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Palace receives resignation letter of VP Robredo

MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- The Office of Executive Secretary (OES) received on Monday the official resignation letter of Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo.

Robredo stepped down as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) after she has been directed by President Rodrigo Duterte to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings.

"Your directive for me to ‘desist from attending all Cabinet meetings’ has effectively made it impossible for me to do my job. Remaining in your Cabinet has become untenable," Robredo said in her resignation letter to which copy has been distributed to the Malacanang media.

"With due respect, I am tendering my resignation as HUDCC Chairperson effective immediately," she added.

Robredo, who ran and won under Liberal Party of former President Benigno Aquino III last May 9 elections, said she decided to accept the offer to head HUDCC given her and President Duterte’s “shared commitment to the poor and marginalized.”

"I have exerted all effort to put aside our differences, maintain a professional working relationship, and work effectively despite the constraints because the Filipino people deserve no less," she said in her resignation letter received by the OES at 9:01 a.m.

Last Sunday, Robredo came out with a press statement, announcing her plan to submit her resignation to the President the following day.

Robredo claimed she received a text message last Saturday from Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr. relaying the President’s instruction through Special Assistant to the President Bong Go for her to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting Dec. 5.

Robredo clarified that since she assumed HUDCC post, she has been consistent in opposing several issues such as burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and reinstating death penalty.

The Vice President, however, promised to support the positive initiatives of the administration and oppose "those that are inimical to the people’s interest."

The Palace wished the Vice President to continue her unhampered service to the nation despite her decision to quit her Cabinet post.

"The Vice President has served our people for many years in various capacities and we wish her to continue this unhampered service to the nation to the best of her abilities," said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar in a press statement last Sunday.

Andanar said ‘recent events’ showed the differences between President Duterte and the Vice President "as becoming irreconcilable and public." (PNA)

Palace wishes VP Robredo to continue unhampered service to nation
By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) â€" Malacanang on Sunday wished Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo to continue her unhampered service to the nation despite her decision to tender resignation as member of the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte.

”The Vice President has served our people for many years in various capacities and we wish her to continue this unhampered service to the nation to the best of her abilities,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar in a press statement.

Robredo announced on Sunday that she will tender resignation as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) on Monday.

Andanar said the Palace has yet to receive the official letter of resignation of Robredo.

He said ‘recent events’ showed the differences between President Duterte and the Vice President “as becoming irreconcilable and public.”

”A member of the Cabinet enjoys the full trust and confidence of the President for he or she acts as the President’s alter ego. Having said this, the President entrusted the Vice President, whom we all know came from a rival political party, a position in his official family in deference to the wishes of our people who want both leaders to work together and succeed,” Andanar explained.

”As a Cabinet member, the Vice President is expected to be a team player where differences in policies and issues are discussed during Cabinet meetings. The President in turn respects any decision agreed upon by his Cabinet,” he added.

In her press statement, Robredo said she received a text message last Saturday from Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr. relaying the President’s instruction through Special Assistant to the President Bong Go for her to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting Dec. 5.

Robredo clarified that since she assumed HUDCC post, she has been consistent in opposing several issues such as burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and reinstating death penalty.

”This is the last straw, because it makes it impossible for me to perform my duties. Hence, I am tendering my resignation from the Cabinet on Monday, December 5, 2016,” she said.

The Vice President, however, promised to support the positive initiatives of the administration and oppose “those that are inimical to the people’s interest.” (PNA)

CA confirms 4 Cabinet members, 4 envoys

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed on Wednesday the ad interim appointments of four Cabinet members of President Rodrigo Duterte and four ambassadors.

The newly-confirmed four Cabinet secretaries include Rodolfo Salalima of Department of Information and Communications Technology; Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo of Tourism; Fortunato T. Dela Pena of Science and Technology; and, Ernesto Pernia of Socio-Economic Planning and National Economic Development Authority.

On the other hand, the four ambassadors are Jose C. Laurel V to Japan, Uriel Norman Robles Garibay to Kenya, Jose Santiago Sta. Romana to South Korea and Mongolia, and Shirley Ho-Vicario to Nigeria.

Aside from his Kenya post, Garibay will have concurrent jurisdiction over Burundi, Comoros, Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan; and as permanent representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat).

Vicario will also have concurrent jurisdiction over Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cote D’lvoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabonese Republic, Gambia, Ghana, Republic of Guniea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togolese.

Meanwhile, the CA rescheduled the deliberations of the ad interim appointment of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Jean Rusell-Ubial upon request of Rep. Harry Roque.

"Secretary Ubial’s appointment was not tackled because congressman Harry Roque has opposition," House Majority Leader Rodolfo Albano III said in media interview. Roque was absent.

During the CA committee on transportation and communications deliberations, Salalima allayed fears that his appointment as first DICT secretary would have conflict of interest considering he previously handled high position in the Globe Telecommunication Company.

"I’m a lawyer. I’m cognizant of the law. I took my oath before the President. Rest assured that I will do my best to comply with my responsibility as head of the DICT. My employer now is the government and the Filipino people," Salalima, schoolmate of President Rodrigo Duterte at San Beda College of Law, said.

Salalima vowed to work for the construction of more cell sites particularly in the countryside to meet the demands of more than 64 million mobile phone users in the country.

He also promised to address the internet speed by proposing a national broadband plan where government plans to invest Php75 billion in the next two to three years.

On the part of Teo, the DOT lady secretary denied a blind item alleging that she asked for two pairs of designer shoes, shopping privileges and 150 tickets for a musical from a big shopping mall.

"It is not me. Honestly, I can face you all. I am not aware of this and definitely, it is not me in the Department of Tourism," Teo said, assuring that her office is investigating the allegation.

During the panel deliberations, Teo also assured that the DOT is on track of meeting six million foreign tourists target by year end.

Teo also promised to address the concerns aired by Congressman Joel Mayo Alamario and Sen. Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV regarding the lack tourist destination signage throughout the country.

Aquino also suggested to put up DOT-accredited rest rooms in the strategic places frequently visited by the local and foreign tourists.

On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto praised the appointment of Pernia, describing him as the right choice of President Duterte to manage the country’s economy under the 10-point socio-economic agenda.

"And on this, I can say, without any reservation, Mr. President, that there is no more qualified person to draft the roadmap than the esteemed Dr. Pernia, a first- rate intellectual and a patriot first-class,” Recto said.

All the nominees have been confirmed by the CA without opposition both at the committee and plenary deliberations.

Meanwhile, the CA accepted the appointment of Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as its new member. (PNA)

PHL, Pakistan execs pledge to enhance economic cooperation

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Manila and Islamabad executives have pledged to work on broadening and diversifying the economic cooperation between the Philippines and Pakistan, with both sides expressing interest in enhancing agriculture, defense, information technology (IT) and pharmaceuticals.

In a meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Pakistani Ambassador to Manila Safdar Hayat said pharmaceutical firms in Pakistan want to invest in the Philippines, while other companies have expressed interest in exploring areas for cooperation on technology transfer, in fruit processing and IT, where the Philippines has greater expertise.

“My efforts from the very beginning have been to concentrate on enhancing trade between the two countries,” Hayat said.

Hayat said Pakistan is also interested in exporting rice along with weapons, tanks, aircraft and submarines to the Philippines.

Pakistan, he said, could export textiles to, and import chemicals and manufactured goods from, the Philippines.

Dominguez agreed with Hayat on the need to improve economic relations between their countries and raised the possibility of importing Basmati rice from Pakistan when the government lifts the quantitative restrictions on the grain next year.

Both officials agreed that the first meeting of the Joint Economic Commission tentatively set in April next year would be a mutually beneficial "starting point" for improved trade relations between the two countries, along with the conduct of trade delegations between the two sides.

The governments of Pakistan and the Philippines have ratified the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission on Aug. 17, 2009 to further promote increased trade and investments between the two countries.

“We’ll certainly participate. That will be a good start,” Dominguez said when informed by Hayat about the joint commission meeting.

Hayat also sought Dominguez’s support in inviting Philippine business leaders to the event as part of continuing efforts between the two sides to improve bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

Bilateral trade between Islamabad and Manila remain at a narrow base, with the Philippines’ exports to Pakistan totaling USD61.3 million, and imports amounting to USD55.7 million as of 2014.

The country’s top exports to Pakistan include corn, vehicles and vehicle parts, cigarette paper, malt extract and processed fruits and nuts.

The Philippines, in turn, imports packaged medicaments, refined petroleum, alcohol, raw tobacco, non-retail pure cotton yarn, and textiles, among other items, from Pakistan.

Dominguez informed Hayat that the Philippines’ Department of Defense is interested in importing weapons from Pakistan, which has a robust and advanced defense industry.

“I spoke with the (Pakistani) Minister of Defense and my understanding is that the defense industry in Pakistan is very advanced, and that maybe we should look at purchasing military equipment from them and he said that he definitely would look at it,” Dominguez said.

“I spoke right away with (Defense Secretary Delfin) Lorenzana. He says the equipment in the Pakistan Defense Ministry is very good,” Dominguez added.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on Sept. 8, 1949, with the Philippines opening a consulate in Karachi.

During the visit of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to Manila in 2005, he and then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Combating Terrorism and Certain Other Crimes, which was envisioned to facilitate sustained security and intelligence coordination and cooperation in disrupting terrorist and transnational concerns and crimes. (PNA)

Muaythai, cheerleading get IOC provisional recognition
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has granted provisional recognition for a period of three years to the international federations of muay thai and cheerleading during the IOC Executive Board Meeting held on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) at the Lausanne Palace Hotel in Switzerland.

The International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) and the International Cheer Union (ICU) were among the 16 International Federations which applied.

The IFMA and ICU will be eligible to get IOC development programme funding.

Ski mountaineering received full recognition in the IOC meeting held during the 2016 Rio Olympics while the flying disc was included in Malaysia last year.

Meanwhile, the IOC Executive Board also gave its nod to the inclusion of dance sport, karate and sport climbing to the calendar of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Summer Youth Olympic Games now has 31 sports.

Dance sport will have the men’s, women’s and mixed team breakdancing events; karate will feature three kumite events in the boys and girls divisions while sport climbing will have three disciplines namely lead, bouldering and speed for both men and women. (PNA)

Saudi King urges world powers to stop bloodshed in Syria

MANAMA, Dec. 7 (PNA/Sputnik) -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud called on the international community on Tuesday to multiply the joint efforts to stop the bloodshed in Syria.

Al Saud said at the opening of the 37th summit of the Cooperation Council of Arab Gulf states in Bahrain that world powers have to preserve the unity and the integrity of Syria.

"We are all hurt by…what is the result of the crisis in Syria, by the fact that the Syrian people are suffering from the carnage and misery, [it is] what obliges the intentional community to stop the bloodshed and find a political solution that would guarantee the advance in security and stability, and to preserve the unity and the integrity of the Syrian land."

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting the Syrian opposition groups striving to overthrow President Bashar Assad. At the same time, Damascus has to counter numerous extremist groups, in particular, Daesh, which is outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

King Salman also stressed the necessity of joint actions of the Gulf States to manage crises, strengthen security and ensure stability in the Persian Gulf region,

"Those crises that our region faces demand from all of us [Arab States of the Gulf] joint work to counter them and to address them with full responsibility, as well as to make efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability in the region for our states’ and peoples’ development and prosperity," King Salman said at the opening ceremony of the 37th summit of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) in Bahrain's capital.

On Saturday, local media reported that the monarch had left for a tour across the Persian Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. (PNA/Sputnik)Saudi King urges world powers to stop bloodshed in Syria

MANAMA, Dec. 7 (PNA/Sputnik) -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud called on the international community on Tuesday to multiply the joint efforts to stop the bloodshed in Syria.

Al Saud said at the opening of the 37th summit of the Cooperation Council of Arab Gulf states in Bahrain that world powers have to preserve the unity and the integrity of Syria.

"We are all hurt by…what is the result of the crisis in Syria, by the fact that the Syrian people are suffering from the carnage and misery, [it is] what obliges the intentional community to stop the bloodshed and find a political solution that would guarantee the advance in security and stability, and to preserve the unity and the integrity of the Syrian land."

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting the Syrian opposition groups striving to overthrow President Bashar Assad. At the same time, Damascus has to counter numerous extremist groups, in particular, Daesh, which is outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

King Salman also stressed the necessity of joint actions of the Gulf States to manage crises, strengthen security and ensure stability in the Persian Gulf region,

"Those crises that our region faces demand from all of us [Arab States of the Gulf] joint work to counter them and to address them with full responsibility, as well as to make efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability in the region for our states’ and peoples’ development and prosperity," King Salman said at the opening ceremony of the 37th summit of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) in Bahrain's capital.

On Saturday, local media reported that the monarch had left for a tour across the Persian Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. (PNA/Sputnik)

Aging veteran recalls Japanese bombing in Baguio on December 8,1941 that triggered WW II
By Ben Cal

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -â€" Long before World War II broke out in the Philippines on December 8, 1941, Japan had already an elaborate preparation by posting an advance force of Fifth Columns embedded across the length of the archipelago. These Japanese spies disguised themselves as “traders” and “laborers” working hand-in-hand with unsuspecting Philippine society. It was a perfect cover which Japan had successfully used during their invasion of the Philippines.

While mingling with Filipinos from all walks of life, Japanese Fifth Columns developed friendship down to the grassroots that they even taught some of their Filipino friends martial arts, particularly judo which the Japanese are known for. These had enabled the Japanese to gather first-hand intelligence information such as the locations of US and Filipino troops, military installations, including vital communications networks. They sent this information back to Japan through coded messages.

When the actual invasion came, these “traders” and “laborers” turned out to be ranking officers of the Japanese Imperial Army who proudly wore their uniforms in public. The Japanese seized town after town with little resistance from the American and Filipino forces who were virtually caught off guarded similar to what happened to Pearl Harbor when Japanese planes mounted a sneak attack on the American naval airbase in Hawaii that prompted the United States to declare war with Japan.

But even before the Japanese invasion there had been endless and persistent reports that Japan was preparing to attack the Philippines. But the exact date was a 64-dollar question. Nevertheless, American forces stationed in the Philippines and the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines prepared a contingency plan by initiating a mobilization program across the archipelago.

One of those who volunteered for combat was Arnulfo Banez Jr., a 17 year-old first year college taking up Bachelor of Arts (AB-pre-medicine) at the University of the Philippines, Baguio. Now 92, Banez, a retired brigadier general of the Armed of the Philippines (AFP), wrote in his war memoirs how he and his guerrilla unit fought and survived the Japanese onslaught in the jungles of northern Luzon for over three years. He recalled the clandestine landing of weapons and ammunition shipped by a US submarine in the vast western coastlines of northern Luzon that greatly helped in crushing the last defense line held by Japanese forces of Gen. Yamashita in the final battle of Bessang Pass.

Like all other fresh college students, Banez was a cadet of the Reserve Officers Training Command (ROTC) when the war broke out. On that fateful day of December 8, 1941, he and his classmates were attending classes when they heard up in the sky a flickering sound of planes that became louder and louder. The familiar sound came from an aircraft since everyday they were used to hear the same sound from planes passing over the city.

“Thinking they were US warplanes conducting routine patrol after they took off from the nearby airbase, we abandoned our classes and went outside to view the planes. In fact, we cheered and jumped with joy as we waved our hands to the pilots,” Banez said.

“But suddenly we heard bomb explosions. For a moment we were stunned. I asked myself how come these planes, numbering five, drop bombs on us? Then a second bomb hit the gate of Camp John Hay, followed by another that hit one of the buildings inside.”

“This is it, this is war! The Japanese had invaded the Philippines!” Banez murmured. His heart was pounding fast. He looked around: “There was bedlam all over the place as people were hysterical and crying, running to various directions as they scampered to safety. Then the planes dropped two more bombs before winging southward. Sirens blared non-stop. I glanced at my watch it was 9:10 in the morning.”

As the planes vanished into the clouds, ambulances crisscrossed the streets bringing casualties to the hospitals. ”Fear still overwhelmed the faces of our countrymen as they craned their necks to see where the planes were. People went to their homes to pack their things as they prepared for evacuation deep into the rugged mountain forests of Baguio and Banawe.”

After making sure the Japanese warplanes were gone, Banez and his classmates regrouped as an ROTC unit. They went to the armory and took every gun that was available mostly Springfield rifles, some Garands and Browning Automatic Rifles (BAR), and .22 caliber revolvers. There were few grenades. “I was armed with a BAR and a bandolier of bullets with me. I also had a .22 caliber pistol and a grenade,” Banez said.

Dressed in black trousers with matching black polo shirts, they hastily formed as a ragtag fighting army. “Our first assignment was to secure the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) where there were some people inside, including PMA instructors and professors.”

“We were only a handful, but we went there as ordered by our superiors. We were all neophytes with no combat experience whatsoever except a short summer camp combat training. However, we were eager to fight for our country. Even those ROTC evaders joined our group. As I started to walk, many thoughts entered my mind such as would I survive the war? When would the war end? What would be my future? But I have to face reality and entrusted all my life to God. There was nothing I could do at that point.”

As Banez and his comrades accompanied the PMA personnel out of the school premises, “we saw thousands of teeming civilians, young and old â€" many of them crying â€" were also evacuating to Bontoc to the east where they would hide out of harm’s way, they thought. It was a back-breaking long journey with most of the evacuees walking. A few were riding aboard vehicles.”

“But also on Dec. 8, 1941, the Japanese had also made a beachhead landing in Cervantes and Vigan, all in Ilocos Sur. The regional headquarters of the Philippine Constabulary was located in Vigan, manned by a handful of soldiers, who put up a brief resistance. They were easily overrun by the Japanese. The small contingent of PC troopers were captured and brought to Formosa, making them the first Filipinos to become prisoners of war (POW) in World War II.”

“When the war broke out, Filipino troops were issued special expense booklet vouchers by the government which they could use to purchase food and other items. The government had vouched for the booklets which were good as cash. The expense booklet vouchers were similar to credit cards. We bought provisions in stores that we passed by along the way. Water was no problem. There were plenty of springs in the forests,” Banez said.

“As we continued our trek towards Bontoc, we saw troops from the Philippine Army blasting the road between Kiangan and Banawe to slowdown the advance of the Japanese. The long walk took us three days.”

“When we reached our destination we were dead tired. I found a grassy place where I placed my mat to sleep. I put my BAR and cartridges of 50 bullets beside me and slept soundly. But when I woke up the following morning, they were gone. Apparently my weapon, including the ammunition was carted away by our Igorot guide. The only weapon I had was a .22 caliber revolver.”

Destination Manila

After securing the safety of the PMA personnel, Banez planned to go to Manila to continue his studies at the University of the Philippines, Padre Faura, in Manila. “Manila at that time was already an open city under the Japanese occupation. I had the guts of enrolling at UP because I was not identified by the Japanese as a Filipino guerilla. I rode a truck and arrived in Manila on Dec. 27, 1941. The city was burning following a deadly battle between the Japanese and the combined American-Filipino forces. The Manila Cathedral was also ablazed. The whole city was in shambles as it was declared an open city.”

The 17-year old Banez proceeded to his uncle’s house in Paco in the heart of Manila, together with his friend Samuel Sarmiento (who later became the commanding general of the Philippine Air Force in the post war years with the rank of major general). After arriving at his uncle’s house, the two parted ways after saying good-bye to each other. They were uncertain if they would see each other again.

“As a ragtag fighting unit, the guerillas utterly lacked weapons, ammunition, two-way radios combat shoes and medicines. We have to take in stride the shortage of these badly needed armaments in fighting the well-equipped Japanese forces. Because we didn’t have radios, we could not communicate to other units, but we continued to fight and attack the enemy. Initially, the guerilla forces were not highly organized that in many occasions we launched our attack with little coordination. It was a situation we have to contend with at the start. Nevertheless, we survived somehow because of our determination to defeat the enemy. Despite our shortcomings we overran several Japanese detachments in La Union, Ilocos Sur and other areas surrounding Bessang Pass,” Gen. Banez said.

The guerillas were organized by provinces that speak the same dialects to avoid any miscommunication. Ilocano speaking guerillas grouped themselves and guerillas coming from Central Luzon and Manila and Southern Luzon who speak Tagalog have their own group.

“During the war, Tagalog, the Pilipino language, was not spoken in many parts of the country, but for us to understand each other we speak in English which can speak or at least understand,” he said.

“Our strategy was to launch an attack by squad. Some were armed with guns and some had bolos and we call them bolo men. They were mostly our runners, messengers and watchers in our outposts. But some of them acquired guns from Japanese who were slain in battle. Little by little many guerillas had their own firearms.”

Gen. Banez said that shortly after Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s forces landed in Leyte, the US submarines USS Gan 206 sneaked into the coast of San Fernando Bay in La Union on the western side of northern Luzon where they unloaded huge cache of weapons and ammunition for the guerillas. “All of us were jubilant. The arms landing boosted our firepower considerably. This also lifted our morale.”

The Liberation of La Union

Since the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, Filipino and American guerillas in northern Luzon had been fighting the Japanese in guerilla warfare though in a limited scale until the guerillas had acquired new weapons from the Americans in November1944.

With newly acquired weapons, the guerillas were emboldened to attack Japanese patrol and garrisons in La Union and other parts of northern Luzon. After the Americans landed in Leyte, Japanese forces retreated to the jungles but guerilla forces, supported by US warplanes, pursued relentlessly the enemy. The airstrikes boosted tremendously the guerillas firepower.

In his diary, Gen. Banez wrote that American warplanes bombed and strafed Japanese positions in many parts of northern Luzon, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. La Union was heavily bombed. After the air bombardment, guerilla forces attacked Japanese positions with ferocity. But the Japanese stubbornly held their ground. The fight dragged on for several weeks.

“One of the classic battles was the attack on San Fernando Bay, Poro Point where the Japanese were well entrenched backed by three small tanks. The Japanese had occupied a strategic hill overlooking the San Fernando Bridge. The enemy tried to blow up the bridge to cut off or at least delay the advancing guerilla forces, but only one lane of the bridge was destroyed.”

“The fighting was unique in a sense that during the day, we (the guerillas) controlled the town because the Japanese had gone in hiding in a forested area. We tried to look for them but could not locate their clandestine hiding place,” Gen. Banez, then a corporal in the guerilla force, said.

“But as darkness fell, the Japanese with their three small tanks roamed the place and controlled the whole area. The tanks were armed with the deadly .37mm cannons each. They patrolled the whole town proper and its periphery looking for us. As soon we heard the rumblings of the tanks engines we ran for our lives. It was scary. Some of us were not so lucky. The tanks patrolled from dusk to dawn before returning to their enclave,” Gen. Banez said.

“Every time we tried to follow the tanks to find their hideout, we backed off once the Japanese fired their cannons. We had to be very careful not to be within the firing range. Nevertheless, we continued to pursue with utmost caution when finally we found their clandestine hideout which was near a water reservoir uphill north of the Carlatan Bridge. It was a strategic position overlooking the bridge and adjoining areas.”

“Destroying the tanks had been our obsession. That opportunity came when we captured a 37mm cannon left behind by the Japanese following a firefight. We positioned the captured cannon on the side of the road near the hideout of the tanks. Our plan was to open fire as soon as the tank popped out from their hideout. But our problem was the cannon had no steel mounting neither a sight. We have no choice but to use it as our only anti-tank weapon. As soon as the tanks were on sight we fired, then scampered before the Japs could retaliate. We did not hit any of the tanks.”

“Before we knew it, the tanks were chasing us. We scampered to different directions. This had been almost a daily routine for several weeks. It was virtually a cat-and-mouse game. But it was the only way to fight the heavily armed Japanese. The enemy who occupied a vantage point built pillboxes at their enclave which had a tunnel from uphill connecting to the ground. The exit was in the southern part of San Fernando leading to Bacsil district.”

“The fight had to be sustained. We had burned our bridges. One guerilla officer who led the offensive was Capt. Pio Escober, commanding officer of the Company “K”, 3rd Battalion of the 121st Regiment. “Capt. Escobar’s brand of leadership was very encouraging that we scored victory after victory against the Japanese who were on the retreat,” Gen. Banez said.

“I was the machine gunner of the unit. I was armed with a .30 caliber machine gun. But the machine gun had no tripod, and I had difficulty controlling it every time I fired. But it was enough for the enemy to know that we had some firepower.”

“The Japanese were strategically located uphill and were well-entrenched. We have to go up to fight them. During the firefight the Japanese just rolled their grenades at us as we were in crawling position on the slope of the mountain.”

At the height of the fighting, Banez hid behind a rock. “I placed the machine gun above it and fired blindly at the direction of the Japanese. Whether I hit them, I do not know. I could not stand and fire because I would expose myself to enemy gunfire. During the fighting we were supported by US warplanes and artillery fire.”

“The air strikes enabled us to advance as the Japanese were in disarray, leaving many of their weapons behind as they scampered to several directions. American pilots were so accurate in their bombing runs. Considering the intensity of the fighting, the Japanese were running out of bullets. US pilots were virtually unchallenged, unlike on Dec.8, 1941 when the Japanese destroyed almost all US planes on the ground at Clark Air Base in Pampanga like sitting ducks. . That horrible scenario was still fresh on my mind,” Banez said.

“But this time it was different. The situation was the reverse. We were winning and the Japanese being clobbered. At the height of the offensive, the Americans established an air control team in the town of San Fernando whose function was to guide US planes in their flying combat sorties.”

“The Americans asked us (guerillas) to track down the hiding place of the three Japanese tanks. We immediately carried out the order. Despite the present and imminent danger that we faced, we went to the town plaza to entice the Japanese to get us. It worked though it was very risky, but that was the only way to bait the Japanese. As soon as the Japanese tanks arrived at the plaza they fired their machine guns followed by a series of salvos from their .37mm guns. We also fired but once mini cannon before we broke out. We did not hit any of the tanks as they rumbled to get us. But we ran as fast as we could,” he said.

The intermittent battle went throughout the night until the wee hours in the morning the following day. By 4 a.m. the tanks rumbled down the road’s plaza as they returned to their enclave several kilometers away north of San Fernando.

“We secretly followed them and was able to pinpoint their exact location in an uphill area near the water reservoir. We reported our findings to the American air control team who thanked us profusely for the good intelligence information,” Gen. Banez related.

Early that morning, American planes took off from a US aircraft carrier patrolling off China Sea to attack the three Japanese tanks. “The weather was just perfect. We took our binoculars and scanned the clear blue sky in search for the first wave of US aircraft in the horizon. A few minutes later, we heard the sound of aircraft coming from the western flank. “We watched intently as the planes flew over the area. The pilots apparently were sizing up their target before they strike,” Gen. Banez said.

“The first plane dropped napalm bombs, followed by another. At the blink of an eye a wide area was ablaze. So deadly was the napalm bomb that the three Japanese tanks were destroyed and the six Japanese manning the tanks, two for each tank were burned alive.”

“After the smoke of battle was clear, we went to the area and discovered the charred remains of the six crew members underneath their tanks apparently in a last ditch effort to protect themselves from the air strike,” he said.

The guerillas proceeded to Poro Point where they found a half submerged Japanese’s transport ship. “We spotted a Japanese navy enlisted man all dressed in white uniform, but he was not carrying any weapon. He raised his hands in surrender. The area was used by the Japanese as their command post throughout the war.”

“From Poro Point, we proceeded inland where we saw mass graves on the roadside, but many of the corpses were not buried. Some of them were left rotting inside rows of houses emitting foul odor. Some of the battle casualties were women whose remains were already in the advanced state of decomposition, their long hair stuck in windows. It was a terrible sight,” Banez said.

The fighting in San Fernando was just one of the many battles the guerillas had scored against the retreating Japanese while pushing their way towards their main objective - Bessang Pass.

The series of victories had bolstered the self-confidence and determination of the once ragtag guerilla unit that had been transformed into a well-oiled fighting machine after receiving a shipment of new weapons and ammunition transported secretly by US submarines. (PNA)
FPV/RBC/MEC

New US envoy sees expansion of US-PHL ties

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- Newly designated United States (US) Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said he expects an expansion of bilateral relations between the US and the Philippines as he assumes his post.



"Over the weeks, months and years ahead, I look forward to working closely with the Philippines’ government and Filipino people to expand our relationship and to engage in many areas of mutual interest," Kim told reporters at a press briefing in Malacañan after presenting his credentials to President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, December 6.


Describing his first encounter with President Duterte, Kim said he had a "lengthy and substantive" discussion with the Filipino leader.



"I am very pleased to have presented my credentials to President Duterte just now... And I am grateful for the time that President Duterte afforded me today," he said.



"It is an incredible honor for me to be in the Philippines to have this opportunity to contribute to one of America’s most enduring partnerships," he added.

In addition to the close friendship and strong alliance between the US and the Philippines, Kim said the two countries have strong economic ties that are long-standing and extensive and these open up a great potential in growing their two-way economic partnership.

"At the heart of that partnership is the deep bond between the peoples of our two countries. There is indeed tremendous 'kalooban', the extraordinary spirit, warmth and strength in our relationship," he further said.



Kim said he is confident that mutual respect combined with close ties and shared history and values of the two countries will ensure stability in relationship over the long term.



He, meanwhile, expressed eagerness to get to know the Filipino people and to visit tourist destinations in the country such as Batanes and Tawi-Tawi.



Kim is familiar with Asia, having served as a career member of the senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, a special representative for North Korea policy, and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs at the US Department of State.


He also served as US Ambassador to Korea, political officer at the US Embassy in Tokyo, Japan; political officer in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, vice-consul of US Consulate in Hong Kong, among others.



The US envoy earned a doctorate in law from Loyola University Law School in Los Angeles and a Masters of Law from the London School of Economics.

Born in Korea in 1960, Kim moved to the US when he was 13 years old and became an American citizen in 1980.



Aside from Kim, other ambassadors who presented their credentials to the President were Dato Raszlan Abdul Rashid of Malaysia, Harald Fries of Sweden, Dr. Jozsef Bence of Hungary, John Holmes of Canada, Musaed Saleh Althwaikh of Kuwait, Gordon Kricke of Germany, Hamad Saeed Hamad Obaid Alzaabi of UAE and Johariah Wahab of Brunei. (PNA)

Killing of Albuera Mayor a rubout, says NBI
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) --The twin-killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and a fellow inmate inside their detention cells at the Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail in Baybay City last Nov. 5 was a "rubout," according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin on Tuesday said their parallel investigation, under the instruction of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, showed testimonial and forensic evidence that the actions of policemen, who served the search warrant on Espinosa in the wee hours of Nov. 5, "showed a community of purpose or an implied conspiracy."

“We respect the findings of the police but this is the findings of the NBI and we stand by our findings. Naniniwala kaming merong criminal intent, merong pakay sila sa pagpatay kay mayor Rolando Espinosa at Raul Yap. There was community of purpose, there was mission in their action, there was conspiracy,” Lavin said during a press conference.

He said the forensic team did their best to recreate the crime scene but the forensic findings are consistent with the testimonial evidence.

He added that though forensics showed Espinosa’s hand positive for nitrate residue for gunpowder, it was also possible that someone put the gun in the victim’s hand and fired it.

“Pwedeng lagyan or pwedeng ipaputok. Theoretically, then it would have power nitrates yung ginamit na kamay. Merong material testimony na may pumasok na naka-gloves may dalang baril at paglabas wala ng dalang baril,” Lavin said though he added, witnesses failed to identify the man.

As to the trajectory of the shots, Lavin said there are strong indications that no shots were fired towards the direction of the door, which he explained would have happened if Espinosa fired shot at the raiding team as claimed by the CIDG operatives.

“If there was a shootout dapat ang putok ni Mayor Espinosa kung nagpaputok sya dapat papunta sa pintuan. If Mayor Espinosa has been there for quite some time, he knows the area and between the raiding team and the Mayor mas kabisado ni Mayor,” he noted.

The NBI spokesperson also said the close circuit television camera (CCTV) and its hard drive were also missing and the NBI team failed to recover it up to now though he added CCTV footages from a nearby establishment showed that the raiding team entered the jail facility at 3:05 a.m. and not 4:10 a.m. as testified by the CIDG during the Senate hearing.

Earlier, Aguirre said the parallel probe was to avoid a possible whitewash.

Aguirre said the NBI should step into the case since the operatives of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group were involved in the incident after Espinosa supposedly engaged them in a shootout while being served a search warrant inside his detention cell.

Another inmate identified as Raul Yap was also killed in the alleged shootout.

Meanwhile, the NBI filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) multiple murder and perjury case against 24 members of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Regional Office No. 08.

Facing raps for multiple murder are Superintendent Marvin Wynn Marcos, Superintendent Santi Noel Gaspang Matira, Chief Inspector Leo Daio Laraga, Senior Inspector (SI) Deogracia Pedong Diaz, SI Fritz Bioco Blanco, Senior Police Officer 4 Juanito Ampado Duarte, SPO4 Melvin Mendoza Caboyit, SPO4 Eric Palattao Constantino, SPO2 Benjamin Layague Dacallos, SPO2 Alphinor Milla Serrano, Jr., PO3 Johnny Abuda Ibanez, PO3 Norman Tiu Abellanosa, PO2 Niel Patrimonio Centino, PO1 Bernard Rodriguez Orpilla, PO3 Lloyd Ortinez Ortiguesa, PO1 Jerlan Sadia Cabiyaan, Cristal Jane Briones Gisma, Divine Grace Baclas Songalia, all assigned at CIDG Regional Office No. 08, Port Area, Tacloban City as well as PCINSP Calixto Cabardo Canillas, Jr., PINSP Lucresito Adana Candelosas, SPO2 Antonio Romangca Docil, SPO1 Mark Christian Castillo Cadilo, PO2 John Ruel Baldevia Doculan, and PO2 Jaime Pacuan Bacsal, all assigned at Regional Maritime Unit 8 Port Area, Tacloban City.

The NBI also recommended the filing of perjury charges against Chief Insp. Leo Diao Laraga, PO3 Norman T. Abellanosa and Paul Olendan for maliciously obtaining a search warrant.

The police has managed to enter the Baybay Jail on the basis of a search warrant issued by Tarcelo Sabarre Jr., executive judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 30 of Basey in Samar.

Investigation conducted by the NBI showed that the witness, which became the basis for the issuance of a search warrant lied in court.

Olendan, in his testimony said that last Oct. 28, he was inside the Baybay Jail and he saw Yap repacking shabu inside his cell while the Mayor was holding a firearm.

The NBI said Olendan who was a former inmate at the Abuyog penal colony allegedly lied to the court when he claimed seeing a handgun beside Espinosa's pillow and that Yap was in possession of shabu.

Lavin said their parallel investigation showed that Olendan did not get inside or anywhere near the subprovincial jail in Baybay City since he was in Tacloban City, 130 kilometers away, working at the Leyte National High School.

“This was testified to by his co-workers kasi nag-biometric sya dun. Nag-testify ang assistant principal ng Leyte National High School that he was there the whole day. Nag-testify din mga co-workers nya and also the jail guards on duty at that time dun sa Baybay na hindi sya pumasok dun at wala sya dun sa logbook. We therefore, believed that the search warrant was a cover to legitimize the operation,’ Lavin said.

”From the pieces of evidence, the NBI concluded it is patently clear that the acts of the CIDG 8 operatives showed a community of purpose or an implied conspiracy. There was unison in their purpose and action, signifying that they were all moved by a single criminal intent. Furthermore, the NBI stressed, there is no indication that the police operatives who participated in the killing had desisted or those who acted as look outs had prevented the raiding team from shooting the victims,” the NBI said in its release statement. (PNA)

De Lima downplays Dayan endorsing Ragos, Bucayu
By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- Senator Leila de Lima on Tuesday admitted that her former security aide and alleged drug money bagman Ronnie Dayan did recommend the appointment of two former officials she worked with when she was then Justice Secretary but was quick to say that it was no big deal.

De Lima explained that although Dayan did endorse the appointment of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Deputy Director Rafael Ragos and former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Franklin Bucayu, the final decision was still up to her.

“Yes, inano nya yan si Ragos and Bucayu (Yes, he somehow recommended the appointment of Ragos and Bucayu) but it’s not because it’s his recommendation,” De Lima told reporters in an interview.

“My friends, relatives and fellow workers in government, it’s natural that some recommend. The final decision rests in me,” she added.

Dayan, during Monday’s hearing, claimed that Ragos and Bucayu had given him Php 15,000 to Php 30,000 five times after he recommended them for their posts.

The former Justice Secretary earlier said that she opted not to attend the hearing with Dayan present but eventually turned up halfway through it.

“I did not intend to attend, kaya lang when I saw that none of my colleagues are raising the issue on the call of Bong Go and Marcos, said sayang naman kung walang magtanong tungkol dyan (it would be a waste if I would not ask about it),” De Lima said.

De Lima earlier said reliable sources told her that Dela Rosa was referring to President Rodrigo Duterte’s special assistant Christopher "Bong" Go. However, the President recently clarified that it was him and not his right hand man.

The President said that he ordered the reinstatement of Marcos so that the PNP could watch him.

She said her second reason for attending the hearing was because she saw Dayan, while monitoring the hearing on TV, that looking like “he went through a lot of pressure.”

The Senator reiterated that despite her former colleagues implicating her in the illegal drug trade, she knew that they were only doing it for a compelling reason such as a threat to their lives.

She admitted that she felt pity for Dayan, her former partner, and felt she had a moral obligation to help him in the current situation even trying to convince him to tell the truth. (PNA)

DOT confirms appointment of Cesar Montano as head of Tourism Promotions Board
By Azer N. Parrocha


MANILA, Dec 6 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of actor Cesar Montano as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo confirmed this in an interview with reporters during the sidelines of the Pasko sa Intramuros program in the so-called Walled City.

Teo said that Montano would assist in preparations for the Philippine hosting of the upcoming Miss Universe pageant on Jan. 30, 2017.

She said that it was President Rodrigo Duterte himself who appointed Montano, a staunch supporter of the President.

Montano is expected to assume office in the third week of December.

The TPB was previously headed by tourism marketing veteran Domingo Ramon “Chicoy” Enerio III. (PNA)

SMC donates Php 1 B for construction of more gov't drug rehab centers
By Aira May Dizon

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA)--Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Tuesday formally hand over its Php 1-billion donation to the government for the construction of additional drug rehabilitation facilities in the country.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno thanked SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Ramon Ang and the entire SMC management for extending support to the government’s effort to rehabilitate drug users.

Sueno thanked Ramon Ang for the Php 1-billion donation, which he described as "will go a long way for our kababayans who can still be saved from drug dependence through rehabilitation.p>Earlier, Ang said that by supporting government in its campaign against illegal drugs, as well as the rehabilitation of drug dependents, was also helping create an “environment of participation and contribution” because it enables other sectors to do the same.

The DILG secretary said the government would continue encourage corporations to exercise their social responsibility and support government’s drive to eradicate illegal drugs activities and reform drug users who could still be functional members of the society.

Sueno added that the government would continue receiving donations to supervise the aim of having mega drug rehabilitation facilities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The ceremonial turnover of Php 1-billion donation was also graced by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr., DILG Undersecretary for Operations John Castriciones, concurrent chairman of Task Force Agila, and representatives from the Department of Health.(PNA)

Viu app now available in PHL; lets you view Korean shows 8 hours after airing
By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- Did you miss watching your favorite Koreanovela because of the heavy traffic? Are you too excited to see the first few episodes of an upcoming Korean drama series which will be aired soon in the Philippines?

With Viu app, one can view the latest premium Korean contents as fast as eight hours after telecast in Korea. All that one needs to do is download the app via Apple Store or Google Play for free, and watch the shows anytime, anywhere.

Filipinos can also visit viu.com to watch online.

Launched recently in the Philippines, Viu app serves as a video content platform offering popular Korean dramas, variety shows and other Asian premium content.

It has partnered with Korean broadcasters SBS, KBS, CJ E&M and MBC for the contents.

This app has a catalogue of almost 10,000 content hours, with 4,000 hours of the newest simulcast Korean dramas and variety shows with English subtitles. These shows include Descendants of the Sun, Love in the Moonlight, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, variety shows Return of Superman, Running Man, Kpop music programs Music Bank, Inkigayo â€" The Music Trend, among others.

Moreover, the app features Fanbites, which showcases facts and anecdotes on Korean culture.

First in the Philippine market

Viu is said to be the first service in the Philippine market which offers downloading of authorized Korean contents to mobile devices for free.

According to Viu representative Janice Lee, 77 percent of viewers they surveyed in the Philippines watch Korean dramas on a regular basis.

”With the increasing broadband adoption and increasing penetration of smartphones, we see a great potential in the Philippines as a market where online video (viewing) is fast becoming a part of daily habit of Filipino internet users,” she remarked.

Based on the Nielsen Global Video On Demand (VOD) survey, on the other hand, 45 percent of online consumers in the country watch VOD once a day, while 82 percent of online consumers said they would like to catch up on multiple episodes in a day. (PNA)

China's ZTE set to buy 48% stake in Turkey's Netas

ANKARA, Dec 6 (PNA/Xinhua) -- China's ZTE group agreed to buy 48.04 percent of Turkish systems integration provider Netas for 358 million Turkish lira (USD 101.3 million), Netas announced on its website Tuesday.

This transaction remains subject to the Turkish Competition Authority's approval.

ZTE, the Chinese telecom giant, will become the largest shareholder of Netas after the transaction completes.

"The transaction will equip Netas with additional technologies to provide more services and solutions to its customers and to expand its geographic reach," Netas said in a statement on its website.

"This transaction reinforces the company's solid corporate structure, and will accelerate its focus on R&D, innovation and best of breed next generation technology know-how," it added.

"With our new shareholder, we will continue to flourish and position Netas as a global technology player," said Mujdat Altay, chief executive officer of Netas.

Mr. David Walsh, current Chairman of Netas, welcomed ZTE's investment, citing that with ZTE's investment, global reach and product depth, Netas is extremely well positioned for future success.

Netas provides extensive and goal oriented solutions, ranging from technology consultancy to post-sales assistance for telecom operators, public and private enterprises in Turkey and world. (PNA/Xinhua)

Egypt, China sign currency swap deal worth USD2.62 Billion

CAIRO, Dec 6 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Egypt and China on Tuesday signed a currency swap agreement worth 18 billion yuan (about USD 2.62 billion) to bolster economic activities in the north African country.

The deal, signed between the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the People's Bank of China, will last three years and can be extended upon agreement of both sides, CBE said in a statement.

"The currency swap is a mutually beneficial arrangement between both countries, and mirrored China's support for the Egyptian economic reform program," it added.

The deal also complemented a series of measures taken by Egypt for unleashing the enormous potentials of its economy and instill confidence by bolstering economic activities, the statement added.

It allows the two institutions to exchange payments in one currency for equivalent amounts in the other, to facilitate bilateral trade settlements and provide liquidity support to financial markets.

The deal came as Egypt adopted some measures for economic reform to revive its ailing economy, varying from raising the subsidized fuel prices and floating the Egyptian pound.

Egypt and China celebrate this year the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the two countries and high-profile delegations at all levels have been meeting frequently since 2015. (PNA/Xinhua)

Saudi court sentences 15 to death for spying for Iran

RIYADH, Dec. 6 (PNA/Xinhua) -- A Saudi court on Tuesday sentenced 15 people to death on charges of spying for Iran, Al Arabiya news reported.

The convicts are part of a network of 32 people. Two were acquitted and 15 others were handed down jail terms ranging from six months to 25 years.

Most of the convicts, who are 30 Saudis, an Iranian and Afghani, work in the military and diplomatic sectors. They were detained in 2013 and went on trial in February.

The court charged them of forming a group to spy for the Iranian intelligence to provide sensitive military information about the kingdom and some of the network members met the Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei in coordination with the Iranian intelligence.

Some of the convicts were occupying high posts in economic, financial and academic sectors, the report said.

Saudi Arabia has been accusing Iran of standing behind regional disturbances by interfering in the internal affairs of countries, such as Bahrain and Yemen, allegations that have been dismissed by Iran.

Saudi Arabia cut its ties with Iran earlier this year and asked its envoy to leave the country. (PNA/Xinhua)

Gov't relocates more than 800 families in Eastern Visayas

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The government has relocated more than 800 families in less than a month after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered providing Typhoon Yolanda-affected families decent homes, a Palace official said.

In a press briefing in Malacanan on Tuesday, December 6, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said that based on the report the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, the government has successfully relocated 827 Yolanda families out of 911 that was ruffled to their new homes as of Dec. 3, 2016.

This is done just 26 days after President Duterte issued an instruction to relocate the beneficiaries to their new homes.

"OPAV expects more families to be relocated to their new homes before Christmas as soon as other relocation sites are ready complete with electrical connection and potable water supply," Abella said quoting Dino.

Also, Abella said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III presented last night, during the Cabinet meeting, the proposal to acquire Postbank and convert it into an OFW or a workers’ bank.

"And this particular move is an undertaking to show appreciation for the OFWs as our modern-day heroes," he said.

Remittances account for 9.8 percent of gross domestic product and 8.3 percent of gross national income. Therefore, there’s a need now for a more specialized financial institution for OFWs to cater to their needs and aspirations, Abella added.

The Palace spokesman also mentioned the announcement of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar on the construction of a pedestrian bridge directly connecting Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 with Newport City which is on track and due to open on the first half of 2017.

Once completed, the runway will allow the average person to walk the distance between the airport and Newport City in approximately three minutes. It will be an enclosed air-conditioned bridge with PWD-friendly facilities such as moving walkways and elevators.

Also during the same press briefing, Abella mentioned Coca-Cola Philippines' plans to invest USD1 billion more in the Philippines in the next few years.

The plan comes on the back of the USD1.4 billion that Coca-Cola has already invested in the country between 2010 and 2014, he said.

The efforts include adding two new bottling lines to its Misamis Oriental plant, the rebuilding of its Tacloban plant, and the purchase of a manufacturing facility in Davao del Sur from San Miguel Corp., which speaks of a positive outlook in terms of economics in the Philippines.

On social welfare, Abella mentioned the President's pledge to give half of the Php5 billion he received from PAGCOR to DSWD and to Department of Health, intended to fund medical needs of poor Filipinos.

"It’s the President’s intention, it’s of improving the well-being of the nation and this is actually part of, in a sense, an expression of his campaign promises," Abella said. (PNA)

Criminal raps filed against ex-DOTC chief Abaya, 7 others
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) --- Watchdog, Citizens Crime Watch (CCW), have filed criminal charges against former Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and seven others for their alleged involvement in the anomalous Php 3.8-billion license plate deal.

Along with their legal representative, former Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) general manager Al Vitangcol III, the CCW filed the complaint Tuesday at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for violating Sections 3 (b) and (e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Section 7 (a) and (d) RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees).

Aside from Abaya, those named in the complaint are Transportation Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin; Land Transportation Office (LTO) Alfonso Tan Jr.; and former DOTC Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) members Jose Perpetuo Lotilla, Rene Limcaoco, Julianito Bucayan Jr., Catherine Jennifer Gonzales.

The complainant noted that in 2013, the LTO embarked on a Php 3.8-billion Motor Vehicle License Plate Standardization Program (MVLPSP).

The project was awarded to Power Plates Development Concepts Inc. and J. Knieriem BV-Power Plates (PPI-JKG Joint Venture).

However, the complainant said that "post qualification of the winning bidder was not done, contrary to the recommendations of the DOTC-BAC Technical Working Group (TWG)."

"Had the BAC allowed the post qualification, DOTC could have established that PPI-JKG Joint Venture does not have the financial capability to manufacture the license plates under the MVLPSP Project," it explained.

Due to this, many vehicle owners who gave their payments "have not been issued the corresponding plates" and the non-availiability of the motor plates "resulted in the myriad of problems--carnapping, violation of traffic laws--among others."

The complainant cited that the Commission on Audit (COA) disallowed the project in July 2015 on the ground that the same was awarded without the required allotment in the 2014 General Appropriations Act. (PNA)

Bureau of the Treasury rejects bid for T-bond
By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) - - Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) auction committee on Tuesday rejected bids for the four-year Treasury bond (T-bond) after banks asked for higher yields.

BTr offered the debt paper for Php 25 billion and tenders totaled to Php 26.128 billion.

Had the auction committee accepted the bids, rates would have risen to over four percent as against the 3.977 percent during the auction last Nov. 22.

National Treasurer Roberto Tan told reporters after the auction that “the market is still quite unsettled because of what is being anticipated from the Fed.”

The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will have its policy meeting on Dec. 13-14 and markets have priced in a rate hike after the two-day gathering.

Tan said they decided to reject bids because they were higher than the previous rate and the secondary market rate for the same tenor in the afternoon trade, which was at 4.1315 percent.

“We discussed it quite extensively that it will be better to come up, in the next auction, for a bond issuance when the market has already absorbed and digested the Fed action happening next week,” he said.

Tan said bids were higher than volume offered because there were about Php 8 billion maturing t-bonds this week. (PNA)

Travel time along EDSA improves despite rise in number of vehicles
By Aerol B. Pateña

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) has managed to improve the traffic flow along E. de los Santos Ave. (EDSA) despite a significant increase in the number of vehicles plying the main thoroughfare during the holiday season.

Data gathered by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) show that travel time along EDSA on Dec. 1-2 was recorded at 1 hour 23 minutes, with vehicles running at an average of 16.62 kph, compared to the average travel time along EDSA on Oct. 6-7, which was 1 hour 30 minutes with an average travel speed of 15.25 kph. The Oct. data were taken before the implementation of the 'No Window Hours' policy of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program or Number Coding Scheme last October 17.

The agency did the survey during the off-peak hours, from 12 noon up to 2 p.m. on the said dates.

“We are optimistic that the numbers would improve as we put in place more traffic schemes and measures to further improve the traffic condition in the metropolis, especially during the holiday rush,” MMDA general manager, Tim Orbos, said.

In a survey made by the MMDA on Oct. 17-21, the average travel time along EDSA was 1 hour 19 minutes, a 10-minute reduction from the previous average of 1 hour 29 minutes recorded on October 3-7. (PNA)

Chinese business council vows to bring more delegations to PHL
By Kris M. Crismundo

MANILA, Dec 6 (PNA) -- China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) Executive President Xu Ningning said the Council will bring more trade and investment missions to the Philippines in the coming years.

Xu told reporters here on Tuesday that some 100-man business delegation is set to visit the Philippines next year to explore opportunities in the country.

Xu is back in Manila as he led the second business mission from CABC following his visit last August.

He also stressed the opportunities for the Philippines and China to strengthen cooperation through the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.

“The Philippines is one of the important countries in building the Maritime Silk Road,” Xu said.

“If the Philippines will participate in Maritime Silk Road, this will create practical cooperation and will develop comprehensive cooperation between China and the Philippines,” he added.

The China-led Economic Belt and Silk Road initiative aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Middle East countries. (PNA)

Removal of rice import quota seen to lower rice prices
By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The lifting of quantitative restrictions (QR) on rice imports next year can lower prices of locally grown rice which may bode well for the country’s food inflation.

In a statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the removal of QR for rice imports by July 2017 is expected to decrease prices of well-milled rice by Php7.00 and farm gate price by Php5.00.

“We must help our rice farmers prepare for this and help them transition to higher value crops as we ensure food security and make basic prices more affordable to the poor,” said NEDA Director-General and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia.

This, after food inflation remained unchanged in November 2016 at 3.5 percent, with rice prices breaking its five-month long increasing trend and corn prices continuing in its downward trend since August.

Rice prices account for 38 percent of total food inflation.

“The decrease in rice prices signals the recovery of the rice sector from the devastation of typhoons Karen and Lawin. We must foster technological advances in agriculture to decrease the susceptibility of our crops to natural calamities,” said Pernia.

However, inflation in November 2016 slightly rose to 2.5 percent from 2.3 percent in the previous month due to the increase in the prices of major non-food commodities.

“The increase in inflation can be attributed to the increase in domestic prices of petrol products, which comprise the bulk of the non-food commodity basket usually purchased by the average Filipino household,” added Pernia.

Non-food inflation increased due to the uptick of prices in all major non-food items such as housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (1.3 percent from 0.9 percent), and transport (0.5 percent from 0.2 percent).

“Overall we expect the full year inflation for 2016 to be well within the government’s inflation target band of 2 to 4 percent. The overall balance of risks is tilted on the upside, with supply-side factors as the main contributor to price adjustments,” added Pernia.

He explained that international and domestic risks are tilted upward from a possible rally in oil prices, depreciation of the peso against the United States dollar, and pending petitions for electricity rate increases. (PNA)

South Korean president to calmly accept impeachment if passed this week

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (PNA/Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye said Tuesday that she will calmly accept the impeachment if it is passed in the scheduled parliamentary vote later this week while waiting for the constitutional court ruling.

Her comments were made during the one-hour meeting with the ruling Saenuri Party's chairman and floor leader in the presidential office that kicked off at about 2:30 p.m. local time.

Saenuri Party whip Chung Jin-suk told reporters after coming back to the National Assembly building that President Park continued to consider accepting the party's call to let the president resign by next April to hold an early presidential election two months later.

The first South Korean female leader said she will calmly and composedly accept the impeachment if it is passed on the parliamentary vote slated for this Friday, vowing to make every effort she can if the impeachment bill is approved.

Opposition and independent lawmakers put forward the bill to impeach the embattled president last Saturday. As there are 172 legislators from the opposition bloc, at least 28 Saenuri lawmakers must endorse the bill to overcome the two-thirds threshold of the 300-seat parliament.

During the meeting, Park also agreed to allow the governing party lawmakers to freely vote on the impeachment motion. Tens of lawmakers of the party's faction, who are not loyal to Park, have agreed to vote for it, raising the possibility for the passage of the bill, according to local media speculations.

Saenuri Party chief Lee Jung-hyun estimated that President Park seemed to prefer her April resignation to the impeachment, but possibility is high for the president to be stripped of all powers if the bill is passed through the unicameral assembly.

For the final approval, the impeachment motion is required to be upheld by the constitutional court though Park will be suspended immediately after the parliamentary passage. In 2004, the late president Roh Moo-hyun was impeached by lawmakers, but the court rejected the bill, returning Roh back to office.

The constitutional court will have as much as 180 days to rule on it, and the two-thirds of the nine-judge court must endorse it to formally impeach the scandal-hit president. If endorsed, President Park will become the first sitting South Korean leader to be impeached in its constitutional history for seven decades.

The opposition bloc was originally supposed to vote on the impeachment bill last Friday, but it was delayed as the ruling party's anti-Park faction refrained from doing it after Park's third address to the nation last week.

The scandal-plagued president issued her third public speech over the scandal involving herself and her longtime confidante, but it enraged South Koreans further as Park admitted to no wrongdoing and said she hadn't pursed any personal gains "for a flash".

Last Saturday's protest rally, the sixth since the scandal emerged in October, drew 2.3 million demonstrators across the country, topping the record turnout of 1.9 million tallied in the previous weekend demonstration. (PNA/Sputnik)

Economists see hike in BSP key rates in 2017 as inflation sustains rise
By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) - Economists see hikes in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key rates starting the second quarter of 2017 after Philippine inflation rate rose to within-target levels since September this year.

Inflation rose to 2.3 percent last September from month-ago’s 1.8 percent due to impact of higher oil prices.

It remained at the same level last October but picked-up anew in November to 2.5 percent, bringing the year-to-date level to 1.7 percent.

Amid these spikes, average inflation rate remained below the government’s two to four percent target for 2015-18.

In a research note dated Nov. 6, ING Bank Asia chief economist Tim Condon said inflation had risen from low base because of the impact of higher oil prices, particularly on utilities sub-component.

The bank forecasts the country’s inflation to average at 3.1 percent next year and 3.3 percent in 2018.

These are higher than central bank's latest projections of three percent and 2.9 percent for 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Thus, ING projects the central bank to start increasing rates in the second quarter of 2017, “a quarter ahead of the consensus.”

In another report, Melbourne-headquartered ANZ sees the BSP to be among the first Asian banks that will increase rates next year, particularly in the third quarter of the year.

This, as it projects inflation to average at 3.1 percent next year and 3.2 percent in 2018.

“The expansionary stance of the government in 2017 will further support the resilient fundamentals,” it said.

ANZ also noted that since transmission lag of any monetary policy decision takes about 15 to 24 months a rate hike in the third quarter next year is possible.

“This should give the central bank sufficient time to migrate structural excess liquidity to its term deposit facility,” it added. (PNA)

Another suspect in foiled US embassy bombing nabbed
By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday confirmed that operatives of the NCRPO have arrested another suspect in the attempted bombing along Roxas Boulevard near the United States Embassy last November 28.

Albayalde said that one of the five suspects was arrested outside of Metro Manila.

He added that the said suspects have not yet returned home in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, who brought the improvised explosive device (IED) in Metro Manila.

The PNP have arrested the two suspects identified as Ryson Kilala and Jiaher Guinar Wednesday last week.

However, Albayalde refused to identify the newly-arrested suspect because it will be presented by PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City set on Wednesday.

As of Tuesday, two other suspects are still at-large and authorities are continuously hunting them down. (PNA)

Social welfare chief calls for more efforts to end violence against children
By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo on Tuesday called for unity and more efforts in preventing violence against children.

In her message during the launch of the first-ever national “Baseline Study on Violence Against Children”, held at the Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel, Taguiwalo said the new baseline data would “allow us to respond to issues more appropriately”.

She said the study will be more meaningful and significant if translated into action, such as by using the data in making policies and programs that will serve as proper interventions and enhancing the capacity of service providers and responders.

The study was presented by Dr. Laurie S. Ramiro, principal scientific investigator from the University of the Philippines.

Ramiro said that based on their findings, 80 percent of the 3,866 respondents aged 13 to 24 had experienced some form of violence in their lifetime, whether in the home, school, workplace, community or during dating. The prevalence rate among boys is 81.5 percent and among girls, 78.4 percent.

The study also revealed that one in three children experiences physical violence, with more than half of this happening at home. The most common case of violence at home is the imposition of corporal punishment by parents and siblings.

It further noted that three in five children experience psychological violence in the form of verbal abuse, threats or neglect, while one in five children below 18 has experienced sexual violence while growing up. It also found out that the common perpetrators of sexual violence are brothers or cousins. Among males who experience sexual violence, the perpetrators are cousins, fathers and brothers.

The study also cited that nearly half of the children experience violence online, whether sexual violence or cyber bullying.

“It is of deep concern that so many forms of violence pervade and harm the lives of Filipino children across all settings, committed by people they trust,” said UNICEF country representative Lotta Sylwander.

Sylwander emphasized that the study requires a high-level of commitment on the part of the government and its partners to support the National Action Plan.

She acknowledged the interventions being made under the Philippine government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to end violence against children by addressing its ‘drivers’ or root cause.

Among the reasons for VAC are poverty, occurrence of disaster, migration and prevailing social norms.

Meanwhile, Taguiwalo linked the government’s moves to end corruption, create jobs, carry out anti-poverty programs and jumpstart peace talks to efforts to address indirectly the VAC issue.

She also noted that although the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is not directly addressing violence against children, it has provided them a more favorable environment.

Other than those, she said, they have centers all over the country where abused children are being assisted. (PNA)

President Duterte sets conditions for release of political prisoners
By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will only order the release of 130 political prisoners if the government peace panel and the National Democratic Front (NDF) sign a bilateral ceasefire deal during talks in Oslo, Norway this week.

“Produce to me a signed bilateral ceasefire agreement and I will release them within 48 hours. You can take my word for it,” Government peace negotiator Silvestre Bello III quoted the president as saying.

In a press statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Tuesday, the president the government has already conceded far enough to the NDF. But he also promised to release a number of elderly and sick detained rebels before Christmas Day.

“The president told us that once he receives even just a facsimile copy of the signed agreement, he will immediately order the release of communist rebels,” Bello said.

Bello sought instructions from Malacanang after the president met with top rebel leaders Benito and William Tiamzon in Davao City on Friday evening.

In that meeting, the president said he would keep his campaign promise to release detained communist rebels.

The president, however, gave his latest instructions during the break of the cabinet meeting at the Palace Monday evening.

The government panel holding peace talks with the NDF has submitted a list of 200 prisoners who are eligible for release under the new guidelines of the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance and Parole (PCBREP).

Twenty-five (25) of them are elderly, sick and women. The NDF claimed 434 rebels are still being held in different detentions all over the country.

Four rebels convicted for murder and kidnapping were already given presidential pardon as announced by the Secretary Bello Friday last week.

They were identified as Martin Villanueva, Bonifacio Suyon, Dindo Absalon and Rico Bodina.

They have served sentence ranging from 18 to 26 years. All are farmers.

Although both the government and the NDF have declared their own unilateral ceasefires, the two camps have been complaining of reports of violations from the field.

But Bello said until both panels agree to a set of guidelines, “there are technically no violations.”

The labor secretary said it is to the best interest of combatants from both sides and especially the civilians caught in the middle of the armed conflict that a “formal ceasefire is in place so that we can monitor any claims of violations.”

“Remember, one life saved is one more happy family,” the government chief negotiator said.

During the formal opening round of the peace negotiations, both the GRP and NDF panels agreed to submit drafts on bilateral ceasefire. But the NDF later said the ceasefire is tied to the release of ‘political prisoners’.

President Duterte earlier ordered the release of 21 rebel leaders who are now acting as consultants of the NDF panel holding peace talks with the government.

The president made a campaign promise to reopen peace negotiations with the NDF, which is representing the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA).

The Philippine government and the NDF will resume formal peace talks in January, possibly in Rome, Italy.

“The weather is a bit better in Rome than in Oslo, Norway,” Bello cited the reason for the change of talks’ venue. The first two rounds of formal peace negotiations with the NDF under the Duterte administration were held in Norway whose government is facilitating the talks to put an end to nearly 50 years of armed rebellion in the Philippines.

The guerrilla war being waged by the CPP-NPA-NDF is now Asia’s longest running active insurgency movement. (PNA)

PHL takes over chairmanship of Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN
By Kris M. Crismundo

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- The Philippines took over the chairmanship of Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) as the country will host next year’s summit.

Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso received the CPR chairmanship from her counterpart in Lao PDR, Ambassador Latsamy Keomany.

The turnover ceremony was witnessed by ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh.

Under the ASEAN Charter, the CPR shall support the work of ASEAN Community Councils and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies; coordinate with ASEAN National Secretariats and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies; liaise with the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat on all subjects relevant to its work; facilitate ASEAN cooperation with external partners; and perform such other functions as may be determined by the ASEAN Coordinating Council.

As the new chair of CPR, Buensuceso assured to continue the work and gains made by her predecessors in CPR.

She likewise highlighted the country’s theme for next year’s chairmanship, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”.

The Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN Summit 2017 will be a historical event as the economic bloc will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

ASEAN will also mark anniversaries of dialogue ties with the United States, Canada, European Union, and India, as well as the ASEAN Plus Three -- China, Japan, and South Korea. (PNA)

Longer sea-stirring 'amihan' episodes ahead
By Catherine J. Teves

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- Further danger to sailing is likely off Northern Luzon with the expected increasing duration of the strong northeast monsoon or 'amihan', bringing winds that will continue to fan sea turbulence in the area.

Increasingly longer episodes of 'amihan' can be expected, heading into this weather system's peak next year, noted weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio of the state weather bureau, PAGASA.

"We're already beginning to see such scenario," he noted.

A strong 'amihan' packing strong to gale-force winds has been affecting Northern Luzon since last week, stirring seas off that area and making sailing there dangerous.

In its gale warning 17 released Tuesday, PAGASA forecast 'amihan' winds to continue and still affect Northern Luzon, particularly the northern seaboard covering Batanes province, Calayan and Babuyan islands, as well as the northern coasts of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte provinces.

Expected 52 kph to 63 kph winds will likely fan rough to very rough seas in the areas, with waves up to 4.5 meters high.

"Fishing boats and other small sea craft are advised not to venture out into sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," PAGASA cautioned.

The bureau said the annual 'amihan' affects the Philippines' eastern portions from Oct. to late March, peaking around January.

"During its peak, 'amihan' can affect even the Visayas," Aurelio said, adding that there are periods of weak and strong 'amihan'.

Weak 'amihan' generally marks this weather system's early days, he said.

He noted that increasingly longer episodes of strong 'amihan' are normal occurrences and can be expected beginning around this time of the year.

Such episodes can persist until January or even February, he said.

PAGASA said 'amihan' starts over Siberia as a cold, dry air mass that gathers moisture while traveling across Pacific Ocean.

’Amihan’ is characterized by “widespread” cloudiness with rains or showers, PAGASA continued.

"Cloudy skies with light rains will be experienced over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya provinces," it said in its 24-hour Northern Luzon weather forecast released Tuesday.

The bureau also forecast partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains over Northern Luzon's Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Kalinga and Apayao provinces.

"Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail over Aurora province," PAGASA added. (PNA)

PH, developing countries tackle access to climate finance in Manila

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Finance officials and specialists from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal convened in Manila to tackle speedier access to international climate funding, in a follow up to the Marrakech climate negotiations.

In a declaration released Wednesday, the eight countries agreed to “call for urgent climate action and support from the international community” and at the same time “mobilize all available resources, including our own, to ensure that our domestic institutions can deliver climate finance far sooner and with far greater impact.”

The two-day meeting, which began last Tuesday, focused on how national governments, banks, and companies can help each other solve the challenges of applying for accreditation and approval of projects to the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund, which aims to mobilize US$ 100 billion per year by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries.

“We must now put climate justice into action. We need to operationalize access to resources and deploy funds to communities that need it the most,” said Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman of the Climate Change Commission.

The countries also discussed the mobilization of domestic climate funds, such as the People’s Survival Fund in the Philippines, now worth Php2 billion, which recently approved Php120 million to support climate adaptation projects for Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte and Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. Bangladesh also has its US$ 1-billion Climate Change Trust Fund that the country uses for both adaptation and mitigation projects.

“Asia’s developing countries, the Philippines included, urgently need climate finance to protect their communities from the already-staggering loss of life as well as escalating damage to the region’s economies,” said Renato Redentor Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). “Governments in the region are eager to learn from one another how public and private institutions can most quickly and effectively leverage climate finance in pursuit of truly transformational, climate-resilient development.”

ICSC organized the climate finance meeting in partnership with the World Resources Institute, the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit or GIZ, and the United Nations Development Programme. Over 60 participants representing the finance departments, financial institutions, and other organizations from eight countries participated in the event.

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a policy group in the Philippines promoting low-carbon development strategies, sustainable energy solutions and fair climate policy in vulnerable countries. (PNA)

President Duterte names Año as AFP chief
By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Philippine Army Chief Lieutenant General Eduardo Año as the new chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday.

Año replaced his classmate at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Gen. Ricardo Visaya, who formally retired after 37 years of service.

Both men are members of PMA Class of 1983. Año is also a cum laude graduate of the prestigious military academy.

Año will serve as AFP chief until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Oct. 26, 2017.

Prior to becoming the AFP chief, he served at the Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2012 to 2014 before becoming commander of the Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division.

Año was also credited with the capture of Communist Party of the Philippines chair Benito Tiamzon and wife Wilma in Alonguisan, Cebu last March 22, 2014.

He was also responsible for the killing of rebel commander Leonardo Pitao alias Kumander Parago in June 28, 2015.

Año was named Philippine Army commander in July 15, 2015.

The new AFP chief is a recipient of two Distinguished Service Stars; one Gold Cross medal for gallantry in combat action; a Silver Cross Medal; and 24 Bronze Cross medals for intelligence operations; 38 Military Merit Medals, three of which are with Spearhead Device for accomplishments in combat actions against armed enemies; and nine Military Commendation Medals; a Silver Wing Medal, and other various awards and Command Plaques to include the most coveted Philippine Military Academy Cavalier Award in recognition as outstanding PMA Alumnus in the field of Army Operations in 1996. (PNA)

PHL netter Alcantara wins first match in Indonesia
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Filipino netter Francis Casey Alcantara opened up his campaign in the Combiphar Tennis Open on a high note on Wednesday afternoon, beating Taiwanese Lin Wei-De, 6-3, 6-2 in their first-round battle at the Sultan Hotel hard court in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The victory set up the 24-year-old player from Cagayan de Oro City with the winner between seventh seed Indonesian Sasi Kumar Mukund and Korean qualifier Oh Chan-Yeong.

Top seed Korean Kim Cheong-Eui also made it to the next round after posting a 6-2, 5-7, 7-5 victory over compatriot Chung Yunseong.

Kim will be up against Indonesian wildcard Justin Barki, who pulled off a 6-2, 6-4 win over Vietnamese qualifier Thien Nguyen Hoang.

Second seed Japanese Makoto Ochi outplayed Chinese wildcard Lyu Chengze, 7-6(3), 6-1 to advance to the second round of the USD10,000 tournament organized by the Indonesia Tennis Federation.

Joining Ochi in the next round are compatriots fourth seed Yusuke Takahashi, No. 8 Kento Takeuchi and Renta Tokuda.

Takahashi won over Polish Karol Drzewiecki, 7-5, 6-4; Takeuchi rallied past Indian Rishab Agarwal, 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-2; and Tokuda prevailed over Taiwanese Hung Jui-Chen, 6-4, 6-2.

Other first-round winners were Canadian qualifier Kelsey Stevenson, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 and Hungarian Viktor Filipenko over Japanese qualifier Daisuke Sumizawa, 6-3, 6-3. (PNA)
CVL/JEAN T. MALANUM/EDS

SC junks Revilla plea in connection with plunder suit
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition of detained former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and four others, including alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles in connection with the plunder charges filed against them on their alleged involvement in the multi-billion pork barrel scam.

In a press conference SC Spokesperson Theodore Te said the high court justices voted 13-1 in favor of dismissing the petitions for lack of merit.

The justices also affirmed the findings of probable cause against all petitioners, and a directive for the Sandiganbayan to charge and commence/continue all necessary proceedings in these cases with deliberate dispatch.

Aside from Revilla and Napoles, the petitioners charged before the Sandiganbayan were Richard Cambe, Revilla’s chief of staff; Ronald John Lim and Raymund De Asis, Staff employees of Napoles.

Te also said that that petitioners had commonly assailed the joint resolution dated March 28, 2014 and the joint order dated June 4, 2014 of the Ombudsman finding probable cause to indict them, among others for plunder and 16 counts of violation of RA 3019, sec 3.

”The Court found no grave abuse of discretion in the indictments stating that, the Ombudsman (and the Sandiganbayan as to petitioners) did not err in finding probable against all the petitioners. Their findings are fully supported by the records of this case and semblance of misapprehension taints the same. Moreover, this Court cannot tag key documentary evidence as forgeries and bar testimonies as hearsay at this stage of the proceedings; otherwise it would defy established jurisprudential norms followed during the preliminary investigation,” Te said as he read the decision.

”The standard of proof is accordingly correlative to what must be proved. Clearly, based on the foregoing disquisitions, the standard of probable cause was adequately hurdled by the prosecution in this case. As scuh, no grave abuse of discretion was committed by the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan in the proceedings a quo,” Te added.

Revilla has another pending petition with the high tribunal, which seeks grant of bail pending trial of the non-bailable plunder charges in the Sandiganbayan.

Earlier, the Sandiganbayan twice rejected Revilla’s petition for bail in his case, the first in December 1, 2014 and on March 26, 2015 with the anti-graft court saying that it found the prosecution’s evidence against the lawmaker to be “strong.”

The anti-graft court further stressed then that the evidence against Revilla was “compelling” though it clarified that such findings should not be regarded as prejudgment of the merits of the case which it added are best determined only after a full-blown trial of the case.

The former lawmaker is accused of diverting his pork barrel allocations into fake non-government organizations established by businesswoman and alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles in exchange for hefty kickbacks.

Revilla’s co-accused former Senator Jinggoy Estrada is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame while former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile was allowed by the SC to post bail in August last year for humanitarian considerations. (PNA)
RMA/CLTC/EDS

LETTERS FROM DAVAO

By Jun Ledesma
Good riddance!

Because she cannot be stopped at demeaning her own government and policies of President Rodrigo Duterte there is really no point in keeping her in the Cabinet. I am in fact amazed why the President endured the presence of VP (Vice President) Leni Robredo. If Duterte is looking for an enemy, he needs not really search far.

Leni was a lovely damsel who takes commuter bus for a ride home. Remember the clever ad masquerading as news? She promised to be an asset to the reformist government of Duterte if given a Cabinet position. Duterte did just that, gave Leni Robredo, a widow, an important Cabinet position to demonstrate that he is not the enemy of those who thought that because they belong to a different political spectrum they will be enemies to the Duterte government.

But even before she can even warm her seat, Leni, who professed to prefer riding in commuter bus, started with her foreign entourage on board jumbo jets. While her President and the government, which she is part of, are being maligned and demonized by other leaders and human rights activists she opted to side with the other side along with her clique in the Liberal Party.

Which made me wonder over the kind of tolerance Duterte had on her. They had been diametrically opposed in many issues that confront the administration. Take it from the text of Leni’s letter “resignation”. She underscores her stand against the burial of Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani; condemns extrajudicial killings, reinstatement of Death Penalty; lowering the age of criminal liability; and sexual attacks on women.

For her to claim that there is a plot to steal the Vice Presidency from her is nebulous but she continue to rub that in to add to her subterfuge to further erode the image of Duterte in the world community. Just recently, UN rapporteur David Scheffer issued a stupid and irresponsible statement placing the Philippines in juxtapose with Syria, North Korea and other Islamic nations which are controlled by terrorist groups. This sounds like a choral ensemble of Sheffer and Robredo out to drag Duterte to the International Court of Justice.

And who knows where some of the distorted information were coming from? The Human Rights Watch had been on the trail of Duterte even when he was mayor. This pan-handling organization had been bedeviling Duterte since day one attributing to him the Davao Death Squad which is actually a ghost force at the height of communist insurgency in Davao. Robredo’s consistent tirade against Duterte especially on his all-out war against drugs is no longer tenable and she has to go.

The phone call advising her not to attend Cabinet meetings is the most inoffensive way to deal with Leni. It gives her the chance to submit her letter resignation. The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council will not be without a manager to run it. Leni had busied herself with speeches in domestic and international forums and of late found pleasure in modeling for publications. We are happy for her she lands in the cover but sad because typhoon Yolanda victims have yet to see where the billions of dollars donated for their rehabilitation went.

How can one gently convey a message by phone if all you want to say is “good riddance”. (Mr. Jun Ledesma is a community journalist who writes from Davao City and comments from the perspective of a Mindanaoan)

Newly-appointed AFP chief Año vows to turn military into more credible force
By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año on Wednesday vowed to focus on transforming the military into a strong, modern, and credible one.

"But to effect change, (it) must start within us, as your AFP chief, I will lead our transformation with fervor to realize our vision of a strong modern and credible Armed Forces as source of national pride of the Filipino people," he noted.

Año took over from Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983 classmate Gen. Ricardo Visaya who retired today after 37 years of military service.

In line with his focus to modernize the AFP, the newly-appointed military head said this is necessary as they are mandated to protect the Philippines' sovereignty and integrity of our national territory,

"I am determined to lead the AFP in this endeavor by pushing forward the parallel and complementing modernization or our internal security and territorial defense capabilities, thereby establishing a credible defense posture," he said.

"Unity is always determinant of organizational success thus we shall enhance the inter-operability of the major services towards effective and efficient joint operations, we shall breathe new life into research and development to a viable self reliance development program, supported by advanced military technologies from our allies and other countries," Año said.

The new AFP chief added the military shall be the relentless force in ensuring that the Philippine flag "is the only flag waving and flying across our land, air and seas."

"(While) we have been trained to fight, let us never forget as an organization that our fight will always be the fight for peace for every Filipino for the AFP is committed as it has always been to support the government's initiative for a peaceful resolution to all ideologically based armed conflicts. But even as we uphold and respect the primacy of peace, make no mistake about it. We shall remain to be a lethal force capable of destroying any threat to our nation for we will not let our people cower in the face of lawlessness and terrorism," he added.

In the same vein, Año said the AFP remains unwavering and unfaltering in its pursuit of neutralizing every element that desires to inflict fear and harm to innocent citizens.

"With the guidance of our commander in chief, I shall lead the AFP in the sustainment of focused military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and other local and foreign terrorist groups like the Maute Group," he added.

Año will be serving as AFP chief until he reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Oct. 26, 2017.

He served as Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) from 2012 to 2014 before becoming commander of the Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division.

Año was also credited with the capture of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chair Benito Tiamzon and wife Wilma in Alonguisan, Cebu last March 22, 2014.

He was also responsible for the killing of rebel commander Leonardo Pitao alias Kumander Parago in June 28, 2015.

Año was named Philippine Army commander in July 15, 2015.

The new AFP chief is a recipient of two Distinguished Service Stars; a Gold Cross medal for gallantry in combat action; a Silver Cross Medal; 24 Bronze Cross medals for intelligence operations; 38 Military Merit Medals, three of which were with Spearhead Device for accomplishments in combat actions against armed enemies; nine Military Commendation Medals; a Silver Wing Medal, and other various awards and Command Plaques to include the most coveted Philippine Military Academy Cavalier Award in recognition as outstanding PMA Alumnus in the field of Army Operations in 1996. (PNA)

PA shooters win big-time in 10-day ARMM shooting meet

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Philippine Army (PA) marksmen bagged 23 gold, 14 silver and 26 bronze in the 10-day ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) which formally concluded Wednesday.

The event, which started Nov. 28 and ended Dec. 7, was held at Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.

Task Force AARM commander Brig. Gen. Herminigildo Francisco C. Aquino said the achievement of the PA shooting contingent is a quantum leap against the ASEAN heavyweights.

“We bagged more gold than expected, always at the top three competing for the the top spot. Always slugging it out with ASEAN’s heavyweights, Indonesia and Thailand. All contenders having a good time competing nonetheless, with mutual respect and friendship," he said.

Around 600 participants from the participating 10 ASEAN states took part in the event.

The competing contingents are from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

The AARM is an annual combat shooting competition of ASEAN armies which started in 1991.

The Malaysian Army initially hosted the shooting event.

It's objective is to develop and strengthen the relationship among member Armies from its senior military leaders down to their foot soldiers.

At present, the AARM is divided into five competing events namely pistols for men, pistol for ladies, carbine, rifle, and machine gun. (PNA)
LGI/PFN

PSEi up, PHP down on disappointing Aussie GDP report

MANILA, Dec 7 (PNA) -- While the Philippine Stock Exchange index(PSEi) exhibited strength on Wednesday, the Philippine peso fell against the US dollar as most Asian currencies weakened due to contraction of the Australian economy.

The local currency lost Php0.16 and finished the day at 49.75 from 49.59 Tuesday.

”It was in line with regional weakness because of disappointing growth report from Australia,” a trader said.

Australia’s economy shrank 0.5 percent to 1.8 percent in the third quarter this year, due in part to decline in public capital spending, private building investment and net exports.

The trader said higher fixing for the Chinese currency, renminbi, also resulted in the depreciation of Asian currencies during the day.

Impact of anticipations for a hike in the Federal Reserve rates this month have been priced-in, the trader said, but pointed out that “the market has a manner of ‘sell on rally, buy on fact”, thus, the volatility.

“Emerging market currencies are expected to weaken until the Fed delivers a rate hike. After the rate hike the peso may take a breather,” the trader said.

For the day, the peso opened at 49.63, little changed from the 49.60 a day ago.

It traded between its opening level and 49.76, bringing the day’s average to 49.70.

Volume of trade reached USD351.3 million, higher than the USD400.8 million a day ago.

The trader expects the peso to trade between 49.55 and 49.85 Thursday.

On the other hand, the PSEi gained 0.89 percent, or 60.67 points, to 6,866.81 points.

The All Shares also rose by 0.88 percent, or 36.32 points, to 4,153.06 points.

Most of the sectoral indices increased except for the Mining and Oil, which fell 0.23 percent.

The gainers were led by the Financials, with a 1.26 percent climb, followed by the Holding Firms, 1.06 points; Property, 0.78 percent; Services, 0.78 percent; and Industrial, 0.31 percent.

Volume of trade totaled to 1.1 billion shares amounting to Php 4.98 billion.

There was a close fight between the decliners and advancers at 89 to 88 while 47 stocks were unchanged. (PNA)

Singapore to stop selling 2G mobile devices for local use from 2017

SINGAPORE, Dec. 7 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Singapore's telcos and mobile providers will stop providing 2G-only mobile devices from Jan. 1, 2017, said the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in a press release on Wednesday.

This policy is in line with the nationwide cessation of 2G networks by April 1, 2017. However, IMDA said sale of 2G mobile devices for export or overseas use will still be allowed.

"The retirement of the 2G networks will allow more efficient use of the scarce radio frequency spectrum to provide the more advanced 3G and 4G services, which will better meet users' demand for rich multi-media content," IMDA said.

"IMDA strongly encourages consumers and enterprises to replace their 2G-only mobile devices with 3G or 4G-capable mobile devices before April 1, 2017 to avoid disruption to their mobile services," the release added.

Meanwhile, Singapore's three main telcos - M1, Singtel and StarHub - will continue to facilitate their users to switch from 2G to 3G and 4G networks with no additional subscription cost imposed.

Only two percent, or some 160,000 mobile lines in Singapore are based on 2G services. (PNA/Xinhua)

Power rates up by 10 centavos per kWh for December 2016

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Power bills will increase by 10 centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh) to PHP8.36, driven by the generation charge this December, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Wednesday.

The bill of the average household with a monthly consumption of 200 kWh, will increase by PHP20, the distribution facility said, attributing this month’s increase to the rise in generation charge by 9 centavos per kWh to PHP3.93 per kWh, largely due to the weakening of the peso against the US dollar. The peso weakened from PHP46.58 in August to PHP49.73 last month. This led independent power producers (IPPs), whose billings are about 96 percent dollar-denominated, to hike charges by 26 centavos per kWh.

The power firm noted that the month’s overall rate is lower by 25 centavos per kWh, compared to last year’s rate of PHP8.61 per kWh.

Aside from foreign exchange losses, the company also said the increase was due to the lower dispatch of the Sta. Rita Module 30, following its maintenance shutdown in November.

Charges from power supply agreements (PSAs) also went up by 22 centavos per kWh due to higher fuel costs, while the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) charges fell by 37 centavos per kWh. Lower WESM rates partly offset the higher charges from IPPs and PSAs.

Meralco sourced its capacity from IPPs at 36.4 percent, PSAs at 40.8 percent, and the WESM at 22.5 percent.

The transmission charge of residential customers meanwhile also increased by PHP0.0031 per kWh due to the higher ancillary service charge, while taxes and other charges reflected the hike by PHP0.0065 per kWh.

Meralco pointed out that its distribution charge has remained constant since July 2015. The firm added it does not earn from its pass-through charges, such as the generation and transmission charges.

The Manila Electric Co. is the largest distribution utility of the country, with more than 5.5 million customers in Luzon. (PNA)

PHL's foreign reserves decline to USD82.7B in November 2016
By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) - - The Philippines’ foreign reserves fell to USD82.73 billion by end-November 2016, its lowest since last February.

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that the preliminary gross international reserves (GIR) level to date is the lowest after the USD81.88 billion last February and a decline from last October’s USD85.11 billion.

The central bank breached its GIR target of USD82.7 billion this year last March when the foreign reserves amounted to USD 82.98 billion.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., in a statement, attributed the drop in the foreign reserves to the national government’s payments of its maturing foreign debt, the impact of the central bank’s foreign exchange operations and revaluation of the central bank’s gold holdings.

Central bank data show that value of the BSP’s gold holdings as of last November amounted to USD7.4 billion, lower than the previous month’s USD8.1 billion.

Tetangco said these outflows were countered by the national government’s net foreign currency deposits and the central bank’s income from investments abroad.

He said the current foreign exchange reserves were enough to cover 9.6 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income and equivalent to 5.9 times the country’s short-term foreign debt based on original maturity.

During the same period, net international reserves (NIR), which is the difference between the GIR and total short-term debt, amounted to USD82.72 billion, lower than the previous month’s USD85.09 billion, central bank data show. (PNA)

Health groups decry lawmakers' attempt to rush bill that would kill Sin Tax Law

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Various health groups have assailed lawmakers who support a bill that could kill the health and revenue gains of the Sin Tax Law.

“The legislators chose to protect the interest of the tobacco industry, a long-standing clique of power in Congress, known to most as the Northern Luzon Alliance. They struck again with decisive force to ram through legislation a proposal that will kill the health and revenue gains of the Sin Tax Law,” the groups pointed out in a statement issued Wednesday.

“They are trying to beat the Christmas rush and hoping to deliver the goods to their master, in this case, the tobacco companies, as soon as possible. The Christmas ‘aguinaldo’ for a job well done may be forthcoming for these legislators. Thanks to a bill that will surely bring more profit to the tobacco companies’ coffers as more people die because of smoking-related diseases."

The health groups consist of the Primary Care Coalition, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP), New Vois Association of the Philippines, Health Justice Philippines, Womanhealth Philippines, and Action for Economic Reforms (AER), which are strongly opposing the rush to pass Bill 4144 at the House of Representatives.

Authored by ABS Partylist Rep. Eugene Michael de Vera, House Bill 4144 seeks to introduce two tax tiers -- the first at PHP32 per pack for low-priced cigarettes, and the second at PHP36 per pack for high-priced cigarettes. It also seeks an annual increase of 5 percent on these rates. Republic Act 10351 sets the sin tax on tobacco at PHP30 per pack in 2017, with an annual 4 percent adjustment afterwards.

The bill was filed last Oct. 19, shortly before the session went on a break on October 21. It was referred to the House committee on ways and means on Nov. 7 when the session resumed and was discussed by the committee during its first hearing on November 28.

The bill was approved without amendment during the second hearing on Dec. 5 and submitted to the committee on rules on the same day.

“Deliberation started the following day and could have been approved without the timely intervention of pro-health advocates among the members of the House. We are alarmed that Congress leaders are bent on getting this passed today,” said Dr. Maricar Limpin, ASH executive director.

Limpin said that known members of the Northern Luzon Alliance are key leaders of the House, led by Majority Floor Leader Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas with Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson, and Quezon City Rep. Bingbong Crisologo. Ways and means committee chair Rep. Dakila Cua is from Quirino province and purportedly also a member of this bloc.

"These legislators tried to stall opposition to HB 4144 of pro-health legislators," Limpin said.

Rep. Pia Cayetano, Rep. Edcel Lagman, and Rep. Josy Limkaichong raised the health impact of the bill, saying the measure should be discussed lengthily before it is passed.

Another bill was filed by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, HB 4575 on Dec. 5 to maintain the single tax rate on cigarettes at PHP40 per pack as a counter-measure to the bill adopted by the ways and means committee.

In Salceda’s explanatory note on HB 4575, he called the two-tier tax a bad policy because the poorest 1 percent of Filipinos spends 4.7 percent of their income on tobacco.

Salceda argued that imposing a lower tax on low-priced cigarette products that the poor consume will encourage them to smoke further.

“We rally behind Rep. Salceda’s proposal because it builds on the intent of the Sin Tax Law. HB 4575 will be effective in encouraging more smokers to quit and discourage vulnerable sectors, such as the youth and the poor, from smoking,” said Dr. Antonio Dans, academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Dans estimated that at least 10 percent of smokers would simply switch to low-priced cigarettes if HB 4144 is adopted. He said instead of quitting, smokers could end up consuming up to 50 percent more of the cheap cigarettes.

AER president, Cristina Morales-Alikpala, warned that a two-tier tax system would make it easy for tobacco manufacturers to produce cheap brands to avoid higher taxes.

“A higher unitary tax rate will protect and save more lives, and significantly reduce downshifting to cheaper brands. HB 4144 will be bad for both health and revenues while HB 4575 will further strengthen the Sin Tax Law; HB 4575 is estimated to generate PHP20 billion more revenues compared to HB 4144,” Alikpala explained.

The Sin Tax Law stipulates a scheduled shift from the current two-tier to a unitary tax system effective January 1, 2017. “With barely a month before the excise tax on cigarettes unify, we are wary that the passage of HB 4144 is being rushed to block the unitary tax system in favor of vested interests,” said Limpin.

Republic Act 10351, more popularly known as the Sin Tax Law, was signed by former president Benigno Aquino III on Dec. 20, 2012, after being stalled at the committee level in the Senate and the House for more than 15 years. The measure has been repeatedly hailed internationally and dubbed as “the single most important health policy legislation of the past decade” in the Philippines. (PNA)

AF Payments eyes further expanding usage of beep cards in public bus transport
By Aerol B. Patena

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- AF Payments Inc. (AFPI) is eyeing to further expand the beep card system into public bus transportation next year.

AFPI spokesperson Tere Ancheta stated that the company expects that beep cards will be used in more premium point to point (P2P) bus routes and EDSA buses to ensure seamless travel for commuters.

“Most of our commuters ride buses once they get off the LRT or MRT. Beep card allows cashless payments which will be convenient for commuters as this will save time fumbling on their bags or pockets for change to pay for their fare,” Ancheta said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The beep card is currently available for use in the HM Transport Airport Loop (Baclaran to NAIA Terminal 3) buses, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) buses and in Citylink’s McKinley Hill to MRT-Magallanes-San Lorenzo Place routes.

AF Payments seeks to pursue an integrated and comprehensive loading network for the beep card system and institutionalize electronic payment for purchase of goods and services in the country similar to the Octopus card in Hong Kong.

It has partnered with convenience store chain Family Mart as its initial venture into retail out of transportation. Beep card holders can now reload and pay for their purchases at 80 Family Mart branches nationwide.

It is currently in negotiations with other convenience chain store operators to further expand its services.

Since its launch in 2015, the tap and go beep card has modernized payment enabling Filipinos to pay in all three elevated railways (LRT 1, 2 and MRT 3), select bus lines and the Cavite Expressway. There are currently over 2.5 million beep cards in circulation.

AF Payments Inc. is a consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and Ayala Corporation that provides contactless payment solutions in the Philippines through its integrated product and service offerings, thereby enhancing the transaction experience of every Filipino. (PNA)

Philippines, Russia to explore military logistics cooperation

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA/Xinhua) -- The Philippines and Russia are looking at possible "military logistics cooperation" as the two countries expand their defense and economic ties, a government statement said on Wednesday.

The Philippines is upgrading its modest defense capability and is keen on engaging Russia in military logistics, including possible procurement of defense equipment, training and technology transfer.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana met with Alexander Fomin, director of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation in Moscow on Monday.

On the instruction of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Lorenzana visited Moscow to explore prospects for military-technical cooperation between the Philippines and Russia.

This is the first ever visit of a Philippine defense secretary to Russia since the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relations in 1976, according to the statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

"Fomin warmly welcomed Lorenzana, stating that his visit is indeed a good follow-up to the fruitful meeting between Duterte and (Russian) President Vladimir Putin in Lima, Peru on November 19, at the sidelines of the (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit," the statement said.

It noted that Fomin emphasized that Russia is ready to cooperate with and supply the Philippines with whatever defense products it needs, adding that Russia can offer "a wide range of quality and reasonably priced defense products."

The Philippine foreign department said that Lorenzana and Fomin have agreed to continue inter-agency discussions to move the cooperation forward. (PNA/Xinhua)

3 hurt in Iligan City grenade explosion
By Cris Diaz

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Three persons were wounded when a grenade exploded in Iligan City, 88 kilometers west of here, around 7 p.m. Wednesday.

A sketchy police report monitored from here identified the wounded as Cheryl Paquet, 22, of Kaugmaran, Suarez, Iligan City, Laureto Carabantes, Jr., and Cristine Macaderos, all of Iligan City.

The three suffered only minor injuries on their arms when the grenade exploded not far from where they were standing, the police said.

An initial police investigation disclosed that an unidentified person, wearing a bonnet, lobbed the grenade in the city’s public plaza near where the victims were standing.

Police said that the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras mounted around the public plaza could possibly provide the identities of the suspect.

A statement from the office of the City Mayor in Iligan City, said that the police were investigating on the motive behind the explosion.

Joe Pantoja, spokesperson of the office of the City Mayor in Iligan City, said that all activities set for the observance of the Christmas celebration in the city would proceed as scheduled.

He said that the weekly “Night Café” in Iligan City, which is scheduled every Friday and Saturday, would continue unhampered.

The “Night Café” with a semblance of a “night market", was patterned after Cagayan De Oro's where local traders sell various commodities, food, and drinks in the city’s downtown district starting 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. (PNA)

House approves sin tax law amendment on second reading
By Filane Mikee Cervantes

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on second reading a measure replacing the unitary tax rate on tobaccos with a two-tier system.

Lawmakers approved through viva voce vote House Bill No. 4144 authored by ABS party-list Rep. Eugene Michael de Vera and sponsored on the floor by ways and means committee chair Dakila Carlo Cua.

The proposed measure, which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10351, or the Sin Tax Reform Law, will introduce two tax tiers depending on the cigarettes’ classification-- the first at Php 32 per pack for low-priced cigarettes, and the second at Php 36 per pack for high-priced cigarettes. It also seeks an annual increase of 5 percent on these rates.

The current law sets the sin tax on tobacco at Php 30 per pack in 2017, with an annual 4 percent adjustment afterwards.

The bill hurdled the committee level without amendment on Dec. 5 and moved to the plenary for deliberations on Tuesday.

Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman raised the health impact of the bill during the interpellations, saying the measure should be discussed lengthily before it is passed.

House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, on the other hand, expects the bill to advance on third and final reading next week. (PNA)

Mindanao gets substantial infra fund under BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025
By Digna D. Banzon

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- The final plan for BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 (BEV 2025) has identified big ticket projects out of the USD23-billion fund for the eight-year plan of the East Asean Growth Area (EAGA).

According to Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) deputy executive director Romeo Montenegro during Wednesday's Forum at Habi at Kape, Mindanao gets substantial allocation for the infrastructure projects.

He said the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 covers the period 2017 to 2025 which will eventually align with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) 2025.

One of the big-ticket projects is the Mindanao Railway project that has an allocation of USD9 billion.

The other projects include the Sasa Port Development Project, the Davao International Airport, Zamboanga International Airport, Polloc Port and other infrastructure projects within the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, Montenegro added.

He said the island is given preferential attention because it is Mindanao that needs most of the assistance. He said all the neighboring areas already have well-developed connectivity.

Once these projects will materialize, expect a big change in the economic landscape, Montenegro said, emphasizing that there must be linkages for air, sea and land.

And linking these growth areas, he said, will make Mindanao an attractive area for investment. The development of these infrastructure projects will also create jobs.

Meanwhile, Montenegro said that BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 will be presented for approval when the Philippines takes its turn for the chairmanship.

Montenegro said that during the 20th BIMP EAGA Ministerial Meeting last November 29 in Puerto Princesa, the body endorsed the BEV 2025 that aspires for a resilient, inclusive, sustainable and economically competitive sub-region.

He said the BEV 2025 aims to deliver three main outcomes, namely, 1) competitive and green manufacturing, 2) sustainable, competitive and climate resilient agro-industry and fisheries, and 3) sustain tourism destination.

Montenegro said BEV 2025 includes priority infrastructure projects that are most needed within the growth area. (PNA)

Duterte vows to stop corruption, drugs and criminality to ease poverty

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- In a bid to alleviate poverty, President Rodrigo Duterte has pledged to end the perennial problem of corruption, illegal drugs and criminality in the country.



Duterte made the commitment as he graced the Urban Poor Solidarity Week 2016 in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

"Tatapusin ko ang corruption, droga, pati kriminalidad, pati 'yung federal setup," the President said.



He lamented that he has been confronted with many problems everyday, which he said he would try to solve for the betterment of the nation.



Duterte recalled how he has addressed the problem on informal settlers in his home province in Davao City where he rejected demolition until proper relocation was established.



"Noong panahon ko hindi ako pumayag...Hindi naman aso 'yan. Pagkatapos ng demolition, sige bahala na kayo. It ain't that way in this planet," he said.



Duterte likewise believes that the federal form of government will also help alleviate poverty as it is deemed to bring peace in conflict-torn Mindanao.



"If others are really resistant to the idea of a federal setup, without that federalism, the Moro people will never agree to anything else," he said.



The Chief Executive cited the mix of cultures in Mindanao that makes it more difficult for him to unite the region.

"Kung sa panahon ko na may kaunti akong Moro na dugo, hindi ko mai-swing 'yan, nobody can. At itong mga Moro people, hindi na maniwala 'yan," he added.



He again warned about the escalation of terrorism which he said could be the next big problem the country has to face.



"The next adventure that I will embark on is terrorism. Be prepared for that," he said. (PNA)

Draft of EO facilitating return of 4 agencies to DA submitted to President Duterte
By Leslie d. Venzon

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- The draft of the executive order (EO) facilitating the return of four agencies under the control of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has already been handed to President Rodrigo Duterte for his scrutiny, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said on Wednesday.

These agencies are the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

Piñol bared that he submitted the draft of the EO last Friday during his meeting with the President.

“There is no timeline (when the EO will be signed) but on his instructions, I already submitted the executive order draft,” he told reporters.

Piñol said President Duterte had instructed that the EO would be signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

The Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (PAFSAM) has oversight responsibilities for the four agencies which were formerly under the purview of the DA.

Former Senator Francis Pangilinan was named as the first PAFSAM, which was created on May 5, 2014 by former President Benigno S. Aquino III. (PNA)

UN relief office closely monitoring impact of earthquake in Indonesia

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 8 (PNA/Xinhua) -- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is "closely monitoring the impact of the earthquake in Indonesia," which national authorities say has killed more than 90 people, the deputy UN spokesman, Farhan Haq, said here Wednesday.

"No official request for assistance has been made yet, but the United Nations stands ready to support Indonesia as required," Haq said at a daily news briefing here.

At least 97 people have been killed and more than 600 others suffered from wounds after a powerful and shallow underland quake hit western Indonesia's Aceh Province earlier Wednesday, reports said.

The 6.4 magnitude quake had left 613 people injured and more than 200 houses, shop buildings, school buildings, mosques and buildings damaged, Heni Nurmaini, press officer for emergency affairs at the provincial disaster agency, told Xinhua by phone.

The quake jolted at 05:03 a.m. Jakarta time Wednesday (22:03 GMT Tuesday) with epicenter at 18 km northeast Pidie Jaya district and depth at 10 km under land, an official of the meteorology and geophysics agency told Xinhua in Jakarta. (PNA/Xinhua)

Lawmaker urges use of locally-developed technology solutions to address traffic woes

MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez Sato on Thursday urged the government to give full support to locally-developed mass transport systems as a practical solution in easing traffic congestion in urban centers throughout the country.

According to the lady lawmaker, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) already has several pilot mass transport projects developed by the country’s science and technology experts just waiting to be utilized.

Among them are the Hybrid Electric Road Train that can actually be deployed as a point-to-point transport system; the Hybrid Electric Train that can augment the existing Philippine National Railway (PNR) fleet; and the Automated Guideway Transit System or monorail that can be used in secondary roads connecting to the MRT and LRT systems.

“These are projects that can really help ease the daily commute of Filipinos, improve our mass transport system and in the long run, help decongest our cities,” she said.

“So what are we waiting for? These models developed by DOST local scientists must get all the support that government can provide, ASAP,” Sato said.

Furthermore, the lawmaker is also urging local experts to come up with more science and technology-based solutions to the country’s transportation woes.

Sato, who heads the committee on Science and Technology of the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA), wants the DOST to take the lead in pursuing local technology solutions to traffic congestion.

Last Tuesday, Sato’s committee conducted a public hearing for the ad interim appointment of DOST Secretary Fortunato Tanseco dela Peña who was bypassed by the CA last October.

Sato fully supported the agency’s plan to inject science-based solutions to pressing problems such as traffic and the CA subsequently approved Dela Peña’s ad interim appointment on Wednesday.

The Occidental Mindoro lawmaker said she is now inclined to support a budget increase for research and development to boost “Filipinnovations,” or what she calls “local innovative solutions” developed by the country’s science and technology experts.

As a member of the House of Representatives committee on transportation, Sato earlier urged the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to review bus and jeepney franchises to help ease traffic in urban centers.

She said that if the situation warrants it, the DoTr and LTFRB should re-engineer traffic routes and make use of secondary roads to decongest major thoroughfares.

“As the traffic condition worsens, this is the perfect time for DOTr to work with DOST on the possibility of fast-tracking the deployment of locally developed mass transport systems,” Sato said.

The lady solon believes that there is also no need to grant the DoTr special powers to set aside processes that safeguard government’s limited resources and procurement law to address traffic problems.

“Inter-agency synergy and cooperation coupled with belief and trust in our local engineers and scientists -- this is a more powerful solution to our traffic woes,” Sato said. (PNA)

All 48 people aboard killed after plane crashes in northern Pakistan
By Misbah Saba Malik & Raheela Nazir

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 8 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Rescue teams have retrieved all 48 bodies from the wreckage of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane, which crashed in the country's north mountainous area on Wednesday, officials said.

Azam Saigol, chairman of the PIA airline, said the plane was carrying 48 people, including 42 passengers, five crewmembers and one ground engineer.

According to the PIA's website, two Austrians and one Chinese national were also on board the ill-fated plane. The Chinese embassy has confirmed that a Chinese man was killed in the tragedy.

PIA Chairman Saigol said each passenger had an insurance of 5 million rupees (about USD47,000) while the airline will bear the expenses of coffin, funeral and give a subsidy of half a million rupees (about USD4,700).

He said the ATR-42 aircraft operating as flight PK-661 took off from the country's north Chitral airport for the capital of Islamabad at 3:40 p.m. local time (1040 GMT).

"At 4:14 p.m. we received a call from the pilot at Islamabad airport control tower informing us that he lost control over one of the two engines of the plane. We told him to land at the runway once his vision is clear, but at 4:16 p.m. (1116 GMT) we lost the contact with him," the chairman said.

The plane was some 35 miles away from Islamabad airport when the pilot contacted the control room.

Saigol said at about 4:30 p.m. they received the information that local people in the northern Havelian town saw the plane crashing into the hills.

He ruled out the reports of any human error and said that things will be clearer when investigation teams will give their report after completing the probe.

The Franch-made aircraft was manufactured in 2007 and inducted in the PIA fleet in the same year.

Saigol said the plane's black box had been found and will be sent to its manufacturing company in France for decoding.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), media wing of the Pakistani army said that two helicopters, 500 soldiers and doctors took part in the rescue operation.

All the bodies were being shifted to Ayub medical complex Abbottabad. Doctor Manan, deputy medical superintendent at the hospital, said all of them were burnt beyond recognition as the plane caught fire after the crash.

He said the bodies will be identified by biometric verification carried out by National Database Registration Authority. A mobile team from the agency already reached the hospital via helicopters provided by the Interior Ministry.

After the identification process, the bodies will be airlifted to hospitals in Islamabad and will be handed over to the relatives.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the incident and directed the National Disaster Management Authority to mobilize all the resources to facilitate the relatives of the crash victims.

The authority has formed an emergency desk at the Abbottabad hospital to provide information about the victims. (PNA/Xinhua)

The ugly face of interconnection
By Carmelito Francisco

If there is one thing glaring about the indifference of the national government to Mindanao, one example that comes to mind is the power industry.

The Mindanao power grid is isolated from the rest of the country so that during the times its power needs were in dire straits, the bureaucracy turned a blind eye on it. Even during those times there were officials who were boldly pushing for the interconnection between Mindanao and the rest of the country, particularly then president Allan Ortiz of the National Transmission Corp. (which would eventually became the privately-run National Grid Corp. of the Philippines), the national government never lifted its finger.

In fact, when the President Benigno Aquino III assumed office in 2010, the thrust of his administration was instead to privatize the two main power sources of Mindanao, the Agus and Pulangi hydroelectric complexes.

It was fortunate that the move never materialized owing to the counter-moves both of some lawmakers and the Mindanao Development Authority as they pushed for the setting up of an entity to run these power assets. The congressional proposal has been revived of late.

The danger in the privatization of these assets is that the once-touted low power rates in Mindanao would become the thing of the past because, and this is to be expected, the companies that would operate them would definitely not only push for profitability and by doing so invest huge amounts that need to be recouped.

The interconnection of Mindanao to the rest of the country’s grid has been revived with Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi as among the proponents. Of course, there is nothing wrong with Cusi’s move because it is within the mandates of his office, but he must be told about the long-term implications of this action.

Those pushing for interconnection would claim that this is fair enough because this will result in a single grid. But when interconnection was needed by Mindanao so it could have more power sources, the national government never attempted to do it for whatever reason.

The big problem about interconnecting Mindanao with the rest of the country is its two main assets would also benefit the rest of the country. However, during the times when Mindanao was needing sources, the rest of the country had but it did not have and it was ignored.

The argument of those who are bucking the interconnection is that the power rates of Mindanao from using these assets, which stand at about P3 a kilowatt-hour, would result in higher rates because it would be blended with power sources with higher rates. This is an advantage in terms of being an investment area.

The interconnection will also become a huge burden on consumers that even the funding for feasibility study has be passed on to consumers. Even finding the best places for the interconnection has been so hard for the NGCP, if it were to be believed.

The one sad thing is that Mindanao consumers are paying for the government loans of projects in Luzon and the Visayas and even for renewable energy in the Luzon-Visayas grid when do not even benefit from it.

This corner believes that the interconnection concept must be abandoned and just allow Mindanao to chart its growth even in power.

Mindanao’s power surplus, by early next year, would stand at about 1,000 megawatts. The volume even excludes the incoming new renewable energy projects are necessary to balance the power mix which at present is slowly getting tilted in favor of fossil-fueled power plants.

The big surplus a is welcome development for Mindanao because power is essential to economic growth. This was among the reasons that many investors shunned Mindanao in the past.

If the Energy department wants to help Mindanao grow, it must find ways to ensure that rates here are competitive so that investors both in the industry as well as outside will take notice of its potentials.

Mindanao can realize its full potentials even without the interconnection. Government should only ensure that it has the needed push to become a primary investment area that will continue to support the economy of the country. (Carmelito Q. Francisco has been in community journalism for two-and-a-half decades with half of it spent on writing business stories. At present, he is the managing editor of the Davao City-based Mindanao Times and a correspondent of business broadsheet BusinessWorld)

Magnitude 6.2 quake hits NW China, says European Seismological Center

MOSCOW, Dec. 8 (PNA/Sputnik) -- A magnitude 6.2 earthquake has hit the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said Thursday.

According to the center, the quake hit 55 km. (34 miles) southeast of the city of Shihezi. (PNA/Sputnik)

Initial probe on case vs CIDG Region 8 members to push through -- DOJ
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Thursday said that the agency will continue the preliminary investigation on the case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against members of the Criminal Detection and Investigation Group (CIDG) - Region 8 in connection with the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.

The DOJ made the statement despite President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks defending the policemen allegedly involved in the said killing.

”It will not affect (the proceedings of the case). We will continue our preliminary investigation,” Aguirre said when sought for a comment.

Espinosa was named by President Duterte as being involved in the illegal drugs trade.

On Tuesday, the NBI said that the twin-killing of Espinosa and fellow inmate Raul Yap inside their detention cells at the Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail in Baybay City last Nov. 5 was a "rubout".

NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin said their parallel investigation, under Aguirre's instruction, showed testimonial and forensic evidence that the actions of policemen, who served the search warrant on Espinosa in the wee hours of Nov. 5, "showed a community of purpose or an implied conspiracy."

“We respect the findings of the police but this is the findings of the NBI and we stand by our findings. Naniniwala kaming merong criminal intent, merong pakay sila sa pagpatay kay Mayor Rolando Espinosa at Raul Yap. There was community of purpose, there was mission in their action, there was conspiracy,” Lavin said.

He said the forensic team did their best to recreate the crime scene, noting that the forensic findings are consistent with the testimonial evidence.

He added that though forensics showed Espinosa’s hand was positive for nitrate residue for gunpowder, it was also possible that someone put the gun in the victim’s hand and fired it.

The NBI filed before the DOJ multiple murder and perjury case against 24 members of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Regional Office No. 08.

Facing a complaint for multiple murder are Superintendent Marvin Wynn Marcos, Superintentdent Santi Noel Gaspang Matira, Chief Inspector Leo Daio Laraga, Senior Inspector (SI) Deogracia Pedong Diaz, SI Fritz Bioco Blanco, Senior Police Officer 4 Juanito Ampado Duarte, SPO4 Melvin Mendoza Caboyit, SPO4 Eric Palattao Constantino, SPO2 Benjamin Layague Dacallos, SPO2 Alphinor Milla Serrano, Jr., PO3 Johnny Abuda Ibanez, PO3 Norman Tiu Abellanosa, PO2 Niel Patrimonio Centino, PO1 Bernard Rodriguez Orpilla, PO3 Lloyd Ortinez Ortiguesa, PO1 Jerlan Sadia Cabiyaan, Cristal Jane Briones Gisma, Divine Grace Baclas Songalia, all assigned at CIDG Regional Office No. 08, Port Area, Tacloban City as well as PCINSP Calixto Cabardo Canillas, Jr., PINSP Lucresito Adana Candelosas, SPO2 Antonio Romangca Docil, SPO1 Mark Christian Castillo Cadilo, PO2 John Ruel Baldevia Doculan, and PO2 Jaime Pacuan Bacsal, all assigned at Regional Maritime Unit 8 Port Area, Tacloban City.

The NBI also recommended the filing of perjury charges against Chief Insp. Leo Diao Laraga, PO3 Norman T. Abellanosa and Paul Olendan for maliciously obtaining a search warrant.

Meanwhile, Aguirre created a five-man panel to conduct preliminary investigation and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of a case by the NBI against the cops policemen involved in the killing of Espinosa and fellow inmate Raul Yap inside the sub-provincial jail in Baybay City.

In his Department Order no. 890 issued on Wednesday, Aguirre designated Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Lilian Doris P. Alejo as chairperson while her members are Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Olivia L. Torrevillas, Assistant State Prosecutor Jinky P. Dedumo, Assistant State Prosecutor Karla T. Cabel and Prosecuting Attorney Moises Y. Acayan.

The panel will conduct a preliminary investigation on the multiple murder and perjury case against 24 members of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Regional Office No. 08.

"In the interest of public service, pursuant to the provisions of existing laws and pursuant to the result of the investigation conducted by the NBI Eastern Visayas Regional Office, recommending the prosecution thereof, a panel of prosecutor is hereby constituted to conduct the preliminary investigation of the case," Aguirre said in the Department Order.

"If evidence warrants, [the panel is ordered] to file the appropriate information in the court of competent jurisdiction and to prosecute the same," said Aguirre.

As to the matter of President Duterte defending the assailed policemen, Aguirre said that the President made the statement to show his trust and support to the PNP in its enforcement of his campaign against illegal drugs campaign in the country.

He also explained that such pronouncement of the President does not constitute an impeachable offense. (PNA)

3 ranking generals vying for PA top slot -- Año
By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- Three lieutenant generals are now vying for the old Army post of newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año.

This was disclosed by Año when asked if he has any idea on who his possible replacement as Philippine Army (PA) commander.

"It is still for approval, contenders are three ranking Army lieutenant generals," Año said without giving the identities of the selectees.

The newly-appointed AFP chief is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983, the same as his predecessor, Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

As this develops, Año said he is not setting a deadline on the focused military operations against the Maute Group, Abu Sayyaf and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

"We'll do our best but I will not set a deadline. Full efforts are ongoing," he said.

"We will continue the focused military operations in those areas. Resources will be pushed forwads to support our troops. Adjustment will be made based on the assessment of the ground commanders," the newly-appointed AFP chief added. (PNA)

4th suspect in foiled US embassy bombing arrested
By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested the fourth suspect in the attempted bombing in Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard near the United States Embassy last Nov. 28.

In a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday, PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said the fourth suspect was arrested in Zambales yesterday (Wednesday).

However, the suspect was not presented to the media during the press conference as the operation is still ongoing for the capture of the fifth suspect.

"Waiting for further instructions pa sila (suspects) sa kanilang boss (from their boss) reason for not divulging details on the person of interest," Dela Rosa said.

The PNP chief said the person of interest is a suspect, but there's still ongoing operation, noting that, their other accomplice is being pursued.

He said the said suspect has already went home but "we have our own way of locating them."

Meanwhile, the PNP chief, together with National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde and Manila Police District (MPD) Director Senior Supt. Joel Coronel, presented to the media the recovered complete improvised explosive device (IED) from the captive suspects consisting of unexploded shell of a 105mm howitzer cannon using a cellphone as a triggering device.

Dela Rosa noted that such bombs are from the military unexploded ordnance, which are either used in Mindanao or fired by the troops using the 105mm howitzer cannon but did not explode, taken and recovered by enemies of the State.

He suspects there could have been a pilferage in the supply of the military, but that remains to be proven.

"Definitely these are unexploded ordnance. It can kill around 300 people. Basta 70 to 80 meters yung kanyang casualty radius, within 80 meters doon sa seat of explosion, patay ka pa rin (Casualty radius is 70 to 80 meters from the seat of explosive device, you'll still be killed)," Dela Rosa said. (PNA)

Indonesian authorities say earthquake on Sumatra wounds more than 600

BALI, Dec. 8 (PNA/Sputnik) -- Over 600 people in Indonesia’s Aceh province were injured as a result of the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the region on Wednesday, authorities said.

In the Pidie Jaya, Pidie and Bireuen regencies 620 people were injured, National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, BNPB head Willem Rampangilei announced that at least 97 people were killed by the earthquake, while at least 536 were wounded. According to Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, about 7,400 people have lost their homes and are currently sheltered at temporary rescue centers.

Indonesia is located in the so-called Ring of Fire quake zone where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Hundreds of thousands died in 2004 when a record quake hit the Aceh region, triggering a tsunami. (PNA/Sputnik)

NPA warns barangay official on extortion
June 4, 2000 - Bohol Tribune

     The New People’s Army will punish the barangay official alleged to have attempted to extort P50,000 from a supplier using the name of the underground movement.

    The extortion try was foiled when a barangay tanod confessed to the potential victim during a confrontation.

     Silvino “Ka Vino” Clamucha, spokesperson of the NPA-Regional Operational Command, during an exclusive interview with the CHRONICLE on Sunday, said that the penalty will depend on the degree of the offense.

     If the “people’s court” finds out that an individual or a group has been repeatedly extorting innocent civilians by name dropping the NPA, punishment will be grave and heavy, he said.

Vatican launches website to battle clergy sex abuse
By Allen Cone

VATICAN CITY, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The Vatican has launched a website it says will offer transparency and battle clergy sexual abuse of children around the world.

The website debuted Tuesday in English. The website is an offshoot of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors created by Pope Francis in 2013 and led by Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston.

For the first time, documents and resources are readily available, including an email and phone number to contact its commission for the protection of minors.

"It is very important to the commission that we are as transparent as possible," project coordinator Emer McCarthy told CNN on Tuesday. "Our members want people to know that they are doing their level best to carry out the commission of the Holy Father."

"Much of the work of the commission is listening, study and reflection, so there will not be day-to-day updates, but the website is the vehicle to let people know that we are here."

The website allows local churches to publish their own standards.

The site also allows sharing of information when priests seek to transfer dioceses.

Two years ago, the Vatican reported comprehensive statistics on the number of priests removed from ministry for sexual abuse.

Pope Francis' philosophy about sex abuse by clergy is on the website: "The commission's specific task is to propose to me the most opportune initiatives for protecting minors and vulnerable adults, in order that we may do everything possible to ensure that crimes such as those which have occurred are no longer repeated in the church. The commission is to promote local responsibility in the particular churches, uniting their efforts to those of the congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the protection of all children and vulnerable adults."

The commission has 17 active members, include religious and lay, men and women from a variety of backgrounds.

McCarthy told Crux an independent Catholic news site, that a Spanish website next will be created, followed by French, and eventually Italian, German and Portuguese.

Common pesticides are more harmful to 'good' insects than previously thought

Not all insects are the enemies of crops. Many are beneficial. Ideally, insecticides should kill the bad insects without harming the good ones. Easier said than done.

New research suggests some common insecticides are more harmful than previously thought, killings bad insects as well as good insects -- predatory insects that prey on pests.

"Predatory insects contribute billions of dollars a year to agriculture through the elimination of crop pest insects," Margaret Douglas, postdoctoral researcher in entomology at Penn State, said in a news release. "We have found that neonicotinoid seed coatings reduce populations of these natural enemies 10 to 20 percent."

Like many powerful weapons, insecticides aren't always exact. But one way researchers have tried to keep pesticides from hurting helpful insects is by augmenting the delivery method.

Previously research suggested coating seeds with neonicotinoid -- as opposed to spraying onto crops -- would prevent the chemical from harming predatory insect populations. The latest findings out of Penn State University suggest otherwise.

"Applying insecticides to seeds rather than broadcasting them across a field was thought to reduce unwanted effects on natural enemies," Douglas explained. "But we found that seeds treated with neonicotinoid insecticides reduced populations of natural enemies by 10 to 20 percent in North American and European farming systems. Surprisingly, this effect was about the same as that associated with broadcast applications of pyrethroids."

Many research studies have attempted to measure the effects of neonicotinoid seed coatings on predatory insects to varying degrees of success. But results of these studies have contradicted each other.

To solve this problem, Douglas and her colleagues used a meta-analysis technique to interpret the findings from 20 field studies, comprising 1,000 observations from across North America and Europe.

Researchers hope their findings -- detailed in the journal PeerJ -- will inform the cost-benefit decisions about efficacy and safety of different pest-control measures taken by farmers, policy makers and environmental regulators.

"Several governments have restricted the use of neonicotinoids out of concern for their possible effects on pollinators," said Douglas. "But this raises the questions, 'What will farmers do without these products? If they switch to broadcast applications of pyrethroids, will those products be better or worse for predatory insects?' While our results do not speak to the pollinator issue, they do suggest that predatory insects are affected similarly by seed-applied neonicotinoids and broadcast pyrethroids."

22 towns poor tax collectors
Published June 4, 2000 - Bohol Chronicle

     Twenty-two towns, almost half of Bohol’s 47 municipalities, failed to collect their real property tax collection targets last year.

     On the contrary, the 25 other towns achieved their projections and even surpassed the 100% mark.

    Those which collected below their targets were Alburquerque, Anda, Antequera, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Carmen, Catigbian, Dimiao, Getafe, Guindulman, Inabanga, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Mabini, Maribojoc, Panglao, Pilar, Sagbayan, Sierra-Bullones, Trinidad, and Tubigon.

For the next and future generations, Madame Islander. 10 or 30 years from now, they will return to Tubagbohol.com and find old Bohol news stories that they could never find anywhere else on the world wide web.

Port reclamation on; limestone from Cebu
June 4, 2000 Bohol Chronicle

     The reclamation project at the Tagbilaran City Port resumed yesterday with the arrival of limestone from Cebu.

      This development followed after contractors in the province and the provincial government still have not been issued the needed environmental clearance certificate (ECC) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional offices.

      A check made by the CHRONICLE yesterday at the project site showed that the limestone supply was delivered by barges all the way from Alcoy, Cebu.

      Mara Construction, winning bidder of the P67M reclamation project, stopped accepting limestone from local contractors after Gov. Rene Relampagos declared that no quarrying will be allowed without the ECCs.

     The work was resumed yesterday after two barges, full of limestone from Alcoy were delivered direct to the project site.

Lawyers raise funds for policemen facing charges
Published on June 4, 2000 by The Bohol Chronicle

     Boholano lawyers are raising money to fund the litigation expenses of police officers and other law enforcers who are being countercharged as a consequence of official acts.

     Various sectors in the community are cautious, however, wheter the cops who face countercharges today all deserve to benefit from the project.
The amount generated by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bohol Chapter will be used for the Legal Assistance for Effective Law Enforcement Program (LAELEP).

     The provincial government is coordinating with the IBP in implementing the program.

      Kagawad Tomas Abapo, Jr. Said all requirements to conduct fund-raising activities for the police should be complied with.

      Abapo, a former IBP-Bohol president, sponsored on Friday a Sangguniang Panlalawgian resolution authorizing the IBP to raise funds for the purpose.

The Dragons of the Bohol Wisdom School notched game 1 of their respective best of three championship series of the ongoing 18th Bohol Schools Amateur Athletic Association 4th John Geesnell Baba Yap inter â€" School Hoop Cup Saturday a the BWS gym.

The Golden Dragons, having an edge in championship derby exposure having played in many championship series of the past, subdued archrival Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School Cyclones, 81 â€" 77, making use of this advantage to the hilt to survive when things went rough and tough through pressures.

The wards of coach Jun Fulgarillas hardly fought the Golden Dragons as Jemark Jabajab was full of arsenals firing them with accurate precisions which enabled the Cyclones to inch in closer, 20-21 at the expiration of time of the 1st period.

Exchanges of firepower ensued which resulted into a seesaw battle midway in the succeeding canto as long tom artist Sherwin Boiser, seldom used Argie Israel, and CJ Galido matched the ammunitions of Jerry Carcallas, Jason Compehos, Sonny Barrios and Jabajab which ended up with the Golden Dragons holding a hairline lead at 39-38 count at lemon time.

Robin Findley and Felix Hinay struggled harder to counter the bombs of the run and gun game of the Holy Spirit School mini Crusaders to the mini Dragons a point behind, 10-9 as the time runs out to end the 1st canto.

But Randy Taer, George Lim, Leo Pantollana, and Findley connived to put up a 6 â€" 0 run to mark a formidable 2nd quarter assault to put the mini Dragons in the driver' seat, 23 â€" 16 at the termination of the regulation time in the first half.

Both teams were in the thick of the fight as neither team could make a runaway as they tightened their defensive thrust and made even their offense getting retaliations and counter retaliations by either team to tie the score 57 all as the buzzer sounded signaling the end of the period.

Both teams struggled trying to get through their leech like guarding and tight defensive tactics.  Banging of bodies as physical game ensued in the final period.
It was a tied ballgame with a few ticks to go, when the cool and calculating Boiser found daylight on a fast break to give the Golden Dragons back the lead by 2 points, 79 â€" 77.
Then the most improved Alaba poured in his last basket of the game to nail the final count at 81-77.

Findley ran amok defying all oppositions assigned to him to lead the mini Dragons to a 51-47 win.

Game 2 will be played Saturday, January 12 at 8 A.M. at the BWS gym: 1st Game: BWS mini v. HSS mini 2nd Game: BWS Golden Dragons v. DCPNHS Cyclones
The 18th BSAAA  4th John Geesnell Baba Yap inter School Hoop Cup is ably supported by Bohol Tropics; First Consolidated Bank; Atty. Gamaliel Bonje; DyRD AM/Kiss fm; Grandma's Purified Drinking Water; Bohol Chronicle and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) under the stewardship of prov'l director John Geesnell “Baba” Yap.

mura ra man diay pud sa atong baryo ning lugara sa Florida, Balskie. okay na kaayo ni as your retirement place.

Bohol's 7.2 magnitude earthquake could have been more devastating had it occurred on a regular working/school day.

Aumentado beats Relampagos in Sevilla polls
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
       Rep. Erico B. Aumentado bested incumbent governor Rene Relampagos by a ratio of 2 to 1 in the Panaghiusang Sevillahanon Municipal Convention last February 5, 2001.
       Aumentado pulled 1,495 votes, while Relampagos garnered 778 votes.
       The convention that selected the candidates for provincial, congressional and municipal positions, the Panaghiusang Sevillahanons is the first political aggrupation which holds a primary type process. Sevilla voters will support the candidates who won the convention using the unique modality in selecting the candidates in the May 14 elections.
       Aumentado’s name was entered in absentia and on the last hour. He was in Manila attending the session of Congress when the convention was held, participated in by the voters of the 13 barangays of Sevilla town.
       Declared winners were Ceferino Digal for Mayor and Joseph Marciano Bucag for vice mayor (both unopposed); Julius Ceasar F. Herrera for vice governor (unopposed); Emmanuel C. Caberte (2,024 points), Ester Corazon J. Galbreath (1,160 pts.), Godofreda Tirol (1,018 pts), and Exequiel Madrinan (990 pts) for provincial board members.
       For Sangguniang members, the winners were Emmanuel Fernandez (1,898), Gregorio G. Torregosa (1,829), Joseph Mariano S. Eusena (1,661), Elisear D. Digal, (1,648), Pedro Tajale Jr. (1,634), Joseph Severino C. Caberte (1,534), Miguel D. Barrete, (1,507), and Anastacia Lagrosa (1,482).
       For congressman of the 3rd district, businessman Angelo Balili, won over incumbent Congressman Eladio Jala and ex-Rep. Isidro Zarraga.
       The Panaghiusang Sevillahanon was founded by the political leaders of Sevilla as a means of uniting all political factions to accelerate the development of the town.

Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

The negotiations between reelectionist Gov. Rene Relampagos and Rep. Erico Aumentado, over the gubernatorial post in Bohol finally bugged down in spite of effort of different sectors to search for a compromise.
      The negotiations between reelectionist Gov. Rene Relampagos and Rep. Erico Aumentado, over the gubernatorial post in Bohol finally bugged down in spite of effort of different sectors to search for a compromise.
       However, Rep. Ernesto Herrera, vice president for Visayas of the Lakas-NUCD, has not given up the
negotiating table, saying that the Lakas-NUCD party insists that only one of them will run for governor under the administration banner but both of them would not give way to the other.
       The two timbers were supposed to meet with Herrera last Friday at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.  The scheduled talk, which was the fourth of a series of huddles, failed since Aumentado begged off due to pressing personal matters to be attended back home.
       The last conference held among the two gubernatorial aspirants was last Thursday morning where bargaining chips failed to convince either one of them to accept the offer for a national position while the other will run for governor.
        Herrera during an exclusive interview with the CHRONICLE said that he wants the matter to be decided fast in order to have better national posts still available  for Relampagos or Aumentado.
      Aumentado asked that the huddle will be moved tomorrow, instead of last Friday afternoon.
       The longer they decide, the lesser the positions to be left vacant for a Boholano to assume, Herrera said.
       Gov. Relampagos who will be on his last term as governor appealed that he be given the way to finish his third term.  However, Aumentado maintained his uncompromising stand that his supporters reportedly want a change of the capitol leadership.
       Herrera said he was not glad to hear that a smear campaign has started to surface amidst their gubernatorial bids for the May 14 polls.
       The latest Bohol Poll results became the basis of the Aumentado- Relampagos verbal tussle last week which Herrera said should be avoided while the gubernatorial dispute has not been settled.
        Although he is not yet giving up in the negotiation process, Herrera, however, confirmed that indeed he is getting a hard time in negotiating who will back out from the race and accept the offer for a national post.
       He said that while they both have leaders and supporters, they should look beyond this 2001 election, and instead look for the best interest of the Boholanos.
APPEAL ISSUED

        Meanwhile, a strongly worded appeal from a group of concerned Boholanos that only one of them (Relampagos-Aumentado should pursue the gubernatorial bid and the other to accept a political position so that the province will continue to benefit from the talents of both.
       The appeal reminded the two that in any election, one has to win and the other is the loser.
       "This is what we want you to avoid since Bohol needs both of you," the letter appeal stressed.
        The appeal was finalized after a huddle with a ranking church official here, who reiterated his stand to respect lay initiative.
        The appeal was issued last Thursday, a day after initial reports from Manila said that the negotiation was not leading one giving up the race.
        The appeal read as follows: "AN APPEAL TO GOV. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS AND REP. ERICO B. AUMENTADO.  You represent the best Bohol can offer in terms of effective leadership that tantamount to the development of your province.  But the latest turn of events have brought you at the crossroads; consequently we are filled with anxiety considering that the future of Bohol is at stake. 
        “It is for this reason that we requested an audience with the Bishop for nuggets of thoughts that could guide us to the right move to make.  The entire province which you have led to its present development demands your continued leadership, that could be tarnished if you clash at the coming elections.  Although one of you will win, the other will lose.  This is what we want you to avoid.

"BOHOL NEEDS BOTH OF YOU"

       "It is therefore our vehement request that one of you will accept a national position we heard being offered to any one of you.  We know that this might be a sacrifice on your part, but, certainly, a gain for every Boholano as both of you will be moving towards the same direction.
       "This appeal we have made with the blessings of our Bishop who respects lay initiative, but this is our decision.  We cannot do much except to communicate with you our thoughts for the sake of Bohol.
        "We thank the Almighty for providing you options that will mean betterment of the province.
        "We join you in prayers for the Lord's wisdom to shine upon you."
        Signatories of the appeal were Jose Ong, Couples for Christ; Rosalima Abapo, Catholic Women's League; Loy Palapos, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; Beatria Balatero, Council of the Laity; Marjoe Magallano, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals; Wenefreda Flores, Bohol Association of Catholic Schools; and Paciano Sambalud, Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement.

Herrera endorses Chatto for solon
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

       Vice Gov. Edgar Chatto surfaced as the most assured congressional aspirant who will be declared as the official bet of Lakas-NUCD in Bohol's first congressional district.
       This development followed after Rep. Ernesto "Boy" Herrera, the incumbent first district congressman, himself, endorsed Chatto to succeed him.
      During an interview, Herrera said that he is determined to go back to the Senate, thus, paving the way for Chatto's congressional bid.
       It maybe recalled that during the 1998 polls, Chatto could have run for congressman, but was prevailed by Herrera who ran for Congress after his last term as senator.
       Political observers said that with the national exposure Herrera has been getting since he started to be anti Estrada, his senatorial bid is all-set for the May 14 elections this year.
       Chatto is presently the national president of the Vice Governor's League of the Philippines.
       Possible to contest Chatto for the Lakas anointment is former Rep-Venice Borja Agana.
       Reports said that Agana is trying to find her way to the Lakas nomination through former Speaker Joe De Venecia.
      Agana has vowed to run again for solon if she gets the Lakas party nomination. She had served the mandatory three- congressional term.

Six days left for bets to register
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
      The electorate will know within the next six days on who are running for the May 14 elections, from the senators down to the town councilors.
      The Commission on Elections has not confirmed reports that the deadline for the filing of the certificate of candidacy have been moved to Feb. 28, 2001.
      In a check made with the office of Provincial Comelec Supervisor Rodolfo Abarquez, it was learned that until the close of office hours last Friday, there was no official word on the reported extension, thus the deadline is still on Feb. 12.
       If is sticks with the original deadline is still on Feb 12, 2001, poll have barely six working days left to file their respective certificate of candidacy.
       As of last Friday, there was no certificate of candidacy filed so far in any of the Comelec offices. Observers noted that this is expected considering that the gubernatorial dispute between Gov. Rene Relampagos and Rep. Erico Aumentado has not been settled, thus, the municipal slates in the 47 town mayors have not been finalized as well.
      The local officials can not yet start their campaign before March 30. However, senatoriables can start campaigning starting Feb. 13.
       The campaign, for both local and national bets will wrap up on May 12, two days before election day.
      In the coming May 14 polls, the nation will elect 12 senators. In the provinces, 208 congressmen will be elected, 78 governors, 78 vice governors, 1,610 city and 722 Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, town mayors, 1,610 vice mayors, 912 Sangguniang Panlungsod members and 12,232 Sangguniang Pambayan members.

Pres. Arroyo pushes Bohol cimcumferential road
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
       The administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will implement this year the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project Phase II (BCRIP) that would improve with concrete pavement the highways from Calape to Loay via Tagbilaran City and Loay to Candijay costing about P1.4 billion.
        This was revealed yesterday by Rep. Erico Aumentado, one of the key players in securing the project for funding under the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) 24th Yen Loan Package,  after a meeting with newly installed DPWH Sec. Simeon Datumanong the other day at the Centennial International Airport in Pasay City.
       Datumanong, a colleague of the solon since 1992 in Congress, assured Aumentado that he will prioritize for implementation the BCRIP II to spur the economic development of the province.
        The public works secretary emphasized that the road project is very vital to Bohol being an island province and still considered among the lesser developed provinces in the country.
        The DPWH top brass was informed by the 2nd district solon that the department pre-
qualification, evaluation and awards committee (PEAC) is now evaluating the bids of Pacific Consultants International Inc., Katahira Engineering International and other participants in the bidding for the review of the detailed engineering and design and project supervision in the implementation of BCRIP II.  What are needed, Aumentado said, are the early resolution of the bids, technical and financial, by PEAC and the secretary's approval thereon for concu-
rrence by JBIC.
        Responding, Datumanong said that it will be among his priorities as soon as he gets settled in the job in order to jump-start the project early and generate jobs as well as to help pump prime the economy.
        Datumanong and Aumentado agreed to meet in the former's DPWH office together with PJHL Director Danilo Trajano and Usec. Manuel Bonuan who inspected the Bohol Circum-
ferential Road Improvement Project Phase I (BCRIP I) covering the highways from Calape to Buenavista (Package 4), Buenavista to Talibon (Package 5) and Talibon-Ubay-Candijay (Package 6) and the BCRIP II highways.
       Board Member Roberto Cajes attended the meeting.
      It will be recalled that Aumentado secured the approval by then President Fidel Ramos of the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project on February 5, 1993 for funding under the OECF 19th Yen Loan Package and now completed, while BCRIP II is due for implemen-
tation this year with loan agreement thereon signed on December 28, 1999 yet.
       Aumentado represented Congress in the negotiations of the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project Phase I and II during the negotiations here in the Philippines and in Tokyo.
        The BCRIP II will be undertaken in two packages: the Calape- Tagbilaran-Loay highway (Package 1) and the Loay-Candijay highway (Package 2).(Nonie Nambatac)

Arroyo orders release of IRAs for Bohol
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
      President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently ordered the release of the January internal revenue allotments for different local government units in Bohol with a promise to give this year's remaining monthly IRA on time.
      Gov. Rene Relampagos and Vice Gov. Edgar Chatto hailed the swift release of the fund,  saying that the long delayed IRAs, as in the past was detrimental to less basic services when they are most needed.
       Bohol's shares amount to P80 million more or less every month, including the total allo-
cation for the 1,109 barangays provincewide.
       Arroyo's IRA release instruction was received by Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin, who in turn announced the issuance of corresponding checks.
       The total IRA nationwide for January alone is pegged at P8.9 billion, which will be divided at P3.1 billion for the municipalities, P2.2 billion for provinces, P2 billion for cities and P1.7 billion for the barangays.
       The delayed releases of the IRAs during the administration of deposed Pres. Joseph Estrada have taught LGUs better lessons, what with the other factors contributing to the economic setback that resulted in bad fiscal management last year.
        Antequera Mayor Samuel Rebosura cited, for example, the delayed December IRA for his municipality which forced the local government to use its calamity reserve fund to partly pay the town hall workers.
       Several towns in Bohol have even been forced to reenact their respective 2000 annual budgets despite the rising cost of local government operations.
       The amount of the IRA for January, this year, is the same as year 2000 since the national budget for the Appropriations Act for 2001 is yet pending in Congress.
      The Department of Budget and Management assured the LGUs to receive their January shares anytime this week.
       Boncodin said the P8.9 billion IRA for countrywide distribution has been released  through the government depositories like the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine National Bank and the Philippine Veterans' Bank. (VCA)

Joe-Jorge tandem finalizes slate
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
       The Lakas NUCD-PDP Laban Coalition of Tagbilaran City has finalized its slate for the May 14, 2001 election.
      Mayor Jose V. Torralba and Vice Mayor Jorge D. Cabalit, both reelectionist, lead the slate of the Lakas NUCD-PDP Laban Coalition in the city.
       Candidates for city councilors are reelectionist Councilors Nuevas T. Montes, Urbano H. Lagunay, Mariano C. Capayas, Rizalino S. Israel, and Paulino G. Clarin, Kiwanis Club of Tagbilaran President Cirilo Viodor, certified public accountant Felipe dela Torre Jr., lawyer Danilo Bantugan and Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Loreto Palapos.
        City Kagawad Greg Ganzo is no longer running for relection due to health reason.  The tandem will decide this week on Ganzo's replacement. 
       The city bets will file with the city Comelec office their certificates of candidacy on Feb. 8, 2001.
       Incumbent City Councilor Leonora P. dela Torre has been chosen as campaign manager of the city coalition.

Mayors' days of control over police are counted
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
         The days of control by the city and town mayors over policemen are counted. The Commission on Election subtly issued this reminder by sending to the local chief executives copies of Comelec Resolution No. 3301.
      Quoting Section 52 (b) of Republic Act 6975, the poll body says: "The city and municipal mayors shall exercise operational supervision and control over the PNP except during the 30 days before and after elections."
      During the said period, the Comelec takes supervision and control over the police.
      Thus, the mayors' power over the local PNP units ceases from April 14 to June 13, during election year. The polling day falls on May 14.
      But some candidates who are not incumbents or members of the administration party doubt if the law against using the cops for partisan end has ever observed.
      The Comelec directed the mayors that within the election period, only the President of the Philippines can "outpower" the poll body's decisions, directives, orders and instructions.
     Operational supervision and control mean the power to direct, superintend, oversee and inspect the police units.
     The authority encompasses the power to employ and deploy units or elements of PNP, through the station chief, to ensure public safety and effective maintenance of peace and order.
      The Comelec stressed its point, defining "employ" as the utilization of units of PNP for purposes of protecting lives and properties, enforcement of laws, prevention of crimes and the arrest of criminal offenders.
      On same strength, Comelec can order the cops to suppress violence in troubled poll areas.
      By "deployment," the Comelec can order the orderly and organized physical movement of the cops within the province, city or municipality to enforce election laws.
       Lawyer Ma. J. Angelina Matibag, Comelec central director for education and information department, also transmitted to the Bohol mayors other pertinent issuances relative to the forthcoming polls. (VCA)

Absenteeism reducing SP to a kindergarten class
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
      Absenteeism in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which members regularly meet once a week, without excusable reasons or prior formal notices has alarmed Majority Floor Leader Arnold Lungay.
      The senior board member is also afraid a poor attendance can worsen once the campaign period starts. 
      Of the 13 SP members, only 8 were present in last Friday's session presided by Vice Gov. Edgar Chatto.
       In attendance with Chatto and Lungay were Kagawads Isabelito Tongco, Eufrasio Mascarinas, Tomas Abapo Jr., Francisco Alesna, Severino Caberte, Exequiel Madrinan and Renato Lim.
       The Capitol lawmakers have a standing agreement that whoever plans not to attend a session must file a formal notice.
       Only a board member who can file a notice of absence can be excused.
      Not in attendance last Friday included Kagawads Lemuel Digal, Felix Uy, Roberto Cajes, Concepcion Lim and Godofreda Tirol.
      Digal, Sangguniang Kabataan provincial president, has been "habitually" absent from the board sessions.
      SP secretary Bonifacio Quirog informed the SP members in attendance that Digal phoned him to notify he might be late.
      The session was adjourned and not even Digal's shadow appeared in the Sen. Benigno Aquino Session Hall at capitol.
      Uy was in Cebu City attending the Millennium National Assembly of the Philippine Councilors' League, of which he is Bohol president.
      The SP secretariat said there was no notice of absence from Cajes.
      Lim, Chatto said, was in Manila attending to a sick relative, adding that the lady lawmaker only verbally asked permission.
      The other woman board member, Tirol, reportedly attended a conference in Cebu on children.
      But they reportedly had travel orders.
     The negotiation table between Aumentado and Reelectionist Gov. Rene Relampagos collapsed yesterday.
      The lady Lim also went to Manila actually on political end, too, sources said.
      Aumentado has offered both Lim and Tirol the vice governorship while Relampagos is running with Calape Mayor Julius Herrera.
      Absences excused or not, Lungay suggested that official records of the provincial board be published so that the constituents would know who have deligently represented them to the capitol legislature.
      Lungay and Mascariñas have been regularly  attending the SP sessions aside from their being active in floor discussions.
       Mediamen covering capitol have observed that Chatto, Lungay and Abapo are the most visible in their offices even during off- session days.
       Chatto will soon resign to run for congressman in the first district while Mascariñas, Abapo, Alesna, and Madriñan are seeking reelection.
       The lady board members may also run again for the same post while Caberte will give way to his son, last-termer Sevilla Mayor Emmanuel Caberte.
       Uy, an ex-officio SP member being the PCL head, is confirmed vying for a regular membership in the board under the Relampagos banner.
       Lim (Renato), who is the ABC head, and Digal, both also ex- officio sitters in the board, are staying put until their league presidencies expire.
       Lungay and Tongco are last-termers, although recent developments indicate that Lungay may seek a higher elective post. He is the Bohol chair of LDP.
       Should he not run, Lungay stands to succeed Chatto as vice governor by virtue of the law on automatic succession.
      The provincial board said the media has the liberty to scan the SP attendance record as Chatto professed a government by transparency.
       A poor attendance in the SP session during the campaign period can largely end in dull sessions and destroy the image of the admired chamber under Chatto's baton. (VCA)

Supreme Court must resolve issue fast
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

      The only remaining hitch in the incumbency of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the 14th president of the Republic is the suit filed by Lawyer Oliver Lozano assailing the legality of the oath of office of Arroyo due to the absence of Estrada's resignation. The lawyer contended that there was no valid resignation of President Estrada in contemplation of the Constitution which allows the assumption of the vice president to the presidency. In a statement of President Estrada last Wednesday he declared that he was merely on leave and that Arroyo was only acting president. He declared that he was now reassuming the presidency.
      The Estrada declaration augurs as a threat to peace. The earlier this is settled, the better for the country in its search for recovery.
     The suit filed before the Supreme Court was the same body which resolved en banc authorizing the Chief Justice of  the Supreme Court to administer the oath of President Arroyo during that fateful noon of January 20. However, last Wednesday, the former President Estrada has announced that he was reassuming his position as President and that President Arroyo who was already sworn in as President should give way to him since he she was only an Acting President, according to Estrada's legal advisers.
      Since a suit has been filed with the Supreme Court contesting the validity of the taking of oath of President Arroyo, the Supreme Court should promptly pass judgement on such a situation in order to prevent a hiatus in the presidency.
     It may be recalled that it was the same Supreme Court justices who unanimously authorized Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. to administer the oath of office to President Arroyo. It should be the same body which should officially dismiss the petition of Lawyer Lozano.
     To allow the case to remain unresolved is not in keeping with good governance since two persons are claiming the office of president.
     The situation is conducive to confusion if the matter is not resolved promptly as this might affect the international standing of the country as a member of the family of nations. It shatters the good image of the country before the eyes of the community of nations. If the matter is not settled, a stima of instability hovers over the government.
     But a simple common sense can easily resolve the issue. Since it was the Supreme Court which authorized the assumption of office of President Arroyo and it was before the same court where the suit was filed it will be the same body which will resolve the issue. And there can be no other decision of the court but to uphold its en banc resolution and defend the validity of the oath administered to President Macapagal.

Bohol PNP nets 124 wild guns in six months
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
      The Philippine National Police recovered 124 assorted illegal firearms in Bohol in the past six months.
      PNP Provincial Director P/SSupt. Lane-o Nerez reported to the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on Wednesday the "deadly" collection which included both confiscated and surrendered guns.
     Nerez warned those who illegally possess firearms to surrender them, otherwise the law would be harsh on them especially during the strict implementation of  Comelec gun ban.
      Among the unlicensed firearms now in the hands of the PNP, 65 were surrendered, 48 were confiscated and 11 were recovered from various sources.
      The PNP started to implement its so-called LOI Katapat-Siete in August, last year, aside from its information drive aired in Tingog sa Kasundalohan ug Kapolisan over DYRD.
      The LOI Katapat-Siete goes after the owners of illegal firearms and those who carry licensed firearms but have no permits to carry guns outside their residences.
      As of the PPOC meeting last week, 69 gun holders had so far renewed their licenses.
      Nerez expected more to apply for permit renewal since many gun possessors attended the gun safety seminars being recently conducted.
      The Camp Dagohoy chief also directed his police station heads to confiscate the unlicensed firearms owned or possessed by the policemen themselves.
       In January alone, four illegal carriers of firearms were arrested resulting to the seizure of four guns. Five more firearms were surrendered while one was recovered within the same period. (VCA) 

Oppus, policewoman lead PNP awardees from Bohol
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
      Supt. Louie Oppus, Tagbilaran City police chief, and SInsp. Expedita Sales of Camp Dagohoy are leading the PNP Awardees for the Year 2000.
     Oppus, a Philippine Military Academy alumnus and an aide de camp of former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, was named Central Visayas' Senior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year.
     Sales hit a double record by being honored as the Women's Desk Officer of the Year in both the regional and national levels.
      In the case of PNP unit, the region's Municipal Police Station of the Year laurel in the rural category was given to the Inabanga Police Station.
      The Tubigon cops, on the other hand, distinguished themselves for having manned Central Visayas' most friendly PNP municipal command.
      CInsps. Danilo Sales and Armando Radoc respectively head the Inabanga and Tubigon police stations.
      Camp Dagohoy's operations, firearms and explosives officer Insp. Magdaleno Mendez said the accomplishments of the awardees were evaluated by the National Police Commission.
      PNP Regional Director Tiburcio Fusilero announced the winners of the selection for best cops and police units through SSupt. Alejandro Lapinid and Supt. Drusillo Bolodo.
     PNP-Bohol head Supt. Lane-o Nerez was separately honored as the outstanding cops and units in the Bohol level.
     Still topping the list are Oppus and Sales as outstanding police officer and outstanding women's and children's desk officer.
      Other outstanding cops of the year as rated by Camp Dagohoy are: SPO4 Sabiniano Atupan, Ubay, non-commissioned police officer; and the late SInsp. Virgilio Torregosa, Camp Dagohoy, junior police officer (posthumous award).
      Emelia Rasonable, also assigned at Camp Dagohoy, has been named the outstanding non-uniformed police personnel.
      Certificates of merits have also been given to these Bohol PNP units by Nerez:
      -  702nd Provincial Mobile Group - outstanding PMG; 
      - Police stations of Tubigon, Talibon, Buenavista, Inabanga and Tagbilaran City - for garnering the highest number of accomplishments in the Flagship Program campaign;
       - Tagbilaran City PNP - outstanding city police station (actually for urban category in Bohol); and
      - Tubigon PNP - outstanding police station (rural category).
      The Bantay Bayan Foundation, Inc., an anti-crime group, has been adjudged as Bohol's outstanding non-government organization in the field of helping the PNP curb criminalities.
     The Provincial Peace and Order Council passed on Wednesday a resolution commending and congratulating the awardees for their commitments that could regain the people's trust in the uniformed profession. ( VCA)

It’s one-on-one in Clarin, Bohol
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
By Wenny Reyes
     CLARIN, Bohol - Contrary to speculations, no three-cornered fight in the mayoralty race will ever ensue here.
     Vice mayor Teresita Ceniza-Aron made the assurance despite reports that she and Hermogenes Diezon will part ways and launch their own respective candidacies against Mayor Trifon Sanchez. 
     She said, it will be a one-on-one battle between her group and the incumbent mayor.
     During her first stint in politics running for the vice mayoralty bet in 1998 elections, she won by a landslide against Sanchez.
     The three-cornered fight story surfaced when Diezon recently declared as winner in the mayoralty race against Sanchez by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) second division. Some groups speculate that Diezon’s victory in the electoral protest may have propelled the latter to set a return bout against Sanchez to erase the doubts of his (Diezon) protest victory. Ceniza-Aron was also reported to have long prepared her own agenda of gunning for the top post.
     Ceniza-Aron told the CHRONICLE that she and Diezon forged an agreement that they will remain united. Either of  them expressed to support whoever will banner their local slate.
     Diezon has not yet made up his mind, though, whether to seek another try in the mayoralty race. It will be known in a matter of days, he said. But he will not stale for the vice mayoralty position. Ceniza-Aron is willing to stay in the second post if Dieson decides to run as mayor. Their complete line-up is ready for finalization.
     As this developed, an unidentified political ward expressed his preference on Ceniza-Aron to run for mayor. He said that Ceniza-Aron’s approachable lifestyle coupled with a dedicated public service made the latter a strong and potential contender in the mayoralty position. The same source added that Ceniza-Aron even made her home an extension office to accommodate her constituents needing attention and service.
     The CHRONICLE learned that the incumbent vice mayor is giving free medicines to those who need it. Said expensive medicines are sent by her relatives from a broad.
     Ceniza-Aron also stated that they will be running under the Relampagos wing. However said even without the provincial leadership’s backup their group will put up a formidable team. After all, Ceniza-Aron said when she won last elections, she was not solely dependent of the party’s support.

9 illegal fishers nabbed in 2 Bohol towns
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

Seven suspected dynamite fishers and two others were apprehended last Saturday in separate operations against illegal fishing under Oplan Kalikasan from the towns of Candijay and Alburquerque.
CANDIJAY.- A joint police-bantay dagat seaborne patrol intercepted a pumpbot from Ubay with seven persons on board on suspicion of fishing  with the use of high explosives in the seawaters of Tagaytay of this town early Saturday afternoon.
The seaborne patrol led by SPO2 Mansueto Exclamador, however, failed to confiscate any explosive from the suspects identified as Edwin Cabalan, Roberto Timario, Dominador Piquero, Larry Daigan, Christopher Vallentos, Amada Evangelista and Rene Byore, all from Tintinan, Ubay.  Among the items seized included an air compressor with three hoses and other fishing paraphernalias.
ALBURQUERQUE. SPO4 Ignacio Tungol together with Kagawad Victor Balo intercepted two fishermen using electric shinners in the territorial seawaters of this town early dawn Saturday.
Those arrested and subsequently fined for violation of an existing municipal ordinance were identified as Alberto Provencia, 42, of Totolan, Dauis, and one Teofilo Deliso, 42, of Guindulman.

Gamecocks worth P70,000 stolen
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
     TRINIDAD, Bohol - Unidentified group of men sneaked into a farmhouse owned by a prominent businessman from Cebu City, carting away at least seven prized fighting cocks worth P70,000.
     Police said the culprits gained entrance by cutting the perimeter wire fense of the farm, at around 6:30 p.m. last Tuesday. The farm owner Alex Tan was already notified by the caretaker as police intensified their investigation into the case.

Medical mission in Dimiao, Bohol
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
       DIMIAO, Bohol - The committee of German Doctors together with their Filipino counterparts, and through the assistance of Provincial Board Member Godofreda Tirol, conducted a Medical Mission-Free Clinic and Medical Check-up and Treatment last January 24 in this municipality.
      The group of medical personnel was welcomed by the Municipal Mayor, Atty. Sylvia V. Adame, together with municipal officials and members of the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Pastor Q. Maguyon and Kagawad Maribel Guieb, SB Chair on health.
      The Medical Mission was held at the Dimiao Livelihood Training Center, assisted by the Local Health Manpower headed by Dr. Rosell Jr., with Barangay Health Workers and the Guest-Municipal Health Officers from the neighboring towns of Lila and Valencia.
      The Medical Mission disposed free medicines amounting to P10,000 and gave medical treatment to almost 900 patients from the 35 barangays of the municipality.
      The Group of Medical Personnel started their charity-service to the patients as early as 7:00 a.m., with a mob of patients who have crowded the Livelihood Center even earlier.  Patients kept coming the whole day until all the patients were treated and done at around 11:30 p.m.
      Mayor Adame, with her municipal officials and employees stayed on to assist the group and ended the affair with a simple-salo to thank the group for choosing Dimiao as one of the beneficiaries of the said Medical Mission.
     For a noble work of service to humanity, the LGU-Dimiao salutes the Medical Mission Group for a job well-done.

Erico Aumentado assures Amalia Tirol a BM slot
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
      UBAY, Bohol - All is well that beguns well. And they are friends once again.  This is the present atmosphere prevailing upon two persons whose long years of intimacies were estranged at the height of the 1998 elections.
     But invoking the spirit of reconciliation, former deputy speaker Erico B. Aumentado assured Dr. Amalia “Mally” Tirol of a slot in the provincial board.
     Mally’s husband, too, former Rep. David B. Tirol is groomed to be the campaign manager of Aumentado.
     It may be recalled that the former congressman was the political mentor of Aumentado only to become a strong opponent of the latter during the last congressional race.
     The Tirols confirmed the offer and expressed the possibility of this development but they are still uncommitted until the deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy.
     It appeared that Aumentado’s choice on Mrs. Tirol merely not meant to heal the wounds their unprecedented political rivalry had inflicted but observers said it was because the Tirols still have throng of supporters.
     Mrs. Tirol, too, who is a doctor of philosophy and one-time president of the local Bohol Northeastern Colleges, belongs to a dominant Reyes and Maboloc clan in Ubay.  She has also a strong support from various women’s group.
     She will join Talibon mayor Juanario A. Item for the second district of the provincial slate.  The third slot has yet to be nominated.
     As this developed, a supporter who requested anonymity said Mally deserves to be a member in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan so that the women’s sector will be well represented.  The source said Mally has enough qualification to be a public servant, she being involved actively in various civic and women’s organizations.
     Mally was once vice president  of the Girl Scout of the Philippines, National Red Cross, Bohol chapter.
     If this happens, there will be two lady Tirols running for the provincial board, namely incumbent Prov’l Kagawad Godofreda Tirol, wife of Victor, and Mally, wife of former Gov. David Tirol.

Free medical and dental clinic and minor surgical operation in Candijay
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
      Free Medical and Dental Clinic and Minor Surgical Operation and Cataract Screening was held last January 25, 2001 at Municipal Library and Museum in Candijay, Bohol.
     About 426 patients were examined for minor surgery and cataract screening while 883 for medical and 205 patients for dental.
     This humanitarian project was sponsored by the committee of German doctors with Dr. Dietmar Schug as project manager.
      The Doctors who willingly participated and gave their support in performing tirelesslt the free medical and dental clinic and screening were the following: Drs. Oscar Fudalan and was made possible through the efforts of Gov. Rene L. Relampagos, Mr. Victor B. Tirol of UB Community Assistance, Hon. Godofreda O. Tirol, provincial board member and LGU, Candijay, Bohol headed by Atty. Monina C. Camacho, municipal mayor and its SB members.
     The doctors who untiringly performed the free medical and dental clinic and screening were Dr. Oscar Fudalan, Dr. Jerome Lastimosa, Dr. Emily Grace S. Geroy, Dr. Ni ñ o Macoy, and Dr. Cynthia Arquio, dentist.
      Dr. Acindino G. Tan, municipal health officer of Candijay, Dr. Melvin Lopez, and Dr. Daisy B. Estillore, Candijay Medicare Community Hospital's present and retired chiefs, respectively and Dr. Martin B. Estillore, a dentist assign in Talibon willingly gave their support by participating the said activity. ( Anita O. Abayabay, MPIO Designate, Candijay)

GMA not ready to name Vice-president
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
     CEBU CITY.- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared here yesterday that she may not yet announce her choice for the vice presidency during the current session of Congress which adjourns on Feb. 9.
      In a news conference upon her arrival here yesterday morning, the President said she is not yet ready to announce her choice as she still continues to pray for guidance and enlightenment.  She said she needs more time to decide because the personalities endorsed by various sectors are highly qualified.
      Pres. Arroyo’s first visit here since here assumption as to the presidency after the ouster of former president Joseph Estrada last month was warmly welcomed by Cebuanos.

Talks over gubernatorial dispute postponed again
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

      The conciliation talks between Reelectionist Gov. Rene Relampagos and Rep. Erico Aumentado were put off anew yesterday morning due to the sudden call of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to all Lakas-NUCD officials as part of the consultation process.
      Meanwhile, Gov. Relampagos was designated last Monday as concurrent chairman of the Provincial Party Chapter of the Lakas-NUCD in Bohol. Earlier, Rep. Aumentado was designated as chairman of the same party last Jan. 23. Lakas Secretary General Heherson Alvarez signed both their designations.
       Another round of consultation talks are expected to be held this morning in Manila over the gubernatorial dispute between Relampagos and Aumentado.
       The conference called by Pres. Arroyo yesterday clarified some questions raised by Lakas officials on issues concerning the local  political camps. The Chief Executive, in answer to several questions, clarified the policy stating that all party disputes in the provinces will be decided by the national arbitration committee of the Lakas-NUCD.
      The designation of Relampagos followed after Rep. Ernesto Herrera strongly questioned why the Lakas national headquarters issued the named Aumentado as the provincial chairman when there was still the negotiations going on to settle their gubernatorial bids.
      A highly placed source said that the designation for Relampagos was issued as a compromise for the "lapses" which created confusion among leaders of both gubernatorial timbers.
      During a long distance interview last Monday, Relampagos simply said that "this is what a real democratic process really means," referring to the fact that there are now two provincial Lakas chairmen.
      However, the same source told the CHRONICLE that the designation of a party provincial chair can be settled only if Lakas national headquarters will declare either of them (Relampagos or Aumentado) as the official party candi-
date for governor.  However, while the matter remains hanging, both were given the liberty to claim that they are both Lakas chairmen in the province.
     Rep. Herrera made a closed door meeting with Aumentado last Monday 
evening, details of which remain to be under wraps until presstime.

                                        HERRERA DECIDES
       It became evident that Rep. Herrera will eventually decide on the guberna-
torial bid under Lakas.
      Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was quoted as saying that she "could have wanted Relampagos in the welcomed Relampagos in any national position as she wants young leaders under her administration."  However, "it seems Herrera wants Relampagos to finish his last term," the President was quoted as saying.
      The offers for national posts remain to be the bargaining points until yester-
day.  Positions like commissioner of the Civil Service Commission or DILG undersecretary were the posts mentioned as having been offered to the Bohol officials, or whoever will be off from the gubernatorial race.

                                     ENDORSEMENT RACE BEGINS
      Reelectionist Gov. Rene Relampagos and last termer Rep. Erico Aumentado 
are in a mad race for sectoral endorsements as both anticipate a do-or-die for Bohol's most powerful position.
      The incumbent governor has the support of 34 mayors while the solon has 14 at his disposal.
      To "overtake," Aumentado asked the Lakas vice mayors to manifest support or the party's municipal chairmen to endorse his gubernatorial bid if the mayors or vice mayors in certain  towns are leaders of the other camp.
      In Sevilla, Provincial Board Member Severino Caberte and his son, Vice Mayor Emmanuel Caberte, who is the vice mayors' league head, reportedly signed the Aumentado endorsement.
     But Mayor Serapio Bucag, a source said, inked his backing for Relampagos.
      Aumentado's men have reportedly been convincing the school teachers, 
particularly principals,  and even priests to also endorse his bid.
      Teachers are supposed to be neutral, although their right to vote should be respected, since they  are deputized in election times to man the polling centers.
     The priests, on the  other hand, are expected by the voting flock to help them choose the "lesser evil."
      The Aumentado camp has further been reported giving neon lighting mate-
rials to churches.
     Earlier, Relampagos admitted to the media he had consulted his "friends" in the Church, business community  and non-government organizations before going to Manila for the series of crucial talks with Rep. Ernesto Herrera and Aumentado.
      Reports indicate that both camps have distributed rice as another strategy helping to cook up election.
     At capitol, three board members are reportedly playing safe by not endor-
sing any gubernatorial aspirant.
     They are Kagawads Concepcion Lim, Renato Lim (her brother), and  Godo-
freda  Tirol, reportedly.
      The Lims,  although long politically aligned with Relampagos, could not turn their backs from Aumentado reportedly  for strong reasons.
     Tirol's brother-in-law, former Gov. David Tirol, has been wooed by Aumen-
tado to be his campaign manager.
     At the same time, Aumentado promised the former governor's wife, Amalia, 
a second district provincial board seat.
      In addition, Godofreda's husband, former board member Victor Tirol, is supporting the third district congressional bid of Manila-based businessman Angelo Balili who may be running under the Aumentado banner.

Lawmakers want Pimentel as VP
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

      The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran during its session last Monday immediately approved a resolution requesting President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo to nominate Senate President Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. as vice president of the Philippines.
      Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Jorge D. Cabalit, presiding officer of the city council, authored the resolution. It was introduced and was swiftly adopted by the city lawmakers being an item under the special order of the day (SOD) through the sponsorship of Majority Floor Leader Rizalino S. Israel.
       During the deliberation of the said measure, the city lawmakers cited that as a “Mindanaon,” Senate President Pimentel, once chosen as vice president of the Philippines can be assigned as chief peace negotiator in the on-going rebellion in the South which has cost the lives of hundreds of Filipinos inclu-
ding government soldiers and Muslim rebels and the destruction of property worth millions of pesos.
       The resolution said: “Pimentel served the Filipino people with proven integrity and dedication in the following positions: Delegate, Constitutional Convention, 1971-73; Mayor, Cagayan de Oro city, 1980-1984, Assemblyman, Batasang Pambansa, 1984-86; Minister, Local Government, 1986; Senator, 1987-1992, 1998-2004; and Senate President, November 13, 2000 until at present.
Several groups are supporting the call for Senator Nene Pimentel to take the second highest seat of the republic next to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the new president of the Philippines installed through a popular uprising at EDSA last week.
       To date, the names of Senators Pimentel and Tito Guingona have surfaced as the most probable figures to become the country’s vice president.

Gov’t Blood list known
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

       Capitol will soon have its first official master list of the blood types of all provincial government workers for whatever purpose it may serve in the future.
Gov. Rene Relampagos instructed the office heads to prepare their respective personnel for free blood typing examinations which will be conducted from Feb. 12 to 16.
      The master list can be a ready reference whenever a capitol employee may be hospitalized and needs blood transfusion.
      This initiative takes place aside from the regular blood pressure tests on the employees by the personnel of the Provincial Health Office and the so-called Project RENE  or Response to Emergency Needs.

BAYAN warns GMA on peace negotiations
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

       Bohol militants have warned Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to watch her steps; lest she may forget that the People Power II did not solely take place at the Edsa Shrine.
       They also challenged her to scrap government's all-out war policy, for which the deposed Pres. Joseph Estrada had been attacked by the left, in dealing with the armed internal conflict.
      Cause-oriented groups like Bayan said the resumption of the peace negotiators with the Communist Party of the Philippines, National Democratic Front, New People’s Army as well as the Muslim separatists can occur.
       However, this can regain momentum only if the Arroyo’s reign will not articulate its predecessor's crush-them-all style, said Bayan secretary-general John Ruiz.
       The vigilant organizations is convinced that one indication of Arroyo’s sincerity in reunifying the scandalized nation is the unconditional release of the country’s over 200 political prisoners.
      About 13 captured suspected rebels have been padlocked inside the Bohol Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
      Anytime this week, the Provincial Peace and Order Council once again meets to reassess sits anti-war priorities.
       What have been achieved in an instant may not modify the social justice desired by the Filipino masses, Bayan said.

Carmen chess winners bared
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
       CARMEN, Bohol - The 1st “Mayor Pedro Budiongan Chess Cup” concluded recently last January 16-17 at the municipality of Carmen saw veteran players on top of the head as Tagbilaran City Chess Team stalwarts Gerry Milan, Johny Torralba, and Glicerio Pardillo Jr. Collared the top 3 places in the Bohol Open Section.
        This was bared by Carmen Municipal Board Member Heliodoro Tajale who was the over-all chair of the organizing committee of sports in Carmen.
        Milan and Torralba both racked up 6 points apiece but the former emerged champion by virtue of a higher tie-break quotient while Pardillo ended up 3rd with 5.5 points. The 28-year old Milan brought home the champion’s purse of P3,000 plus trophy while Torralba bagged P2,000 plus a trophy and Pardillo settled with P1,000 plus trophy.

PMI Navigators BIBLE champ 2K
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
        Defending Champion PMI Navigators prove to their detractors that they are a force to reckon with in Bohol basketball when the became the champion in the Bohol Inter-Collegiate Basketball League-Vice Gov. Edgar M. Chatto Cup held last January 12, 2001 at the UB Gymnasium by routing the University of Bohol Flying Lemures, 86-73, in a best of three championship series.

The People Have Spoken
By KAG. FRANCISCO ALESNA SR.
(SP Peace and Order Committee Chair and a retired PC colonel)
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

       History repeats itself itself, an episode of EDSA II. The four days of People Power history was repeating in itself.
       From 16-20 January 2001 as the protest mounts bigger and bigger Key Cabinet members, Secretary Jose Pardo of  Finance, Sec. Cerilles of DENR, the Estrada administration has no more option left but to quite and leave Malacanang Palace.
       As General Angelo Reyes said that Pres. Estrada should be accorded an honorable and soft exit this it was the Chief of Staff General Reyes, who accompanied Pres. Estrada from the Palace via the Pasig River to his Residence at San Juan, Pasig in the afternoon of 20 January 2001.
        And as the whole nation was watching from their respective homes of the took over and oath taking of Vice Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the 14th President of the Philippine Republic and Administered by the Chief Justice Davide at the EDSA Shrine.
       It was the divine unseen power of God, a miracle of sort, that guide the destiny of our beloved nation. Whether the episode was a silent and bloodless Military coup or a People Power Revolution is for history to determine. In my opinion, it was a combination of both, a People Power and a Military and Police take over.
       And the four days of demonstration and loud protest, the pressure of the AFP and the PNP ended the impeachment process. We as a nation of 75 million people, should learn the hard lessons of the two historic events of EDSA ONE and EDSA TWO.
        The EDSA Dos, with the key players, Cardinal Sin, Ex Pres. Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, shows to the whole world the most peaceful means of unseating a President who, as Cardinal Sin said, “have lost the moral ground to govern.
        As a Filipino people, let us now forget the past and look for a better future. The healing of political wounds, our leaders should work more for unity to achieve a common goal, to work for an economic recovery, for a peaceful solution of the insurgency problem, to help the poorest of the poor uplift their lives for a better tomorrow.
        The people have spoken, “Vox populi, vox dei.” The voice of the people is the voice of God.

Son, not father Caberte, running for prov’l board
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
       Sevilla Vice Mayor Emmanuel Caberte will no longer run for mayor but instead seek a provincial seat in a sudden decision that could deprive the unprecedented February 5 pre-poll balloting in the said town.
        Caberte presently heads in Bohol the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines, a factor that would bolster his Sangguniang Panlalawigan candidacy.
        His withdrawal from the mayoralty race against senior Kag. Ceferino Digal was agreed in last-ditch meeting brokered by Rep. Erico Aumentado.
        As a consequence, Caberte’s father, Provincial Board Member Severino Caberte, will waive his reelection slot in favor of his son.
        However, a source privy to the crucial meeting told the CHRONICLE that the young Caberte will run in the third district board ticket of Aumentado.
       The Cabertes have long been identified with Gov. Rene Relampagos, but blood could indeed be thicker than water since the mother of the vice mayor is a sister of the congressman’s wife.
       The young Caberte would have submitted himself to the pre-balloting against Digal.
       Digal is now the automatic common official mayoralty candidate of Panaghiusa and is assured already of over 5,000 votes.
      Panaghiusa, a name given to the all-party unification in Sevilla, has more than 5,000 card -bearing members who are all qualified, registered voters. Sevilla has only 6,000 voters.

Chatto shares leadership to student leaders
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
       Bohol Vice Governor Edgar M. Chatto who was the invited guest speaker and induction officer of the newly elected Board of Directors of the Bohol Alliance of Student Councils (BASC) batted for the importance of leadership and participation among youth individuals not only for their early personally enhancement and training as well as to the advancement of their respective schools and communities they are serving.

DOST scholarship test set on Feb. 4
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
        The annual S&T scholarship test of the Department of Science and Technology for graduating high schools students will finally push trough on February 4, 2001 (Sunday) at the University of Bohol and CVSCAFT Tagbilaran City Campus.
       All examinees are advised to follow the time schedule and venue indicated on their test permits.

Arroyo warns  Erap’s loyalists
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle     
MANILA.- Pres. Arroyo vowed to defend  her government against forces seeking to overthrow it.
       She revealed that some groups are planning to destabilize the government amidst reports that the group of ousted Pres. Estrada is behind a black propaganda against her government.
       Arroyo assured that she will safeguard the gains made by Filipinos who took part in the People Power II.
        She warned the detractors that if she is forced, she has a sworn duty to protect and defend the Constitution above everything else, “I shall crush you”.
        The chief executive said that it is up to former Pres. Estrada to decide whether he will leave the country. And that her government will pursue the charges against the ousted President.

di ba tulo man to imo kids, balskie? naa na bay nakahuman sa kolehiyo diha? wa pa nimo ipakita diri ang hulagway sa imong mrs.

“Missing” battered Boholana in Australia now safe with kids
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

      The Philippine Consulate General has located the then “missing” battered young Boholana wife of a foreigner in Australia and assured she is safe now.
       Ida Nisnisan Cuylenborg, 30, and her children Isis Angela, 9, and Ian Angelo, 8 are now staying in a rented house at 26 Beatnana Place, Homestead, Forest Lake in the suburb of Brisbane after leaving her abusive husband, Rian Cuylenborg.
      Ida confided to Assistant Consul General Reena Gallardo Johnson, her husband slapped her on her nape and then pushed her onto the wall in  one incident of physical harm.
      Rian allegedly has an amorous affair with Ida’s Filipina friend in Australia named Edna Garrido, reported Johnson to Phil. Ambassador to Australia Delia Domingo-Albert and First Secretary and Consul Leah Basinang-Ruiz.
      Ida met and married Rian in 1996 in Tagbilaran City and decided a year later to live in Australia, particularly in Cooper Plains, also a suburb of Brisbane.
      But before they met, Ida married a Filipino here, Angelito Antopina, the father of  her two kids earlier mentioned. Antopina died here in 1992.
      Three months after Ida and Rian arrived in Brisbane, her children by her previous marriage followed to join them in Australia. Actually, Rian is formerly a Dutch national but who has been a naturalized Australian.
      The trouble between Ida and her second husband started when Garrido, regarded by Ida as her best friend in Australia, and Rian developed what a consulate official described an “over familiarity” between them.
      Garrido happens to be married, too although her husband, Australian Garry Kelly, already died. They have four children.

APO breaks record of Pinoy concerts
Published January 31, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle

       Danny, Jim and Boboy broke all existing attendance records of Filipino concerts at the Dallas Brooks Convention Center in Melbourne and the Whitlam Leisure Center, Liverpool outside of Sydney Australia.
       APO recently guested at the Himig Handog sa Bayaning Pilipino Song writing Finals at the Meralco Theater where they did a rousing final number which ended in a standing ovation from the audience. This was broadcasted over ABS-CBN and all its world affiliates.
       APO’s DVD will finally be launched sometime early in the year 2001. Their concert at Tagbilaran City will be on Feb. 13 in a spacious Metro Centre Hotel to be presented by Triple “S” Hairshoppe and Kiss 102.3 FM in cooperation with Nescafe Frothe’ and Cebu Pacific.