance to out-point Oscar Larios.

Pacquiao next fight will be a third encounter with Morales, a fight he should win, whilst Barrera has a fight pencilled in for March 2007 against an unknown opponent. Providing both are successful next time out, the long awaited rematch should be fairly easy to make.

Who would win?
Last time Barrera could do nothing to stop Pacquiao’s 2-fisted assaults.

His speed, power, aggression and work rate just ripped through what Barrera had to offer in response.

People may point out that Barrera was much improved in his rematch with Juarez and that Barrera may do better in his rematch with Pacquiao.

However, Rocky Juarez is not in the same league as Manny Pacquiao.

Although Barrera is a still an ‘elite’ fighter he is 32 years of age and for a Super Featherweight that is old.

Can Barrera find a way to adapt his style to beat Pacquiao? A win for Barrera would be hugely impressive for his legacy and another win for Pacquiao would cement his superiority over the great Mexican’s of his time.

Editorial: Distorted priorities
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

The results of a recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed how this country has gone from bad to worse. The SWS survey said 16.9 percent of 17.4 million households experienced hunger at least once in the third quarter of the year.

This is indeed is a very alarming revelation, to put it mildly. Hunger in a country where there is so much land to till is undisputedly shameful. How a country teeming with vast resources has gone so low as to be incapable to feed its people.

Of course, the revelation did not sit well with those who feed on the carcass of the people. Administration allies immediately took a swipe at the SWS, as if discrediting the survey firm would alleviate the hunger of its people.

Not to be outdone, Malacanang immediately took the occasion to show off its concern but launching a press release barrage. How sad that instead of being taken aback by the absurdity of it all, the administration prefers to make counter-claims.

That the government is doing something about hunger, there should be no question about it. It is the government’s responsibility to do so given the huge budget that it has at its disposal.

As to whether its efforts are enough, the statistics show it does not. No amount of press statements, regardless of who issues them, can make the hungry deny the churning in their stomachs.

It is true that this is not time for finger-pointing. To blame the government for the hunger stalking the land would not do any good at this point. And yet, it is also incumbent for the government to redirect its efforts and resolve to work overtime because obviously its efforts are not enough.

Granting that the concerned agencies are working hard to solve the problem, is it already enough reason to channel precious resources elsewhere? Does this mean that the government can already fold its arms when confronted by the hungry?

What makes it obscene is that while the ranks of the hungry and the impoverished are growing by the day, the government is more preoccupied with the business of changing the charter. As though a new charter will bring food to the stomachs of its people.

If there is anything that can be said about this whole episode, it is the fact that this administration has got its priorities all wrong. While the charter no doubt needs to be changed, it is not a life-and-death situation like empty stomachs.

Granting that this administration can draft a perfect constitution (which it cannot), this would not mean anything to people who have nothing to eat.

Admin local poll bets must be Lakas member

Local administration candidates must come from the Lakas CMD party and this condition is sine qua non.”

Gov. Erico Aumentado made the clarification after his return from China as the election heat here rises to a feverish level.

“Ang candidato opisyal sa partido kinahanglan Lakas-CMD. Kon dili, walay rason nga atong gub-on ang set-up sa partido (he must be a party member and if not, there is no reason that we will break the party set-up), Aumentado clarified in an interview over radio DyRD.

The clarification was solicited as speculations spread fast that in the city, incumbent mayor Dan Neri Lim would likely get the party nomination with the backing of some Lakas stalwarts close to Pres. Arroyo.

The report grew louder as the city mayor was included in the Bohol delegation led by Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado who is the current party provincial and regional chairman.

that went to China with the president.

Adding fuel to the speculation was the omission of former city mayor Jose Torralba, who is touted as the strongest bet that would challenge Lim’s reelection bid in May 2007.

Torralba is the city party chairman for Lakas CMD.

The wild stories tell about Lim getting the nod of Arroyo as Lakas official bet for the city with Aumentado also adopting the idea. Torralba will be prodded to stay put as transportation and communication assistant secretary given the task as project manager of the multi-billion Panglao airport project.

“Kanang gi-ingon nga makasulod sa Lakas si Dan Lim tungod ni Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, dili kana mahitabo. Liberal si Atienza ug tingali adto didto siya lansar sa Atienza wing,” former city mayor Torralba said in an earlier interview.

Lim won as city mayor in 2004 as an independent candidate but he was closely identified with the Partido ng Masang Pilipino of the deposed former president Estrada.

“Daghan sa mga mayor ang KAMPI ug kinahanglan usab kini nga masusi. A Lakas member should also be a member of good standing,” the governor added.

Selecting local bets will be done through a collective decision of the provincial party directorate which will be convened soon, Aumentado said.

In cases where there are contenders that belong to the same Lakas party, a convention will likely be conducted to select the official candidate, he further clarified.

NSO stops authentication
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

Bohol may suffer another setback in its poverty reduction and employment enhancement programs.

Securing authenticated civil registry documents usually required in applying for a job is no longer available here.

IN a press statement, National Statistics Office (NSO-Bohol) head Jessamyn Anne C. Alcarazen disclosed that she is constrained to remind the public that NSO Bohol no longer accepts the filing of applications for issuance of Civil Registry System documents for the reason that there is already a new program designed to cater with this request for issuance.

It is called the Batch Request System (BREQS) available to local government units.

Unfortunately this day, only the municipality of Catigbi-an has inked a pact with the NSO for this new program. She wishes that other local government units will likewise, soon adopt the newly-introduced electronic linkage system.

Aside from BREQS, a change in the computer databases for civil registry papers at the NSO Regional Office 7 was also being effected, and it is only there the public may now quickly acquire their desired civil registration security papers generated by this program.

NSO 7 Regional Director Atty. Lilia B. Tandoc, in one of their top level conferences, had issued an order to cease acceptance of filing for Civil Registry System documents (Security Paper or simply called SECPA) here in Bohol.

Acceptance of filing of CRS issuance here was an extra-mile effort made by Provincial Statistics Officer Alcarazen, and was enjoyed by Boholano clients since she assumed office from January 2, 2004 until lately.

In an earlier interview, Alcarazen said she appealed to continue accepting the filing of these CRS documents here, but such was denied by the regional office.

NSO announced that Unisys Philippines, an affiliate of Unisys Inc., an American firm with a multi-million dollar investment around the globe, has upgraded its computer databases in the Philippines, particularly the National Statistics Office, among other clients in the country. The built-operate-transfer scheme was necessarily being adopted for this joint undertaking between the said firm and this government line agency.

NSO Bohol chief Alcarazen suggests that the public take the options because nowadays, securing such security paper (SECPA) is indispensable.

These documents are vital in taking board and bar examinations, enrolments, graduations, for passports or visa purposes, social benefit claims, mortuary claims and many others.

The stoppage of NSO authentication process here came as one dismal note for Boholanos. It runs counter to the poverty reduction, employment generation and job placement programs initiated by Gov. Erico Aumentado.

Aumentado had earlier succeeded in convincing the National Bureau of Investigation to put up a branch office here for the same purpose of providing Boholano local and overseas job applicants the convenience of securing needed documents required for employment.

Fixers are also reported operating with impunity within the premises of the NSO-Cebu regional office located at the JIF Building, along M.J Cuenco Avenue, that city.

The governor was not available as of press time to comment on this latest development concerning NSO Bohol.

Cha-cha finds hope in con-ass
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

TIME MAY be slipping away but there is no turning back from Charter change for the administration House majority bloc.

Deputy Speaker Gerry Salapuddin and Representative Mauricio Domogan (Lakas, Baguio City), vice chair of the House committee on constitutional amendments, said the House would not be swayed by critics’ claims that Charter change was dead.

Salapuddin said a caucus called by Speaker Jose de Venecia for next week would be crucial for House members in planning their strategy on convening a constituent assembly and proposing Charter amendments even without the Senate's participation.

“We may call the double loss in the (Commission on Elections) and (Supreme Court) a temporary setback, but certainly nobody loves a loser,” he said.

Salapuddin said the Charter change proponents wanted to “fast-track the process because we believe that time is not on our side.”

He added: “To say that we should scrap con-ass (constituent assembly) now is to turn our backs on our constituents who want Cha-cha (Charter change) for the betterment of our country.”

Domogan said opposition calls for the House to give up the idea of a constituent assembly “is always their song.”

“This is a crucial moment for Cha-cha and we, in the House, will show solidarity in pushing con-ass to dispel the negativism of anti-Cha-cha groups,” Domogan said.

China visit brings home P7-M state hospital funding
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

GOV. Erico Aumentado has caused the opening of a special trust account with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Tagbilaran Branch for the exclusive use of the donation.

In his letters to Jiangxi’s No.1 citizen Meng Jianzhu, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Jiangxi and chairman of the Provincial Standing Committee, outgoing Gov. Huang Zhiquan, new Gov. Wu Xinxiong and Director General Cheng Shuifeng of the Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, Aumentado thanked the officials and their people for the generous donation for “Bohol’s state hospital”.

He said the amount will be used exclusively to purchase vital medical equipment for the Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital (GMPH) in Talibon town for it “to serve the medical requirements of our people”.

“Additionally, the equipments will be housed in the P10-million building which we shall construct for the Jiangxi donation â€" and additional hospital wards therein,” he said.

“The equipments will be properly marked Donated by the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government, People’s Republic of China for identification and to perpetuate your government’s benevolence and humanitarian mission,” he stressed.

Meng was in the Philippines in September 2005. He paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang, accompanied by Special Envoy to China Carlos Chan and Aumentado.

He proceeded to Bohol where he and Aumentado signed the prelude to a sisterhood agreement at the MetroCentre Hotel. The agreement itself was signed last May in Nanchang City by Huang and Aumentado.

Strengthening ties

Aside from the bonanza for the GMPH, the Bohol governor expects a boom in tourist arrivals, investments, trade and improved agricultural and environmental practices, among others, with his signing in Nanchang on Oct. 28 the Framework Agreement Further Enhancing the Friendly Exchanges between the two provinces.

Aumentado formed part of the delegation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that visited Nanning City in Fujian province and the tourism municipality of Guilin , but included Nanchang in its itinerary as well upon the suggestion of Liwayway Group chairman Chan because Jiangxi and Bohol already have existing sisterhood ties.

President Arroyo named Chan Special Envoy to China in recognition, among others, of his efforts to promote the Philippines , particularly Bohol, in his Oishi advertisements that appear in eight major national television stations plus local stations in China.

The President earlier asked Chan to mark “ Philippines ” on his packaging of Oishi products. Chan said he will do better than that â€" on top of the “ Bohol , Philippines ” marking, he will also launch his TV ads.

DILG stops collection of local port fees

THE Department of Interior and Local Government had issued a memorandum circular stopping the collection of various fees in local ports.

Assistant DILG provincial director Louella Lucino said, the memorandum signed by Sec Ronaldo Puno was already furnished to concerned port town mayors and the Office of the Governor.

Collection of fees is seen as contrary to the visions of Pres. Arroyo in establishing his Strong Republic Nautical Highways that encourage the free flow of goods, particularly agricultural products, throughout the country.

Bohol is recipient of multi-million funds in the establishment of roll-on, roll-off ramps in ports all over the province. The province now takes pride of direct shipping routes and land travel from the province to all points in Mindanao, the Visayas and Luzon.

Traders had earlier complained about exorbitant fees allegedly collected in the ports of Loon and Tubigon.

The roro port in Tubigon reportedly collects P80 for each cargo truck and P25 for light vehicles. The collections of fees are imposed by virtue of municipal ordinances which ironically were reviewed and presumed to have been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Gov. Erico Aumentado vowed to look into the matter raised by traders and hopes to discuss it with concerned local officials.

Tourism Forum of Asia set to be here
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

RECOGNIZING the fast growing tourism sector of Bohol, the Department of Tourism (DOT) suggested to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to hold the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Sustainable Indicators in 2007 here in Tagbilaran City.

THIS is known from the letter of DOT Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano which was received by the office of Gov. Erico Aumentado after he also endorsed the Trans-Visayas Friendship Bridges to the National Economic Authority for inclusion in the Medium Term Philippine Development Program.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Sustainable Indicators in 2007 which is jointly organized by UNWTO and DOT aims to enhance the understanding, share best practices, discuss critical issues, and identify core indicators for environmental, social and cultural growth of tourism destinations.

This workshop will be valuable to local planners and tourism officials as they will gain knowledge and insights on the sustainable management of the province natural and cultural resources, Durano said in his letter.

The said event is set to be participated by local development planners, tourism officials, and representatives from non-government organizations as well as international organizations. (Jhaz/PGMA)

Governor Aumentado explains frequent travel ‘outside’ Bohol

Will Gov. Erico Aumentado be staying longer in Bohol after the failed people’s initiative which he strongly supported?

The governor gamely answered the question posed by DyRD Pulso commentator Batchoy Alba after his return from a weeklong trip to China with Pres. Arroyo.

“Makalaom ang atong mga igsoon Bol-anon nga bisan tua kita sa Manila, kanunay kita nagpahaluna sa mga kaayohan alang sa atong lalawigang Bol-anon (while we are in Manila, putting the welfare of our people always come as our priority),” he said.

“Labaw sa tanan, duna tay gipangsaligan nga mga ponoan sa lalawigan nga mag-atiman sa inadlaw (day-to-day affair) ug mga kalihokan dinhi. Kon wala ako, aduna gayoy morepresentar kanako nga magadala sa akong tingog (In my absence, I also ensure that I am represented by provincial officials that would carry my voice),” the governor added.

Aumentado, now on his second term, is visibly seen in the company of top national officials as he heads the League of Provinces of the Philippines. He also chairs the strong representation of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. In his capacity as LPP president and chairman of ULAP, he sits as member of Pres. Arroyo’s Legislative and Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), and represents the league in the board of the National Economic and Development Authority and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

“Pagkatinood, dili mang lugwa ning mga dagkong proyekto dinhi sa Bohol kon dili pa ta dool sa kusina didto sa Manila. Mga kuarta gikan sa Malacañang ug sa Department of Budget and Management, dili moabot sa ato kon maghuwat lang ta (if not of the good relations we have of those powers in Manila, funds from Malacañang and DBM won’t come to us that easy),” the governor said.

He likens officials who just sit and wait, to Juan Tapulan, who lazily waited under a guava tree for the fruit to fall into his mouth.

Upon his arrival Wednesday, he immediately made his usual provincial rounds and visited the towns of Valencia, Batuan, Sevilla and Ubay.

The governor made clear that he welcomes criticism being part and hazard of those in public service. He said he understand the role of media being a former hard-hitting journalist himself.

Crime prevention via student peace councils
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

THE concept is fairly simple: reduce the venues for criminality and the crime incidence necessarily goes down.

USING this as an epitome of a larger reality, the local government of Loboc undertakes a trailblazing program in coordination with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and the Assumption College of Manila in an outreach that would soon make this town’s schools a haven for peace and order.

This it does by enlisting the existing student governments and councils to take on the job as peace councils and operate a cell where students become vigilant of what is happening especially inside the school campus.

Mayor Leon Calipusan, during the launching of the pilot project which Napolcom Director of Police Records and Management General Edgardo Acuña, Commissioner Bernardo Calibo and Director Myrna Medina and Assumption College’s Director for Plans Research and Development Marietta Biliran personally attended, was all agog when he spoke before police chiefs assembled at the Joventino A Digal complex where a police upgrading seminar was one of the activities.

In his message, the police general who broke tradition by coming to the level of the rank and file in the country’s elitist police organization cited the local government of Loboc for really going the mile in making peace and order initiatives possible here in this small town becoming a hub of tourism activities in central Bohol.

Loboc PNP acting police chief SPO4 Antonio Gujelde was also overheard saying that the project definitely makes the town a better tourism venue since even the students would now be cop’s partners in law enforcement as well.(rachiu/PIA)

DOLE gives grants to people’s organization
November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

A TOTAL of P 106,920 worth of checks was distributed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as grant to 2 People’s Organizations (PO) here in the province.

The beneficiaries of this grant were Songculan Guso Farmers’ Association (SOGUFA) receiving P 56,000 and Gihugpong Ubujanong Gagmayng Mananagat (GUGMA) receiving P 50,920.

DOLE-7 Regional Director Elias Cayanong, Bureau of Rural Workers Director Alex Maraan, DOLE-Bohol head Wilson Cenas and Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo, Jr who represents Gov. Erico Aumentado turn-over the said checks to SOGUFA president Juanito Obispo and to GUGMA president Servando Toledo last October 30, 2006 at the Governor’s Office.

This said grant is part of the Promotion of Rural Employment through Self Employment and Entrepreneurship Development Program of DOLE where POs registered under Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and DOLE can apply as DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner (ACP).

The said amounts of checks represent only 50% of the total grant as the remaining 50% will be released after evaluation of the projects implemented by the respective POs.(Jhaz/PGMA)

P283-M funding offered at Bohol Poverty Fair 2006
By: BRUCE EGT. ZABALA

THE Bohol Poverty Fair, a marketplace of poverty reduction initiatives, held from October 30-31, 2006 at the Bohol Cultural Center turned out a big success with P283 million offer coming from funding donor agencies.

Of the submitted 230 project proposals 154 were met with positive results or 66.95652 or 67% were considered by donor agencies and participating financing institutions. Talking in figures there was P283,304,800.00 considered for funding.

Topping the list of considered proposals with the highest value was LGU Lila, with a record 17 out of the 18 proposals considered of which 16 projects are for technical assistance and 1 project for funding valued at P34,500,000 and P123,500 (which was also the lowest priced among all proposed projects) respectively or a total of P34,623,500.

Also topping the list among the most number of proposals submitted was LGU Getafe with 21 proposals however only 8 were taken and valued at P11,932,897.00.

Other LGUs may have lesser number of proposals taken by donors but were equally just as happy since these had a 100% reception of their proposals. These are LGUs Anda (1 project for funding and technical assistance valued at P1.5M), Calape (9 projects for funding and technical assistance valued at P13.304 M), Candijay (3 projects for funding and technical assistance valued at P3.5M), Carmen (1 project for funding and technical assistance valued at P2.694361M), Cortes (2 project for funding and technical assistance valued at P0.45M), Dagohoy (1 project for funding and technical assistance valued at P7.629854M), Dauis (6 projects for funding and technical assistance valued at P8.2725M), Inabanga (6 valued at P18.890M), Jagna (8 projects for funding and technical assistance valued at P11.923015M), Loay (1 project for funding and technical assistance valued at P3.1M), Loboc (5 projects for funding and technical assistance valued at P10.1735M), Mabini (1 project for funding and technical assistance valued at P8.60626M), Panglao (2 projects, 1 for funding and 1 for technical assistance valued at P3.065M), Pilar (13 projects, 8 for funding and 5 for technical assistance valued at P13.39531M), Sierra Bullones (4 projects, 1 for funding and 3 for technical assistance valued at P7.1M), and the capital, Tagbilaran City (with surprisingly only 1 project for technical assistance valued at P4M).

Among the LGUs who failed to take in donors were LGUs Balilihan, Catigbian, Dimiao, President Garcia as well as the LGUs Alicia and Guindulman who were absent during the Poverty Fair.

The funding of these projects are grants as what had been in the past but have to be counter-parted by the LGUs as the viable system of financing promoted and patterned after the Kilos-Asenso Initiative or the unique counter-parting, a brainchild of Gov. Erico B. Aumentado. Bohol has proven its resiliency to combat poverty in the creation of the Poverty Reduction and Management Office (BPRMO) now ably headed by Antonieto “Boy” Pernia.

This initiative by the Provincial Government of Bohol through the PPDO under Atty. Juanito Cambangay, is aimed to sensitize the donor agencies to the poverty situation in the province and to gain commitment and support from the probable donors for poverty projects proposed by the LGUs. - November 5, 2006 The Bohol Standard

AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor moves to protect Talomo River

MANILA, Jan. 13 (PNA) -- Four kilometers (km) of the Talomo River will now be under the protection of run-of-river hydropower company, Hedcor, Inc. in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Barangay Mintal, Davao City.

The move is Hedcor’s way of reinforcing its support of the Adopt-a-River Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Talomo River is the source of water for Hedcor's longest-running Talomo Hydropower facilities in Davao, with a combined installed capacity of 4.47 megawatts.

Hedcor vowed to work with the local government of Barangay Mintal for the conservation and development of the river to improve its water quality.

To fulfill its commitment, Hedcor will continue its regular clean-up activities and its Information Education Campaign on the importance of riverbank stabilization and river protection.

Also, Hedcor will participate in community mobilization activities of DENR and the LGU to solicit the community participation and support for the program and ultimately provide a healthy, clean, and safe environment.

"Aside from tree planting, they also do river clean-up drives and other environmental activities. Because of this, I am more than thankful to Hedcor. Davao City is truly blessed to have this company. They do more of what is required -- they are more than compliant, unlike other companies," said DENR-EMB Region XI Regional Director Metodio U. Turbella.

In 2013, Hedcor also adopted a 31-km stretch of Sibulan River in Davao del Sur. (PNA)

ARMM's security sector vows support to council for protection of Lake Lanao

COTABATO CITY, Jan. 13 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is assured of support from the security sector in its efforts to protect the majestic Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur, officials said Friday.

The inland body of water propels electric plants that supply three-fourths of Mindanao's electricity needs.

An inter-agency Watershed Management Council (WMC) formed in Cagayan de Oro City after a two-day workshop that ended Friday. Participants include representatives from the Lanao del Sur provincial government, from different law enforcement agencies and the military.

The workshop was meant to ensure coordinated efforts on how to improve the security of the lake and address issues surrounding it.

Chief Supt. Theodore Sindac, police regional director for ARMM, said the police will provide all necessary manpower and logistics to assist the council and ensure environmental protection efforts.

Lanao del Sur Governor Soraya Alonto-Adiong, council chairperson, told reporters the primary motive of the council is to complement the national government efforts to make Mindanao investment friendly with sufficient power supply, a major requirement of investors in putting their capital for investments.

The management of Lake Lanao as primary source of energy in mainland Mindanao remains in the national government and was never devolved to ARMM after the regional government was crated in 1990.

Forester Kahal Kedtag, DENR-ARMM regional, said DENR-Lanao del Sur provincial office will support all the council's programs and activities. (PNA)

New Zealand to join global movement against plastic microbeads

WELLINGTON, Jan. 16 (PNA/Xinhua) -- New Zealand is set to ban environmentally damaging plastic microbeads in personal care products, Environment Minister Nick Smith said Monday.

The use of plastic microbeads in products like facial cleansers and toothpaste made no sense when biodegradable alternatives like apricot kernels and ground nuts products could achieve the same results, Smith said in a statement.

"The problem with plastic microbeads is that they are too small to retrieve or recycle, they do not biodegrade, and that they are mistaken by marine life as food causing long-term damage to aquatic animals like fish and mussels," said Smith.

About 100 varieties of personal care products in New Zealand contained plastic microbeads, pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in diameter, most of them imported.

They included products such as deodorant, shampoo, hair conditioner, shower gel, lipstick, hair coloring, shaving cream, sunscreen, insect repellent, anti-wrinkle cream, moisturizers, hair spray, facial masks, baby care products, eye shadow and mascara.

It was estimated that more than 10,000 tons of plastic microbeads were used globally each year.

The initiative was part of a global push to reduce the amount of plastic accumulating in the oceans, the proposed New Zealand ban paralleled similar initiatives in the United States, Britain, Canada, the European Union and Australia.

"New Zealand is a small consumer of plastic microbead products by international comparison, but this initiative is important for maintaining New Zealand's good name in marine stewardship," said Smith.

The proposed ban would take effect on July 1, 2018.

Scientists welcomed the proposed ban, saying further steps were needed to prevent other forms of plastic contamination.

"Microplastics are of concern as they are widespread in oceans and have been found in an increasing number of marine animals," Sally Gaw of the University of Canterbury Department of Chemistry said in a statement.

"We need to re-evaluate our love affair with plastic, and get smarter about how and when we use plastic if we are to protect our oceans."

"We are behind the rest of the world as many countries have already banned these products." Associate Professor Mary Sewell of Auckland University's School of Biological Sciences, said in a statement. (PNA/Xinhua)

Dangerous Global Phenomenon: 2016 threatens to be hottest year of the century

MOSCOW, Jan. 16 (PNA/Sputnik) -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data revealed that 2016 was the second warmest year ever in record in the US. Most likely, the past 365 days will become the warmest in the last 120 years, at least, that is what the preliminary evidence suggests.

A record year

The impact of 2016 began on January 30 when in the Russian capital, Moscow, broke temperature records since 1989 when temperatures hit + 2.6 ° C (36.68° F).

Each subsequent month broke the previous months’ records with July being the warmest in the history of meteorological observations.

Such changing climatic phenomenon was seen not just in Moscow but throughout the world.

In the fall of 2016, the trend continued as temperatures were abnormally warm around the globe. September 2016 was the hottest month in Europe since 1910.

The continent of Africa fell a little short of breaking its previous record, with September 2016 being a little cooler than it was in 2015, when the temperature broke records held since 1910.

At the North Pole in the end of December temperatures hovered around zero degrees, about 20 degrees above the norm.

The growth of ice cover which normally continuously increases in autumn, suddenly slowed from October to November for the first time in 40 years of satellite observations.

In November, the ice at the North Pole covered 9.08 million square kilometersâ€" 800 thousand square kilometers less than the previous low in 2006.

Greenhouse effect warms the planet

In 2015, the global concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere exceeded 400 parts per million (scientists call it ppm â€" parts per million) for the first time ever.

The 400 ppm is psychologically an important mark because according to scientists a “safe” concentration of CO2 is considered to be 350 ppm. Many experts believe that exceeding this value causes climatic disasters.

While CO2 is the most known greenhouse gas methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), fluorine-containing gases and water vapor also are greenhouse gases. Together, they create a transparent blanket that wraps the Earth and prevents solar heat from dissipating into space.

The main source of carbon dioxide gas is fossil fuels. The combustion of coal, oil, and gas releases huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.The more greenhouse gases there are in the atmosphere, the more the plant heats up. If the temperature changes just 1-2 degrees the consequences could be disastrous.

Some catastrophic changes may include warmer water in the oceans which melt glaciers and as a result, increased sea levels would cause flooding for coastal and low-lying areas.

Desert and arid regions will become even less uninhabitable. However, other regions will also suffer and according to some estimates, if temperatures rise at the same rate as now, by 2050, the Earth will lose some 15% to 37% of its animal and plant species.

Dangerous limits

Global rising temperatures have occurred for more than half a century. In 2016, temperatures exceeded 1.5 ° C (34.7° F) above the pre-industrial era.

In the Paris Agreement, signed by representatives from nearly a hundred countries, global average temperatures were agreed to be kept “well below” 2 ° C (35.6 ° F) and limited to rising 1.5 ° C (34.7° F).

However, the document does not stipulate what sanctions await those who do not abide by the agreements.

Nevertheless, even if all the countries which signed the Paris Agreement dramatically reduce emissions, the planet will not immediately cool down. According to the scientists, temperatures in the 21st century will continue to grow regardless.

However, the world is pushing for the “global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.” The agreement has been described as an incentive for and the driver of fossil fuel divestment.

According to some reports, the Paris deal is the world's first comprehensive climate agreement. (PNA/Sputnik)

Environment dept makes final plea to Laguna Lake pen owners to demolish fish cages

MANILA, Jan. 14 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued its final appeal to operators of fish pens and cages at the Laguna de Bay to demolish them themselves before the department begins a massive operation this month to clear the lake of illegal structures.

National Anti-Environmental Crime Task Force (NAECTF) head, Arturo Valdez, said the DENR is still giving the operators a chance to save the enclosure materials of their pens and cages.

“Once we begin the operation, all assets affected by our dismantling activities will be confiscated in favor of the government,” said Valdez, who is in charge of the dismantling operation, along with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and concerned local government units.

The operation is in line with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to dismantle big fish pens and cages in Laguna Lake to allow small fishermen to gain access to traditional fishing grounds.

"That is the presidential instruction after all, and the DENR is dead set on implementing it unless of course a new directive from no less than President Duterte is given," Valdez said, advising those seeking to stop the planned dismantling to direct their appeal not to the DENR, but "to the President instead”.

According to the DENR official, some operators have already voluntarily dismantled their facilities as early as last month, allowing them to keep their assets, especially the fish stock that they were still able to sell in the market.

Valdez said the DENR and the LLDA are currently mapping out a "phase-by-phase approach" for the clearing operation.

He added that all aquaculture facilities in the lake area will be covered by the dismantling operation since the permits given to operators already expired last Dec. 31 and will no longer be renewed by the DENR.

"We have imposed a total moratorium on the renewal of permits (starting Jan. 1 this year). This means the pens and cages can be dismantled anytime," Valdez said.

“The dismantling of fish pens (and cages) is not simple. There are posts there (and nets), that is why it is better for the owners to dismantle it themselves. You take care of your materials, those are expensive after all."

He pointed out that the only way to save the country's largest lake and give access to small fishermen is to dismantle all illegal structures in it.

He said these structures also obstruct the natural flow of water, which is necessary to cleanse the lake of pollutants from households and industries, as well as the chemical components of fish feeds.

Valdez said the demolition of illegal structures at the Laguna Lake is part of an overall plan to save the water body from further ecological destruction.

Another key component of the Laguna Lake rehabilitation plan is to stop the discharge of pollutants from industrial and domestic sources, and sedimentation and siltation from degraded watershed surrounding the lake.

The rehabilitation plan also includes reconfiguring the sewage systems of lakeside communities and reforesting surrounding mountains. (PNA)

Henan: Chinese New Year loses its bang for cleaner air

ZHENGZHOU, Jan. 16 (PNA/Xinhua) -- People in central China's Henan province are likely to miss out on the fun of ushering in the Chinese New Year with a bang -- the noise of exploding firecrackers. The benefit? Cleaner air.

The province, like many others in northern China, fell victim to frequent bouts of toxic smog this winter, and has created an office to combat environmental pollution.

Director Tao Ye told Xinhua that the office had issued a directive to expand the existing firecracker ban in cities to all county-level towns for the upcoming Spring Festival.

Tao said that when firecrackers explode, they produce a large number of pollutants, such as dust, pushing the PM 10 levels to 1000 micrograms per cu. meter, and PM 2.5 levels to 400-500 micrograms per cu. meter.

PM 2.5 refers to floating particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, and is a commonly cited smog pollution index. The particles carry harmful chemicals that can penetrate the lungs.

While emissions from heavy industries, coal-fired boilers, cars, and the burning of biofuels are considered the main causes of rising smog in northern China, intensive firecracker blasts can cause pollutant density to shoot up in a short time.

Tao said that last year, pollution levels were "beyond index" during Spring Festival, and it should not happen again.

"So this year, all county governments have signed a pledge with us to completely ban selling and using firecrackers at all times," he said.

Setting off firecrackers is a centuries-old tradition in China during the new year. Blasts can be heard day and night as people believe the noise will drive away bad spirits and bring good luck. (PNA/Xinhua)

Bicol rain forecast eases but landslide threats remain
By Catherine J. Teves

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- Landslide threats continue in Bicol Region even if dissipation of the low pressure area (LPA) east-northeast of Eastern Samar province's Borongan City already eased prospects for moderate to occasionally heavy rains.

The LPA dissipated around 8 a.m. Monday but Bicol can still experience light rains due to the northeast monsoon or "amihan", said weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio from State-run Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

"Such rains can result in landslides there," he said.

Aurelio noted Bicol's soil may be already soaked in several days' rain, making conditions there favorable for landslides.

Onslaught of light "amihan", rains can be the trigger for such landslides, he continued.

According to PAGASA, the annual "amihan" starts over Siberia as cold, dry air mass which gathers moisture while traveling across Pacific Ocean towards the Philippines.

PAGASA said "amihan" affects the Philippines' eastern portions from October to late March.

"Amihan" is characterized by “widespread” cloudiness with rains or showers.

In its weather advisory 5 released Monday, PAGASA said landslides and flash floods are possible in Palawan province, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.

It warned about such possibilities, forecasting for those areas moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

The tail-end of a cold front can bring such rains and cloudiness there. (PNA)
LGI/CJT/EDS

CDO-based 4th ID deploys 200 new troops to support community dev't programs

MANILA, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- The Cagayan De Oro-based 4th Infantry Division formally deployed Saturday 200 newly-trained troopers in its various units now conducting community support programs in CARAGA and Northern Mindanao.

Deployment ceremonies took place at the 4th Infantry Division Grandstand At Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, of the above-mentioned locality.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said deployment of these troops in community support programs is inline with Development Support and Security Plan "Kapayapaan".

A ceremonial entrustment of firearms was graced by the different local chief executives (LCEs) representing the two regions as a symbol of the conferment of trust to the new soldiers.

"The LCEs endowed in them the responsibility to carry firearms as they perform their mandate to protect the people and secure the communities against any threat," Martinez added.

4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, in his message, told the new troops to fulfill their commitment of protecting the people and the communities they are tasked to serve.

"I hope that you perform well and carry out the professionalism of a Filipino soldier. Always remember to maintain our discipline at all times. We must not violate human rights and we must not abuse the authority given to us. The firearms that are entrusted to you are from the entire Filipino people whom we have pledged to serve. Do your job and do what is right," he added. (PNA)

Pioneering Filipino Medical Program launched in New Jersey

MANILA, Jan. 14 (PNA) -- A pioneering Filipino Medical Program was recently launched at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday said.

Kyung Hee Choi, Vice President for Asian Health Services of Holy Name Medical Center and Filipino Medical Program Officer Veronica Lavarro, said the program catered to the most prevalent health conditions among Filipinos such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney and gall bladder illnesses, and hypertension, among others.

The program provides Filipino patients with facilities for health screenings, access to Filipino television programs such as The Filipino Channel, Philippine magazines and reading materials, and Philippine food in the hospital menu for in-patients such as porridge (lugaw, arroz caldo) and adobo. Filipino language materials are available for those who have difficulty reading and understanding English.

Lavarro said that if the program is successful, they are optimistic that it will be replicated in other medical and health institutions and help promote a healthier lifestyle among the Filipino-American Community.

Philippine Consul General to New York Theresa Dizon-de Vega met with officials of the Holy Name Medical Center to discuss the program and further collaborations on wellness, health, and lifestyle issues affecting Filipinos and Filipino-Americans.

De Vega reaffirmed the Consulate General’s support for the program and its assistance in raising awareness of its unique services for the Filipino Community.

She noted that there was a need for greater information dissemination as Filipinos, like the greater Asian-American Community, were generally hesitant to seek available health and human services when based overseas.

During the facility visit de Vega had the opportunity to converse with a Filipino-American patient who had availed of the program’s services.

The Consulate General and the Filipino Medical Program will undertake further collaborative work in reaching out to the Filipino-American community in addressing health concerns, particularly during Human Services Day held every March. (PNA)
RMA/SFM-PR

House committee OKs bill creating National Sports Training Center

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- The House committee on youth and sports development has approved a measure which seeks to create a National Sports Training Center in the Philippines to provide the best possible training opportunities for national athletes to excel in international competitions.

According to the unnumbered substitute bill known as “National Sports Training Act”, the proposed training center will be located at the Clark Green City within the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) in Pampanga.

Compostela Valley Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga said the present training centers being used by national athletes are outdated and in poor condition.

The establishment of the sports complex is in line with the policies of the State to: promote and develop elite sports in the country; achieve excellence in the international sports competitions; ensure success in its quest for Olympic medals; and promote international amity among nations.

Upon completion of the construction of sports facilities and amenities of the National Sports Training Center, the PSC will gain ownership of the training center.

The 50-hectare complex will serve as the official home of the national athletes who belong to the 32 Olympic sports and other non-Olympic sports.

These are aquatic, archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, billiards and snookers, BMX and cycling, bowling, boxing, chess, dancesport, equestrian, fencing, football, futsal, handball, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, muay thai, pencak silat, petanque, rugby, shooting, softball, soft tennis, squash, table tennis, taekwando, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.

The sports complex shall also have facilities and amenities for the administration building, dormitory for athletes, coaches and referees, sports and science building, dining hall, recreation hall, sports library, conference rooms, worship/medication room and medical and dental clinic.

The amount necessary for the establishment and construction of the National Sports Training Center, including its annual maintenance and operation and management, shall be included in the budget of the PSC in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). (PNA)

Taguig aims for better environment, healthier lifestyle through urban farming

MANILA, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- Taguig City, which prides itself as Metro Manila’s “ProbinSyudad,” continues to implement programs which aim to retain aspects of agricultural life amidst its rapid ascent as one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

The rapidly developing city, home of the Bonifacio Global City and the ARCA South business districts, has managed to retain 202 hectares of agricultural land used for cultivation of melon, rice and high-value crops like kinchay. City Agriculture Office head Emelita Solis said this size of agricultural land is still economically functional despite the inevitable conversion of land into residential, commercial, and industrial uses characteristic of highly urbanized cities.

Mayor Lani Cayetano said the city government intends to preserve at least 25 hectares of agricultural land. To achieve this goal, the city government is aggressively promoting urban farming and gardening. This goal is not prompted by nostalgia for an agricultural past, but for pragmatic reasons. The city government views urban farming not only as a source of income for its residents but as a way to promote a better environment and a healthier lifestyle.

The city’s urban gardening program favors organic farming where pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones are not used on crops. Organically grown products are better for the environment and for a person’s health.

The City Agriculture Office conducts lectures, seminars and trainings regarding urban farming and gardening. It also provides technical assistance including distribution of free vegetable seeds.

The showcase of the city government’s urban gardening program is the “Taguig Urban Farm” in Tipas Elementary School which hosts a vegetable garden and small concrete fish pens for growing tilapia and catfish fingerlings.

To encourage residents to create their own “urban farms,” the City Agriculture Office held the first Gulayan Contest for Women last December 19, 2016.

The competition was divided into two categories: home-based category, which is for backyard vegetable gardens and container gardens, and community-based category which is for all barangays with community vegetable gardens.

For the home-based category, the first prize was awarded to Epifania DC. Tagacay from Brgy. South Signal Village. Second prize was given to Joy Wininah F. Caoile from Brgy. Central Signal Village; third prize was given to Corazon L. Echano from Brgy. New Lower Bicutan and Jocelyn T. Remolete from North Daang Hari got the fourth prize.

The first prize of the community-based category was won by Carla Bernal’s team of Brgy. San Miguel; the second prize was awarded to Gina R. Gentallan’s team of Brgy. Calzada; Susan M. Benavidez’s team of Brgy. Bagumbayan bagged the third prize and Madelyn Bataller’s team of Brgy. Western Bicutan won the fourth prize. All winners received cash prizes.

The competition focused on women or mothers who prepare meals in their homes, and therefore are expected to feed their children with nutritious food. (PNA)

Palace urges Catholic faithful for cooperation to ensure peaceful Sinulog Festival

MANILA, Jan 15 (PNA) -- Malacañan called on the Catholic faithful to cooperate with the authorities in ensuring a peaceful celebration of the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

“Ang mensahe po ng Malacañang sa mga pupunta po sa Sinulog, sa Pit Señor, ay makipag-cooperate po tayo sa ating kapulisan para sa maayos na selebrasyon,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, January 15.

“Alam po natin na ito po ay pinupuntahan ng libu-libo kundi milyong tao at ang ating gusto pong mangyari ay at the end of the day, maayos po at peaceful ‘yung celebration,” he added.

The Palace official noted the religiosity of the Filipinos who call for help upon Sto. Niño, especially when faced with major challenges.

"We are a very faithful country at number one po ang Diyos sa puso ng karamihan. For majority of the Filipinos, we draw our strength from the Sto. Niño. Minsan pag wala na po tayong makakapitan, do’n po tayo sa simbahan pupunta, magdadasal and this really is another religious event na talagang hindi pwede nating palampasin na ganun-ganon lang,” Andanar said.

“We’re all praying for everyone’s safety,” he added.

Andanar meanwhile said President Duterte will not be attending the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

He said that instead, the Philippines will be represented by its Ambassador.

“Ang representative po ng Pilipinas sa Trump inaugural ay ang head of mission or ‘yung Ambassador po ng Pilipinas to the United States of America. Customarily, ang head of mission po talaga or ‘yung Ambassador ang representative ng ating bansa,” Andanar explained.

“Because this is totally a domestic event, mga Amerikano po talaga ang nandiyan para i-celebrate ‘yung inauguration,” he added. (PNA)

DOJ to lead task force vs illegal online gaming, anomalies in STL ops

MANILA, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday said it will lead the task force that would crack down on illegal online gaming casinos and will also go after tax liabilities of small town lottery (STL).

This was bared by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered him to investigate non-payment or underpayment of taxes in STL operations nationwide and run after those who are liable for these activities.

Aguirre said the President wants to get a higher percentage of revenues from STL, a numbers game meant to curb the illegal 'jueteng' after finding out that only 10 to 15 percent of the total revenues are remitted to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) during the previous administration.

He noted that the government loses billions in revenues in these STL operations and President Duterte wants to make sure that all collections will be remitted to PCSO because he wants to use these STL proceeds to fund free medicines for the people.

"Kasi gusto niya, diyan siya kumuha ng pang-gamot na ibibigay niya ng libre sa mga mamamayang Pilipino," he told reporters said in recent press briefing.

As mandated by its charter, the PCSO is the primary government agency tasked with "raising and providing for funds for health programs, medical assistance and services and charities of national character." It sets aside 30 percent of its revenues for a charity fund for health programs and charities.

The Task Force is headed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea which would empower the task force to look into allegations that these online gaming casinos from economic zones have been depriving the government trillion of pesos in lost revenues annually based on President Duterte’s estimates.

”The task force created more than two months ago, consisting of (Executive Secretary Salvador) Medialdea, (Finance) Sec. Sonny Dominguez met with PCSO officials on how to increase the its income from Small Town Lottery. The IRR was issued increasing the minimum remittance of the STL operators, resulting to unprecedented high collections in the first few months of operations under Dutere administration,” he explained.

Aguirre admitted that his assignment was already given by President Duterte few months ago, but was only delayed because he focused on illegal online gaming operations following the raid on illegal online casino of Chinese gaming mogul Jack Lam in Clark Field, Pampanga.

His assignment on STL was further sidestepped by the controversy involving alleged PHP50-million extortion by Bureau of Immigration officials on Lam for the release of 1,316 illegal Chinese workers arrested in Lam's Fontana Leisure Park and Casino last November.

Aguirre said former police chief superintendent Wally Sombero, who supposedly served as Lam's middleman, was actually a resource person of the DOJ on the STL issue.

The PCSO earlier said it is set to release stricter implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for STL operations to finally put an end to jueteng.

There are only 18 authorized agent corporations all over the country accredited for STL operations. (PNA)

MHC urges Trump to support immigrant rights
By Ben Cal

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (PNA) â€"- Citing the unique contributions by immigrants that enabled America to become a great country, the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), a US-based nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization run by Filipino immigrants, has urged US President-elect Donald Trump to take three actions supporting immigration issues and racial diversity.

“America is great because it is powered by immigrants,” MHC Executive Director Arnedo S. Valera said in an e-mail to this writer referring to Trump’s campaign theme to “Make America Great Again.”

Trump will formally take his oath as the 45th President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2017, replacing outgoing President Barrack Obama.

Valera and MHC Co-Executive Directors Jesse Gatchalian and Grace Valera extended their congratulations to Trump.

The MHC officials appealed to the incoming US President to support three current immigration issues, as follows:

1) Comprehensive immigration reform. In 2013, a bipartisan bill addressing both legal and illegal immigration passed in the Senate, but fell short in the House of Representatives.

“We need to fix our broken immigration system through legislation, to make immigration rights a part of the nation’s laws,” Valera stressed. “Executive actions on immigration reform are a temporary solution because they can be discontinued by the next President.”

2) Re-authorization of the executive actions made during President Barack Obama’s administration, if comprehensive immigration reform is not doable in the 115th US Congress.

Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), over 700,000 undocumented minors, brought to the US before age 16 and raised and educated in America, were granted lawful stay and work permits. They now face the possibility of deportation.

“Filipinos and Hispanics who availed themselves of this program have sought me and other lawyers,” said Attorney Valera, adding that “they are understandably scared, having risked getting out of the shadows and entering the nation’s data system. Because of DACA, they have a job and hope for a brighter tomorrow, but all of it could vanish in an instant.”

3) Extension of the executive action on parole visa of surviving Filipino and Filipino American World War II veterans. Under this Obama executive action, Philippine-based single adults and married sons and daughters of surviving veterans with approved petitions are no longer under the quota system. Once their parole visas are approved, they can immediately enter the US with their families, as well as obtain work permits once here.

“We are hopeful in this regard, because family reunification is very much in line with American values,” Valera added.

Although as a candidate Trump had vowed to “build a wall” to prevent immigrants from illegally entering the country, as president-elect he toned down some of his statements regarding some 11 million undocumented, including minors who, brought into the country without official documentation, were raised as Americans and educated here. Many American families have immigrant roots. Valera noted Trump’s grandparents came to the US from Germany in search of a better life.

As immigrant lawyer, Valera remarks: “We are encouraged by the statements Trump made after his election. Campaigning is over, it is time to govern. It is time to move forward and embrace the future with optimism and confidence.”

Immigrants’ contributions

Valera noted that through the years, immigrants have made major achievements in promoting democracy, civil rights, the economy, science, the arts and other fields, contributing to America’s unique stature in the world.

In addition, Valera cited Allied victory in World War II that saw Asians, among them Filipinos and also Japanese Americans, fighting valiantly side by side with American troopers.

Another factor he cited was the great sacrifice from 1864 to 1869, Chinese laborers helped build the America’s first transcontinental railroad.

Since 1906 winners of the prestigious international Nobel Prize, 30 percent are immigrants, and one of them, Albert Einstein, was a refugee, who was famous of his Theory of Relativity.”

“Many innovators and entrepreneurs of recent life-transforming and life-saving technology are immigrants,” Valera pointed out. “Indeed, we are a nation of immigrants, and we are blessed as a great and diverse nation.” (PNA)

Pres. Duterte pressed to sign EO against smoking in public places

MANILA, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- The New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) on Sunday urged President Rodrigo R. Duterte to also address the issue on cigarette smoking after its six months of war on illegal drugs.

"It is imperative for Duterte to also take strides in stopping more and more Filipinos from getting addicted to smoking cigarettes,” said NVAP president Emer Rojas.

Rojas said that first-time smokers turn into chain smokers because tobacco is addictive.

"Nearly 17.3 million Filipinos are currently addicted to smoking already," the cancer survivor who admitted that he used to be a chain smoker.

He said it is high time that this kind of addiction be curbed by the government in a similar way that it endeavors to stop the drug menace.

In comparison, he said that while illegal drugs can cause heart disease, respiratory issues, and liver disease among others, similarly avoidable illnesses can also be caused by cigarette smoking.

He noted that some of the smoking-related diseases are lung cancer, heart ailments, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, tuberculosis, and stroke.

In stopping that, he said the best way to do that was to convince Duterte to finally sign the Executive Order (EO) that will prohibit smoking in all public places.

"We really need to stop the premature death of Filipinos due to tobacco addiction. Like any other addiction, this must be reduced or totally prevented," said Rojas.

Data shows that almost 10 Filipinos die every hour due to smoking-related diseases.

"We are calling on President Duterte to finally make a stand for Filipinos against the perennial lies of the tobacco companies by signing the much-awaited EO for a smoke-free Philippines," he said.

He said that since it is an open knowledge that Duterte suffers Buerger’s disease, an ailment attributed to smoking where blood does not freely flow in extremities like fingers and feet.

"We should stop listening to the lies propagated by tobacco poster advertisements that cigarette smoking is cool and instead make a firm stand on protecting public health against cigarette smoking as well as second-hand smoke," added Rojas.

Under the EO, the government is expected to impose a ban on smoking in all public spaces, including parks, bus stations, inside vehicles, and even in designated indoor smoking areas such as in airport lounges and restaurants.

Smokers are only allowed to puff outside of buildings in public places away from people.

In October, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial bared that Duterte was set to sign the EO banning smoking in public places.

Currently, the Health chief said the draft EO is already with the Office of the President and awaiting his signature the soonest.(PNA)
JBP/LSJ

Professionals, students urged to join AFP reservist programs

MANILA, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- As the Armed Forces of the Philippines goes beyond its traditional role of defending the nation against internal and external threats, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Sunday urged professionals and students alike to join the various military reservist programs.

The AFP chief's call came in wake of the promotion of 11 senior officers in the Reservist Corps where six senior colonels were promoted to the rank of brigadier general and five lieutenant colonels promoted a step higher to colonel on Friday.

“The AFP regards highly the role that the Reservists play in the accomplishment of its mission. They are not simply force multipliers; they are important component and partners in various non-lethal military operations and activities. It is admirable that, despite the fact that they receive no compensation and leaves the practice of their professions for the period that they serve the AFP, they remain committed, dependable, and ready to be deployed to serve on call with due notice," Año added.

“These are the qualities of citizen army that the country needs especially in this stage of our country at the threshold of change. We need professionals who shall put premium on national interest and well-being," he further said.

These attributes of prospective reservists are not easy to come by but not impossible to find. Hence, the call to serve the nation from among the citizenry to be commissioned as Officers or be enlisted in the Reservist Corps.

“The preservation of the state is an obligation of every citizen. The AFP believes that military reservist programs are good training platforms and opportunities for our citizens, particularly the youth to prepare them in a shared role in nationhood and nation building,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

The AFP Reserve Command (AFPRESCOM) is one of the military’s major support commands established for the sole purpose of Reserve Force management, procurement, and organization.

Founded in 1993, the AFPRESCOM’s major task is to train potential military reservists through different training courses.

The AFPRESCOM’s enlistment is through the Military Orientation Training Course (MOTC) and the Basic Citizens Military Training (BCMT).

Reserve Officers on the other hand are directly commissioned based on AFP Policy Circular 30. Those who are commissioned through this method subsequently undergo an Officer Orientation Program.

Elected officials and Presidential Appointees also undergo commissioning to the AFP’s reserve force through AFP Circular Number 03. Incumbent politicians such as Davao City Mayor and Presidential Daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, Senator Manny Paquiao, and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista (who was among those promoted to Colonel) are among notable Reserve Officers of the AFP.

The AFPRESCOM’s recruitment is supported by the Reserve Commands of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy. All of which are also conducting training programs and courses for potential AFP Reservists.

“At present, the AFP has a total of 385,116-strong Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine reservists. Of which, 78,735 are Ready Reserve or on constant alert and training, 292, 427 are Standby Reserve or the base for expansion, support and augmentation for the Ready Reserve, and 13,954 are Affiliated Reserve,” Arevalo said.

The AFP is also keen on supporting the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and its drive to instill discipline among the youth.

Currently, there are 1,520,704 ROTC cadets in the Philippines. There are 1,258,32 Army ROTC cadets, 831,520 from the Air Force, and 563,352 from the Navy.

“The AFP actively supports the ROTC Program that promotes nationalism and patriotism among the youth. It develops their sense of willingness to render active military and civic duties, during peacetime and national emergency,” Arevalo stated.

“We need to train men and women physically, mentally, and psychologically, by instilling discipline and nurturing the values of nationalism and patriotism making them ready to take on the challenge of being in the forefront of nationhood and national well-being,” he added. (PNA)

Pres. Duterte can declare martial law but can't stop SC, Congress review

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- Senate Pres. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Monday said Pres. Rodrigo Duterte was right when he said that "no one -- even the Supreme Court or Congress" could stop him from declaring martial law in the country.

However, Pimentel also said the Supreme Court and Congress could not also be stopped from reviewing the declaration.

"…Even the Supreme Court can’t stop him (Pres. Duterte) from declaring but he cannot stop the review of the declaration. Legally speaking, everything he said is correct," Pimentel told reporters in an interview.

Pimentel assured that there was nothing to worry about Pres. Duterte's pronouncements as they were legally correct and found in the 1987 Constitution.

"Don’t worry, the statement that the President has his own power (to declare martial law) is found in the Constitution and all the other safeguards are found in the Constitution. Don't worry too much about that legally correct statement of the President," he added.

He also said that everything the President does should conform to the requirements of the Constitution but pointed out that the declaration of martial law has not even been done yet.

"It has not been done yet so we are really discussing a hypothetical situation and if the question is can the President declare martial law on his own and the answer is yes," the Senate President said.

Sen. Leila de Lima, in a separate interview, said that there would be no need for pronouncements of declaring martial law, especially if the country’s situation in terms of illegal drug trade is improving.

"If their campaign against illegal drugs is really successful and has improved our situation, why does the President keep floating the idea of imposing martial law?” De Lima said.

She said that the all-out-war against illegal drugs under the administration of Pres. Duterte should make it unnecessary for such declaration.

"Is our situation improving in terms of the drug crackdown or is it getting worse? Because if it is improving what is the necessity for martial law?" she added.

Under the martial law regime in the Philippines, which was imposed by the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in Sept. 21, 1972, several human rights abuses including torture and killing were cited in various reports.

The Constitution, however, safeguards the institution from a repeat of martial law regime. Martial law is limited in duration and effects, even if contemplated by a president.

Section 18 of Article VII of the current Constitution states that the President should submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law.

The Congress may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President.

Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may also extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion should persist and public safety requires it.

The Congress within 24 hours following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without any need of a call.

The Supreme Court may also review the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ or the extension thereof, and must promulgate its decision thereon within 30 days from its filing. (PNA) JBP/ANP and Jake M. Castillo (OJT)

6,000 participants to attend World Apostolic Congress on Mercy 4

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- An estimated 6,000 participants are expected to attend the 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM 4), which officially started on Monday.

According to Rev. Fr. Prospero Tenorio, WACOM-Asia Secretary General, local and international delegates are set to join the five-day event to be held in Manila, Batangas, Bulacan and Bataan.

He noted that the projected figure is so far the biggest number of attendees compared to the first three events.

"Kung babalikan natin yung WACOM 1, 2 and 3, batay dun sa bilang ay malalagpasan natin yung mga bilang ng nakaraan. 'Yung last (2014) medyo mahina dahil medyo malayo (ang venue), in Bogota, Colombia nasa less than 2,000 yun eh. Ang pinaka marami yung Rome, nasa 3,000 plus, less than 4,000 during the 1st WACOM in 2008. Ang second WACOM ay sa Poland, less than 3,000 din. Pero ngayon right now, figures natin baka tayo umabot ng 6,000," Tenorio said at the sidelines of the press conference held on Monday at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) in Intramuros, Manila.

He added that the most number of local participants are from the Archdiocese of Davao, numbering to 300.<=H"Ang Davao ang pinakamarami na aattend sa local. Maaari kasi sa katatapos lamang last year ng Philippine Apostolic Congress sa kanila kaya siguro kuwan pa, maganda experience kaya ganun na lamang siguro ang naging tugon," the WACOM 4 official explained.

Asked if he sees the response of Davao, given that President Rodrigo Duterte is from the said province, as a positive sign, he said, "Siguro magiging positive 'yan in the sense na sila mismo from Davao, andaming dadalo sa WACOM."

As for international participants they would be coming from 40 countries namely: US, Italy, France, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia where the biggest number of attendees in Asia would come from.

"US, Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, Rome, France ang pinaka madami sa Asia, Malaysia and Indonesia," he added.

Tenorio said that each diocese are shouldering the expenses of their respective events.

"Sa una nagoffer ang Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines nagoffer natulungan kaya lang kanya kanya diocese may mga responsilbities kaya kung sino na lang involved na diocese ang talaga nagsikap makaipon ng pondo," he added.

The Churches where the 4th WACOM will be held are: Manila Cathedral (January 16, 2016), University of Santo Tomas (January 17), National Shrine of Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas (January 18), National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in the Diocese of Malolos (January 19) and in the Diocese of Balanga (January 20).

The theme for this year's event is “Communion in Mercy; Mission for Mercy”, aims to accelerate the culture of mercy in the Church and in the world.

WACOM is an international gathering of Divine Mercy devotees and promoters such as bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters and the laity. (PNA)

TESDA, PCCI to sign MOA for employment generation, poverty alleviation
By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata

MANILA, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) are set to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday (January 17), targeting poverty alleviation in the Philippines.

TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong on Sunday said such MOA would contribute to enterprises’ productivity and sustainability, as well as to employment generation and poverty reduction.

The agency reiterated that one of its tasks is to give high quality technical education and skills development to help the country produce world-class skilled Filipino workers.

The PCCI, on the other hand, targets to provide focused advocacy for business growth and sustainable development through providing enterprise services for the advancement of grassroots entrepreneurship, chamber development, international trade relations, business innovation, excellence and operation efficiency.

TESDA said that under the MOA, both parties shall promote and facilitate Dual Training System (DTS), and assist business chambers, industry, trade associations and enterprises in the promotion of Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.

Mamondiong, PCCI President George Barcelon, TESDA Deputy Director General Rebecca Calzado and PCCI Human Resources Development Foundation, Inc. President Alfredo Fenix, Jr. will sign the MOA, TESDA said. (PNA)

Task Force Haribon: Launching of ASEAN Summit 2017 incident-free

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- Sunday's launching of the Philippines' chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit 2017 in Davao City was concluded without any hitch.

This was disclosed by Joint Task Force Haribon head Brig. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay in a statement Monday.

"On our initial assessment, the Launching of the Philippines' Chairmanship of ASEAN 2017 in Davao City was a resounding success," he said.

"Our security preparations indeed paid off -- we have achieved Task Group Site Davao's goal of 'Zero Incident'. It was also a good venue in showcasing Davao City as a safe and secure place for all tourists, visitors and guests," Gapay stressed.

Around 2,000 officers and enlisted personnel of Joint Task Force Haribon were deployed to secure Sunday's event.

It consists of troops and equipment coming from Air Force, Navy and Army.

It also includes explosive ordnance disposal teams, K-9 units, medical teams and quick reaction forces.

Other military assets deployed were armored vehicles, helicopters, ambulances and military trucks necessary in case of emergency. (PNA)

Senate bill seeks free movies for senior citizens nationwide

MANILA, Jan 15 (PNA) -- A bill has been filed in the Senate seeking to give free movie privileges to senior citizens across the Philippines.

Under Senate Bill No. 1265 or the Senior Citizens Free Movie Privilege Act, Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian wants all cinemas to allow citizens 60 years or older to get a free movie pass once per week.

Gatchalian said that cinema owners and operators will enter into an agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide this privilege.

His measure also stated that cinemas will be given the preference to make specific schedules as to the day and time when seniors may avail of the privilege.

They may also extend the privilege to additional days depending on their respective corporate social responsibility programs.

The neophyte senator meanwhile pointed out that several cities and municipalities across the country have already implemented a similar policy.

He described this measure as “a simple token in recognition” of the importance of senior citizens in the society.

"In gratitude for everything our senior citizens have done for their families and for our country, they deserve this additional source of joy and leisure during the tranquil autumn of their lives," Gatchalian said. (PNA)

President Duterte asks Filipinos to show nationalism by fighting graft

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte said Filipinos can stop graft and corruption in government by being patriotic and that it is time to fight abuses in government.

In a speech during the 49th Annual Installation of the Board of Trustees and Officer of the the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. on Saturday, the President reiterated his pledge of zero corruption in government under his watch.

"Dito sa graft and corruption, alam mo kayo lang ang makahinto niyan, hindi ako. Kayo lang talaga. The Filipino guy must be assertive," the President told Davao City businessmen during the event in Marco Polo Hotel.

"Do not be afraid of government employees even the military and the pulis if you are right. That is what I guarantee you now," he added noting that if Filipinos want to help the government they have six years to do it.

The public, he said, must be assertive in dealing with government agencies whether in applying for land certificates or clearing packages at the Bureau of Customs.

Only the people can effectively combat graft and corruption because as president, he said, he cannot micromanage everything.

"Anyway I think that we should have a respite from corruption. Ngayon, if you want your country really to grow, ayaw ko ng away," he said.

The President also mentioned his war on drugs, adding that after meeting the country's mayors last week, he is arranging to meet the governors next week to warn them about getting involved in the drug trade. He vowed to eliminate illegal drugs in the country under his term.

Telling criminals and drug dealers how the ongoing deadly crackdown will stop, the President said: "Drop your guns if you are a terrorist; drop the shabu tonight and tomorrow it will be heaven."

The President also reported about recent Mindanao bombings involving the Maute group, saying all suspects have been accounted for. One of the suspects, he announced is the son of a Cotabato mayor, who is now detained in Malaysia.

There is good working relations with Malaysia and Indonesia in tackling cross border security and terrorism, he said.

He also said he gave the approval to other countries' navies to enter Philippine waters during pursuit operations.

President Duterte also discussed the ongoing peace process particularly with the communist rebels and Muslim separatists.

At the same time, he told Davao City businessmen that he has brilliant people in his cabinet helping him move the country forward. While he ensures peace and security, the cabinet members work on improving the economy and uplifting the lives of the people, he said. (PNA)

No basis to declare martial law -- Recto

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- Amid pronouncements of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte that no one could stop him from declaring martial law, Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto on Monday said that there was “no basis” to do so.

“There is no basis to declare martial law. Rebellion has been tamed. No foreign army is steaming towards our shores to invade us,” Recto said in a statement.

“The problems we face today do not require the calling in of the army. We do not burn the house down to kill a few rats,” he added.

He said that at present, the biggest problems the country needs to face are joblessness, hunger, poor social services, which he said could not be suppressed by the armed forces.

Recto explained that there was no need to declare martial law because it would only show the international community how “unstable” the Philippines is.

“At a time when we project stability to reel in tourists and investors, a martial law declaration will show the opposite, of how unstable we are,” he further said.

Pres. Duterte on Saturday said that no one -- including the Supreme Court and Congress -- could stop him from declaring martial law if that is the only way to “preserve” the country.

Recto, however, said that the President’s assertion that the declaration of martial law is a unilateral act of the chief executive has “no legal leg to stand on.”

“The Constitution, which the President had sworn to uphold in his oath of office, empowers Congress to revoke it, to cite one of many safeguards,” Recto said.

“It is also subject to Supreme Court review, and if to last more than 60 days, to congressional concurrence,” he added.

The senator, meanwhile, said that the country should know by now that the President’s pronouncement is only part of his “oratorical repertoire.”

“This thing about martial law should be filed under outlandish threats like riding a Jetski to the Spratlys, or feeding the fish of Manila Bay with bodies of salvage victims,” he added.

Under the martial law regime in the Philippines, which was imposed by the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in Sept. 21, 1972, several human rights abuses including torture and killing were cited in various reports.

The 1987 Constitution safeguards the institution from a repeat of martial law regime. Martial law is limited in duration and effects, even if contemplated by a president.

Meanwhile, Sen. Pres. Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon, for his part, urged the administration under Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to be more prudent in making public statements particularly on declaring lartial law.

"We call on the administration to exercise prudence in making public statements that are very disturbing and could create undue fear and tension in the country," Drilon said.

The senator stressed that the 1987 Constitution only allows the declaration of martial law, upon the concurrence of two requisites -- when there is actual invasion or rebellion and when public safety requires it.

"The truth is, mere talk of martial law is enough to send chills to the spine of any Filipino. Therefore, it is something that should not be taken lightly," he added.(PNA)

Probe sought on Comelec voters' database leak

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- A measure was filed in the Senate on Monday seeking a probe on the current state of the voters’ database in the custody of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that was reportedly hacked March last year.

Under Senate Resolution No. 260, Sen. Leila de Lima, chair of the Senate electoral reforms committee, sought for an investigation into the Comelec data leaks which allegedly affected 55 million registered voters in the last elections.

The measure is meant to preserve the sanctity and integrity of the entire electoral process starting with the protection of the voters’ registration procedure and all pertinent information.

It also aims to assure that Filipinos’ right of suffrage is free of all threats and malicious interventions from any foreign or domestic sources.

De Lima said that the extent of its damage not only on its voters’ database but also on the integrity of the ordinary people’s personal information should be looked into.

“The rising number of Internet vigilantes who tamper with our people’s right to privacy should be everyone’s cause for worry. The need to preserve the right to privacy should be paramount,” De Lima said.

She explained personal information should be guarded against “unlawful access and manipulation, fraudulent misuse, authorized usage, unlawful destruction, alteration, interference with, and contamination.”

“There is no denying that the Comelec data breach that occurred is indeed unacceptable, and that those responsible should be fully prosecuted and punished, whether they are foreign or domestic actors,” she added.

In its 35-page decision last December 28, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said Comelec violated Sections 11, 20, and 21 of the Data Privacy Act when it failed to protect the privacy of the voters’ data in its role as “personal information controller”.

The ruling also recommended the criminal prosecution of Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista for failing to ensure the privacy of the voters’ database.

Hackers group, Anonymous Philippines, hacked the website of the Comelec and defaced its contents last March 27, 2016.

Another group, LulzSec Pilipinas, leaked online millions of voter registration data, including names, addresses, and birthdays, among others. (PNA) JBP/ANP and Jake M. Castillo (OJT)

Gov't. ready to sign supplemental agreement on CARHRIHL
By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- The government is ready to sign other agreements with the National Democratic Front (NDF) while discussion on contents and provisions of major substantive agenda is ongoing when peace talks resume in Rome, Italy this week.

Chief peace negotiator Silvestre Bello III said the government is all set to sign a supplemental agreement on the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which will include an expanded role of the Joint Monitoring Committee.

“We are prepared to sign other agreements while we are discussing contents and provisions of the major substantive agenda,” Bello said in a statement.

“And we are challenging the NDF to formalize the unilateral ceasefire with a bilateral ceasefire agreement to give our communities and combatants a more secure environment for the peace process,” Bello added.

The third round of talks will start on Thursday (January 19) and ends on January 25.

Bello is confident that the Rome talks will result in major breakthroughs.

Bello also said that the panel will submit Monday to President Rodrigo Duterte the draft documents that will be tabled for discussion in Rome.

“We are all set and ready to engage the NDF in the discussion of all substantive agenda including supplemental agreements needed to proceed and arrive at a peaceful negotiated political settlement to end the armed conflict in the country,” Bello further said.

The government panel will pay a courtesy call to the President in Malacañang tonight.

Among the documents to be submitted to the President are draft agreements and principles for the comprehensive agreement on socio-economic reforms (CASER), comprehensive agreement on political and constitutional reforms, and comprehensive agreement on end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

“We are doing this in the spirit of true reconciliation and genuine quest for just and lasting peace,” he explained.

The main group of government delegation leaves for Rome Tuesday.

Peace negotiations with the NDF were resumed in August 2016 after more than five years of impasse following the election of President Duterte.

In the August round when the negotiations were reopened, both panels agreed to reaffirm all previous signed agreements and reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and release of NDF leaders and members.

In the second round also in Oslo, Norway, negotiators exchanged outlines and agreed to accelerate the negotiations.

The government is confident it can strike a peace deal with the communist-led NDF, which counts among its member organization the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army. (PNA)
FPV/SFM

DOTr upbeat on new Philippines-Indonesia shipping route


MANILA, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to open a new shipping route from the Philippines to Indonesia in an effort to improve connectivity and boost international trade.

The new Davao-General Santos-Bitung, Indonesia shipping route is expected to ferry goods by three days as opposed to the current three to five weeks shipping time via the Manila-Bitung route.

It is expected to generate savings of up to USD1,500 (PHP75,000) per twenty foot equivalent unit (TEU) creating revenue for local businessmen and the government.

The opening of a shorter sea linkage is expected to strengthen trade relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, as well as stimulate other areas of developments such as foreign investments and tourism. It is also seen to strengthen the development of the Mindanao region.

Mindanao products such as fresh fruits, poultry, meat, coffee blends, fishing supplies, and synthetics were identified for export to Indonesia. On the other hand, Bitung, acity on the northern coast of Sulawesi known for rich marine life, will import coconut, copra, corn, high value crops, soya products, coffee beans, sugar, cement, and charcoal.

“Having a shipping route such as this is crucial for any maritime region. Sea linkage will strengthen our economies and our partnerships in other areas of development. And it will also improve the quality of life of our people because local businessmen and traders will directly benefit from this,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

A task force comprising of the DOTr, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, and other concerned agencies has been formed to ensure the smooth delivery of the project. Members of the task force will be going to Bitung next week to check on port readiness and other compliance concerns. It is also encouraging private companies to use the service.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo were invited to the formal opening of the shipping route in Davao City on April 28.

Asian Marine Transport Corporation will be providing a weekly shipping schedule with a vessel capacity of 100 TEU. Other vessel operators are seen to express interest in the route resulting to a sustained growth on its demand.

The Davao â€" GenSan â€" Bitung route is one of the three ASEAN RORO priority routes identified in the JICA Feasibility Study on the Establishment of an ASEAN RORO Shipping Network that was adopted by the 25th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting in 2013. The other two routes are the Dumai â€" Malacca route and the Belawan â€" Penang â€" Phuket route.

The establishment of efficient and reliable shipping routes including the ASEAN RORO is one of the maritime initiatives under the roadmap towards an integrated and competitive maritime transport in ASEAN and maritime transport-related measures under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint, Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and Brunei Action Plan 2011-2015 (BAP) and the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025 (KLTSP). (PNA)

PHL officially launches ASEAN 2017 hosting
By Kris Crismundo

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 15 (PNA) -- The Philippine government has officially launched its chairmanship of 2017 ASEAN Summit at the SMX Davao Convention Center in Davao City Sunday.

The launching was led by President Rodrigo Duterte.

It was attended by members of the Cabinet and the members of the diplomatic corps.

Former presidents Fidel Ramos and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were also in the event.

In his keynote speech, President Duterte has highlighted this year’s summit theme: Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.

“In this journey, I call on all ASEAN member-states to re-dedicate themselves and commit anew to the principles and purposes behind the establishment of our association, adherence to the rule of law,” he said.

He also asked Filipinos to partner with the government during this year’s chairmanship.

“In this journey, I call on all Filipinos to take an active and constructive part during the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN. Now more than ever, it is our spirit of our ‘bayanihan’ that helps define us as a responsible leader of our region during this crucial time,” the Chief Executive stressed.

“This is a tremendous task, but one that is not unachievable. Indeed, as chair, the Philippines has important leadership to play. But we’ll recognize the success is defined by the collective work of our nation and the ASEAN’s entire membership,” President Duterte added.

During the launching, the government also launched the commemorative coin and stamp for the country’s chairmanship of 2017 ASEAN Summit that also coincides with the association’s 50th year anniversary.

The Office of ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs has earlier said that there will be more than 100 ASEAN meetings that will be held in the Philippines this year.

Two of these are leaders-level summits that will be attended by the heads of states of the 10 ASEAN member-nations and dialogue partners; 15 ministerial meetings; 31 senior officials meetings; and more than 60 working group meetings.

These meetings will take place in different locations nationwide including Metro Manila, Laoag, Pampanga, Legazpi, Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan De Oro, and Davao. (PNA)

Pacquiao says terrorists should be punished with death penalty

MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- Senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao on Monday said terrorists should be penalized with death penalty.

This was stressed by Pacquiao in his speech during the celebration of the 38th anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Intelligence Group in Camp Crame, Quezon City where he was guest of honor.

Paquiao said Senate Bill No. 186, which imposes death penalty for terrorism and other heinous crimes, would be a big help in the PNP's anti-crime drive.

He added it is now time to restore the death penalty because criminals, especially the terrorists, seem to have nothing to fear anymore.

The senator said the terrorism has four reasons such as hatred, katuwaan (just for fun), opposition to the government and religion.

Nevertheless, Pacquiao said the crime of terrorism is not only against some individuals, but rather, against mankind.

Hence, he said, everybody should unite against terror threats. (PNA)