MikeLigalig.com

gamay namay nananom ug batong karon. let's go back to vegetable gardening.

dakong balita na diay ni sa London. diri sa ato, isagol pa sa siopaw si ming-ming.

If that is so, then why is it that MILF is not willing to surrender their men who are also responsible for the massacre of the SAF 44? Hindi ba kayo nagdududa sa kanilang mga aksyon? Why is it that they still train fighters despite the agreement that they will decommission once the law will be passed? What's wrong with ARMM? Is it really the ARMM government system that is defective or people who are running the system? If they (MILF) will threaten us if the law will not be passed then we should not be afraid or else, what's the point of having a military and a police if we will surrender ourselves to the demands of lawless criminals?

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Beach, pool toys may pose health risks to children

MANILA - The EcoWaste Coalition, a toxics watchdog, announced Saturday that parents, if not careful, may be unintentionally exposing their kids to health damaging chemicals lurking in some polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic swimming toys.
The group urged parents to take precautions after receiving the results of laboratory tests it had commissioned to determine if locally-sold kiddie swimming floats comply with national and international regulations on phthalates.
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals added to PVC plastic to make it pliable and hard to break. These chemicals, known to disrupt hormone functions, have been linked to reproductive and developmental health problems, especially among vulnerable children.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the European Union’s REACH Restricted Substances List, and the Department of Health Administrative Order 2009-0005 as amended in 2011 ban phthalates BBP, DBP and DEHP in amounts greater than 0.1 percent in children’s toys, and further ban phthalates DIDP, DINP and DnOP in concentrations above 0.1 percent in children’s toys that can be placed in a child’s mouth.
Test results from SGS, a global testing company, showed three of the four swimming floats bought by the EcoWaste Coalition from retail stores in Quiapo, Manila for PHP50 to PHP129 each and sent to the laboratory for analysis exceeded the 0.1 percent limit for phthalates in children’s toys.
“It’s lamentable that some swimming toys containing excessive levels of toxic chemical plasticizers in violation of national and international regulations are being sold in the market,” said Thony Dizon, coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect.
“Children’s safety from drowning is a top priority as they frolic in the water to beat the summer heat. We need to keep them safe from drowning, as well as from toxic pollutants that can put their health at risk,” he said.
As per laboratory test results:
1. A yellow and orange swim ring with sun design, costing PHP59, had 19.6 percent DEHP and 1.29 percent DINP.
2. A blue swim arm band, costing PHP50, had 19.4 percent DEHP.
3. A blue and white “baby boat” float with a yellow steering wheel, costing PHP129, had 17.5 percent DEHP and 0.78 percent DINP.
The fourth sample, a yellow inflatable ring labelled “phthalate-free,” costing PHP99.75 and procured from Toy Kingdom Express at SM Department Store in Quiapo, Manila, passed the regulatory limit for phthalates.
“We’re happy that the product’s claim of being phthalate-free is true. This proves that swimming floats can be manufactured sans toxic phthalates and that parents have the option of buying safe swimming toys for their kids,” Dizon said.
The government had earlier warned that “phthalates in children’s toys particularly those made of soft plastic materials or PVC have been found to leach out from the toys when they are sucked or chewed as commonly practiced by children.”
“Phthalates may cause adverse health effects such as liver and kidney wounds, reproductive abnormalities and immune system defects,” the government said.
To stop the trade of toxic swimming toys during the summer months, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the national and local health authorities to take swift action against manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of such toys that do not comply with the government’s toy registration, safety and labelling requirements.
The group will submit on Monday the laboratory test results to the DOH through the Food and Drugs Administration for regulatory action.(PNA)

Shadow banking a “moderate” risk issue in PHL
By JOANN SANTIAGO
Authorities have warned against the possible systemic risk shadow banking presents to the global financial environment.
This, as volatilities remain given the developments in advanced economies and its impact to other territories among others.
Shadow banking refers to regulated institutions’ unregulated activities such as the issuance of asset-backed commercial papers and money market mutual funds.
The threat of shadow banking became more pronounced in the aftermath of the 2007-08 subprime mortgage crisis in the US, which along with the recession in the world’s largest economy resulted to the global economic crunch.
The sub-prime mortgage crisis in the US was traced to the rise in household debts that were financed by mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations (CDO), which failed to deliver attractive rates it promised, thus, resulting to defaults.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. told PNA that this unregulated financial activities have many forms and is different from country to country.
He assured the public that its threat on the domestic banking system is limited.
”In the Philippines, we think it's just a moderate risk issue since most credit still originate from the banking system which is already well regulated,” he said.
Espenilla said the central bank is closely monitoring its regulated institutions’ activities to prevent any unauthorized activities and ensure that the domestic financial system remain strong and resilient.
”Having said that BSP is being pro-active by closely tracking sources of unregulated credit intermediation to real estate development, our main potential risk area,” he added.
The central bank has taken a closer look on banks’ real estate exposure to monitor signs of possible asset bubble, which, the BSP maintains, remains far from happening in the country.
In end-2014, real estate exposures (REEs) of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), thrift banks (TBs) and banks’ trust departments amounted to Php 1.221 trillion, up by 5.2 percent against the Php 1.159 trillion in end-September 2013.
The expansion was traced to banks’ real estate loans (RELs), which grew by 6.8 percent quarter-on-quarter to Php 1.043 trillion.
Bulk of the banks’ RELs were extended to land developers, construction firms and other corporate entities while the balance of 40 percent is for individual households for occupancy.
In the second half of 2014, the BSP conducted stress tests to Philippine banks to monitor among others their real estate exposure and their ability to cover these debts.
Under the said test, U/KBs and TBs have to meet the 10 percent regulatory requirement for qualifying capital after they have been put under the test.
Also, these banks should have a Common Equity Tier 1 that is at least six percent of their qualifying capital after the test.
Similarly, stand alone TBs has to have a Tier 1 ratio that accounts to six percent of their qualifying capital.
Failure of the banks to meet the requirements and explain this would result to the slapping of correction actions.
If the central bank is not satisfied with the explanation it will send the financial institution a notice to submit within 30 calendar days an action plan that will enable it to meet the regulatory requirements.
BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. earlier said Philippine banks remain compliant to regulatory requirements and are generally strong.
”They remain above the minimum capital requirement,” he said but noted that capital of some banks are already near the minimum.
Discussions and consultations between the BSP and the banks continue to address issues and help improve the system, he added. (PNA)

exactly, islander. too much self-glorification of the "me"

well, Facebook can be a source of "sapot" in a day.

mas ngilngig pa ni sa Purok Lugapak sa Tagbilaran.

story: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3040673/Indian-father-plans-sell-kidney-save-obese-children.html

what a sincere appeal to the customers!

Press Release from the BIR

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of
Justice against ALEJANDRINO VALENCIA YU (YU) for Willful Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax and
Deliberate Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in his Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for taxable years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code).

Respondent YU, sole proprietor of FRESHGOLD MARKETING, is engaged in the sale of
perishable goods, particularly fruits and vegetables, to various groceries and supermarkets in Metro Manila with business addresses at 3922 Dangal St., Sta. Mesa, Manila and 1 P. Capalad St.,
Valenzuela City.

The case against YU stemmed from a preliminary investigation conducted by the BIR on his
alleged perpetration of tax evasion schemes.

Replies to Access Letters sent by investigators to YU’s customers â€" Alabang Supermarket
Corp., CitySuper Incorporated, DOLE Philippines, Inc., DSG Sons Group, Inc. (Gaisano), Grand Union Supermarket, Inc., Hi-Top Supermarket, Inc., Diamond Hotel Philippines, The Landmark, Inc., and Unimart, Inc. - disclosed that YU received income payments amounting to P174.32 million for taxable years 2009 to 2012.

Compared to his gross revenue declarations in his ITRs of P6.61 million in 2009, P4.14 million
in 2010, P19.57 million in 2011 and P14.0 million in 2012, he substantially underdeclared his
sales/income by P25.97 million or 393.02% in 2009, by P39.84 million or 962.96% in 2010, by
P31.20 million or 159.47% in 2011, and by P33.01 million or 235.79% in 2012.

As a consequence of his acts and omissions, YU was assessed an aggregate deficiency
income tax liability for taxable years 2009 to 2012 in the amount of P82.40 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down as follows: 2009 - P19.01 million; 2010 - P26.68 million; 2011 - P18.83 million; and 2012 - P17.88 million.

The case against ALEJANDRINO VALENCIA YU is the 205th filed under the Run After Tax
Evaders (RATE) program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares.
(reytdlc)

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Poetry in Motion gipasundayag sa Cultural Center for Children

SURIGAO CITY, Nov. 1, 2011 (PIA) -â€" Mabulukong gipasundayag ang Poetry in Motion niadtong miaging semana, Oktubre 27, 2011 didto sa Cultural Center for Children isip pagsaulog sa National Children’s Month uban sa temang “Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), Para Bright Child: Pakilusin, Palakasin, Pagtulungan Natin.”

Ang maong pasundayag gitambongan ni Governor Sol Matugas, BM Myrna Romarate, Mamerto Galanida, Dr. Fidela Rosas, Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero, mga district supervisors ug mga magtutudlo sa Surigao City ug Surigao del Norte division.

Ang maong kalihukan gimugna sa probinsya nga gipangulohan ni Governor Sol Matugas pinaagi sa Provincial Local School Board sa pagpangulo ni Ma. Andrea Mijares, mga consultants nga sila Nene Montinola ug Ellen Amores ug sa pag-abag sa Department of Education sa Surigao City ug Surigao del Norte.

Malipayon ug mapasalamaton kaayo si Governor Matugas nga namugna ang maong kalihukan aron maipakita ug mahasa ang mga talent sa mga kabataan kay sila man ang ugma sa atong probinsya.
Gipamahayag ni Goberbador Matugas nga ang tumong ug tuyo sa paghimo og Cutltural Center for Children mao ang pag-umol ug paghasa sa nagkadaiyang mga gasa ug talent sa mga kabataan sa Surigao. Dugang pa niya, kinahanglan nga mapadak-an pa ang maong lugar aron gayod mamaayo ang pagpasundayag sa mga kalihukan og maka cater pa sa mas nako nga manan-away. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Bohol’s first solar power plant is country’s biggest
By Ven rebo Arigo
Published September 29, 2013 (The Bohol Standard)

Bohol’s sustainable development is legging up for a phenomenal leap with the province soon having its first 10-megawatt solar power plant which gets inexhaustible energy from the eternal sun.

Most ideal and practical amidst global warming, the eco-friendly alternative power facility that will be constructed in Nueva Esperanza, Bien Unido is only the third and so far the biggest of its kind in the country, if not entire Southeast Asia.

Gov. Edgar Chatto cited the Bohol II Electric Cooperative (Boheco II) and its Japanese partners for the pioneering generation of solar electricity that helps pursue the province’s renewable energy development thrust.

Boheco II General Manager Carlos Itable, Hirohito Muneta of the project proponent and technology provider Japan Energy Corporation - SGY Intertrade, capitol executive assistant Isabelito Tongco representing the governor, and Mayor Niño Rey Boniel led in the groundbreaking and time capsule laying in Bien Unido on Tuesday.

The Japanese proponent said the project will “open the gate for Bohol’s new hope for a good union with the world” that seeks “greener” ways to nurture economic prosperity and better condition of human living.

The barangay location of the solar power plant, Nueva Esperanza, means “new hope.” Bien Unido means “good union.”

In the groundbreaking, Itable also acknowledged a Malaysian supporter of the venture to build the unprecedented boundless energy creator infrastructure in this part of the country which a source said could cost $45 million or P1.9 buillion.

The country’s two other photovoltaic solar power plants are the already operational 1MW plant in Cagayan de Oro City and 5MW facility in Surallah town, South Cotabato. Both are also grid-connected.

The Cotabato facility is set for construction starting this month and slated to go on stream early next year, according to a report.

The power plant which will rise on an openly sun-exposed 24-hectare site in northeastern Bohol is further designed to have a battery storage and be also the first of its kind in the country to supply 24-hour, day-night solar electricity.

The Japan Solar Co., Ltd. and Sumimoto Electric Industries are likewise listed as project technology providers.

With its renewable energy incentive program spurring many photovoltaic farms, Japan, itself known as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is believed to become the world’s leading solar energy market eclipsing China and Germany.

Once construction is started, the Bohol solar power plant will be completed and operational next year, generating not just a dramatic additional amount of electricity but more potential investments in the island-province.

Speaking for the governor, Tongco cited in the groundbreaking the rise of the new Bohol airport in Panglao as one forthcoming mighty development that consumes a lot of electricity and spur investments that demand more, sure power.

Before the groundbreaking, Itable and the Japanese group led by Muneta met with Chatto at the Governor’s Mansion on September 21, on which date the project partnership was formalized in a memorandum of agreement.

By sheer coincidence, Bohol island experienced a 12-hour blackout on the same day owing to the preventive maintenance shutdown of the system that brings power from the Leyte geothermal source to Bohol thru submarine cables.

The groundbreaking was witnessed by other BOHECO II officials led by their board president, Mariano Salas, while Second Dist. Rep. Aristotle Aumentado was represented by his top staff Donglie Camacho.

WHY COME TO
THE AGE OF SUN?
Itable said Bohol must now precisely come to the age of solar power as an alternative energy because additional submarine power cable connection is not even an ultimate solution to unstable, insufficient electric supply.

In an executive committee meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC), a Korean investor presented a potential partnership for another solar energy development project.

At present, Bohol island has a peak demand of 65 megawatts while the diesel-fired power plant in Tagbilaran City and the lesser-capacity hydropower plants in Hanopol (Balilihan) and Loboc have only a combined output of 19 megawatts, according to the Boheco official.

Bohol thus “imports” electricity from the geothermal source in Tongonan, Leyte for the 49 megawatts shortfall.

Complicating the prevailing power supply want is the increase in Bohol’s electricity demand conservatively estimated between seven and 10 megawatts annually.

Sunshine is so abundant in Bohol and mass storage of solar energy for abundant electricity is the kind of base load plant practically needed here, especially that the province puts uncompromising premium on sustainable development, Itable said.

Project proponents and technology providers cited other advantages of tapping solar energy for abundant, eco-friendly and even economical electricity to fire up and sustain progress.

Renewable solar energy brings about significant factor in the reduction of household electric bills.

Bohol had then recorded a “first” in sun energy use for electricity several years ago when the national high school on Cabilao island in Loon established the country’s first solar-powered computer laboratory and internet café.

The school was among those on many islands assisted by Chatto while he was a congressman.

The crash of a Germanwings plane last week and the news that its co-pilot had been treated for depression and suicidal tendencies raise questions about how to keep pilots with mental health problems from possibly putting passengers at risk. One step is broadly adopting recommendations an aerospace medical group made in 2012, after a JetBlue pilot suffered an apparent mental breakdown during a flight.

The Aerospace Medical Association released a report recommending that depression and substance abuse screening be added to health examinations for pilots. The report also said that employee assistance programs in which pilots could discuss mental health issues without fear of reprisal made them more likely to come forward.

Pilot health screenings in the United States and in Europe still typically focus on physical ailments, according to a report in The Times. Pilots are expected to tell their employers if they think they have a health problem that could hamper their ability to fly. But those suffering from mental illness are often reluctant to talk about their conditions because they worry about being fired.

For a different model, airlines might look to the medical profession. Physician health programs, which exist in 47 states, perform assessments and offer screening for doctors dealing with conditions like mental illness and addiction. Doctors can contact these programs themselves, but colleagues may also refer a doctor if they are concerned about his or her performance. The programs assess whether a doctor’s condition poses an on-the-job threat and what treatment, if any, is needed.

Some doctors are monitored for months or even years after their initial referral. Some are judged unfit to continue practicing. But making clear that treatment options are available, and that entering treatment need not necessarily end a career, encourages doctors to get help before their illnesses become so severe they can no longer work.

The Allied Pilots Association, the pilots’ union for American Airlines, instituted a program in 2011 that allows pilots to seek help. At a 2014 conference, the president of the Aerospace Medical Association noted that this program had led to a significant increase in the number of pilots reporting their mental health issues and receiving assistance. A systematic process within the whole airline industry to provide mental health assessments and help pilots get treatment is not too much to ask. (New York Times/The Editorial Board)

Obama raps Beijing over territorial claim in S. China Sea

PANAMA CITY, April 11 (PNA/Kyodo) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has criticized China for its activities in the South China Sea to claim a number of disputed islands by using force, drawing sharp reaction from Beijing.

"We think this can be solved diplomatically, but just because the Philippines or Vietnam are not as large as China doesn't mean that they can just be elbowed aside," Obama told a town-hall meeting with citizens in Jamaica on Thursday.

Obama said his administration is "concerned" with China as it is "not necessarily abiding by international norms and rules and is using its size and muscle to force countries into subordinate positions." (PNA/Kyodo)

Malaysians post 27.24% growth in PHL tourism arrivals in 2014

Malaysian tourists are looking at the Philippines more and more as favorite travel destination as it posted the highest growth in the country’s tourism arrivals in 2014 at 27.24 percent for the year, according to data from the Philippine Department of Tourism.

With 139,245 arrivals, Malaysia became the Philippines’ ninth largest tourist market for 2014, and it is also the third straight year that tourist arrivals from the country breached the 100,000 mark.

On the other hand, the Philippines is also an important tourism market for Malaysia, as it is the seventh major tourist market for the country, with 513,313 Filipinos visiting Malaysia last year.

“Malaysians are increasingly considering the Philippines as a preferred option for their vacations, thanks to the pro-active tourism campaigns undertaken by the Philippines in line with Visit Philippines Year 2015 (VPY 2015).

"It is complemented by increasing air travel connectivity between the Philippines and Malaysia and positive word-of-mouth in social media about the beauty of our destinations and the graciousness and hospitality of our people,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said.

“We are looking forward to seeing more Malaysians visiting the country, as the VPY 2015 campaign ramps up and the country hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings.

"The Embassy is also doing its part to bring in more Malaysian tourists to the Philippines as we undertake the second edition of the Ambassador’s Tour to the Philippines, specifically to Cebu and Bohol, on May 2 to 5,” he added.

“We are pleased to see a robust two-way flow in tourist exchanges, as people-to-people engagements and understanding serve as the best platform for stable, mutually beneficial relations,” Ambassador Malaya noted.

In 2014, Korea remained as the country’s leading source market with 1,175,472 arrivals, followed by the United States (722,750), Japan (463,744), China (394,951) and Australia (224,784).

Rounding up the top 10 were Singapore (179,099 arrivals), Canada (143,899), Taiwan (142,973), and the United Kingdom (133,665).

For January 2015, Malaysian tourist arrivals continues its upward trajectory as it posted the highest growth year-on-year at grew by 40.92 percent from previous year’s numbers, at 12,256 arrivals, compared to 8,697 arrivals during the same period last year. The country is also the eighth highest source of tourists for the same period.

Korea maintained its position as the leading source market for the country with 147,163 visitors, followed by the United States with 76,896 arrivals, Japan with 38,190 visitors, Australia with 23,281 arrivals and China with 21,164 visitors.

Other major tourism markets for January 2015 were Canada (17,922 arrivals), Singapore (12,995 arrivals), United Kingdom (11,967 arrivals), and Taiwan (11,804 arrivals).(PNA)

National gov’t supports tourism in Puerto Princesa
By Celeste Anna R. Formoso

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - The national government is fully supportive of the development of the tourism industry in this city with PHP2.613-million it allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of the Puerto Princesa City Airport.

In a release through the City Information Office (CIO), the city government said the upcoming project will further enliven the tourism industry, as well as provide 1,400 employment opportunities to the locals.

Considered a “Gateway to Asia,” regular flights from Taiwan now arrive weekly here, with 156 travelers, who stay for three days to visit Honda Bay Islands and the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The statement said that aside from the airport construction and rehabilitation, the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) under Chief Executive Officer Mark Lapid, has also allotted PHP15-million for the engineering design of a modern Sabang Terminal in Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, the home of the PPUR.

The new terminal, according to Mayor Lucilo Bayron, is expected to open up opportunities for smaller cruise ships to come to Palawan waters and invest in the Puerto Princesa-El Nido-Coron and vice versa travel route.

The statement further claimed that the national government’s support extends too, to the improvement of the Puerto Princesa City Port with the Department of Tourism (DOT) closely cooperating with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for cruise ship tourism.

It quoted DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. in saying that for port improvement, Puerto Princesa was included with those of Manila, Subic, Boracay, Davao, Bohol, Ceby and Zamboanga, which are tourism site gems in the country.

“The airport upgrading and improvements must likewise, come hand-in-hand with seaport development,” the statement quoted of Bengzon.

The plan is by virtue of increasing tourist arrivals in the country via cruise ships that reached 52,820 in 2014 compared to 41,624 in 2013, and 23,857 in 2012.

For the first time in the history of tourism here, the city government said cruise ship arrival was the highest this year with 12 more expected until March, and will even increase to 15 before the year ends. (PNA)

well-trained by the gangsters.

Why You Are Not a Millionaire
By LUCAS M. THOMAS
The 7 Skills You Need to Pick Up to be Successful.
There are many skills in the world that you can learn to be successful.
They can be anything from speaking and writing to leadership and strategy. But when you boil them down.
There are 7 that are more important than all others.
They are fundamental because they entail both maintaining and maximizing the mind and body. And creating abilities you can leverage to be successful.
Now let's be off.
#1: Habit Formation and Alteration - One skill that you need to develop is to form new habits and alter your old habits.
This is fundamental to all others on the list because you need to be able to master the art of habit formation and alteration. Because without it, it will be very difficult to understand the process of building the others on the list. With habit formation, you are building new habits. New habits that allow you to develop yourself, your skills, and abilities.
By altering your habits, you take old habits, find their root cause, and change the end result.
#2: Pet Projects (Skill Development) - Pet Projects are Goal-Oriented Projects you do out of school and work that help hone a skill you want. Such as build a business you want, or do anything you want really as long as it fits your long-term goals.
You need to pick up Pet Projects because they keep you competitive in the job market by boosting your capabilities out of work. (Getting certified at a skill). It can allow you to quit your day-job and do what always interested you, full-time, if they become successful enough. It keeps you happy because you have something that is completely yours. Making it your baby.
#3: Basic Understanding of Systems:
To be successful, you have to be able to process information quickly and apply it over many different situations. This doesn't mean you can't change how the system works, but you have to keep your eye out for the general systems of things.
As any world with rules or physical laws, a system develops within those constraints.
And the system that develops follows the same fundamentals between them all.
That means that any organization, from governments to business, ultimately develop similar fundamental systems, and if you understand those fundamental systems, you can quickly understand how to work within them or even exploit them.
Below is the fundamentals of how a system works:
• What gets put into the system -
o Inputs: Money, Resources, Time
• What happens to Inputs in the System
o Activity Area: Processes, Methods, Formulas on Inputs
• What is produced by the System to include bad and good
o Good Outputs: Products, Experience, Education
o Bad Outputs: Pollution, Animosity, less-than-stellar results
A quick example:
Your BANK ACCOUNT is a system.
It's a system that holds your money and dictates what you can and cannot afford.
o Income is your Inputs into the system from working, owning, and as well as others.
o The Bank Account is the Activity Area where you can move and hold your money while it gains interest. (Formula)
o And Outputs is spending from your bank account.

This is a fairly simple system, but can create dire consequences if you don't understand it. ... Because if your Income (Inputs) is less than your Spending (Outputs) than you will find yourself in trouble when the bills come. This general systems theory can be applied to everything, as everything follows these fundamentals of systems. Because our world follows physical laws and rules that ensure fundamental systems exist.
Another quick example:
The Human Body is even a System.
The Human Body has Inputs (Food and Water).
The Human Body has many, many processes, methods, and formulas. (Digestive system, Respiratory System, Nerve System, etc., etc., etc... )
The Human Body even has Outputs (Excrement and Waste).
And it follows the same rules of the BANK ACCOUNT.
The difference here is that if your Inputs outweigh your outputs, than you will find yourself in trouble.

o Input of Too Much Smoking and Drinking - Your Internal Organs will deteriorate
o Input of Too Much Food - your body will overreact to excess food, leading to weight gain, and deteriorate over time
o Input of Bad Food - like using bad oil in an engine, it will run, but it will run inefficiently and eventually break down. Just like your body.
o Effecting your:
- Brain Cognizance (Brain Function)
- Motor Functions
- And More
Lack of Outputs can be just as bad as too many inputs as the system still overloads if there is too many inputs and not enough outputs.
For Example:
o Output of No Exercise - leads to being unhealthy as the body cannot effectively regulate itself (Weight Gain, Body and Brain Deterioration, and more)
o Output of Not Using your Brain
o Not challenging or doing repetitive activities with your brain can lower your IQ
o Only putting your brain in Cognitive dissonance can you "age-proof" your brain and slow the onset of symptoms of brain aging, and can also help to keep your brain functioning at peak capacity.
Segueing perfectly into out next Fundamental...
#4: Healthy Lifestyle - Health directly translates in how well you can accomplish the other 6 on the list. Because without good health, your mind doesn't work as well, your body is sluggish. And both deteriorate at the rate at which you let them.
So if you let yourself go, your mind and body will follow.
Therefore, the way to success is...
a. Giving up Processed Foods - The Saying, "You are what you eat," is true. If you eat junk, you are junk. It's proven that if was touched by man. The more likely it is to break your body down, slow your functions, and ultimately end you.
b. Supplementing - The normal person's diet lacks much of what the human body needs. This is why it is important to ensure your body gets what it needs through supplementation
I. The key here is once again to stay away from processed items such as extracts, synthesized (Man-Made) supplements, and other unhealthy supplements that aren't can be laced with trace metals and other bad ingredients.
c. Picking up Exercising - Exercise is one of the best things you can do to improve your mind and body. Giving balance to your overall well-being.
I. Such as YOGA.
ii. And figuring out how to work out anywhere!
d. Create Cognizance Dissonance - Find ways to constantly engage your brain to build your brain powers
#5: Life Audits - Life Audits are important because they let you refocus on your life and reevaluate how it is going.
Letting you see if the actions and activities you're involved in is accomplishing your future.
A quick sample is:
I want to be successful in my company.
And I need to get a few certifications to do that.
Am I taking the certification classes in my spare time or am I watching television?
If you're watching TV, you're off the trail to your success.
As excessive television or any activity that is not benefiting you socially, economically, or financially is not helping you accomplish what you want.
And you need to get back by taking a few evening courses.
Because...
Is it worth it to you to watch 34 hours of television a week? (average for an American.)
#6: Time Management -
We live in a world of limited time, but infinite possibilities. Albeit we are slaves of time. It is very possible to master it and bend it to our will.
The key is to train yourself to use schedules, lists, and timers.
• The schedules tell you when to do things.
• The lists tell you what you're doing and how to do them.
• And the timer ensures your meeting your time requirements so you get done what you need when you need to.
In time, you will come to find you don't need the any of them and you can see your schedule, list, and timer inside your mind.
#7: Socializing Skills - Most of the time, it's not enough to just be good at what you do.
Most of the time it is only 50% of the battle.
Instead, most of the time it's all about how well you can get others to like you.
This is just the way it is.
So don't whine about it.
Revel in it.
Become what you're not as it's the fastest and easiest way to success.
Which brings up the question...
How does one learn to socialize?
Well considering I was born very shy and awkward. I was always afraid to talk to people.
And now I can talk to anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
And the only way I found to get good at it was...
• Become very thick-skinned
o Be able to take criticism, rejection, and outright aggression from others
• Become rubber skinned
o When need be, be able to turn the tables of the conversation upon those who are criticizing, rejecting, and being aggressive and reflect it to overcome their objections
• And ultimately practice.
o Learn how the art of conversation works. Because just like anything, all of them have the same essential pattern that can be followed. And what you say becomes less important to HOW you say it.
So You Want to be a Millionaire?
You must have noticed and realized that all of these fundamentals are internal.
Never mentioned was knowing the right people, having the right idea, or being in the right place.
Because they are all external factors.
External factors that you have no control of, which means they are based on luck and the twist of fate. Both of which I never put much faith or money behind.
Because to be successful, to be a millionaire, you have to understand the game you're playing, how to maximize your abilities and potential, and ensure to take care of what you do have, YOURSELF.
Everything else is luck of the draw.

Sundalo nga nalumos, nakit-an na

GENERAL SANTOS CITY- Milungtad pa og duha ka adlaw una nakit-an ang patay’ng lawas ni Private Marlon Tolentino sa 2nd Field Artillery Battalion Philippine Army nga nakabase sa Purok Asinan, Buayan ning dakbayan.

Ang biktima gituohang nalumos dihang naligo sa Minanga Beach sa maong lugar niadtong Dominggo, pasado alas-2:00 sa hapon samtang kagahapon nakit-an kini ni Judy Jubeto kauban sa iyang anak nga naglutaw dili layo sa iyang giliguan pasado alas-5:30 sa buntag.

Matud ni Captain Cipriano Aranas, tigpamaba sa 2nd Field Artillery Battalion nga ilang ipadala ang patay’ng lawas sa maong sundalo sa Pangasinan City tungod taga-didto kini.

Samtang, gipaniguro usab sa Scene of Crime Operatives kun SOCO nga walay foul play ang kamatayon sa biktima.

Dili pud lalim nga isalikway ug biyaan nga mag-inusara nalang sa payag. Hayyy, kamingaw na sa payag.

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dili lang lili, huling pud, GEC. welcome home.

hala, nabanhaw si GEC. welcome home, GEC348. ari na ta magtambay.

Hard work pays.

what a beautiful contrast. bugsay, apply na sa pagkabasurero.

Lalaki naghikog-patay human namabdos ang hinigugma

CEBU CITY-Naghikog-patay ang usa ka lalaki human namabdos ang iyang hinigugma sa Barangay Colawin lungsod sa Argao, Cebu.

Giila ang namatay nga si Marvin Albarracin, 21.

Sa imbestigasyon sa Argao Police, nahadlok ang biktima sa dihang nasuta nga namabdos ang girlfriend niini.

Nakit-an nalang iyang ginikanan si Albarracin nga nagbitay sa puno-an sa kahoy gamit ang pisi. (Brigada Jovelyn Satinitigan)

WANTED: JUAN DELA CRUZ
By Yes Tirol Dumagan
First Published by The Bohol Standard on Sept. 3, 2006

This is another story with a familiar plot yet rarely told â€" for the very reason of triviality despite its apparent evidence in our society today. This, the very manifestation of the clear boundaries between the rich few and the many poor, is what I call an irrevocable pain, unless challenged by the deprived, underprivileged majority. Of what reasons these obvious class identities exist here in our country, that’s for us to find out. Of why it has proliferated severely, that’s for us to delve deeper.

When I said irrevocable pain, I refer to it as a bitter acceptance of the undeniable fact. The fact that we belong to a society where all institutions are controlled by ruling elites. Where all forms of development are determined by these elites, may it be in our government institutions, in our economy, technology, education, even religion and mass media â€" though there are always exemptions to the rule.

A one Juan dela Cruz cannot just run for politics because definitely he cannot just defeat Gloria or whoever influential now in our Philippine politics. For one, more than his remarkable credentials, if he doesn’t have that one big factor, that is, if he doesn’t have funds to support his candidacy, then, obviously he has no place in our politics. Another reason, if that Juan dela Cruz is deeply imbibed with his genuine and valued principles, then he might not be able to reach his political aspirations. Now what am I saying? The fact that this is happening right now in our society is an excruciating idea. But it doesn’t of course mean that this awful idea is irreparable. We can always break this notion. If only we all want to. One Juan dela Cruz is qualified to run for a seat in our government. He has noble ideas, sure. But if he’d work by himself, then expect that worst situations continue. But if given that all will be inspired to challenge and change the perspective of politicking in our country, then even without adopting a new system of government in our country today, we can definitely achieve the one true hope of each Filipino, a better Philippines.

I said irrevocable pain because I always hate the notion that all good citizens in our country has turned evil. The idealisms of these ones good had changed by the influence carried by the scornful Gloria and her alter egos. And what’s irritating is the fact that all these “great men” are playing fool around themselves. They exchange and re-shuffle power and position from time to time and that’s what they do all the time. That’s how they do it to maintain their power and influence and pride. I would say that our society is unfair, yes. The status quo is that we have these few elites, “organized minority” bound by one principle that is, domination over their areas. And at the same time, we have this “unorganized majority”, the working class, the poor, who, at any rate, don’t even bother to question such horrible setting. That’s why the rich gets richer everyday and the poor gets poorer. But this doesn’t lead to the idea of giving up and surrendering to this very concept. What we therefore need is not to accept whatever is fed to us by these corrupt influential people who don’t have other goals but personal. We therefore need people like the kind of Juan dela Cruz as I describe it above, who, even with a terrible political situation in our country, still pursue its plan to serve for the nation’s interest. We therefore need someone who feels to the people’s needs and interests. We therefore need one Juan dela Cruz who will lead us to progress…and definitely it’s not Gloria. Never was, never is and never will be.

Coco cures
By Paul Borja
First Published by The Bohol Standard, Sept. 3, 2006
(Part 2)

In his book “The Truth About Coconut Oil: The Drugstore in a Bottle,” Dr. Conrado S. Dayrit explains that attacks by American food oil industry against coconut oil are based on a number of claims, all of which have been proven false by scientific and medical researches. Among these claims: coconut oil is rich in cholesterol (truth: it has no cholesterol); coco oil is like animal fats â€" saturated (truth: both are indeed saturated but unlike animal fats, which have long chain fatty acids (LCFA), coco oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), which actually possess important nutritional and medical applications); coco oil increases cholesterol levels and causes heart disease (truth: people who consume large amounts of coco oil, such as Polynesians, Sri Lankans, Indians, and Bicolanos, have generally low levels of cholesterol and rarely develop heart diseases); and, polyunsaturated fats, e.g., soya and corn oil, are the safest and the best (truth: polyunsaturated oils are the sources of inflammatory prostaglandins, allergic leukotrienes, and blood clot inducing thrombaxane, among other unhealthy compounds).

In short, enemies of coco oil have relied on falsehoods to try to destroy an industry that has provided food, livelihood and other necessities to millions of people in the Philippines and across the world for generations. Although it is strictly speaking not a tree, the coconut is often termed “the tree of life,” for its many wonderful uses, from the roots to the trunk, and from the nuts to the leaves. One can’t find a more useful “tree” than the coconut.

At home, we have tried VCO, with very good results, on a number of ailments and conditions such as coughs and colds, sinusitis, skin rashes, acne, canker sores, mosquito bites, among others. Applied on the face, VCO relaxes and soothes the facial muscles with its warming effect while improving skin tone. Daily doses of VCO are a good health maintainer and food supplement as well.

Dr. Dayrit has listed down many beneficial effects and good qualities of VCO: it provides energy quickly and for many hours; it does not cause and instead reduces obesity; it improves digestion and nutrient absorption as well as regulates bowel movement; it kills certain viruses, bacteria and fungi; it boosts immunity to cancer; it is anti-inflammatory in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; it is effective against skin diseases when locally applied; it moisturizes the skin and relieves itching and chafing; and it is resistant to oxidation and has the longest shelf life of all oils.

The secret behind VCOs curative powers is the MCFA, which is easily digested and absorbed by the body and more quickly metabolized into energy compared to the LCFA. Dr. Dayrit has called coconut oil a functional food for aside from providing energy, nutrition and health, it can prevent infections, boosts immunity, reverse disease states and cure many types of illnesses. But because coconut oil can effect so many cures, Dayrit thinks that the name “drugstore in a bottle” is most apt.

In his book, Dr. Dayrit cites many cases of cures brought about by VCO but he thinks that more instances of successful treatment of different ailments using VCO are waiting to be documented and reported. Indeed, from history and tradition, the coconut has been so much part of the life of our ancestors and forebears. However, our desire to adopt to so-called “modern” ways of life have pulled us far from our roots that we have almost forgotten the coconut’s essential role in our culture and economy over generations. As the story of coconut oil’s “death and resurrection” suggests, sometimes the more things change, the more they remain the same.

Bangs in Banks
By Atty Check Baluma
First Published by The Bohol Standard, Sept. 3, 2006

Dear fellow Boholanos, how do you choose your bank?

Of course, its general standing in the banking community, whether it is No. 1 in liquidity of assets, a minimum of liabilities, its performance report which is periodically reported, if you can have a grasp and can understand, unless financially massaged counts.

But, just to be practical how to make a choice for your bank, what will you consider?

When the manager or any of its top-ranking official gambles, a regular icon in the cockpit, certified habitué in the mahjong joints, a daily double player in the mid-day and evening Lotto game, beware!

When the manager or his/her subordinates is in the vicious circle- a womanizer, one-lady with good manners but with bad habits, a flirt to the machos, or in a macho to macho matching sidestrips, beware!

When the manager or any of its top-rank employees himself is in the money market, is in the lending business through a dummy or has an extra-business in addition to his bank employment, beware!

When the manager or his/her subordinates flashes the latest models of the vehicles, the fashion jewelries, the sporty vehicles, has that palatial homes or mansions, beware!

When the manager or any of his/her staff does frequent travels abroad, the vacation trips, beware!

If the public can demand from government officials a lifestyle check, the bank depositors are also entitled to a lifestyle check on the bankers.

There ought to be a pubic disclosure of financial statements, assets and liabilities of bankers. Who knows that the latest van acquired by a top-rank official of your bank is from you, the depositor’s money deposited in the bank?

It might be an exaggeration to claim that a bank manager receives something like P75,000 to P100,000 monthly net pay. If the guess is right, well and good. But how about the middle managers, the rank and file? It could be around P30,000 to P50,000 a month. If the guess is still right, still well and good! But what is the monthly pay with the corresponding vanity and standards to cope to look and feel like one who is a banker? For all you know, our friends in the banking circles may pardon us, the tellers of banks in Makati, Quezon City and in Metro Manila doubles as escorts for Mr. Big Shot, Mr. Big Time Mr. DOM if not are also guest relations ornaments (GRO’s) during the night, the men tellers are also in gay bars, macho clubs waiting for the lousy, old merry widows and femme fatale of yesteryears! The situation only illustrates one thing that in the banking community, the pay has to be augmented just like our OCW nurses in the United States who work in more than one hospitals to earn more.

Can a depositor demand from a bank damages he suffers from the actuations, acts of negligence of its agents?

The banks are engaged in a business impressed with public interest and it is its duty to protect in return its many clients and depositors who transact business with it. Whatever rhetorics bank management may interpose, it cannot validly extricate itself from the wrongdoings of the men the management has employed to transact with its clients.

Banks are liable to third persons where the representation is made in the course of its business by an agent acting within the general scope of his authority even though the agent is secretly abusing his authority and attempting to perpetuate a fraud or has defrauded bank clients or some other persons for his own personal benefit.

The banking business does not begin and end with it receiving the deposit, granting interests to the money deposited and allowing the withdrawals from the deposits of its clients. The public interest it has vowed to keep are stated in no mean terms in its purposes and objectives, in its articles of incorporation. Banking institutions has the obligation to see to it that all funds invested with it are properly accounted for and duly recorded in its ledgers. A bank is liable for the wrongful acts of its officers done in the interests of the bank or in the course of the dealings of its personnel in the discharge of their banking duties. A depositor must be on watch of entries in the passbook which are not in its computers. A typewritten entry in the passbooks are suspicious.

When your bank had caused you mental anguish, anxiety, moral shock, physical suffering, wounded feelings or similar injuries because the money you entrusted to it, your hard earned money dwindled even you have not done any transaction to cause such diminishing effect, then as a depositor, one has the right of action. The degree of diligence required from banking institutions is more than that of a good father of a family. The fiduciary nature of the relation between a bank and its depositors require the banks its bounden duty to treat the accounts of its clients with its highest degree of care. Any bank short of this duty, its banking days become numbered. Shortly, the depositors will run to the bank, withdraw their deposits, close their accounts, create a bank run and cause a bank holiday. Whether a depositor’s account consists only of a few hundred pesos or of million pesos, the depositors expect the banks and the bankers to be men of trust and honesty and not demi-gods, treating the depositors and their money deposits with fidelity, with meticulous care. Short of this, the depositors can run, depositors run to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas which is charged with the supervision over the operations of banks and exercise over them their regulatory powers. Mr. Depositors, is it Run Samson Run?

Uniquely Filipino
By Atty Gee Biliran
First Published by The Bohol Standard on Sept 3, 2006

When I attended an international human rights seminar in Hawaii in the year 2000, the participants who had never been to the Philippines were shocked to know that Filipinos speak different regional languages. I was the only Filipino delegate then and I had the monopoly (and the challenge) of sharing with them the unique qualities of the Philippines and its people. As simply as possible, I explained to them that owing to our country’s being an archipelago or a group of islands, each region has its own peculiar language, culture and trait (according to language experts and sociologists, what we call “dialects” are actually “languages” because they are independent of each other).

I explained to the awe-struck participants that we have as many languages are there are regions â€" we have the Cebuano language, the Tagalog language, the Waray language, the Ilocano language, etc…. I further arduously elucidated that we have a supposedly common “Filipino” language formally taught in school, which is the Tagalog language adulterated with the English language (or is it the other way around?) â€" but which is actually not the most widely spoken language in the country.

I had the time of my life as I told them that I was a linguist because I spoke Cebuano, Tagalog, “Filipino”, and English.

They found it incomprehensible that while I spoke Cebuano, I neither understood nor spoke the other regional languages, and for me to communicate to a Filipino of another region, we would have to speak Tagalog or English for us to understand each other, the latter being preferred.

What else is uniquely Filipino?

One time, my family was watching a Filipino movie with a foreign visitor. I remember it was the scene of the young Gretchen Baretto crying over a dying person. Expecting to hear the moviegoers’ sniffle, the foreigner was shocked to hear their laughter instead. We had to explain to him that as a coping mechanism, Filipinos tend to cover up an embarrassment or sadness by laughing. That is why we rarely have suicides or serial killings, we proudly pointed out. Or perhaps, I later wondered, had it something to do with the lack of acting prowess of the supposed actress?

Filipinos are also hospitable to a fault wherever they are in the globe. Don’t we offer the best bedroom to our visitors, even if it means having to sleep on the sofa?

When I attended a human rights seminar in Strasbourg, France in 2002, I extended my stay and was privileged to spend a week with a Filipina/Ilongga named Jeanette, her French husband Jeanne Marie Haberkorn and son Kevin. Much to my embarrassment, Jeanette insisted that I sleep in the master’s bedroom, while she slept in her son’s room and her good husband, in the sala!

Boholanos are no exception. Carving our own place in history, we proudly lay our claim to the first international treaty, the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Legaspi. The boost in our tourism is attributable not only to our rich natural resources but also to the hospitality of the Boholanos. Thus, we attract local and foreign tourists, some of whom even decide to live here permanently.

Such decision is highly welcome to our government because it could easily be translated into more dollar earnings for our coffers. It is welcome to the local community because the slightest indication of affluence is claimed as reflective of the affluence of the community. It is welcome to the barangay officials because financial contributions for some projects are received now and then. It is welcome to parents because their children are invited to the new resident’s house and return home with food and money.

Anything that would threaten this comfortable arrangement is highly denounced, and the new resident is defended at all cost. Never mind if the new resident is an escaped convict. Never mind if the community’s children and women are abused. Never mind if the locals become second class citizens in their own land. What is important is that the dollars are coming in. Tourism always has its social costs, they would argue, and such costs, they are willing to take.

Sadly, we forget that we, too, had a Dagohoy. We forget that we fought the longest revolt in the country. We forget that we refused to surrender our identity, our integrity, our self-respect and our pride for thirty pieces of silver.

What has brought us to the level where we eat up our pride as fast as we eat up the apples and hamburgers brought by our children from the new resident’s house?

Why are we willing to throw our children into the lion’s den for some fleeting moment of gastronomic satisfaction which is inevitably convertible into mere organic matter?

Before it’s too late, let us look into ourselves and rethink where we are leading our children. What values are we teaching them? Is poverty an excuse for such a debasement? Why is it that before this new resident came, we were content with living simple lives? We fed our children with simple but nutritious food. We sent them to school. We taught them the value of work, honesty and self-respect. Where have all these values gone?

What has become of us? Can we still hold our head up and proudly declare that we are uniquely Filipino?

Debt Threats
First Published by The Bohol Standard, Sept. 3, 2006

Am really sorry for the mess-up last Sunday resulting to the deletion of the jump (continuation) of my column about the Fourth Angel.

Well anyway, it could be a blessing in disguise for in that missing part I had “exposed” the identity of the guy. He was literally saved by the bell.

But ironically, the blessing turned out, not for him but for me. He text after reading my incomplete column saying he was sure I was referring to him when in the first portion I stated “Pendejo ning atong amigo”.

Meaning he knows who he is. Smart jod!

His text said “suerte ka kay wa matiwas imong colum kay kon migawas pa ako ngalan natiwas na sad unta ka.”

That was a threat! The guy was indeed very angry and he meant what he said, “matiwas” as in “I’m finished!”

I really had sleepless night the past week. I angered a friend and he is threatening me.

When I told another friend about my threat, before I could finish my story he seriously admonished me “do peligro jod tinuod kay naay daghan Vigilantes ug mga hired killer karon.”

So I had to keep my mouth shut. I did not care to explain further.

What this other friend failed to understand was the threat is actually not about death or being assassinated. My biggest fear actually is: this Pendejo friend owns a lending firm. He sent me a Demand Letter the other day saying “Dili na ta amigo. Maningil nako sa imong utang nga dugay na kaayo.”

Wow “debt threat” diay!

* * * * *

Talking about threats, I was told I should indeed be careful these days.

Somebody told me Police Provincial Director Arturo Evangelista was “galit na galit sa akin” because of my banner stories in the newspaper about his impending relief.

I did receive a very threatening text from him!

If it was meant to scare me, he was wrong. He also blundered in using a cell number that was identified in my phonebook.

Maybe PD Evangelista forgot he gave me that “confidential number” of his.

What worries me, however, is the unfolding event that he might indeed be transferred outside Bohol.

If there is a hearing on his merits and performance, I would volunteer to be his counsel, pro bono. I will take the cudgels of defending this gentleman.

PD Evangelista is just about ten months in office and he isn’t Superman to be able to round off the bad guys in just a flip of his cape.

Nobody seems to have noticed that in his first six months (going to the 1st Quarter 2006) Evangelista made a remarkable performance of having the highest crime solution rate in the whole Central Visayas for that period.

Out of 898 cases, his command solved 833 of them as recorded in data from Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division (RIID-7).

It is unprecedented for someone very new since this is the first assignment for Evangelista as provincial commander being from the PNP Aviation Security Group before.

“Nasuko lang tingali ang mga mayor kay gi-kuwestiyon ang pag gamit nila sa intelligence fund.”

I think Evangelista has raised a question never asked before.

If he was probably given the support, he could have performed far well than what he had accomplished in that sterling 1st Quarter 2006 high crime solution rate.

Why don’t the mayors tell instead and make known to the public how they utilized these huge intelligence funds that are not even subjected to government auditing?

The people deserve to know for intel-funds are from people’s taxes, therefore public funds.

If mayors treat these intel-funds as “pocket monies”, then transferring Evangelista won’t make any difference!

Lesson for Today: Recite the Our Father everyday. “… Thy Will be done here on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

The Greatest Strength
By Atty Koykoy Lim
First Published by The Bohol Standard on Sept. 3, 2006

Media practitioners can now start seeing light after a long travail in a dark tunnel.

A House Bill, “predicted to lessen the use of libel suits to harass media by requiring charges to be filed at the regional trial court of the province or city where the journalist, publication or broadcast holds its principal office,” is already on its way to the Senate for deliberation.

For most of the people, this development may appear insignificant, but for us who are in the mission of exposing the workings of darkness so the light of truth can shine on our community, this report is a lovely respite.

Cebu Representative Raul Del Mar, who authored the bill, must be commended for his sensitivity to the plight of media practitioners.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed its elation over the passage of the bill.

IFJ has been alarmed over the skyrocketing number of defamation charges filed by public or private individuals against journalists so they keep their pen sleeping and their mouth shut.

In a statement, IFJ president Christopher Warren said that “criminal defamation charges are getting out of control in the Philippines.”

Aside from the fact that slaughtering of our comrades has been getting out of control, the other setback of being in the media, the possibility of being haunted by libel for life, has also gone haywire.

And for a democratic society like ours, this condition threatens our freedom of speech and it threatens the propagation of truth.

What a huge headache for a journalist or mediaman for that matter when he has to travel to a distant city just to answer a libel suit. With this bill filed by Del Mar, this travel requirement can now be eliminated.

However, Del Mar’s bill is not a guarantee that we mediamen have a perpetual rest from useless libel suits. Those who hate truth can still unleash their venom until a mediaman chokes to a deathly exhaustion of his profession.

Again, for most of the citizens of our country, they may not care of the implication of the rising number of libel cases against journalists and the ascending statistics of our comrades being sent to grave.

But let me tell you this, if our country becomes an inhabitable place for journalists, you will see our society getting worse and worse everyday.

You will see more blatant corruption in the bureaucracies. You will see more evils mutating from one form to another.

One reason why corruption is sometimes kept at bay is that those who perpetrate it are afraid of being put in bad light. Those who sponsor ghostly deals are still afraid of being exposed.

The media still has a considerable power to push back the spread of fraudulent acts.

We at the Bohol Standard are ready for anything. We do not know who may blink first and attempt to harass the ideals we believe in. We keep our commitment to our readers that we will only serve the truth and the public interest no matter what the cost is.

While we welcome Del Mar’s bill and appreciate his effort, we will exert our own efforts so that we can always serve the public even when we are challenged by libel or any form of harassment.

Having two lawyers in this paper may be a strength so that we can be shielded from the flying arrow of a libel suit but our greatest strength is found in our commitment to stick to truth.

Nothing else.

Our own Standard
By Atty Alexander "Aleckoy" Lim
Published on Sept 3, 2006 by the Bohol Standard

In this issue, the Bohol Standard is celebrating its second year of existence. It means that there are enough people who want it to live by patronizing it for the past two years. To all of them, we offer our gratitude from the bottom of our hearts.

The celebration is not exactly without its share of controversy. The reason of course is the claim being made by people who were once our friends. It is one thing to make a claim and another to prove it. The burden of proof now lies on them on how long they can pretend that they will not sink again like the first time.

Having said that, allow me to move on to more pleasant things. There have been enough blessings in the past two years to thank God for. They should not be forgotten because they are part of the history of the Standard and in our lives.

I remember the most important decision that we had to make during our maiden issue. The conflict in schedule prevented our Editor-in-Chief from being with the paper in its very first issue because he had to take the bar exams.

Koykoy insisted that we come out with the first issue even without him physically. He was proven right because the Standard has not missed a single issue since then and he passed the bar exam on his first try.

In the following year, his younger sister Alissa joined us in the roster of attorneys and the Trabajo-Lim Law Clinic when she passed the bar exam like her brother, on her first try.

Although there seems to be little connection between my children becoming full-fledge lawyers and the Standard’s first two years, we cannot prevent that. During this time, the Standard faced many challenges including the one I mentioned in passing earlier. The Standard has become the tool for people who were angry with me in connection with the legal assistance I provide as a lawyer.

I consider it a blessing in disguise because the Standard has managed to survive in spite of the many people working to put it down. We are aware of this so we are doing our best to stay afloat.

On the other hand, the Trabajo-Lim Law Clinic has also experienced a bumper year in the legal practice. The addition of two new, young and motivated partners has given us new energy to deal with the many cases that it is handling.

In spite of the available legal assistance, the Standard has not adopted a reckless type of reporting that would invite libel cases. This is not because we are afraid but because we try to be fair with people as much as possible.

We are trying to set our own Standard of reporting. It is an identity that we will try to preserve as the Standard prepares to face its third year of service to the Boholanos.

JOSE SIMPLICIO YAP ALBA
Young Film Director on the Rise
By Loy Palapos
First Published by The Bohol Tribune, September 3, 2006

A film director at twenty-four on two opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean, RD Alba is an epitome of the responsible youth, accomplished for his age, and full of promises. In a country where many artists gain recognition posthumously, and achievement is always associated with age, and the young is only expected to earn his laurels after roughing it up in the tumble of misses and frustrations, Director Alba has proven himself belonging to an elite breed of creative denizens imbued with a deep sense of dexterity in a field where the Darwinian survival of the fittest is the rule.

RD is derived from the first letters of parents Rey Alba and Disi Yap, both successful medical doctors by profession. Christened Jose Simplicio, his grandfather’s name. RD was born in Cebu City on September 4,1978. He is a product of the Bohol Wisdom School, where he was a constant participant in the school’s extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. It was during this phase in his life that he decided to be involved in film as a lifetime career.

When he was barely three years of age, he wanted to be a pilot, being deeply influenced by his granduncle, Captain Ruperto Luzon, the first Filipino test-pilot. At age seven he was gifted a Betamax movie camera, and this changed his world. During class breaks and weekends he would film a world of make-believe (Oscar awards night, lachrymal episodes, etc.) with members of the family as the cast. The camera became his closest friend as he recorded significant events in the life of their family. While everybody else was enjoying a birthday party, he was filming the event.

Today, even his siblings have grown up, but the Beta tapes are still there, reminders of a young lad and his characters now preparing their lives for the future. Lucy finished her Arts study at the University of the Philippines, had her internship at the Smithsonian Museum in Maryland, and is now an art connoisseur in the Museum of Portland, Oregon. Disi Rae finished the four-year pre-medicine at the University of Santo Tomas, and will soon graduate as a Doctor of Medicine at Southwestern University. Carlo Niño finished a computer course and will graduate with a Master’s degree at Informatics-Cebu. Julia May is on her last year in BS-Biology at Velez College and plans to have her regular Medicine at UST.

His mother sees in him “a very good son...honest, responsible, diligent...liwat sa papa.” Even when the entire family established residence for more than a year in the States, RD continued to make home movies with his American neighbors. It does not anymore come as a surprise that he has selected the movie realm as his world.

Right after graduation from his secondary course he went abroad and enrolled at the Jacksonville State University, in Alabama, USA where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree, major in Drama, and minor in English. Aware that his knowledge still left many things to be desired, he decided to widen his horizons and took up a Master's Degree in Fine Arts, major in Film Directing, in Los Angeles Film School, in Hollywood, California, USA.

It was in Hollywood where he came under the tutelage of brilliant and prominent mentors who have proven themselves the best in the field. Steven Spielberg, director of E. T., Schindler’s List, Jaws, Close Encounter of the Third Kind, and many other cinematic masterpieces gave him the rudiments of film direction. He learned from Wes Craven the nuances of horror films, exemplified by the box office success of Scream, Parts 1,2,3 and Nightmare on Elmo Street. He imbibed knowledge of cinematography from Januz Kaminski, the cinematographer of Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List. He learned much from the suspense-thrillers of Jon Amiel, director of Entrapment and Copycat. From Philip Noyce, who directed Clean and Present Danger, he developed further his adroitness in action scences. In comedy he derived his knowledge from Donald Petrie, responsible for megging Miss Congeniality, Grumpy Old Men, and Mystic Pizza. There were many more Hollywood film personalities from whom he absorbed nuggets of ideas which come in handy when he makes his own films.

In the year 2000 RD Alba became a legitimate part of American films. It was during this time when he conceptualized, wrote the script, and directed “Mourning Eve,” which became an official entry to the Los Angeles Film Festival. In the same year he directed “Lust,” a CineManila Entry, which won the Los Angeles Short Film Award. His giftedness behind the camera impressed his most astute film mentors.

Then came “Sabangga” in the year 2001, which garnered the Audience Award in the Vancouver Asian Festival 2001. The same film was also given the Swiss Asian Film Festival Award. It was a victory that proved further his great talent in film making.

Another international recognition followed. For his “Top Model,” made also in 2001, Director Alba won the Swiss Film Festival Award. That same year he was given the American Film Institute Recognition Award for “Nina.” The same body gave him another recognition later for his other directorial achievement, “Drive.”

RD Alba now resides in West Hollywood, California, but oftentimes fly home to nurture his roots. He produced “A World Without End,” which starred G Toengi and Joel Torre. A true Boholano blood, RD has been back and forth to Bohol and Los Angeles at least three times a year.

Filming has always been his passion since his younger years. RD Alba feels lucky to have been where he is at present, experiencing the best in Hollywood and giving back what he has learned to his homeland in terms of entertaining his fellow Filipinos.

Director RD Alba is the Assistant Director of “Reunion,” a comedy flick starring Cesar Montano and Giselle Sanchez which is now on its post-production stage after months of filming in Bohol. In this movie, Cesar Montano, recently awarded one of the Ten Outstanding Boholanos Around the World, plays the role of a tourist guide. RD is presently directing “Milyonaryong Mini” of ABS-CBN, which he also edits, and which will be shown this coming October.

For the first time in TV history, a Boholano was accorded recognition via the much acclaimed “Kapalaran,” aired over ABS-CBN National TV. It utilized local, national, and foreign talents. The best shots of the TV series showcased the incomparable scenes in Bohol, thereby enhancing the potentials of the province as the number one tourist destination. When the drama series reached the United States, it was viewed by the thousands of Filipinos from California to New York, making the Boholano extremely proud.

This could not have happened if not for a boy who dreamed big, not for his own sake, but for his nation. Youth has played a role to his advantage. He has still a long way to go and develop his skills. This young Boholano is a film maker on the rise. He is a son of the East, brought up in the West. RD Alba will soon prove that he has the best of both worlds in order to live up to his passion.

First Published on September 3, 2006

With this issue, the Bohol Standard celebrates its second year of existence as a community newspaper in the service of the Boholano community.

It may not mean much to those who cannot help but compare the Standard with those who came very much earlier. The comparison would be unfair because to do so would be like pitting an adult with a child. It is unfair to the child in the sense that it still has a lot to learn. It is also unfair to the adult that has proven a lot.

In its very brief existence, the Standard has faced challenges that other papers will never face. Challenges are normal events in the lives of people and organizations so they should not come as a surprise.

However, any challenge that comes from within is naturally disappointing and sad. A house divided in itself is not expected to stand long. The Standard would have preferred other challenges, but this is one challenge that has to be dealt with.

There are challenges on other fronts. We have been the butt of jokes, ridicules and insults. Of course, that is not entirely unexpected. Newcomers have to prove themselves to put that behind them.

The Standard however is proving that it intends to stay. Contrary to the belief of critics who thought it would fold up when confronted by problems, it has managed to survive.

It does not intend to compete with the older newspapers. That was clear since the start. The Standard only intends to present another view to readers in presenting the news and through the opinions of its writers. This is the reason why the Standard refuses to dignify quarrels and controversies, because it believes that there are enough existing conflicts.

Many people like to read and listen to gossip and conflict but the Standard tries to stay away from them. It is not for the trouble-makers and the quarrelsome because this would violate the Standard’s policy.

This policy has been noticed by many readers. A growing number of them go for the Standard because they do not want any more trouble and conflict. This is the path that the Standard would like to walk.

As it moves into its third year, the Standard continues to look forward. The challenges of the past should not prevent it from going forward. The lessons remain but they should not keep the paper from moving on.

In its search for its own place under the sun, the Standard needs all the patronage, encouragement and even criticism of the people who want it to grow. They are the reasons why the Standard is looking forward.

Killer of Bohol habal-habal driver now in hiding
published by The Bohol Standard, Sept 3 2006

A SUSPECT in at least two cases of killings could not be located anymore after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The police could no longer locate suspect Christopher Buslon, tagged as the killer in the death of habal-habal driver Nelson Pacatang whose body was found dumped at a grassy lot in Cabawan district this city, dawn of the Tagbilaran City fiesta May 1, 2006.

The search for him came after an arrest warrant was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 49 Judge Fernando Fuentes for the case of Complex Crime for Qualified Carnapping filed in court by the City Prosecutor’s Office last month.

A witness identified Buslon to be the person who hired Pacatang on the evening before the victim was found dead the next morning.

The same suspect is also facing another murder charge for the death of a farmer in Bicao, Carmen shot to death last month.

Witnesses positively identified Buslon as the assailant. The case is pending resolution at the Provincial Prosecution’s Office under Fiscal Eric Ucat.

The police unit in Pilar where the suspect’s address was indicated, the Bohol Provincial Intelligence and Investigation Division and the City Police are now coordinating for the speedy arrest of the suspect.

Bohol CIDG takes lead in drive against loose firearms
published by The Bohol Standard, Sept. 3, 2006

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group here are taking the lead against the proliferation of loose firearms.

CIDG head Insp Ricaredo Flores said his team would be conducting raids on identified holders of illegal firearms.

“The location and holders of these illegal firearms are now in our list and we only need the necessary search warrants from the court to conduct the raids,” he assured.

Loose firearms are traced as contributing factor to the numerous armed robberies hitting the province in the past months. Aside from robberies, shooting to death incidents also indicate the high number of firearms falling in the wrong hands, criminal investigators said.

Flores however urged the community to be vigilant and report any sighting or information of people holding these illegal firearms.

Positive results were made this week in the intensified campaign against loose firearms as police nabbed a habal-habal driver tucking in his waist a .357 Magnum revolver with live ammunitions in a checkpoint in Buenavista town.

Another police operation in Ubay the other day yielded firearms in a house earlier put under surveillance through the help of a vigilant community.

Forum ensures peace to reign in the land
published by The Bohol Standard, Sept. 3, 2006

WHILE cause-oriented and left-leaning groups elsewhere in the country fear for their lives with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s declaration of an all-out war against insurgents, leaders of such groups in Bohol are “textmates” with Col. Arthur Tabaquero, commander of the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Katipunan, Carmen town.

Tabaquero and the “marked” leaders exchanged cell phone numbers during a dialogue yesterday. Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak, chair of the Local Peace Forum here â€" one of only three in the country â€" and Gov. Erico Aumentado who is the co-chair convened the LPF, to address issues like peace talks and political killings. Tumulak is the military vicar and concurrently the administrator of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

Local Bayan Muna chair Victor Olayvar, Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon (Humabol) chair William Boybanting, Humabol chapter leaders Felipeneri Bejasa, Tomasa Santos and two others claim to be in a liquidation list allegedly drawn by the military.

Tabaquero categorically denied having such a list. To allay the fears of liquidation expressed by the peasant leaders, Aumentado and Tumulak suggested that they exchange numbers for the leaders to easily reach the top military commander here in case they notice suspicious persons shadowing or conducting surveillance on them.

The leaders claim that the “list” comes from the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) but Tabaquero said such list does not exist.

Finding the dialogue fruitful and beneficial, presiding officer Aumentado steered the LPF into passing a resolution urging the continuance of the stalled peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF), and to allow such talks in the local level.

To note, party leader Jose Ma. Sison now exiled in the Netherlands, and the hierarchy of the CPP-NDF and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) do not allow peace talks at the local level.

The LPF also passed a resolution urging the CPP-NPA-NDF to stop collecting revolutionary taxes.

Bohol peace program eyed for ‘bloodied’ Central Luzon
published by The Bohol Standard, Sept. 3, 2006

IT may be a tall order for former Bohol top military commander Brigadier General Juanito Gomez as he assumes the top post of the Central Luzon’s 7th Infantry Division (7th ID), but he has a silver bullet in his musket.

Soon to take over command of a land so bloodstained by accusations of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings formerly under controversial Major General Jovito Palparan, General Gomez earns the confidence of no less than Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz.

Gen. Gomez’s silver bullet for the insurgency infested Central Luzon is the same winning approach he did in Bohol, a province that was once considered a breeding ground for insurgents.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) here reported that the Gomez led military operations were credited for the disbandment of two of the four active New People’s Army fronts and the eventual evacuation of the rebel’s Central Visayas regional Party strategic base to Leyte.

When most images of military operations picture the gruesome deaths and bloody encounters, Bohol’s way is for peace, while putting the military in active civil military operations in focused areas in coordination with the famed convergence of all government resources, PPOC documents reveal.

In fact, Bohol story did not escape President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s attention when she mentioned Gen. Gomez counter insurgency innovation during her recent state of the nation address.

When he assumes post, Gen. Gomez would be taking over a command so differently situated from his successful campaign for peace. He would be dipped in a land so bloodstained with allegations of being under an iron fisted “butcher and executioner” a reference militant groups give to Palparan’s military counter-insurgency campaign.

But, according to newspaper reports, Defense Secretary Cruz Sec. Cruz wants the military in Central Luzon to project a new image to the public, the one success story in Bohol which he said should be a new government approach against insurgency.

Gomez assumption to the 7th ID starting September 11 when Palparan retires is the second time that the former Bohol general takes over Palparan’s command.

He took over Palparan’s 204th Infantry Brigade in Oriental Mindoro in 2002 until October 2003. Now Gen. Gomez also takes the reins from Palparan again, following a Palparan led massive counter-insurgency operations peaking in requiring for each one resident in Central Luzon to get a community tax certificate.

With the Bohol experience for Central Luzon, Secretary Cruz may again mean the Gomez’s approach through understanding and striking a deal towards a workable peace process. (rachiu/PIA)   

SP-VGO trains Bohol barangay legislators
Published by The Bohol Standard, Sept 3, 2006

Getting that big laugh over a seemingly funny barangay ordinance? Well, not in Bohol.

At least, when all of the barangay officials would have been equipped with the knowledge on barangay legislations, parliamentary and legislative work becomes easy job. Then the review of ordinances committees would have no reasons to laugh anymore,” says Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera.

The Office of the Vice Governor (VGO) and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here now embarks on a Training on Barangay Legislations, a critical move to give the barangay officials who are in the forefronts for government service the right tools, says Dioville Mar, of the Special Projects Unit (SPU).

With the barangay officials earnestly asking for help to be able to contribute to the general aim of helping the country cross the threshold of the first world, the SP Local Legislative Development Project now puts in a novel technology transfer scheme.

This would be on the most needed legislative processes, parliamentary procedures, drafting of resolutions and ordinances, research and data banking as well as codification, explains VGO Chief of Staff Anne Mariquit Oppus.

Implemented by a training team composed of SP and SPU staff funded by the VGO, the training was initially piloted in 8 towns here since 2004 and has now spread while equipping approximately 3,000 barangay officials in 17 towns, Mar said.

The one day course targets barangay captians, councilors, secretaries, Sangguniang Kabataan barangay chairs, SK councilors and secretaries, the Training on Barangay Legislations concept paper states. (rachiu/PIA)

PD Evangelista’s relief won’t end high crimes?
Published by The Bohol Standard Sept 3, 2006

EVEN if provincial police director SSupt Arturo Evangelista is relieved from his post, the high incidence of crime here won’t come to an end.

A town mayor who did not sign the petition of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP-Bohol Chapter) asking “to change the image and leadership of the Bohol police” said peace and order does not only rest in the hands of the police.

“If the present socio-economic crisis continue and people’s lives remain to be miserable, crimes against properties and killings will continue,” he said requesting anonymity.

He pointed to the real situation in many towns where people have no jobs, families barely eating twice a day, children not going to school and the reliance of many to games of chance like masiao-suertres.

“Robberies, killings (for hire) or violent incidents are indication of despair. Many Boholano actually feel their lives are not getting any better,” he added.

The same observation is reflected in the last poll survey of the Holy Name University Research Center saying many Boholanos still find little hope of a better life in the next few years.

Local support Local executives were reported to have resented an earlier comment from Evangelista questioning the use of the intelligence funds that is appropriated by LGUs annually.

The 45 mayors who signed the petition against Evangelista were believed doing it as their way of hitting back the police provincial director.

LMP-Bohol President Inabanga Mayor Roygie Jumamoy however said they actually do not mean to ask that Evangelista be relieved.

The mayors said they have full trust of Gov. Erico Aumentado who personally chose Evangelista as police provincial director and it is up to him to appraise the present situation of the high incidence of crime here.

Aumentado earlier said he does not believe local mayors are not supporting the police with their intelligence funds.

“I don’t agree to that,” he said when asked by some members of the media.

“Intelligence funds are not only for police operations support. These funds are also used for some other related programs including maintaining the activities and projects of the local peace and order councils in every municipality,” the governor explained.

Cover-up attempt on bank fraud draws flak!
Published on September 3, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

An attempt to silence circulated reports of a multi-million bank fraud happening here in the city instead took a backlash this week.

Depositors, hearing the report for the first time discussed over local radio DyRD demanded that such things should be made public to protect a Boholano community known to be thrift conscious, and are entrusting hard earned money to banks.

In an emergency closed-door meeting with Bohol Tri-Media Association president Peter Dejaresco held Tuesday at the JJ’s Seafoods this city, the Bohol Bankers Association requested that reports of the alleged multi-million bank fraud should be treated with caution.

Deo Uy, Metro Bank manager and the association’s vice president for external affairs said in a radio interview that the meeting was spurred by ongoing rumors of such a scam hitting a bank here.

BBA President Marietta Gazatan (PS Bank manager) said there is no need to panic based on such reports since it only involved one bank and is an isolated case.

The association wanted the report frozen until facts are made available identifying which bank, what kind of ‘scam’ was utilized and who were behind these.

“Sensationalizing the issue may damage the banking industry here and would just create unwanted panic among depositors,” Uy said as he defended the association’s official position on the issue.

Radio callers demanded that if the association cannot name the bank, each of the bank members should issue a statement stating that their particular bank is not the one involved in the reported scam.

But the explanation did not hold water to the listening depositors and a radio caller volunteered the information on the involvement of the Bank of Commerce branch here located at the ground floor of the CAP Building along CPG Avenue.

Later in the day, at 5 pm. Bank of Commerce issued a press statement admitting that on one of their employees is being investigated resulting from a complaint of a depositor.

Bank fraud

In a check with the City Prosecutor’s Office, it was learned that a Bank of Commerce employee is facing two criminal charges; for Estafa and Falsification of private documents by a private individual.

The complaint was filed by May Ann Ramasola, daughter of Ric Ramasola, owners of the Ramasola Studio Original located along CPG Avenue this city.

It alleged that sometime in February this year, respondent bank employee offered them to transfer an account of Value Time Deposit to another banking package that yields a higher interest.

Complainant agreed to the transfer and trusting on the bank employee, she gave her bankbook and a blank withdrawal slip.

She learned later that an amount of more than P1-million was withdrawn from her account using a forged signature.

City Assistant Prosecutor Conrado Supremo has set the case for preliminary hearing on Sept. 11, 2006.

Bohol Island thrills ASEAN ministers

This year, the province of Bohol, particularly the beautiful island of Panglao, was privileged enough to be selected as the venue for this annual gathering of the Special Senior Officials Meeting of the 27th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF).

Most, if not all, of the ASEAN ministers wanted to extend their stay in the island as the aesthetic beauty and the warmth of the people thrilled them no end.

The gathering was held at the posh pavilion of the Bohol Beach Club in the tourist’ island of Panglao.

In his opening address, Gov. Erico B. Aumentado emphasized the importance of such an international gathering to Bohol’s booming agro-eco-tourism industry.

The governor led local officials in welcoming the delegates, which started arriving Tuesday, August 29 for the three-day gathering that lasted till Aug. 31, Thursday.

Philippine Secretary of Agriculture, Domingo F. Panganiban, delivered the keynote address.

In his message, the secretary emphasized the relevance of sustaining cooperation, convergence, and commitment of the 10-member nations of ASEAN in trying to achieve common development goals in the region on agriculture, trade and commerce.

He also mentioned that the Philippines will host and chair this year’s 12th ASEAN Summit in December with the theme “One Caring and Sharing Community.”

Delegates to this year’s meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials to the AMAF were headed by Dato Haji Mohd Hamid Bin Haji Mohd Jaafar of the country of Brunei Darussalam, Mr. San Vanty of Cambodia, Dr. Hasanuddin Ibrahim of Indonesia, Mr. Xaypladeth Choulamany of Lao PDR, Tan Sri Dato’ Abi Musa Asa’ari Mohamed Nor of Malaysia, U Tin Htut Oo of the country of Myanmar, Mr. Suthiporn Chirapanda of Thailand, Dr. Chua Sin Bin of Singapore, Mrs. Hoang Thi Dung of Vietnam, and Assistant Secretary Romeo Recide of the Philippines. Dr. Somsak Pippopinyo headed the ASEAN Secretariat, who facilitated this year’s SSOM.

This year’s Chairman of the 27th Special SOM-AMAF is DA Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano, and co-chaired by Asst. Secretary Catherine Mae Santos of the DA Central Office, and Regional Executive Director of Region VII, Dr. Eduardo B. Lecciones, Jr.

AMAF meetings are held yearly and attended by ASEAN Ministers and Senior Officials in charge of agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

These are preceded by regular Senior Officials Meetings, which usually review the implementation of projects under AMAF, as reported by the ASEAN Sectoral Working Groups on Crops, Livestock, Fisheries, Research and Development, Agricultural Training and Extension, Cooperatives, and Joint Promotion of Agricultural and Fisheries Products.

The Philippines hosted the AMAF meeting last year in Tagaytay City. (Publicity/Media Affairs Committee, SSOM-27TH AMAF)   

Published on September 3, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

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DISI YAP-ALBA
VERSATILITY AS DEFINED BY A MEDICAL DIRECTOR
By Loy Palapos

The “New” Englewood Hospital was opened to the public yesterday, March 5, with the “Who’s-Who” of Tagbilaran City and Bohol Province in attendance. Established on January 2, 1976, and after over three decades of uninterrupted “Service and Compassion Close to Home”, the 75-bed hospital has the latest gadgets in medical care: automated equipment for the laboratory, intensive care unit and operating room; piped-in system of oxygen and suction, including new ultra-sound and x-ray machines; 24-hour pharmacy service; integrated computerized system on a full Wifi Zone status; air-conditioned suite area with TV set, telephone, microwave oven, refrigerator, LCD, and other modern amenities.

Managed by Dr. Disi Yap-Alba as the Medical Director, she is joined by her sister (co-owner), Dr. Lucy Yap-Evangelista, who flew in from USA for the inauguration yesterday. Dr. Evangelista is the eldest in the family of three Doctors.

Dr. Disi Yap-Alba is a real artist in the world of medical care. She can act, sing, and dance. A champion sports buff she is into marathon, golf, tennis, bowling, and other sports. Disi once wanted to be an educator, for which reason she took up a Bachelor’s degree in Education at St. James College, finishing the course as Magna Cum Laude. She proceeded to the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School for her Master of Arts in Education, which she completed in 1972, only to realize she had a different calling. The following year she enrolled at UST for a medical course and finished Doctor of Medicine in 1977. She took the Board Examination and passed it with flying colors in 1978. She is a Certified Family Physician, married to another medical practitioner, Dr. Rey C. Alba, a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, now based in USA.

Rey and Disi are blessed with five intelligent children, all trained to be a part of Englewood Hospital. Director RD Alba, is a graduate of Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing, now based in Hollywood. An artist of the first magnitude, he takes care of the Hospital’s aesthetics, most particularly the interior design of the entire building and offices. Lucy Margret is a graduate at Up Dilliman with a degree in Bachelor of Arts, major in Art Sciences and is now working as Curator at San Diego Museum, USA. Dr. Disirae Alba-Ang, finished her medical course at Southwestern University, Cebu and she’s in America undergoing training and massive exposures to the modern trends in medicine, after which she will be back to give a hand in the health care of Boholanos. Carlo Niño is a Software Engineer and graduated at Informatics, Cebu. The youngest son handles the Information Technology Department of the hospital. The youngest is Julia, who is a graduate of BS Biology, is now in her junior year in Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas.

Dr. Disi Alba has her hands full as CEO and Hospital Administrator of Englewood Hospital; yet she still finds time to manage Captain Rupert Luzon Memorial Hospital in Duero, and Bohol Technical Institute. She is also the Regional Director for Visayas of the Academy of Family Physicians, President of the Tagbilaran Women’s Council, Director of the Bohol Sandugo Foundation, and Director of PAFP-Bohol Chapter. She is the Retainer Physician of BOHECO, Life member of PMA (Philippine Medical Association) and Bohol Medical Society, and member of PCOM-Cebu Chapter, and Bohol Health Foundation.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. In the case of Disi, she is not just a beauty herself, but she finds fulfillment in being involved in beauty pageants. She was officially designated Talent Scout for BB. Pilipinas International (1990-2000), was a committee member in the search for Miss Alabama-Philippines (2000), Miss Bohol Sandugo (1994-2000), Miss Bohol International (1999), Chairman for Miss Bohol Sandugo (1990-1993), Miss Duero (1993), and Miss Manila Speech Clinic. She has chaired in various beauty contests: Miss HNU, Miss Carmen, Miss Siquijor, Miss Antequera, Miss Tagbilaran, Miss Gay Mandaue, and Miss Toronto-Bohol (Canada). Until today she is an acknowledged connoisseur of beauty and talent, being an epitome of both.

Disi always has compassion for people even at a very early age. She got this trait from her father, Simplicio “Mitiong” Yap, who was well-known for his soft heart for the needy, by helping intelligent but poor students go to school through scholarship grants, helping patients who have no money, and giving medicines, especially antihypertensive drugs.

She is also a sports enthusiast since her high school years when, despite her frail body framework, she played volleyball and softball. But it was in bowling that she excelled, having displayed her prowess at the former K of C bowling lanes. She became a queen bowler in the Manila Inter-Hospital Bowling Tournament when she was an intern at the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital Center. When she came back to Bohol, already a Doctor by profession, she continued to dominate various bowling tournaments.

Another favorite sport of Dr. Alba is tennis. She organized the first Ladies Tennis Club in Bohol, the Tagbilaran Ladies Tennis Club. Marathon is her other passion. It was something new to her when she joined the Academy of Family Physicians. She trained for competitiveness and won second place in her first try, and was Champion in the next years successively. Golf is her latest interest, but only occasionally does she go to the golf range, for she shuns the sun.

The Doctor practices what she preaches. She believes a healthy body is needed to augment the brain that is only she maintains her weight by going to the gym. She also jogs regularly, and performs other exercises.

For her, life is too short and everybody should do something to help others. Enriching oneself is not the key to happiness; it’s making others happy by helping them. She has a number of charitable projects and involved in many charitable institutions geared towards helping others in need, although these are not publicly known.

In her desire to help Bohol, she took the risk of putting up “Kapalaran,” a tele-series that revolutionized Visayan TV productions, which used to be slapstick and oftentimes stupid. Through the tele-novela, which was aired worldwide through TFC (The Filipino Channel), she projected Bohol and the Boholanos to augment the tourism potentials of the province, for it showcased the various scenic attractions of the locality. She is the only Boholana who tapped the talents of nationally known thespians, like Cesar Montano, Joel Torre, Gloria Sevilla, Rommel Montano, Gino Antonio, Maryo de los Reyes, and many others, to perform in her production outfit, megged by her son RD.

Disi must have inherited her artistic and administrative talents from her forebears. Her father was a popular businessman who wanted to help blue-collar workers. He put up the Bohol Technical Institute and St. James College. She must have inherited the leadership potentials of her grandfather, who was once the Mayor of Duero, and her social skills from her mother, Dionisia Luzon. Her only sister, Dr. Lucy Evangelista (the co-owner of the Englewood Hospital), is based in Salisbury, Maryland, USA. Aside from being a top-notch Doctor, she has immersed herself in executive work, in preparation for a hands-on involvement with the Hospital. Their only brother Dr. Simplicio Yap, Jr. is a well-known businessman and medical practitioner.

The world is getting smaller everyday. Her constant travels bring her to USA and other countries. But for her, there is no country like the Philippines, which she has explored from Batanes to Jolo; and there’s no place like Bohol.

Dr. Disi Yap-Alba believes in fate (Kapalaran), to be content with what one has, but she should never stop working hard to improve herself and her life. She excels in almost everything she gets into â€" a good dancer, singer, actress, administrator, doctor, athlete, a friend…name it, she can do it. Through her multi-talents she is versatility defined.

20 Ways Satan May Seek to Destroy You
by Paul Tautges

He is the serpent, the Great Dragon, Beelzebul, the ruler of this world, the prince of the power of the air, the evil one, and the adversary. He is Satan. Andâ€"if you are a follower of Jesus Christâ€"he hates your guts with a passion. Like a roaring lion he is prowling about seeking to destroy you. How can you stand firm and resist the devil so that he will flee from you? First, do not be naive; you must consider his ways.

He may slander God to you in order to cast doubt on God’s goodness and shipwreck your faith (Gen 3:4-5).

He may tempt you to deceive others in order to create, or maintain, the impression of being more spiritual (Acts 5:3; Jn 8:44).

He may corrupt your mind and steer you away from the simplicity of Christ and His gospel (2 Cor 11:3).

He may hinder [cut in on, as in a race] your gospel witness and steal it from unsuspecting hearts (1 Thess 2:18; Matt 13:19).

He may wrestle against you, fighting against your progress in Christ (Eph 6:12).

He may tempt you to commit sexual immorality against your spouse as a result of neglecting the intimacy of the marriage bed (1 Cor 7:5).

He may harass you with some form of fleshly affliction (2 Cor 12:7).

He may blind the spiritual eyes of your unsaved family, friends, and neighbors so that they may not see the glory of Jesus in the gospel (2 Cor 4:4).

He may keep your unsaved acquaintances in bondage to sins that hinder them from coming to God (Gal 4:.

He may smite you with physical disease (Luke 13:16; Job 2:7).
He may murder you (Ps 106:37; Jn 8:44).

He may sow tares [counterfeit Christians, sons of the evil one] within your assembly of believers in order to deceive and create disunity (Mt 13:38-39; 2 Cor 11:13-15).

He may lead you toward theological compromise by causing you to be friendly to false doctrine and its teachers (1 Tim 4:1-3).

He may persecute you for your godliness (Rev 2:10).

He may tempt you to do evil (Matt 4:1; 1 Thess 3:5).

He isâ€"at this momentâ€"prowling about seeking to capture and destroy you, chiefly through pride (1 Pet 5:6-8).

He will most assuredly slander you before God in heaven (Rev 12:10).
He may ask God for permission to sift you out for concentrated attack and temptation (Luke 22:31).

He may use the power of suggestion to move you away from the will of God (Matt 16:21-23).
He may try to cripple your effectiveness through confusion, discouragement, and despair (2 Cor 4:8-9).

How can you stand firm and resist the devil so that he will flee?
The Bible exhorts believers to war against the enemy of faith by not remaining ignorant of his schemes (2 Cor 2:11); by submitting to God (Jas 4:7), being sober and alert and resistant to him (Eph 4:27; Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 5:, and by not speaking lightly of him (Jude 8; 2 Pet 2:10).

5 Defensive Pieces of Armor and 2 Offensive Weapons:
We must put on the armor of God, which includes the defensive weapons of truth, righteousness, gospel proclamation, faith, and salvation. We must also employ the offensive weapons of the sword of Scripture and prayer (Eph 6:11-18).

These are the only means by which we may firmly stand against the devil. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:12).

American courtroom film drama, released in 1957, considered a classic of the genre. It marked the feature-film directorial debut of Sidney Lumet.

The film was adapted from a 1954 television play that aired on the series Studio One. It centres on the deliberations of 12 jurors serving on a murder case. Eleven jurors vote for a quick conviction, but one holdout (played by Henry Fonda) painstakingly tries to convince the others that the accused may be innocent, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Lumet, already an experienced theatre and television director, rehearsed his cast for two weeks and then confined them in an actual jury room where virtually the entire film was shot. The claustrophobic setting combined with the combustible personalities of a dynamic cast, including Lee J. Cobb and E.G. Marshall, to create a riveting drama. Although a critical success, the film performed poorly at the box office. In 1997 12 Angry Men was remade as an acclaimed television movie, starring Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott.

Michelle Obama praises 'American Sniper'

US First Lady Michelle Obama has praised Oscar-nominated film 'American Sniper'.

Michelle attended a panel at Got Your 6 event which helps expand understanding regarding military veterans through pop culture.

At the event, which was also attended by the film's star Bradley Cooper, the First Lady urged people in the entertainment industry to "change the conversation about our veterans and military families," before offering praise to the Clint Eastwood-directed war movie, reported USA Today. (PNA/PTI)

liti sa udtong tutok.

Mura man ug buwa sa Tide kay dihay nanglaba daplin sa kalsada.

Dili na mag-ilog ang mga tawo ug diamond didtong dapita.

Issued on February 15, 2015 by NUJP
Statement on the Murder of Tagbilaran Broadcaster Maurito Lim

We have run out of words of condemnation in the face of the murder of yet another colleague.

Maurito Lim was about to alight from his car in front of radio station dyRD in Tagbilaran City, Bohol where he hosted the daily program “Chairman Mao On Board” when a lone gunman onboard the now all too familiar motorcycle shot him around 10:35 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015, with reports saying the bullet hit him in the left jaw and exited on the other side of his face.

He was rushed to the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hos pital, just across the street from the radio station where doctors tried, in vain, to save him. Lim was declared dead around 1:15 p.m.

Maurito Lim is the second journalist murdered in Bohol, the 172nd since 1986, and the 31st under the administration of Benigno Aquino III.

We beg the indulgence of our hardworking government officials if we preempt them, lest in their concern for the impunity with which journalists have continued to be murdered under their watch, they chalk this one up to another “non-work related” death, by pointing out that colleagues in Bohol have confirmed that, before his death, Lim had been hitting hard at local officials linked to the illegal drug trade.

While we seriously doubt demanding justice will get us, or Maurito Lim’s family and colleagues, anywhere, we challenge the government to prove us wrong by acting swiftly to solve the case, arrest the killers and, most important, the mastermind who ordered his death.

To the family of Maurito Lim and to the Bohol media community, we extend our sympathies and our solidarity. Rest assured that we will be with you all the way in the search for justice.
To our colleagues in Bohol, we urge you to unite and remain resolute in serving our people in the face of continued threats to press freedom.
Reference:
Rowena C. Paraan

Davaoeño successful Bar examinee wants to serve the public

DAVAO CITY - The law graduate from the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) College of Law, this city, is more inclined to serving the public.

“But not as a politician,” Gil Garcia II said laughing. He wanted to work in the Office of the Ombudsman-Mindanao where he finds work challenging for young lawyers like him.

Garcia, who is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), landed fourth in the 2014 Bar exam with an average of 84.55 percent. He was also a one-time taker of the CPA exam in 2008.

Being in the Top 10, Garcia was in high spirits. “I am overwhelmed. I did not expect to be in the top ten,” Garcia said. He said he is grateful to his family and other people who helped him overcome the review and the bar examination. His father works at the Social Security System (SSS) â€" Davao.

Garcia is one of the 1,126 successful Bar examines nationwide. SC Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta, who chairs the 2014 Committee on Bar Examinations, said that out of 5,984 Bar examinees, 1,126 or 18.82 percent passed with a passing rate of 73 percent.

Garcia graduated from ADDU College of Law last year. After graduation, he reviewed for the exam at San Sebastian de Recolletos in Manila.

He is currently working with the ACCRALaw (Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices), a law firm providing full range legal services based in Manila with branch offices in Cebu and Davao. At ACCRA, Garcia said he does pleadings for senior partners or senior associate lawyers.

Garcia joined ACCRA-Davao just three weeks ago. “I still will continue to work with ACCRA and also go into teaching,” he said.

Garcia, however, wishes to serve the public by joining the Office of the Ombudsman â€" Mindanao. “Sa pagkakaron murag lisod pako mag decide kay bag-o ra man ko sa ACCRA (For now, it is difficult to decide because I just joined ACCRA),” Garcia said, adding that he cannot refuse ACCRA when he was offered the job.

Among the first people he called upon learning he passed the exam was Ombudsman for Mindanao Rodolfo Elman, his professor at ADDU.

Garcia admitted that Elman again offered him to consider applying for a position at the Office of the Ombudsman.

He said he considers his work at ACCRA and going into public service challenging for a young lawyer like him. He said he is not looking for best compensation or benefits. He said what matters is the work.

Meanwhile, Dean Manuel Quibod, Dean of the Ateneo College of Law announced that ADDU registered a passing percentage of 61.76 percent for its fresh graduates and 46.94 percent over-all in the 2014 Bar examinations.

In a press statement, Quibod said the national passing percentage is 18.8 percent. There are 23 other successful examinees from ADDU. Quibod said the other notable bar passer is 2009 Mutya ng Davao Resci Angelli Rizada.

ADDU prides itself of producing top law graduates since it was established in June 1961 by Rector, Rev. Hudson Mitchell S.J. over the years. Its graduates continue to distinguish themselves in private practice, government service, and professional organizations.

Based from ADDU’s website, the first students who enrolled in first year were only 16. The first Dean of the College of Law was lawyer Leon Garcia, Jr. who headed it for two years (1961-63); followed by lawyer Epifanio Estrellado who had been in the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences since 1952.

Estrellado was the College Dean for 27 years (1963-1990), one of the longest serving deans in the history of the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS).

In 1990, lawyer Hildegardo Iñigo, one of the first graduates of the College of Law and member of its faculty since 1967 assumed the position of Dean until his demise on September 27. 2007. At present, lawyer Manuel Quibod (IBP President-Davao City) is the Dean of the College of Law. (PNA)

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How do you find our new theme design? Is it better than the old one? Is there anything you wish to improve in our layout?

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Naghinamhinam na ko nga makita nga milukapa si Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mabini moves on, but scars of mass poisoning deep
(Published in March 2006, Sunday Post)

By CHITO A. FUENTES

WHAT you eat can kill you. This was one lesson in the classroom that the children of San Jose Elementary School in Mabini town will never forget for the rest of their lives.

A few minutes after eating three kinds of cassava preparations on March 9, 2005, more than half of the school's 276 pupils fell ill to what would later be attributed to chemical poisoning. When it was all over, 27 had died while 130 were confined in four government hospitals in Bohol 's worst food poisoning case ever. At the time, no one at the school knew what hit them. “It was so sudden,” recalled Rheo Tuyogon, 27, a grade 3 teacher. He said it was only minutes after the students went out of their classrooms for the morning break at 9:30 am when all hell broke loose. At first, Rolita Remerata, a grade 1 teacher, said she thought the children were “only play-acting.” It seemed like strange spirits possessed the children, recalled Sherryl Tuyogon, who handles grade 4 classes. Everyone panicked, however, when some of the children started vomiting. “Some of the teachers rubbed mentholated oil on the sick children while the others tried to massage their own pupils,” said Norma Ondap, 48, a grade 6 teacher.

Rush to hospital

After it became apparent that the children were poisoned, another teacher said some of the people in nearby houses asked the children to take either sugar or grated coconut meat. When things got out of hand, Rheo Tuyogon said he decided to take the children in his van to the “nearest” hospital in Ubay town, about 18 kilometers from San Jose. “I pitied the children because they were packed like sardines,” he narrated. The van can accommodate only 15 people but a total of 30 children were crammed inside, he said. Not all of the children were sick. Others who had also eaten cassava hopped in to help out during the nearly 30-minute trip. Tuyogon said some of the children were declared dead on arrival at the L.G. Cutamora Hospital in Ubay. Vehicles coming from neighboring places brought more ailing children to the Don Emilio del Valle Hospital in Ubay. Later batches were rushed to the Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital in Talibon, 26 km away, because the two hospitals in Ubay were already full.

World watched

People were thrown into a state of panic when the children started dying one after the other. In a few hours, the mass poisoning tragedy attracted international attention. Foreign wire agencies gave detailed accounts, while cable TV reports regularly flashed the death toll on their screens. President Macapagal-Arroyo showed up in San Jose to condole with the families of the victims and visited at least one house, that of Celestino and Josefina Vallente who lost a son, Noel Isidore, 4. Even CNN carried the story in its website datelined “ SAN JOSE , Philippines ”.The next day, the mass burial of 12 of the victims was covered extensively by the national and international press. Images of poor folks grieving over the death of their innocent children as the world stared, moved many individuals and groups to do something for them. Donations, in cash and in kind, poured in both for the families of the victims as well as the school. One year later, however, only the people of San Jose and Mabini seemed to remember what had happened. When the Inquirer team visited the school on Tuesday, the pupils and their teachers were in the thick of preparations for the National Achievement Test (NAT). Others were simply playing.

Low-key observance

The teachers said there would be no elaborate program to mark the first anniversary of the mass poisoning. Mabini Mayor Stephen Rances said the low-key observance was intentional so the trauma of the children and their families would not be revived. Mass was scheduled to be held at the barangay cemetery on Thursday, said school principal Aprodecio Boyles, 52. “We will all go there,” Boyles said, referring to the children, the teachers, the families of the victims and most of the villagers. The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the lives of many people in many ways. One of the buildings houses a feeding center built from funds provided by the national and provincial government. During recess, Boyles said children no longer buy food from vendors but ate food served at the feeding center managed by the Home Economics teacher. While the Department of Education policy prohibiting vendors from selling food has long been in place, it was only after the mass poisoning that it has been strictly implemented, he said.

A “reduction of achievement” among the pupils was noted, Boyles said. Last year's NAT results showed a 3.66-percent decline in ratings compared to those in 2004. Enrolment dropped from 276 last year to 240 this school year-a consequence of the tragedy, the principal said. The teachers revealed that after the incident, people from San Jose were ribbed good-naturedly as “salin sa (left-over of) maruya (fried caramelized cassava)”.

Victims all

When a group of 29 children who gathered inside the Home Economics building were asked how many of them were hospitalized, they all 29 raised their hands. They were among the 130 survivors who were hospitalized for at least three days. When asked who among them had eaten maruya since then, only one girl, Floralie Galo, 8, raised her hand. Investigators looking into the mass poisoning had zeroed in on the maruya cooked and sold by vendor Ana Luyong. The 69-year-old vendor is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, serious physical injuries and slight physical injuries. Luyong insists on her innocence and is contesting the charges filed against her before the Regional Trial Court Branch 51 based in Carmen town. A check with the court showed that the preliminary investigation of the case docketed as Criminal Case No. 0714, had yet to be completed. Its continuation is set for March 20.

Death up close

Undoubtedly, the tragedy has affected the lives of those who saw death up close. Joecel Vallente, 10, said she will never forget the incident for the rest of her life. She was still fighting for her life in the hospital when her brother Noel Isidore was buried. At first, Joecel said she thought a cruel joke was being played on her when she was told that her brother had died. “It was only when I saw the candle beside the bed that I cried,” she said in Cebuano. Maricris Cual, 9, shook her head when asked if she cried when she learned about the death of her younger brother Benjamin. Like Joecel, Maricris was in the hospital when her brother was buried. Can she forget the tragedy? Maricris stared at the open space and then shook her head. She nodded when asked if she would not forget Benjamin. She misses him, she said. Jerome Busbus, 10, lost a sister Judy Ann, 8. Asked if he cried when he first learned about her death, he bowed, then nodded. A forefinger stuck out to indicate that he cried only once.

Bitter memories

Dominga Peligrino, 9, was also in the hospital when her sister Pablita, 12, died and was buried. Asked the same questions as the rest, she lifted both arms until the fingers were intertwined and the palms rested on top of her head. She then shook her head. Those hands would stay there for the remainder of the brief interview, betraying her restlessness before a stranger. She is one of nine children and could not yet tell her chronological ranking. Dominga missed her sister, blurting two words when the question was raised. “Da'g buwak (Brought flowers to the grave),” she uncharacteristically declared. Like most children, they seem to have moved on, but the scars are deep. It has been a year since the tragedy but most people still seemed uncomfortable to talk about it. San Jose , and even the 27 children who died, may be a faint memory. But there is little doubt that the pupils and the people of San Jose will always remember.

1. Walk for 30 minutes daily.
2. Eat a piece of fruit daily.
3. Eat whole foods instead of processed foods whenever possible.
4. Reject foods and drinks made of artificial colors or sweetener.
5. Start each lunch/dinner with salad.
6. Give your partner a hug every day before work.
7. Take a deep belly breath for three to five minutes twice a day.
8. Smell the scent of lavender to relax and sleep well.
9. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed.
10. Drink plenty of water.
11. Get 10-15 minutes of sunlight and fresh air daily.
12. Jog.
13. Run in place.
14. Have a greater variety of food. Variety means no excess of anything and more nutrients. Eat three different foods at every meal.
15. Eat slowly.
16. Have snacks between meals.
17. Watch comedy and add humor to your life.
18. Never skip breakfast.
19. Try to have seven hours of sleep at night.
20. Have a fixed bed time, preferably at 10:00 pm.
21. Increase your fiber intake.
22. Eat foods with bright rich colors.
23. Join a Yoga class.
24. Surround yourself with loving and supportive people.
25. Know that healthy food tastes great later.
26. Drink green tea twice a day.
27. Exercise till you sweat once a week.
28. Save a one year’s worth of living expenses to eliminate the money stress.
29. Have as much sex as possible … At least twice a week.
30. Do pull-ups and push-ups for 30 minutes twice a week.
31. Eat a handful of nuts 30 minutes before a meal.
32. Step on a treadmill.
33. Learn to cook and gain control of what goes into your meals … and save money!
34. Take a Vitamin D rich supplement.
35. Chew food thoroughly.
36. Avoid cold drinks with meals.
37. Take ginger.
38. Cut down sugar.
39. Don’t over-eat!
40. Don’t eat 3 hours before going to bed.
41. Fast.
42. Sit in silence for 10 minutes each day.
43. Play games.
44. Read good books.
45. Pray.
46. Meditate.
47. Don’t compare yourself to others.
48. Do work that you are passionate about.
49. Quit a job you hate.
50. Keep in touch with your family.
51. Do something good to one person everyday.
52. Don’t drink coffee twice a day.
53. When you feel tired, REST.
54. If you’re stressed, don’t try to manage it. Instead, take time off and relax.
55. Laugh out loud.
56. Quit smoking by smoking one less cigarette every week.
57. Walk in nature barefoot.
58. Spend time with friends.
59. Start a gratitude journal. Record one thing you’re grateful for everyday.
60. Ride a bike for fun or cycle to work a few times a week.
61. Read 8 Weeks To Optimum Health by Dr. Weil.
62. Wash hands with soap.
63. Avoid passive smoking.
64. Ask for help when you need it.
65. Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese and green leafy vegetables.
66. Don’t sit for a prolonged time. Stand up and stretch.
67. Wash your eyes and face regularly.
68. Sing.
69. Dance.
70. Swim regularly in open air.
71. Take the stairs. No elevators. No escalators.
72. Remain faithful to one sexual partner to avoid AIDS.
73. Travel more often.
74. Wear high quality comfortable shoes.
75. Eat until you’re 80% full.
76. Cook meals with curry powder.
77. Take a 15-30 minutes nap.
78. Eat dark chocolate.
79. Eat wild salmon at least once a week (Omega-3 rich).
80. Forgive someone.
81. Call an old friend.
82. Eat oranges.
83. Sometimes, you need to say no for the sake of your health.
84. Take care of your teeth. Floss and brush your teeth twice a day at least.
85. Take honey to build up your immunity system.
86. Don’t sleep right after having a meal.
87. Don’t sleep when you’re emotionally upset.
88. Begin a garden.
89. Build your self confidence.
90. Don’t over-spend your money.
91. Volunteer in a good cause.
92. Do some strength training twice a week.
93. Eat one or two fish meals per week.
94. Find your passion and purpose in life.
95. Consider massage.
96. Don’t solve your emotional problems by eating more.
97. A garlic a day!
98. Cut back on salt.
99. Avoid negative people.
100. Herbs, herbs, herbs.

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Comment ni Philip Asperga nagustuhan ko lng....

Ako  ay ipinanganak at lumaki sa Mindanao. Ang aking mga anak at apo ay dito  din ipinanganak at lumaki.Kung mayron man nakakakilala sa mga MUSLIM  kami yon na mga ipinanganak at lumaki dito sa Mindanao at hindi ang mga  nasa Luzon o kaya sa Visayas. May mga kamag-anak ako na ang kanilang  asawa ay muslim at lahat sila ya nagpaconvert sa Muslim. Ngunit hindi  namin pinigilan dahlia sa maliban na karaptan nila yon, wala naman  masama sa Reliheyon ng Muslim. Masaya naman ang lahat dahil ang  pinaiiral namin ay respito sa isat isa. Marami din ako kaibaigan na  muslim.
Lahat  ng muslim na naghahanapbuhay dito sa bayan namin ay masayang  nakikihalabilo sa mga kristyano. Ang tunay na muslim ay ayaw ng gulo.
Ang  kaguluhan na nangyayari sa Minandao ay hindi dahil sa Reliheyon o kaya  ay may hidwaan ang MUSLIM AT KRISTIYANO. Ang kaguluhan dito ay dahil sa  mga taong ang tanging hangarin lamang ay KAPANGYARIHAN para sa  pansariling interes. Ang gulo sa Mindanao ay dahil sa mga TERORISTA.
Dahil  sa hangarin ng MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT na makuha ang Mindanao ay  kinasangkapan nito ang Reliheyon ng ISLAM at pinaniwala ang karamihan sa  mga MUSLIM na kanila ang Mindanao. Dahil sa takot napilitan na sumunod  ang ibang muslim kahit na ito ay labag sa kanilang kalooban.
Pinagpipilitan  ng MILF na pagmamay-ari ng MUSLIM ang Mindanao. Ngunit kung kasaysayan  ang pagbabatayan, bago pa man dumating ang mga Muslim sa Mindanao ay  mayorn nang mga tao na naninirahan dito. Ito yong mga tootoong taga  Mindananao. Ito ay ang tribu ng BLA’AN, T’BOLI, TAGAKAULO, BAGOBO at  SUBANEN. Ang mga Muslim ng dumating dito sa Mindanao ay bumili lang ng  kapirasong lupa sa isa mga Tribu na ito sa tabing dagat.
Ngunit  hindi ito ang issue dito. Ang usapin ay ang paghasik ng MILF ng  terorismo na pinabayaan ng gobyerno lalo nang pamahalaang ito. Ang mga  bombings, kindnnapping at halos lahat ng terorismo ay may kaugnayan sa  MILF. Ngunit wala man lang ginawa ang gobyerno upang papanagutin sa  batas ang MILF mula sa pinuno nito. Ang paglusob ng MILF  sa Kolambugan,  Lanao Del Norte may ginawa ba ang gobyerno upang maparusahan sila?  WALA, dahil hanggang imbistigasyon lang. Nabigyan ba ng hustisya ang mga  pobreng nagbebenta ng gulay sa General Santos city na namatay at  nasugatan dahil sa pambobomba?WALA!
Imbes  na parusahan ang mga teroristang ito sa ilalim ng batas, ang ginawa ng  kasalukoyang namumuno ay pumasok sa isang kasundoan. Ito ay pagpapakita  lamang na sumoko ang gobyerno sa mga terorista.Habang nakikipag-usap ang  gobyerno sa MILF para sa kapayapaan, hindi nito namamalayan na  unti-unti nang bumabaon sa kanyang likod ang punyal ng MILF.
Lahat po kami dito sa Mindanao ay gusto ng kapayapaan. Ngunit habang naghahari ang mga terorista dito walang kapayapaan.
Sapilting  itinutolak ng Pangulong Aquino ang BANGSA MORO BASIC LAW kahit na ito  ay labag sa SALIGANG BATAS. Ang pagpipilit na matapos ang gulo sa  Mindano ng hindi naayon sa batas ay isang malaking kalokohan.
Ang  nangyari sa Mamasapano Maguindanao kung saan 44 na SAF member ang  namatay ay isang patunay na ang MILF ay hindi sensero sa usapang  pangkapayapaan. Ang gobyerno ay bumoo ng board of inquiry na syang  kakalap ng impormasyon kung sino talaga ang dapat na managot. At ngayon  balak na naman ng senado na bumoo ng truth commission na ang pipili ng  tao na buboo nito ay ang pangulo. Isa itong malaking kalokohan.
Sige  may pagkukulang ang SAF na pumasok doon dahil walang coordinasyon.  Ngunit hindi maikakaila na ang brutal na pumatay sa kanila ay BIFF, MILF  at PRIVATE army ng isang political clan doon. Totoo na mayron kasunduan  ang MILF at gobyerno ngunit hindi ibig sabihin nito na immune na sila  sa batas. Command responsibility dapat na managot ang pamunoan ng MILF  sa nangyari. Ngunit taliwas sa inaasahan ng taongbayan lalo na ng taga  Mindanao, habang nagluluksa at nagdadalamhati ang buong bansa sa  nangyari sa SAF 44 ang pangulo ay masayang pumunta sa isang car company.  At ang masaklap pumunta ang GRP PANEL sa Malysia upang pag-usapan ang  decommissioning ng mga armas ng MILF. ISANG MALAKING KALOKOHAN. Kung  talagang totoo ang MILF sa usapang pangkapayapaan dapat siya na mismo  ang magsurender ng kanyang mga tauhan na responsible sa pagmasaker sa  SAF.
Sabi  ng pamahalaan sasampahan ng kaso ang lahat ng sangkot sa pagmasaker sa  SAF 44. Ang tanong sino huhuli ang sa mga teroristang iyon? Kung  huhulihin man hindi kaya magkaputokan ulit? Isusuko kaya ng pamunoan ng  MILF ang kanyang mga tauhan?  Dahil sa pagnanais ng Pangulong Aquino na  matuloy ang BBL lahat ng biktima ng terorismo ng MILF kasama na ang SAF  44 ay hindi mabibigyan ng hustisya. Mababaon lang sa limot. Hanggat  maaga pa sana kalagan na ng pangulo ang batas na kanyang ginapos laban  sa mga teroristang ito.
Hanggat  pinababayan ng gobyerno ang paghahari at pagdami ng MILF, BIFF,  ABUSAYAF at iba pang terorista walang kapayapaan sa Mindanao.
Ang  pagsali sa LABING TATLO na probinsya ng Mindanao sa BBL ay posebling  magdulot ng mas malaking gulo. Dahil ang mga ILOCANO,CEBUANO, ILONGO,  BOL-ANON at iba pa na tribo naninirahan dito ay hindi malayong hahawak  ng armas upang ipagtanggol ang kanilang ari-arian at kabuahayan.
Sana  bago ituloy ng pangulo ang BBL ay pag-isipan nya muna ng mabuti. Huwag  nya sana tingnan lang kapakanan ng MILF. Ang Mindanao ay hindi pag-aari  ng MILF o kung nang sino man. Ang Mamasapano at buong Mindanao ay hindi  teritoryo ng MILF o ng kahit na sinong terorista. Ito ay pagmamay-ari at  sakop ng teritoryo ng REPULIKA NG PILIPINAS.
Ang kapayapaan ay makakamit lamang kung
1. SUSUKO ANG MILF at LAHAT NG TERORISTA NG WALANG KAPALIT (UNCONDTIONAL SURRENDER.
2. KUNG LALAYAS SA PILIPINAS ANG MILF AT LAHAT NG AYAW SA SUMUNOD SA UMIIRAL NA BATAS SA PILIPINAS.
3. HIGIT SA LAHAT KUNG BUONG TAPANG NA IPATUPAD NG GOBYERNO ANG BATAS.
Hindi  MUSLIM ang sanhi ng gulo sa Mindanao. Ang nagdudulot ng gulo sa  Mindanao ay ang mga taong nagsasabi na sila ay MUSLIM ngunit hindi naman  at ito ay ang MILF, ABUSAYAF BIFF at ibang teroristang grupo.
Sana  ang INTGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES (IBP), VOLUNTER AGAINST CRIME AND  CORRUPTION ay gumawa ng legal na hakbang upang harangin sa SUPREME COURT  ANG BBL.
Sana  huwag na ituloy ng mga mambabatas ang pagsasabatas ng BBL. Sana tingnan  ng pamahalaan ang pangkalahatan at hindi ang kapakanan ng MILF lang.
ALL OUT JUSTICE FOR ALL THE VICTIMS OF MILF TERRORISM!
ALL OUT JUSTICE FOR THE GALLANT SAF 44!
Ang  pagbuo ng BANGSA MORO BASIC LAW ay magbibigay ng kapangyarihan sa MILF  na bumoo ng sarili nilang army at pulis na kalaonan ay mas magiging  malaking problem ng bansa. Ang BANGSA MORO ay magiging training ground  at taguan nga mga terorista mula sa ibang bansa. Kaya habang maaga pa  kailangan na mapigilan ang pagpasa ng BBL sa kongreso.
Ang  MILF at iba pang teroristang grupo ay walang ibang alam na salita kundi  ang dulo ng baril. Walang totoo sa mga salita na maririnig mula sa  kanila, kaya hindi dapat na pagkatiwalaan.
Sana  magkaisa ang lahat laban sa pagpupumilit ng Pangulong Aquino na  maaprobahan ang BBL. Kapakanan ng lahat ng buong bansa ang dapat niya na  unahin at hindi ang kanayang pansariling enterest at kanyang kaugnayan  sa MILF.
NO TO BBL!

Copy/ paste from other comment.

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New Zealand PM see Pamilacan Whale hunters' transformation
By REY ANTHONY CHIU

.WITH her government's crucial involvement in community empowerment work here in Pamilacan, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Elizabeth Clark see for herself the transformation of Bohol 's whale hunters. Former traditional fierce and fearless whale hunters now opt to become whale keepers, all in the name of conservation and conviction that sustaining the environment is doing their little share for the world. In fact, aside from the bilateral talks and state dinner honors, the first ever state-honore and reception outside Malacanang, the next big reason why Prime Minister Clark is in Bohol is to witness the dolphins and whales. It would have been different had she been here minus the technical and financial assistance that her country lent to the people of Pamilacan.

Traditionally a whale hunting village right at the marine super highway that serves as the shortest route towards the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean , Pamilacan fishers see a bigger income in the bigger fish. Of course, they mean the gentle whales, which offer almost little resistance compared to the more rabid sharks here. Pamilacan is taken from a local term for an oversized hook pilak which the local fishers use to catch the whales and other cetaceans. And no bait. At least, whale hunting by pilak is offering oneself as a bait, for another vicious predator: sharks. Whale hunting by pilak means swimming beside the whale carrying that oversized hook tide with a rope to a buoy. It means manually tagging the whales with about six to ten hooks to a buoy, climbing on top of the whale and butchering it as it swims in a pool of blood amidst a shark feeding frenzy. Wanting to implement the international Citation for International Trades on Endangered Species (CITES) and the international whale ban, the Provincial Government and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Marine Mammal Protection (IATFMMP) set its rudders to Pamilacan to offer alternative livelihood.

The World Wildlife Foundation and its local counterpart, the Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas started with the IATFMMF information education and communication programs on marine conservation. The move led to the Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Organization (PIDWWO), a group of fishers convinced that going sustainable is the “in” thing. Form whale spotters and hunters, fishers now have and alternative livelihood by becoming tour guides and spotters offering their services to local and foreign tourists and spreading the word about environmental advocacy. The income is not yet comparable to old time fishing, but with the way it is picking up, we see good signs, says PIDWWO Chairman Leo Sumalpong. Launched in 1997 but fizzled due to lack of continuing support, PIDWWO soon re-launched in 2003, this time with the New Zealand technical and multi-component financial assistance and support. “Technical assistance by way of funded trainings proved to be very beneficial to the organizations who were on to a rough start, Leo Sumalpong said in an interview. New Zealand assisted trainings include marine mammal biology and ecology, Pamilacan marine biology and ecology, cetacean guide course, snorkeling guide course, tourism quality control and safety, marine mammal tour interpretation skills, boat captains and spotters interpretation, public speaking course, food and beverage and tour guiding with environmental interpretation.

With a measly 11 tours in 2002, after the New Zealand assistance, we jumped to 95 tours in 2003, 174 in 2004, 216 in 2005 and we have an average of 30 tours a month for the past three months, Sumalpong shared. We are not making money, but we are allowing our people to have a few pesos to spend for their needs and cope with life, he said. Learned now in the ways of the business courtesy of New Zealand , Pamilacan has found a better way of living, and that is luckily fishing for tourists in the conservation advocacy. This year, the Pamilacan Marine tour competes with 3 other finalists in the international Tourism Awards for 2006 on conservation category, and winning or not, the people's experience have already handed them the greatest award. - March 12, 2006 - Sunday Post

March 12, 2006 Sunday Post
Plot thickens in NBI-Army assault case

The plot thickened in what appeared to be a simple assault case between agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and a Philippine Army team in barangay Ambuan, Catigbian town last month.

The Post broke an exclusive story last week about two NBI agents being assaulted by army troopers after a call for assistance for indiscriminate firing. The incident resulted in the filing of at least three criminal cases against seven army personnel led by 2nd Lt. Roldan Castillo, team leader of the Special Operations Team assigned in Ambuan, Catigbian. The complaints were filed at the Ombudsman for Military Affairs (OMA) by NBI supervising Agent Ely Tolentino and sisters Janeth and Nancy Pabi in whose house the assault was made. There was no mention about indiscriminate firing in Tolentino's complaint to the OMA last week.

The Post however ran a statement from Army Civil Relations Service Team Leader Narciso Tabaniag Jr. about the indiscriminate firing angle. 2Lt. Castillo, who showed up during the radio program Kuentas Klaras over Station DYTR last Thursday pressed on the indiscriminate firing angle. The army official pointed to the group of Tolentino as having fired two shots on the evening of Feb. 3.

Subsequent accounts showed that those who fired the shots on the air were Claudio Pabi, uncle of Janeth and Edgar Pabi, Janeth's younger brother. As to how Tolentino's gun happened to get into the hands of the two Pabi's, nobody could actually tell. The army's presence in the Pabi household was in response to the call for assistance as a result of the firing incident, averred house owners Anelina and German Pabi in recant to an earlier affidavit issued February 27. While being accosted, NBI asset and Tolentino's back-up Joel Argao reportedly drew his .357 revolver. Responding army men saw this as clear and present danger situation. This also led them to dis-arm both men, notably having a drink too many. “The dis-arming was to prevent further threat to life and limb and to account for any damage the fired bullets could have cost,” Castillo said. The firing incident was substantiated by Ambuan barangay captain Juan Palma and Kag. Sixto Montero who both appeared in the DYTR radio program to belie the denial of Tolentino that there was no such thing as indiscriminate firing of guns.

According to Montero, the Tolentino group bought 3 cases of beer from his store on the early night of February 23. By about 10:00 , he could hear that the Tolentino group has become rowdy. His house was approximately 100 meters from the Pabi house. It was also found out during the subsequent investigations that Tolentino and Janeth Pabi are sweethearts. In fact, the reason why Tolentino was in the Pabi residence in Catigbian was because of his amorous relation with Janeth.

This was also a far tale from the “official mission” that the Post printed as gleaned from the Tolentino complaints signed by NBI lawyer Max Salvador. During the radio interview, Ambuan barangay captain Palma said Tolentino appeared the following day during the Barangay Council session. 2Lt Castillo was reportedly also there turning over the confiscated guns from Tolentino and his back-up, asset Joel Argao. Ambuan barangay council would have wanted to push the case but for purely human considerations, 2Lt Castillo reportedly begged for Tolentino to be absolved of the trouble. Sealing the amicable settlement, Palma officially returned Tolentino's guns as witnessed by the council. The following day, Tolentino filed the complaints against the army men for assault, illegal search and violation of domicile.

2 Heads of state here Tuesday
March 12, 2006 Sunday Post
By: June S. Blanco

The first bilateral talks between two sovereign nations outside Metro Manila will be held on Tuesday in Bohol. High on top of Tuesday's agenda in the bilateral talks between the Philippines and New Zealand are the strengthening of trade relations and environmental concerns. Venue of the bilateral talks slated March 14 and 15 is the Bohol Beach Club (BBC) in the resort town of Panglao .

History repeats itself

Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado said this is a historic event: this is the first time a state visit is held outside of Malacañang, the official residence of the Philippine President. “For this province however history already repeats itself. Almost exactly 441 years ago, the Philippines entered into the first-ever recorded treaty of peace and friendship with a foreign sovereign when Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna entered a blood compact with Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi,” he said. Dr. Gregorio Zaide, the noted Philippine historian, points to Bool in Tagbilaran City as site of the blood compact or usa'ng dugo (one blood) hence the Sandugo on March 16, 1565 , the governor pointed out. Preparations for the Presidential Visit â€" President Arroyo's first this year â€" and the State Visit of Prime Minister Helen Elizabeth Clark have shifted to high gear. Malou Frostrom, President Arroyo's appointments secretary is slated to arrive this morning with a party of at least 20, to fine-tune preparations in all areas â€" protocol, security, food, media coverage, among others â€" for Tuesday's visit.

Top in the agenda

Aumentado said the Philippines is New Zealand 's biggest supplier of electronic and television spare parts. On the other hand, New Zealand is the country's biggest supplier of dairy products. Discussion is expected to focus on strengthening further this trade ties. New Zealand has also been giving financial and technical assistance to the Philippines in its environment preservation, conservation and rehabilitation efforts. One tangible area where assistance has been poured into is the Pamilacan Island Marine Tour â€" Asia 's lone entry and now finalist to the Tourism for Tomorrow 2006 Awards conducted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) annually to recognize and promote the world's best practices in responsible tourism development. If the weather permits, President Arroyo, Clark and their respective parties will breakfast in Pamilacan Island off Baclayon town.

Also with GMA's party are Senators Mirriam Defensor â€" Santiago and Richard Gordon.

Other projects are the protection and enhancement of the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL) that spans the towns of Loboc, Bilar, Batuan, Carmen, Sierra Bullones and Valencia , as well as the study of Bohol 's karst or limestone formation conducted by Dr. Peter Urich of the University of Waikato in Wellington , New Zealand .

While the President and the prime minister are here, Aumentado said he will propose more projects in the environment department like eco-tourism in Banacon Island in Getafe town and the reforestation of the Carood Watershed in Bohol 's northeastern basin. The 1,700-hectare mangrove plantation in Banacon is Asia 's biggest, and is now the Philippines ' nominee to the Ramsar Wetlands Conservation Awards. As early as Friday, Malacañang itself prescribed the guests' attire to the historic Tuesday evening tete-a-tete of the two heads of state at the BBC Tarsier Function Room: elegant beach. BBC is owned by lawyer Anos Fonacier, Bohol 's “Mr. Tourism.” He bagged a special lifetime achievement award from then Tourism Sec. Richard Gordon for practically blazing the tourism trail in Bohol and his contributions to the industry in Cebu and in Luzon .

Ambassadors, commissioners too

Bohol practically has its hands full as aside from the President and Clark, at least five ambassadors and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Philippines commissioners are also visiting to witness the talks. Ambassadors Emaleen Abd,rahman Teo of the Embassy of Brunei Darrusalam, Erendira Araceli Paz Campos of the Embassy of the United Mexican States and Asha Dvitiyananda of the Royal Thai Embassy and her husband Apichay have arrived. Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki is expected on the 14th. Unesco Philippines Commissioners Carmen Padilla, Teresita Villaruz and Cesar Montano, the movie actor, have also arrived even as more guests are expected. Padilla's party is evaluating Bohol to determine if it qualifies to be declared a Unesco cultural heritage site. Aside from local media, the regional, national and international press will cover the event.

EcoTourism

“Being named a finalist in the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards will definitely boost further Bohol 's tourism. It was rough sailing at first for Pamilacan islanders when they had to give up a livelihood they had engaged in since time immemorial. Yes, it was difficult, even bitter for some, but they changed â€" all in the name of conservation of the remaining dolphin and whale population on earth,” said Aumentado.

Some deem a complete change as turncoatism, a display of “jellyfish principle,” and therefore something not to be proud of, he observed. But the islanders sacrificed, endured training in accounting and bookkeeping that were all Greek to them â€" grasping at a lifeline that spelled a new livelihood after hunting whale sharks for food and other uses was banned. Pamilacan comes from pilak â€" vernacular for harpoon â€" the hooked spear attached to a line to hunt whale sharks and manta rays with. The island is endowed with a circumstance other islands and islets around Bohol do not have â€" it lies smack in the middle of a marine mammal migratory “highway.”

The award

Tourism Region 7 Director Patria Aurora Roa said the Federation of Tour Operators set up the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in 1989 to encourage action from all sectors of the industry to protect the environment. In 1992, British Airways took over the running of the awards â€" developing them to encompass all aspects of sustainable tourism, with the explicit aim of leading the industry in this field, she said. Awards in the conservation category are given to tourism business, organization or attraction that, as a result of sustainable travel and tourism development has made a significant contribution to the conservation and preservation of natural and/or cultural heritage.

The country's entry, Dolphin Watch Pamilacan (DWP) had underwent final evaluation. The award will be conferred on April 11 during the gala dinner of the 6th Global Travel and Tourism Summit at the WTTC headquarters at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. in the United States of America. DWP is competing with top tourism destinations in South Africa and Kenya â€" short-listed from over 100 applications from more than 30 countries of an extremely high standard â€" so high that judging took considerably longer than expected, said Olivia Ruggles-Brise of WTTC.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat is a privately-owned wilderness reserve in South Africa renowned for its 130 rock art sites. On the other hand, Campi Ya Kanzi offers luxury tented camp lodging for exclusive private Maasai-led walking safaris in Kenya. As all finalists will be invited to attend the ceremony, all expenses paid, this will mean another US trip for Aumentado who is expected to lead the Philippine delegation.

Whale and dolphin watching

DWP is owned and managed by the Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Organization (Pidwwo). It provides interesting marine life tours that, since 1999, have paved the way in turning the tide against illegal and unsustainable fishing. Pamilak spotters continue to watch out for the gentle giants locally known as balilan. This time however their companions no longer throw harpoons; they direct the sights of their guests to where the whale sharks are. An added attraction is the sight of dolphins skimming the surface in lines as if on orders from an invisible “battalion commander,” chasing each other hence the local name lumba-lumba. Other species also make the Pamilacan waters their playground. The hunters-turned-guides are more than willing to tell their guests the lore and quirks of each species.

Pidwwo

Pidwwo was organized as a people's organization in 1998. The marine life tours now provide jobs for men and women, generating profits that go back into the business and into environmental and social projects in the island. DWP is now financially self-sustaining. Provincial Tourism Officer Oroncia Balio said after initial assistance from World Wide Fund Philippines and the New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAid), the business has made it on its own for the last two years, and counting. Balio said aside from financial assistance, NZAid also provided training-workshops as well as items like life vests and snorkeling equipment that helped package the tours into “a real business enterprise.” “Pidwwo earned close to P1 million last year,” she confided. The organization headed by Leo Sumalpong is debt-free, has now its own booking office at the Baclayon Public Market and a website: www.dolphinwatchpamilacan.com. DWP is a story of hard work, determination and community conflict resolution leading to success. Admittedly WWF and NZAid assisted, but it has been the determination of Pidwwo that led the community to success.

From predators to protectors, the Pamilcan islanders now advocate the sustainable use of their natural resources in the belief that they contribute to the maintenance of an ecosystem upon which other people rely. With reports from DOT 7.

Massive Body Modification

From a Facebook Post:
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MNLF MESSAGE ON THE 50+ POLICEMEN MURDERED BY MILF IN MAGUINDANAO ON JAN 25, 2015
Yang BIFF na faction ni Mama dyan sa Maguindanao is a pressure group of the MILF. Gumagawa yan sila ng terrorismo para ma-pressure ang gobyerno na aprubahan ang proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) na naka-hain ngayon sa Legislative Branch of PH Govt. If PNP/AFP collaborated with MILF in their operations in that area, it is most likely that the MILF have leaked out tactical information to the BIFF, kaya nangyari yang massacre. Kami nga mga MNLF hindi nagtitiwala sa mga MILF na yan eh, mga traydor yan sila.
Military Artillery is the best way in dealing with terrorists dwelling in MILF camps. Tactically, hindi uubra yang foot law enforcement sa area na yan. You should learn from ERAP. Artillery first, then send in the MNLF to finish those terrorists off.
MNLF INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERIAL BOMBERS IN MINDANAO. Yang bombing po sa Mindanao ay halos monthly po yan since 1969 pa yan hanggang ngayon. Regular mission kasi yan ng invisible hand ng malaysia dito sa Mindanao, and sometime nag-ooverflow yan sa Metro Manila. Ang objective ng Malaysia ay manggulo sa Pilipinas using evasive terrorist acts and their favorite is bombing.
Effective ang tactics ng mga Malaysians na yan kasi after pagsabog ng bomba na hindi sila nakikilala, ang Govt of the PH (PNP or AFP or LGU) ay nag-bibintang agad ng local group (paborito nila pagbintangan ay ASG, BIFF, MILF, NPA, at paminsan-minsan ay MNLF). Yang walang kapararakang pagbibintang ni GPH at normal yan kasi kailangan nila may masabi sa taong bayan na hindi naman magmukhang inutile ang inaasahang intelligence. Ang resulta ng bintang ay stigma na ng taong bayan doon sa pinagbibintangang grupo. After the stigma, threats and hostilities will automatically follow. The Malaysians pop the bomb, Filipinos fight each other, and Philippines become a weak and divided nation. The result is pati maliliit na isla na territory natin (Pilipinas) katulad nyang nasa Kalayaan Reef ay hindi natin kaya protektahan ang sovereignty natin kasi ubos sa domestic problem ang pera natin for Military -- wala na tayong pera pambili ng battle ships. Ang ending, Malaysia is happy kasi we cannot recover Sabah --- regular bombing lang ang capital ni Malaysia.
Ang problema natin ngayon ay etong pamilyang Aquino ay tuta ng Malaysia yan. Si Senator Ninoy Aquino ang front agent provocateur na ginamit ng Malaysia para bunuo ng mga insurgent groups (MIM-MNLF, MILF, CPP-NPA) na manggulo sa Pilipinas. Ang MNLF ginamit kami ng Malaysia from 1969-1976, kasi 1976 ay nakipag deal na kami sa gobyerno in the so-called 1976 MNLF-GPH Tripoli Agreement. In 1976, dahil sa tripoli Agreement, nagalit si Malaysia sa MNLF at minaniubra niya ang mga officers ng MNLF, ginamit niya si Hashim Salamat at nag buo si Malaysia ng MILF para ituloy ang panggugulo sa Pilipinas. Etong si PNoy ngayon ay masasabi naming tuta yan ng Malaysia kasi pini-persecute kami mga MNLF at bini-baby ang MILF.
Ang solution na na-isip namin ay dapat maging aware tayo mga Pilipino about this malaysian invisible hand in PH and we begin to look at the elusive insurgency problem in Mindanao in its proper perspective na Malaysia ang nanggugulo. From there, na diagnose na natin ang cancer, mag-isip na tayo ng iba't-ibang paraan para ma cure ang cancer.
BONUS INFORMATION: Alam nyo ba na ONE AND SAME PERSON lang yung nakipag collaborate sa Malaysian bomber sa Cagayan de Oro last July 2013 and yung operator ng Sept 2013 Zamboanga Siege na human trafficker na nag-recruit ng mga palaboy sa Basilan at pinag-suot niya ng MNLF uniform at pinag-drama ng Mindanao Independence rally sa Zamboanga City? His name is Daniel Xavier, nasa custody ngayon ng GPH -- dapat yun pigain ng information -- pero ang problema si PNoy na puppet ng Malaysia ang Commander-in-Chief ng AFP -- kaya walang justice sa bombing incidents.

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Section 11. Dissolution of the BTA â€" Immediately upon the qualification of the elected Chief Minister under the first Bangsamoro Parliament, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority shall be deemed dissolved.

The BTA shall submit its final report and recommendations to the Bangsamoro Parliament, as well as to the House of Representatives and the Senate, on the status of government during the transition period within sixty (60) days from the assumption into office of all members of the first Parliament.

Section 12. Regular Elections. â€" The first regular elections for the Bangsamoro Government under this Basic Law shall be held on the first Monday of May 2016. It shall be governed by the Bangsamoro Electoral Code. The National Omnibus Election Code shall apply suppletorily, whenever appropriate. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), though the Bangsamoro Electoral Office, shall promulgate rule and regulations as may be necessary for the conduct of said election, and enforce and administer the same, consistent with this Basic Law and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, as correlated with relevant national laws.

Section 13. Initial Funding for Transition. â€" To carry out the requirements of transition, including the organizational activities of the BTA, organization of the bureaucracy, hiring of personnel, and the exercise of functions and powers of the BTA, as provided in this Basic Law, the amount of One Billion Pesos (1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated for the BTA, charged against the General Funds of the Central Government. In addition, the current year’s appropriations for the ARMM shall also be transferred to the BTA for this purpose.

This shall be without prejudice to any supplemental budget that may be appropriated by Congress to support the transition.

Government functions falling within the reserved power of the Central government in the Bangsamoro shall continue to be financed by the Central Government funds.

Article XVII

AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS

Section 1. Separability Clause. â€" The provisions of this Basic Law are deemed separate. If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Basic Law is declared unconstitutional, other sections or provisions, which are not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 2. Repealing Clause. â€" All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Basic Law, are hereby repealed or modified.

Section 3. Subsisting Regional Laws. ­- All subsisting law enacted by the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao by virtue of authorities provided under Republic Act No. 6734, as amended by Republic Act No. 9054, shall be deemed in effect, unless inconsistent with the Basic Law or repealed by laws passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority or the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 4. Effectivity Clause. ­ â€" This Basic Law shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation and one (1) local newspaper of general circulation in the autonomous region.

Section 5. Abolition of the ARMM â€" Upon the ratification of this Basic Law, the Bangsamoro shall be deemed established, and the ARMM shall be deemed abolished.

Article XVI

BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY

Section 1. Transition Period. â€" The transition or interim period for the establishment of the Bangsamoro shall commence upon ratification of this Basic Law.

The law shall be deemed ratified upon proclamation of the Commission on Elections, or its duly authorized officers, that a majority of the votes cast in the plebiscite in the constituent units are in favor of the creation of the Bangsamoro. The fact of ratification shall be confirmed by the GPH and MILF negotiating panels.

Transition period shall end upon the dissolution of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, as provided in this Basic Law.

The period of transition herein defined shall be without prejudice to the initiation or continuation of other measures that may be required by post-conflict transition and normalization even beyond the term of the BTA.

Section 2. Bangsamoro Transition Authority. â€" There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) which shall be the interim government or the governing body in the Bangsamoro during the transition period. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), being the principal party to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, shall lead the BTA, in its leadership and membership.

The BTA shall be composed of fifty (50) members, all of whom shall be appointed by the President; Provided that, non-Moro indigenous communities, women, settler communities and other sectors shall have representatives in the BTA. Nominations may be submitted to the office of the President for this purpose.

The Council of Leaders as provided in Section 5, Article VI shall also be organized during the transition period.

Section 3. Powers and Authorities. Legislative and executive powers in the Bangsamoro during transition shall be vested in the BTA. During the transition period, executive authority shall be exercised by the interim Chief Minister, who shall be appointed by the President as such, while legislative authority shall be exercised by the BTA.

All devolved authorities shall be vested in the BTA during the transition period.

For purposes of mechanisms for intergovernmental relations with the Central Government and local governments units in the Bangsamoro, the BTA shall be deemed as the Bangsamoro Government for the duration of the transition period.

Section 4. Function and Priorities. â€" The BTA shall ensure the accomplishment of the following priorities during the transition period:

a. Enactment of priority legislations such as the Bangsamoro Administrative Code, the Bangsamoro Revenue Code and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, consistent with powers and prerogatives vested in the Bangsamoro Government by this Basic Law; Provided that, until the abovementioned laws are enacted for the Bangsamoro, Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 25 or the ARMM Local Government Code, and subsisting laws on elections and other electoral matters shall apply in the Bangsamoro.

The BTA may also enact a Bangsamoro Civil Service Code, as provided in this Basic Law. In the absence of the latter, national civil service laws and regulations are primarily applicable in the Bangsamoro;

b. Organization of the bureaucracy of the Bangsamoro Government during transition, including the approval and implementation of a transition plan, and the institution of a placement process for hiring of personnel during transition. This shall also include the setting up of offices and other institutions necessary for the continued functioning of government and delivery of social services in the region, as well as those necessary for the smooth operations of the first elected Bangsamoro Government in 2016;

c. Transfer of powers and properties of the ARMM Regional Government to the Bangsamoro Government, and the disposition of personnel, as provided in this Basic Law; and

d. Other matters that may be necessary for the transition from the ARMM Regional Government to the Bangsamoro Government, as provided in this Basic Law.

Section 5. Transition Plan. â€" Within the first sixty (60) days of the transition period, the interim Chief Minister shall submit to the BTA a transition plan that shall contain the proposed organization plan, as well as the schedule therefor. The BTA shall approve or otherwise act on the proposed transition plan within ten (10) days upon submission by the interim Chief Minister. It shall be implemented within fifteen (15) days from its approval.

Section 6. Interim Officers. â€" The interim Chief Minister shall organize the interim Cabinet and shall appoint an interim Deputy Chief Minister, who shall also be a member of the BTA. The interim Chief Minister shall also appoint such other minister as may be necessary to perform the functions of government during transition, a majority of whom shall be from among members of the BTA.

Members of the BTA who are appointed to cabinet positions shall serve their offices concurrently; Provided that, no member of the BTA may be appointed, elected or otherwise hold more than two (2) positions at the same time.

Section 7. Interim Cabinet. â€" The interim Cabinet shall be composed of ten (10) primary offices with sub-offices for matters covered and priority ministries, namely:

a. Governance, in charge of budget and finance, accountability, and such similar or related matters;

b. Social Services, in charge of social welfare, and such similar or related matters;

c. Development, in charge of transportation and communications, regional investment, trade and industry, agriculture, forestry and environment, urban and rural development, and such similar or related matters;

d. Education;

e. Public Order and Safety;

f. Indigenous Peoples Affairs;

g. Health;

h. Public Works;

i. Local Government; and

j. Finance

The BTA may empower the interim Chief Minister to create other ministries and primary offices, upon a determination of the majority of its members that the same is necessary for achieving the twin goals of continuity of social services and transitioning to the regular Bangsamoro Government.

Section 8. Organization of the Bureaucracy. â€" The authority of the BTA to create offices and organize the bureaucracy during transition is without prejudice to the authority of the Bangsamoro Government to reorganize the bureaucracy upon its constitution, or any time thereafter. In the exercise of this authority, the BTA shall ensure the least possible disruption to the functioning of government and the delivery of services in the region.

All offices and institutions created by laws enacted by the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly shall be deemed part of the ARMM Government and shall be subject to the phase out plan that will adopted by the BTA.

Section 9. Transfer of Powers and Properties and Disposition of Personnel â€" All powers, function, assets, capital, receivables, equipment and facilities of the ARMM Regional Government at the time of the ratification of this Basic Law shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro Government.

The BTA shall schedule the gradual phasing out of offices of the ARMM, which are deemed abolished upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In consideration of public interest and the delivery of services, officials holding appointive positions shall continue to perform their functions in accordance with the schedule.

The Central Government shall provide the necessary funds for the benefits and entitlements of affected employees in the ARMM.

The BTA shall institute an independent, strictly merit-based and credible placement and hiring process for all offices, agencies and institutions in the Bangsamoro, and shall consider gender and ethnic balance.

An inventory will be conducted to ensure that the liabilities of the ARMM under law, contracts or others will be settled prior to the turnover to the BTA.

For this purpose, the Office of the Regional Governor of the ARMM shall turnover to the BTA upon the latter’s constitution a summary report on the status of the Regional Government as of the date of the ratification of this Basic Law, including information on the status of devolution, personnel, properties and assets of the Regional Government.

Section 10. Disposition of Personnel and Assets of Central Government Offices/Agencies. â€" The Central Government shall provide for the disposition of personnel of Central Government or National GOCCs whose mandate and functions are transferred to or now vested in the Bangsamoro Government within six (6) weeks from the organization of the BTA. The transfer of properties and assets is without prejudice to the power of the BTA to organize the bureaucracy during transition.

Articles XIV

REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Section 1. Rehabilitation and Development â€" The Bangsamoro Government, with funding support from the Central Government, shall intensify development efforts for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and development of the Bangsamoro as part of the normalization process. It shall formulate and implement a program for rehabilitation and development that will address the needs of MILF combatants/BIAF members and decommissioned women auxiliary forces, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities.

Section 2. Special Development fund. â€" The Central Government shall provide for a Special Development Fund to the Bangsamoro for rehabilitation and development purposes upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The amount equivalent to Seven Billion Pesos (P7,000,000,000.00) shall be allocated for the first year following the ratification of this Basic Law. Beginning the second year, the Special Development Fund shall be in the amount of Ten Billion Pesos (PhP10,000,000,000.00) which shall be paid out to the Bangsamoro Government over five (5) years, at the rate of Two Billion Pesos (PhP2,000,000,000.00) per year. Such amount shall be regularly released at the beginning of each fiscal year to the Bangsamoro Government.

Article XV

PLEBISCITE

Section 1. Establishment of the Bangsamoro. â€" (1) The establishment Bangsamoro and the determination of the Bangsamoro territory shall take effect upon ratification of this Basic Law by majority of the votes cast in the following provinces, cities, and geographical areas in a plebiscite conducted for the purpose:

a. The present geographical area of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM);

b. The municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte;

c. The following thirty nine (39) Barangays in the Municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit, and Midsayap in North Cotabato that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite under Republic Act No. 9054:

i. Dunguan, Lower Mingading, and Tapodoc in the municipality Aleosan (3);

ii. Manarapan and Nasapian in the municipality of Carmen (2);

iii. Nanga-an, Simbuhay and Sanggadong in the municipality of Kabacan (3);

iv. Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kapinpilan, Kudarangan, Central Labas, Malingao, Mudseng, Nabalawag, Olandang, Sambulawan, and Tugal in the municipality of Midsayap (12);

v. Lower Baguer, Balacayon, Buricain, DatuBinasing, Kadingilan, Matilac, Patot, and Lower Pangangkalan in the municipality of Pigkawayan (;

vi. Bagoinged, Balatican, S. Balong, S. Balongis, Batulawan, Buliok, Gokoton, Kabasalan, Lagunde, Macabial, Macasendeng, in the municipality of Pigkawayan (11)

d. The Cities of Cotabato and Isabela; and

e. Those qualified for inclusion in the plebiscite, by way of resolution or petition.

Section 2. Territorial Jurisdiction. â€" The plebiscite for purposes of determining the actual territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro shall be conducted, as far as practicable, within one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Basic Law.

For this purpose, the COMELEC shall undertake the necessary steps to enable the holding of the plebiscite within the said period.

Section 3. Results of the Plebiscite. â€" (a) For the present geographic area of the ARMM: if the majority of the registered voters in each province and city vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the provinces and cities shall be included in the Bangsamoro.

(b) For the municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagaloan and Tangkal in the Province of Lanao del Norte: If the majority of the registered voters in each of these municipalities vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the respective municipalities shall be included in the Bangsamoro.

(c) For other barangays in the municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigcawayan, Pikit, and Midsayap that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite: If the majority of the registered voters in each of these barangays vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the respective barangays shall be included in the Bangsamoro.

(d) For the cities of Cotabato and Isabela: If the majority of the registered voters in each of these cities vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the respective cities shall be included in the Bangsamoro.

(e) For all other contiguous area where there is a resolution of the local government unit or a petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the registered voters in the geographic area asking for their inclusion at least two months prior to the conduct of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). If the majority of the registered voters in each of these local government units vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the respective local government units shall be included in the Bangsamoro.

Section 4. Plebiscite for Joining the Bangsamoro. â€" Any local government unit or geographic area outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro, but which are contiguous to any of the component units of the Bangsamoro, upon a verified petition for the conduct of a plebiscite of at least ten percent (10%) of the registered voters, submitted to the Bangsamoro Electoral Office.

Provided that, the inclusion of said local government unit or geographic area in the Bangsamoro shall be effective when approved by a majority of the registered voters within that local government unit in the plebiscite called for the purpose.

Provided further that the schedule of the plebiscite shall be determined by the COMELEC through the Bangsamoro Electoral Office.

Section 5. Reconstitution of Local Government Units. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament, may, by regional law, provide for the constitution of geographic areas in the Bangsamoro into appropriate territorial or political subdivisions depending on the results of any of the plebiscites herein.

Nothing herein shall be constructed to allow the Bangsamoro Parliament to create congressional districts.

Section 6. Plebiscite Question. The question to be asked of the voters in the plebiscite shall be as follows: “Do you approve of the Bangsamoro Basic Law?”

Section 7. Plebiscite Monitoring. â€" The COMELEC shall also provide for the accreditation of plebiscite monitors, including the international-domestic monitoring body created by the GPH and the MILF negotiating panels, in accordance with established international standards on election monitoring. The monitoring body will have access to all operations related to the conduct of the plebiscite and be able to conduct regular and random checks. The reports of the monitoring body shall be made available to the Panels for their disposition.

Section 8. Registered Voters. â€" All registered voters in the provinces, cities and geographical areas mentioned in Section 1 shall be qualified to participate in the plebiscite on the establishment of the Bangsamoro. Notwithstanding existing laws, rules, and regulations on overseas and local absentee voters, the COMELEC shall ensure that qualified voters for the plebiscite who are located outside the Bangsamoro on the date of the plebiscite shall be given the opportunity to vote, and that voters who are currently registered outside the areas specified but are otherwise qualified to be registered voters of the areas, complying with residency requirements under law, shall be given the opportunity to transfer their registration accordingly, in time for the conduct of the plebiscite.

The COMELEC shall conduct a special registration before the date of the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The COMELEC shall promulgate rules necessary for the conduct of plebiscite, including those for the accreditation of plebiscite monitors, voluntary inclusion in the plebiscite and the special registration of voters as provided herein, within thirty (30 days from the effectivity of this Basic Law, with the primary objective of optimizing the opportunity for participation in the plebiscite of qualified voters in the areas specified for the creation of the Bangsamoro.

Section 9. Information Campaigns. â€" The Commission on Elections shall supervise the conduct of information campaigns on the plebiscite, including sectoral campaigns for indigenous communities, women, youth, religious, professionals and public and private sector employees, in every municipality, city, and province where the plebiscite is held.

Public conferences, assemblies, or meetings on dates before the plebiscite day itself shall be held to inform the residents thereof regarding the significance and meaning of the plebiscite and to help them to cast their votes intelligently. Free, full, and constructive discussion and exchange of views on the issues shall be encouraged.

For this purpose, the assistance of persons of known probity and knowledge may be enlisted by the Commission on Elections, the local government units or interested parties to act as speakers or resource persons.

Such campaign will be without prejudice to other information dissemination and public advocacy initiatives by the other government or non-government groups or individuals.

For information campaigns and other public advocacy initiatives with indigenous communities, local leaders shall be engaged to lead discussions in their respective communities.

Public advocacy initiatives shall be conducted within the framework of solidarity, cooperation, and unity among Moro, indigenous, and settler communities. Consultations shall give due respect to the roles of indigenous and Moro women, and encourage their active participation.

Section 10. Appropriation. â€" A sufficient amount is hereby appropriated for the requirements of the conduct of the plebiscite, including the monitoring, information campaign and the registration of voters; Provided, that the Commission on Elections shall determine the manner of campaigning and the deputization of government agencies for the purpose.

Section 10. Exploration, Development, and Utilization of Fossil Fuels and Uranium. â€" The Bangsamoro Government and the Central Government shall jointly exercise the power to grant rights, privileges and concessions over the exploration, development and utilization of fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium in the Bangsamoro.

The Central Government, through the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Bangsamoro Government shall adopt a competitive and transparent process for the grant of rights, privileges and concessions in the exploration, development and utilization of fossil fuels and uranium.

The DOE and the Bangsamoro Government will identify and select prospective contract areas to be offered for exploration and development. A qualified Filipino citizen who is bona fide resident of the Bangsamoro will receive a rating higher than other proponents during the evaluation process. The award of the service contract shall be made jointly by the DOE and the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 11. Preferential Rights of Bona Fide Inhabitants of the Bangsamoro. â€" Qualified citizens who are bona fide inhabitants of the Bangsamoro shall have preferential rights over the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources, including fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium, within the Bangsamoro territory. Existing rights over the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources shall be respected until the expiration of the corresponding leases, permits, franchises or concessions, unless legally terminated.

Section 12. Rights of Indigenous Peoples Over Natural Resources. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a law recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro in relation to natural resources within the territories covered by a native title, including their share in revenues, as provided in this Basic Law, and preferential rights in the exploration, development and utilization of such natural resources within their area.

The right of indigenous peoples to free and prior informed consent in relation to development initiatives shall be respected.

Section 13. Mines and Mineral Resources. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have authority and jurisdiction over the exploration, development, and utilization of mines and minerals in its territory. Permits and licenses and the granting of contracts for this purpose shall be within the powers of the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 14. Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement. â€" The applications for financial and technical assistance agreements (FTAAs) covering mineral resources within the Bangsamoro shall be commenced at and recommended by the Bangsamoro Government to the President.

The manner by which the Bangsamoro Government shall make the recommendation shall be in accordance with the mining policy that shall be adopted by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 15. Regulation of Small-Scale Mining. â€" Small-scale mining shall be regulated by the Bangsamoro Government to the end that the ecological balance, safety and health, and the interests of the affected communities, the miners, the indigenous peoples, and the local government units of the place where such operations are conducted are duly protected and safeguarded.

Section 16. Legislating Benefits, Compensation for Victims and Communities Adversely Affected by Mining and Other Activities that Harness Natural Resources. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws for the benefit and welfare of the inhabitants injured, harmed or adversely affected by the harnessing of natural and mineral resources in the Bangsamoro. Such laws may include payment of just compensation to and relocation of the people and rehabilitation of the areas adversely affected by the harnessing of natural and mineral resources mentioned above.

The Bangsamoro Parliament may, by law, require the persons, natural or juridical, responsible for causing the harm or injury mentioned above to bear the costs of compensation, relocation and rehabilitation mentioned above wholly or partially.

Section 17. Bangsamoro Mining Policy. â€" Policies on mining and other extractive industries shall be drawn up by the Bangsamoro Parliament in accordance with its Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan, as well as its over-all medium-term and long-term Bangsamoro Development Plan.

Section 18. Zones of Joint Cooperation. â€" Zones of Joint Cooperation in the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf are hereby created, the coordinates of which shall be defined by an ad hoc joint body composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and an equal number of representatives from appropriate agencies of the Bangsamoro Government.

The Joint Body shall be convened within thirty (3) days after the ratification of this Basic Law and shall cease to exist after it has established the coordinates of the Bangsamoro territory, including the Bangsamoro Waters and the Zones of Joint Cooperation. However, the said joint body shall be reconvened within thirty (30) days after the conduct of a plebiscite for the inclusion of other territories as provided in the Basic Law.

Section 19. Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation. â€" There shall be created a Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation composed of a Bangsamoro Minister as Chair, at least one (1) representative of a constituent local government unit of the Bangsamoro adjacent to the Sulu Sea, at least one (1) representative of a constituent local government unit of the Bangsamoro adjacent to the Moro Gulf, the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Transportation and Communication of the Central Government, or their authorized representatives, and their counterpart officials from the appropriate Bangsamoro offices and/or agencies. There shall be at least one (1) representative from an adjoining local government unit that is not part of the Bangsamoro, and adjacent to the Sulu Sea, and at least one (1) representative from an adjoining local government unit that is not part of the Bangsamoro, and adjacent to the Moro Gulf. The Joint Body shall be responsible for drawing up of policies mentioned in the preceding Section, as well as those necessarily related thereto.

The joint body may invite private sector representatives from the fishing and transportation industries whenever necessary.

The Central and the Bangsamoro Governments shall work together to regulate the waters that comprise the Zones of Joint Cooperation in the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf. Policies shall be jointly drawn up for the following purposes:

a. protection of the traditional fishing grounds;

b. benefitting from the resources therein;

c. ensuring the interconnectivity of the islands and mainland parts of the Bangsamoro so that they are parts of a cohesive Bangsamoro political entity; and

d. ensuring the exercise of the preferential rights of the Bangsamoro people, other indigenous peoples in the adjoining provinces, and the resident fishers in the Bangsamoro over fishery, aquamarine, and other living resources in the Zones of Joint Cooperation. The Joint Body shall promulgate rules and regulations as to the exercise of these preferential rights. The preferential rights granted to the Bangsamoro people under this section shall extend only to those who can establish that they are Bangsamoro as defined in this Basic Law or descendants of a Bangsamoro as of February 2, 1987.

The Bangsamoro Government and the Central Governments shall ensure that there shall be free movement of vessels, goods, and people in these Zones of Joint Cooperation.

Section 20. Exploration, Development and Utilization of Non-living Resources in the Zones of Joint Cooperation. The Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation shall ensure the cooperation and coordination between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government on the exploration, development and utilization of non-living resources in the Zones of Joint Cooperation and determine the sharing of income and revenues derived therefrom.

Section 21. Transportation in the Zones of Joint Cooperation. Transportation plying direct routes connecting the islands in Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and/or the mainland parts of the Bangsamoro and passing through the Zones of Joint Cooperation shall be considered intra-regional routes.

Section 22. Inland Waters. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have exclusive powers over inland water, including, but not limited to lakes, marshes, rivers and tributaries. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws on the regulation, management and protection of these resources. It may create a Bangsamoro office and authorities for specific inland bodies of water that shall exercise management powers over these bodies of water.

The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure that the utilization of these waters shall primarily be for the benefit of the people in the Bangsamoro and shall ensure that communities in the Bangsamoro in whose territory these waters are found are given an equitable share from the revenues generated from such utilization.

Section 23. Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources. â€" The Bangsamoro Government’s policies and laws on agriculture, fisheries, and aquatic resources shall advance agriculture as a key development strategy, promote productivity measures, and provide support for farmers and fishers especially small landholders and marginal fishers.

Trade and Industry

Section 24. Trade and Industry in the Bangsamoro. â€" The Bangsamoro Government recognizes the private sector as mover of trade, commerce, and industry. It shall encourage and support the building up of entrepreneurial capability in the Bangsamoro and shall recognize, promote, and protect cooperatives.

The Bangsamoro Government shall promote trade and industry in the Bangsamoro by providing avenues through which other countries can learn about its unique industries, economic opportunities and culture through participation in trade missions, trade fairs, and other promotional activities. It can also organize trade missions to other countries observing the necessary coordination with the relevant government agencies.

The Bangsamoro Government shall also promote domestic trade preference for goods produced and materials sourced from within the Bangsamoro and adopt measures to increase their competitiveness. The Bangsamoro Government shall also ensure that Bangsamoro products and services gain considerable access to the markets of its trading partners, and particular attention should also be given to the markets of its trading partners who have historic and cultural ties to the Bangsamoro.

The Bangsamoro Government shall provide technical and skills training programs, create livelihood and job opportunities, and allocate equitable preferential rights to its inhabitants. In this regard, the Bangsamoro Parliament may adopt laws that will safeguard the rights of workers.

Section 25. Barter Trade and Countertrade with ASEAN Countries. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall regulate traditional barter trade and counter-trade with ASEAN countries. The goods or items that are traded with the said counties shall not be sold elsewhere in the country without payment of appropriate customs or import duties.

Traditional barter trade and counter-trade refer to all cross-border trade of all goods not otherwise considered illicit since time immemorial between the Bangsamoro areas with ASEAN countries. The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure compliance with national standards and safety product standards requirements. Any dispute in relation to compliance or non-compliance shall be brought to the intergovernmental relations mechanism.

Section 26. Economic Zones, Industrial Estates and Free Ports. â€" The Bangsamoro Government may establish economic zones, industrial estates and free ports in the Bangsamoro. Through the intergovernmental relations mechanism, the Bangsamoro Government and the Central Government shall cooperate on customs, immigration, quarantine service including the attendant international commitments thereto, to implement and make fully operational such economic zones, industrial estates, and free ports within one (1) year from their establishment. Business and other enterprises operating within the Bangsamoro economic zones, industrial estates and free ports shall be entitled to the fiscal incentives and other benefits provided by the Central Government to special economic zones. The Bangsamoro Government shall implement the fiscal incentives and other benefits to investors in economic zones, industrial estates and free ports. Bangsamoro free ports shall be contiguous/ adjacent to a seaport or airport. The area of coverage of a free port may be so much as may be necessary of that portion of the constituent local government unit/s of the Bangsamoro, subject to such criteria as the Bangsamoro Parliament may provide in law for that purpose. Existing free ports in the ARMM are hereby transferred to the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 27. Prohibition Against Toxic or Hazardous Substances. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall regulate, restrict or prohibit the use, importation, transit, transport, deposit, disposal, and dumping of toxic or hazardous substances within the Bangsamoro. It shall, in the same manner, regulate activities that may adversely impact the environment and may be harmful to health, safety and welfare of the Bangsamoro.

Section 28. Halal-Certifying Bodies; Halal Campaign Program. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have the power to accredit halal-certifying bodies in the Bangsamoro. It shall promote awareness through the development and implementation of a halal campaign program.

Banking and Finance

Section 29. Banks and Financial Institutions. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall encourage the establishment of:

a. Banks and financial institutions and their branches; and

b. Off-shore banking units of foreign banks

within the Bangsamoro, and principles of the Islamic banking system.

Section 30. Islamic Banking and Finance. â€" The Bangsamoro Government, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Finance (DOF), and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall jointly promote the development of an Islamic banking and finance system, to include among others the establishment of a Shari’ah Supervisory Board.

To facilitate the establishment of an Islamic banking and finance system, the Central and the Bangsamoro Governments shall review existing market environment and policies and adopt measures to enhance the competitiveness of Islamic finance products and that Islamic financial players are not inhibited from introducing Islamic finance products. It shall further promote investor awareness and acceptance in order to build a broader customer and asset base.

Transportation and Communications

Section 31. Transportation and Communications. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall exercise such powers, function and responsibilities that have been devolved or decentralized to the ARMM.

The intergovernmental relations body shall convene the Department of Transportation and Communication, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Civil Aeronautics Board, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, the National Telecommunications Commission, and other concerned agencies of the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government. The body shall perform the following functions:

(a) Determine the exercise of additional powers, functions and responsibilities relating to transportation and communications in the Bangsamoro based [on the principles of subsidiarity, technical and financial viability, harmonization (uniform system concept), compliance with international standards, treaties, and conventions, and mutual respect and recognition, and in recognition of the Bangsamoro’s aspiration to assume further powers as may be practically operationalized as it capacity develops;

(b) Issue rules and regulation to implement the additional powers, functions and responsibilities over transportation and communication in the Bnagsamoro;

(c) Harmonize policies, programs, regulations and standards; and

(d) Resolve problems of implementation between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government.

All revenues derived by the Bangsamoro Government from the exercise of its powers functions and responsibilities shall pertain to the Bangsamoro Government.

Loans

Section 22. Foreign and Domestic Loans; Bills, Bonds, Notes and Obligations. â€" (a) Loans, Credits, and Other Forms of Indebtedness.- The contracting of loans, credits, and other forms of indebtedness by the Bangsamoro Government shall be for the development and welfare of the people of the Bangsamoro.

Subject to acceptable credit worthiness, such loans may be secured from domestic and foreign lending institutions, except foreign and domestic loans requiring sovereign guaranty, whether explicit or implicit, which would require the approval of the Central Government. The Bangsamoro Parliament may authorize the Chief Minister to contract such domestic or foreign loans. The loans so contracted may take effect upon approval by a majority of all the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

The Central Government shall assist the Bangsamoro Government in complying with the requirements for a speedy issuance of the sovereign guaranty, to finance local infrastructure and other socio-economic development projects in accordance with the Bangsamoro Development Plan.

Within 30 days from the submission of the Bangsamoro Government of its application for sovereign guaranty, the Bangsamoro Government shall be informed by the Central Government on the actions taken on the application. The application shall be resolved with dispatch.

(b) Bills, Bonds, Notes, Debentures and Obligations. â€" The Bangsamoro Government is also authorized to issue treasury bills, bonds, debentures, securities, collaterals, notes, obligations, and other debt papers or documents, as well as redeem or retire the same. Pursuant to law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament. Said authority may be exercised in order to finance self-liquidating, income producing development or livelihood projects pursuant to the priorities established in the aforementioned development plan.

(c) Payment of Loans and Indebtedness. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall appropriate in its annual budget such amounts as are sufficient to pay their loans and their indebtedness incurred.

Section 23. Overseas Development Assistance. â€" In its efforts to achieve inclusive growth and poverty reduction, through the implementation of priority development projects, the Bangsamoro Government may avail directly of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). The Bangsamoro Parliament may enact legislation governing ODA.

Grants and Donations

Section 24. Grants and Donations. â€" Grants and donations from foreign and domestic donors received by the Bangsamoro Government for the development and welfare of the people in the Bangsamoro shall be used solely for the purpose for which they were received.

Donations and grants that are used exclusively to finance projects for education, health, youth and culture, and economic development, may be deducted in full from the taxable income of the donor or grantor. jlp-law.com

Economic Agreements and Conventions

Section 25. Economic Agreements. â€" The Bangsamoro government may enter into economic agreements and receive benefits and grants derived therefrom subject to the reserved powers of the Central Government over foreign affairs.

Section 26. Cultural Exchange, Economic and Technical Cooperation. â€" Consistent with the reserved powers of the Central Government, the Bangsamoro Government may establish linkages for cultural exchange, economic and technical cooperation with countries with diplomatic relations with the Philippines, with assistance of Philippine embassies or consulates, or through some other arrangements with Central Government supporting such undertakings.

Section 27. Benefits from Conventions. â€" The Bangsamoro shall be entitled to benefits resulting from conventions to which the Central Government is a party. Such benefits shall be equitable and shall consider the available human and material resources and comparative advantage of the Bangsamoro, as well as its socio-economic conditions and needs.

Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs)

And Financial Institutions

Section 28. GOCCs and Financial Institutions. â€" The Bangsamoro shall have the power to create GOCCs and financial institutions through the necessary modalities, and in accordance with a law on GOCCs to be passed by the Parliament. The Bangsamoro Government-created GOCCs shall be duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or established under legislative charter by the Bangsamoro Parliament, and shall be recognized even outside the Bangsamoro. Revenues derived from their operations shall pertain to the Bangsamoro.

Section 29. Existing GOCCs Operating Exclusively in the Bangsamoro. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have the authority and control over existing GOCCs and financial institutions operating exclusively in the Bangsamoro, after determination by the intergovernmental fiscal policy board of its feasibility. Such transfer shall be effected through the necessary changes on the GOCCs’ governing boards.

Section 30. Southern Philippine Development Authority and Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank. â€" Within six (6) months from the establishment of the BTA, the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board shall determine the participation of the Bangsamoro in the ownership and management of Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines and the Southern Philippines Development Authority as provided in P.D. 690 as amended by P.D. 1703 and the mode of transfer of ownership to the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 31. Existing GOCCs in the Bangsamoro. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall be represented in the board of directors or in the policy making bodies of GOCCs that operate a substantial portion of their businesses directly or through their subsidiaries in the Bangsamoro or where the Bangsamoro has substantial interest. The Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IGFPB) shall determine the extent of participation. In no case shall the Bangsamoro have less than one seat in the governing board of such entities.

The share of the Bangsamoro Government from the results of operations of GOCCs and subsidiaries operating in the Bangsamoro shall be bases on a formula determined by the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board under Section 36 of this Basic Law.

Sharing in the Exploration, Development and Utilization of Natural Resources

Section 32. Sharing in the Exploration, Development and Utilization of Natural Resource. â€" Central Government income from taxes derived from the exploration, development and utilization of all natural resources within the Bangsamoro shall be allocated as follows:

a. For non-metallic minerals (sand, gravel, and quarry resources), such revenues shall pertain fully to the Bangsamoro and its local government units;

b. For metallic minerals, seventy-five percent (75%) shall pertain to the Bangsamoro;

c. For fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium, the same shall be shared equally between the Central and Bangsamoro Governments.

Such sharing scheme shall be applicable to the natural resources found in the land mass that comprise the Bangsamoro territory as well as the waters that are within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro.

Section 33. Share of the Constituent Local Government Units. â€" The share of the Bangsamoro Government in the revenues referred to in the immediately preceding section shall include those for its constituent local government units. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a law detailing the shares of such local government units.

Section 34. Share of Indigenous Communities. â€" Indigenous peoples shall have an equitable share from the revenues generated from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources that are found within the territories covered by a native tile in their favor. The share shall be provided for in a law to be passed by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a law that shall provide in detail said sharing system, including the percentage of the shares of the indigenous peoples and communities, and the mechanisms therefor.

Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board

Section 35. Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board. â€" There is hereby created an Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IGFBP) that shall address revenue imbalances and fluctuations in regional financial needs and revenue-raising capacity of the Bangsamoro.

Section 36. Functions. â€" The IGFBP shall undertake the following functions:

(a) Recommend the necessary fiscal policy adjustments by undertaking a periodic review of the taxing powers, tax base and rates of the Bangsamoro Government, wealth sharing arrangements, sources of revenues vis-à-vis the development needs of the Bangsamoro;

(b) Address disputes between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government involving the collection of capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, donor’s tax and estate tax in the Bangsamoro;

(c) Determine the extent of participation of the Bangsamoro Government in the board of directors or the policy-making bodies of GOCCs that operate a substantial portion of their businesses directly or through their subsidiaries in the Bangsamoro or where the Bangsamoro has substantial interest;

(d) Determine the participation of the Bangsamoro Government in the results of operations of government-owned and/or controlled corporations and its subsidiaries operating in the Bangsamoro. The Board shall also determine a formula for the share of the Bangsamoro Government from the results of said operations;

(e) Determine the participation of the Bangsamoro in the ownership and management of Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines and the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) to the Bangsamoro; and

(f) Recommend the exercise by the Bangsamoro Government of additional fiscal powers in order to attain the highest form of fiscal autonomy.

Section 37. Composition. â€" The Board shall be composed of the heads and/or representatives of the appropriate ministries and offices in the Bangsamoro Government. The Central Government shall likewise be represented in the Board by the Secretary of Finance and such other officials as may be necessary.

Once full fiscal autonomy has been achieved by the Bangsamoro, it may no longer be necessary to have a representative from the Central Government to sit in the Board.

Section 38. Meetings and Annual Report. The Board shall meet at least once in six (6) months and shall adopt its own rules of procedure for the conduct of its meetings.

An annual report shall be submitted by the Board to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 39. Full Disclosure Policy. â€" The Bangsamoro Government hereby adopts a policy of full disclosure of its budget and finances, and bids and public offerings and shall provide protocols for the guidance of local authorities in the implementation of said policy, which shall include, among others the posting of the Summary of Income and Expenditures. The same policy shall apply to its constituent local government units, as may be provided in a law to be enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 40. Additional Fiscal Powers. â€" The IGFPB may recommend the exercise by the Bangsamoro of additional fiscal powers in order to reach full fiscal autonomy. Such recommendations shall be proposed to Congress or the appropriate agency of the Central Government that has the power to effect such recommendations.

Article XIII

ECONOMY AND PATRIMONY

Section 1. Bangsamoro Economy and Social Justice. â€" The Bangsamoro Government’s economic policies and programs shall be based on the principle of social justice. Pursuant to this principle, the Bangsamoro Parliament shall legislate laws pertaining to the Bangsamoro economy and patrimony that are responsive to the needs of its people.

Sustainable Development

Section 2. Equitable and Sustainable Development. â€" In order to protect and improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the Bangsamoro, development in the Bangsamoro shall be carefully planned, taking into consideration the natural resources that are available for its use and for the use of future generations.

The Bangsamoro Government shall promote the effective use of economic resources and endeavor to attain economic development that shall facilitate growth and full employment, human development, and social justice.

The Bangsamoro Government shall also provide equitable opportunities for the development of constituent local government units and shall strengthen governance systems to ensure people’s participation.

Section 3. Comprehensive Framework for Sustainable Development. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall develop a comprehensive framework for sustainable development through the proper conservation, utilization and development of natural resources. Such framework shall guide the Bangsamoro Government in adopting programs and policies and establishing mechanisms that focus on the environment dimensions of social and economic interventions. It shall include measures for the reduction of vulnerability of women and marginalized groups to climate change and variability.

Section 4. Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall create a Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board (BSDB), an intergovernmental body composed of representatives from the Bangsamoro Government and the Central Government. The Board shall ensure the harmonization of environmental and developmental plans, as well as formulate common environmental objectives.

Funding support for the Board shall be included in the annual budget of the Bangsamoro Government. However, if there are revenues collected from the exploration, development and utilization of all natural resources within the Bangsamoro, a certain percentage of such revenues shall be allocated for the operation of the Board, as may be provided in a law to be passed by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 5. Bangsamoro Development Plan. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall formulate its development plans taking into consideration the Bangsamoro people’s unique needs and aspirations and consistent with national development goals. The plan shall also consider the revenue generation efforts needed for the post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction and development of its territory.

The plan shall include the promotion of growth and full employment, human development, and address social and economic inequities that have resulted from decades of neglect, historical injustice, poverty and inequality.

For this purpose, the Bangsamoro Parliament shall create an economic planning office.

Section 6. Gender and Development. â€" The Bangsamoro Government recognizes the role of women in governance and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men. It shall guarantee full and direct participation of women in governance and in the development process and shall, further, ensure that women benefit equally in the implementation of development programs and projects.

In the utilization of public funds, the Bangsamoro Government shall ensure that the needs of women and men are adequately addressed. For this purpose, at least five percent (5%) of the total budget appropriation of each ministry, office, and constituent local government unit of the Bangsamoro shall be set aside for gender-responsive programs, in accordance with a gender and development (GAD) plan. In the same manner, at least five percent (5%) up to thirty percent (30%) of the official development funds received by the Bangsamoro shall be set aside to complement said GAD budget allocation.

The Bangsamoro Government shall establish a mechanism for consultation with women and local communities to further ensure the allocation and proper utilization of said funds. It shall identify and implement special development programs and laws for women.

Section 7. Participation of the Bangsamoro in National Development Planning. â€" The preceding section notwithstanding, and in order to ensure that the Bangsamoro development plans are reflected in the national development plans, the Bangsamoro shall participate in national development planning. The Chief Minister shall be a full-fledged member of the Board of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Natural Resources

Section 8. Natural Resources, Nature Reserves and Protected Areas. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have the authority, power, and right to explore, develop and utilize the natural resources, including surface and sub-surface rights, inland waters, coastal waters, and renewable and non-renewable resources in the Bangsamoro.

The protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and development of forests, coastal, and marine resources, including the adoption of programs and projects to ensure the maintenance of ecological balance, shall be given priority.

The Bangsamoro Government shall also have the power to declare nature reserves and aquatic parks, forests, watershed reservations and other protected areas in the Bangsamoro, amending for this purpose the following laws, among others:

a. Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, as amended by Republic Act No. 10629;

b. Presidential Decree (PD) No. 705, Revising PD 389 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines;

c. PD No. 1515 Vesting Jurisdiction and Control over Watershed Reservations in the Ministry of Energy and for other Purposes;

d. PD 87, Amending PD No. 8, An Act to Promote the Discovery and Production of Indigenous Petroleum and Appropriate Funds therefor; and

e. Republic Act No. 7942, Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

The Bangsamoro Parliament shall pass a law on protected areas, regarding the procedure for the declaration, and the management of those that are so declared, and the role of the Bangsamoro Government and other stakeholders in the process.

Section 9. Transfer of Existing Nature Reserves and Protected Areas. â€" The management and protection of nature reserves and aquatic parks, forests, watershed reservations, and other protected areas in the Bangsamoro territory that have already been defined by and under the authority of the Central Government shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro Government.

Within three months from the establishment of Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the Bangsamoro Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as other relevant government agencies shall start the process of transferring these areas including the conduct of surveys of all affected areas and the planning and transition for each and every protected area. Such process shall be completed within a period not exceeding two years.

Article XII

FISCAL AUTONOMY

Section 1. Fiscal Autonomy. â€" The Bangsamoro shall enjoy fiscal autonomy with the end in view of attaining the highest form of economic self-sufficiency and genuine development. It shall be entitled to all fund sources enumerated herein, and shall have the power to create its sources revenues as provided in this law. It shall prepare its budget and shall allocate funds in accordance with an annual appropriations law passed by the Bangsamoro Parliament. The form, content, and manner of preparation of the budget shall be prescribed by law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 2. Auditing. â€" All public funds of the Bangsamoro are subject to auditing. For this purpose, a Bangsamoro Commission on Audit (BCA) is hereby created. It shall have the power, authority, and duty to examine, audit and settle all accounts pertaining to revenue and receipts of, and expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to the public funds utilized by the Bangsamoro. The utilization of the revenue generated by the Bangsamoro Government and block grants or subsidies from foreign or domestic donors shall be subject to the auditing rules and regulation of the Bangsamoro Government and to auditing by the BCA auditors.

The BCA’s power, authority and duty shall be without prejudice to the power, authority and duty of the Commission on Audit (COA) to examine, audit and settle all accounts, pertaining to the revenues and the use of funds and property owned and held in trust by any government instrumentality, including GOCC’s.

With due regard to the BCA’s responsibility to ensure the judicious use of funds within the Bangsamoro, disbursement vouchers of the Bangsamoro Government shall be submitted immediately to the BCA.

Section 3. Local Government Finance. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall create a mechanism for coordinating, assisting, and monitoring the finances of the constituent local government units in pursuance of good governance and local autonomy.

Section 4. Central Government Assistance. â€" The central government shall extend assistance to the Bangsamoro Government in the matter of tax administration and fiscal management. This assistance shall include capacity building and training programs, in accordance with a needs assessment and capacity building plan developed by the Bangsamoro Government in consultation with the Central Government.

Section 5. Assistance to Other Regions. â€" The Bangsamoro Government may also assist the development efforts of other regions once the Bangsamoro has attained financial self-sustainability.

Sources of Revenue

Section 6. Revenue Sources. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have the power to create its own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees, and charges, subject to the provisions of this law and consistent with the principles of devotion of powers, equalization, equity, accountability, administrative simplicity, harmonization, and economic efficiency, and fiscal autonomy. Such taxes, fees, and charges shall accrue exclusively to the Bangsamoro Government.

The sources of revenue of the Bangsamoro Government shall include, among others, the following:

a. Taxes;

b. Fees and charges;

c. Annual block grant coming from Central Government;

d. Revenues from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources derived from areas/territories, land or water, covered by and within the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro

e. Revenues from Bangsamoro government-owned and/or â€"controlled corporations (GOCC’s), financial institutions and other corporations, and shares from the revenues of national GOCC’s and its subsidiaries operating in the Bangsamoro, as may be determined by the intergovernmental fiscal policy board;

f. Grants from economic agreements entered into by the Bangsamoro Government and conventions to which the Central Government is a party;

g. Grants and donations; and

h. Loans and Overseas Development Assistance (ODA).

Section 7. Taxation. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall exercise the power to levy taxes, fees or charges that were already given to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and/or allowed under Republic Act 6734 and Republic Act 9054, and other legislations, as well as those that are provided herein.

In enacting revenue-raising measure, the Bangsamoro shall observe the principles of uniformity and equity in taxation. Revenues shall inure solely to the benefits of, and be subject to the disposition by, the Bangsamoro Government.

Taxes, fees or charges shall not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, confiscatory or contrary to public policy. The collection of Bangsamoro taxes, fees, charges and other impositions shall not be let to any private person.

The power to impose a tax under this Basic Law shall be exercised by the Bangsamoro Parliament, through an appropriate legislation, which shall not be enacted without any prior public hearing conducted for the purpose. The Bangsamoro Government shall, as far as practicable, evolve a progressive system of taxation.

Section 8. Tax Incentives. â€" To encourage investments and other economic activities, the Bangsamoro Government shall have the power to grant tax exemptions, rebate, tax holidays and other incentives including those granted to the Regional Board of Investment of the ARMM. As part of incentives to investors, the Bangsamoro may opt instead to impose a flat rate lump sum tax on small and medium enterprises.

Section 9. Taxing Powers. The following taxes in the Bangsamoro shall be levied by the Bangsamoro Government.

a. Capital Gains Tax- Tax imposed on the gains presumed to have been realized by the seller from the sale, exchange or other disposition of capital assets, including pacto de retro sales and other forms of conditional sale;

b. Documentary Stamp Tax. â€" Tax on documents, instrument, loan agreements and papers evidencing the acceptance, assignment, sale or transfer of an obligation rights or property incident thereto;

c. Donor’s Tax â€" Tax on a donation or gift, and imposed on the gratuitous transfer of property between two or more persons who are living at the time of the transfer. It shall apply whether the transfer is in trust or otherwise, whether the gift is direct or indirect and whether the property is real or personal, tangible or intangible.

d. Estate Tax. â€" Tax on the right of the deceased person to transmit his/her estate to his/her lawful heirs and beneficiaries at the time of death and on certain transfers, which are made by law as equivalent to testamentary disposition;

e. Income tax levied on banks and other financial institutions;

f. Registration fees of vessels which are registered by their owners with the Bangsamoro Government and wharfage on wharves constructed and maintained by the Bangsamoro Government or the local government unit concerned;

g. Tolls on bridges or roads constructed and maintained by the provinces, cities, municipalities, or barangays concerned or by the Bangsamoro Government;

h. Taxes, fees, or charges on agricultural and aquatic products except when sold by marginal farmers or fisherfolk;

i. Excise taxes on articles that are not enumerated under the National Internal Revenue Code;

j. Taxes, fees, or charges on countryside, barangay enterprises and cooperatives not registered under Republic Act No. 6810, the “Magna Carta for Countryside and Barangay Business Enterprises” and Republic Act No. 6938, the “Cooperatives Code of the Philippines,” respectively; and

k. Such other taxes that were allowed to be levied by the Government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under RA 6734, RA 9054, and other legislations and executive issuances.

Where all taxable elements are within the Bangsamoro territory, taxes under letters (a) to (d) above shall no longer be imposed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of the Central Government. The Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board shall promulgate rules on the determination of taxable elements in relation to taxes (a) to (d) above and on the sharing of revenues from the collection of such taxes where the taxable elements are found within and outside of the Bangsamoro territory. Any dispute between the Bangsamoro Government and the Central Government arising from the imposition of taxes under (a) to (d) above shall be addresses by the intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board.

Section 10. Share in Taxes of the Central Government- Central Government taxes, fees, and charges collected in the Bangsamoro, other than tariff and customs duties shall be shared as follows:

a. Twenty-five percent (25%) to the Central Government; and

b. Seventy-five percent (75%) to the Bangsamoro, including the shares of the local government units.

The aforementioned twenty-five percent (25%) share of the Central Government shall, for a period of ten (10) years, be retained by the Bangsamoro Government. The period for retention may be extended upon mutual agreement of the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 11. Assessment and Collection of Taxes. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall, by law, establish the Bangsamoro Tax Office within the Bangsamoro for the purpose of assessing and collecting Bangsamoro taxes. The Bangsamoro Government and the Central Government may come to an agreement as to modalities for the collection and remittance of national taxes, including costs, in the Bangsamoro.

Until such time that the Bangsamoro Tax Office is established, the collection shall be done by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The share of the Bangsamoro Government shall be directly remitted to it.

Corporations, partnerships, or firms directly engaged in business in the Bangsamoro shall pay their corresponding taxes, fees, and charges in the provinces or city, where the corporation, partnership, or firm is doing business.

Corporations, partnerships, or firms whose central, main, or head offices are located outside the Bangsamoro but which are doing business within its territorial jurisdiction by farming, developing, or utilizing the land, aquatic, or natural resources therein, shall pay the income taxes corresponding to the income realized from their business operations in the Bangsamoro to the city, or municipality where their branch offices or business operations or activities are located. The BIR and the Bangsamoro Tax Office shall agree on modalities for the filing of income tax returns through the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board.

Section 12. Share of the Constituent Local Government Units in Taxes within the Bangsamoro. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a law detailing the shares of constituent local government units in the 75% share of the Bangsamoro Government in the taxes, fees and charges collected in their jurisdiction by the Central Government in the Bangsamoro.

Section 13. Bangsamoro Taxes and Revenue Code. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a Bangsamoro Tax Code, which shall cover the taxing powers of the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 14. Fees and Charges. â€" The Bangsamoro shall exercise the power to levy fees and charges pursuant to the power and functions that it shall exercise in accordance with the Basic Law, including the powers already granted under Republic Act, No. 6734, RA 9054 and other executive issuances, and memoranda of agreement.

Block Grant

Section 15. Annual Block Grant. â€" The Central Government shall provide an annual block grant which shall be the share of the Bangsamoro in the national internal revenue of the Government. The amount shall be sufficient for the exercise of the powers and functions of the Bangsamoro Government under this Basic Law in no case to be less than the budget received by the ARMM immediately before the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

Section 16. Formula of the Block Grant. â€" For the budget year immediately following the year this Act takes effect, the amount of the block grant shall be equivalent to four percent (4%) of the net national internal revenue collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue less the internal revenue allotment of local government units. For purposes of this section, the net national internal revenue collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue is understood to be sum of all internal revenue tax collections during the base year less the amount released during the same year for tax refunds, payments for informer’s reward, and any portion of internal revenue tax collections which are presently set aside, or hereafter earmarked under special laws for payment to third persons.

Provided, that the computation shall be based on collection from the third fiscal year preceding the current fiscal year;

Provided, further, that the above formula shall be adjusted if, after the effectivity of this Act, there occurs a change in the total land area of the Bangsamoro;

Provided, finally, that in the event that the Central Government incurs an unmanageable public sector deficit, the President of the Philippines shall call for the activation of the intergovernmental relations body where both the President and the Prime Minister of the Bangsamoro will participate in order to look at the possibility of adjusting the annual block grant of the Bangsamoro; Provided furthermore, that this adjustment shall be during the duration of the unmanageable public sector deficit only.

Section 17. Automatic Appropriation. â€" The annual block grant shall be automatically appropriated to the Bangsamoro Government and reflected in the General Appropriation Act. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall pass an annual appropriations law that allocates the block grant to various agencies and programs, according to the powers and functions of the Bangsamoro Government. The Bangsamoro annual appropriations law may also include performance standards and target for each sector. Any unspent amount in the current year’s block grant shall revert to the Bangsamoro general fund for re-appropriation.

Section 18. Regular Release. â€" The block grant shall be released, without need of any further action, directly and comprehensively to the Bangsamoro Government, and which shall not be subject to any lien or holdback that may be imposed by the Central Government for whatever purpose.

Section 19. Deduction from the Block Grant; Exceptions. â€" Four years from the operationalization of the regular Bangsamoro Government the following shall be deducted from the block grants:

a) Revenues from the additional taxes beyond those already devolved to the ARMM collected three (3) years before; and

b) Share of the Bangsamoro in the government income derived from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, as provided in Section 32 below, collected three (3) years before.

Provided, that the amount allocated for the operation of the Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board, as provided in Article XIII, Section 4, shall not be included in the amount herein to be deducted from the block grant; Provided, further, that the abovementioned deduction shall not include the shares of constituent local government units and of indigenous communities in government income derived from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, under Section 33 and 34, respectively.

Section 20. Review of the Block Grant Formula. â€" The formula for the Block Grant, as provided above, shall be reviewed by the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board ten (10) years after its effectivity. The review that shall be undertaken shall consider, among others, the fiscal needs of the Bangsamoro and the actual revenues it is able to generate. Thereafter, the review shall be undertaken every five (5) years as agreed upon in the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board. Should the Central Government no longer have any representative in the said Board, the review shall be undertaken by the Intergovernmental Relations Body, for enactment into law.

Section 21. Development programs and projects. â€" Immediately after the ratification of this Basic Law, and for another five (5) years thereafter, the Central Government shall provide for additional funds that would subsidize expenditure for development projects and infrastructure in the Bangsamoro, including provincial and municipal roads, in accordance with a development plan formulated by the Bangsamoro Government. The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall agree on the amount through the intergovernmental relations body, as well as the manner of release of said amount to the Bnagsamoro Government.

Section 21. Bangsamoro Jurisconsult in Islamic Law. â€" There is hereby created an office of Jurisconsult of Islamic law in the Bangsamoro. The Parliament shall define the powers and functions of this office.

The Office of Jurisconsult shall be a collegial body composed of the Jurisconsult and three (3) Deputies who shall be appointed by the Chief Minister upon recommendation of the Parliament, taking into consideration the various ethnic groups in the Bangsamoro.

The Jurisconsult and his deputies shall be members of the Philippine Shari’ah Bar or the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Muslim Bangsamoro, holders of Bachelor Degree in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, must not be commonly known as one who violates Islamic injunctions, with proven competence and probity, mentally fit, and known for integrity and high moral standards.

Section 22. Jurisconsult Under Existing Law. â€" Notwithstanding the preceding section, the Office of the Jurisconsult under PD 1083 shall be strengthened by providing for salary, rand and privileges of a Justice of the Court of Appeals.

Traditional/Tribal Justice Systems

Section 23. Traditional/Tribal Justice Systems. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws to promote and support the traditional/tribal justice systems that are appropriate for the indigenous peoples, as defined by them. The traditional justice systems are the mechanisms to determine, settle, and decide controversies and enforce decisions involving disputes between members of the indigenous peoples concerned in accordance with the tribal codes of these communities.

Section 24. Office for Traditional/Tribal Justice System. â€" There is hereby created an Office for Tribal Justice System responsible in overseeing the study, preservation and development of the tribal justice system within the Bangsamoro. The powers and functions of the Office shall be defined by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

The Office shall ensure the full participation of indigenous peoples in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies related to the strengthening of tribal justice system; ensuring further that such systems maintain their indigenous character in accordance with the respective practices of each tribe.

Local Courts

Section 25. Local Courts. â€" Local courts in the Bangsamoro shall continue to exercise their judicial functions, as provided by law. The Bangsamoro Government may undertake measures to improve their workings, consistent with the powers of the Supreme Court.

Alternative Dispute Resolution System

Section 26. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall provide for the institution of alternative dispute resolution system in the Bangsamoro. The Parliament shall enact the necessary legislation for the operationalization of ADR.

The Bangsamoro Government shall adopt the principles of conciliation and mediation in settling disputes. The Bangsamoro Parliament may provide for prior recourse to alternative dispute resolution before the filing of case in Shari’ah courts in the Bangsamoro or any Bangsamoro government offices.

Justice from the Bangsamoro

Section 27. Justices from Bangsamoro. It shall be the policy of the Central Government that at least one (1) justice in the Supreme Court and two (2) justices in the Court of Appeals at any one time who shall be qualified individuals of the Bangsamoro territory. For this purpose, the Chief Minister may, after consultations with the Bangsamoro Parliament and the Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council, submit the names of qualified persons to the Judicial and Bar Council for its consideration. The appointments of those recommended by the Chief Minister to the judicial positions mentioned above are without prejudice to appointments that may be extended to other qualified inhabitants of the Bangsamoro to other positions in the Judiciary.

Section 28. Deputy Court Administrator for the Bangsamoro. The Office of the Deputy Court Administrator for the Bangsamoro is hereby created. The Deputy Court Administrator for the Bangsamoro shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from among three (3) recommendees submitted by the Chief Minister upon previous consultation with the Bangsamoro Parliament and with the concerned sectors of the Bangsamoro.

Article XI

PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY

Section 1. Public Order and Safety. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have primary responsibility over public order and safety within the Bangsamoro. There shall be cooperation and coordination between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government through the intergovernmental relations mechanism.

Section 2. Bangsamoro Police. â€" There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Police which shall be organized, maintained, supervised, and utilized for the primary purpose of law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order in the Bangsamoro. It shall be part of the Philippine National Police.

The Bangsamoro Police shall be professional, civilian in character, regional in scope, effective and efficient in law enforcement, fair and impartial, free from partisan political control, and accountable under the law for its actions. It shall be responsible both to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, and to the communities it serves.

Section 3. Powers and Functions of the Bangsamoro Police. â€" The Bangsamoro Police shall exercise within the Bangsamoro the following powers and functions:

a. Enforce laws enacted by the Congress and by the Bangsamoro Parliament relative to the protection of lives and properties of the people;

b. Maintain law and order and ensure public safety;

c. Investigate and prevent crimes, arrest criminal offenders, bring criminal suspects to justice, and assist in their prosecution;

d. Conduct searches and seizures in accordance with pertinent laws;

e. Detain persons for a period not exceeding what is prescribed by law, inform the person so detained of all his or her rights under the Constitution and the Basic Law, and observe the human rights of all people in the Bangsamoro;

f. Process and facilitate applications for the registration of firearms and the issuance of licenses and permits for approval by the proper official of the Philippine National Police;

g. Initiate drives for the registration or surrender of unregistered firearms; confiscate unregistered firearms after such drives are over; prosecute or recommend to the President the grant of amnesty or pardon to possessors of unregistered firearms who surrender them; and

h. Perform such other duties and exercise all other functions as may be provided by law enacted by Congress or by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 4. Bangsamoro Police Organization. â€" The structural organization of the Bangsamoro Police shall be as follows:

a. It shall be headed by a Bangsamoro Police Director, who shall be assisted by at least two (2) deputies. They shall be professional police officers with the rank of, at least, Police Chief Superintendent. For a period of ten (10) years, immediately following the enactment of this Basic Law, the head of the Bangsamoro Police and his deputies may be selected from a list of Bangsamoro Police officers with a rank of Police Senior Superintendent.

b. It shall have regional, provincial, and city or municipal offices;

c. The provincial office shall be headed by a provincial director, who shall be a professional police officer with the rank of, at least, police superintendent; and

d. The city or municipal office or station shall be headed by a Chief of Police, who shall be a professional police officer with the rank of, at least, police superintendent for the city and police inspector for the municipality.

Section 5. Bangsamoro Police Board. â€" There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Police Board, which shall perform the functions of the National Police Commission in the Bangsamoro. The board shall be part of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). The NAPOLCOM shall ensure that the Bangsamoro Police Board performs its powers and functions within the bounds of its authority. In addition, it shall perform the following functions:

a. To set the policing objectives and priorities in the Bangsamoro;

b. To monitor the performance of the Bangsamoro Police against policing objectives and priorities;

c. To monitor crime trends and patterns as well as performance in areas of human rights, crime reduction, and crime prevention, recruiting patterns and employment opportunities in Bangsamoro;

d. To provide information and guidance to the Bangsamoro Government and the PNP on the annual budgetary requirement of the Bangsamoro Police;

e. To monitor police performance as against the budget allocation for the Bangsamoro Police; and

f. To recommend the Bangsamoro Police Director and his Deputies, the Provincial Directors, and City and Municipal chiefs of the Bangsamoro Police.

The Bangsamoro Police Board shall have the power to investigate complaints against the Bangsamoro Police. Appeals from its decision may be lodged with the National Police Commission. Pending resolution of the appeal, its decisions may be executed. The rules and regulations governing the investigation of the members of the Philippine National Police shall be followed by the Bangsamoro Police Board in the absence of rules and regulations enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 6. Composition of the Board. â€" The Board shall be composed of eleven (11) members. Six (6) members of the Board shall come from the Bangsamoro Parliament and five (5), from various sectors. All the six (6) members from the Parliament shall not hold any ministerial post. All the members thereof shall be appointed by the Chief Minister in accordance with the rules promulgated by the Bangsamoro Parliament for this purpose.

The Chairman of the Board shall be an ex-officio commissioner of the National Police Commission on matters dealing with the Bangsamoro Police.

Section 7. Terms of Office. â€" The sectoral representatives to the board shall hold office for a period of three (3) years; provided that of those first appointed as sectoral representatives, tow (2) will sit for three (3) years, another two (2) will sit for two (2) years, and the last will sit for one (1) year. Appointment for any vacancy shall only be for the unexpired term of the predecessor.

The members of Parliament who are likewise members of the Board shall hold office for the duration of their elective terms.

Section 8. Powers of the Chief Minister Over the Bangsamoro Police. â€" The Chief Minister shall have the following powers over the Bangsamoro Police:

a. To act as deputy of the National Police Commission in the Bangsamoro and as ex officio chair of the Bangsamoro Police Board;

b. To select the head of the Bangsamoro Police and his deputies;

c. To exercise operational control and supervision and disciplinary powers over the Bangsamoro Police;

d. To employ or deploy the elements of and assign or reassign the Bangsamoro Police through the Bangsamoro Police Director. The Bangsamoro Police Director shall not countermand the order of the Chief Minister unless it is in violation of the law;

e. To oversee the preparation and implementation of the Integrated Bangsamoro Public Safety Plan;

f. To impose, after due notice and summary hearings of the citizen’s complaints, administrative penalties on personnel of the Bangsamoro Police except those appointed by the President; and

g. Do everything necessary to promote widespread support for the Bangsamoro Police by residents of the Bangsamoro.

Section 9. Manning Level. â€" The average manning level of the Bangsamoro Police shall be approximately in accordance with the police-to-population of one (1) police officer for every five hundred (500) persons. The actual strength by cities and municipalities shall depend on the state of peace and order, population density and actual demands of service in the particular are; provided that the minimum police to population ratio shall not be less than one (1) police officer for every one thousand (1,000) persons; provided further that urban areas shall have a higher minimum police to population ratio as may be prescribed by regulations.

Section 10. Appointment of Officers and Members of the Bangsamoro Police. â€" The appointment of the officers and members of the Bangsamoro Police shall be affected in the following manner:

a. Police Officer I to Senior Police Officer IV. â€" Appointed by the head of the Bangsamoro Police and attested by the Civil Service Commission.

Personnel for the Bangsamoro Police shall also be appointed by its head.

b. Inspector to Superintendent. â€" Appointed by the Chief of the Philippine National Police, as recommended by the head of the Bangsamoro Police and the Chief Minister, and attested by the Civil Service Commission; and

c. Senior Superintended and above. â€" Appointed by the President upon recommendation of the chief of the Philippine National Police, with proper endorsement by the Chief Minister and the Civil Service Commission, and subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.

Section 11. Community Police. â€" The Bangsamoro Police shall adopt community policing as an essential mechanism in maintaining peace and order.

Section 12. Law Governing the Bangsamoro Police. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament is hereby authorized to enact laws to govern the Bangsamoro Police consistent with this Basic Law.

Section 13. Transitional Arrangements. Upon the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and pending the organization of the Bangsamoro Police, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority shall have substantial participation in choosing the head and in the employment and the deployment of existing Philippine National Police in the Bangsamoro. The head of the Bangsamoro Police will be selected from a list of three (3) eligible officers recommended by the Philippine National Police.

Section 14. National Support Services. â€" The relationship between the Bangsamoro Police and the national support services of the Philippine National Police shall be determined by the intergovernmental relations body.

Section 15. Defense and Security. â€" The defense and security of the Bangsamoro shall be the responsibility of the Central Government. The Central Government may create a Bangsamoro Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the Bangsamoro, which shall be organized, maintained, and utilized in accordance with national laws. Qualified inhabitants of the Bangsamoro shall be given preference for assignments in the said Bangsamoro Command.

Section 16. Calling Upon the Armed Forces. â€" The provisions of the preceding sections notwithstanding, the Chief Minister may request the President to call upon the Armed Forces of the Philippines:

a. To prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion, or rebellion, when the public safety so requires, in the Bangsamoro;

b. To suppress the danger to or breach of peace in the Bangsamoro, when the Bangsamoro Police is not able to do so; or

c. To avert any imminent danger to public order and security in the area of the Bangsamoro.

Section 17. Coordination. â€" The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall establish coordination protocols, which shall govern the movement of Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Bangsamoro.

Section 18. Indigenous Structure. The Bangsamoro Government shall recognize indigenous structures or systems which promote peace, and law and order. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall provide institutional support to these structures and systems to enhance peace and security in the Bangsamoro.

Culture

Section 19. Preservation of Bangsamoro Cultural Heritage, â€" To preserve the history, culture, arts, tradition and the rich cultural heritage of the Sultanates, such as the Sultanates of Sulu, Maguindanao, and Buayan, and the Royal Houses of the Maranaos and the indigenous peoples of the Bangsamoro, there shall be created a Bangsamoro commission for the preservation of cultural heritage.

Section 20. Primary Responsibility of the Commission. â€" The Bangsamoro commission for the preservation of cultural heritage shall have the primary responsibility to write the history of the Bangsamoro people and to establish and sustain the cultural institutions, programs and projects in the Bangsamoro component areas. The commission shall establish its own libraries and museums, declare and restore historical shrines and cultural sites to preserve the Bangsamoro heritage for posterity.

Section 21. Management of Bangsamoro Historical and Cultural Sites. â€" The Central Government shall transfer the management of Bangsamoro historical and cultural sites currently under the jurisdiction of the National Museum, National Historical Commission or other agencies of the Central Government to the Bangsamoro commission for the preservation of cultural heritage, through the intergovernmental relations mechanism. The Bangsamoro commission for the preservation of cultural heritage shall coordinate with relevant agencies of the Central Government on the regulation, excavation and preservation of cultural artifacts and on the recovery of lost historical and cultural heritage.

Article X

BANGSAMORO JUSTICE SYSTEM

Section 1. Justice System in the Bangsamoro. â€" The justice system in the Bangsamoro shall consist of Shari’ah law which shall have supremacy and application over Muslims only; the traditional or tribal justice system, for the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro; the local courts; and alternative dispute resolution systems.

For Muslims, the justice system in the Bangsamoro shall give primary consideration to Shari’ah, and customary rights and traditions of the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro.

Nothing herein shall be construed to operate to the prejudice of non-Muslims and non-indigenous peoples.

Shari’ah Justice System

Section 2. Shari’ah Justice System. â€" The Shari’ah Courts in the Bangsamoro shall have jurisdiction over Shari’ah law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament pertaining to persons and family relations, and other civil law matters, commercial law, and criminal law.

There shall be cooperation and coordination with Central Government regarding the Shari’ah justice system, through the different mechanisms as herein provided.

Section 3. Laws on Shari’ah. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws pertaining to persons and family relations, and other civil law matters, commercial law, criminal law, including the definition of crimes and prescription of penalties thereof. These laws on Shari’ah shall only be applicable to Muslims. Criminal laws enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament shall be effective within the territory of the Bangsamoro and shall be in accordance with the universally accepted principles and standards of human rights.

Section 4. Sources of Shari’ah Law. â€" The following are the sources of Shari’ah law, among others:

a. Al-Qur’an (The Koran);

b. Al-Sunnah (Prophetic traditions);

c. Al-Qiyas (Analogy); and

d. Al-Ijima (Consensus).

Section 5. Shari’ah Circuit Courts. â€" The Shari’ah Circuit Court in the Bangsamoro shall exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over the following matters:

a. All cases involving offenses defined and punished under Presidential Decree No. 1083, where the act or omission has been committed in the Bangsamoro;

b. All civil actions and proceedings between parties residing in the Bangsamoro, and who are Muslims or have been married in accordance with Article 13 of Presidential Decree No. 1083 involving disputes relating to:

i. Marriage;

ii. Divorce recognized under Presidential Decree No. 1083;

iii. Betrothal or breach of contract to marry;

iv. Customary dower (mahr);

v. Disposition and distribution of property upon divorce;

vi. Maintenance and support, and consolatory gifts, (mut’a);

vii. Restitution of marital rights.

c. All cases involving disputes relative to communal properties;

d. All cases involving offenses defined and punishable under Shari’ah law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament with imprisonment not exceeding six (6) years irrespective of the amount of fine, and regardless of other imposable accessory or other penalties, including the civil liability arising from such offenses or predicated thereon, irrespective of kind, nature, value, or amount thereof;

e. All civil actions, under Shari’ah law enacted by the Bangsamoro Government, involving real property in the Bangsamoro, where the assessed value of the property does not exceed Four Hundred Thousand pesos (P400,000.00); and

f. All civil actions in which the parties are Muslims, or where all litigants have voluntarily submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the Sharia’ah Circuit courts, if they have not specified in an agreement which law shall govern their relations where the demand or claim does not exceed Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00).

Section 6. Shari’ah District Courts. â€" The Shari’ah District Court in the Bangsamoro shall exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over the following matters:

a. All cases involving custody, guardianship, legitimacy, paternity and filiation arising under Presidential Decree No. 1083;

b. All cases involving disposition, distribution and settlement of the estate of deceased Muslims that are residents of the Bangsamoro, probate of wills, issuance of letters of administration or appointment of administrators or executors regardless of the nature or the aggregate value of the property;

c. Petitions for the declaration of absence and death for the cancellation or correction of entries in the Muslim Registries mentioned in Title VI of Book Two of Presidential Decree No. 1083;

d. All actions arising from customary and Shari’ah compliant contracts in which the parties are Muslims, if they have not specified which law shall govern their relations;

e. All petitions for mandamus, prohibition, injunction, certiorari, habeas corpus, and all other auxiliary writs and processes in aid of its appellate jurisdiction;

f. Petitions by Muslims for the constitution of a family home, change of name and commitment of an insane person to an asylum;

g. All other personal and real actions not falling under the jurisdiction of the Shari’ah Circuit Courts wherein the parties involved are Muslims, except those for forcible entry and unlawful detainer, which shall fall under the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Municipal Circuit Court;

h. All special civil actions for interpleader or declaratory relief wherein the parties are Muslims residing in the Bangsamoro or the property involved belongs exclusively to Muslims and is located in the Bangsamoro;

i. All cases involving offenses defined and punishable under Shari’ah law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament not falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of Shari’ah Circuit Courts or any other court, tribunal, or body;

j. All civil actions, under Shari’ah law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament, involving real property in the Bangsamoro, where the assessed value of the property exceeds Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P400,000.00); and

k. All civil actions in which the parties are Muslims, or where all litigants have voluntarily submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the Shari’ah Circuit Court, if they have not specified in an agreement which law shall govern their relations where the demand or claim exceeds Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00).

The Shari’ah District Court in the Bangsamoro shall exercise appellate jurisdiction over all cases decided upon by the Shari’ah Circuit Courts in the Bangsamoro within its territorial jurisdiction, as provided under Article 144 of Presidential Decree No. 1083.

Section 7. Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court. â€" There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court. The Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court shall exercise exclusive original jurisdiction, whether or not in aid of its appellate jurisdiction, over:

a. All petitions for mandamus, prohibition, injunction, certiorari, habeas corpus, and all other auxiliary writs and processes, in aid of its appellate jurisdiction; and

b. All actions for annulment of judgments of Shari’ah District Courts.

The Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court shall exercise exclusive appellate jurisdiction over cases under the jurisdiction of the Shari’ah District Courts in the Bangsamoro.

The decisions of the Shari’ah High Court shall be final and executory.

Section 8. Additional Shari’ah Courts. â€" Upon the recommendation of the Bangsamoro Government, Congress may create additional Shari’ah Courts in the Bangsamoro and apportion the jurisdiction of each of the Shari’ah Circuit and District Courts.

Section 9. Qualifications of Shari’ah Judges. â€"

a. Shari’ah Circuit Court. â€" No person shall be appointed judge of the Shari’ah Circuit Court unless he is a Muslim, citizen of the Philippines, at least twenty-five (25) years of age, a graduate of a four-year course on Shari’ah or Islamic jurisprudence, and has passed an examination in the Shari’ah to be given by the Supreme Court for admission to special membership in the Philippine Bar to practice in the Shari’ah Courts. Provided that, for a period of seven (7) years following the ratification of this Law, the requirement on the completion of a four-year Shari’ah or Islamic Jurisprudence course shall not apply.

b. Shari’ah District Court. â€" No person shall be appointed judge of the Shari’ah District Court unless he is a Muslim, citizen of the Philippines at least thirty-five (35) years of age, a graduate of a four-year course on Shari’ah or Islamic jurisprudence, and has passed an examination in the Shari’ah to be given by the Supreme Court for admission to special membership in the Philippine Bar to practice in the Shari’ah Courts. Furthermore, such person should have been engaged in the practice of Shari’ah law in the Philippines for at least five (5) years prior to his appointment; Provided that, for a period of seven (7) years following the ratification of this Law, the requirement on the completion of a four-year Shari’ah or Islamic Jurisprudence course shall not apply.

c. Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court. â€" No person shall be appointed Justice of the Shari’ah High Court unless he is a Muslim, natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least forty (40) years of age, a graduate of a four- year course on Shari’ah or Islamic jurisprudence, and has passed an examination in the Shari’ah to be given by the Supreme Court for admission to special membership in the Philippine Bar to practice in the Shari’ah Courts. Furthermore, such person should have been engaged in the practice of Shari’ah law in the Philippines for at least ten (10) years prior to his appointment. Provided that, for a period of seven (7) years following the ratification of this Law, the requirement on the practice of Shari’ah law in the Philippines shall only be for six (6) years:

The Shari’ah High Court shall be composed of nine (9) justices, including the Presiding Justice. It may exercise its powers, functions, and duties through three (3) divisions, each composed of three (3) members. It may sit en banc only for the purpose of exercising administrative or ceremonial functions. The stations of the three divisions shall be Cotabato City, Marawi City and Jolo, Sulu.

Section 10. Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council. â€" The Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council shall recommend to the Judicial and Bar Council applicants for the position of judges of Shari’ah District and Circuit Courts in the Bangsamoro and the justices of the Shari’ah High Court. The Judicial and Bar Council shall give utmost consideration to the Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council nominees in recommending appointees to the President. The President shall issue the appointments within ninety (90) days from the submission by the Judicial and Bar Council of the list.

Section 11. Consultant to the Judicial and Bar Council. â€" The President shall appoint a consultant to the Judicial and Bar Council, recommended by the Chief Minister from among the members of the Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council, who shall advise and be consulted by the Judicial and Bar Council on appointments to Shari’ah judicial positions in the Bangsamoro.

Section 12. Composition of the Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council. â€" There is hereby created a Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council to be composed of five (5) members: a senior member of the Shari’ah High Court, as ex-officio Chairman, the Head of the Shari’ah Academy, and one (1) representative from the Bangsamoro Parliament, as ex-officio members. Other regular members of the Council shall be one (1) representative each from the accredited organization of Shari’ah lawyers and other appropriate accredited organization in the Bangsamoro.

The regular members of the Council shall be appointed by the
Chief Minister with a term of five (5) years without reappointment.

Section 13. Functions of the Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council. The Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council shall have the following functions:

a. Recommend nominees to the Shari’ah Courts in the Bangsamoro which shall be submitted to the Judicial and Bar Council; and

b. Conduct investigations over erring members of the Shari’ah Bar in the Bangsamoro and over judges and personnel of the Shari’ah Courts in the Bangsamoro, and submit the results of such investigation to the Supreme Court for the latter’s action.

Section 14. Shari’ah Rules of Court. The rules of court for the Shari’ah courts in the Bangsamoro shall be promulgated by the Supreme Court, giving utmost consideration to the recommendations of the Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court. In the meantime, the special rules of court for Shari’ah courts, as promulgated by the Supreme Court, shall continue to be in force.

Section 15. Special Bar Examinations for Shari’ah. â€" The Supreme Court shall continue to administer Shari’ah Bar examinations for admission of applicants to the Philippine Bar as special members thereof, with due consideration for the special nature of the Shari’ah system and utmost regard to the proposals of the Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court on this matter:

Section 16. Compensation. â€" Judges of the Shari’ah Circuit Court in the Bangsamoro shall receive the same compensation and enjoy the same privileges as judges of Municipal Circuit Trial Courts.

Judges of the Shari’ah District Court in the Bangsamoro shall receive the same compensation and enjoy the same privileges as the judges of Regional Trial Courts.

Justices of the Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court shall receive the same compensation and enjoy the same privileges as the justices of the Court of Appeals.

Section 17. Appointment and Discipline of Shari’ah Court Personnel. The Supreme Court shall appoint the Shari’ah court personnel, and shall have the power of discipline over them. The Shari’ah Judicial and Bar Council shall conduct investigations over erring personnel in Shari’ah courts in the Bangsamoro, and submit the results of such investigation to the Supreme Court for the latter’s action.

Section 18. Shari’ah Public Assistance Office. To provide free legal assistance to indigent party litigants, the Bangsamoro Parliament shall create a Shari’ah Public Assistance Office for the different Shari’ah courts in the Bangsamoro.

Section 19. Shari’ah Special Prosecution Service. â€" There shall be created a Shari’ah Special Prosecution Service for Shari’ah administration of justice in the Bangsamoro. The Shari’ah Special Prosecution Service shall be attached to the National Prosecutorial Service of the Central Government. The Bangsamoro Government shall recommend the qualified applicants for the position of the prosecutors and personnel of the Shari’ah Special Prosecution Service to the Secretary of Justice.

Section 20. Shari’ah Academy. â€" There is hereby created a Shari’ah Academy, the primary function of which is to conduct courses and trainings on the practice of Shari’ah law in the Bangsamoro, accredit Shari’ah courses and degrees obtained by Bangsamoro from schools and universities abroad, and develop the curriculum of schools and universities in the Bangsamoro. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall define its powers and additional functions and appropriate funds therefor. The Shari’ah Academy may coordinate with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) whenever necessary.

Article VIII

WALI

Section 1. Titular Head of the Bangsamoro. â€" There shall be a Wali who shall be the titular head of the Bangsamoro. As titular head, the Wali shall take on only ceremonial functions.

The Wali, as part of the Bangsamoro Government, shall be under the general supervision of the President.

Section 2. Appointment of Wali. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall issue a resolution reflecting its consensus on the selection of the Wali from a list of names of eminent residents of the Bangsamoro submitted by the Council of Leaders.

Section 3. Term of Office Wali â€" The first Wali shall be appointed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and shall hold office for three (3) years. Each succeeding Wali shall have a term of six (6) years.

Section 4. Allowances of the Wali. â€" The first Wali shall receive allowances in such amount as may be determined by the BTA. The allowances of the Wali subsequently chosen shall be determined by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Such allowances shall be sourced from the funds of the Bangsamoro Government and shall be provided for in its annual appropriations law.

Article IX

BASIC RIGHTS

Section 1. Basic Rights in the Bangsamoro. â€" In addition to the basic rights already enjoyed by the citizens residing in the Bangsamoro, the Bangsamoro Government shall guarantee the following enforceable rights:

a. Right to life and to inviolability of one’s person and dignity;

b. Right to freedom and expression of religion and beliefs;

c. Right to privacy;

d. Right to freedom of speech;

e. Right to express political opinion and pursue democratically political aspirations;

f. Right to seek constitutional change by peaceful legitimate means;

g. Right of women to meaningful political participation and protection from all forms of violence;

h. Right to free to freely choose one’s place of residence and the inviolability of the home;

i. Right to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in social and economic activity and the public service, regardless of class, creed, disability, gender and ethnicity;

j. Right to establish cultural and religious associations;

k. Right to freedom from religious, ethnic and sectarian harassment;

l. Right to redress of grievances and due process of law; and

m. Right to free public education in the elementary and high school levels;

The Bangsamoro Parliament may pass a law for the promotion and protection of the above-enumerated rights.

Section 2. Human Rights. â€" All laws and policies, including customary laws, shall conform to international human rights and humanitarian standards. The rights under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and cultural rights (ICESCR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other international human rights instrument shall be guaranteed by the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 3. Vested Property Rights. â€" Vested property rights shall be recognized and respected.

With respect to legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people arising from any unjust dispossession of their territorial and proprietary rights, customary land tenure or their marginalization shall be acknowledged. Whenever restoration is no longer possible, the Central Government and Bangsamoro Government shall take effective measures for adequate reparation of the loss in such quality, quantity and status collectively beneficial to the Bangsamoro people, and to be determined mutually by both Government.

Section 4. Transitional Justice. â€" There shall be created a transitional justice mechanism to address the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people, such as historical injustices, human rights violations, marginalization through unjust dispossession of their territorial and proprietary rights and customary land tenure.

Section 5. Indigenous People’s Rights. â€" The Bangsamoro Government recognizes the rights of the indigenous peoples, and shall adopt measures for the promotion and protection of their rights, the right to their native titles and/or fusaka inged, indigenous customs and traditions, justice systems and indigenous political structures, the right to an equitable share in revenues from the utilization of resources in their ancestral lands, the right to free and prior informed consent, right to the political participation in the Bangsamoro Government including reserved seats and the right to freedom of choice as to their identity.

Section 6. Customary Rights and Tradition. â€" The customs, beliefs and traditions of the people in the Bangsamoro are hereby recognized, protected and guaranteed.

The Bangsamoro Parliament shall adopt measures to ensure mutual respect and protection of the distinct beliefs, customs and traditions of the Bangsamoro people and the other inhabitants in the Bangsamoro.

No person in the Bangsamoro shall be subjected to any form of discrimination on account of creed, religion, ethnic origin, parentage, or sex.

Section 7. Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission. â€" There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, which shall be independent and impartial, to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in the Bangsamoro. In the performances of its mandate, the Commission may exercise, among others, investigatory powers, prosecutorial powers and powers to compel attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence.

The Commission shall submit a report on its activities and performance at least once a year to the Bangsamoro Parliament. Other state instrumentalities in the Bangsamoro shall assist the Commission and ensure its independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness. The Commission shall have a coordinative and complementary relationship with the national Commission on Human Rights in carrying out its mandate.

Details pertaining to the establishment of the Commission, such as membership of the Commission, terms of the office, and competencies and responsibilities, shall be provided by the Bangsamoro Parliament consistent with the provisions of the Basic Law. jlp-law.com

Social Justice

Section 8. Delivery of Basic Services. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall provide, maintain, and ensure the delivery of, among other things, basic and responsive health programs, quality education, appropriate services, livelihood opportunities, affordable and progressive housing projects, and water resource development to the Bangsamoro people and other inhabitants in the Bangsamoro. It shall maintain appropriate disaster-preparedness units for immediate and effective relief services to victims of natural and man-made calamities. It shall also ensure the rehabilitation of calamity areas and victims of calamities.

Section 9. Rights of Labor. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall guarantee all fundamental rights of all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike, in accordance with law to be passed by Parliament. In this regard, the right of workers, whether publicly or privately employed, to form unions, associations or federations shall not be abridged.

The workers shall participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits, as may be provided by law to be enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

The right of workers to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a living wage shall be guaranteed.

No trafficking in persons and engagement of minors in any hazardous or deleterious forms of employment shall be tolerated.

These rights shall be provided for in a law to be passed by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 10. Protection of Women and Children. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall uphold and protect the fundamental rights of women and children including the right of women to engage in lawful employment. Women and children especially orphans of tender age, shall be protected from exploitation, abuse or discrimination. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact the necessary laws for the implementation of this section.

Section 11. Participation of Women in the Bangsamoro Government. â€" Aside from the reserved seat for women in the Parliament, there shall be at least one (1) qualified woman to be appointed to the Bangsamoro Cabinet. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a law that gives recognition to the important role of women in nation-building and regional development and ensures representation of women in other decision-making and policy-determining bodies of the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 12. Rights of Children. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall respect, protect, and promote the rights of the children.

Bangsamoro policies and programs must take into utmost consideration the best interest of the child, non-discrimination of children, survival and development, protection and rights of children, youth and adolescents.

The Bangsamoro Government and constituent local government units shall provide for adequate funding and effective mechanisms for implementation of this policy.

Right to Education

Section 13. Integrated System of Quality Education. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall establish, maintain, and support, as a top priority, a complete and integrated system of quality education and adopt an educational framework that is relevant, and responsive to the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro.

Section 14. Tribal University System. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall create a tribal university system within the Bangsamoro to address the higher educational needs of the indigenous cultural communities in the Bangsamoro.

Right to Health

Section 15. Comprehensive and Integrated Health Service Delivery. â€" The Bangsamoro shall adopt a policy on health that provides for a comprehensive and integrated health service delivery for its constituents. The Bangsamoro shall, by law, establish a general hospital system to serve the health requirements of its people, to ensure that the individual basic right to life shall be attainable through the prompt intervention of excellent and affordable medical services. The Bangsamoro shall also uphold the people’s right to have access to essential goods, health and other social services that would promote their well-being.

Section 16. Support for Persons with Disabilities. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall establish a special agency and support facilities for persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged persons for their rehabilitation, and livelihood or skills training to encourage their productive integration into mainstream society.

Arts and Sports

Section 17. Physical Education and Sports Development. â€" The Bangsamoro educational system shall develop and maintain an integrated and comprehensive physical education program. It shall develop healthy, disciplined innovative and productive individuals, and promote good sportsmanship, cooperation and teamwork.

Section 18. Sports Programs. â€" The Bangsamoro education system shall encourage and support sports programs, league competitions, indigenous games, martial arts, and amateur sports including training for regional, national and international competitions.

Section 17. Filling of Vacancy. â€" In case a vacancy of a proportional representation seat, the party to which that seat belongs shall fill the vacancy.

In case of a vacancy of a district seat by an affiliated Member of Parliament, his/her party shall nominate a replacement within thirty (30) days from the occurrence of such vacancy, and the said nominee shall be appointed by the Chief Minister.

In case of a vacancy in the seat occupied by an unaffiliated Member of Parliament, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law enacted by Parliament.

The appointee or elected Member of Parliament, as the case may be, shall serve the unexpired term of the vacant office.

Section 18. Privileges and Immunities. â€" No member of the Bangsamoro Parliament may be arrested while the Bangsamoro Parliament is in session, except for crimes punishable by more than six (6) years of imprisonment. The members of the Bangsamoro Parliament may not be questioned in any other place of held liable for any speech or debate delivered in the Bangsamoro Parliament session or meetings of its committees.

Section 19. Sessions of the Bangsamoro Parliament. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall conduct its regular session once every year starting on the 15th of June up to thirty (30) days before the opening of its next regular session. A special or emergency session may be called by the Speaker, upon the request of the Chief Minister or by a majority of the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 20. Officers of the Bangsamoro Parliament. â€" On the first session following their election, the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament shall, in open session, elect by a simple majority vote from all its members the Speaker, a Deputy Speaker, and the other officers of the Bangsamoro Parliament as the House Rules of Bangsamoro Parliament may provide.

In case of death, removal, resignation, or permanent disability or legal incapacity of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker shall act as Speaker until a new Speaker shall have been elected by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 21. Presiding Officer. â€" The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or any other person presiding over the Bangsamoro Parliament shall:

a. Be independent;

b. Serve to secure the honor and dignity of the Bangsamoro Parliament;

c. Be responsible for ensuring â€" (i) the rights and privileges of all members; and (ii) public access to the proceeding of the Bangsamoro Parliament and its committees;

d. Have the authority and moral ascendancy to maintain order and decorum in the Bangsamoro Parliament, in accordance with its House Rules; and

e. Act impartially, and without fear, favor and prejudice.

Section 22. Rules of Procedure. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall adopt its House Rules for the conduct of its business.

Section 23. Proceedings. â€" A majority of all the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament shall constitute a quorum to do business. The legislative proceedings in the Bangsamoro Parliament shall be recorded in its original form and translated in the Filipino, Arabic and English languages. Unless otherwise provided by law or the House Rules of the Bangsamoro Parliament, the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament may use any of the commonly understandable native languages during legislative deliberations.

Section 24. General Welfare. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall pass laws that promote the general welfare of the people in the Bangsamoro.

Section 25. Appropriations. â€" No public money may be spent without an appropriations act clearly defining the purpose for which it is intended. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall pass an annual appropriations law.

Section 26. Budget. â€" The form, content, and manner of preparation of the Bangsamoro budget shall be prescribed by law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament. Pending the enactment of such law, the budgeting process shall be governed by existing laws, rules, and regulations on budget.

Section 27. Reenacted Budge. â€" If, by the end of a fiscal year, the Bangsamoro Parliament shall have failed to pass the Bangsamoro appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the Bangsamoro Appropriations Act for the preceding year shall be deemed automatically reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until a new Bangsamoro appropriations law is enacted by Parliament.

Executive Officers

Section 28. Qualifications of the Chief Minister. â€" No reason may be elected as the Chief Minister unless he/she is at least twenty-five (25) years of age at the time of the election, a bona fide resident of the Bangsamoro for three (3) years immediately preceding the day of the elections, and with proven competence and probity, mentally fit, and known for his/her integrity and high moral standards.

For the first election of the Chief Minister immediately following the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the abovementioned residency requirement shall be reduced to one (1) year immediately preceding the day of the election.

Section 29. Election of the Chief Minister. â€" On the inaugural session of the Bangsamoro Parliament following their elections, the members of the Parliament shall, in open session, elect the Chief Minister by a majority vote of all its members.

If no member of Bangsamoro Parliament obtains the majority vote necessary to be elected Chief Minister in the first round of voting, a runoff election shall be conducted. In such case, the members of Bangsamoro Parliament shall elect the Chief Minister from the two (2) candidates who obtained the highest number of votes cast in the first round. There shall be no abstentions allowed in the runoff election.

Section 30. Powers, Duties and Functions of the Chief Minister. â€" Unless otherwise provided by law, the Chief Minister shall exercise the following powers, duties and functions:

a. Heads the government of the Bangsamoro;

b. Appoints head of ministries, agencies, bureaus, offices of the Bangsamoro Government or other officers of Bangsamoro owned and/or controlled corporations or entities with original charters;

c. Appoints other officers in the Bangsamoro Government, as may be provided by the Parliament;

d. Formulates platform of government subject to approval by the Parliament;

e. Issues executive orders and other policies of the Bangsamoro Government;

f. Represents the government of the Bangsamoro in affairs outside the Bangsamoro; and

g. Exercises such other powers and functions inherent to the position.

Section 31. Administration of Oath of the Chief Minister. The Wali shall administer the oath of all the Members of Parliament, including the Chief Minister upon his/her election.

Section 32. Ex-Officio Membership. â€" The Chief Minister shall be an ex-officio member of the National Security Council (NSC) or matters concerning the Bangsamoro and of the National Economic and Development Authority Board (NEDA).

Section 33. The Deputy Chief Minister. â€" The Deputy Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Chief Minister from among the members of the Parliament and may hold a cabinet position.

In case of death, removal, resignation or incapacity of the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister shall temporarily act as the Chief Minister until the Parliament shall have elected a new Chief Minister. Said election shall be held within thirty (30) days from the occurrence of the vacancy.

Section 34. Call for a New Bangsamoro Parliament Election.- Within seventy-two (72) hours upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of no confidence of all members of Parliament against the government of the day, the Chief Minister shall advise the Wali to dissolve the Parliament and call for a new parliamentary election. In no case shall the Wali countermand the advice of the Chief Minister.

The Wali shall call for election of a new Bangsamoro Parliament on a date not later than one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of dissolution.

In case of dissolution, the incumbent Chief Minister and the Cabinet shall continue to conduct the affairs of the Bangsamoro Government until a new Parliament is convened and a Chief Minister is elected and has qualified.

Article VI

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Section 1. Asymmetric Relationship. â€" The relationship between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall be asymmetric. This is reflective of the recognition of their Bangsamoro identity, and their aspiration for self-governance. This makes it distinct from other regions and other local governments.

Section 2. Parity of Esteem. â€" The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall be guided by the principles of parity of esteem and accepted norms of good governance. The Central Government shall respect the exercise of competencies and exclusive powers of the Bangsamoro Government. The Bangsamoro Government shall respect the exercise of the competencies and reserved powers of the Central Government.

Section 3. General Supervision. â€" Consistent with the principle of autonomy and the asymmetric relation of the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, the President shall exercise general supervision over the Bangsamoro Government to ensure that laws are faithfully executed.

Section 4. Intergovernmental Relations Mechanism. â€" The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall establish a mechanism at the highest levels that will coordinate and harmonize their relationships. For this purpose, a primary mechanism shall be a Central Government â€" Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body to resolve issues on intergovernmental relation. All disputes and issues relating to these intergovernmental relations shall be resolved through regular consultations and continuing negotiations in a non-adversarial manner.

The Intergovernmental Relations Body shall exhaust all means to resolve all issues brought before it. Unresolved issues shall be elevated to the President, through the Chief Minister.

The Central Government shall appoint a head to represent the Central Government. The Bangsamoro Government shall have a Minister who shall sit in this body, representing the Bangsamoro Government. The body shall be supported by a joint secretariat.

Section 5. Council of Leaders. â€" The Bangsamoro Council of Leaders shall consist of the Chief Minister, provincial governors, mayors of chartered cities, and representatives from the non-Moro indigenous communities, women, settler communities, and other sectors. The Bangsamoro Council of Leaders shall be chaired by the Chief Minister. The Council shall advise the Chief Minister on matters of governance in the Bangsamoro. The representation of the non-Moro indigenous communities shall be pursuant to their customary laws and indigenous processes.

Section 6. Devolution and Subsidiarity. â€" The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government accept the concept of devolution as inspired by the principles of subsidiarity. Decisions are to be made at the appropriate level to ensure public accountability and transparency, and in consideration of good governance and the general welfare.

Section 7. Bangsamoro Government and Its Constituent Local Government Units. â€" The provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays, and geographic areas within its territory shall be the constituent units of the Bangsamoro. The authority to regulate on its own responsibility the affairs of the local government units is guaranteed within the limit of this Basic Law. The privileges already enjoyed by the local government units under existing laws shall not be diminished unless otherwise altered, modified or reformed for good governance in accordance with a law to be enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 8. Philippine Congress â€" Bangsamoro Parliament Forum. â€" There shall be a Philippine Congress- Bangsamoro Parliament Forum for purposes of cooperation and coordination of legislative initiatives.

Section 9. Bangsamoro Participation in Central Government. â€" It shall be the policy of the Central Government to appoint competent and qualified inhabitants of the Bangsamoro in the following offices in the Central Government: at least on (1) Cabinet Secretary; at least one (1) in each of the other departments, offices and bureaus, holding executive, primarily confidential, highly technical, policy-determining positions; and one (1) Commissioner in each of the constitutional bodies.

The recommendations of the Bangsamoro Government shall be channeled through the intergovernmental relation mechanisms.

Section 10. Assistance to Other Bangsamoro Communities. â€" The Central Government shall ensure the protection of the rights of the Bangsamoro people residing outside the territory of the Bangsamoro and undertake programs for the rehabilitation and development of their communities. The Bangsamoro Government may provide assistance to their communities to enhance their economic, social and cultural development. jlp-law.com

Article VII

THE BANGSAMORO GOVERNMENT

Section 1. Powers of Government. â€" The powers of government shall be vested in the Bangsamoro Parliament, which shall exercise those powers and functions expressly granted to it in this Basic Law, and those necessary for or incidental to the proper governance and development of the Bangsamoro. It shall set policies, legislate on matters within its authority, and elect a Chief Minister, who shall exercise executive authority in its behalf.

Section 2. Legislative Authority. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall have the authority to enact laws on matters that are within the powers and competencies of the Bangsamoro Government.

Section 3. Executive Authority. â€" The executive function and authority shall be exercised by the Cabinet, which shall be headed by a Chief Minister. The Chief Minister who heads the ministerial government of the Bangsamoro shall be elected by a majority vote of the Parliament from among its members.

The Chief Minister shall appoint the Deputy Chief Minister from among the Members of Parliament, and the members of the Cabinet, majority of whom shall also come from the Parliament.

Bangsamoro Parliament

Section 4. Composition. â€" The Parliament shall be composed of at least sixty (60) members, unless otherwise provided by the Parliament, who are representatives of political parties elected through a system of proportional representation, those elected from single member districts and to reserved seats to represent key sectors in the Bangsamoro, except as otherwise provided under this Article.

Section 5. Classification and Allocation of Seats. â€" The seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament shall be classified and allocated as follows:

(1) District Seats. â€" Forty percent (40%) of the Members of Parliament shall be elected from single member parliamentary districts apportioned for the areas and in the manner provided in the Appendix of this Basic Law.

The Bangsamoro Parliament may by law undertake new redistricting in order to ensure a more equitable representation of the constituencies in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

The district representatives shall be elected through direct, plurality vote by the registered voters in the parliamentary districts.

(2) Party Representatives. â€" Fifty percent (50%) of the Members of Parliament shall be representatives of political parties who win seats through a system of proportional representation based on the whole Bangsamoro territory. Parties shall submit their respective list of approved candidates prior to the election.

(3) Reserved Seats; Sectoral Representatives. â€" Sectoral representatives, constituting ten percent (10%) of the Members of Parliament, including two (2) reserved seats each for non-Moro indigenous communities and settler communities. Women shall also have a reserved seat.

The Bangsamoro Parliament shall determine the manner of election of sectoral and other representation in the Parliament.

Section 6. Election for Reserved Seats for Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples. â€" Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sections, reserved seats for the non-Moro indigenous peoples, such as, Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, B’laan and Higaonon, shall be pursuant to their customary laws and indigenous processes based on the following:

a. Primacy of customary laws and practices;

b. Primacy of consensus building;

c. Acceptability of the community;

d. Inclusivity and full participation;

e. Representation of the collective interests and aspirations of non-Moro indigenous peoples;

f. Sustainability and strengthening of Indigenous Political Structures;

g. Tract record and capability; and

h. Gender equity.

Section 7. Regional Parties. â€" A free and open regional party system shall be allowed to evolve according to the free choice of the people. Towards this end, only regional political parties duly accredited by the Bangsamoro Electoral Office may participate in the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro.

Section 8. Redistricting. â€" The Parliament shall have the power to reconstitute, by law, the parliamentary districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographic areas of the Bangsamoro to ensure equitable representation in the Parliament. The redistricting, merging or creation, of parliamentary districts shall be based on the number of inhabitants and additional provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographic areas, which shall become part of the territories of the Bangsamoro Government.

For the purpose of redistricting, parliamentary districts shall be apportioned based on population and geographical area; Provided that each district shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory and should have at least a population of one hundred thousand (100,000.00).

Section 9. Bangsamoro Electoral Code. â€" The Bangsamoro Transition Authority shall enact the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, which shall be correlated to national election laws, insofar as these are consistent with this Basic Law. The electoral system shall allow democratic participation, ensure accountability of public officers primarily to their constituents and encourage formation of genuinely principled political parties.

There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Electoral Office which shall be a part of the Commission on Elections, and which shall perform the functions of the Commission on Elections in the Bangsamoro. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall submit a list of three (3) recommendees to the President, who shall choose and appoint from among them the Director General, who shall head the Office. In addition to enforcing national election laws in the Bangsamoro Electoral Code enacted by Parliament in the Bangsamoro, and shall perform the following functions:

1. Register and accredit regional political parties;

2. In relation to plebiscite for joining the Bangsamoro, received petitions/resolutions to join from geographic areas;

3. Schedule plebiscites for expansion; and

4. Prepare rules and regulations for Bangsamoro elections and plebiscites, for the promulgation of the Commission on Elections. All rules and regulations governing Bangsamoro elections and plebiscites shall emanate from the Bangsamoro Electoral Office.

Section 10. Budget for the Bangsamoro Electoral Office. â€" The budget for the Bangsamoro Electoral Office shall be included in the appropriations for the Commission on Elections.

Section 11. Term of Office. â€" The term of office of members of Parliament shall be three (3) years unless otherwise provided by law passed by the Bangsamoro Parliament. No member shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms.

Section 12. Qualifications. â€" No person shall be a Member of Parliament unless he or she is citizen of the Philippines, at least twenty-five (25) years of age on the day of the election, able to read and write, and a registered voter in the Bangsamoro. For district representatives, he or she must be a registered voter in the Bangsamoro. For district representatives, he or she must be a registered voter of the district in which he or she is a candidate on the day he or she files his or her certificate of candidacy, and has resided in said district for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the day of the election.

For the first regular elections immediately following the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the abovementioned residency requirement shall be reduced to one (1) year immediately preceding the day of the election.

Section 13. Salaries of Parliament Members. â€" The Bangsamoro Parliament shall determine the salaries and emoluments of its members. No increase in said compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of all the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament approving such increase.

For the first Bangsamoro Parliament, salaries and emoluments of its members shall be determined by law passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament shall not receive during their tenure other salary and emoluments from the Bangsamoro Government or from the Central Government except as provided by law or regulations from the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Section 14. Disclosure. â€" Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament shall, upon their assumption to office, make full disclosure of their financial and business interests, including those of their spouses and children. They shall notify the Bangsamoro Parliament of any potential conflict of interest that may arise from the filing of bills or resolutions of which they are authors.

Any member found guilty of non-disclosure as required under this Section may be subject to disciplinary action by the Bangsamoro Parliament in accordance with its Rules and without prejudice to his/her other liabilities under the law.

Section 15. Prohibition Against Conflict of Interest. â€" The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and all the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, during their term, shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in any business or commercial enterprise where there by be a conflict of interest in the exercise of the functions of their respective offices.

Section 16. Forfeiture of Seat. â€" A Member of Parliament shall forfeit his or her seat if:

a. He/she resigns voluntarily in the form of either a written or oral declaration in the Parliament;

b. He/she is convicted of a grave offense as stipulated in the House Rules that the Bangsamoro Parliament will promulgate pursuant to Art VII Sec 19 of this Basic Law, or treason, high crimes, heinous crimes, crimes against morality or other crimes punishable by more than six (6) years;

c. He/she becomes permanently physically or mentally incapacitated and is unable to discharge his/her duties as Member of Parliament or dies while in office;

d. He/she, having been elected under the proportional representation system, is replaced by the party to which he/she belongs with another member of said party;

e. He/she having been elected under the proportional representation system, transfers to another party during his/her incumbency as Member of Parliament; and

f. Such other grounds as may be provided in the Bangsamoro Electoral Code as mentioned in Article VII, Section 9 hereof.

51. Development planning;

52. Urban and rural development;

53. Water supplies and services, flood control and irrigation systems in the Bangsamoro, provided that with regard to water supplies and services, flood control and irrigation systems that connect to or from facilities outside the Bangsamoro, there shall be cooperation and coordination between the Bangsamoro Government and appropriate Central or local government bodies;

54. Public work and highways within the Bangsamoro;

55. Establishment of appropriate mechanisms for consultations for women and marginalized sectors;

56. Special development programs and laws for women, the youth, the elderly, labor, the differently-abled, and indigenous cultural communities;

57. Local administration, municipal corporations and other local authorities including the creation of local governments. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall manage and build its own bureaucracy and administrative organization, in accordance with the ministerial form of government;

The Bangsamoro Parliament may create, divide, merge, abolish or substantially alter boundaries of provinces, cities, municipalities or barangays in accordance with a law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament, and subject to the approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly affected. Subject to the criteria provided in said law, the Bangsamoro Parliament may likewise create appropriate local government units in the areas inhabited predominantly by indigenous peoples;

However, when such acts require the creation of a congressional district, the Bangsamoro Government shall cooperate and coordinate with Central Government through the Philippine Congress â€" Bangsamoro Parliament Forum to prioritize the deliberation on the creation of the congressional district; and

58. Establishment of creation of other institutions, policies and laws for the general welfare of the people in the Bangsamoro.

Section 4. Other Exclusive powers. The following powers and competencies previously granted to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under R.A. No. 6734, as amended by R.A. No. 9054, are hereby transferred to the Bangsamoro Government as part of its exclusive powers:

a. To regulate and exercise authority over the foreign investments within its jurisdiction. The Central Government may intervene in such matters only of national security is involved;

b. To proclaim a state of calamity over its territorial jurisdiction or parts thereof whenever typhoons, flash floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, or other natural calamities cause widespread damage or destruction to life or property in the region. The state of calamity proclaimed by the Chief Minister shall only be for the purpose of maximizing the efforts to rescue imperiled persons and property and the expeditious rehabilitation of the damaged area;

c. To temporarily take over or direct operation of any privately-owned public utility or business affected with public interest, in times of state of calamity declared by the Chief Minister, when the public interest so requires and under such reasonable terms and safeguards as may be prescribed by the Parliament. The public utility or business concerned may contest the take-over of its operations by the Bangsamoro Government by filing a proper case or petition with the Court of Appeals;

d. To recognize constructive or traditional possession of lands and resources by indigenous cultural communities subject to judicial affirmation, the petition for which shall be instituted within a period of ten (10) years from the effectivity of the Basic Law. The procedure for the judicial affirmation of imperfect titles under existing laws shall, as far as practicable, apply to the judicial affirmation of titles to ancestral lands;

e. To adopt and implement a comprehensive urban land reform and land use program, to ensure the just utilization of lands within its jurisdiction;

f. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall have the following powers:

1. To enact legislation on the rights of the people of the Bangsamoro to initiate measures for the passage, amendment or repeal of regional or local legislation; to be consulted on matters that affect their environment; to call for a referendum on important issues affecting their lives; and, to recall regional or local officials;

2. To conduct inquiries or public consultations in aid of legislation in accordance with its rules. In connection therewith, it shall have the power to issue subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers, documents, or thing by witnesses or persons under investigation by the Parliament, itself, or by any of its committees. It shall also have the right to cite witnesses or persons under investigation for contempt for refusal to testify before it or before any of its committees or to produce papers, documents or things required by the Parliament or any of its committees. The rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.

3. To enact a law that would allow the Chief Minister, Speaker of the Parliament and the Presiding Justice of the Bangsamoro Shari’ah High Court to augment any item in the Bangsamoro General Appropriations Law for their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective appropriations;

4. To enact a law that shall regulate the grant of franchises and concessions, and empower the Chief Minister to grant leases, permits, and licenses over agricultural lands and for forest management;

g. To create pioneering firms and other business entities needed to boost economic development in the Bangsamoro;

h. To establish and operate pioneering public utilities in the interest of regional welfare and security. Upon payment of just compensation, it may cause the transfer of the ownership of such utilities to cooperatives or other collective organizations;

i. To support and encourage the building up of entrepreneurial capability in the Bangsamoro and to recognize, promote, and protect cooperatives;

j. To supervise and regulate private schools in the Bangsamoro and to allow for the participation of three (3) representatives of private schools in the deliberations of the appropriate Bangsamoro Government’s ministry or office on matters dealing with private schools;

k. To be represented in the board of the state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Bangsamoro by the Chair of the appropriate committee of the Bangsamoro Parliament, either as co-chair or co-vice chair. The SUCs within the Bangsamoro shall be considered part of the Bangsamoro educational system. This notwithstanding, these SUCs shall enjoy academic freedom and fiscal autonomy and shall continue to be governed by their respective charters;

l. To supervise, through the appropriate ministry, the accredited madaris in the Bangsamoro;

m. To conduct periodic competitive qualifying examinations of madaris teachers for permanent appointments to the Bangsamoro education system;

n. To adopt measures to protect and promote the rights of people’s organizations and other collective organizations;

o. To adopt measures for the protection of the youth in the Bangsamoro and the promotion of their welfare, and to create the appropriate office and other mechanisms for the implementation of such measures;

p. To enforce the policy against the appointment or designation of any member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the active service to a civilian position in the Bangsamoro Government, including government-owned and/or â€"controlled corporations, or in any of their subsidiaries or instrumentalities within the Bangsamoro.

11. Administration of Justice. â€" Administration of justice shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Basic Law and with due regard to the powers of the Supreme Court and the competence of the Bangsamoro Government over Shari’ah courts and the Shari’ah justice system in the Bangsamoro. The supremacy of Shari’ah and its application shall only be to Muslims.

12. Funding for the maintenance of national roads, bridges, and irrigation systems. â€" The Central Government shall be responsible for the funding, construction and maintenance of national roads, bridges and irrigation systems in the Bangsamoro and shall include in the National Road Network Information System all national roads and bridges in the Bangsamoro. There shall be coordination through the intergovernmental relations mechanism between the relevant Central Government and Bangsamoro Government agencies on the Central Government on the matter of national roads, bridges, and irrigation systems within the Bangsamoro.

The Bangsamoro Government shall submit proposals to the appropriate national government agency for the inclusion of the cost of such maintenance in the latter’s budget that shall be submitted to Congress for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act. Funding for national roads, bridges, and irrigation systems shall be regularly released to the relevant department of the Central Government.

13. Disaster risk reduction and management. The Bangsamoro Government shall have primary responsibility over disaster risk reduction and management within the Bangsamoro. There shall be cooperation and coordination among relevant Central Government and Bangsamoro Government agencies on disaster risk reduction and management. There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC), with powers and functions that shall be defined by the Bangsamoro Parliament in a law on disaster preparedness and response. The BDRRMC shall formulate the Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, which shall complement the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and Plan of the Central Government. Additionally, the BDRRMC, through its Chair, the Chief Minister, may recommend to the President the mobilization of resources of national defense in times of disasters in the Bangsamoro.

14. Public order and safety. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have primary responsibility over public order and safety within the Bangsamoro. It shall have powers over public order and safety including those related to jail management, fire prevention, and trainings on public safety. The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall cooperate and coordinate through the intergovernmental mechanism.

Section 3. Exclusive Powers. â€" Exclusive powers are matters over which authority and jurisdiction shall pertain to the Bangsamoro Government. The Bangsamoro Government shall exercise these powers over the following matters within the Bangsamoro:

1. Agriculture, livestock and food security;

2. Economic and cultural exchange;

3. Contract loans, credits, and other forms of indebtedness with any government or private bank and other lending institutions, except those requiring sovereign guaranty, which require Central Government approval;

4. Trade, industry, investment, enterprises and regulation of businesses taking into consideration relevant laws;

5. Labor, employment, and occupation;

6. Registration of business names, with the Bangsamoro Government listing these in the Philippine Business Registry for business names;

7. Barter trade and countertrade with ASEAN countries;

8. Economic zones and industrial centers;

9. Free ports. â€" The Bangsamoro Government may establish free ports in the Bangsamoro. The Bangsamoro Government shall cooperate with the Central Government through the intergovernmental relations mechanism on customs, immigration, quarantine service, and international commitments. Business and other enterprises operating within the Bangsamoro free ports shall be entitled to the fiscal incentives and other benefits provided by the Central Government to special economic zones. Bangsamoro free ports shall be contiguous/ adjacent to seaport or airport within the Bangsamoro;

10. Tourism;

11. Creation of sources of revenue;

12. Budgeting;

13. Financial and banking system â€" This is without prejudice to the power of supervision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and provided further that the Bangsamoro Government, the BSP, the Department of Finance (DOF), and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall jointly promote the development of the Islamic banking system to include among others the establishment of Shari’ah supervisory board;

14. Establishment of government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCS) and financial institutions. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall legislate and implement the creation of its own GOCCs in the pursuit of the common good, and subject to economic viability. The GOCCs shall be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or shall be established under legislative charter by the Bangsamoro Government;

15. The Bangsamoro Government shall have authority to regulate power generation, transmission, and distribution operating exclusively in the Bangsamoro and not connected to the national transmission grid. It shall promote investments, domestic and international, in the power sector industry in the Bangsamoro. Power plants and distribution networks in the Bangsamoro shall be able to interconnect and sell power over the national transmission grid to electric consumers. The Bangsamoro Government may assist electric cooperatives in accessing funds and technology, to ensure their financial and operational viability. When power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities are connected to the national transmission grid, the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall cooperate and coordinate through the intergovernmental relations mechanism;

16. Public utilities operations in the Bangsamoro â€" In case of inter-regional utilities, there shall be cooperation and coordination among the relevant government agencies;

17. Receive grants and donations;

18. Education and skills training;

19. Science and technology;

20. Research councils and scholarships;

21. Culture and language;

22. Sports and recreation;

23. Regulation of games and amusement operations within the Bangsamoro;

24. Libraries, museums, historical, cultural and archaeological sites. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have the power to establish its own libraries and museums, and declare historical and cultural sites. The Central Government shall transfer the management of such sites currently under the jurisdiction of the National Museum, National Historical Commission, and other agencies of the Central Government, to the Bangsamoro Government or local governments therein following certain processes through the intergovernmental relations mechanism. With regard to archaeological sites, the Bangsamoro Government shall coordinate with relevant agencies of the Central Government on the regulation, excavation, preservation, and exportation of cultural properties, as well as on the recovery of lost historical and cultural artifacts;

25. Regulations on manufacture and distribution of foods, drinks, drugs and tobacco for the welfare of the Bangsamoro;

26. Haji and Umrah. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have primary jurisdiction over Hajj and Umrah matters affecting pilgrims from within the Bangsamoro. The Central Government shall have competence over Hajj and Umrah matters affecting pilgrims coming from outside the Bangsamoro. There is hereby created a Bangsamoro pilgrimage authority that shall act in close coordination with Central Government on hajj and umrah matters involving offices and agencies outside the Bangsamoro;

27. Customary laws;

28. Declaration of Bangsamoro holidays;

29. Ancestral domain and natural resources;

30. Protection of the rights of the indigenous people in the Bangsamoro in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and taking into account in addition to economic and geographical criteria, their individual and community property rights, cultural integrity, customary beliefs, historical and community traditions. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall create an appropriate office or ministry for the Indigenous Peoples, which shall be part of the Bangsamoro Cabinet to develop and implement the Bangsamoro programs for the indigenous people in accordance with a law passed by the Parliament;

31. Land management, land distribution, and agricultural land use reclassification. â€" The classification of public lands into alienable and disposable lands shall be initiated and recommended by the Bangsamoro Government to the President for the timely implementation of Bangsamoro development plans and targets;

32. Cadastral land survey. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have the authority to conduct cadastral surveys, lot surveys, and isolated and special surveys in the Bangsamoro. The Bangsamoro Government shall furnish the results of these surveys to, and coordinate with, relevant Central Government agencies to effect inclusion into national cadastral survey;

33. Expropriation and eminent domain;

34. Environment, parks, forest management, wildlife, nature reserves and conservation. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall have the authority to protect and manage the environment. It shall have the power to declare nature reserves and aquatic parks, forest and watershed reservations, and other protected areas in the Bangsamoro;

35. Inland waterways for navigation;

36. Inland waters;

37. Management, regulation and conservation of all fishery, marine and aquatic resources within the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction;

38. Bangsamoro settlements;

39. Customary justice;

40. Shari’ah courts and Shari’ah justice system;

41. Public administration and bureaucracy for the Bangsamoro;

42. Health, provided that the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall cooperate with and assist each other in the prevention and control of epidemic and other communicable diseases;

43. Social services, social welfare and charities;

44. Waste Management;

45. Establishment and supervision of humanitarian services and institutions;

46. Identification, generation and mobilization of international human resources for capacity building and other activities involving the same within the Bangsamoro. The Central Government shall cooperate with and assist the Bangsamoro Government towards ensuring access to such relevant human resources through the intergovernmental relations mechanism;

47. Establishment of Awqaf (endowment) and charitable trusts;

48. Hisbah office for accountability as part of the Shari’ah justice system;

49. Registration of births, marriages, and deaths, copies of which shall be forwarded to the Philippines Statistics Authority;

50. Housing and human settlements;

Article V

POWERS OF GOVERNMENT

Section 1. Reserved Powers. â€" Reserved powers are matters over which authority and jurisdiction are retained by the Central Government. The Central Government shall exercise the following reserved powers:

1. Defense and external security;

2. Foreign policy;

3. Coinage and monetary policy;

4. Postal service;

5. Citizenship and naturalization;

6. Immigration;

7. Customs and tariff as qualified by Section 2(10), Article V of this Basic Law;

8. Common market and global trade, provided that the power to enter into economic agreements given to the ARMM under R.A. 9054 is hereby transferred to the Bangsamoro Government as provided in Article XII, Section 25 of this Basic Law; and

9. Intellectual property rights.

Section 2. Concurrent Powers. â€" Concurrent powers shall refer to the power shared between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government within the Bangsamoro, as provided in the Basic Law.

The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall exercise shared powers within the Bangsamoro on the following matters:

1. Social security and pensions. â€" The Bangsamoro Government may organize its own social security and pension system alongside the existing Central Government asocial security and pension systems.

The Bangsamoro Government and the Central Government through the intergovernmental relations mechanism, and other consultative process shall, among others, ensure that the investment of the contributions from the members from the Bangsamoro in the Central Government social security and pension is responsive to their cultural and religious sensitivities.

The future relationship of the Central Government system with the Bangsamoro Government system with respect to new government employees and other qualified individuals in the Bangsamoro shall be further provided for in law duly enacted for the purpose.

2. Quarantine. â€" There is hereby created an office for quarantine services in the Bangsamoro. It shall cooperate and coordinate with its counterpart offices in the Central Government.

3. Land Registration. â€" The Bangsamoro Government, in accordance with the land registration system of the Central Government, shall administer land registration in the Bangsamoro territory through an office it shall create for this purpose. The Bangsamoro Government shall furnish copies of the titles, deeds and other instruments to the relevant Central Government agencies. The Bangsamoro Government can act on consultas.

The Bangsamoro Government may institute processes to promote more efficient registration of land within the Bangsamoro.

4. Pollution control â€" The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government agencies shall cooperate and coordinate through the intergovernmental relations mechanism on pollution control matters.

5. Human rights and humanitarian protection and promotion. â€" The Bangsamoro Government may organize its own bodies for human rights and humanitarian protection and promotion that will work cooperatively with relevant national institutions.

6. Penology and penitentiary. â€" The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government institutions shall cooperate and coordinate through the intergovernmental relations mechanism on the matter of granting parole and recommending to the President the grant of executive clemency. The Bangsamoro Government shall create an office that shall administer the parole system and recommend the grant of executive clemency to the Office of the President.

The Bangsamoro Government may create and manage jails, penal colonies, and other facilities. It shall ensure the compatibility of these facilities with the national jail management and penitentiary system, through the intergovernmental relations mechanism. These facilities are understood to be part of the country’s administration of justice.

7. Auditing. â€" The Bangsamoro auditing body shall have auditing responsibility over public funds utilized by the Bangsamoro, without prejudice to the power, authority and duty of the national Commission on Audit (COA). The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure transparency mechanisms consistent with open government practices.

8. Civil Service. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall develop and administer a professional civil service corps, to include the powers and privileges on civil service matters provided in R.A. No. 9054, and without prejudice to the power, authority, and duty of the national Civil Service Commission.

There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Civil Service office that shall develop and administer a professional civil service corps, without prejudice to the power, authority and duty of the national Civil Service Commission. The Bangsamoro Government shall enact a civil service law for this purpose. This law shall govern the conduct of civil servants, the qualification for non-elective positions, adopt the merit and fitness system, and protect civil service eligible in various government positions, including government-owned and/or controlled corporations with original charters, in the Bangsamoro. The Bangsamoro Government shall have primary disciplinary authority over its own officials and employees.

9. Coastguard. â€" The Central Government shall have primary responsibility over coastguard matters. The Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall cooperate and coordinate through the intergovernmental relations mechanism.

10. Customs and Tariff. â€" The Bangsamoro Government and the Central Government shall cooperate and coordinate through the intergovernmental relations mechanism with regard to the enforcement of customs and tariff laws and regulations to ensure the effective exercise of its powers on barter trade and countertrade with ASEAN countries as well as the regulation of the entry of haram goods in the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction.

Article IV

GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

Section 1. Self-Governance. In the exercise of its right to self-governance and self-determination, the Bangsamoro is free to pursue its economic, social and cultural development.

Section 2. Democratic Political System. The Bangsamoro Government shall be parliamentary. Its political system is democratic, allowing its people to freely participate in the political process within its territory.

Section 3. Electoral System. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall adopt an electoral system suitable to a ministerial form of government, which shall allow democratic participation, encourage formation of genuinely principled political parties, and ensure accountability.

Section 4. Civilian Government. Governance in the Bangsamoro is the responsibility of the duly-elected civilian government. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.

Section 5. Promotion of Unity. The Bangsamoro Government shall promote unity, peace, justice, and goodwill among all peoples, as well as encourage a just and peaceful settlement of disputes.

The Bangsamoro abides by the principle that the country renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.

Section 6. Promotion of Rights. â€" The Bangsamoro shall adhere to the principle of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.

Section 7. Social Justice. â€" The Bangsamoro shall establish a government that ensures that every citizens in the Bangsamoro is provided the basic necessities and equal opportunities in life. Social Justice shall be promoted in all phases of development and facets of life within the Bangsamoro.

Section 8. International Treaties and Agreements. â€" The Bangsamoro Government shall respect and adhere to all international treaties and agreements binding upon the Central Government.