MikeLigalig.com

Gov declares tourism as Camiguin's OTOP
by Zita M. Abellare

Cagayan de Oro City (30 October 2008) -- Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo signed recently Executive Order No. 22, declaring the tourism industry, including all its allied support products and services as the Provincial One-Town, One -Product (OTOP) of Camiguin.

The scope and coverage of this EO shall apply to any person or entity engaged in the business of sale or distribution of any consumer products and services, particularly for food, accommodation, transportation and other allied support products and services which local or foreign tourists may wish to avail of.

This new development is a breakthrough for Camiguin's provincial economy that could benefit not just the direct tourism service providers, but also all the areas and sectors supportive to Camiguin's tourism industry in terms of the assistance provided by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) OTOP credit Facility.

Earlier, Gov. Romualdo announced this plan to push tourism as the provincial One Town, One Product (OTOP) during the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Forum conducted last July by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Camiguin Provincial Office, in cooperation with the Camiguin Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (CSMEDC), to highlight the observance of the MSME Week.
OTOP-Philippines is a priority program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo designed to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs.

Specifically, it supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products and services, through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.

Under this program, local government units take the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.

Over-all, OTOP offers a comprehensive package through a convergence of services from local government units, national government agencies, and the private sector.

DBP OTOP Credit Facility is a nationwide funding allocation of P 2.0 billion to implement the DBP-DTI Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with program objectives to support the poverty alleviation efforts of the national government in terms of job and income generation, to sustain DBP's developmental mandate by encouraging entrepreneurship in the countryside, and to reaffirm the bank's commitment to be a catalyst for countryside development by empowering the country's MSMEs through the provision of easy access to credit and technical assistance. (DTI-Camiguin/PIA-Camiguin i-Net)

Commentary: Mall giants
By Danny O. Sagun

Dagupan City (31 October 2008) -- The entry of mall giant SM in Pangasinan may be a welcome development for the people in general. But to local pioneers in the mall industry. It is sending an alarm.
CSI big boost Belen Fernandez admitted to newsmen during the Meet the Press forum of the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association (Patrima) at the Jolibee Lucao that the opening soon of an SM branch in Rosales poses a concern (read: threat) for her group as well as those of other business groups like Magic of former Dagupan Mayor Benjie Lim and BHF of Balingits.

These three have been that bold and daring when they made 'malling' a fad here in this big province some two decades ago. Their respective business ventures had grown big they eventually branched out to other major towns in the province as well as in other places. They started with a medium size grocery or appliance store and soon after they built huge stores and eventually malls. Now you see CSI, Magic and BHF shopping centers dotting the four cities of Pangasinan and major towns.

With SM of the Sy family, now considered the richest in the country, invading the turf of our intrepid local mall pioneers, there is now the challenge whether they can really compete with a real giant.
Actually Gotesco almost made its presence felt right here in Dagupan City, the base of our three local mall pioneers. If not the financial pinch the Go family experienced during that Asian fiscal crisis during the last two years of FVR, a Manila-based retail giant would have entrenched itself here and made competition true to its meaning.
***
But does an outsider like SM really pose a threat to our locals?
We now recall the reaction of an SM PR girl when local press boys and girls met with her somewhere in Calasiao a few months ago for a get-to-know-you affair and asked her if her company was an anathema for the local players. Of course, she did not admit SM would be like that explaining that people tend to [patronize stores nearer to them, That is why SM has built branches in the province so that people would no longer to Manila, which CSI, Magic and BHF also did, putting up sores in various parts of the city and branching out to other towns.

The SM store in Rosales may attract people even from faraway places at its opening but very soon after shoppers would return to their favorite malls or supermarkets near them. That happened when NEPO on Arellano street opened some years ago. Heavy traffic ensued during its opening worrying our traffic men. They thought that scary traffic situation would go on forever. But after a week, things went back to normal. Shoppers have again gone to the various malls in the city and Nepo became just one of them.
It's now up to the locals to keep their customers around in spite of the presence of a new player, an outsider at that, in town. They can make their prices competitive-a few centavos less for every item is already a big come-on for many a customer. Why, a buyer from San Jacinto, for instance, would rather go to Mangaldan or Dagupan to avail of a few-centavo-discounts although his fare back and forth costs him actually more. That's our nature, we compare prices.
****

Some attractions (pakulo) also draw customers. Raffles, bargain sales, free concerts, with popular movie and TV personalities in tow, etc. keep customers happy. Of course, keeping the place tidy, neat and air-conditioned, and with enough parking places are the other ingredients being sought by buyers, shoppers, and plain sightseers (others, nagpapalamig lang).
Still, the concern of our local players vis-à-vis the opening of that SM branch in Rosales cannot be taken for granted. To think that the three pioneers have helped Dagupan and the entire province in many aspectsâ€"revenue generation, employment, infrastructure, redefined landascape, etc.-is enough reason for us Pangasinenses to feel biased and protective toward them. (PIA-Pangasinan)

God Honors Those Who Honor Him
Daily Devotional for Saturday, July 16th, 2016

For those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Samuel 2:30b

One of the many truths of the kingdom of God is that if we will honor God, He will honor us. If, however, we dare to treat Him disrespectfully, we will also be treated as least in His kingdom. The initiative rests with us. Our response to God determines His response to us.

Eli had been the priest of Israel for many years, and he knew the standards for righteous living that God required. Yet Eli faced a dilemma, for his sons were living in direct opposition to God. As their father, Eli had to decide whom he would honor. He could not defer to his immoral and ungodly sons and also exalt the God he served. By default, Eli chose to honor his sons, for he did not insist that their behavior conform to God’s standards. Eli would have pleaded that he still loved God but that he simply could not bring honor to God with his family. Yet God viewed Eli’s behavior differently (1 Sam. 3:13-14). Eli revealed his own heart when he failed to honor God before the people of Israel by the way he dealt with his sons. This is why God punished Eli and his sons severely (1 Sam. 4:17-18).

God is not pleased if you praise Him at church but not at your workplace. It is not acceptable for you to revere God when you are with other Christians but not in your school or neighborhood. He expects you to honor Him completely, with your words, with your actions, with your life. If you honor Him, He will honor you.Henry and Richard Blackaby,

Confident Hope

Daily Devotional for Monday, July 11th, 2016

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Hope in the Christian’s life is not wishful thinking. It is confident expectation. Those without Christ may wish things were different and wish they knew someone who could change their situations. The Christian is personally related to the Lord of the universe, who is sovereign not only over all creation but also over every circumstance we experience. We can live with confidence because our hope is in One who is faithful.

When God speaks, He stands by His word to see that it comes to pass (Isa. 55:11). When God speaks a word to you, trust Him completely, for God never deceives His children. If God has indicated to you that He is going to do something, you can be absolutely confident that He will do it.

Do you wonder why unrighteous people seem to prosper while righteous people suffer? Jesus promised that each would eventually receive a just reward (Luke 16:19-31). Do you wonder if all the effort you have put into training your children in God’s ways will bear fruit when they become adults? God promised it would (Prov. 22:6). Do you wonder if the things you renounced when you became a Christian will be replaced by God’s blessings? Jesus assured us we would receive a hundred times as much (Mark 10:29-30). Do you doubt that Jesus will return and join us with those who have already died? Scripture indicates this certainty (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Our hope is not mere speculation in what God might do. God has given His word on many areas of life regarding things He will do. We can have confident hope in everything that He has promised.Henry and Richard Blackaby

Bitterness

Daily Devotional for Sunday, July 10th, 2016

Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble. Hebrews 12:15

Bitterness has a tenacious way of taking root deep within the soul and resisting all efforts to weed it out. Bitterness occurs for many reasons. It might come from deep hurts you received as a child, hurts you cannot forget. Time, rather than diminishing the hurt, only seems to sharpen the pain. Bitterness can result from the hurtful words of a friend or coworker. Often the person who hurt you is unaware of the extent of your bitterness. You find yourself rehearsing the offense over and over again, each time driving the root of bitterness deeper within your soul. Bitterness can derive from a sense of being unjustly treated. Bitterness is easy to justify. You can get so used to a bitter heart that you are even comfortable with it, but it will destroy you. Only God is fully aware of its destructive potential.. If you are honest before God, you will admit the  There is nothing so deeply imbedded in your heart that God’s grace cannot reach down and remove it. No area in your life is so painful that God’s grace cannot bring total healing. No offense committed against you is so heinous that God’s love cannot enable you to forgive. When you allow bitterness to grow  Bitterness enslaves you, but God is prepared to remove your bitterness and replace it with His peace and joy.in your life, you reject the grace of God that can free you bitterness and allow God to forgive you.Henry and Richard Blackaby .

He Is at Your Right Hand

Daily Devotional for Friday, July 15th, 2016

I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8

What does it mean to set the Lord always before you? It means that you choose to relate everything you encounter to your trust in God. What you choose to focus on becomes the dominant influence in your life. You may be a Christian, but if your focus is always on your problems, your problems will determine the direction of your life. If your focus is on people, then people will determine what you think and do. In biblical times, the right hand was the most distinguished position, reserved for one’s chief adviser and supporter. When you choose to focus on Christ, you invite Him to take the most important position in your life as Counselor and Defender.

Every time you face a new experience, you should turn to Christ for His interpretation and strength. When people insult you and mistreat you, you should seek direction from your Counselor regarding the right response. When you face a crisis, you should receive strength from the One at your right hand. When you experience need, you should consult your Counselor before you react. When you face a fearful situation, you should take courage from the Advocate at your right hand. Everything you do is in the context of your relationship to Christ.

What an incredible act of God’s grace that Christ should stand beside you to guide you and counsel you and defend you! How could you ever become dismayed over your situation with Christ at your right hand? What confidence this should give you! Henry and Richard Blackaby .

President Obama said:

"I reject the idea that these issues are somehow too big for us -- that America is too divided to find common ground. As I've said, I know that we can honor the incredible courage and service of our police officers -- and also recognize the racial disparities that exist in our criminal justice system. There's no contradiction there. And if we are going to come together to solve these problems, we have to understand that. So we'll have to talk to each other. We'll have to listen to each other. And we'll have to see each other as equal parts of the American family."

Wait on the Lord

Daily Devotional for Tuesday, July 12th, 2016

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalms 27:14

Waiting is one of the hardest things to do. We want to be people of action. We feel better if we are doing something to address our need, but waiting forces us to rely on God. David learned what it meant to wait. He was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel, then spent years waiting for the day God’s word would come to pass in his life. As he waited, a paranoid, egocentric king occupied the throne that had been promised to him. David spent his time hiding in caves and living among his enemies. As he waited he saw good friends murdered and his family and possessions taken. He saw Israel’s enemies wreak havoc on his nation. Perhaps no one ever faced greater adversity while waiting upon God’s promise than David did. He certainly understood what it meant to become discouraged and fearful. But David also enjoyed the reward for waiting upon the Lord. He became the greatest king in Israel’s history, and, more importantly, through his trials he became a man after God’s own heart. The psalms David wrote during his days as a fugitive have been cherished words of encouragement for millions of people through the ages. Through David’s descendants came the Messiah. David’s willingness to wait has blessed us all. Times of waiting on the Lord can be some of the most precious moments in your life (John 11:1-6). If you are waiting on God for something, read Isaiah 40:31 and find encouragement as you wait for Him to fulfill His promises to you.Henry and Ricchard Blackaby

COA asked to release cash advances listing
2007 News Archive

The Commission on Audit will be asked to release the list of city hall officials and employees whose cash advances reached to no less than P6.5 million.

City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso will formally write tomorrow the commission after the committee on appropriations of the Sangguniang Panlungsod failed to show last Friday said list which was expected by the minority bloc as an offshoot of the privilege speech delivered by City Kagawad Djingo Rama.

The minority bloc earlier said they will write a letter to the office of the city mayor to request for the list.  But, this failed after the appropriations chair assumed responsibility to attend to the said request aired by Rama in his privilege speech.

During last Friday’s session, Kag. Oscar Glovasa instead informed the body that he is meeting his committee members with the local finance committee on Wednesday.

Kagawad Rama was surprised why of the several points raised in the 2007 COA Report, only the support document on the unliquidated cash advances was not found in the report.  All the other concerns were documented in the annexes provided in the report.

“If there are advances that have been liquidated already and requirements complied, then it must be reported as well,” Rama said.  He also questioned the catering of meals at City Hall which was described as “lavish, excessive, extravagant and unconscionable.”

“How come it has reached as huge as P6.5 million?” Rama asked based on data he gathered from the 2007 financial report of the city government as reviewed by the Commission on Audit (COA).

Acting City Accountant Kurt Bungabong and City Auditor Teresita Irig had explained that some of the unliquidated cash advances reflected in the COA Report have already been accounted for and some are still in the process of liquidation.

Rama however maintained that “transparency demands that details of the unliquidated cash advances be open for scrutiny”.

“Instead of going around the issue, COA and the city accountant must provide us the names of these officials and city employees,” he stressed.

The lawmaker cited the 1997 Revised Rules of Procedure of the COA which has the sole responsibility of collecting indebtedness due to the government or any of its agencies.

During the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) session last Friday, appropriation committee chairman Kag. Oscar Glovasa was asked regarding the status of the council’s request for COA to explain the contents of the 2007 audit report which was questioned in a privilege speech of Rama.

50% medicine’s price cut now in small pharma too

CHEAPER medicines are now also available in small town pharmacies across the country.

This as the total implementation of the mandatory price cut of some medicines takes full effect September 15, or last Tuesday.

The mandatory price cut, now implemented in small drugstores in towns takes effect a month after the law ordered pharmacies with automated ordering systems to implement since August 15.

Brought down by the government’s implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Act and the voluntary offer by pharmaceutical companies, the move also makes easy public access to seven categorized drugs.

Some of the categorized drugs are anti-hypertensives, anti-cholesterol, anti-thrombotic, anti-diabetics, anti-biotics and anti-cancer drugs.

On this, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has directed the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to monitor the implementation of the law.

Bohol Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health Chair Cesar Tomas Lopez has called everyone in communities to help monitor the implementation of the law in as much as it should help alleviate the concerns of people taking maintenance drugs.

Lopez, who is a physician by profession said any drugstore who does not properly implement the law should be reported right away.

Included in the price cut are anti-hypertensives Telmisartan’s Micardis, Aprovel, Norvasc, Lipitor and Zithromax, Cytosar-U and Adriblastina. 

Also in are anti-thrombotics like Plavix and anti-diabetic Diamicron.

Antibiotic Tacozin’s Piperazillin, Ciprobay, Flagyl, Augmentin’s are sold at half the price in pharmacies.

The rest of the medicines with shaved prices are anti-cancer drugs Blenoxane, Paraplatin, Platinol, Cytoxan, Vepesid, Pirunethol and Zexate. (PIA)

Bangladesh hostage crisis ends, six ISIS militants killed

DHAKA, July 2 (PNA/PTI) -- Bangladesh's worst hostage crisis ended Saturday with heavily-armed commandos storming a restaurant popular with expatriates here in the diplomatic enclave and killing six ISIS militants who had been holding many people, including foreigners, captive for more than 12 hours.

Gunshots and sounds of explosion rocked the area at 7:40 AM (local time) as security forces launched an offensive to end the siege at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's Gulshan diplomatic zone.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said security forces "successfully" wrapped up their operation, freeing 13 hostages after killing six terrorists and capturing one militant at the Spanish restaurant.

"I thank Allah as we were able to eliminate the terrorists and rescue the hostages," she said at a function, an hour after army commandos, joined by other security and law enforcement agencies, freed the hostages.

"We could rescue 13 of the hostages, some with wounds...

But none of the terrorists could flee the scene, six of them were killed on the spot and one was captured alive," Hasina said, without specifying the exact number of casualties in the hostage drama.

The Premier also did not elaborate as to how many hostages were inside the restaurant. Earlier reports had suggested that over 30 people were held hostage, 20 of them being foreigners.

Among those rescued were Indian, Sri Lankan and Japanese nationals, media reports said.

Hasina reaffirmed her commitment to eradicate militancy and terrorism saying, "Our government will do everything to uproot the militants and violent extremists in the country".

She also questioned the terrorists' identity as Muslims, saying, "What sort of Muslims are they?".

"They (gunmen) defied the call of Ramadan's (special) prayers and went to kill people...the way they killed people is intolerable. They don't have any religion...terrorism is their religion," Hasina said.

An RAB official said at least five bodies were recovered during the raid, but did not confirm whether they were of hostages or gunmen.

The hostage crisis followed a Friday night gun-battle with police that left at least two senior officers dead and 40 people injured.

Fire-fighters rushed to the scene after the raid this morning with extinguishers, probably to put out flames from explosions. A medical team also rushed to the scene with stretchers.

Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq news agency, nearly four hours after the hostage crisis unfolded, according to the US-based SITE Intelligence group, which monitors jihadist activity online.

It later issued a number of photographs of what it said were scenes from inside the restaurant.

The pictures showed what appeared to be a number of bodies lying in pools of blood. (PNA/PTI)

China ba diay to si Bugsay, Hubs?

mismatch

Abaco Island or  Great Abaco

island, The Bahamas, located about 55 miles (90 km) north of Nassau, the capital, on New Providence Island. Abaco is the largest island of the Abaco and Cays, or Abacos, group; the other main island is Little Abaco, just to the northwest, from which Abaco is separated by a narrow, shallow channel. Abaco Island is shaped like a right angle, with one side of the angle pointing northwest and the other southwest; its administrative centre, Marsh Harbour, is situated at the vertex. Numerous islets and cays lie along the western and northeastern coasts, including Elbow Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Man of War Cay, and Treasure Cay. The island's traditional economy was based on fishing and boatbuilding, but now tourism and citrus farming are the major industries. Area Abaco and Little Abaco islands, 649 square miles (1,681 square km). Pop. (2000) Abaco and Little Abaco, 13,170.

Surrender of Cebu’s No. 1 drug lord reduces drug supply

CEBU CITY, June 29 (PNA) -- The surrender and detention of Alvaro “Barok” Derecho Alvaro, Cebu’s suspected Number 1 drug lord, has reduced the illegal drug supply in Danao City, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito Durano III said.

Durano said Alvaro controlled the illegal drug trade in Danao City, some 33 kilometers north of Cebu City, and the rest of northern Cebu.

“He is operating as a drug lord for about ten years already and considering the several unsolved killings in Danao City, he is really a menace to peace and order,” Durano said.

Durano gave PHP200,000 as a reward to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for facilitating Alvaro’s surrender.

Durano said the cash reward was allocated in 2014 yet when Alvaro already became notorious for dealing "shabu" or methamphetamine hyrdrochloride.

Durano said the city allocated PHP200,000 cash reward to anyone who can arrest Alvaro in 2014 after he noticed that the city police were reluctant to conduct manhunt against him and the people feared to report his whereabouts.

He said Alvaro was also tagged in the death of his competitors, policemen who wanted to arrest him and drug pushers who failed to remit sales.

The cash reward was received by lawyer Renan Oliva, chief of the NBI in Bohol, where Alvaro surrendered.

Durano also handed the Danao City Council resolution commending the NBI for facilitating the surrender of Alvaro NBI 7 Director Jose Justo Yap. (PNA)

Henares ends term as BIR chief with filing of tax evasion raps vs. 11 respondents

MANILA - Outgoing Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares on Wednesday ended her six-year term with the filing of the last batch of cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 11 respondents for their failure to pay the right amount of taxes to the government.

Among those charged by the BIR was the Planters Development Bank (PDB) and its senior vice president Jose Acetre for failure to pay the tax in 2014 amounting to PHP959,581.35.

Likewise, charged was the Trade Technique Enterprises Inc. and its officer-in-charge Liza Olario for the tax liability amounting to PHP115.77 million for taxable year 2012.

The BIR also filed a tax evasion case against former Carmen, Bohol Mayor Conchita Toribio Delos Reyes after she failed to pay the amount of PHP15.73 million for taxable years 2011 and 2012.

Delos Reyes is the founder of the Beauche International, a beauty soap company.

Meanwhile, Henares expressed her gratitude to all people who have been cooperating with the BIR in running after the tax evaders and for helping in collecting the correct taxes for the government coffers. (PNA)

PRO 7 to dialogue with residents of slain suspected big-time drug lords’ village

CEBU CITY, June 28 - The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 will conduct a dialogue with residents of Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City, the village where Jeffrey “Jaguar” Diaz, the slain suspected No. 1 drug lord in Central Visayas, once lived.

But Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr., PRO 7 director, said the police would go to the place when after emotions surrounding Diaz’s death had subsided.

The residents showed their sympathy for Diaz as some 2,500 mourners attended his funeral on Monday.

Diaz’s family and friends wore black shirts imprinted with his face and the words “Jeffrey ‘Jaguar’ Diaz. We will miss you” in front and “We love you” at the back.

Diaz, who had a reputation for being a Robin Hood of sorts in Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City, was killed with his bodyguard in a shootout with the police on June 17 in Las Pinas City, Metro Manila.

Comendador said the police must be sure they would be safe and convinced the residents of Duljo-Fatima had become receptive to change.

“We have to remove the security threats, the barriers between the people there and the police,” said Comendador.

Police have said that during the shootout with Diaz, they recovered one M-16 rifle with a magazine and live ammunition, a .45 pistol, Php 1.2 million worth of shabu, Php P10,000 cash, jewelry and cell phones from the suspects.

Comendador led his personnel in conducting an anti-illegal drugs symposium on June 9 in Banacon islet, Getafe, Bohol, where suspected drug lord Rowen “Yawa” Secretaria and two of his subordinates were killed in a shootout with police last May 28.

The event was attended by nearly 1,000 residents of the islet. (PNA)

Mayor, budget officer, accountant face charges for corruption
01 July 2016

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the filing of anInformation for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) against Cagayan De Oro city mayor Oscar Moreno, City Budget Officer Percy Salazar and City Accountant Beda Joy Elot.  The graft charges emanated from the lease contract that Moreno illegaly entered into in 2013 to house its “Sports Development Program for Professional and Amateur Boxing.”

Records disclose that the city disbursed a total of P175,000.00 in rental payments for the lease contract that was entered into without prior authority from its Sangguniang Panglungsod.

According to Ombudsman Morales, “Moreno did not secure authority from the SP CDO before entering into a contract in blatant disregard of the provisions of the Local Government Code [Republic Act no. 7160].”

Under Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019, public officials are prohibited from causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.

In the related administrative case, Moreno, Salazar and Elot were also found guilty of Simple Misconduct and were ordered suspended from office for three months without pay.   The Ombudsman directed the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to implement the decision.

daghan na pud nga mga pinoy ang nabiktima ani thinking nga ang China is land of milk and honey. but china is one of the worst places to live on earth where people are simply heartless and mindless.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 449 May 9, 1974

COCKFIGHTING LAW OF 1974

WHEREAS, cockfighting has been and still is a popular, traditional and customary form of recreation and entertainment among Filipinos during legal holidays, local fiestas, agricultural, commercial and industrial fairs, carnivals or expositions;

WHEREAS, by reason of the aforestated meaning and connotation of cockfighting in relation to filipino customs and traditions, it should neither be exploited as an object of commercialism or business enterprise, nor made a tool of uncontrolled gambling, but more as a vehicle for the preservation and perpetuation of native Filipino heritage and thereby enhance our national identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order to be part of the laws of the land, the following:

Sec 1. Title. This Decree shall be known as the "Cockfighting Law of 1974".

Section 2. Scope. This law shall govern the establishment, operation, maintenance and ownership of cockpits.

Section 3. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy of the government to insure within the framework of the New Society maximum development and promotion of wholesome recreation and amusement to bring about the following goals:

(a) To effectively control and regulate cockfighting towards its establishment as a national recreation, relaxation and source of entertainment;

(b) To provide additional revenue for our tourism program; and

(c) To remove and prevent excessive and unreasonable business operation and profit considerations in the management of cockpits and, instead preserve Philippine customs and traditions and thereby enhance our national identity.

Section 4. Definition of Terms. As used in this law, the following terms shall be understood, applied and construed as follows:

(a) Cockfighting shall embrace and mean the commonly known game or term "cockfighting derby, pintakasi or tupada", or its equivalent terms in different Philippine localities.

(b) Zoning Law or Ordinance Either both national or local city or municipal legislation which logically arranges, prescribes, defines and apportions a given political subdivision into specific land uses as present and future projection of needs warrant.

(c) Bet Taker of Promoter A person who calls and takes care of bets from owners of both gamecocks and those of other bettors before he orders commencement of the cockfight and thereafter distributes won bets to the winners after deducting a certain commission.

(d) Gaffer (Taga Tari) A person knowledgeable in the art of arming fighting cocks with gaff or gaffs on either or both legs.

(e) Referee (Sentenciador) A person who watches and oversees the proper gaffing of fighting cocks, determines the physical condition of fighting cocks while cockfighting is in progress, the injuries sustained by the cocks and their capability to continue fighting and decides and make known his decision by work or gestures and result of the cockfight by announcing the winner or declaring a tie or no contest game.

(f) Bettor A person who participates in cockfights and with the use of money or other things of value, bets with other bettors or through the bet taker or promoter and wins or loses his bet depending upon the result of the cockfight as announced by the Referee or Sentenciador. He may be the owner of fighting cock.

Section 5. Cockpits and Cockfighting: In General:

(a) Ownership, Operation and Management of Cockpits. Only Filipino citizens not otherwise inhibited by existing laws shall be allowed to own, manage and operate cockpits. Cooperative capitalization is encouraged.

(b) Establishment of Cockpits. Only one cockpit shall be allowed in each city or municipality, except that in cities or municipalities with a population of over one hundred thousand, two cockpits may be established, maintained and operated.

(c) Cockpits Site and Construction. Cockpits shall be constructed and operated within the appropriate areas as prescribed in Zoning Law or Ordinance. In the absence of such law or ordinance, the local executives shall see to it that no cockpits are constructed within or near existing residential or commercial areas, hospitals, school buildings, churches or other public buildings. Owners, lessees, or operators of cockpits which are now in existence and do not conform to this requirement are given three years from the date of effectivity of this Decree to comply herewith. Approval or issuance of building permits for the construction of cockpits shall be made by the city or provincial engineer in accordance with their respective building codes, ordinances or engineering laws and practices.

(d) Holding of Cockfights. Except as provided in this Decree, cockfighting shall be allowed only in licensed cockpits during Sundays and legal holidays and during local fiestas for not more than three days. It may also be held during provincial, city or municipal, agricultural, commercial or industrial fair, carnival or exposition for a similar period of three days upon resolution of the province, city or municipality where such fair, carnival or exposition is to be held, subject to the approval of the Chief of Constabulary or his authorized representative: Provided, that, no cockfighting on the occasion of such fair, carnival or exposition shall be allowed within the month of a local fiesta or for more than two occasions a year in the same city or municipality: Provided, further, that no cockfighting shall be held on December 30 (Rizal Day), June 12 (Philippine Independence Day) November 30 (National Heroes Day), Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Election or Referendum Day and during Registration Days for such election or referendum.

(e) Cockfighting for Entertainment of Tourists or for Charitable Purposes. Subject to the preceding subsection hereof, the Chief Constabulary or his authorized representative may also allow the holding of cockfighting for the entertainment of foreign dignitaries or for tourists, or for returning Filipinos, commonly known as "Balikbayan", or for the support of national fund-raising campaigns for charitable purposes as may be authorized by the Office of the President, upon resolution of a provincial board, city or municipal council, in licensed cockpits or in playgrounds or parks: Provided, that this privilege shall be extended for only one time, for a period not exceeding three days, within a year to a province, city, or municipality.

(f) Other games during cockfights prescribed. No gambling of any kind shall be permitted on the premises of the cockpit or place of cockfighting during cockfights. The owner, manager or lessee off such cockpit and the violators of this injunction shall be criminally liable under Section 8 hereof.

Section 6. Licensing of Cockpits. City and municipal mayors are authorized to issue licenses for the operation and maintenance of cockpits subject to the approval of the Chief of Constabulary or his authorized representatives. For this purpose, ordinances may be promulgated for the imposition and collection of taxes and fees not exceeding the rates fixed under Section 13, paragraphs (a) and (b); and 19; paragraph (g) 16 of Presidential Decree No. 231, dated June 28, 1973, otherwise known as the Local Tax Code, as amended.

Section 7. Cockfighting Officials. Gaffers, referees or bet takers or promoters shall not act as such in any cockfight herein authorized, without first securing a license renewable every year on their birthmonth from the city or municipality where such cockfighting is held. Cities and municipalities may charge a tax of not more than twenty pesos. Only licensed gaffers, referees, bet takers or promoters shall officiate in all kinds of cockfighting authorized in this Decree.

Section 8. Penal Provisions. Any violation of the provisions of this Decree and of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief of Constabulary pursuant thereto shall be punished as follows:

a. By prision correccional in its maximum period and a fine of two thousand pesos, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency, when the offender is the financer, owner, manger or operator of cockpit, or the gaffer, referee or bet taker in cockfights; or the offender is guilty of allowing, promoting or participating in any other kind of gambling in the premises of cockfights during cockfights.

b. By prision correccional or a fine of not less than six hundred pesos nor more than two thousand pesos or both, such imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency, in case of any other offender.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. The provisions of Section 2285 and 2286 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 946, all laws, decrees, rules and regulations, or orders which are inconsistent with this Decree are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 10. Date of Effectivity. This Decree shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of the publication in the Official Gazette.

Done in the City of Manila, this 9th day of May, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.

During my seven years working as a journalist in the US, I always disliked the cosy relationship that often exists between White House correspondents and officials, and between reporters and candidates on the campaign trail.

The Guardian is different. First, we have no proprietors who are part of the establishment: we are run by the Scott Trust, which safeguards our editorial independence.

Second, the instinct of each generation of Guardian journalists, mindful of a tradition that can be traced back to its founding two centuries ago, is to challenge authority and convention.

When the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump held a press conference in Scotland last week, he followed the normal practice of mainly picking out journalists known to him. I repeatedly tried to get his attention, and towards the end of the hour-long press conference, he relented.

He had claimed there was a "love-fest" between him and Britain. I disputed this, and after a short exchange he retaliated by calling me a "nasty, nasty guy ".

It was a telling response. Now it appears the Guardian has been banned from attending Trump's events in the UK.

My colleagues across the world challenge authority in big and small ways every day. Part of our mission is to give a voice to those who do not have one, to ask the questions they would like to.

If you like the Guardian's approach, please become a Supporter for just $4.99 a month and join a global community of readers helping to fund our journalism.

Ewen MacAskill
Defence and Security Correspondent
The Guardian

In observance of the month of June as National No Smoking Month, the Department of Education (DepEd) together with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government of Pasig reminded school officials, teachers, and students at the Rizal National High School in Pasig City of the dangers of tobacco use and that schools all over the country should be strictly 100% smoke-free.

DOH Secretary Jannete Loreto-Garin explained that studies have shown that most young people who smoke regularly continue to smoke throughout adulthood and fall prey to being ‘replacement smokers’ of tobacco industry. Hence, she called on students, as well as the rest of the young population, to never start smoking.

“For those of you who have unfortunately started, I urge you to quit immediately. Professional help is available to those who want to quit. Not smoking, or quitting smoking, greatly reduces our risk for disease and early death. You also protect the health of others by preventing exposure to secondhand smoke,” Secretary Garin added.

This year’s theme is Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs): Full Blast Na Sa November! Alamin. Unawain. Bantayan Natin. The GHWs Law requires all tobacco products manufactured and for sale in the Philippines to carry GHWs. DepEd Order No. 98 s. 2016 (2016 No Smoking Month Celebration) mandates the use of GHWs template to educate kids on the dangers of smoking. They are also included in relevant subjects under the K to 12 curriculum to educate the students on the ill-effects of tobacco use.

“What we emphasize at DepEd is prevention. This is why we integrate anti-smoking and other risky behaviors in the curriculum. We make sure that we campaign it at schools. We find ways to prevent them from even catching the habit or if ever they already started smoking, we help them to stop by informing them and educating them on the bad effects of smoking,” said Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, Alberto Muyot.

On June 27, all public and private elementary and secondary schools are encouraged to organize educational and social activities to spread information on the harmful effects of tobacco use, among its students, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and other stakeholders such as parents, school guest and visitors.

Future of Internet in Danger

CANCUN, Mexico -- With the goal of securing an open Internet, which can be used with freedom, security, trust and accessibility by all, governments, companies and civil society must come together to craft a new governance model for the web, global experts have agreed.

During the 2016 Ministerial Meeting on the Digital Economy, which is taking place this week in the Mexican town of Cancun, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is presenting the final report of its Global Commission on Internet Governance.

The report, crafted by a group of experts from every part of the world, has the mission of finding a way for the Internet to remain inclusive and secure.

"The Internet is at a crossroad. Threats to privacy and other risks that may bring the Internet down are real," Carl Bildt, president of the commission, said at a press conference Wednesday.

Bildt, who is the former prime minister of Switzerland, believes that the Internet can have a future where it provides economic opportunities, boosts freedom of expression, improves political equality and guarantees social justice.

"For this to happen, governments, civil society and the private sector must actively promote this future, and consequently, take the right steps to reach it," he added.

The main risks identified by the report are access to essential information services being under threat, people believing the Internet is not safe, and aging technology needing an upgrade.

If these are not addressed, "the Internet could lose its capacity to drive innovation and many of the advances and benefits we have seen in the last two decades could be eliminated."

Alongside Bildt, Jose Angel Gurria, the OECD secretary-general, said that "trust is crucial in the digital economy. The Internet is the best tool to bring people together."

According to the report, "a new social pact is needed for Internet governance... where fundamental human rights, such as privacy and freedom of speech, are protected online."

Bildt said that access to the Internet is another challenge, since over half of the world's population has no access to the Internet.

"We run the risk of a world of two halves, with those who have access to the Internet and those who have none. The consequences of this could be catastrophic. If the Internet is not properly managed... it could lead to a fracture that could cause serious harm to global economic development," noted the Swiss expert.

Alongside this initiative, the OECD is focusing on the development of information and communications technologies (ICT) and the creation of related opportunities for young people.

The report shows that the percentage of professionals working in ICT is at an average of over 3 percent in OECD countries.

Some positive statistics have emerged, with 95 percent of companies having access to broadband, 76 percent having websites, and 22 percent use the cloud. However, only 21 percent of companies offer online sales.

In terms of security, the commission states that governments must work together to halt cybernetic attacks.

The report also advocates that consumers must have the freedom to choose the services they wish to use and for "free service providers" to treat their customers' data with more respect before selling them for commercial use.

"Due to their impact on public opinion, governments, civil society and the private sector must unite to understand the effects of... publicly available data," added Bildt.

Finally, he noted that "there must be a continuous evolution in the governance of an open Internet, with multiple and broad-based participation, in order to guarantee the existence of a unified global Internet." (PNA/Xinhua)

For the month of May 2016, the BIR collected P152.14 billion in tax revenues, P23.68 billion or 18.44% more than collections made in May 2015. For May 2016, collections from BIR operations amounted to P148.95 Billion, P23.76 billion or 18.98% more than collections made in May 2015. Collections from non-BIR operations amounted to P3.18 Billion, P75.4 million or 2.32% less than the collections made in May 2015. 

Collections by the Regional Offices amounted to P48.95 Billion, or P4.97 billion or 11.3% more than the collections made in May 2015.  While collections by the Large Taxpayers Service amounted to P100.01 billion, or P18.79 billion or 23.13% more than the collections made in May 2015.

For the 5 month of the year, the BIR collected P659.96 billion, P63.65 Billion or 10.67% more than the collections made in the first 5 months of 2015. Collections from BIR Operations amounted to P644.47 billion, P64.27 billion or 11.08% more than collections made in the first 5 months of 2015.  Collections from non-BIR operations amounted to PhP 15.49 billion, P624.33 million or 3.87% less than collections made in the first 5 months of 2015.

Collection by the Regional Offices in the first 5 months of the year, amounted to P242.02 billion or P23.83 billion or 10.92% more than the collections made in the first 5 months of 2015.  While collections by the Large Taxpayer Service amounted to P402.45 billion or P40.44 billion or 11.17% more than collections made in the first 5 months of 2015. (BIR)

Pope francis names a Filipino priest as new bishop of Saipan
By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, June 25 (PNA) -- A Filipino priest has been appointed by Pope Francis as new bishop for the Church in Oceania on Friday.

Fr. Ryan Jimenez will be the second bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in Saipan, the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands.

His episcopal ordination is set for Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016 at the Chalan Kanoa cathedral.

Archbishop Martin Krebs, Apostolic Delegate to the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands and Papal Nuncio to various island countries in the Pacific, will be the primary consecrator at the ordination.

A priest for only around 12 years, Jimenez will succeed Bishop Emeritus Tomas Camacho who served the diocese for 25 years until his retirement in 2010.

He has been serving as the apostolic administrator of the diocese with 15 priests and 21 female religious who are working to serve more than 43,000 Catholics.

Jimenez, 44, was born in Dumaguete City, and raised in Larena, Siquijor.

The bishop-elect finished his Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Divinity from the Ateneo de Manila University before going to Saipan in 1997.

As a major seminarian for the Chalan Kanoa diocese, he continued his studies at the St. Patrick Seminary and University in California, USA where he earned his Masters Degree in Theology in 2003. In June of the same year, Jimenez was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.

For more than a decade as priest, he had served a number of pastoral roles including parish vicar, special secretary to the bishop, rector of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, president of the diocesan commission for the cultural heritage of the Church, and diocesan chancellor.

On the other hand, Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes said the appointment of Jimenezis a "great news”.

“Let us rejoice and pray for Bishop Ryan as he takes on the apostolic responsibility,” he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website. (PNA)

Joseph-Nicéphore Niépce
born March 7, 1765, Chalon-sur-Saône, France
died July 5, 1833, Chalon-sur-Saône

French inventor who was the first to make a permanent photographic image.

The son of a wealthy family suspected of royalist sympathies, Niépce fled the French Revolution but returned to serve in the French army under Napoleon Bonaparte. Dismissed because of ill health, he settled near his native town of Chalon-sur-Saône, where he remained engaged in research for the rest of his life.

In 1807 Niépce and his brother Claude invented an internal-combustion engine, which they called the Pyréolophore, explaining that the word was derived from a combination of the Greek words for “fire,” “wind,” and “I produce.” Working on a piston-and-cylinder system similar to 20th-century gasoline-powered engines, the Pyréolophore initially used lycopodium powder for fuel, and Niépce claimed to have used it to power a boat.

When lithography became a fashionable hobby in France in 1813, Niépce began to experiment with the then-novel printing technique. Unskilled in drawing, and unable to obtain proper lithographic stone locally, he sought a way to provide images automatically. He coated pewter with various light-sensitive substances in an effort to copy superimposed engravings in sunlight. From this he progressed in April 1816 to attempts at photography, which he called heliography (sundrawing), with a camera. He recorded a view from his workroom window on paper sensitized with silver chloride but was only partially able to fix the image. Next he tried various types of supports for the light-sensitive material bitumen of Judea, a kind of asphalt, which hardens on exposure to light. Using this material he succeeded in 1822 in obtaining a photographic copy of an engraving superimposed on glass. In 1826/27, using a camera, he made a view from his workroom on a pewter plate, this being the first permanently fixed image from nature. Metal had the advantage of being unbreakable and was better suited to the subsequent etching process to produce a printing plate, which was Niépce's final aim. In 1826, he had produced another heliograph, a reproduction of an engraved portrait, which was etched by the Parisian engraver Augustin-François Lemaître, who pulled two prints. Thus Niépce not only solved the problem of reproducing nature by light, but he invented the first photomechanical reproduction process. While on a visit to England in 1827, Niépce addressed a memorandum on his invention to the Royal Society, London, but his insistence on keeping the method secret prevented the matter from being investigated.

Unable to reduce the very long exposure times by either chemical or optical means, Niépce in 1829 finally gave in to the repeated overtures of Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, a Parisian painter, for a partnership to perfect and exploit heliography. Niépce died without seeing any further advance, but, building on his knowledge, and working with his materials, Daguerre eventually succeeded in greatly reducing the exposure time through his discovery of a chemical process for development of (making visible) the latent (invisible) image formed upon brief exposure.

FLEECE - MEANING: swindle somebody out of money: to take too much money from somebody by cheating or overcharging (informal)
They make their living by fleecing tourists.

Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

An FB Message from PNP ACG posted by PSInsp June Abrazado:Good day everyone. Please read this. It will probably save you and people you care for in the future. After all our efforts to inform the public about cybercrimes, it seems like more and more people are still becoming victimized. It's not because they are illiterate, but because they are unaware of sophisticated online scams. So please help us spread online awareness to protect our loved ones from cyber criminals.

Basic online security consciousness can save us from a lot of trouble. We want to inform you as brief as possible about online scams that we are investigating. It will take a seminar to explain all of the modus operandi of cyber criminals but the bottom line is, when someone you know and trust online â€" even your closest family, relatives, friends, co-workers, etc. â€" starts to ask for money for any purpose (life and death emergency, basic needs, debts, etc), CALL them, or if possible, meet them personally.We have many cases of hacked Facebook or email accounts that solicited money from their friends list with very convincing cover stories that prompted the unsuspecting victims to send money right away, thinking they are helping a relative in dire need. Rule of the thumb: if it is about money or personal information being asked by anyone, DO NOT TRUST.Another case we are investigating is what we call "sextortion" that targets males in all ages. A beautiful sexy young girl will message you on Facebook or any social media site who will make it appear that she is so into you, establishing an instant interpersonal connection.

Soon, the conversation will start to get sexual in nature and she will start to send you nude pictures. Then, she will invite you to have a live video chat and will show herself performing sexual acts. Once you are hooked, she will encourage you to do the same with her and show your face and genitals on the webcam. What you don't know is that the chat video is not a live performance but a recorded video downloaded from porn sites. Mostly, the suspects behind the cam are also males who know how to use tools to show recorded videos on live chat conversations. Your sexual acts will be recorded and the never-ending extortion will start. He has already profiled your account and captured all of your friends list and the company you are working for or the school where you are studying and will threaten you to send the video to each and every one of them, forever ruining your life if you will not give them money. Previously, they only target foreigners but now even poor Filipinos are not spared. One victim of this modus sent more than a million pesos after being extorted over and over again by the suspects.To protect ourselves from cyber criminals, make sure that we protect our online accounts. It may be a hassle for us to take this into consideration but you can just imagine the faces of the victims who reported to our office that did not follow these simple precautions:

1. Use strong passwords (long with alpha-numeric-special characters combinations); weak passwords can be easily cracked by hackers. Hacked accounts are used in various types of cybercrimes and law enforcers will be looking for you. You can justify that your account was hacked but imagine the waste of time and effort on your part.

2. Do not click on links in emails and suspicious news trends on your timeline shared by friends (ex. death of Jackie Chan, etc). Malware may be embedded on those links that can remotely access your computer or device. If your friend sends you a link, call them to verify what is the content. If it is not important, immediately delete the email or remove from your timeline because your other friends may click on it.

3. Do not connect to unprotected public wifi and other untrusted networks. Hackers set up free wifi to extract vital information on your phone that can steal your identity.

4. Do not login to online accounts, especially online banking, on computer shops and other public/shared computers. They may have key loggers that can instantly record usernames and passwords.

5. If you are using credit or debit cards, make sure that it will never leave your eyesight even for a second once in the possession of tellers or gasoline boys during payments. Skimming is just a swipe away and will instantly capture credit card information that can cloned withdraw in other banks anywhere in the country.

6. When withdrawing from ATM machines, make sure there are security guards nearby. Make sure to inspect the cover and the keypad for any hidden video camera or keypad overlay that can record your pin. Also make sure that no one behind you is looking over your shoulder.

7. Cyberspace is based on trust. The default mindset for everything that you see from the internet should be that it is NOT TRUE, UNLESS VERIFIED PROPERLY.

8. THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK. Anything that you say or do online can be used against you in accordance with the law.Thank you for taking sometime to read this. This is a two-hour lecture that is presented on cyber awareness but Facebook is a thousand times more effective in spreading information. We understand if you don't want to share this kind of lengthy message on your timeline that will not get likes from your friends. But please help us spread the word to your family, friends, relatives, co-workers, and other people you do not want to get victimized. We do not want to see them in our office. :-)Please report incidents of Cybercrime at this number:(02)4141560Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG)Philippine National Police "An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure."

Murag taga Leyte man tingali to si Willy Garte.

Year of Pig marks prosperity for ‘07

Published in Dec 31 2006 - BOHOLANOS await for the coming of the Year of the Pig as wishes of prosperity raise hopes when the clock strikes twelve tonight. This coming year too, the Chinese calendar experts predict a perfect time to eat, drink and be merry, a scenario that would sustain the celebrations. Hope may have something to do with the forecast that says business would be bright as the year allows lavish spending, Chinese feng shui experts said. So in that exact moment when the Happy New Year greetings ripple across the country, Boholanos would most likely be in simultaneous religious gatherings timed to sing the Gloria at 12. In Tagbilaran, the new year mass would be celebrated with Bishop Leonardo Medroso leading and priests con-celebrating the mass at 11:45. In a widely Catholic Bohol , the church choir sings the first Gloria note reveals an otherwise weird picture of local beliefs and traditions.

The guy standing next to you tiptoes a bit. The lady in polka dots massages her belly. Somebody jingles loose coins. Another sings the hymn slightly louder. All of these rise in interesting contra-point above the din of revving engines, whining machines, honking horns, paper blowers and whistles. And that is while in the middle of a mass. A local belief says tiptoeing adds an inch to ones height. Rubbing the belly melts extra fat. Jingling coins bring in good fortune and belting out a hymn magically transform one's hoarse voice into one that is angelic.

The cacophony ask for yet another blessed year to come. Here, it is a widespread belief that what one did or ate at the exact moment of midnight of the new year determines one's entire fate. The belief, though not totally traceable to the widely Catholic practice, has subconsciously pushed people to celebrate. So the first few minutes of the new year would be in family gatherings. The belief stretches up to the point where people anxiously wait for the tall dark-haired visitor who brings in good luck. Firecrackers and pyrotechnics also spice up the night. Many said it pays to scare off the bad spirits with a din. Then beckon the good ones good with brightly colored fireworks.

New Year celebrations in Bohol still feature the food, some would zealously associate with the blessings for the new year. People would long for suman or biko on the table. These food are cooked out of sticky glutinous rice for luck to stick on for the year. Pancit or spaghetti or noodles symbolize long life and so they occupy a special place. Aromatic food as ube entice the good ghosts. Then, not far away is the present 12 round fruits to symbolize coming full circle or for a complete year's cycle.

For those with the Western influence, eating the century cake, baked with black-eyed peas for good luck, slices of ham for prosperity and even sour wine, which traces its origins from foreign culture. And it too finds a special place in Bohol. The celebration, set January 1 by the Babylonians to coincide with the first visible crescent after the first day of spring. The sign of the beginning of spring, has become then a logical season of rebirth. The early Catholic Church used to condemn the festivities, it being originally pagan, records would say. But when the Greeks around 600 BC celebrated the god of wine Dionysius, and they parade a baby boy in a basket representing such rebirth. Placed side by side with the unwitting symbolism of the newborn Jesus, the church then has to agree to the festivities.

A New Year reveler's dilemma… To bang or not to bang?

WOULD the New Year be greeted with a bang or a toot?

Merrymaking and its consequential injuries while welcoming the new year may be determined by the response of the revelers themselves and the law enforcement authorities who have earlier received the order of the crackdown on the proliferation of dangerous and illegal firecrackers. With the dilemma, authorities have in fact pressed for the revelers to use the harmless tooting horns instead, which are sold in the sidewalks.

Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) through Health Secretary Francisco Duque III appealed for a stronger crackdown against the proliferation of dangerous and illegal firecrackers nationwide, as the incidents of fire-cracker related injuries and casualties rose over the week. The DOH call came following President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's order of a similar crackdown on illegal firecracker sale and stricter implementation of laws covering the manufacture and sale of such items.

The president's order and the DOH appeal came following a fire-cracker caused fire that killed 25 shoppers in a mall in Ormoc City last week. Alarmed by that and similar incidents of firecracker-related injuries and casualties and in the coming New Year's celebration, the Health Secretary issued the appeal during the regular press briefing of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in Malacanang recently.

As this developed, Tagbilaran City Police Chief Jacinto Cesar has also ordered his men to go the extra mile and stretch police visibility despite the bleak scenario of an out-numbered police-citizen ratio. During a command conference Friday morning, the former provincial intelligence officer said he has dispatched more men into the streets to confiscate and further discourage any sale of illegal firecrackers as well as impose the city ordinance regarding the areas earlier designated as firecracker zones.

The city chief's order was also based on Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Calderon's order to coordinate with the local government units and convince them to pass local ordinances to address the proliferation of dangerous firecrackers in the streets. The city police now is closely working with the Department of National Defense (DND), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) who are into apprehending establishments manufacturing and selling prohibited firecrackers.

The DOH, through "Formula Kontra Paputok 2006" surveillance update said, a total of 173 firecracker-related incidents were reported from Dec. 21 to Dec. 27 this year, compared to the 78 cases recorded during the same period of 2005. The Health Department monitoring also revealed that the biggest culprit in firecracker accidents and injuries is the highly-popular "Boga," with 30 cases, then piccolo with 23; five-star, 22; whistle bomb, 15; triangle, 14, others, 44, and unknown, 14. As this came out, the city chief has said he is going to post policemen in the vicinity of the Muslim Village where sales of firecrackers have been observed last week. The order also came noting that the firecrackers that have caused the listed injuries are easily sold at the Muslim Village

Last day of voters' registration today

TODAY, December 31 is a make or break day for a lot of people. For those who are voting in the synchronized national and local elections this May 14, 2007 elections, today is the last day of filing for applications of registration, transfer of registration records of the local registry, and therefore registering could put one in the list of active voters. For those with the intent to run and have not officially thrown in the hat on to the arena where they are willing to cast their bets, today is the final moment. All of these activities are included in Commission on Elections (COMELEC) en banc resolution 7707 promulgated August 30, 2006, which finally set the calendar of activities relative to the May 14, 2007 synchronized local and national elections.

This day, all COMELEC offices would be opened to receive the applications until five, the official hours, says Bohol COMELEC information officer Juvenal Beniga in an interview Friday. He said that it is the mandate of the office to accommodate people coming in to register and transfer their registrations until the set time. Worse comes to worst and if there are still applicants within 30 meters from the registering office at the break of five, then the office is even asked to accommodate the persons in the waiting list. The persons within the immediate vicinity of the office would be entered in the logbook and be called on to be given the final opportunity to get into the final list of voters, he shared. As this day comes, thousands of voters in the countryside have also gone the same experience.

First time voters registering and change of registration records applicants need only to bring a valid identification card with a signature and photograph in it, adds the elections officer. By that, school identification cards, company or office identification bearing a photo and the signature are then acceptable. However, barely registering or filing ones applications for registration in not the omnibus way to get a voter a seat and slot in the final list of voters though, warns Beniga adding that the applications would have to go through a screening process to determine validity of application. In some parts of the country, the Comelec is now using computerized recording and a person wanting to get multiple registrations could suddenly be traced when his name pops up in some other registering office or precincts, Comelec officials said. Double registration could mean disqualification of the voter and that could mean the forfeiture of his rights guaranteed by the law, Comelec warns.

Filipinos hopeful of 2007 - survey

PERHAPS with the bright prospects that the economy has shown during the last quarter, some 9 out of 10 Filipinos (or 90%) are stepping into the threshold of 2007 with hopes packed tight. This comes out in a Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey run within the quarter. The survey also runs smack into another equally revealing truth that Filipinos are hopeful despite having experienced hunger at least once or a few times during the last three months. Moreover, 92 percent of Filipinos who did not go hungry in the last three months were hopeful entering the New Year, while 78 percent of those who suffered "severe hunger" or those experiencing hunger often or always admitted they were entering 2007 with hope.

The final 2006 Social Weather Survey also found that 91 percent of adult Filipinos nationwide were hopeful rather than fearful about the coming year. Hope for the New Year increased from 85 percent in the last quarter of 2005. High hopes for 2007 are shared across all areas and socio-economic classes. Hopefulness is up in all socio-economic classes compared to 2005, as New Year hope increased by 19 percentage points among members of class ABC -- from 73 percent in 2005 to 92 percent this year. Among class D, it also went up from 87 percent to 91 percent, while among class E, it increased from 83 percent to 91 percent. New Year hope also increased in all areas compared to the previous year, except in Metro Manila, where it stayed at 87 percent. Elsewhere, it increased from 83 percent to 92 percent in the rest of Luzon , from 88 percent to 93 percent in Visayas and from 84 percent to 90 percent in Mindana .

SWS has been doing its "New Year hope" survey during the fourth quarter of the year since 2000. In the seven annual surveys, hope ranged between 81 percent (2004) and 95 percent (2002). This year's survey was implemented from November 24 to 29 using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults divided into random samples of 300 each in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon , Visayas and Mindanao . It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. As this came out, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said the optimism could be founded on a strong social payback in terms of investments, jobs, infrastructure and essential services that are lifting more families out of abject poverty.

Health care & services top priority in '07 city budget

Next year's city budget will give top priority to health care, social services and education. In his budget message to the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panglungsud, City Mayor Dan Lim said P52,605,329.00 will be earmarked to this top priority or 15.05% of the total budget. During its session last week, the SP approved for second reading the proposed budget next year amounting to P349,607,728.00. This means that the proposed budget is as good as approved even it is still calendared for third and final reading when the SP meets on January 3 next year. Saying that the budget is defined by its emphasis on increased accessibility to all basic needs and services to meet the requirements of the people, Mayor Lim said this is being matched by identifying bench marks to enhance tax collection. He said a vigorous tax information campaign as part of the intensified tax collection effort will be anchored on these bench marks. For 2007, the city projects a total revenue collection of P293,607,728.00.

INFRA PROJECTS

Considering prevailing realities, the city will pursue infrastructure projects like the Waste Management Plant in Taloto, the road network, the Big Bug, the city hall park and the fleeting of the city PNP. The city is also considering the purchase of a 25-cubic meter cement batching plant at a cost of around P3 million.

Schoof emulates life & ideals of Dr. J. P. Rizal

A German philanthropist emulated yesterday the life and times of Dr. Jose Rizal as the nation marked his 110 death anniversary. Mr. Hans Schoof was the guest of honor during the commemorative program yesterday at Plaza Rizal where a wreath laying and flag raising ceremonies were also held. In his speech, Schoof said he had been to several countries as Rizal did and he was amazed at how the people emulated the ideals of the greatest Filipino hero. “Rizal died 110 years ago but his ideals, live on,” Schoof said. To concretize his love for Rizal, Schoof was instrumental in establishing the local chapter in Bohol of the Knights of Rizal. He is the former deputy commander of the Knights of Rizal. Its supreme commander is former chief justice Hilario Davide, Jr.

Bohol enthusiasts mount 10th philatelic exhibition

JOINING millions of enthusiasts across the globe, the Bohol Philatelic Society held its exhibit of collection, a thing they did with the Philippine Postal Corporation. At the 10th Bohol Competitive Philatelic Exhibition (BOPEX 2006) last December 14-17, 2006 at the Bohol Quality Mall, Tagbilaran City , local and regional enthusiasts witness ribbon cutting ceremonies and ceremonial cancellation of Souvenir Covers. The exhibit also allowed stamp collectors to put in their collections as entries in the friendly competitions of two levels: the professional and the junior division with four each categories: National, Foreign, Topical and Thematic. The winners of the different level and categories were: Professional level National Category: Gold â€" Founders of Philippine Freedom, Nor Angeline Albuladora. Vermeil â€" Discover the Philippines , Natividad Patenio and Bronze - Philippine Educational Institution, Imelda Albuladora

In the foreign Category: Gold showed Biographical Data of American Presidents by Imelda Alboladora; Vermiel - Countries in Space Ventures, Eufroñio Brunidor; Bronze - Stamps in Stamps, Nor Angelina Albuladora. Topical Category: Gold â€" Atlethic Sports /Olympic Competition, Eufroñio Brunidor; Vermeil â€" Portraits of Madonna and Child, Imelda Albuladora: Bronze Cars of 20th Century, Nena Tubaon. In the Junior level, for the National Category: Gold â€" President of the Philippine Republic, Jackylou Albuladora; Vermiel - Hero, Marilly Payos; Bronze Great - Men and women of the Philippines, Jay Thadeus Patenio. Junior foreign category: Gold â€" Vietnam Stamps, Mary Ann Albuladora; Vermeil - Great Leader of the US , Jackylou Patenio; Bronze People to Remember, Marily Payos. Junior topical category: Gold â€" Christmas Jackylou Patenio; Vermeil â€" Animal of the Lunar New Year, Esterlina Gerasta; Bronze- Expo / Display Ships, Mary Ann Albuladora. This year's Judge was City Councilor Archie C. Sarmiento.

The entries were judged according to the following criteria: A.) Condition and Rarity â€" 25%: 2. Presence of interesting item â€" the presence of stamps, covers, which are of extraordinary or special interest â€" 25% and ; 1. Mounting, appearance and write-up â€" 50%. For condition and rarity, rated were the general condition of the items: complete perforation, no part folded, crease or torn; if postage is used, the canceling ink must not obliterate the design; stamp must be clean. Meanwhile, over the mounting and stamp collection presentation, entries are rated on the philatelic knowledge and presentation: presentable, cohesive, neat and that the write-up must not be too long nor should the stamps crowd each other so as not to distract viewers. The winners got cash prizes and trophies, certificates and tokens. The BOPEX 2006 sponsors are Frederick Ong Benjamin Ong of Bohol Quality Corporation and their families for the venue and facilities; Lina Tan and Provincial Administrator Atty. Tomas Abapo, Jr. and Melmel Racho for the cash prizes. Governor Erico B. Aumentado, Congressman Edgar Chatto, Provencial Board Member Felix Uy and Eufracio Mascariñas for the trophies.

HISTORY

BOHOL Philatelic Society started upon the urging of Postal Regional Director Fabiolita Ferrareis, and the initiative of Vic Oclarit, Tagbilaran City Main Post Office post master. On September 20,1996 , the BPS was born. Composed of top business leaders and professionals in government and private sector, the BPS soon stuck to the edge in the philatelic scene in the region. Upon its organization, Richard Allan Uy, Philpost 7 Philatelic Adviser and President of Cebu Stamp Club, Inc. together with Rachel Betos, Postal Region 7 Market Specialist conducted a brief seminar â€" lecture on philately to the newly elected officers and members of the organized stamps club. The seminar taught enthusiasts how to mount an award winning philatelic entry and invited them all to participate in the PhilPostPex '96 Grand Philatelic Exhibition of Philippines Postal Corporation, Region 7 at Cebu City. The founding officer (1996-1997) then were Atty Rosalina C. Abapo (President); Engr. Jose Mariano Tubo (VP); Luz Tambis (Secretary); Engr. Aida Crusit (Treasurer); Tracy Bitoy, CPA (Auditor); John Howell Duke Miñosa, Adam Saligumba, and Orcisimo Ciano (PRO's); Stash Labaria (Business Manager); Lina Tan and Vic Oclarit as Adviser.

The BPS has proven that their success was the product of dedication, sacrifice and determination. They mounted BOPEX '96, the first competitive “Bohol Philatelic Exhibit” held at the Bohol Quality Arcade in Tagbilaran City with Governor Rene Relampagos as the guest of honor. From 1996 up to the present, the society has made the BOPEX an annual rite while also joining exhibitions in Cebu City .

The Stamps

WHILE organized postal system existed in the ancient Egypt and China thousands of years before the birth of Christ, we can perhaps talk of the history of postage stamps when we link it to the development of postal system in England , where the first postage stamp was born in 1840. As early as 1653, M. de Villayer established a local post office in Paris and the letter had to be enclose in wrappers, known as billet de port paye. There were stamps collectors at the time and in 1774 John Bourke, the Receiver General of Stamps Duties in Ireland, formed a collection of duty stamps in the book “Collection of the Impression” on every sheet of paper. This book was no doubt the world's first stamps album.

Colonel Henry Bishop became Postmaster General to the Crown of England by 1660 and introduced many measures to streamline the service and to ensure that there is no leakage of revenue. To him goes the credit for the use of date stamps on the postal item known at the time as bishop marks. William Dockwra organized the first system with uniform postage rates within London and Westminster . He also introduced the system of indicating the time of posting.

Other Development followed such as same day delivery in London at a cost of one penny. At that time postage was to be paid by the recipient based on the number of pages contained in the letter and the distance it had to be delivered, Rowland Hill a schoolmaster interested in many things as printing, astronomy, navigation, electricity and postal reform soon started innovations. Convinced that pre payment system was the solution, Hill proposed that the cost should be standardized to one penny regardless to the distance for delivery or the number of page in the letter. He also lobbied to the Parliament to pass the Act of 1839, despite the great opposition from the post office who feared financial ruin. The Penny Black and the Two- Penny Blue were finally launched to curious public on 06 May 1840 . At first they were called labels and the glue on their backs was called cement.

Although Rowland Hill's reform led to the development of postage stamps, he himself favored prepaid envelopes, which incorporate the stamps. As a result Mulready envelops were launched along with the Penny Black and the two Penny Blue. Other countries followed the progress of Great Britain 's new postal service with increasing interest, and it was not long before some of them began to issue their own stamps. The Swiss started in March 1845 with the stamp issued by the canton on Zurich , and the following October a strange divisible stamp was produced by the canton of Geneva .

Brazil 's first stamps, the famous bullseye, were brought out in August 1843. In 1847 Mauritius became the first British colony to issue its own stamps, and that same year, the first Government Postage appeared in the United States. By 1850 Bermuda , Bavaria , Belgium , Spain and France had joined the growing stamps-producing countries, and in Australia both new South Wales and Victoria were issuing stamps. India was the first Country in Asia to issue the postage stamps in 1852.

Thailand issued its first stamp on 04 August 1883 and Japan issued its first in 1871. Theme on the stamps of deferent countries varied vastly. Although there are many alternative to stamps nowadays like franking machines, postage with prepayment and the like it is certain that stamps have to stay. Think of millions of people who spend a lot of their time, energies and money to the passion of their lifeâ€"stamp collecting! Today all countries around the word are issuing not less than 7,000 to 8,000 stamps annually and the hobby of philately is the most popular hobby around the world.

2 new columnists start columns January 7

As part of its face lifting program in the new year, the Post is reformatting the lay-out of its Opinion Page to pave the way for two new columnists. Starting on January 7 next year, the stable of Post's columnists will be boosted with the addition of lawyer Isabelo Sales, Jr. and Loy Palapos of Sashimi fame. Sales is no stranger to the Post's Opinion Page. Sometime in the 90's, he used to pen the column “The Looking Glass”. He'll be back in the same page on January 7 of the same column he is known of. Palapos, on the other hand, will be introduced to Post readers via his column “One on One”. Zeroing in on controversial subjects, Palapos conducts an interview type column in a one-on-one manner. - Sunday Post, December 31 2006

Chatto lauds Bohol 's 2006 TOBOY awardees
By Anthony R. Damalerio

Winning barangay officials in the annual search for the Ten Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year (TOBOY) were lauded lately by Bohol first district Cong. Edgar M. Chatto by praising them for their exemplary performance in the conduct of their functions. Chatto, one of the prime movers of the search, hailed the officials for continuing their tasks in bringing quality government service to their respective constituents during fitting awarding ceremonies held at the Executive Hall of the Ecotech Center in Cebu City .

The solon, ably represented in the event by Mr. Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio II, his political affairs officer, called on the barangay officials as the country's unsung heroes for their important role in bridging the line much closer between the government and its people. “Your strong and solid connection in the grassroots level makes it easier for the people to accept highly-beneficial government programs”, said the lawmaker's statement. In addition, Chatto extolled that the TOBOY awards can serve as inspiration not only for local leaders but also the country's national officials to buckle down for more pressing work in the light of divisive issues that can only stagnate the country. This year's finalists and awardees included barangay captains Elvira V. Macalandag of Dampas, Tagbilaran City as finalist for Punong Barangay-City Level and Teodulo Yecyec of Babag, Dagohoy as Outstanding Punong Barangay-Provincial Level; Poblacion III barangay kagawad Felixberto Remolador, finalist for Barangay Kagawad City Level; SK chairmen Kenny June Requeron of Poblacion II, Tagbilaran City as finalist for SK Chairman-City Level and Franco Tatad of Poblacion, Cortes as Outstanding SK Chairman Provincial Level; barangay secretary Almira Migrino of Mansasa as finalist for Barangay Secretary-City Level and barangay treasurer Ligaya Tadle of Poblacion West, Catigbian as Outstanding Barangay Treasurer-Provincial Level.

The TOBOY, now on its tenth year, is a joint undertaking of the Local Administration and Development Program Alumni Association of the Philippines (LADPAAP) of which Cong. Chatto sits as chairman, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 7 and the Liga Ng Mga Barangay. Nominated and qualified barangay officials are subjected to a final review and evaluation by a set of panelists while selection is judged on a given criteria based on past accomplishments of the said barangay officials. Others on hand to witness the awarding rites were officials of the DILG headed by Usec. Joselito Ruiz, Regional Director Atty. Rene K. Burdeos and Hon. Jovita Tuela Ouano, executive officer of the Liga Ng Mga Barangay.

Contests to spice up Loay Sandugo commemoration

SALES blitz for the commemoration of the first international treaty of friendship in 1565 between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of Spain has come to this: organizers have determined that contests to spice up the event. The Executive Committee of the events organizer, Golden World Services have announced that contests to make the historic Loay Blood Compact truly appealing to both local and foreign tourists may be participated in by any Boholano by choice or blood.

Open for contention by anybody is the Name of the Event contest: a search of an appropriate term that best projects the blood Compact in Loay, Bohol. And then, to portray and symbolize an image of the Loay Blood Compact of 1565 when east meets west as the two cultures agree in peaceful co-existence, a logo design contest is also opened. Furthermore, a theme song that best preserves and promotes the essence of the March 25, 1565 Blood Compact in Loay is again up for grabs by local and international composers and songwriters.

The contests offer very attractive prizes for the winners and consolation prizes for all non-winning entries. It may be recalled that Local Government of Loay has tasked Golden Word Services to promote, conceptualize and organize the commemoration of the 1565 event for it to attain its due international exposure. The contests just form part of the series of events lined-up for the two-week celebration culminating with the Blood Compact commemoration on March 25, 2007.

By LEO P. UDTOHAN

Proem

December 31 2006 - Could it be true that a boss of a mobile company failed to give the 13-month pay to his employees? Sad, oh sad, that his employees celebrated a blue Christmas. Walang konsensiya, an email (containing bile words) True got from an unknown person (obviously an employee). Another email sent to True made tsismis that this boss has an illicit affair with his sister-in-law. I highly recommend a Rosy Life, a Koreannovela of GMA 7 (which is about to end next week). Could it be true that a board member had her Christmas presents (to the poor) with NFA rice? According to my VRS, this board member (unlike her sisters-in-law who have no ‘hearts' to share their blessings to the sick and needy), gave 1 kilo of NFA rice to her neighbors (and the poor) as part of her annual Christmas outreach. The 1 kilo of NFA rice is added with one small tinapa and a 1-piece noodle. It's not the gifts but the thought that counts, di ba? The poor will become poorer and the rich are getting richer. Could it be true that a district engineer is getting richer (and making monkey business)? One email reads that this person is now considered the richie-rich of the town where all the graba, cement, tiles, kabilya and even the gasoline supply (for the department) went all to this engineer's house for personal use and this engineer was able to build three “mansions.” Could it be true that Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo is supporting another candidate (leaving Gov. Erico Aumentado)? This person who claims as the president's inaanak is circulating fax messages “threatening” all the mayors to support him in the next elections “or else….” Email forwarded to True about this person confirms that “he's so funny because this person is just hallucinating.”

It's again the time of year when psychics (mananagna) of all shapes and sizes, of varying degrees of credibility or lack of it, seem to descend on the scene from out of nowhere and ready to give their predictions or tagna to all sorts of clients (mostly women and gays). True is reminding you that telling the fortune of the luminaries and “who's who” in Bohol is easy as ABC, I mean, easy as counting the stars in heaven. All you have to do is religiously monitor their moves, listen to updates about them from “circle of friends” and attend parties and gathering where they are visible. Without fail and, voila, mananagna na ka! Easy? Very easy.

However, this year's tagna is predicted by a famous psychic and card reader Cresia Sarahina (you can see her at Barangay Bil-isan, Panglao fronting the Bil-isan chapel and for appointment you may call her 0928-3846522). Cresia is using cartomancy (card-reading) as well as psychic power to read your future. I met Cresia when we featured her on defunct enliv two years ago (with Chai Fonacier of ABS-CBN's Pinoy Dream Academy ) Cresia predicted she would be on TV! And, the same psychic predicted that I would visit Europe covering the prestigious Miss World 2006.

Without much ado, here is True's tagna for 2007 for Bohol 's who's who, based upon Cresia's predictions and my own observation and info from VRS and other sources.

• A radio news program will fade out.

• A new lifestyle show will be aired on a local cable channel with new promising local teen stars.

• A new radio station run by a giant network in Manila will be operating here.

• A writer and host program will jump over the bakod. You know moving to a new “station.”

• A veteran radio news anchor/host will disappear from the air (either to leave this world or travel).

• A young daughter of a prominent family here will get pregnant out of wedlock. She'll come out crying on but the “culprit” will be unmoved and refuse to marry her.

• More Boholanos will follow in the footsteps of Luke Mejares and the (not so popular Jerome Sala and bring honor to the country by winning in song festivals abroad.

• A young journalist from Bohol will be awarded by an international award-giving body.

• A happily-married businessman will be romantically linked to a young student. But he'll survive the minor issue with himself and his family intact.

• A high-ranking politician will make a shocking (read: headline-making) revelation.

• A popular government employee will quit her job and announce her intention to run in next year's elections â€" if, and that's the Big If, there would be elections.

• A wife of a prominent politician will have problems with her philandering husband.

• More sexy videos of politicians and “who's who” will be spread via the Internet and cellphones. Edik, you are not alone!

• GMA 7's Starstruck girl, Rich Asuncion from Bool, Tagbilaran City will shine even brighter in Year 2007â€" and beyond. She will get offers for commercials and product endorsements

• The next edition of Pinoy Big Brother will be have a Boholano/aâ€"and he/she will be hit by controversies that will force the management to slap him/her with suspension.

• 2005 Star in a Million grand champion from Bohol Jerome Sala has a hard time to be on the spotlight. He will be out of circulation… unless he has to do something to “regain” his lost popularity.

And from Cresia…

• Baba Yap will see success in 2007. Success in business and lots, lots of opportunities for him in 2007. 2007 is a good year to settle down.

•RG Ong (who's selective when it comes to girls) will remain loveless. But he can find her true love from a young lady from the northern part of Bohol .

• Fashion designer and icon Maximiel will work abroad and even make a new name there (as famous as ever).

• Raul Gatal's plan to work abroad is possible. And he can find a new love.

• BJ Alba is moving to another station (in other place, possibly abroad).

• Joy Suarez (manager of Ananyana Beach Resort in Panglao) will move to another place (will work with the same boss).

• More success on Raymund Roldan's chain of business. However, he should be careful… and to take care (more) of his family.

• Success in business for Uly Dolojol of Oopsbar!

• More success in business and in politics for Panglao's councilor Nila Montero.

• Loy Palapos will get more travel next year (with lots of job offers), but he'll never turn his back on dear Philippines .

• Ron Tan will build another business in 2007. There is a problem in love life.. His supposed “love” with some girls is just a passing fancy unless he will be serious with the girl.

• Gerry Lugod will find his “real” love after getting “out” of shell.

• Loida Lagunoy will win another award (in a beauty pageant) during vacation.

• Genevieve Jamisola will have a new rich bf who will love her and her kids (no marriage, please).

• Dennis Du (of Dunkin Donuts) is lucky for business in 2007. But sad to say, there is a possibility to transfer to another place.

• Chris Ramasola is thinking to get married ion 2007. And to have a new business will come true.

• Success in love life and abroad for Emerson Pinos and Manuel Ferdinand de Erio will remain loveless because he has to choose from the two.
Year of the Fire Pig

Attention: Those who are born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 are pig people. Oink!

Here's an info from Astrology.com, contrary to its rather negative reputation in the West, the Pig of Chinese Astrology may be the most generous and honorable Sign of the Zodiac. Pigs are nice to a fault and possess impeccable manners and taste. They have so much of the perfectionist in them that others may be inclined to perceive them as snobs, but this is a misconception. Pigs are simply possessed of a truly luxurious nature, one that delights in finery and riches (in surroundings, food, lovemaking and otherwise). This Sign believes in the best qualities of mankind and certainly doesn't consider itself to be superior. Pigs also care a great deal about friends and family and work hard to keep everyone in their life happy. Helping others is a true pleasure for the Pig, who feels best when everyone else is smiling.

A Pig with no one around to appreciate its giving nature is a sad sight. Pigs are so magnanimous they can appear almost saintly; this can lead some less-than-well-intentioned souls to stomp all over this Sign, and the bad news is, the Pig will take the blows! Pigs make great companions in part because of their refusal to see the more negative or base qualities in a partner, but that rose-colored view can lead to this Sign's allowing itself to be taken advantage of. Contrary to their seemingly benign dispositions, however, Pigs can be quite venomous in response to being crossed by a lover, friend or business partner.

Pigs are highly intelligent creatures, forever studying, playing and probing in their quest for greater knowledge. They can be misinterpreted as being lazy, however, due to their love of reveling in the good stuff; this Sign could happily spend hours on end making love, napping, taking a long bubble bath or dallying over an incredible spread of rich foods. Pigs tend to make wonderful life partners due to their hearts of gold and their love of family. Even so, Pigs can be rather exclusive, choosing to spend time with those who will appreciate them most and ignore the rest of the populace. Pigs would do well to realize that there's more to life than being needed. When they open up their world to a diverse group of people, they will truly bloom. The most compatible match for a Pig is the Rabbit and the Goat.



Rebecca Lusterio in Ligalig

Surprises never seem to stop coming. Early last week, I got a text message from Rebecca “Bikay” Lusterio sending her Christmas and New Year's greetings to True. Rebecca is one of my close showbiz friends â€"and she didn't let herself unaffected by showbiz and she remained as humble as ever; doesn't have any airs at all. And guess what? Bikay is busy for the past days as part of this year's Metro Manila Film Festival. She also informed me that she's part of the movie Ligalig (an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival directed by Cesar Montano). Her role in this movie is an ampon of Celia Rodriguez. And maybe win an award for her role (1999 Best Child Performer (MMFF), New Child Actress (FAMAS) and New Child Performer for STAR and 2004 MMFF Best Supporting Actress for Panaghoy sa Suba)? “I am not expecting any award…being part of the film is already an achievement,” said Rebecca.

Bikay could have done more movies (and TV shows) hadn't she opted to devote full time to her studies, supporting herself and helping augment the meager family income by selling seashells at Alona Beach in Panglao. Bikay invited True on her graduation last April (this year) and I wrote the event for Philippine Star and filmed it for GMA 7's 24 Oras. There was a small salu-salo in her house at Sitio Katibo in Tawala, Panglao prepared by her parents Verano and Helen. The plight of Rebecca touched many hearts, among them Rev. Edwin Lao, O.P., Rector and president of Colegio de San Juan de Letran (her story appeared at Funfare by Ricky Lo of the Philippine Star) giving her scholarship for college. Bikay is a scholar of the said university enrolling at the multi-awarded Institute of Communication. Bohol 's pride and jewel, Bikay said that she missed Bohol and her family, however, she wants to stay in Manila to finish her studies and fulfill her dreams. Good luck, Bikay!

The year that was

2006 is a busy (and good) year for True. The year 2006 moved to be an eventful one, on the bleak and dreary side. The year's occurrences alone are enough to fill the pages of history book. ‘Tis a year of visiting and revisiting places in the Philippines and in Europe . Why busy? Accredited press of the Miss World 2006 in Poland , judge of regional presscon and quizmaster of SK Bohol Info Quiz. True's news coverage: death of Sgt. Myla Maravillosa, Butuan Food poisoning, koja of Caingget, botete, Siquijor's tang-alap, sting ray and boat coffins, etc (for the toprating GMA 7's 24 Oras and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho), while True's travel program produced: Siquijor and Bohol (3rd and 4th episodes) for Living Asia Channel. Huh?! What is this year's top event? Can you recall? And who is your Man of the Year? And who's your pick for the Woman of the Year? True's choices are those who carved, shaped, wrote and changed the pages of historyâ€"and event worthy to be remembered in the annals of history. These people have their “stars” shine for the year 2006. There were many events and “great” and “popular” people but their names slipped out of mind enough that they were “less” to be remembered. Here it goes:

Event of the Year

Nominees:

Death and burial of Sgt. Myla Maravillosa of Inabanga (January)

TBTK 2006 elections (July)

Miss Bohol International (July)

SK Pop Idol (November)

Batuan Food Poisoning (May)

Death of Victor Olayvar (September)

New bishop Leonardo Madroso (December)

Leaders Incorporated Babe 2006 (November)

Unitop's raid and hold-up (December)

Winner: Death and burial of Sgt. Maravillosa (which was covered worldwide)

Man of the Year

Nominees:

Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista (topbilled as the next Manny Pacquiao in the boxing history)

Edik Dolotina (for his scandalous, hot item photos in the internet)

Victor Olayvar (who was gunned and died for a cause)

Bishop Leo Madroso (as a new bishop in the Diocese of Tagbilaran)

Winner: Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista (for his boxing feat)

Woman of the Year

Nominees:

Miss Bohol International Loida Lagonoy (the 3rd to get the crown)

TBTK chair Betty Veloso (for guiding, leading and organizing the 3rd TBTK)

Bb. Pilipinas Anna Maris Igpit (for bringing Bohol into the pageantry)

Sgt. Myla Maravillosa (who died in Iraq to protect the world against terrorism)

Winner: Bb. Pilipinas Anna Maris Igpit, the first Boholana to get the crown)

Briefly noted:

·Birthday greetings to Daylinda Paredes who celebrated her birthday last Dec. 28. She turned 28. Her parents Terio and Linda entertained Daylinda's high school classmates (Emerson Pinos, Emyat Corpus, AiAi Ceruela) from Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School..and including her boyfriend Jay. ·Belated happy birthday to Manang Tacing Udtohan who celebrated her birthday last Dec. 24. More birthdays to come!

Here's a new year's message forwarded to me by an unknown texter. Lapit na 2007 noh? Lapit na matapos 2006… another year, another life. Thanks sa pagsali this year sa life ko ha? Sana join ka ulit next year. Saya kasi pag-anjan ka! Maligayang merry and prosperous Happy New Year to all. Salamuch! You can email me at leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

LEOPOLDO SUMAYLO TUMULAK
LIVING IN CHRIST
By: Loy M. Palapos

Seldom does a single human being create an immeasurable void in his absence, the way Bishop Leo has upon his assumption as the new Military Ordinariate of the entire nation. Now based in the National Capital Region, he has left his flock he has tended with utmost devotion for 14 long and fruitful years. Those whose lives he touched, including this writer, feel the most intense impact, although with a solace for he has no intention of abandoning Bohol . Before he left, he told many that he will be back occasionally, if his schedule permits, for it is here where he sowed affection and never expected he would be loved deeply in return, especially from the multitude who have keenly appreciated his brand of spiritual leadership.

Bishop Leopoldo Sumaylo Tumulak, D.D. is a Boholano. He was born in Santander , Cebu on November 29, 1944 to parents Lamberto Buscato Tumulak, Sr., a Cebuano, and Consolidad Granada Sumaylo, a Boholana from Dauis. He has two brothers and three sisters: Lamberto, Jr., Delia, Gloria, June, and Romanito. He has his early education at the Mainit Primary School , Oslob, Cebu (1950-1954) and Santander Elementary School , Santander , Cebu (1954-1956). He enrolled at Saint Mary's Academy, Oslob, Cebu for his secondary education (1956-1959) and finished it in the Seminario Menor de San Carlos , Mabolo, Cebu City (1959-1963). He stayed in the same institution until 1972, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained priest on March 30, 1972 . He finished Master of Arts in Educational Administration at Colegio de San Jose Recoletos on March 3, 1983 .

His first assignment was as Assistant Parish Priest at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral (1972-1973). From 1973 to 1978 he served as Dean of Students and Treasurer at Pope John XXIII Minor Seminary in Mabolo, Cebu City , and was Rector Principal of Pope Pius XXIII Seminary until 1986. Simultaneously, he was Jesu-Caritas Philippine Responsive (1980-1984), Chairman of the Cebu Justice and Peace Commission (1983-1984), and Spiritual Director, Spiritual Pastoral Formation Year (1983-1985). From 1982 to 1993 Monsignor Tumulak was the Cebu Diocesan Consultor, Chairman, Commission on Formation-IV Diocesan Synod of Cebu (1985-1993); Member, Crisis Assistance Team (1986-1993); Chairman, Commission on Seminaries; Parish Priest of San Nicolas Parish; Vice President, Seminario Mayor de San Carlos Alumni Association; Team Priest, World Wide Marriage Encounter (1981-1986); Coordinator, Directors of Vocations in the Philippines; and Member, Cebu Archdiocesan Priests Senate (1980-1986).

On November 7, 1981 he was designated Honorary Prelate, and on January 12, 1987 he was appointed Bishop. His Episcopal Ordination took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu on March 16, 1987.

He was the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu from 1987 to 1993, becoming a Member of the Permanent Council of CBCP (Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines ) from 1995 up to the present. Monsignor Leo was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran in 1993, holding various positions aside from his main responsibilities: Chairman, Bohol Local Peace Forum; Chairman, Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee; Honorary Co-Chairman, Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council; and Apostolic Administrator of Tagbilaran.

To Bishop Leo is accredited the First Diocesan Synod of Tagbilaran. Preparations for the Synod began as early as 1993, it was celebrated in September 1997. A Diocesan Synod is a Consultative Assembly of the clergy, religious, and the laity tasked to advise the Bishop on matters that affect the pastoral governance of the Diocese. Bishop Tumulak streamlined the Diocesan Curia. This is the central and chief organ by and with which the Bishop exercises his Episcopal ministry in the Diocese. The institutes in the Diocesan Curia, which are the Diocesan commissioners, committees, and other offices, conducted strategic planning in 1998. From this developed the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.

He implemented the New Financial System (NFS) of the Diocese, calling for the identification and centralization of all funds. The undergirding principle of the NFS is the communion of resources of the territorial pastorates (parishes, quasi-parishes, chaplaincies) of the Diocese. To guarantee that territorial pastorates do not overshoot their budget, they are classified according to remittances to the Office of the Diocesan Oeconomous based on their regular expenses and income.

An offshoot of the NFS is the Standard Living Allowance (SLA) of the Tagbilaran Clergy that was fixed beginning November 1997 at more or less P8,000 a month for every priest. Msgr. Leo opted to abide with this arrangement, receiving the same amount as with his priests. The spirit behind the SLA is simplicity in lifestyle, clergy fraternity, and solidarity through resources-sharing. He also restructured the parish finances. The Bishop put in plan a system of proper parish administration of its temporal ecclesiastical goods, by instituting the positions of parish cashiers and bookkeepers in every territorial pastorate. The principles behind the restructuring an account and transparency.

The implementation of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) structuring in all territorial pastorates is an on-going concern of the Diocese, commenced by Bishop Leo. The basic unit of ecclesiastical society is the Catholic family which, in the words of the Holy Father is the “ecclesia domestica” (the domestic church). Neighboring families are grouped into clusters. Those clusters are the BECs which are organically attached to a chapel. The chapel is an integral part of the parish, and the parish is a part of a vicariate forane. Bishop Leo operationalized the Diocesan Presbyterial Council and the diocesan Finance Council. These were non-existent before the Synod. These were two of the Diocesan consultative bodies that the Bishop makes full use in gathering advice. The Presbyterial Council consists of priests, some elected and some appointed, with others becoming members by virtue of the office. The Diocesan Finance Council is composed of laypersons, usually bankers and lawyers, to advise the Bishop on proper management of the temporal goods of the Diocese.

He pioneered ecclesiastical cultural heritage consecration in the Philippine Church by creating the Diocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church in July 1995. The CBCP became aware of the work of the Commission, that in July 1996 Bishop Leo was elected Chairman of the CBCP Permanent Committee for Cultural Heritage of the Church. He convoked 3 national conventions of church cultural heritage workers in Tagbilaran (February 1999), Butuan (September 2001), and San Fernando , Pampanga (October 2003). He will convoke the 4th national convention with the Archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo as host in April 2005. All these, were made possible without any expense. These activities were brought to the attention of Archbishop (non Cardinal) +Francesco Marchisano, President of the Holy See's Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church in the Vatican City-State, In May 2000 Bishop Leo was appointed Consultor to the said Pontifical Commission by Pope John Paul II.

He drew up many policies for the clergy and created a good number of territorial pastorates. To date the Diocese has 48 parishes, 2 quasi-parishes, 2 chaplaincies, and 3 territories which are candidates for the chaplaining status. He also canonically declared one parish church, that of the Assumption of Our Lady, Dauis, a diocesan shrine. Holy Cross, Maribojoc will be also be declared as diocesan shrine on May 5, 2005. He made possible the consecration of peace-making and peace-building amongst the entire People of God of this Diocese, going to NPA camps, sitting with government policy makers and governance leaders, and meeting with ordinary fisherfolks and farmers. Christ does live in him; he lives in Christ. This is his greatest achievement.

Praise Be To God

I Peter 1:3,5 “Praise be to the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

By: Mrs. Josefina C. Tagab

I am Mrs. Josefina C. Tagab of Lomanoy, Lila, Bohol. I am very much happy to share God's power to heal and testify that God is the great healer of all healers. Before I met God with His mercy and powerful deeds, I was so very sickly and even underwent surgery. Now, I want to proclaim the miraculous deeds of Jesus that I experienced in calling His name. On January 2003, I got sick of fever. My daughter-in-law was a new member of the Charismatic Healing Ministry. Through her faith and experiences, I learned that God is still doing miraculous acts at present. I witnessed that my grandson was healed of fever by prayers alone. I decided also to submit to God completely.

So, I asked my daughter-in-law to pray for me and I joined her. I tried not to have any medication anymore but only prayers. I claimed Jesus' promise in Psalm 34:8. The fever lasted for 3 days and I spitted blood and urinated blood. Because I want to experience the power of God instead of going to anybody else I went with my daughter-in-law to the cathedral in Tagbilaran City to attend the prayer meeting. I was so weak and tired at that time and I chilled but I really stood up and praised the Lord, fought back all my struggles by taking the Name of the Lord as my shield. Truly God is true to His promise. I went back home completely healed. It was my first experience of healing by God's grace and power. God allowed another trial for me to experience healing for the second time. One rainy day, I slipped on a barangay road, my hand was fractured.

Before, I used to go immediately to a quack doctor or “manghihilot”. But having been in the grace of faith, I prayed and read the bible. I claimed His promise in Psalm 34:20, that Jesus protects all our bones not one of them will be broken. Then, I was healed after 1 week. That incident happened again. I prayed heartily coupled with faith and I was healed completely. God is good in everything. Even to our things He is our constant guard and He watches over us. I experienced that my three valuable jewelries got lost. First, my wristwatch, then my necklace and the last were my earrings. All those things got lost in separate incidents. My wristwatch was lost in the passenger car/jeepney while I traveled to Tagbilaran, one morning. I prayed to God heartily that my things will be sealed by His precious blood and will be taken cared of and by faith I requested Him that by His grace it will be returned to me.

I was reminded of the experience of Mrs. Ester Morala when her cow was lost for several days she prayed by faith, it was returned. I asked Jesus to return my watch. I went to Dao Terminal and looked for the jeepney if it was there but it was not. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I requested my nephew to go to Valencia for the owner was from Valencia . Thanks God! The wristwatch was picked up by the conductor of the jeepney and was returned to me. My necklace was lost inside our house and I found it after I prayed. My earrings were lost also after we went to a prayer meeting to another barrio again I prayed and claimed that in everything I ask in His name, He will give it to me as He has promise in John 14:14. After a week, we went back to that barrio for prayer and the owner or the house where the prayer meeting was held told us that they found the earrings and it was really mine. Praise be to God! Now that we are serving the Lord we experienced tremendous blessings and these are the graces for those who will be closed to Him! Thanks God, for choosing me as one. Thanks also for the management of Sunday Post for the opportunity of sharing the good news to others through this column. Praise the Lord! Amen!

By Joe Sprite

Last December 21 2006 was the awarding of the most outstanding barangay officials of Jagna. There was almost a perfect attendance. Awards were given to the outstanding barangay councils, kagawads, secretaries and treasurers. The awards were most deserving. It took most of their time to serve their constituents far and beyond the call of duty. it needs more than ordinary determination to lead or serve an apathetic, indifferent and recalcitrant people.

Barangay service is not a joke. It needs patience, determination and dedication to a thankless job with low pay indeterminate hours and with a chance to be haled before the courts for nonfeasance, misfeasance and malfeasance. Any barangay official from the barangay captain to the lowest tanod can be asked to respond to any form of duty. Although they know that office hours are from eight to five with a break from twelve to one in any working day, constituents sometimes demand service during off hours because they need the document early in the morning if not immediately. Sometimes, they demand that their problems be attended to because they too have work on office hours.

Not only that; there are reports to be submitted to various offices of the local government. The workhorses of a barangay are the barangay captain, secretary and treasurer. Sometimes a kagawad or two may be drafted to help out. The barangay captain calls the shots in the day-to-day barangay operations. He has to preside over sessions and he has to enforce ordinances. Sometimes a barangay captain just throws the work to a first kagawad or any person who is willing to accept the extra function.

The hardest hit of all is the barangay secretary. He keeps the minutes of the sessions. If he only knows a few words in the English language, he has to keep the minutes in Visayan or any vernacular. If he is cognizant in Ludabi, well and good. If not, who ever reads his minutes will have a hard time to make the heads and tails out of it. Then he has to write down the resolutions or ordinances proposed by the kagawads. Sometimes the kagawad gives him only the title of the proposed resolution or ordinance and let the secretary supply the correct verbiage. If he can.

In any time of the day and in any time of the night, the secretary issues certificates, lupon summons and clearances. Then he writes down the minutes of the barangay justice hearing but before that, he determines the kind of violation the accused has committed so he can place in the summons the nature of the violation. Then he reports to the MCTC on the number and nature of cases handled. Oftentimes, the secretary has also to function as a kagawad.

The treasurer, if she follows the procedures in barangay accounting, has an easy job. Sometimes, she tosses the printing jobs to the secretary, when she does not know how to type. However, sometimes she has to fend off demands of any barangay personnel requesting credit or cash advance and is threatened with removal if she does not come across. Sometime overzealous barangay accountants and budget personnel make things hard for her by changing the forms of the document. What was previously accepted last year is not accepted now.

A barangay salary cannot be relied to support a family or even an individual. It is good only for those with adequate income. Some become barangay officials because of ego. Some sticks to the job because of camaraderie. Some stick to the job because there is no other income. No matter what reason, a barangay captain, secretary and treasurer deserved the recognition they get. However, there are also those who merely go through all the motions barely achieving the minimum requirement. Most kagawads never had it so good. Some of them goes to sessions, sits through them and try to look wise. All they do is second any motion and move for adjournment. Well, that is all there is to it so why complicate lives?

"THE PADAGAN SA COMETA and DAGIT SA MGA BITOON"

A SPECIAL FEATURE (Jagna's 375th Founding Year)

2006 - FOR more than a century, a traditional show annually held inside the stone church of the Saint Michael Archangel has held church goers in suspended thrill as they watch the gliding comet gather the star lanterns hung near the ceiling inside the church. The show is also part of the Christmas show that local and revelers await as they eagerly allow the Christmas drama to unfold in the daily scriptural readings. The show, sources said started after the church building was completed in 1867, when the present parish church like every other Christian church, has been decorated with lanterns every Christmas season. Before Christmas eve, the nativity scene called the belen is placed near the altar complete with a comet hanging above it. Completing the grand display are stars of varying shapes and sizes hanged on the left and right walls inside the church just beneath the ceiling. Jagna old-timers say that before the revolution against Spain , people used small stars and a small comet. But in succeeding Christmases, the stars "grew" to their present uniform shapes and sizes now also in a kaleidoscope of colors.

The star's halo is one and a half meters in diameter and its tail is over three meters long. The head of the comet and its tail are even bigger and longer. Then some people proposed other animation innovation. The changes would then put the comet on its historic run from the east to its hover above the nativity scene in the altar during the eve of Christmas. Then, at the epiphany, or the Feast of the Three Kings, the comet snatches the stars as it passes near them. Since then the show - padagan sa kometa ug dagit sa mga bitoon - became what both the young and the old look forward to in the church at Christmas. Active churchgoers in the heart of the town used a combination of long ropes and pulleys of varying sizes from the choir loft or coro to the altar. Smaller ropes connected to each star attaches it to the main line. With these ropes and pulleys, the operators maneuver the comet to glide to and fro and up and down. Jagna prides itself as the only town with the uninterrupted "show" - now part of her Christmas tradition. This tradition is so loved by the people that it was never interrupted even during the Japanese occupation. While the community moved out of the Poblacion to a makeshift church structure in the hills of sitio Sun-ok, Tejero, Rev. Fr. Filomeno Lucero and his assistant Rev Fr. Aguedo Cimafranca still managed the padagan sa kometa ug dagit sa mga bitoon in their evacuation site.

Legarda Bats for Greater Protection for Filipino Seafarers

In celebration of the Day of the Seafarer (June 25), Senator Loren Legarda renewed her call for the institution of mechanisms that would provide better protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino sea-based workers.

Legarda stressed the need to implement a strong, consistent legislative agenda for Filipino seafarers to address issues facing the maritime industry at present.

"Various policies to protect the welfare of our seafarers are scattered in numerous existing laws. This indicates a need for a more comprehensive legislation that will cover all these provisions, while at the same time complying with international maritime standards," she stressed.

With this, Legarda is set to re-file the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and the bill to establish a National Seafarers Commission in the 17thCongress to address the specific concerns and needs of our maritime workers.

"We need to establish the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers that would guarantee their right to humane working conditions and just compensation through ensuring that manning and crewing agencies provide adequate information about on-board conditions as well as local and international laws that apply to the Filipino seafarer," the Senator explained.

Legarda also underscored the need to create a National Seafarers Commission to serve as the centralized government agency that will provide the necessary services, supervision, regulation and guidance which the Filipino seafarer needs.

"Filipino seafarers have been given inadequate attention in our society. Despite incidents of abduction, unjust compensation and on-board accidents that have been reported, no legislation has been passed to protect and uphold their rights. Most of the policies and programs catering to the needs of migrant workers are designed for land-based workers," the Senator stressed.

"Filipino maritime workers are important human resources of our country. We have to understand that the seafaring profession has unique demands and conditions, thus, we must guarantee that they will be given equal attention and protection by our government. Furthermore, we must ensure that our seafarers comply with the international requirements and maintain their edge over their foreign counterparts," Legarda concluded.

Legarda is the co-author of Republic Act No. 10635 or "An Act Establishing the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) as the Single Maritime Administration and Enforcement of International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers".

She also sponsored Senate concurrence in the ratification of Maritime Labour Convention 2006, the seafarers' bill of rights. It covers such basic rights as freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor; effective abolition of child labor; and elimination of discrimination with respect to employment and occupation.

Raps filed vs suspects in Olayvar slay dropped

The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor (OPP) has dismissed the cases filed against four people in connection with the murder of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) provincial chair Victor Olayvar last Oct. 13. In a six-page resolution prepared by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Eric Ucat, the prosecutor found no sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of the murder raps against suspects Marlo and Virgo Betasa, Neil Logrono and Roldan Torres. Ucat noted that Task Force Olayvar which was tasked to solve the killing of the militant peasant leader did not present any witness to support its allegations against the four suspects. Habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire) driver Joselito Ayag, who implicated the four men in two affidavits that became the basis for the filing of the charges was not presented to substantiate his allegations. Ucat noted that Ayag did not even provide descriptions for the cartographic artist that made his claims doubtful.

The resolution was approved by Provincial Prosecutor Toribio Quiwag. The early morning murder of Olayvar was condemned by various sectors in the community including the Roman Catholic hierarchy which came out with a scathing rebuke of the failure of law enforcers to solve the crime. Olayvar's family and comrades doubted the police version of the killing from the start, noting that the killers who were in the vicinity of the ambush a day earlier were unknown to the residents. Bayan-Bohol secretary-general John Ruiz III noted that it is ridiculous that it had to take Ayag, who is not from Danao, to identify the notorious Betasa brothers who have been involved in cattle-rustling and other criminal activities.

Villar bats for competitiveness of the food sector

Senator Cynthia A. Villar underscored the need to enhance the country's food sector competitiveness due to its huge potential to help spur economic growth.

"In my capacity as a legislator, I want to add to those impetuses that will create further growth and development in food and agriculture through various legislations," said Villar.

She stressed that these legislations will make Filipino food entrepreneurs and companies globally competitive.

"We really have a lot of good things going in the Philippine agriculture sector that of course greatly affect the growth of the food industry as well. The momentum is here," said Villar.

Being the chairperson of the Senate Agriculture and Food committee, Villar said she went on official trips last year and attended various food events in Rome, Venice, and Germany.

She said the food events included the World Food Day celebration in Milan, the Plenary Session of the Committee on Food Security of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO in Rome and the Anuga Food Fair in Cologne, Germany, among others.

She said it was the country's 18th participation at Anuga. She related that last year's Philippine pavilion featured total of 35 food-exporting companies, represented by over 96 delegates from the food sector.

"And our participation was expected to generate US$52.80 million or PhP2.376 billion in export sales, which was further expected to provide an estimated 45,520 new job opportunities for our fellow Filipinos," said Villar.

The senator was the guest speaker during the 10th Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX), which has been providing companies involved with food and beverage with an ideal platform to promote their product, held at World Trade Center Metro Manila.

She commended MAFBEX for providing a big help to food-related companies and entrepreneurs.

"I have also been attending various trade fairs and expos here and abroad. And I know that many of the participants are 'food entrepreneurs' which are under the category agri-entrepreneurs," said Villar.

Furthermore, Villar said aware that half of the micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs in the country are involved in the food and beverage sector.

She said MSMEs comprise more than 98 percent of the businesses in the country and provide more than 65 percent of jobs.

"So, expos such as MAFBEX, play a very important role in the growth of trade and business in the country. On top of that, provides invaluable service and support to entrepreneurs and MSMEs," added Villar.

Optimism - Bohol Sunday Post Editorial

At the stroke of midnight , 2006 will be part of history. It will be a brand new year that we will all have to go through together and live with for the next 365 days. Most people however cannot seem to tell the difference between the old one and the new. Except for the fact that they feel older, life gets harder and the burden is heavier, there is little to distinguish one from the other. It is true that firecrackers are exploded and fireworks are lit supposedly to exorcise the ghosts of the old one but there seems to be little proof that this ritual has accomplished anything. Every year we will all have our shares of ups and downs and there is little connection between the firecrackers and what happens to us.

A survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations indicated that more people are optimistic this year compared to the previous year. That is good news indeed. So good that Malacanang quickly claimed partial credit for it. Optimism is a conscious decision to think positively for the future. It does not necessarily depend on external factors but more on the resolve of the parties making the decision. Conditions and so-called realities play a role during the deliberations but they mean little in the final reckoning. Except for Malacanang and all those who are raking it at the expense of the people, there is little to show that life is better these days. On the contrary, you hear people complaining everywhere you about how difficult it is just to make both ends meet. The economy is bad, again except for those whose pockets have been lined up at the people's expense.

So where did the optimism come from?

It is difficult to explain. It is never easy to explain something abstract and invisible to the human eye. It is something that does not need proof but which we know to be a fact anyway. Perhaps, people have realized that their cynicism has deprived them of the joy that they long for. Perhaps, they just woke up one day to discover that they need to snap out of their desperation and get things done instead. Whatever the reason may be, the point is that the optimism is a good sign for our country. It means that people are no longer numbed to their sufferings and have resolved to do something about it instead.    When people care, when they start to feel their senses, when they rediscover their feelings, that is a good sign. It means that we can count on a nation of no longer indifferent to its problems but determined to end its history of frustrations. This is what we have been waiting for for a long time. Happy New Year!

New Year 2006
by Joe Espiritu

A few days from now will be New Year. The date of the Gregorian calendar, which the world commonly uses, will change from 2006 to 2007. This means two thousand and seven years had passed since the death of Jesus Christ, which started the Christian era. The rest of the world uses the Gregorian calendar for all other happenings. However, in terms of existence, the present calendar is of recent invention. The earth is much older than that. It took a large number of years before the calendar was invented.

The world is very old and human beings are very young. Events in our lives are measured in years or less, our lifetimes in decades and generations in centuries and all recorded history in millennia. Ever since the invention of writing some two thousand years before the Christian Era, we had been preceded by a vast vista of time extending to the tremendous periods in the past of which we know little. Despite that, we were able to date events in the remote past through geological stratification and radioactive dating. These sciences provided information in archeological, pale ontological and geological events while astrophysical theory provided data on the existence of the planets, suns and stars of our universe

Science says that the present existence started with the Big Bang an event, which involved all the matter and energy of the present universe. The Big Bang may be the beginning of the universe or it might be a discontinuity in which information on early existence had been destroyed. We may never know. Though it took the universe some fifteen billion years to reach its present form, life on earth began some two hundred million years ago and homo sapience or Man the Wise started to exist some two million years ago.

Man started as a hunter, fisher and gatherer to support his existence. However, such livelihood depended on the vagaries of nature. Sometimes he has to go hungry for a long spell due to scarcity of game or adverse climatic conditions. He was able to domesticate grasses to give him grain and animal to give him meat, fur and hide. Thus agriculture was born. Success in agriculture depends upon the prediction of the cycle of the seasons so in river countries like those in the Mesopotamia and Egypt has to anticipate the flow of the waters to irrigate their farms. They devised the calendar to know when the flood and drought will occur in each year.

The appearance of the Dog Star told them that the rivers, Tigris , Euphrates and Nile would overflow its banks, thus starting of the farming season. They devised time reckoning method according to their numbers system based on the number six. Thus, there are sixty seconds in a minute, sixty minutes in an hour, twenty-four hours in a day, thirty days in a month and they were able to able to compute to a reasonable degree of accuracy that an annual event will happen every 365 or 366 days. The year was then divided into 365 days with corrections every now and then.

There were cultures, which started their year in March, the month, on which the vernal equinox fall. At the height of the power of the Roman Empire, Julius Cesar decreed that the New Year will fall after the Saturnalia, which is celebrated December 23 pr whereabouts. Thus, New Year was celebrated in January 1. Although the Julian calendar was reformed later by Pope Gregory, January 1 is still considered the start of the year. There are other cultures, which reckon their dates from some important event but they are only referred to for their religious events. Middle Eastern and eastern cultures still use the lunar calendar and they celebrate their New Year at the first new moon after January. The lunar month is shorter than the so they have to time their New Year later than the Gregorian New Year.

Pyesta sa Sagrada Familia (C) Disyembre 31, 2006
by Fr. Joesum
EBANGHELYO (Lukas 2:41 -52)

41Matag tuig moadto sa Jerusalem ang mga ginikanan ni Jesus aron pagsaulog sa Pangilin sa Pagsaylo. 42Sa ikanapulog-duha na ka tuig si Jesus, nangadto sila sa pangilin ingon sa naandan. 43Sa pagkatapos sa adlaw sa pangilin namauli sila, apan nagpabilin sa Jerusalem ang bata nga si Jesus. Wala mahibalo niini ang iyang mga ginikanan; 44nagtuo sila nga nahiuban si Jesus sa panon, ug sa nakalakat na silag usa ka adlaw, gipangita nila siya didto sa ilang mga paryenti ug mga higala. 45Apan wala siya nila hikaplagi, busa mibalik sila sa Jerusalem sa pagpangita kaniya. 46Sa ikatulo ka adlaw hikaplagan nila siya didto sa Templo, naglingkod uban sa mga magtutudlo, namati kanila ug nangutana.

47Ang tanan nga nakadungog kaniya nahibulong sa iyang maalamong mga tubag. 48Nahibulong ang iyang mga ginikanan sa pagkakita nila kaniya, ug miingon ang iyang inahan kaniya, Anak, nganong gibuhat mo man kini kanamo? Ako ug ang imong amahan nabalaka pag-ayo nga nangita kanimo. 49Mitubag siya, "Nganong nangita pa man kamo kanako? Wala ba kamo masayod nga kinahanglang anhi gayod ako sa balay sa akong Amahan?" 50Apan wala sila makasabut sa iyang gisulti kanila. 51Mipauli si Jesus sa Nazaret uban kanila, ug nagmasinugtanon siya kanila. Kining tanan gitipigan sa iyang inahan sulod sa iyang kasingkasing. 52Ug mitubo si Jesus sa lawas ug sa kinaadman, ug gikahimut-an siya sa Dios ug sa mga tawo Ang Ebanghelyo sa Ginoo.

KAHULOGAN SA EBANGHELYO (Lukas 2:41 -52)

41Matag tuig moadto sa Jerusalem ang mga ginikanan ni Jesus aron pagsaulog sa Pangilin sa Pagsaylo.

Pinaagi sa pagsaysay sa tinuig nga pilgrimahe nga gihimo sa banay nila ni Maria ug Jose, si San Lukas mihulagway sa pagka-matuohon kanila. “Sulod sa makatulo matag tuig nga ang matag banay gisugo nga moduaw sa templo aron paghalad og sakripisyo” (Basaha sa Exodo 23:14 -17). Nagkinahanglan kini og usa ka semana nga pagbiya sa panimalay, makatulo sa matag tuig, aron sa pagtuman niining maong kasugoan. 42Sa ikanapulog-duha na ka tuig si Jesus, nangadto sila sa pangilin ingon sa naandan. Sa Israel , ang bata mosugod sa pagka-hamtong sa panuigon nga napulog-duha (12) ka tuig. Human sa mga tuig sa pagtuon sa “catechesis”, kining bataa paga-isipon nga “Barmitzvah”, nga sa ato pa “anak sa balaod”. Usa ka adlaw niana, siya pagatawgon ngadto sa dapit basahanan o lectern sulod sa templo aron sa pagbasa sa makusog nga tingog sa Torah.

43Sa pagkatapos sa adlaw sa pangilin namauli sila, apan nagpabilin sa Jerusalem ang bata nga si Jesus. Wala mahibalo niini ang iyang mga ginikanan; 44nagtuo sila nga nahiuban si Jesus sa panon, ug sa nakalakat na silag usa ka adlaw, gipangita nila siya didto sa ilang mga paryenti ug mga higala. Panghitabo nga gikahadlokan sa “Balaang Banay”! Daw usa ka butang nga dili kalikayan sa matag banay. Usa ka krisis nga pagasination sa usa ka banay: ang pagkawala sa usa ka anak.

Hinoon walay dautang tuyo si Jesus sa iyang pagka-walá. Apan sa laing bahin, kini nagpakita lamang sa “kagawasan” nga gihatag ngadto kang Jesus sa iyang mga ginikanan: nga gihatagan siya og kahigayonan sa pakig-uban sa ubang mga tawo ug ang pakig-ugoy-ugoy sa mga pundok sa mga kabataan. Dili sa tanang higayon nga siya nagkinahanglan og pagbantay sa iyang mga ginikanan. 45Apan wala siya nila hikaplagi, busa mibalik sila sa Jerusalem sa pagpangita kaniya. “Pagpangita”! Kining pulonga sa makaupat ka mga higayon gibalikbalik ni San Lukas niining maong saysay. Dinhi ang maong “pagpangita” mao ang pagpangita nga “physical” o linawas. Sa tibuok Bibliya ang “pagpangita” mao ang sentro sa panggibuhaton sa matag magtutuo, nga mao ang pagpangita ug pagkakaplag sa Dios. Sa akong kabahin, sa kanunay ako bang gipangita ang Dios? Ako ba siyang nakaplagan?

46aSa ikatulo ka adlaw hikaplagan nila siya didto sa Templo…

Dinhi si San Lukas mihimog pagdugtong sa panghitabo sa pagkawala ni Jesus didto sa Jerusalem sa panghitabo sa Kasakitan, Kamatayon ug Pagkabanhaw (Paschal Event) ni Jesus. Ania kining maong mga kadugtungan: 1) ang pagsulod sa dakbayan sa Jerusalem, 2) ang panghitabo nga mikabat sa tulo ka mga adlaw, 3) ang paghisgot mahitungod sa kabubut-on sa Amahan, 4) ang pag-walay pagsabot nila ni Maria ug Jose ug sa mga Apostoles, 5) ang pagkakaplag sa batang Jesus ug ang pagkabanhaw ni Jesus, 6) Ang pangutana nga “Nganong nangita man kamo kanako?” ug “Nganong gipangita man ninyo ang buhi diha sa mga patay?” 46b… naglingkod uban sa mga magtutudlo, namati kanila ug nangutana. 47Ang tanan nga nakadungog kaniya nahibulong sa iyang maalamong mga tubag. Alang sa mga matuohon nga mga Israelita, ang Templo mao ang usa ka balaang dapit sa Presensya sa Ginoo. Si Jesus gilarawan nga adunay talagsaong kabatid sa Balaang Kasulatan bisan sa kalinghod sa iyang panuigon. Ang mga matang sa iyang mga pangutana ug tubag maoy sukdanan sa larino nga kaalam nga iyang gikapadayag ngadto sa mga magtutudlo.

48Nahibulong ang iyang mga ginikanan sa pagkakita nila kaniya, ug miingon ang iyang inahan kaniya, Anak, nganong gibuhat mo man kini kanamo? Ako ug ang imong amahan nabalaka pag-ayo nga nangita kanimo. Samtang adunay luna sa kagawasan nga gihatag ngadto sa batang Jesus, ang iyang mga ginikanan wala usab molikay sa pag-angkon sa ilang mga kaakohan ngadto kaniya. Uban sa dakong kabalaka, ilang gipangita si Jesus. Ug buot nilang masayran ang hinungdan ngano nga si Jesus nagpabilin sa dakbayan sa Jerusalem . 49Mitubag siya, "Nganong nangita pa man kamo kanako? Wala ba kamo masayod nga kinahanglang anhi gayod ako sa balay sa akong Amahan?" 50Apan wala sila makasabut sa iyang gisulti kanila.

Mao kini ang labing unang gipamulong ni Jesus. Sulod sa katloan ka tuig, mao ra kini ang mga pulong nga gilitok nga Jesus nga gisulat sa Ebanghelyo. 51Mipauli si Jesus sa Nazaret uban kanila, ug nagmasinugtanon siya kanila. Kining tanan gitipigan sa iyang inahan sulod sa iyang kasingkasing. 52Ug mitubo si Jesus sa lawas ug sa kinaadman, ug gikahimut-an siya sa Dios ug sa mga tawo. Napulog-walo pa ka tuig ang paabuton una pa nato mahibalag pagbalik sa Jesus. Apan sulod ka kahilom, dinhi si Jesus masinugtanon sa iyang mga ginikanan nga maoy hinungdan sa iyang pagtubo.

One Wish for a Happy New Year
by Romy Teruel

December 30 2006 - The Year 2006 is bowing out at midnight tonight radiant in what it has brought for Bohol . We don't want it to go because we want its streak of good luck to continue for Bohol . But like a seed it must die in order that a new plant will be born. It must end so that new hopes can be defined and new goals can be set. The concluding year has brought us many things we want to look back in history. It has, for example, brought more laurels for the province. Gov. Aumentado has won more prestigious awards while the Bohol Provincial Government has won many accolades. But so were there shortfalls and it is in these that we want to set new parameters, new standards, new resolutions, and new things to hope for.

There are things we want to do for ourselves but they are so personal and private that they must be kept private. We have wishes though that we hope our public officials will take note of as they face the New Year. These are things that may be considered requests from constituents who are concerned with how public issues are addressed to benefit them. And so will write of series of wishes for 2007. My initial wish for the Year 2007 for our public officials is in the area of tourism. Unless we abandon tourism as our main economic driver for the province, Panglao will remain the focus for development in the years ahead. This year it was controversy that attracted attention for Panglao more than the jewel that it is purported to be. Positive things going for Panglao were drowned by controversies. National laws that were meant to protect the environment and therefore when locally applied will protect and enhance the tourism assets and potentials of Panglao have been violated with impunity by the very people who have the duty and obligation to protect them by reason of their public office. Local laws that were passed to protect and preserve the environment and enhance the tourism characteristic of Panglao were violated by the very people who have sworn to enforce them.

The irony of it all is that the very agency mandated to see to the enforcement of these laws are either helpless or are feigning helplessness. And worse, the very official who has the duty to enforce laws take pride in being able to demean the law and still remain in power. On this issue we wish Cong. Ed Chatto, as chair of he Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives, to take a hand in 2007, even after the May elections since his stay in Congress has never been in serious threat. Of course doing something to address the issue before the elections will even boost his stake at the polls. The negative image that the issue has painted for tourism and law enforcement must not be made to wait. And this time it is political decision that seems to be the very solution. He will be coming like a knight in shining armor after DENR's toothless efforts to enforce the law. Or, the Panglaonon themselves can take a direct hand in the coming May elections. They can either sensor or affirm (I hope not) the power that Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan thinks is his. But I tell you, no investor will come into a location where rules are not respected. Thus having said my one wish for now, I can now heartily greet our readers with “A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!” May the year of the Red Pig be even more generous than the year of the Dog.

Hydraulic water ram The Pump of the Future
by Eric J. Lyne

December 30, 2006 - Sunday Post - GOOD Morning to you all in Bohol , well I hope your Christmas Celebrations went well, Its hard to believe that another year has passed but it has and we start a new one tomorrow. Let say this prayer together, father we surrender this past year and give it to you. We give you our failures, our regrets and our disappointments, for we have no more use for them. Make us new people, forgetting what lies behind and pressing on towards that, which lie ahead of us. We give you all our hopes and dreams for the future. Purify them by your spirit so that your will for us. As we stand on the threshold of another year, encourage us by our successes of the past, challenged us by the by the power of your word, and guide us by the presence of your Holy Spirit. With confidence in God, we can look back and look ahead, then walk boldly into a New Year.

Forgive Us Lord, For Failures Past, Then Help Us Start A New, With strange and Courage to Obey, And Closely Follow You, The Victories of The Past, Give Courage for the Future.

Our topicâ€"A hydraulic water ram is the device that uses the movement of water through a drive pipe to pump a portion of this water to a location much higher in elevation than the site of the ram and the source of water. It has no engine requires no electricity or solar power or windmills. It has the unique ability of pumping water up hill using the water itself as a power source. Friends this is not the duke or wishful thinking, it is a fact, believe me, I know the only moving parts are two valve's in operation, water flows from the source dawn a “Drive Pipe” to the Ram. The sources can be a spring, waterfall, fast flowing river, dam on each cycle, A valve closes causing the water in the “Drive Pipe” to suddenly stop, this creates a “water â€"hammer “ effect and high pressure at the ram. This pressure is utilized to force a small amount of water through a one way valve into the delivery pipe and the cycle starts over. In effect, the ram use's the energy in a large amount of water falling a short distance to lift a small amount of water a great distance. With good design, the ram is a highly efficient device when panning your hydraulic ram installation, you will need to know certain factor. 1.The vertical falls in feet of the drive head of water; 2.The vertical height to which water must be pumped; 3.The length of the drive pipe, 4.The length of the delivery pipe; 5.( critical) The quantity of water available to operate the ram. Depending on the size of the hydraulic, ram, you must be able to supply up to 8 gallons per minute for 2 inch. Ram. 6.The quantity of water needs to be supplied per day. The size of the hydraulic ram to be installed depends on how much water is available and how much you need.

I stated earlier that for a 2-inch ram you would need 8 gallons per minute. Let me clarify that statement, a size of ram be chosen were this figure (8 gallon per minute) is equal or less than the amount of water available. Any system or spring providing a minimum flow of 8 gallons of water per minute can be used to power hydraulic ram, The more water available, the bigger the hydraulic ram, and the higher the water can be pumped. The amount of available water in a stream or river should be measured at the time when the water supply is at its lowest, at its minimum rates of flow. To check this, construct a small dam of weir across the stream and conduct the overflow by pipe into a 55-gallon drum. Time the filling of the drum, then divide by the number of minutes required per filling. The answer is the rate of flow available, water in gallons per minute. The available water determines the sized of ram that can be used. The places were this type of pump can be used, has many advantages over other pumped powered by hand, animals, wind, engines or electricity, despite the fact that a lot of water passes through it without being pumped, but it must be remembered, it does not need an additional power source, which means there are no running costs, there are only two moving parts and these are very simple and cheap to maintain, it works efficiently over a wide range of flows, provided it is tune correctly. The ram must be located below the source of water. Minimum vertical fall from dive-pipe inlet to ram is 2 feet. But the best performance is achieved of course, with a greater evaluation. The length of drive-pipe should be four times the length of the vertical fall. This type of pumped has many natural advantage over its rivals a.) Cost for operation, b.) Operate unattended, c.) Minimum maintenance d.) Virtually lifetime service, e.) Simple installation, f.) No fuel or electricity required, g.)Simple and adaptable, and don't forget it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year on only water! Can any one beat that. For more information call Sunday post- email sunday_post@yahoo.com or me at ejyl@yahoo.com ..We can help you. Take Care, See You Next Week.

Have we gone this low in the morality gauge?
By Boy Guingguing

December 30 2006 - Can you imagine the gall of a former election commissioner who became notorious for his role in the 2004 elections blackmailing a duly constituted authority like the Philippine government? This was BGlante's reaction when the government minced no words in putting its back in the line of fire given the plan of Virgilio Garcillano to run for a Congress seat in Bukidnon in the 2007 polls. Wherever one looks at this latest Garcillano caper, we can only say that this is the price of maintaining so many ticking time bombs. Who are they? Yes, think of Garcillano as one of them. Or AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon and former Navy chief Mateo Mayuga, to name a few.

Mayuga, before he retired headed a panel that investigated the role of the military in the 2004 polls. Until now, the public is yet to know the outcome of the Mayuga investigation. Esperon, for his part, was named one of the military generals involved in the alleged rigging of the said polls. What else do you expect from them but complete subservience to a government held captive by its own indiscretions. Spurn them and this government is courting disaster. How can the Philippine government appear so helpless? For one, the government of President Arroyo was already held hostage by Garcillano because of his role to tamper with the results of the 2004 presidential elections.

The same is true with Esperon, et al. And the government was paying a high price for infidelity of the people's mandate. The big question now is how can you solve a problem like Garcillano? Well, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales provided the answer. He said that those who are not contented with the way the DOJ handled the resolution of the perjury and falsification charges against Garcillano can seek redress from the New People's Army. Garcillano was absolved of all the charges filed by the opposition in the wake of last year's Hello Garci scandal. That was a harsh suggestion but coming as it did from the secretary of justice, we can take it with a grain of salt. And why not? By the way, what was the NPA doing while Garcillano was roaming around the nooks and crannies of Mindanao while avoiding a Senate inquiry about his role in the 2004 elections? We expect nothing but revolutionary justice from the armed wing of the rebel movement. That Garcillano has made a mockery of an established authority and therefore he should not be allowed to stay unpunished. He lied through his teeth and what better way to pass judgment than to mete out the justice he deserves. Unless, we have gone this low in the yardstick of morality.

2 new columnists start columns January 7-issue

As part of its face lifting program in the new year, the Post is reformatting the lay-out of its Opinion Page to pave the way for two new columnists. Starting on January 7 next year, the stable of Post's columnists will be boosted with the addition of lawyer Isabelo Sales, Jr. and Loy Palapos of Sashimi fame. Sales is no stranger to the Post's Opinion Page. Sometime in the 90's, he used to pen the column “The Looking Glass”. He'll be back in the same page on January 7 of the same column he is known of. Palapos, on the other hand, will be introduced to Post readers via his column “One on One”. Zeroing in on controversial subjects, Palapos conducts an interview type column in a one-on-one manner.

Raped girl found dead in Ubay on ‘Innocents Day'

End of 2006 Story - A girl was found floating lifeless on a river on “Innocents' Day” in Ubay town. She was believed raped before she was killed. The four-year-old victim, whose name was being withheld, was a native of Barangay San Vicente, Ubay town. According to reports reaching Camp Dagohoy in Tagbilaran City , the victim's lifeless body was sighted about 6 am last Dec. 28, 2006. The body was floating on the river that drew the attention of villagers who immediately reported the sighting to authorities. Based on the post-mortem examination conducted by the municipal health officer, the girl bore an injury on her forehead believed caused by a hard object. At the same time, the examination showed lacerations on the girl's private parts prompting authorities to suspect that she was raped before she was killed. Police authorities are now looking for a man believed to hold information on the brutal rape-slay case.

The man was identified as one Eugenio Pinili, of legal age and a native of Barangay Bagacay in neighboring Talibon town.       According to initial investigation, Pinili was among a still undetermined number of men who engaged in a drinking spree with the victim's uncle last Dec. 27. Pinili disappeared without a trace at about the same time the girl was missing before she was found dead.  Police operatives are conducting follow-up operations to solve the gruesome murder which ironically was discovered on the day celebrated in honor of the innocent children murdered on the orders of King Herod. Herod ordered the killing of children two years and under after the wise men did not return to him as instructed. Estimating the period from the birth of the child until he ordered the killing, Herod directed his troops to the infamous “slaughter of the innocents” that is traditionally remembered on Dec. 28.

Unitop robbery: inside job - Lim

December 30 2006 - Tagbilaran CITY Mayor Dan Lim minced no words in describing the Thursday robbery involving the ill-fated Unitop General Merchandizing: it was an inside job. Only three days earlier or on Christmas Day, the Unitop branch in Ormoc City went up in flames killing 26 persons. The Tagbilaran robbery was the latest in a series of break-ins and hold ups in this city. Executed in daring fashion, the latest caper netted P500,000 in loot topping the recent hold up of a gasoline station owned by George Lim where P20,000 was lost to the suspects. Both robberies were pulled off in broad daylight. According to Mayor Lim, he came to the conclusion that it was an inside job after he invited for interview the Unitop secretary identified as Rufa Balingit and the store manager Robert Chua. Also invited for questioning by Mayor Lim was Rene Raut-raut of Bilar said to be the live-in partner of Balingit.

Balingit a trusted employee of the store is familiar with the establishment's daily cash in and cash out. She also knows the store's deposit schedules and the banks the supposed deposits are going to be made. As the store's way of avoiding a pattern, the management made it as a policy to deposit in different banks. A day before the Unitop robbery, the combined sales after a four-day holiday (from Dec. 23-26) were deposited without any hitch. It was not known how much in store sales were deposited that day but according to police sources, it went on smoothly because management decided to allow the guard to take the company's service van in going to the bank instead of the usual motorcycle. This time also, Balingit was waiting for the guard at the bank Deposit time, the following day was a different story. Balingit and the security guard identified as Dalmacio Casimsiman, Jr. walked the short distance from the Unitop Store to the FCB downtown branch, one of the depository banks.

This time, the robbers, waited for their prey near the Caltex Station at the corner of CPG Avenue and M.H.del Pilar St . The bank is located just beside the gasoline station. According to police sources, the store has an average of from P100,000 to P200,000 in daily sales but Thursday's take was boosted by the previous day's 5:00 pm supposed deposit. Balingit was supposed to deposit the late afternoon sales of the store but said she forgot to do her routine. The store deposits its sales for the day at least three times and the last is at 5:00 pm. Police are looking at the possibility that a burglary in the store sometime last June may have a connection with Thursday's robbery. In that break-in, some P400,000 were lost to the burglars.

HOME IN A MORBID PACKAGE

For the ill-starred security guard, it would be a different reunion when his family gathers home January 1, 2007. Certainly it's no good year to start with Casimsiman, Jr. coming to Tangkigan, Mabini as a package, not with the frilly holiday wrapper but in something more morbid. Commenting on the spate of robberies in this city, Police Chief Jacinto Cesar said they are leaving no stones unturned until the identities of the culprits could be opened. Cesar, who used to be head of intelligence at the provincial police office said the criminals did not even care to hide their faces, while the two casually walked towards the waiting motorcycle a few meters away. The incident happened along the busy Carlos P. Garcia Avenue . According to police re[ports, the security guard was escorting Balingit and was a few steps from the bank they would be transacting their business when the robbers announced the hold-up. When Balingit refused to hand in the bag and instead hid behind the guard, one gunman shot the secretary and missed by the skin of her teeth. The bullet entered the guard's breast, exited his back. Witnesses said the robbers then grabbed the bag and casually crossed the road to their get-away vehicle. In less than two minutes, the robbery was over with the suspects fleeing aboard a motorcycle. The guard sustained a gunshot wound in his breast and back. He, however, expired the following day at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital.

China makes new rules on blacklisting misbehaved air passengers

BEIJING, Jan. 31 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Passengers who threaten or assault airport staff and cabin crew will be blacklisted, according to an industry regulation to take effect on Monday.

The regulation issued by the China Air Transport Association lists 10 forms of misconduct such as blocking and attacking check-in counters, security check passages and boarding gates.

They also include fighting inside the airport or on board the aircraft, attempts to force entry to the cockpit or to open the emergency exits without instruction and spreading false information about terrorist attacks.

The association will record personal information of passengers concerned and share it with airline companies and the TravelSky Holding Co., a state-owned service provider of aviation information that operates China's national electronic travel distribution system.

The record will be kept for one to two years, according to the rules.

The association did not reveal the consequences of being blacklisted.

Passengers who disagree with their treatment can appeal to the association. (PNA/Xinhua)

PHL wins Best Performance Award at Turkey trade fair

MANILA, Jan. 31 (PNA) -- The Philippines has won its first award in the East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel (EMITT) Fair 2016 held in Istanbul, Turkey from Jan. 28 to 31, 2016.

“In its first ever participation in the East Mediterranean Tourism and Travel Exhibition in Istanbul, the Philippines is awarded 'Best Performance of EMITT 2016'," Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Benito Bengzon said via social media.

During the trade fair, performances from homegrown talents such as beatbox artist Neal Llanes from Davao, among others, who made the Philippine booth deserving of the award.

The EMITT is recognized as one of the top five tourism exhibitions in the world as it involves the participation of representatives from around 70 countries.

This year, it has also brought together 4,500 companies in 11 halls equaling to total exhibition space of 70,000 square meters.

EMITT is organized by Ekin Fuarcýlýk and EUFâ€"E Uluslararasý Fuarcýlýk, the affiliates of ITE Turkey, which is the organizer of leading exhibitions for leading industries of Turkey. (PNA)

Feature: Kenyans usher in 2016 with optimism amid tight security

NAIROBI, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Thousands of Kenyans thronged places of worship and entertainment spots to bid 2015 goodbye and usher in 2016, with full of optimism.

The year of 2015 came with mixed blessing for East Africa's biggest economy. Kenya had the worst terror attack on its soil in April at the Garissa University College where the Al-Shabaab militants killed 147 people, mostly students.

It is the bad events that Kenyans went to bid bye as they hoped for a better 2016 where insecurity, corruption, higher inflation and road accidents, among other challenges, would not stifle lives.

In Nairobi, two gospel music events attracted huge crowds of Christian revellers. The Groove Party held at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani and Totally Sold Out show at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in the central business district saw people pray, sing and celebrate to welcome the New Year.

In the lakeside town of Kisumu, western Kenya, thousands of people from in and outside Kenya too attended a prayer vigil to usher in the New Year.

"Last year I welcomed the New Year from home, but I wanted to do things different this year. I wanted to pray and celebrate all the achievement I have made in 2015 and seek for a better 2016," Vincent Musau, a 29-year-old finance officer at an insurance company who attended a church service, said Thursday evening.

Most of those who attended the music events that were beamed live on TV to homes were young people, with some of the old choosing to visit bars and other secular places, stay at home or go for church services.

And as the clock ticked towards mid-night, the counting began with some Kenyans shedding tears of joy and others ululating as they happily welcomed 2016.

"One, two, three... Happy New Year, Happy New Year," shouted revellers at the Groove Party as it turned mid-night.

During the New Year Celebrations, Kenyans too did not forget to pray for their troubled neighbours, particularly Burundi.

The country is facing a political crisis that has led to the death of over 100 people, and is on the brink of genocide.

With threats of terror attack hovering over the East African nation, security was tight in Nairobi as the New Year events went on. Police had outlawed the use of unlicensed fireworks in the celebrations.

Both uniformed and non-uniformed officers manned the different streets in Nairobi to ensure all went well.

"We thank Kenyans and tourists visiting the country and we look forward to peace and tranquillity during New Year festivities," said Inspector General Joseph Boinett.

Boinett reminded the public that all those who wanted to use fireworks must seek authorisation from the police and asked everyone to be cautious during celebrations.

"Kenyans must be fully conscious of their surrounding as security is a shared responsibility. This is particularly important in view of the elevated threats of terrorism," said the inspector general.
NAIROBI, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Thousands of Kenyans thronged places of worship and entertainment spots to bid 2015 goodbye and usher in 2016, with full of optimism.

The year of 2015 came with mixed blessing for East Africa's biggest economy. Kenya had the worst terror attack on its soil in April at the Garissa University College where the Al-Shabaab militants killed 147 people, mostly students.

It is the bad events that Kenyans went to bid bye as they hoped for a better 2016 where insecurity, corruption, higher inflation and road accidents, among other challenges, would not stifle lives.

In Nairobi, two gospel music events attracted huge crowds of Christian revellers. The Groove Party held at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani and Totally Sold Out show at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in the central business district saw people pray, sing and celebrate to welcome the New Year.

In the lakeside town of Kisumu, western Kenya, thousands of people from in and outside Kenya too attended a prayer vigil to usher in the New Year.

"Last year I welcomed the New Year from home, but I wanted to do things different this year. I wanted to pray and celebrate all the achievement I have made in 2015 and seek for a better 2016," Vincent Musau, a 29-year-old finance officer at an insurance company who attended a church service, said Thursday evening.

Most of those who attended the music events that were beamed live on TV to homes were young people, with some of the old choosing to visit bars and other secular places, stay at home or go for church services.

And as the clock ticked towards mid-night, the counting began with some Kenyans shedding tears of joy and others ululating as they happily welcomed 2016.

"One, two, three... Happy New Year, Happy New Year," shouted revellers at the Groove Party as it turned mid-night.

During the New Year Celebrations, Kenyans too did not forget to pray for their troubled neighbours, particularly Burundi.

The country is facing a political crisis that has led to the death of over 100 people, and is on the brink of genocide.

With threats of terror attack hovering over the East African nation, security was tight in Nairobi as the New Year events went on. Police had outlawed the use of unlicensed fireworks in the celebrations.

Both uniformed and non-uniformed officers manned the different streets in Nairobi to ensure all went well.

"We thank Kenyans and tourists visiting the country and we look forward to peace and tranquillity during New Year festivities," said Inspector General Joseph Boinett.

Boinett reminded the public that all those who wanted to use fireworks must seek authorisation from the police and asked everyone to be cautious during celebrations.

"Kenyans must be fully conscious of their surrounding as security is a shared responsibility. This is particularly important in view of the elevated threats of terrorism," said the inspector general.

Feature: Celebrating New Year in Rwanda

KIGALI, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- It is normally a characteristic mood of enthusiasm as Rwandans welcome New Year.

Shopping trips are order of the day. Then roars of excitement and singing fill the air with the fading seconds during the final countdown to midnight.

Majority of Rwandans usher in the New Year with night prayers countrywide, while fun-lovers go somewhere to be entertained.

As glasses clink to fun toasts, normally the center of attraction is expected to be at mega shows in the city. This is where popular local artistes are expected to be part of the big show.

Night prayers at various churches are a common feature with Christians filling churches to capacity around the country to welcome the New Year.

Rwandans say despite the past history of the genocide, the country has achieved a lot more over the years.

"We might have gone through several challenges as a country, but we need to have hope as we prepare for the future," said Claudine Mukantirenganya.

Compared to Christmas, New Year is a very significant day in the life of Rwandans.

Families traditionally gather for meals, many town dwellers head upcountry to celebrate with their families. They also exchange gifts on this day.

Unlike in towns, in villages, traditional wood-charcoal fires light up homes. Most of them are three-stone fires.

According to Mukantirenganya, a resident of Remera, Kigali suburb, Rwandans attach a lot of significance to New Year's Day owing to the past experience they went through.

"We went through a lot as a country therefore celebrating New Year is very important to us Rwandans," said Mukantirenganya, referring to the 1994 genocide in which about a million lives were lost.

"So many Rwandans were killed during the genocide. That we are alive; it's something worth thanking God for each New Year. During this time we reflect on our past and think about the future."

Rwanda's level of development fell during the genocide of 1994.

But over the years the country has changed for the better.

Rwandans can now expect to live almost 32 years longer than in 1990, and spend twice as long at school, according to the United Nations' Human Development Index released in December.

"The whole Kigali city now looks different with magnificent new structures. The city is pristine and safe. Generally there has been a lot of development. The New Year provides an opportunity for us to celebrate all these achievements as a country with optimism," Mukantirenganya adds.

Clarisse Batamuliza, a city businesswoman says the New Year is the only day when all the family members get together.

"This year, we will be celebrating 15 years of our marriage, so it's going to be a very big celebration for us. We hope to go to church as a family then go back home and enjoy dinner together," says Batamuliza.

Unlike born again Christians who will be attending prayers at their churches as they celebrate the New Year, others will be visiting night clubs and bars from dawn to dusk.

"There is no other place for me to spend my New Year than partying. Normally the New Year finds me out partying with friends and we bid a collective farewell to the fading year, express joy, hope and make New Year resolutions together," said Jean Marie Habimana.

Still, for most Rwandans, New Year is a day for relaxation and eating roasted goats' meat commonly called brochettes.

Three-course meals are prepared; grilled beef and goat, fried banana and rice features on most menus.

For families that don't want to be bothered by cooking and washing dishes, restaurants remain open.

Batamuliza says their meal has to be accompanied by mashed cassava leaves locally known as isombe.

"By far, New Year is the most exciting night of festivities where families go together somewhere to be entertained." (PNA/Xinhua)

Egypt welcomes New Year with fireworks over pyramids to promote ailing tourism

CAIRO, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- As the clock hit midnight, an impressive fireworks display lit up the skyline of Egypt's iconic pyramids to welcome the New Year.

Standing near Egypt's most renowned tourist attraction, large crowds of Egyptians and foreign tourists as well as some Egyptian ministers and government officials eagerly observed the 2016 countdown show on New Year's Eve.

Organized by the Egyptian government, the event was set to promote the ailing tourism industry, pillar industry of the Egyptian economy, which has been striving for a robust recovery.

"I tell the whole world to come and see the real Egypt; this is our civilization, the world's most ancient civilization. Egypt is very beautiful, breathtaking and safe," Heba Saeed, a housewife, told Xinhua.

Saeed, who came to the pyramids with her family to celebrate the New Year, wished that all the economic projects that Egypt started in 2015 would be completed successfully, adding that Egyptians should show the world the real good image of Egypt in order to attract tourists and investors.

Egypt has been taking a series of measures to breathe life into tourism after a Russian airplane crashed over North Sinai in October.

The Russian plane crash incident in Egypt's Sinai peninsular added another blow to Egypt's descending tourism sector, as it eventually led some countries, including Britain and Russia, to suspend their flights to Egypt's renowned Red Sea resort Sharm el-Sheikh and to evacuate their nationals from there over security concerns.

Over the past three years, Egypt has seen recurrent mass protests that led to the overthrow of two heads of state and hence chaotic political, economic and security conditions, causing recession to the country's tourism industry.

Tourism has always been one of the main sources of the North African country's national income and foreign currency reserves.

"Tourism will be back to normal and even better than before," Minister of Tourism Hisham Zazou told the crowds around the pyramids.

The minister added that the government will save no efforts to revive tourism sector, stressing that many activities will be held soon to send messages to the whole world that Egypt is safe.

Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh al-Damaty told reporters during the celebration that the event is a message of peace to the world.

"We are very optimistic about the future of Egypt. I'm sure tourism will be great once again. These large crowds deliver a message to the world that Egypt is safe and hopefully 2016 will witness a strong comeback of tourism," the minister said.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, was also illuminated with shiny colors and images of ancient Egyptian's kings beautifully projected on the historical landmark.

National songs were played during the event with young people dancing in celebration of the New Year.

"I hope this year will be a good year for my country, and of course I wish the same for the whole world. I hope peace will prevail in the Middle East and all our troubles and problems come to an end," Sherif Ahmed, a tourism investor, told Xinhua as he watched fireworks lighting up the pyramids.

"Egypt is beautiful and I wish all our troubles will vanish soon," he said. (PNA/Xinhua)

Feature: Revelers embrace 2016 in New York's Times Square amid tight security

NEW YORK, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- As the glittering crystal ball dropped with live music and the countdown resonating across Times Square, nearly one million delirious revelers burst into cheers, ringing in the new year amid tight security on Thursday.

With memories of the deadly attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California still raw, the New York Police Department (NYPD) this year deployed nearly 6,000 policemen to safeguard what it called "the biggest and safest New Year's Eve party."

Multi-layered checkpoints are also set up in and around Times Square, manned by policemen with long guns, radiation detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs.

Meanwhile, a special counter-terrorism unit and plainclothes officers were also scattered among the crowds.

"I feel very safe now," said Zachary Freeman, who came from Arizona. "The NYPD is out there, full in force. Every government agency in New York seems to have a presence here, keeping everybody safe, protecting everybody, and doing an outstanding job. So no concerns, everybody out here is just having a great time."

When asked whether he had any hesitation when deciding whether to attend the countdown, Freeman said that it was a spontaneous decision to attend the event, leaving for New York just two hours after making the call at home. "So no hesitation whatsoever," he said.

Paola Duran, a visitor from Algeria, said: "I think we are very secure in America right now, especially tonight, especially after what happened across the world. I feel very secure."

Thursday night's celebration featured more security than in previous years. The NYPD has imposed tighter restrictions at the entry point, double-screening every spectator as they enter the Square.

As a precaution measure, heavily armed personnel were deployed on metro trains heading for the Times Square.

On Tuesday, to assuage public concerns about the security, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference in Times Square that the NYPD would be out in force on New Year's Eve.

"There will be a tremendous number of officers who you will see. There will be many officers you won't see," he said.

Meanwhile, the city for the first time used the 500-plus member Critical Response Command, a unit specifically trained to detect and respond to attack plots, the mayor said.

"This is the first time we've had such a full-time dedicated force in such a number in this city, and it is going to make a big difference," he said.

James Waters, who is in charge of counter-terrorism operations for the NYPD, said: "We are very very confident that on New Year's Eve New York City will be the safest place in the world to be."

On Thursday, New York canceled its firework celebration for this year so that more police could be deployed on patrol.

The announcement came after a Rochester man accused of being an Islamic State sympathizer was arrested Wednesday on charges of plotting a New Year's Eve attack. (PNA/Xinhua)

Egyptians wish for more security, better economy as countdown ticking for New Year

CAIRO, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- As the world is bidding farewell to outgoing 2015 and countdown is ticking for the New Year, Egyptians wish for more security and stability as well as better economic conditions in 2016, after five years of political instability and economic recession.

The last day of the outgoing year was a little rainy and chilly in the most populous Arab state, causing some puddles of water in the streets and leading to traffic congestions particularly in the capital Cairo.

"I wish for more security in Egypt, for the recovery of the ailing tourism sector and for better economy in general. They are all interrelated. If security is perfectly achieved, tourism will recover and economy will improve," Shadi Hamad-Allah, a 21-year-old college student, told Xinhua after taking some photos of the River Nile views on Qasr el-Nil Bridge leading to the iconic Tahrir Square.

Egypt has been suffering turmoil since January 2011 when mass protests toppled former long-time leader Hosni Mubarak. Then in mid-2013 the military removed former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in response to popular protests against his one-year rule.

The country also faced several corruption cases that led to recent sacking of some officials, including the agriculture minister in September, and an official auditing report referred a few days ago to the waste of massive amounts of money in corruption.

"I hope Egypt restores security in 2016 and the country's conditions improve so that we do not see that much corruption," Essam al-Bahrawi, a manager at Qena Cement Company, told Xinhua at a coffee shop in downtown Cairo.

"I am very optimistic about 2016 because I believe that for the first time the political leadership really has the will and desire for reform and progress, which have been missing in previous regimes," the man added.

In the rainy afternoon, students were coming in and out of the gates of Cairo University on the concluding day of the year, with some moving around and others gathering at the sidewalks discussing the upcoming final exams.

Atef Mohamed, a student, said improvement of the infrastructure is his first New Year wish, referring to the recent rainfalls that paralyzed some provinces including the coastal Alexandria where the governor ended sacked due to damages caused by the rain.

With regard to security conditions, the young man said they obviously improved compared to the post-uprising periods in the past few years, when crimes prevailed and people couldn't stay out late. "Now I can go back home at midnight; no problem," he said smiling.

Following Morsi's ouster, the crackdown on his supporters left over 1,000 killed and thousands more arrested.

Later growing anti-government terrorist activities killed hundreds of security men, which led the new leadership to declare a "war against terrorism."

The Sinai-based Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis militant group, which has changed its name to "Sinai State" and vowed loyalty to the regional Islamic State (IS) militant group, claimed responsibility for most of the terror attacks.

"I wish the IS will be obliterated in 2016," said Ahmed Metwalli, a 49-year-old contractor of electrical works, in one of Giza streets. "Terrorists kill innocent and poor people as well as police and military men who defend us, which is unfair."

He argued that if the IS is eliminated, Libya and Iraq, which used to contain millions of Egyptian expatriates, will gradually restore stability and be reopened for Egyptian workers, which will be a source of money to the country rather than mere consumers.

During the New Year's Eve, Giza's 20 Street in Faisal neighborhood looked a little muddy due to the rain, but the noise, crowdedness and traffic congestion were the same as they could not go worse.

"I wish for more security, stability and prosperity for the Egyptian nation in 2016," said Abu Ahmed, an old waiter in a coffee shop at 20 Street, while fixing smoking water pipes for some customers.

"We have really suffered a lot over the past few years and the country has been politically and economically unstable, so we all yearn for security and stability," the man told Xinhua. (PNA/Xinhua)

Returning home is Syrians' sweetest dream for 2016

DAMASCUS, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- "My sweetest dream is returning to my home. We used to live a comfy life, which we didn't appreciate, but now I dream of every little bit of it," said Ibtisam Abdul-Qader, a Syrian woman who had to flee her home in Yarmouk Camp south of the capital Damascus after the war engulfed her area.

Abdul-Qader's wishes for 2016 appeared to be the dream of the majority of Syrians, who had to flee their homes after the spiraling violence engulfed much of Syria, leaving half of its 23 million population displaced.

"Returning home is our sweetest dream. I pray to return home. We have had the best life but we didn't appreciate it. After the crisis, we have come to realize the value of our old lives," she said with teary eyes as she recalled her house in Yarmouk Camp, which houses Palestinian refugees and Syrians as well.

Abdul-Qader, who is a state servant, said she fled Yarmouk in 2012 after mortar shells started landing near their home and sought to stay at a hotel, where she had stayed for two weeks, thinking the situation could soon be calm.

"I thought the situation would be quickly solved and that I could return home, but I could no longer afford the hotel and decided to move to the eastern district of Jaramnah, where I stay right now," she said.

Describing how tough her daily life is, Abdul-Qader said she walks half of the way from her work to home back and forth every day to save half of the transportation fare.

"I walk from my working place in the northern district of al-Mazra'a about seven kilometers to the bus station in Ibn Asaker area to save some money because I pay half of my salary for the rent," she said.

"But despite all of that, we are still able to laugh and cling to the hope of a better tomorrow," Abdul-Qader said, with a defiant smile.

Khaled Khatib, another Syrian from the Yarmouk Camp, said he had fled the camp for over three years, adding that he changed places three times before finally settling in a slum-like neighborhood in Damascus outskirts called Dhadil.

Khatib works as a state employee in the morning, and a cobbler in the afternoon at one of the street stalls spreading on the sidewalk out of the walls of the old city of Damascus.

"My hopes are for me and my family to return home and peace to return to this country and I also wish if the prices here could go down. I have fled my home in the Yarmouk Camp south of Damascus for over three years. Now, I live in the Dahadil area in a rented house. My situation is miserable as I'm a state servant and our situation as employees is extremely bad," he said, with a mixed feelings of hope and resentment.

During the Syrian war, Yarmouk camp became the scene of intense fighting between the Western-backed rebel Free Syrian Army and its Palestinian ally Liwa al-Asifa on the one hand, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine -- General Command (PFLP-GC) supported by Syrian Army government forces on the other.

Subsequently, the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and the Islamic State (IS) have become in control of much of the camp, and the Syrian army tightened the already-imposed siege on the camp, which led to the displacement of thousands of the camp's residents to nearby areas.

Fleeing hotspots was not confined to Yarmouk Camp, many areas around Damascus have seen intense violence in the span of the nearly five-year-old conflict.

Salim Abu Assaf, a 60-year-old, have fled the Damascus' western town of Zabadani for over three years. Now he lives with his six children in a rented apartment near Damascus.

"I am trying hard and working different kinds of things just to be able to buy bread for my family and nothing more than that. I wish I could return home to my house in Zabadani. Returning home is the dream of everyone," he said.

Assaf said he hopes the currently-underway truce could enable him to return to Zabadani, where the Syrian army backed by the Lebanese Hezbollah have been on a crushing offensive to strip that town from the rebels due to its strategic location northwest of Damascus near the Lebanese borders.

The army and the rebels have agreed under the mediation of Iran and Turkey to evacuate the rebels from Zabdani and in return the rebels would loosen their siege on two pro-government Shiite towns of Kafraya and Foa in the countryside of Idlib.

The first stage of the deal was concluded six months ago, during which a ceasefire largely held. The second stage was established earlier this week, when the wounded rebels and their families were allowed to leave Zabdani in tandem with the evacuation of Shiite fighters and their families from Kafraya and Foa.

Still, many civilians are still held in Kafraya, Foa and Zabadani, waiting for further steps to be established for their evacuation as they have suffered hunger, cold and illness.

The truces concluded in areas around Damascus were seen also in the capital's northern district of Qudsaya and new ones are set to take place in Yarmouk and the nearby areas of Hajar al-Aswad and Qadam.

Observers believe those truces that aim finally to remove the insurgency from rebel-held areas aim eventually to fully secure the vicinity of the capital by allowing the besieged rebels to evacuate their positions toward rebel-held areas in northern Syria for the Syrian army to restore control in those areas.

Many displaced Syrians are looking to those truces as a hope to return to their homes especially with the harsh winter conditions.

Earlier this month, the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned of a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria as winter approaches.

Nearly five years of conflict have left much of the country's infrastructure destroyed or severely damaged. Hundreds of thousands of people are trying to survive with the most basic resources as temperatures fall below freezing.

"We need better access so that aid can be brought to the most vulnerable. The situation is nothing short of critical for many, many people," said a Red Cross statement sent to Xinhua.

More than 12 million Syrians, including 5.5 million children, are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. More than four million people have fled abroad and around eight million are displaced within the country; many have been forced to move several times.

Maya Hussaini, a Syrian student, said her family had to flee their home in the Damascus' eastern suburb of Douma, which has become the main stronghold of the rebels east of Damascus.

Wearing her back bag on her way back from school, Hussaini said she wishes to return home and to be able to re-unite with her friends, much of whom not even fled Douma, but the entire country.

"I wish this crisis would come to an end and Syria return to what it used to be. I also wish to return home to my hometown in Douma, east of Damascus, from which I fled after the battles raged over there. I also wish to see my friends, much of whom have fled the country and sought refuge elsewhere," she hoped.

"All of my friends have left the country, leaving me with a few relatives only," she lamented.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, says Syria has become the biggest exporter of refugees to the world for the second consecutive year. (PNA/Xinhua)

When I was 20, living in my mom's house, the new sound of hip hop was breaking out from the streets to the stores. Records were flying off the shelves, and although my community was underserved in resource, we were rich with hustle. I knew it was time for a brand that represented this rise and movement -- a brand that was "For Us By Us."

But I was broke, with no guidance on how to make my dream a reality. So I started sewing and stitching at night. I made 40 hats -- and my brand FUBU was born. At the time, I didn't know how to access capital or source material. I didn't know how to build a business.

So I got my neighbor, L.L. Cool J, to take a photo wearing a FUBU hat. I spent my last dollars mailing that photo to trade buyers. It was my big break. Suddenly, every major music artist was begging to wear my swag and I amassed over $300,000 in orders. To meet demand, my three partners and I transformed my childhood home into a full-on clothing factory. I learned to exercise what I call "The Power of Broke." By harnessing that power and that drive, I managed to turn FUBU into a multi-billion dollar iconic brand.

The challenges I faced and the journey I took mirror the potential of millions of young entrepreneurs here and around the world. They have the drive and spirit to imagine, innovate, and create -- but we must all come together in order to keep lifting them up.

That's why, in 2015, I became a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE), working with the White House to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs across the globe, providing opportunities and pathways to capital and skills, and helping to inspire success in others.

This year I am proud to travel with President Obama to the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at Stanford University. With over 700 entrepreneurs from 170 countries and 350 investors in attendance, we're bringing the world to Silicon Valley and Silicon Valley to the world.

I'm excited to meet people like Sumana Shrestha, who started Medication for Nepal, an organization that uses technology to tackle inefficiencies and high health care costs, ensuring medical access for the most vulnerable populations in her country. And Evans Wadongo from Kenya, the co-founder of GreenWize Energy, which is advancing cutting edge African-designed renewable energy products and solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

I hope you'll join me at 1:45 pm ET in watching the President's remarks at this year's Global Entrepreneurship Summit.

Daymond John New York, NY

9-month pregnant woman, father nabbed for drug pushing
By Jorge Hallare

LEGAZPI CITY, June 24 (PNA) -- Members of the Legazpi City Police Station and Albay Police Provincial Office's Provincial Intelligence Branch arrested a nine-month pregnant woman and her father in the act of selling shabu in a buy-bust operation in Purok 2, Barangay Sabang, Legazpi City, Albay, at about 6:20 p.m. Thursday.

Supt. Jose Esico, LCPS chief, identified the suspect as Rochelle V. Esplana, 29, on family way for nine months now, and her father, Rogelio D. Esplana, 53, a porter and resident of the place.

Esico said they had been monitoring the activities of the father-and-daughter tandem for several days and set the operation up after finding them positive to selling drugs.

He said they immediately planned for the operation and executed it.

Esico's group seized seven sachets of shabu from the suspects.(PNA)

Here's what you need to know about America's newest national monument:

1. This is our first national monument to honor the struggle for LGBT rights.

The Stonewall National Monument will protect the area where, on June 28, 1969, a community’s uprising sparked the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the United States.

In the early morning hours of that day, a riot broke out in response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, one of New York City's best-known LGBT bars at the time. The nearby Christopher Park served as a gathering place, refuge, and platform for the community to voice its demand for LGBT civil rights.

After the Stonewall Uprising, the quest for LGBT equality evolved from protests and small gatherings into a nationwide movement.

2. President Obama has protected more land and water than any president in history -- and he's sought to protect places that help create a more diverse and inclusive National Park System.

Earlier this year, President Obama designated the first monument to honor the struggle for women's equality. And under his leadership, a number of LGBT sites have been designated as national historic landmarks or listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

3. This is just the latest action President Obama has taken to advance justice and equality for all, including LGBT Americans.

Thanks to President Obama, gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans can now serve openly in the armed forces. LGBT Americans are protected by an expanded federal hate crimes law and they can no longer be turned away by insurance companies because of who they love.

And under President Obama's leadership, we now live in a country where all of our marriages and families are recognized as equal under the law.

Tougher penalties vs carnapping awaiting Aquino’s signature

The Revised Anti-Carnapping Act, which imposes stiffer penalties for the perpetrators of carnapping, is now up for President Aquino’s approval.

House Bill 4544, authored by re-elected Reps. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District, Pampanga), Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon) and Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City), aims to increase the years of imprisonment for carjackers and gives a more elaborate description of who can be considered as violators of the anti-carnapping law.

Under the proposed measure, the person guilty of the crime regardless of the vehicle’s value shall be imprisoned for 20 years but not more than 30 years. The current anti-carnapping law only imposes 14 to 17 years and four months of imprisonment.

When the crime is committed without violence, imprisonment years shall be 30 up to 40 years while carnapping with violence shall be life imprisonment as the penalty.

HB 4544 also entails carnapping as a non-bailable offense especially if the evidence of guilt is strong.

The bill also adds punishment from six to 12 years imprisonment to persons who participate in the concealment of the crime.

Public officials and government employees who are involved are also subject to dismissal in service and shall be perpetually disqualified from holding any public office if found guilty.

The revised measure also requires any person asking for the original registration of the vehicle to apply for clearance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Section 7 of the Act also requires LTO to keep a permanent registry of motor vehicle, motor vehicle engines, engine blocks and chassis of all motor vehicles stating the type, make, serial numbers and the names and addresses of the vehicle’s present and previous owners.

Furthermore, tampering of serial numbers and transfer of vehicle plates without LTO’s approval shall be considered as a violation of the Act.

Selling of second hand spare parts from a carnapped vehicle and identity transfer of all parts of the vehicle declared as “total wreck” shall also be in violation of HB 4544.

The Revised Anti-Carnapping Act repeals Republic Act 6539 or the “Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972.” (PNA)

20 nabbed as cops bust cybersex den in Bulacan
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) arrested 20 persons for cybercrime charges during an operations in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, PNP-ACG director, Senior Superintendent Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said on Thursday.

Eleazar said that before midnight Wednesday the cybercops raided a cybersex den in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan where they arrested 20 persons, 13 of them males accused of recording the sex act of their victims and threatening to send the video to their target’s families if their extortion demand is unheeded.

“Thru our Strikeback Operation 2016, we have smashed another local cybersex ring victimizing foreigners and even Filipinos, luring them into webcam chats and blackmailing the victims with the footage showing them in uncompromising situation,” said Eleazar.

Strikeback is a massive operation of the PNP ACG aimed at neutralizing cybersex syndicates in the country particularly those involved in so-called ‘sextortion.’ The Interpol has tagged The Philippines, Morocco and Ivory Coast as the top three countries where ‘sextortion’ rings are operating.

However, Interpol authorities last week lauded the Philippine government specifically the PNP ACG for its continuing massive effort to identify and arrest members of ‘sextortion’ syndicates operating in the country.

Eleazar said that around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Cybercops from the PNP ACG Cyber Response Team led by Superintendent Jay Guillermo raided the office of the Jaira Online Marketing Services located at the 2nd and 3rd floors of 8650 ME Building in Eraño Manalo Street, Purok 6, Area-C in Barangay San Martin, SapangPalay, San Jose del Monte City on the strength of a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybersex Act of the Philippines issued by Judge Ramon D. Pamular of the Guimba, Nueva Ecija Regional Trial Court Branch 32.

The authorities, with the assistance of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Office 3 and the San Jose del Monte City Police Station arrested the 20 suspects and seized 39 computer sets, three computer servers, three TP Link routers, two PLDT DSL, one CPU without monitor, 16 different cellphones and one Ipad during the operation.

Eleazar identified the arrested suspects as Sherly Jean Avellana, 25; Ma. Elena Mercolita, 30; Maricar Pagwagan, 18; Carmela Carmelo, 23; Jenalyn Tazarte,25; Teresa Rayo, 39; and Cathy de la Rosa, 19; and males Ezer Victorino, 30; John Carlos Vergara, 20; Raymond Sudario, 27; Russel Canlas, 27; Norman Fortich, 21; Steven Jommel Rico, 24; Sherwin del Rosario, 29; Alcel Jan Cruz, 26; JavemarVegaño, 32; Reymark Roldan, 27; Benedict Jade Duran, 27; Surewin Carreon, 21; and Julius Christian Realba, 29.

All 20 suspects who are residents from different parts of Bulacan were taken to the PNP-ACG headquarters in Camp Crame for documentation after they were apprised of their constitutional rights, said the PNP-ACG director.

Eleazar said that the ‘sextortion’ rings target males in all ages. The syndicates’ modus operandi goes like this: A beautiful sexy young girl will send a message to a user of Facebook and any social media site and will try to establish an instant interpersonal connection.

As soon as the target befriends the suspect, their conversation will start to get sexual in nature and the suspect will start sending her supposed naked pictures and invite the target to have a live video chat wherein she can be seen performing sexual acts.

Once the target is hooked, he will be encouraged to do the same by showing his face and genitals on webcam. Unknown to him, the chat video is not a live performance but a recorded video downloaded from porn sites. Mostly, the suspects behind the webcam are also males who know how to use tools to show recorded videos on live chat conversations.

“Your sexual acts will be recorded and the never-ending extortion will start as the suspect has already profiled your account and captured all of your friends’ list. He or she will then threaten to send the video to your friends, your officemates or classmates and even to your family if you will not give them money,” Eleazar said.

The PNP-ACG director renewed his call on the public to fully cooperate with them in going after ‘sextortion’ gangs who preys on both the young and the old, students included as they use Facebook and other social media in the country.

"We are very much aware of the possibility that young students may end up victims of ‘sextortion’ in the country with the opening of regular classes this month since during the summer period, we made at least three sextortion-related arrests with students as victims," Eleazar said as 25 million students returned to regular school this week.

Eleazar said they have activated their Operation Strikeback 3 designed to arrest cybercriminals victimizing women, children, and men with their ‘sextortion’ activities. He said that ‘sextortion’ syndicates usually demand USD500-USD2,000 from their victims and the demand will increase further.

The official said members of the "sextortion" group would create fake Facebook accounts of fictitious young and attractive women and entice and lure victims with pornographic materials after striking up online chats with them.

With the advent of Internet, Eleazar again asked parents to have more time in communicating with their children particularly minors to prevent them from failing victims to Internet predators.

“This is the reason we are encouraging parents and children to report to the PNP ACG all Internet or computer crimes. We also assure them that all information they will provide us will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” he said. (PNA)

Basic CPR training will soon be a requirement in all schools
By Filane Mikee Z. Cervantes

Schools could soon be required to incorporate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in the basic education curriculum to “make lifesavers out of the youth”.

The CPR bill, which seeks to require students in public and private schools to undergo CPR training, is pending for signing into law by President Benigno Aquino III.

The subject bill will lapse into law on July 17 if not vetoed or acted upon by President Aquino whose term ends on June 30.

Philippine Heart Association (PHA) president Dr. Alex Junia, who has been lobbying for the approval of the said bill, said this will be a major leap toward their advocacy in making the Philippines CPR-ready.

”The CPR will give every Juan dela Cruz, even children as young as eight years old, the confidence to resuscitate a cardiac arrest victim with the school as one of the best training grounds,” said Junia during the PHA health forum on Thursday at Annabel’s Restaurant in Quezon City.

He noted that the PHA, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the American Heart Association (AHA) will serve as the muscle and authority to propagate CPR training around the country.

CPR instructions shall include programs which have been developed by the PHA or PRC, he added.

The person (who is not a health professional) will be taught to revive a cardiac arrest victim by applying chest compressions or hands-only CPR on the victim.

The CPR bill was authored by Rep. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao of Pampanga in the House of Representatives, while its counterpart measure in the Senate was pushed by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.

The passage of the bill, also known as Samboy Lim bill, into law is a reminder that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, including physically fit people like athletes.

Lim, a basketball legend in the ‘80s and ‘90s, suffered cardiac arrest during an exhibition game two years ago. He did not get CPR because no one among his colleagues at the Ynares Gym in Pasig City knew how to perform it.

He was rushed to a hospital and lay comatose for over a month. According to the doctors, his brain was deprived of oxygen for at least 23 minutes.

In order to prevent irreversible neurologic damage after cardiac arrest, the heart has to be revived within four minutes. (PNA)

MANILA - The Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld the conviction of "pyramid queen" Rosario Baladjay.

This, after the CA denied the petition of Baladjay and upheld the findings of the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) that Baladjay is guilty of the crime of estafa.

In a 70-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, the CA 9th Division gave credence to the findings of the Makati City RTC on March 4, 2014 but with some modifications.

The CA said that "In Criminal Case No. 03-1958, appellant Baladjay is sentenced to an indeterminate imprisonment of 4 years and 1 month to 15 years."

"In Criminal Case Nos 03-1958, 03-3572, 07-2673 to 74, appellant's civil liability shall earn legal interest at 6 percent per annum until the obligation is fully paid, conformably with BSP-MB Circular No. 799, Series of 2013," the CA added.

In the original ruling of the RTC, it imposed an imprisonment of 6 years and 1 day to 20 years. This was lowered by the CA under Criminal Case No. 03-1958.

The rest of the ruling of the RTC was upheld by the CA which includes that ordered to restitute private complainants Manuel Alzona the amount of PHP100,000 and Norberta Mangibin the amount of PHP270,000.

Likewise, an imprisonment of 10 years to 20 years under criminal case 03-3572, another 10-20 years jail under criminal case 07-2673, and also 10-20 years imprisonment under criminal case no. 07-2674.

Records of the case showed the complainants invested with Baladjay's Multitel but it failed to keep its promise to deposit the interest. Likewise, their investments were never returned.

This prompted them to file their complaints before the RTC to recover their investments.

The RTC found Baladjay guilty for several counts of the crime of estafa. This prompted her to seek redress before the CA. (PNA)

2 LPAs to bring rains in Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA - Two low pressure areas (LPA) embedded in Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to bring rains in Palawan province, Visayas and Mindanao, the state weather bureau said in its 11 a.m. advisory on Friday.

As of 10 a.m. the LPA over the West Philippine Sea was estimated at 435 km west of Iba, Zambales while the another LPA outside of Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) was spotted at 1620 km east of Mindanao.

The LPA outside the PAR is expected to develop into a tropical depression and will enter PAR within the next 24 hours.

Once it intensifies into tropical cyclone, it will be locally named "Ambo," the first to affect the country this year.(PNA)

Duterte warns Abu Sayyaf: Kidnapping must stop, day of reckoning will come
By Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY - President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Friday warned the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) against continuing its kidnapping activities, saying the day of reckoning is coming.

His statement was issued after receiving kidnap victim Marites Flor from incoming Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza during the turnover of command at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on Friday afternoon.

Duterte said these kidnappings "gave us a very bad image but there will be a time I have to confront Abu Sayyaf".

Dureza turned over to Duterte the Filipino woman abducted by the ASG along with three other foreign nationals from the high-end marina resort in the Island Garden City of Samal on September 21, 2015.

Dureza and Flor arrived at DCPO at 2:22 p.m from Sulu where the victim was freed by the ASG. Flor was held by the ASG for nine months.

Duterte thanked Dureza and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan for their help in the negotiations with the ASG.

Dureza confirmed Flor's release was made through the efforts of Duterte and it came with no precondition.

According to Dureza, he had just come from Oslo when he was told that their efforts to recover Marites from the ASG yielded good results and he was tasked to pick her up from Sulu.

With this development, Ronel Flor, the brother of Marites, said they were happy she was released.

"Mao ra man gyud na among gihulat nga ma release siya (That is the only thing we have been waiting, that she will be released)," Ronel said in a phone interview.

Ronel, who is in Valencia, Bukidnon, said the family never had the chance to speak to Marites even when she was in the hands of the ASG. He said they were neither contacted by ASG nor an emissary.

He said he only knew about Marites' release in the news but her mother was informed by the anti-kidnapping authorities in Davao City.

On the other hand, Marites' mother Flordeliza said the family was happy that she is now safe.

Flordeliza was grateful that her daughter had been released and is now coming home. She also said she was sorry about Canadian Robert Hall, her daughter's partner who was beheaded last June 13. Another Canadian national, John Ridsdel, was beheaded last April.

Flordeliza thanked Duterte, adding that the family was sad he was not the president yet before Hall was killed.

Meanwhile, Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad still remains in the hands of the ASG.

Dureza said they did not have any information yet on the fate of Sekkingstad but there are also efforts to save him.

“No word for him yet. We only got Flor,” Dureza said.

Flor was released on Thursday night by the ASG under Mujer Yadah and was turned over to Gov. Tan early Friday.

Word has it that a Php20-million ransom was paid for Flor's release.

But Dureza said there was no ransom paid, adding that some of their long-time friends helped secure her release.

He said they are exerting the same efforts for Sekkingstad's release.

Dureza recalled that when they were in Oslo, he had an audience with Foreign Minister Borge Brende of Norway and established a phonepatch between him and Duterte during which they mentioned efforts to recover Sekkingstad. (PNA)

SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES DURING THE IBM CENTENNIAL FORUM
[Delivered at the  Lincoln Center, New York City on September 21, 2011]

It is an honor to be here at the IBM on its centennial, and to speak before such distinguished people about what I view as the future of leadership in the 21st century.

On a more personal noteâ€"not too many people know thisâ€"my elder sister Pinky was a former employee of IBM. She in fact met her husband Manolo while part of the IBM family.

This goes to show that I am here this morning not only as President of a country that is grateful for your investments, I am here as a friend of the companyâ€"a friend to innovation, and a friend to harnessing the positive energies borne of risk-taking and the recognition of opportunities.

Who would have imagined that a business that initially made scales, clocks, and tabulating machines would one day be at the head of the pack in information technology, with a globally integrated enterprise employing more than 400,000 people? As the world evolved, so did IBM; when the world sought new answers to new concerns, IBM responded.

In the same way that IBM had to evolve successfully to thrive in a changing environment, political leadership that fails to evolve in response to the changing times produces a disconnect between the leaders and their publics. It is this type of leadership that finds itself under siege today.

In North Africa and the Middle East, people are rising up and replacing their leaders. In parts of Europe, people are flocking to the streets to protest against cuts in social spending, and even here in America, grass root movements have sprouted, clamoring to be heard.

History, as we know, is replete with similar cautionary tales. But while in the past, it took years for a people’s dissatisfaction to achieve a critical mass; today, in the span of months, days, hours, and even minutes, a people can liberate themselves from fear and trepidation to find common cause. In my country, it took fourteen years since Martial Law was declared for individual resistance to coalesce and culminate in the People Power EDSA Revolution of 1986. The public space had to be reclaimed inch by inch: first by word of mouth, then by shoddily mimeographed pamphlets, and finally through the airwaves. Today, the internet is in itself a gigantic public space; technology has allowed for so much instantaneous communication, and creating a consensus and forging a commitment to concerted action for change can take place at broadband speed.

Technology has also genuinely globalized empathy and solidarity. However much anyone tries to withhold the truth, and no matter how anyone fails to alleviate the plight of a fellow man suffering, no barricade, no border, no propaganda can resist the assembly and mobilization of peoples. We have seen this unfold in the Arab Spring, when the people of Tunisia standing up for their freedoms informed and inspired neighboring countries in the region.

The many voices that can now speak, the speed by which they can make themselves heard, and the wide reach of new media has only put the complexities of human society at the forefront. In the face of such complexity, and with the demand for diversity, the rigid confines of ideology can no longer suffice. Grand narratives such as communism and capitalism have been eroded by the demands for a government that is both inclusive and accountable.

Deng Xiaoping saw the first glimmers of this, and expressed it in his famous maxim, “It does not matter whether the cat is black or white; what matters is that it catches mice.”

He meant, I believe, that the ideological paradigms of political leadership common in the last century cannot account for the complexities in today’s societies, and governments need to be nimble and adaptable enough in order to respond to challenges as they arise. The challenge is to approach different situations with a certain pragmatic idealism.

In my country, for example, government does not allow itself to be hampered by ideological labels. We are borrowing best practices from what we’ve seen. Some of my policies have been referred to as socialist, while others may be called neo-conservative. This is not to say that my policies have no strategic purpose in mind; it means, in fact, the opposite. It means the only compass that I refer to is my people.

Labels are not important to me; what is important are practical solutions that will address the needs of my people. For example, we are trying to create an environment where businesses can thrive at a leveled playing field, with clear and consistent rules so that they will not be afraid to come in and invest. My government considers free market principles as a solid basis for economic growth. At the same time, however, we recognize that this growth is not always even; the danger of untrammeled capitalism is that it can condemn the poor to being permanently poor. Growth must be inclusive; progress must be equitable.

This is why my administration has put in place strategic interventions to ensure that any gains reaped from a growing economy are channeled directly to the people. Nearly a third of our national budget for the following year has been allotted to social services. Entirely through savings acquired by more prudently spending public funds, we have deployed 10,000 nurses to rural areas that historically have not had access to medical professionals. We are for the second consecutive year significantly increasing the budget of our conditional cash transfer program, which invests in our people by providing cash incentives for keeping children in school, immunizing infants from diseases, and undergoing check-ups for pregnant women.

What has given us the momentum to pursue these policies and reforms? It was nothing less than the forging of a national consensus by means of a credible election. And this consensus is maintained by a commitment to transparencyâ€"an openness that informs our people of the workings of their government, and breeds an informed citizenry that vigorously participates in and elevates public discourse.

This is what my mother meant when she said we must institutionalize People Power: to make it not a last resort to topple tyranny and oppression, but instead embed it within our institutions so that the people may freely and constantly make their voices heard. To make the policies of government reflect the people’s collective will.

In this era of knowledge and information, it has become more and more evident that a people will always find a way to be heard. When they feel that their government has become unresponsive, when it no longer mirrors their dreams and aspirations, when it has failed to treat them with the dignity they deserve, a people will find ways to reach out to one another and unite under a singular purpose. As they have found a way to stop tanks, so will they find a way to elude firewalls.

The path of leadership today and the foreseeable future, then, is not in stifling voices; it is in allowing them to flourish, and concentrating our energies toward the forging of a consensus from a diverse orchestra of opinion. From electoral reform to pouring funds into social services, from liberalizing aviation to supporting legislation meant to inform my people as regards responsible parenthood, I feel that I have had, in little more than a year as President, more than my share of battles in the court of public opinion.

But I believe that dissent rests in the marrow of every democracy; my people know all too much the value of being able to say “no” and “enough” in the face of dictatorship. Dissent, after all, is what speaks truth to power.

But an even greater truth is this: A society that respects all voices avoids having any individual voice try to drown out the others. And where all can speak and be heard with dignity and good will, there you can find a conversation that leads to a consensus.

What, then, is the future of leadership? What makes a leader? The leader is one who exercises self-control; one who promotes discourse, discourages demagoguery, and seeks consensus. One who holds fast to essential truths without forcing the world to conform to his preconceived notions; one who, in other words, recognizes that legitimacy is built on accountability, and accountability is built not on promises but through results. Ultimately, a leader is one who trusts his people to decide for themselves, and allows them to shape their own future.

Thank you.

Lacson: New PDEA hotlines step in right direction in anti-drug campaign
By Jelly F, Musico
MANILA, June 13 (PNA) -- The hotlines announced by the incoming head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are a good start by the incoming administration in its anti-drug efforts, Senator-elect Panfilo M. Lacson said on Monday.

Lacson said this should encourage active participation by the citizenry in fighting the drug menace, which he said needs an integrated approach.

“Definitely, this will give ordinary citizens a more active role in bringing down the supply of drugs by giving tips against dealers. But the hotlines should also lead to help for those addicted to drugs,” said Lacson, who served as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief from 1999 to 2001.

When he served as PNP chief, Lacson implemented an integrated approach against the illegal drug trade by constricting its supply and reducing demand.

On Monday, Peter Lavina, campaign spokesman of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, announced that incoming PDEA chief Isidro Lapeña issued hotlines for the incoming administration’s anti-drug efforts.

These included: Text: 09998887332, 09255737332, 09279150616. Calls: 09393960627. Landlines: (02) 9200735, (02) 9200736.

But Lacson also pushed for other measures to fight the drug trade, including close monitoring of drug-related operations inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and other detention facilities where drug lords are being detained.

He noted such facilities should maximize the use of systems such as closed-circuit television, and may complement continuing inspections under “Oplan Galugad.”

Earlier, Lacson lamented many drug lords continue to ply their trade and enjoy perks even while behind bars. (PNA)

PDEA celebrates 14th anniversary, vows to intensify further fight against illegal drugs
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA, June 10 (PNA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will continue to be steadfast and firm in performing its duties as the country’s lead agency against illegal drugs.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. stressed this during the PDEA 14th Anniversary Celebration on Friday at the PDEA Gym, PDEA National Headquarters in Quezon City.

"PDEA is a reliable leader of the force fighting illegal drugs in the country for the past fourteen years and will continue to do so in the years to come,” he said, referring to the anniversary theme, “PDEA, Maaasahan Noon, Ngayon at Magpakailanman”.

The Director General led the agency’s key officials, personnel and guests during the anniversary program, with Felipe L. Rojas Jr., Chairman, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

Among the highlights of the program was the launching of the PDEA Training Manual- a handbook that serve as effective guide for all PDEA personnel in charting their respective career paths by guiding them in navigating, enriching and sustaining their professional growth throughout their tenure in the agency.

As a matter of tradition, PDEA also honored its men and women who have demonstrated exceptional service over and above the call of duty.

During the program, the newest addition to the growing PDEA family was introduced- “Buster”, the official mascot of the agency dressed in a yellow-colored PDEA badge.

The anniversary program also featured an audio-visual presentation, which showcased the PDEA Director General’s Executive Report, summarizing the administrative and operational accomplishment of the Agency under his term from October 2012 to May 2016.

“Upon my assumption as Director General in 2012, I initiated the need for a holistic approach in improving all the vital components of the organization, namely human resource, facilities and equipment, and systems and procedures to strengthen the capability and competency of PDEA. Thus, operational thrusts and priority programs were institutionalized,” Cacdac said.

“It has been over three and a half years, since I took over the reins of PDEA’s leadership. Not everything comes as easy. But due to the steadfast support of all the men and women of PDEA, and stakeholders of the national anti-drug campaign, these achievements have brought the Agency to a higher level of credibility and competency, leading the Filipino people for a drug-free country."

On the culmination of his term, the Director General is hopeful that he has made a modest contribution to improve the quality of life of Filipinos by providing them safe and peaceful communities through effective and efficient drug law enforcement.

“PDEA will be better and bolder in freeing the country from the clutches of illegal drug problem,” the PDEA chief said. (PNA)

Why the President is traveling to Yosemite today:

National parks are an American invention. They are treasures in our national inheritance -- millions of acres of public lands and waterways -- that one generation passes on to the next. These beautiful spaces offer adventures for our children, essential protection for our wildlife, and support for local economies.

Yet, we aren't entitled to them. Our public lands need our protection -- they need our dedication to their upkeep and our commitment to their expansion.

And it falls on the shoulders of each new generation to carry on this stunning inheritance, because even though our national parks are vital to our future, the consequences of climate change are becoming more evident every day.

That's why the First Family is traveling to Carlsbad Caverns and Yosemite National Parks this weekend.

Not only are they celebrating the National Parks' 100th anniversary, they're highlighting the critical role our parks will play in America's next century.

You can follow the First Family's trip this weekend on our live blog.

That's also why President Obama has taken unprecedented action to invest in America's natural resources, setting aside more public lands and water in his two terms than any president in American history. He is America's most prolific conservationist -- and he's not done yet.

Here's what you need to know about President Obama's historic conservation record:

Protected more than 265 million acres of America's public lands and waters -- more than any other president in history.

Dedicated unprecedented attention and resources to restoring iconic places like the Chesapeake Bay, California Bay-Delta, Great Lakes, and Everglades.

Designated more than 2 million acres of federal wilderness and protected thousands of miles of trails and more than one thousand miles of rivers.

Oversaw more wildlife recoveries under the Endangered Species Act than under any previous administration.

Launched Every Kid in a Park, which gives fourth graders and their families free access to parks.

Get the full record on how the President has protected our treasured national resources.

You can also help celebrate and support our national park system by sharing photos of your favorite park with the hashtag #FindYourPark.

Aris: NIA issues NTP to start
Bohol northeast basin study

By JUNE S. BLANCO

AN ESTIMATED 19,000 hectares of agricultural land in four Bohol towns stand to be irrigated when the biggest dam in the Visayas region becomes operational.
This after the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) issued a notice to proceed (NTP) to the contractor that will conduct the feasibility study.
To note, NIA had released P10 million upon the representation of Bohol’s 2nd District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado as he followed up the brainchild of his namesake father, the late solon Erico Boyles Aumentado.
The father had envisioned the Bohol Northeast Basin Multipurpose Irrigation System to cover all the irrigable areas of Bien Unido, 80% of the irrigable lands in Trinidad and portions of Ubay and San Miguel towns.
The younger Aumentado said the P10 million is from NIA corporate funds for the feasibility study. Another P70 million in the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is allocated for the completion of the feasibility study.
Aumentado earlier met with NIA officials in Manila for the nitty-gritty for the immediate release of the P10 million.
To note, his father had broached the project with five components, namely â€" irrigation, potable water system for far-flung barangays, tourism, hydroelectric power of up to 10 megawatts and flood control â€" to NIA.
The system is a spinoff of a similar project in South Korea that the father-and-son tandem had visited. The father is known by the Koreans as a visionary leader who works very much ahead for solutions and nip problems in the bud.
When completed, the son said, the multi-faceted project will make the 2nd district a new tourism destination with many must-sees including the Danao Adventure Park and the underwater grotto in Bien Unido.

During my basketball career, I won the NBA Finals and an Olympic Gold Medal. I thought I was strong enough to take on anything that came my way -- that there was nothing I couldn't just put some ice on and play through.

Then, in 2001 I was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney disease called focal glomerulosclerosis and was told that I needed a kidney transplant.

It doesn't matter who you are, organ failure can affect any one of us.

I was fortunate enough to receive a transplant from a family member, and never had to be on an organ waiting list, but many others are not so lucky.

After I was diagnosed, I received a letter from a girl named Molly, a 17-year-old student form New Jersey. Molly wrote to me that her mother was suffering from a kidney disease, the same one that Molly's grandmother had died of. While I was in the hospital recovering, I used Molly's letter as a bookmark -- as a reminder that we all needed to be doing more to help those who weren't as lucky as I was.

There are more than 120,000 Americans currently on the organ transplant waiting list, and 22 of them will die every day if they don't receive that vital organ. The need is particularly pronounced in communities of color and disadvantaged populations, and we all need to do our part to help.

Today, the White House hosted a summit to highlight initiatives that help reduce the organ waiting list. One day, research investments like those announced today will end the organ shortage crisis forever. But it's not enough to sit and wait for science to solve the problem.

There is something we can all do, right now: become an organ donor.

One reason that the waiting list for transplants has become so long is that, even though 95 percent of Americans support organ donation, only a fraction have actually signed up as donors. Registering takes less than a minute.

You can also tell the world by proclaiming on social media, "I'm an #OrganDonor" so that your loved ones know you're willing to donate, and you can also inspire others to join the cause.

Three years after my kidney transplant I won an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat. If not for my donor, I would have been hooked up to dialysis machines and may not have even survived. Each of the 120,000 people on the waiting list has great things to accomplish in the future ahead of them.

And there's something each and every one of us can do to give them a chance to achieve them. Find out how you can help.

Thanks for listening.

Alonzo

Alonzo Mourning

Abba, Father

Daily Devotional for Friday, June 17th, 2016

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Galatians 4:6

The word father conjures up different images for everyone. To some it brings the picture of love, laughter, respect, and acceptance. Unfortunately, others associate the term father with fear, rejection, and disappointment. That is why it is so important not to take your understanding of your heavenly Father from your experience. Take it from Scripture. You undoubtedly had an imperfect earthly father, perhaps even one who brought you harm. But, as in all of your Christian life, the key is not to understand the Bible based on your experience, but to understand your experience in light of the Bible. God is your model of a father in the truest sense of the word.

Your heavenly Father was willing to pay any price in order to save you (Rom. 8:32). Your heavenly Father_is always ready to meet your needs (Luke 11:11-13).  Your heavenly Father loves you so much that He is willing to discipline you to bring you to Christian maturity (Prov. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:5-10). Even when you rebel against Him and reject His love, your Father continues to do what is best for you (Rom. 5:. He does not make His love for you conditional upon your love for Him. He loves you even when you are not loving Him (1 John 4:19). He has made you His heirs and reserves a home for you in heaven (Rom. 8:15-17).

This is what a father is like biblically.   If this has not been your experience, it can be now. There is One who has adopted you and who wants to love you in a way you have never experienced. Take comfort and strength from Himâ€"your heavenly Father.      Henry and Richard Blackaby .

A Way That Seems Right

Daily Devotional for Saturday, June 18th, 2016

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25

Things are not always what they seem. Proverbs warns that we can be deceived into believing we are going down the right path and yet be heading toward death, the opposite direction from God’s will. People do not naturally seek God or pursue righteousness (Rom. 3:10-18). Only as the Spirit awakens our hearts to the Person of Christ are we able to desire God’s will. If we make decisions apart from the guidance of the Spirit of God, we will be like a ship trying to sail without a compass. We will do what makes the most sense, based on our own wisdom. But what looks attractive may actually lead to sin, ultimately destroying what is precious to us, for our most profound human thinking is mere foolishness to God (1 Cor. 1:18-20). Only God knows the way that leads to life, and He wants to lead us to walk in it (Matt. 7:13-14). Don’t assume every opportunity that arises is from God.� Satan will disguise himself as an “angel of light,” and his invitations will seem to be in your best interest (2 Cor. 11:14). Yet his way leads only to death (John 8:44). The word of God will be like a light to your path, guiding you in the ways of righteousness (Ps. 119:105). It can be perilous to follow a path that seems right without first consulting the Holy Spirit for guidance (John 16:13). Take time to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction when you face decisions. He knows the full ramifications of your choices. � The Holy Spirit will assist you to understand truth and to experience abundant life.  Henry and Richard Blackaby.

Today, Vice President Joe Biden sent this message to people who, in the wake of the tragic attack in Orlando, signed a We the People petition calling on the government to ban AR-15-type assault weapons from civilian ownership. As he says below, "The President and I agree with you. Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines should be banned from civilian ownership."

If you agree, sign up to join the conversation on the assault weapons ban.

Over the past few years, we've watched as new horrific shootings have replaced previous ones as the deadliest in our nation's history.

We've waged campaign after campaign to turn our grief into action â€" each time thinking maybe, just maybe, this will be the one that breaks through. This will be the one that gets through to Congress, which must ultimately act. We've used phrases like Now is the Time. Stop Gun Violence. Enough is Enough.

Folks, enough has been enough for a long time.

You know that. On Monday, in the wake of this latest, deadliest, mass shooting, you started this petition. You worked together, calling on your government to ban AR-15-type weapons from civilian ownership. In the days following, we have seen members of the United States Senate take and hold the floor, refusing to back down, refusing to concede that we might need to wait for an even bigger national tragedy to finally make some changes.

To the creator and signers of this petition, I want to say this as plainly and clearly as possible: The President and I agree with you. Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines should be banned from civilian ownership.

When a lone gunman walked into a Century movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, he carried a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 -- a variation of the AR-15 rifle -- modified to hold as many as 100 bullets. He used it to kill 12 people and injure 70.

And when a lone gunman walked into a classroom at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, he carried a version of the AR-15. He used it -- and several handguns -- to kill 10 of his fellow students and injure nine.

And when a lone gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, he carried a Bushmaster XM 15 -- another version of the AR-15 -- and multiple high-capacity magazines. He used it to kill 20 innocent children and six educators with 154 bullets in five minutes.

A single person killed that many people in just a few minutes. Not in a war zone. Here in America -- in a classroom.

These weapons have been used to commit horrific acts. They've been called "the perfect killing machines." They fire bullets at incredible speed that rip through bodies and cause devastating carnage, and can accommodate high-capacity magazines that allow them to effectively shoot up to 45 rounds per minute. We've seen their tragic results play out in our death tolls and in the thousands left wounded, struggling to recover.

As we learned this week from the family of the gun’s inventor, he himself did not intend that this gun be used by civilians, only by our soldiers in combat -- giving them an advantage over the AK-47. He didn’t own one himself. Here is what his family said:

"We think he would have been horrified and sickened as anyone, if not more, by these events."

Right now, these weapons are on the shelves in gun shops around the country, completely legal for civilians to purchase. They can be purchased in a matter of mere minutes. That should not be so.

Here's a start: We should renew the assault weapons ban that Congress passed in 1994 â€" but which expired ten years later. That ban, which covered 19 specific assault-style weapons, was included in a comprehensive crime bill that folded together three pieces of legislation. I remember it well. I was Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee at the time. I wrote much of the bill and led it through Congress â€" with the help of many others, especially Senator Feinstein on the assault weapons ban. I argued strongly in favor of banning these weapons. What's more, 46 House Republicans voted for that ban in 1994. Forty-six.

So what happened to that bill? To use a somewhat wonkish legislative term, it was "sunsetted." That means that this bill came with an expiration date: Ten years after its passage, it would need to be renewed. Under President Bush and a Republican Congress, the bill lapsed. And it hasn't been renewed since.

But renewing the ban on assault weapons isn’t the only thing Congress should do to help prevent the tragedy of gun violence around the country.

It could require that every buyer go through a background check before getting a gun -- to make sure dangerous weapons don’t end up in the hands of criminals or other people who have long been prohibited from possessing them. It could prevent people who are suspected of having terrorist ties and can’t get on a plane from buying weapons of war -- that’s just common sense. It could ensure that domestic abusers can’t go to the store to buy a gun -- filling the kinds of gaps in the law that leave too many innocent victims dead. It could end the freeze on gun violence research, so our public health experts can collect data and facts that would inform strategies to deal with this epidemic. And it could give law enforcement officials the tools and resources the President requested in his budget proposal -- so they can take dangerous criminals off the street and enforce our gun laws. Our Administration has done what it can. So have many cities, counties, and states.

Now it’s up to Congress to do its job.

They'll have a good opportunity this Monday, when the Senate is set to vote on a number of different gun safety measures -- votes that came about after that 15-hour filibuster, during which a series of Democratic senators refused to cede the floor. The measures they will vote on would address the fact that anyone on a terrorist watch list can still legally purchase guns and explosives. They will address the current background check requirements for prospective gun buyers.

Ahead of those votes, we'd like to invite you to join a call on Monday at 1:00 pm ET for We the People signers with Valerie Jarrett on how we can continue to come together as citizens around this issue. Let us know you'll be joining right here â€" and ask any questions you've got, or issues you'd like to hear raised on the call.

I encourage you to pay attention to Monday's votes. Make yourselves aware. Use your voice. Make yourselves impossible to ignore.

Because you’re not alone in recognizing the need to act -- to take steps, consistent with the Second Amendment -- that will keep our children and communities safe. Here's who else agrees with you: The Department of Justice. Dozens of United States Senators. Faith leaders, law enforcement officials, and responsible businesses. Public health experts. And the vast majority of the American people, including the vast majority of gun owners in the country.

If taking commonsense steps to reduce gun violence had the potential to save even one life, it would be worth doing. But it has the potential to save far more than that.

You know that. And that is why you spoke up. That matters. But the fact is that we have three separate but equal branches of a government for a reason.

And so, to speak directly to those members of Congress who, in the wake of this most recent, most horrific killing of our citizens, might be considering stepping up and getting this done once and for all, I'd like to remind you that this will not stop on its own. It will not stop. In the three and a half years since Newtown, there have been at least 1,002 mass shootings in this country. At least 1,135 people killed, and 3,953 wounded. That includes 49 killed and 53 wounded in Orlando.

You know in your heart that this is the right thing to do. You know that by stepping up, your action has the potential to create a domino effect. Have the courage to do it.

We have done it before. We can do it again.

Finish this.

Joe
Vice President Joseph Biden
The White House

view of the Loboc River

Oil firms to adjust pump prices Tuesday

Oil firms will implement price changes at 6:00 a.m., Tuesday, reflecting international market movement brought about by bombings in Nigeria and the wildfires in Canada.

In separate advisories, Seaoil Philippines Inc., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and PTT Philippines said they will increase diesel prices by 30 centavos per liter and decrease gasoline prices by 25 centavos per liter.

Seaoil will also increase kerosene prices by 15 centavos per liter.

With the developments, diesel will have a price range of PHP25.35-28.95 per liter, with a common price of PHP28.20 per liter in Metro Manila.

Gasoline, on the other hand, ranges from PHP36.75-44.35 per liter. It also has a common price of PHP41.65 per liter.

Energy secretary Zenaida Monsada explained in a press conference Monday that there were many events affecting international crude oil production, such as the forest fires in Canada and the bombing of facilities in Nigeria, which has lost a supply of 3 million barrels. Both countries are oil producers.

She noted some Nigerian facilities that were bombed are undergoing repairs.

Monsada also said the supply is increasing due to small-scale oil producers slowly restoring operations as the prices are stabilizing. The firms earlier stopped pumping due to the oil price drop.

"The crude prices are increasing as winter ended. The refineries had shutdown, but are returning, while demand is increasing. There's a supply cut -- the demand for crude is high so the prices are increasing," the DOE head added. (PNA)

The Keys of the Kingdom

Daily Devotional for Sunday, June 12th, 2016

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19

The keys of the kingdom represent the access you have to the Father through your relationship to Jesus Christ. With this relationship you have access to everything that is accessible to Christ. However, this access is not given indiscriminately; Jesus gave the keys to His disciples only after they recognized that He was the Christ. Once the disciples were convinced that Jesus was the Savior, they entered into a unique and personal relationship with Him. Their relationship to Jesus gave them direct access to their heavenly Father. Likewise, your relationship with Christ opens the door of heaven for you and gives you direct access to the Father. Peter discovered that once he had keys to the kingdom, he could go to the Father in every situation. When he stood to preach before thousands on the day of Pentecost, this simple fisherman opened the door to the kingdom for three thousand people in one day (Acts 2:41). When he encountered a lame man, he used his access to God and His healing power, and the man was healed (Acts 3:6). When he was imprisoned, Peter discovered that the keys of the kingdom could open even the most secure prison door (Acts 12:6-10). If you are a Christian you, too, have keys to the kingdom of heaven. You do not need an intermediary, for you have an unobstructed access to God. With that access come all the resources you need to face any circumstance. When you are afraid, you have access to God’s peace that surpasses comprehension (Phil. 4:6). When you have a broken relationship, you have access to the God of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21). When you meet someone in need, you have access to God’s provision for that person. What an incredible privilege to be entrusted with keys to the kingdom of heaven! Henry and Richard Blackaby.

id-id sa dakong bato kung walay toilet paper.

DILG directs LGUs, public to raise PHL flag simultaneously on Sunday
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, June 10 (PNA) -- In observance of the 118th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday called for the support of all provincial governors and city and municipal mayors to the simultaneous Flag-Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremonies in places of national significance in their respective areas of jurisdiction at 8 a.m. on June 12, 2016.

“I enjoin local chief executives (LCEs) to coordinate with the local offices of the national government agencies in your areas as well as the private sector and non-government organizations or people's organizations in your places for the Simultaneous Flag-Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremonies on Sunday,” said Sarmiento.

He also urges local government units (LGUs) to hold other programs and activities appropriate for the occasion such as display of Philippine flag in LGU offices, civic parade, and the likes.

With the theme “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong”, the Simultaneous Flag-Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremonies will concurrently be held in Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City, Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion in Manila North Cemetery, Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City, Pamintuan House in Angeles City, Cebu City, Davao City, and Quezon City.

“LCEs in the National Capital Region are encouraged to provide ambulances and fire trucks to be stationed in strategic locations at the Rizal Park, Manila during the said event,” said Sarmiento.

On Sunday, there will also be an afternoon program in Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila to be highlighted by a flyby of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and military and civic parade at 3 p.m. At 6 p.m., the public may enjoy the sight of fireworks display.

The parade, dubbed as “The Kalayaan 2016 Grand Parade,” will be opened spectacularly by a ten-minute musical dance drama presentation called “Bagong Bayan, Bagong Buhay”.

Aside from the spectacles, Sarmiento said, “Pampamahalaang Programa at Serbisyo such as exhibits, skills demonstration, trade fairs, and government services are there on site at Burnham Green Western Section, Rizal Park, Manila since Friday to Sunday from June 10 to 12 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.” (PNA)

World Bank: Vietnam’s growth among strongest in large developing ASEAN economies

HÀ NỘI, June 11 (PNA/VNS) -- The World Bank (WB) has forecasted that Việt Nam would grow at an average of 6.3 per cent in 2016-2018.

In the latest update of its Global Economic Prospects report, the WB predicted that Việt Nam’s growth in 2016 would be 6.2 per cent and then expand to 6.3 per cent in 2017 and 2018.

This trend stems from rising foreign direct investment, growing exports and solid labour markets, according to the WB.

The WB also did forecast that among the large developing ASEAN economies, Việt Nam and the Philippines have the strongest growth prospects.

According to the report, state-owned enterprise (SOE) reforms in Việt Nam, which include improving transparency and governance, could reduce drains on fiscal resources.

Banking sector reforms would be priorities for improving efficiency and the allocation of capital in Việt Nam, according to the WB.

Recently, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) also kept its GDP forecast in 2016 for Việt Nam unchanged at 6.3 per cent.

In its latest report, HSBC said that the lingering El Nino would likely continue to affect agricultural output.

However, it expected that the strong development of manufacturing industries and services would lift the GDP growth in the second quarter of this year to 6.1 per cent.

Economic indicators in the second quarter of this year showed a strong recovery of the national economy, the report said.

Despite gloom in the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) in the region, Việt Nam’s PMI continued to expand, reaching a 10-month high of 52.7 in May from 52.3 in the previous month.

The number of new orders rose sharply, indicating that manufacturing operations are likely to grow in June. The index of industrial production and exports also recorded consistent growth in the period.

HSBC put forward medium-term solutions on financial reform in Việt Nam, including broadening the profit base and adjusting accounting methods in line with international standards.

Administrative measures to restrain tax evasion, the announcement of tax fraud cases and simplification of the VAT refund process would be helpful solutions, the report stated. (PNA/VNS)

DOLE inducts new career ambassadors

MANILA, June 8 (PNA) -- Fourteen new career ambassadors, who will serve as partners of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in delivering relevant labor market information to the youth, were inducted during the 3rd National Career Advocacy Congress held recently at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

“You have to be excited in doing your career advocacy work. What we do will make a big difference in the life of our youth, especially those who are unemployed,” Baldoz told the newly-inducted career ambassadors.

“Career ambassadors actively participate in the implementation of career guidance advocacy program activities; deliver career talks in various events such as career congresses, career guidance week, and convocations; and act as career advocacy speaker in various media platforms such as radio or television,” the DOLE chief said as she reminded the career advocates on their duties and responsibilities.

The two types of career ambassadors who are expected to work in tandem in their respective regions are the technical-vocational education and training (TVET) career ambassadors and the higher education career ambassadors.

The newly-inducted higher education career ambassador, Ariza B. Alvarez, is a licensed teacher and works as an English instructor at Aurora State College of Technology in Baler, Aurora. She was a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) scholar under the One Town, One Scholar Program.

On the other hand, seven of the new TVET ambassadors are from Luzon, two are from the Visayas, and four are from Mindanao.

The TVET career ambassadors from Luzon are:

(1) Reymond E. Ignacio, holder of a TESDA National Certificate II in Automotive Servicing; a TESDA Idol 2015 2nd runner-up for self-employed category; and a repair shop owner and manager in Enrile, Cagayan.

(2) Merryll Lhorvin S. Santos, holder of a TESDA National Certificate II in Animation and Trainers Methodology I; a Tatak TESDA Video Making Contest Year 2 Champion for Individual Category; and serves as a trainor, an assessor, and a registrar at UCA College in Parañaque City.

(3) Hernan C. Erorita, holder of TESDA National Certificates in Bartending, Driving, Housekeeping, Front Office Services, and Trainers Methodology; a TESDA Kabalikat Award 2014 Regional Winner; and works as President of Paradigm Colleges of Science and Technology in Oriental Mindoro since 2005.

(4) Cristina M. Mendoza, holder of TESDA National Certificates in Housekeeping, Commercial Cooking, Bread and Pastry Production, and Trainers Methodology; a TESDA Idol 2015 National Finalist; and serves as Director of Technical-Vocational and Assessment Office of PLT College, Inc. in Nueva Vizcaya.

(5) Jomar D.P. Sabeniano, holder of TESDA National Certificate II in Food and Beverage Services, Events Management, Computer System Servicing, and Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing; a Tatak TESDA 2015 Regional Winner; and is employed as a college instructor at Global I.T. Naga in Camarines Sur.

(6) Marmelo V. Abante, holder of TESDA National Certificate IV in Programming; a TESDA Idol Regional Winner; and serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs in CJJP in Cainta, Rizal.

(7) Bernadette P. Ramos, a trainer and an assessor in Bartending NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Household Services NC II, Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II, Massage Therapy NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Food and Beverage NC III, Events Management Services NC III, and Trainers Methodology I; a TESDA Idol 2015 National 1st runner-up for self-employed category; and serves as President and Owner of the Worldwide Economic Empowerment Network (WEEN) College, Inc., in Nueva Ecija.

In addition, the TVET career ambassadors from the Visayas are:

(1) Marites P. Taghap, holder of a TESDA National Certificate II in Computer Hardware Servicing and Computer Programming; a TESDA Idol 2012 Regional Winner; and is employed as Teacher I at La Libertad Elementary School in Bohol.

(2) Ricky Z. Tapal, holder of a TESDA National Certificate II Shielded Metal Arc Welding; a Tatak TESDA 2015 Regional Winner; and works as Instructor I at Hinunangan Skills and Technological Center in Southern Leyte.

From Mindanao, the TVET career ambassadors are:

(1) Roque B. Requino, holder of TESDA National Certificate II/III in Electrical Installation and Maintenance; a Tatak TESDA 2015 Regional Winner; and is employed as an assistant professor at Mindanao State Universityâ€"Iligan Institute of Technology.

(2) Jason Silverio B. Bitong, holder of TESDA National Certificate II in Computer Hardware Servicing; a National Skills Competition 2006 Winner in Electronics Category; a TESDA Idol 2012 National Finalist; and works as an instrumentation technician at Southern Philippines Power Corporation in Sarangani Province.

(3) Ronald S. Sabandal, holder of TESDA National Certificates in Cookery, Commercial Cooking, Food and Beverage Services, Housekeeping, Bartending, Barista, and Events Management; a TESDA Idol 2015 Regional Winner; and works as an Assessment Center Manager at DMMA College of Southern Philippines in Davao del Sur. v(4) Celso O. Pobadora Jr., holder of TESDA National Certificate II in Automotive Servicing and Shielded Metal Arc Welding; representative of the school that won the institutional category in Tatak TESDA Video Making Contest in 2015; and is employed as shop worker and assistant trainer at Westmin Institute of Technology Inc. in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“We have guidance counselors in our schools. At the same time, we have career ambassadors who promote the same advocacy in various venues,” the DOLE Secretary said.

“The Career Guidance Advocacy Programâ€"Working Group (CGAP-WG) is steadfast in our commitment to address job-skills mismatch through the conduct of collaborative activities. I urge you to continue endorsing career ambassadors from your own provinces, from your own regions; and let us saturate the Philippines with career advocates,” she added.

The Career Ambassadors Program is one of the activities enrolled by the Career Guidance Advocacy Programâ€"Working Group (CGAP-WG) to address the problem of job-skills mismatch.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) serve as the focal agencies for the said program. (PNA)

The Fruit of the Spirit

Daily Devotional for Saturday, June 11th, 2016

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

An examination of the fruits of the Spirit can be intimidating. Working all nine of these traits into your life seems impossible, and indeed it is. But the moment you became a Christian, the Holy Spirit began a divine work to produce Christ’s character in you. Regardless of who you are, the Spirit works from the same model, Jesus Christ. The Spirit looks to Christ in order to find the blueprint for your character. The Spirit will immediately begin helping you experience and practice the same love that Jesus had when He laid down His life for His friends. The same joy He experienced will now fill you. The identical peace that guarded the heart of Jesus, even as He was being beaten and mocked, will be the peace that the Spirit works to instill in you. The patience Jesus had for His most unteachable disciple will be the patience that the Spirit now develops in you. The kindness Jesus showed toward children and sinners will soften your heart toward others. There will be a goodness about you that is only explainable by the presence of the Spirit of God. The Spirit will build the same faithfulness into you that led Jesus to be entirely obedient to His Father. The Spirit will teach you self-control so that you will have strength to do what is right and to resist temptation. All of this is as natural as the growth of fruit on a tree. You do not have to orchestrate it on your own. It automatically begins the moment you become a believer. How quickly it happens depends upon how completely you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit’s activity.Henry and Richard Blackaby

As for Me and My House

Daily Devotional for Friday, June 10th, 2016

And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:16

Serving God was not Joshua’s only option. He could have adopted the religious beliefs and practices of his family heritage in the pagan land of Egypt. He could have accepted the idolatrous religion of his neighbors in the region where he now lived. These options probably looked like easier choices than worshiping God. But Joshua had witnessed God’s faithfulness (Josh. 23:14). He was convinced that his Lord was the only true God and that serving Him would bring victory and blessing.

Joshua decided to serve God alone. He was determined to teach his entire household to honor his Lord as well. He had trusted God for victory on the battlefield, and he knew that God could also give him spiritual victory in his home.

You, too, must decide whom you will serve. An assortment of popular religions clamors for your allegiance. If you come from a Christian heritage, you may choose to embrace the faith of your parents and grandparents. If you did not grow up in a Christian home, you can decide, as Joshua did, to reject your heritage of unbelief and begin a generation that serves the Lord.

If you set your mind wholeheartedly on serving God, your example will bring a tremendous blessing to your family. If you place your confidence in God, those around you will witness your faith, and they may decide to trust Him too. Choose, as Joshua did, to serve God unashamedly with all your heart, and then watch to see how God blesses your family.

God Weighs Your Motives
Daily Devotional for Sunday, June 5th, 2016

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,But the LORD weighs the spirits. Proverbs 16:2

How quick we are to question the motives of others, yet we are so slow to question our own! When others harm us, we may assume the worst of intentions. When we are guilty, we often excuse our offenses, concluding that others are far too sensitive! Regardless of how we monitor our motives, God weighs them in His scales of righteousness. It is futile to try to deceive God with our pious justifications, for He sees our hearts. Is it possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason? Of course! You can attend worship services with a heart that is far from worshipful (Isa. 1:10-17). Could you show concern for the poor and yet have a heart that is opposed to God?� Judas did (John 12:4-8). Could you make bold statements of love for Christ and actually be aiding the work of Satan? Peter did (Matt. 16:21-23). Could you offer sacrifices to God and be in total disobedience to Him?� King Saul did (1 Sam. 13:8-9). Could you pray with the wrong motives? James said you can (James 4:3). Many things cause us to do what we do. We can be motivated by good things, such as love for God, compassion, generosity, and faith. Or our actions can come from unhealthy motives such as pride, insecurity, ambition, lust, greed, guilt, anger, fear, and hurt. It is even possible to do the best things based on the worst motives. When the Lord measures our motives He looks for one thing: love. All that we do should proceed from our love for God and for others (1 Cor. 13). Take time to look past your actions to what lies behind them. Ask God to show you what He sees when He examines your motives. Henry and Richard Blackaby

Duterte unfazed by boycott threat, reprimands media for taking his statements out of context
By Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY, June 3 (PNA) -- President-elect Rodrigo Duterte was unfazed by the boycott called for by Reporters without Borders over statements about extra-judicial killings of journalists, even as he offered no apologies for his earlier statement.

“No apologies. If you do not like it â€" fine,” said Duterte, who called for a press conference on Thursday night to speak about the three kinds of journalists and journalism in the Philippines after drawing flak from the media over a statement that most of the journalists who were killed were corrupt.

Duterte was dismayed how his statements were taken out of context, making it appear he was endorsing killings of media. He debunked accusations he was endorsing media killings and that all of those who killed were corrupt.

Duterte urged reporters to review the tapes.

His statement drew flak from the media, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines and the Reporters without Borders, an organization of journalists that promotes and defends freedom of information and freedom of the press.

Instead, Duterte urged the media to boycott him. “Boycott me. It will be good you will disappear…I urge you to make this your last trip in Davao City. Do not threaten me. I said I’m ready to lose the presidency, my honor or my life. Just do not f… with me,” Duterte said. He further urged the media to make history in Malacañang by not covering his inauguration.

“I don’t need you. I would tell the Cabinet to avoid you,” he said. He said he would just rely on the government’s television network to cover his inauguration or content himself with someone taking pictures with a camera or cellular phone.

“Kill journalism. Stop journalism in this country. If you are worth your salt you should accept the challenge. Kapag hindi talagang mababa na ang tingin ko sa inyo…parang takot na kayo (If not, then I will think lowly of you. You really are cowards),” said Duterte.

Duterte further exposed the dimensions of journalists and journalism in the Philippines although he said, “I do not claim to be an authority for the subject. Let me just share with you the way of the vignettes of life” then recalled his exposure in politics from the time of his father â€" the late governor of the undivided Davao, Vicente Duterte.

“I am not here to beautify a journalist â€" that’s not my business,” he said, adding that in the matter of killings of journalists â€" it happens everywhere.

He said there are three dimensions of journalists and they face risks for doing their job.

Duterte named the crusaders of truth -- the journalists who are telling the truth, baring it all before the public and do not accept money because telling the truth and their profession matter more for them. But they invite danger, too for telling the truth.

He said some of the crusaders are not being killed because their opinions are respected and they are righteous.

The second dimension are the press relations officers, who are writing for the vested interests of people like miners, mining companies and they are engage in journalism as publicist or PROs to defend business and personalities.

The third are the low-life journalists, whom Duterte described as vultures of journalism, who are accepting money from illegal sources exposing jueteng and in return shut their mouth and receive money. “These are the guys whose greed is unlimited…paid now and they ask for more and if there’s nothing coming their way they took more and they destroy people and family and…they die,” he told reporters.

He said the low-life journalists destroy the dignity and honor of the people. “There is always a reckoning because the Philippines until now considers honor and life on the same level,” he reminded.

Duterte said it has been common knowledge among politicians and the media that there’s always the “paid hacks”.

”It’s about time we bare the truth. Let us not deny each other the truth. The problem is if you ask questions…as if the persons killed are the same because they are journalists,” said Duterte, emphasizing, “I am saying this with excuses…without apologies…you like to hear it â€" fine…if you do not â€" so be it!”

“Do not ever think you are in the field of purity,” said Duterte, adding that journalists are like the police and military that once they go out they are already in danger. “You guys â€" you think too much of yourselves,” Duterte said.

“There is veil of hypocrisy. Let us unveil it so we can understand each other…live in a democracy that is run by truth and not by vested interest of people who pretended to be…who have pretensions,” he added.

But he pointed out he can never protect every journalist in the country. (PNA)
LAP/Lilian C. Mellejor/ldp

UN chief warns against illegal wildlife trade
By Catherine J. Teves

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon is seeking from the international community more action against continuing illegal wildlife trade.

"There's grave cause for alarm," he said in his message for the 2016 World Environment Day (WED).

He raised urgency for action, noting illicit wildlife trade not only feeds corruption and related criminal activities but is also driving thousands of wild flora and fauna species closer to extinction.

Such natural resource depletion due to unscrupulous parties' greed for short-term gain is jeopardizing biodiversity and ecological equilibrium needed for long-term benefit of communities and habitats, he noted.

"I urge people and governments to overcome indifference, combat greed and act to preserve our natural heritage for the benefit of this and future generations," he said.

Mr. Ban lauded 2016 WED global host Angola for deciding to no longer tolerate sale of illegal wildlife products.

Angola is also strengthening legislation and increasing border controls to help restore the elephant population which was affected by civil war, he noted.

"Such action sends a strong message that wild species of plants and animals are a precious commodity that must be sustainably managed and protected from illegal trade," he said.

In 1972, UN General Assembly designated June 5 as WED.

The annual WED is UN's principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness about and action for the environment.

Anchored on the theme 'Go Wild for Life,' this year's WEDcelebration aims helping promote zero tolerance for slaughter and illegal trade of wildlife around the world.

"Elephants are being slaughtered for their ivory, rhinos for their horns and pangolins for their scales," noted Mr. Ban.

Philippine environment chief Ramon Paje also called for more action against illegal wildlife trade, warning specie extinction is irreversible.

Losses from specie extinction were permanent, he also said.

"Driven by high profits, illegal wildlife trade continues - we must continue, expand and intensify efforts to curb this illicit business including importation of invasive species to the country," he said earlier this week.

Paje spearheaded in 2013 the environment department's destruction of about five tons of confiscated elephant tusks worth some USD10 million and previously smuggled into the Philippines from Africa.

He described the tusks' destruction - an Asian first - as a "strong statement to the rest of the world that the Philippines is serious about not tolerating illegal trade of ivory."

Similar destructions followed in the US, China, France, Chad, Belgium Hongkong, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Congo, United Arab Emirates and Thailand, noted Department of Environment and Natural Resources which Paje heads.

Mr. Ban said the public can help address the problem by not buying products of illegal wildlife trade.

Governments can institute change by fully implementing policies on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, he continued.

"The campaign asks everyone to pledge ending illegal trade in wildlife," he said.

UN already undertook several measures for helping address such illicit activity, noted Mr. Ban.

He said such measures include setting, in the SustainableDevelopment Goals 193 UN member-States adopted in 2015, targets for ending poaching.

"Last month at the second UN Environment Assembly i Nairobi, we launched UN's 'Wild for Life' global campaign," he also said.

Spearheading the campaign are UN Environment Programme, UN Development Programme, UN Office on Drugs and Crime as well as Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, he added.(PNA)

DOH discourages use of food supplements

BAGUIO CITY, June 4 (PNA) â€" Nephrologist Virginia B. Mangati has strongly discouraged the use of food supplements, saying that the “Alternative medicine lacks research and therefore not recommended”.

Another reason Mangati cited was that the food supplements carried the “no approved therapeutic claims” and therefore should not be considered for medications.

Mangati also cautioned on the intake of energy drinks as these could contribute to kidney failure due to its high creatinine content.

“Check your kidneys before taking energy drinks”, Mangati maintained.

Based on a health research conducted in Northern Luzon by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) in 2006-2010, it has been noted that non-communicable or degenerative diseases such as kidney diseases, peptic ulcer and diabetes outnumber infectious diseases as the leading causes of mortality in the region.

“The cost of treatment is also expensive,” Mangati said, “because it takes a minimum of five years of dialysis to restore a patient’s health due to damaged kidneys.

Some even take as long as 20 years of dialysis.

Healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and health education are still the best prevention and maintenance for healthy kidneys”, she added.

Mangati announced the National Kidney and Transplant Institute’s celebration of National Kidney Month this June with the theme "Malusog na Bato, Yaman at Buhay Ko". (PNA) RMA/JBL/MerriamSdelRosario (STRINGER)

Lawyer out on bail for “illegal drugs” shot dead in Dumaguete in broad daylight

DUMAGUETE CITY, June 3 (PNA) -- A lawyer was shot and killed Friday morning by riding in tandem suspects in Sitio Laguna, Barangay Looc in Dumaguete City.

The acting Dumaguete chief of police, Supt. Jovito Atanacio identified the victim as Atty. Rex Agan Perewperew, 38 years old with known address at Sta. Monica Road in Banilad, Dumagute City but actually hails from nearby Siquijor province.

He was shot three times at the back while on board a tricycle,with body number 1699 driven by Eusebio Ceriales, at about 10:30 a.m.

Initial police investigation show the suspects overtook the tricycle on the right side of the road and again shot the victim, nearly hitting the driver.

According to the driver, Perewperew flagged him down a few meters away from the main entrance of Silliman University Medical Center and asked that he be brought to the “Ang Barko”, a pension house in Barangay Looc.

However, after few minutes, the suspects rode up to the tricycle and shot the victim on his back.

The driver said he did not clearly see the face of the triggerman because the shooting happened so fast and he made a U-turn and brought the victim to the nearby Silliman University Medical Center where Perewperew was declared dead on arrival.

Aside from his profession as a lawyer, police investigators are also looking into the alleged involvement of the victim in illegal drugs activity.

Perewperew was arrested and detained for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and was out on bail two to three years ago after being detained for more than one year.

According to Atty Joel Obar, Perewperew was his student in the college of law of Foundation University when he was still the dean.

Perewperew took the bar examinations twice, after which he was reported to be allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, acting provincial police director Sr. Supt. Harris Fama said he had directed the Dumaguete police chief to conduct an in-depth investigation into the death of Perewperew.

Fama, through the Amigo Cops Text Blast project, disclosed that the victim is No. 2 in the Lambat Sibat watchlist in Siquijor, Siquijor.

Other unconfirmed reports say the victim was also allegedly engaged in land grabbing and smuggling and the wife also filed a complaint against him for physical injury.

Fama is asking the public to provide additional information to the police regarding the slain lawyer.

Sometime in April 2008, Perewperew and some members of his family were arrested in Barangay Ulo, Siquijor town in Siquijor province, for alleged possession of illegal drugs.

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force arrested the lawyer and his wife, Ernie, his father, Mansueto, and mother, Belinda.

Four other family members were also reported arrested in the same anti-illegal drugs operations that yielded huge volume of suspected shabu and a firearm and ammunition, among others.

Law enforcement authorities had kept Perewperew and his family under close surveillance and it took months before they could finally obtain a search warrant against the suspects. (PNA)
RMA/JFP/JUANCHO GALLARDE

The Condition of the Heart

Daily Devotional for Saturday, June 4th, 2016

But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

At any time, the receptiveness of your heart will determine your response to God’s word (Luke 8:5-18). If your heart is like the trampled ground, hardened by the sin of bitterness and unforgiveness, you will be unable to accept a message from God. Though you hear the words of the message, you will remain unchanged. If your heart is like the shallow soil on top of a rock, you will accept God’s word in your mind, but the truth will not penetrate your heart to make a difference in your actions. A heart like thorny soil is a life that is distracted by the cares of the world; the pursuit of earthly pleasures prevents God’s word from taking hold and producing righteousness. The heart that is like good soil receives a word from God, applies it, and brings forth fruit in due time. This is the heart that Jesus desires in us, for the fruit will be a Christlike life.

Any time you hear a word from God, whether through Bible reading, prayer, or worship, the way you respond will depend on how you have cultivated your heart (Hos. 10:12). How do you develop a heart that is like good soil? Repent of any bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness that is hardening your heart. Meditate on God’s word until it enters deep into your heart and not just your mind. When you read or hear a word from God, apply it to your life and let God bring His word into reality in your life (Gal. 6:9). Protect your lifestyle. See that you don’t devote all of your energy to worldly concerns, rather than to pursuing your relationship with God. The condition of your heart will vary, depending on how you cultivate it. If it was receptive to a word from God yesterday, this does not guarantee it is receptive today. Daily prepare your heart for the word God has for you! Henry and Richard Blackaby .

Anti-drug police unit ready for more raids in Central Visayas

CEBU CITY, May 30 (PNA) -- The Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (RAIDSOTG) 7 is ready for more raids against drug traffickers in Central Visayas, an official said.

“We have many operations that we’ve been building up in the whole Central Visayas,” Senior Inspector Hendrix Bancoleta of the RAIDSOTG 7 said.

The unit spearheaded the joint team that raided Banakon Island, Getafe town in Bohol Saturday which resulted in a shootout with the group of Rowen “Yawa” Torrefiel Secretaria, the third most wanted drug personality in Cebu City.

Secretaria and two of his cohorts died in the shootout, while another suspect was wounded.

Police said Secretaria, a level one drug pusher who led the “Yawa Drugs Group” and could dispose five kilos of shabu a week, sourced his drugs from Manila and parts of Mindanao.

Bancoleta said Secretaria’s operations reached Cordova town, Lapu-Lapu City, Barangays Ermita and Pasil in Cebu City, and he was one of the biggest suppliers of shabu in the region.

These places have fish ports where cargo and passengers can pass through.

Bancoleta said government officials in Banakon Island may have learned of Secretaria’s presence but did nothing because of fear.

He said the numerous pumpboats marked “Rowen” that were docked at the small port in Banakon Island near Secretaria’s house may have been used to deliver drugs to nearby islets.

Police said they are preparing for at least three other operations that they hope will corner other big-time illegal drug personalities in the region. (PNA)

PRO-7 deploys police team in Banakon Island

The Police Regional Office (PRO) - 7 has deployed a police team in Banakon Island in Getafe town, Bohol, which has been tagged as a transshipment point of illegal drugs from Cebu City.

The PRO 7 said the deployment of a team from the Regional Public Safety Batallion (RPSB) 7 in the island will prevent this.

Chief Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr., PRO 7 director, said the shootout in Banacon, Getafe, Bohol last Saturday dawn was legitimate.

During the operation, one of Cebu’s alleged drug lords, Rowen “Yawa” Secretaria, was killed with two of his alleged underlings in a shootout.

Comendador said there were no lapses in their operation because it was Secretaria’s group that opened fire at the operatives first.

“Our police officers went there because of solid information. It means that if those who claim their child has no role with the group, the police will not arrive there just guessing,” he said.

Included in the fatalities were John Jason Montes, 22 and a resident of Ermita, Cebu City. Montes’ relatives denied he was a member of Secretaria’s group.

The other one was Dario Torremocha, who was seen shooting at the operatives.

Secretaria has several underlings who escaped during the shootout.

Secreteria was reportedly one of the drug lords in Central Visayas who can dispose of five kilos of shabu per week. He was third on the list of big-time drug lords operating in the region.

He reportedly surpassed the illegal drug operation of suspected number two drug pusher “Jaguar,” who is still in hiding. (PNA)

If you stop doing your best just because you were not given due credit, the day may come when even if they want to give you credit, you can no longer do your best.

Be careful with habits.

You might be a genius...

Even if you don't think of yourself as intellectually superior, you could possess many of the characteristics shared by people of high intelligence. It turns out many people who are geniuses have personality traits, habits and behaviors in common, like:
1. You are curious about everything.
Do you continually read up on a variety of subjects, follow a variety of blogs and find yourself frequently running to the Internet to look up answers to questions that pop into your head? Geniuses are naturally curious.
2. You talk to yourself.
This is true. If you’re frequently teased for being caught talking to yourself, don’t worry; this can be a sign of genius.
3. You read constantly.
Many people enjoy reading. Geniuses are nearly obsessed with it.
4. You enjoy challenging your own intellect.
5. You are forgetful.
There is something to the idea of the absent-minded professor. Extremely bright individuals often overload their minds with a lot of complicated things.
Credit from the wires.