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BP has said it will sell four Gulf of Mexico oil fields to Japanese company Marubeni as part of its asset sale to help pay for the oil spill there.

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to raise $650m (£413m).

BP is in the process of selling assets worth up to $30bn to meet clean-up and compensation costs.

Last week, the company announced it would sell business interests in Vietnam and Venezuela for $1.8bn.

BP has owned the four fields for less than a year. It bought them from Devon Energy alongside other assets in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and Azerbaijan.

Andy Hopwood, a BP executive, said: "When BP acquired Devon's Gulf of Mexico assets, it was clear that these four fields did not fit well with the rest of our business in the region." - BBC

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A man was electrocuted and his wife seriously burned while allegedly trying to steal copper wiring from an electrical vault in South Gate, Los Angeles, authorities said on Sunday.

Jose Fernando Santillanes, 36, was killed at 4:14 p.m. Saturday when he triggered an explosion and flash fire on a vacant lot, South Gate police Lt. Keith Hupp said.

Maria Cortez, 33, who was severely burned while trying to pull the man off the current, was in critical condition at Grossman Burn Center, Hupp said.

"It was a pretty ugly scene," Hupp added.

The couple's two children were turned over to an aunt while their mother was fighting for her life, said Hupp.

The blast also caused an electrical outage in the immediate area, but service was restored to most customers within a few hours. (PNA/Xinhua)

Fanhouse: If Manny defeats Antonio Margarito impressively and told you that the ride was over and that he was ready to go into politics, would you advise him to go ahead and do so even though he still might be considered to be at the top of his game?

Freddie Roach: I would tell him to call it a day. I believe that if that's where his heart is, then that's where it is. You know, if he beats Antonio Margarito, it would be his eighth world title and what more would he have to accomplish? - Boxing FanHouse.com

By Brad Cooney, Examiner.com

Seven division world champion Manny Pacquiao touched down in Los Angeles last night and for his team and his fans it couldn't be soon enough.  Pacquiao has been training in the Philippines and from all reports, it has not been one of his best camps.  Coach Roach is certainly glad to be back and looks forward to a super focused two weeks before the team packs up and heads to Las Vegas.  This writer has been in Los Angeles for a few days now, and will talk to Roach tomorrow sometime.

In the meantime, Pacquiao opponent Antonio Margarito has been in full swing over in Oxnard, California.  I have been granted exclusive access to the Margarito camp starting on Monday, so look for up close and personal reporting from there.  Margarito is not one bit intimidated by Pacquiao, and from all accounts and reports out of his camp he very much believes that he will shock the world and come out victorious.

BY JOSEF T. RAMOS CORRESPONDENT

Mexican Antonio Margarito would definitely “fall like a tall tree” when he receives the rapid solid punches of world’s pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in their scheduled 12-round bout, according to American trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach said Pacquiao (51-3-2 win-loss-draw with 38 knockouts) could finish Margarito so fast in round six rounds.

“We’ll keep him a little more active and a little more focused,” said Roach, noting that Pacquiao has improved a lot since the first day he started training late September. “Speed, as what I’m telling everyday, is the key to off set Margarito’s height and reach advantage.”

Roach is confident that Pacquiao will devastate Margarito with strong massive punches which he never experienced before. Pacquiao will be training away from everything not related to boxing by closing down his gym to keep the outsiders away.

No more basketball. No more road trips. No more appointments.

For the next two weeks, it will all be boxing, boxing and boxing for Manny Pacquiao.

The Filipino superstar arrived in Los Angeles yesterday morning (Manila time) and starting today will train harder than ever, from early morning to mid-afternoon, in preparation for his Nov. 13 showdown with Antonio Margarito.

Before boarding the plane to LA, Pacquiao said he’s 90 percent ready for the fight but wished that he could work more on his speed.

He’ll have two weeks to do that at the Wild Card Gym which will be closed down from noon until 5 p.m. to enable Pacquiao to concentrate on his training. Only those with business of being there will be allowed in.

And by the time they head for Texas on Nov. 8, Monday of fight week, Pacquiao should be in his sharpest form as he climbs the ring to face an opponent bigger than anyone he’d faced and beaten before. - Abac Cordero, Philippine Star

Ok, according to Bob Arum Manny Pacquiao is guaranteed $15 million with a $10 million upside? Antonio Margarito is guaranteed $3 million with a $5 million upside? What is wrong with this picture. Why are they making so much money for what most people are calling a tune-up fight? Is Bob Arum the Don King of boxing now? Nobody ever ever talks about how much the Promoter makes.

Why is that? More than likely because they are making such a nice profit off of these fighters that it would bring shame to them. I don't even think that the fighters know how much the promoters make. Their will be no complaints from Goldenboy Promotions because he still get's his share of Manny Pacquiao's purse. From Clottey to Margarito are the fans really getting their money's worth with the high price of PPV. -full article at http://www.boxingsocialist.com/profiles/blogs/should-manny-pacquiao-make-25

Russ Anber, one of Canada’s high prolific boxing analyst, trainer, and premier cutman, once likened Manny Pacquiao to Henry “Homicide Hank” Armstrong. Armstrong is regarded as one of the top three greatest boxers of all time, along with Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson, no doubt an elite company.

Anber mentioned that Pacquiao is this generation’s version to the man known as Homicide Hank, owner of 149 victories, 101 of which are knockouts, against 21 losses and 10 draws. While it is impossible for Pacquiao to emulate the number of bouts Armstrong did, both men have racked up the scales and dominating over the best in each division they step into. - filipinoboxingjournal.com

By ABS-CBN
Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has left for the US on Saturday night for a “more focused” training in Los Angeles with 3 weeks to go before his world super welterweight title clash against Antonio Margarito.

The “Fighter of the Decade” will be toiling for two weeks at coach Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym then spend a final week of training in Texas, where the November 13 fight will take place.

“He knows that when we get to LA, it's gonna be a different ball game. There are no excuses there are no outside distractions no appointments,” said Pacquiao’s conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

“We're three weeks away, we still have a lot of time,” he added.

In LA, Pacquiao plans to perfect the optimum speed he’ll need to offset Margarito’s height and reach advantage.

He was accompanied to the airport by his family, namely his wife Jinkee and youngest child, Princess. His brother Bobby was also there to wish him luck.

“Gagawin namin lahat para manalo,” said Pacquiao, who also serves as Sarangani congressman. “Training everyday pa rin sa LA.” (We'll do everything to win... training everyday in LA).

San Diego City Councilmen Carl DeMaio and Tony Young are scheduled to present a proclamation to boxer Manny Pacquiao today, declaring it Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao Day in San Diego.

The proclamation will be presented during a charitable basketball game at Mira Mesa High School

Pacquiao, who is also a newly elected congressman in the Philippines, is being recognized for his humanitarian and charitable efforts within the Filipino community.

"We are honored to have Congressman Pacquiao visit San Diego," Young said in a statement. "His great humanitarian and civic efforts are internationally renowned and we applaud his efforts here in the city of San Diego." - source: 10news.com

By PDI

MANNY PACQUIAO picked up the pace of his training regimen in Baguio Friday by jogging uphill for about 45 minutes, forcing running mate and WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan to take a ride and join him only on flat grounds.

Michael Konz, Pacquiao’s adviser, said Khan’s condition was understandable because it was only his first day of training, but conditioning coach Alex Ariza said “having Khan next to Manny (while training) gives the world pound-for-pound king extra motivation.”

Pacquiao is in the midst of a hectic preparation for his WBC super welterweight title fight against Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13 in Arlington, Texas, while the British champ is just beginning to train for his Dec. 11 clash against Marcos Maidana of Argentina.

Koncz said that Pacquiao, who had rested for a couple of days due to a slight cold, had six rounds of sparring on Thursday.

Pacquiao, according to Koncz, showed the form trainer Freddie Roach wanted to see when he ripped the punch mitts for 14 rounds and then went through the other regular aspects of his training regimen.

PDI: Manny Pacquiao rocked both Amir Khan and Michael Medina in his final sparring session at the Johhny Elorde Gym in Quezon City yesterday, but still failed to impress trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach was evidently looking for something from the pound-for-pound king, and wanted Pacquiao to be more serious, active and focused.

“We didn’t have a great day of sparring today but he looked good in spots when he wanted to,” Roach told the Inquirer after Pacquiao went three rounds with Medina, took on WBA light welterweight champion  Khan over four rounds and had Medina return for another three rounds.

“He [Pacquiao] played a little bit too much,” Roach said. “He needs to get his game face and try and get a little more serious, and I expect that to happen in the last week in Los Angeles.”

The fact that Pacquiao went 10 rounds with two well-rested sparring partners proved to Roach that “his condition is no problem at all.” “We need to see him a little more active and a little more focused,” the trainer said.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK, Youth Council) elections on Monday may be the country’s last if senators will have their way.

They claim that these youth councils have become a drain on government resources and a breeding ground for bad politics.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Edgardo Angara said Congress would push for the “removal” of the SK after Monday’s elections.

“Having too many elections is costly. Let’s economize. The President wanted to continue with the elections but there was a consensus to synchronize it afterwards, including removal of SK elections,” Enrile said on dzBB’s Nimfa Rogado.

Enrile pointed out that youth leaders were introduced to illicit political activities through the SK based on controversies hounding the youth councils.

Angara said the SK leaders could be “folded into” the barangay council which will have youth representatives.

“This way we can do away with having a separate election for SK leaders and save money,” he said.

Enrile said a number of local government leaders had suggested that the SK be abolished and replaced by youth representatives elected in the provincial, city and municipal boards.

Enrile has taken the idea further by suggesting that barangay elections be abolished with the mayors tasked with designating their own leaders for each barangay. - PDI

Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are set to recall some 4,000 vehicles in South Korea for possible leaks of brake fluid that may lead to a failure of a vehicle's braking system, market sources said Monday.

The voluntary move comes as the automakers have already been ordered to recall their vehicles sold in other parts of the world for the same problem, they said.

According to Toyota Korea, the affected vehicles are about 3,400 units of Lexus GS 330, RX 330 and IS 200 models produced between May 2002 and March 2006.

Honda Korea is also expected to recall some 590 units of its luxury passenger vehicle Legend that were manufactured between September 2004 and February 2007.

The vehicles to be recalled are said to have the same faulty brake parts from a single supplier.

"The problem is caused by a loss of brake fluid from the brake master cylinder, which could lead to a failure of the braking system," a market observer said.

No related accidents have yet been reported in South Korea. Both Toyota and Honda were expected to notify the transportation ministry later Monday of their decision to voluntarily recall the subject vehicles.(PNA/Yonhap)

Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has urged city residents who just finished their baccalaureate degrees to go back to school to hone their English proficiency.

Speaking in the Sunday’s public affairs program “Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa,” Duterte said English proficiency is an asset that ensures anyone employment in call centers, one of the job generator sectors in the city for the next two years.

Duterte said working in a call center needs good facility on the English language, which local residents need to keep up in order to get employed.

“They just need to improve their grammar and pronunciation and It will be easier for them to get employed. It is important that you can understand,” he said.

Duterte observed that it is easier for Davaoenos to adapt the English language to express themselves.

He said it only needs for local applicants to fine tune their voice, grammar and diction in order to qualify for the job.

Duterte projected that with the opening of two more malls in the city, around 20,000 jobs will be available for the city residents in the next two years.

“There is a better prospect for employment for the next two to three years in the city,” he said. (PNA)

The Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board (Caib) destroyed 6,750 pornographic DVDs worth P300,000 at City Hall.

Caib chairperson Dr. Lucille Mercado said the DVDs were seized in a raid last Thursday at the old Vision Theatre in the city's downtown area.

Mercado said the raid should serve as a warning to all transient vendors that the City Government is serious in freeing the city of obscene materials.

”We hope this will penetrate their brains that the City Government is serious in cleaning up the streets of pornographic videos because it is very rampant and spread very openly,” she said.

Mercado said she seeks to penalize stallholders and owners selling pornographic videos. This will include vendors without business permits.

“We will fine them P5,000. They don’t feel it if there’s no fine,” she said.

Mercado said she will discuss the matter with the City Treasurer’s Office.

Mercado urged the public, especially adults, not to patronize smut or pornographic movies.

She said adults who are not careful might expose children to the pornographic materials.

”The people should be vigilant and they have to be the one to report to us,” she said.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants the operations of Caib to continue, saying pornography violates decency and morality.

The dazzle of dancing colorful lights at different beer gardens and night clubs in the so-called “red light district” of the province has been momentarily “switched off” after Saturday midnight as police and elections officials started enforcing the liquor ban in connection with Monday’s Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan elections.

Bulacan police director Sr. Supt. Fernando Villanueva said police teams and election officials led by provincial election supervisor Sabino Mejarito has been making rounds of different nightspots here and in nearby Marilao town to ensure that the implementation of the liquor ban is strictly observed.

Villanueva said starting Sunday and up to Monday, no selling of liquors will be allowed on public places like the different beer gardens and nightspots located in this town and in other areas in the province.

“We are strictly enforcing the liquor ban as well as the total gun ban policy of the Comelec to ensure that the conduct of Monday’s election will peaceful and orderly,” Villanueva said.

He said police teams, in coordination with local election officials, are also manning Comelec-designated checkpoints in strategic areas along major thoroughfares in Bulacan as part of the peacekeeping strategies to ensure the conduct of an honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

Bocaue police chief Supt. Ronaldo de Jesus said Mejarito has talked and reminded owners of beer gardens and nightclubs on the enforcement of the liquor ban (PNA)

Power outages in Cebu are expected to continue as the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid expected a shortage of 230 megawatts, a power utility official said.

”There was an expected shortage from the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid of 230 megawatts (mw) due to limited generation in the Visayas and no power import from Luzon,” said Ethel Natera, Visayan Electric Co. (Veco) spokesperson.

She said the maintenance work on the Luzon-Visayas link or the High Voltage Direct Current, which is owned and operated by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, continued over the weekend.

But with only a day before the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, Department of Energy-Visayas Director Labios, in a radio dyLA interview, said he can’t assure there will be no brownouts on Monday.

However, he hopes there won’t be a shortage as it is a special non-working holiday.

As of Friday, the Pilinpinon Geothermal Power Plant which generates 35 mw was still down.

Natera said Veco, which services residents in metro Cebu, was able to distribute power form independent power producers and Participating Interruptible Load Customers (PICs).

The PICs are Veco customers that use their own generators instead of getting power from the utility firm.

The two-hour power interruptions in the Veco franchise areas or Manual Load Dropping were caused by a shortfall of 41.32 mw as of the 2:20 p.m. demand computation on Friday.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has welcomed the appointment of Cebu City Planning and Development Office Chief Nigel Paul Villarete as the new Mactan airport general manager.

Garcia, a member of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) board, said she never questioned Villarete.

Villarete was appointed as general manager of MCIAA in a special meeting held in Manila last Oct. 20, while Garcia was in China for an official trip.

”Let’s not put a spin to whatever I said. I only called for the right process to be followed just like what the people (Cebuanos) expected me to do,” Garcia said.

She said she never said anything against Villarete.

She also never mentioned a specific name or applicant whom she endorsed.

”I don’t want my action to be affected or influenced because of a bias for a particular person. My bias is for Cebu because that is what we deserve, only the best. That is what I continue to advocate, nothing but the best,” Garcia said.

She said all she asked was for the new general manager to be qualified since they are dealing with a multi-billion-peso facility.

Garcia said even if she was not around in the special election of the new general manager of MCIAA, she respected the collective decision of the members of the board who were present that day.

She said, however, that outgoing airport manager Danilo Francia is a tough act to follow.

It is going to be a challenge for the next general manager to sustain what has been achieved.

Garcia said Francia is an admirable manager.

It was seen in the increase in international and chartered flights and over P1 billion in revenues during his term.

Of the four applicants, Villarete was endorsed by President Benigno Aquino lll, who wrote the MCIAA board a letter last Sept. 15 expressing his “desire” to have Villarete selected. (PNA)

By Angeline Valencia

Peace and order seem to have started melting down as the barangay election heats up, prompting the provincial command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to add three more barangays to the watchlist of areas of concern.

Police Insp. Ramoncelio Sawan of the Operations Division of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) confirmed that as of Saturday, the election watch list of areas of concern (EWACs) already included 23 barangays in 11 towns.

Bohol provincial police director Sr. Supt. Constantino Barot Jr. considered the shooting incident in barangay Rizal in the municipality of Bilar as the first poll-related violence within the barangay election period.

Based on the observed stiff rivalry of candidates and election or political history of the areas, the BPPO identified the areas of concern as barangays Cuaming in Inabanga town; Batasan Island in Tubigon; Kabasakan, San Roque, San Antonio, San Vicente Sur, and Sta. Cruz in Sagbayan; Malinao East in Lila; Canmanico, Cansibao, and Poblacion Occidental in Valencia; Cabul-an, Montana, Lubang, and Panghagban in Buenavista; Popo and Canmangao in Pres. Carlos P. Garcia; Nasingin, Pandanon, and Taytay in Getafe.

Sawan said that the BPPO added in the watch list barangays Villa Garcia in Sierra-Bullones, Pogpong in Clarin, and Rizal in Bilar.

Last Thursday night, Juanito Cainghog , a candidate for barangay chairman in Rizal, and a group of supporters were having a conversation when reportedly fired upon by unidentified suspect, leading nearby residents to panic. Unfortunately no one was hit.

The responding police team recovered five empty shells of 5.56 mm ammunition at the crime scene.

Barot considered it as an election-related incident.

Last Wednesday night, police manning a checkpoint in Barangay Kaluasan recovered a hand grenade inside a plastic bag thrown by two motorcycle-riding men near the checkpoint, apparently to avoid being inspected.

A police team tried to pursue them for possible apprehension, but failed.

At 2:29 a.m. of October 21, the Trinidad Police Station received a text message from Roman Fernandez, a candidate for barangay captain in Hinlayagan, reporting that his residence was blasted by unknown suspects.

Trinidad municipal police chief, Police Insp. Judel Torregoza, immediately proceeded to the residence of Fernandez and found the steel gate of the garage partly damaged as believed to have been caused by an impact from an improvised homemade explosive.

The responding team recovered fragments of black plastic container and torn pieces of paper that resembled a wrapper of firecrackers.(PNA)

For the second time, two students from a private high school in Tacloban City will be representing the Philippines to the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) Water Rocket Competition to be held this November at Melbourne, Australia.

Julius Dacuycoy and Edward Louie Chua of Asia Development Foundational College (ADFC) bested 23 other schools to proceed to the international event and compete with 20 other countries in Asia and the Pacific in the APRSAF Water Rocket Competition.

ADFC was also the Philippine representative to the last APRSAF Water Rocket Competition held in Bangkok, Thailand in February this year.

Besides representing the country to the APRSAF Water Rocket Competition, the ADFC students also took home a certificate and a gift pack from Kraft Asia.

The National Water Rocket Competition was held at the Marikina Riverbanks Center in cooperation with the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology, the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, and the Department of Education during the 2010 World Space Week (WSW) celebration.

This year’s competition challenged students to land their rockets inside a specific target. Students were to launch their rocket from a 60-meter distance and should land it within a three-meter radius from the target.

Rockets that land beyond the radius are not given scores. Schools are allowed two launches to try to land their rockets within the range of the target.

ADFC was the only school to land their rocket within the range, successfully setting their rocket down 2.65 meters from the target.

Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Director Dr. Ester B. Ogena said the department annually conducts the water rocket launching competition as part of the World Space Week celebration to provide a venue for students, teacher and educators to learn more about space science.

“Competitions are great venues for our students to put their best foot forward and exercise their excellence and skill. Through this contest, we are able to identify students who have the knack for science who in turn could be provided the adept training to develop their full potential and eventually, provide the science and technology backbone of the Philippines,” she said.

DOST-SEI, as designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is the focal point for the space education program and related activities in the Philippines.

Ogena said space science plays a major role in preparing the people during major calamities and avert disasters in large scale.

“As we explore the Philippines and beyond, space science plays a major role in making us understand the things we see and the things we do not see,” she said.

Ogena pledged that DOST-SEI would be at the forefront of making the people appreciate the value of space education in the country.

“It is our firm commitment to put forward the importance of space science in our daily lives. We are optimistic that soon, the Philippines shall be at par with other countries in space science,” she said.

The 31-member APRSAF was established in 1993 in response to the declaration adopted by the Asia-Pacific International Space Year Conference (APIC) in 1992 to enhance the development of each country's space program and to exchange views toward future cooperation in space activities in the Asia-Pacific region.  - source: PNA

Residents of this regional frontier and capital city and the province of Agusan del Norte were rattled and shaken from their sleep by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake shortly before dawn Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported.

However, the OCD in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga Region) said no casualty or damage was reported as of press time.

OCD Regional Director Blanche T. Gobenciong immediately mobilized field personnel to monitor field reports from various disaster councils in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the tremor occurred at 2:38 a.m., with epicenter traced at 15 kilometers northeast of Jabonga town, Agusan del Norte.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 125.66 kilometers and was also felt in other parts of the Caraga Region.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs also reported that a 3.9 magnitude quake also hit Butuan City at 5:20 a.m. on Saturday .

The early morning tremor was traced at seven kilometers north of this city with 125.50 kilometers depth.

Many Caraga Region residents also went into panic when a 5.0-magnitude quake hit Surigao del Sur province at 2:23 a.m., also on Saturday.

Its epicenter was traced at 85 kilometers south-southeast of Hinatuan town, Surigao del Sur province.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 141.9 kilometers and was also felt in the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. There were no reports of injuries or damage. (PNA)

The provincial government of North Cotabato offers P100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects behind Thursday’s bus bombing in Matalam town that killed 10 persons and injured 30 others.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou J. Talino-Mendoza said the reward was announced Friday even as police and military operations went underway in Central Mindanao in hot pursuit of the bombers.

Mendoza met with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Raul M. Bacalzo in Kidapawan City on Friday to discuss developments of the ongoing investigation into the bomb attack that has been widely condemned by the civil society and the national leadership.

A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) was organized composed of investigators, forensic examiners and ordnance experts from North Cotabato Provincial Police Office, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Army’s 61st Explosive Ordnance Division.

During the meeting, Bacalzo reiterated to local officials and concerned government agencies to observe the security measures to prevent similar incidents, particularly against the practice of allowing passengers to board without inspection, and the thorough inspection of all passengers and cargo in bus terminals.

Witnesses claimed at least three suspects disembarked the bus moments before the bomb went off while the bus was traveling across Barangay Dalapitan, Matalam town on Thursday morning.

“Our justice system assures certainty of punishment to those behind this attack on innocent civilians. The long arm of the law will pursue them wherever and whoever they are” Bacalzo said.

Bacalzo was in Kidapawan City on Friday on a field sortie in Central and Southern Mindanao to assess the readiness of PNP units to assume election duties as deputies of the Comelec.

About 42,000 barangays (villages) across the country elect their village officials and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders on Monday.

The Chief PNP has directed all PNP units to step-up checkpoint operations to prevent the movement of armed individuals and other election law violators who might cause violence on Monday’s local polls.

As part of the PNP’s election security operations, the “HOPE 2010-Bravo Election Monitoring and Media Center was activated in Camp Crame on Friday to facilitate release of timely and accurate information on election activities and security situation nationwide.

PNP Spokesperson, Sr. Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr. said the Media Center would provide tri-media representatives with up-to-date information and current data on police operations and election security issues. -PNA

A barangay kagawad (village councilor) was shot dead by a still unidentified suspect in Barangay Datagan, Calinog, Iloilo.

Police said Rolando Lupines, 55, Datagan village councilor barangay kagawad, was walking on the way home with his minor son when unidentified man appeared from a dark portion of Datagan barangay road and shot him with the use of a 12-gauge shotgun Thursday evening.

The victim succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim is seeking re-election as barangay kagawad in the coming barangay-SK elections on Monday, Oct. 25 when the fateful incident happened.

The police could not presently determine if local politics has something to do with the crime. (PNA)

Passengers of an inter-island vessel were spared from near sea disaster after the vessel violently tilted and ran aground in the shallow waters off Roxas, Mindoro.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) based in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan said the Super Shuttle Ferry 2, a roll on, roll off (RoRo) vessel, was carrying 197 passengers aboard, including the crew, when the incident happened.

The vessel was cruising the Mindoro shore when whipped by sudden big waves that caused the ship to tilt sideways.

The ship’s violent movement scared and caused panic among passengers aboard.

The alert ship captain steered the vessel to safety but when he sensed danger of getting capsized, he decided to have the ship ran aground toward the vicinity of Roxas shoreline to avoid the would-be tragedy.

RoRo vessel left Caticlan port in Malay, Aklan early Friday morning on its way to Mindoro. Apart from passengers, the RoRo vessel was also carrying 22 rolling cargoes and two passenger buses aboard.

The Coast Guard said turbulent seas prevailed elsewhere in the area brought about by forecast entry of a new typhoon. - PNA

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Virginia Santiago lectured Iloilo National High School teachers about helping fight corruption in the bureaucracy.

She talked on anti-graft laws during a seminar at the school and cited ill-effects of engaging in corrupt practices.

Corruption negatively affects the bureaucracy's efficiency and slows down delivery of government services, she noted.

Over 100 teachers from the school attended the seminar.

Santiago particularly cited the importance of paying taxes and the consequences of incurring debt.

She hopes other schools will also hold seminars on addressing corruption so such institutions can help government eradicate this scourge. - PNA

An incumbent barangay (village) chairman and his companions shot a man who was campaigning for a rival bets in Barangay Bayogo, Madrid, Surigao del Sur Friday morning.

Caraga Police Regional Information Office here identified the suspect as Bayogo chairman Melecio Sumaoy Mejorada.

Mejorada's companions, who also allegedly shot the victim using .45 cal and 9 mm pistols, remained unidentified.

Police said victim Eduardo Roluna, 45, married, and a resident of P-5, Barangay Bayogo was campaigning at the residence of Rogelio Talisic when the suspect and his companions took tuns in shooting him.

Police claimed the victim sustained critical gunshot wounds in the face and body. He was taken to Madrid District Hospital for treatment.

Investigators recovered from the crime scene two empty shells of cal.45; one empty shell of 9mm cal. pistol and two slugs.

Mejorada was arrested by responding policemen. He is now detained at the locked-up jail of the Madrid police station.

Caraga Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Reynaldo S. Rafal ordered thorough investigation of the incident. (PNA)

A reelectionist barangay kagawad (councilman) who had been active in trying to solve many problems in his area like acquisition of firearms and ammunition by many civilians and small-scale miners was shot dead by unidentified armed men and women at around 9:40 p.m. Thursday evening in Barangay San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

A report from the Caraga Police Regional Information Office identified the victim as Barangay Kagawad Rommel Magdayo Moldez, 31, married and resident of Barangay San Isidro, Santiago town.

Moldez was seeking reelection as barangay kagawad of Barangay San Isidro, where Mount Sarog, a known gold rush area, is located.

Initial investigation showed that prior to the incident, unidentified armed men and women arrived and forcibly entered the house of Moldez, who was out at the time.

When Moldez arrived a few minutes later together with a certain Romnick Tupos, they were immediately ordered to drop on the ground, after which the barangay official was shot twice in the back.

The suspects left the place after the incident, saying they were also looking for another barangay kagawad named Angelito Garong.

Moldez was immediately taken to the Cabadbaran Emergency District Hospital, some 10 kilometers away from Barangay San Isidro, but he was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physicians.

Relatives of the victim told police probers the killing could have been motivated by his direct involvement in the maintenance of peace and order situation in the mining area in Mount Sarug.

They claimed Moldez had received death threats prior to the incident.

Earlier, concerned civilians in the area aired complaints before authorities on the alleged buying spree of illegally acquired firearms and ammunitions by small scale miners and even ordinary civilians.

The Santiago Municipal Police Office is conducting further investigation to determine if the shooting incident was election-related since the victim was seeking reelection as barangay kagawad in the Oct. 25 Barangay election. - source: PNA

Published by the Bohol Chronicle

A supposedly mega project of former governor, now 2nd District Congressman
Erico Aumentado is mired in controversy following allegations of blatant procedural lapses and even serious constitutional issues.

A public consultation called last Thursday practically unearthed a veritable
trove of revelations straight from those supposed beneficiaries of the project
and officials who had a hand in the dubious manner in which the project was laid
out.

The output of the consultation will be presented during a meeting on
Wednesday with visiting Korean officials.

The consultation was conducted by a joint committee on Agriculture,
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Good Government, Justice and
Human Rights headed by Board Members Abeleon Damalerio and Vencenzo Arcamo
respectively together with Cezar Lopez., vice chair of the Finance, Budget and
Appropriations committee Dubbed as the "Bioethanol Research Center Project", a joint venture between

Biolsystems Co. Ltd. or "Biol" of the Republic of Korea and the Province of
Bohol, is focused on seaweed aquaculture, ethanol production and post-harvest.

Mounting public clamor from affected seaweed growers for the new provincial
leaders to conduct a probe on the marine aquaculture project which was kept
under wraps during the previous administration triggered the ongoing review by
the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
         

According to the assailed MOU, the Province of Bohol will set aside for the
exclusive operation of the Korean company 3 has. as test area for aquaculture,
500 has. for seedling plantation, 25,000 up to 100,000 has. for the aquaculture
site proper. Another 60 has. will be guaranteed by the province for an ethanol
production factory and residential area for workers.

The project will not only be in the waters of Bohol but also a possible tie-up with neighboring provinces that would cover one million hectares.

The term contract is for a period of 50 years with a planned extension of 25
years.

The MOU further stated that security around the aquaculture and factory areas
will be provided by the PNP and the AFP.

Seaweed farmers feared the day when they would turn into mere laborers of these
giant foreign corporations instead of producers of seaweeds.

Seaweed farmers get P25T gross from seaweeds in a 2,500 sq. meter area five
times a year. Sales from abalone at P470/kilo, "tihi-tihi", sea cucumber at
P2,000/kilo and rare shells adds up to a tidy sum for the seaweed farmers.

Representatives from the Seaweed Investors Association of the Philippines (SIAP)
condemned the brazenness of these foreign corporations for threatening the
livelihood of the Filipino fisherfolks.

They voiced their suspicion that this MOU is now peddled in roadshows abroad to
entice investors for the project.

The marine aquaculture project, according to Atty. Titus Vistal of the
Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) was never formally discussed
in the Provincial Development Council (PDC) but was taken up only as an
exploratory project.

Questions were also raised on the need for the Sangguniang Panglalawigan (SP) to
have been consulted on such an ambitious project even if the joint venture
project was in the nature of an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

During the meeting, seaweed growers associations, non-government organizations
(NGO's), People's organizations (PO's) engaged in marine protection were one in
denouncing not only the past administration but the Korean government for
deliberately ignoring a basic requirement for such a big project - public
consultation with the stakeholders.

Letters sent to the Korean government by the seaweed growers were ignored.

Even the municipality of Talibon which granted, upon the request of Aumentado,
50 has. in the islands of Sag and Bansan islands never informed the seaweed
growers about the areas reserved for the bioethanol project.

But stakeholders later found out that instead of Biol Co., the signatory of the
MOU, a firm by the name of Algahol, set up operations in Talibon.

Another firm, Metallic Ore Harvester Corporation identified as a Taiwanese
company is also into seaweeds farming in a 1200 has area also in Nocnocan isled
in Talibon.

Heavily armed security guards has been driving out local fishermen from their
farm area.

Leandres Artiaga, Fisheries Technician of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), who was privy to the entry of Algahol in Talibon, told the Chronicle that he was pressured by a certain Ho Jea Lee, a Korean investor to sign the incorporation papers as an investor and a member of the board of directors for 50 shares valued at P1,861.

He further said that June Blanco, a former executive assistant of the Governor
also signed as an incorporator of Algahol.

Artiaga added that he submitted to the Provincial Legal Office an affidavit
withdrawing as member of the board of Algahol.

Meanwhile, June Blanco confirmed to the Chronicle that she signed as an
incorporator and secretary of Algahol to complete a corporation requirement.
Atty. Cathy Jamila of the Provincial Legal Office raised a constitutional issue
on a corporation exploiting our natural resources.

Initial findings showed that Algahol is a foreign corporation engaged in the
exploitation of our fisheries and aquatic resources which are reserved
exclusively for Filipinos.

A review of the registration papers of Algahol is now underway.

Atty. Handel Lagunay, former Provincial Legal Officer told the Chronicle that
Algohol is a foreign corporation incorporated domestically in the Philippines.

He also said that Algohol is not into actual seaweed farming but engaged in
research and development of marine aquaculture, procurement and marketing of
seaweed produce of the local seaweed farmers.

The 13 has. reported to be found planted with seaweeds was a pilot area to test
if certain varieties would thrive in the area, explained Lagunay.

The MOU between Biolsystems Co., Ltd. of the Republic of Korea and the Province
of Bohol were signed by 28 of the 30 Mayors of the coastal municipalities in
Bohol last July 16, 2009.

Inputs gathered from the public consultation will be collated and presented to
the Korean party on Wednesday, at the Bohol Tropics Hotel.

By the Bohol Chronicle

The Boholana national president of the Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation (SKNF) is facing a graft complaint with the Ombudsman for alleged misuse of federation funds amounting to over P90 million.

Meanwhile, Jane Cesoria Cajes, who is also an ex-officio commissioner of the National Youth commission (NYC) vehemently denied the accusations as she welcomed the complaint which she will face before the Ombudsman. She branded the filing of the complaint as a smear campaign lodged against her.

The seemingly dormant issue on alleged fund misuse of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) was the basis of the nine-point graft complaint filed last Wednesday by Manuel Ferdinand R. De Erio, a former close aide of Cajes and Leo P. Udtohan, also a volunteer of the SKF President. Both are also Lifestyle writers of city-based newspapers.

Feeling used and betrayed by Cajes, the two complainants, De Erio and Udtohan, ventilated their outcry for justice against the alleged misuse of government funds when they personally visited for a live radio interview at Bohol's top-rated "Inyong Alagad" program of DYRD the day after they filed their complaint in Manila.

"Our name and reputation were on the line. We were unwittingly used by Jane Cajes to cover-up the anomalies. Finally, after realizing the state we were in, we decided to pursue the truth thru the Ombudsman", a visibly relieved De Erio said.

The two so-called "whistleblowers" gave the Ombudsman an "inside account" of alleged financial wrongdoings of SKNF President Jane Cajes.

The letter complaint alleged that Cajes entered into "multi-million peso procurement of goods and services without bidding" for the supplies of bags, t-shirts, tarpaulins, accommodations, catering and event management contracts for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 SK National Congress in Cebu City, Subic, Bohol and Boracay.
         
The letter complaint bared that under Cajes, the SK collected an estimated total registration fees in the amount of P73 million from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 SK National Congress.

On top of these collections, the SK allegedly received P20M financial assistance from former President Arroyo for the 2008 and 2009 SK National Congress, P250T assistance each from PAGCOR and PCSO together with a sponsorship fee of P150T from "The Bar" in the 2009 SK Congress.

These collections totaled P93.65M not including collections from SK annual dues, the complaint alleged.

According to the letter complaint, Cajes failed to render financial statements covering the cited SK National Congresses.

The complainants also revealed that P150,000 worth of tarpaulins were allegedly wasted during the launching of the Sama-sama Para sa Kalikasan project of the SK held in Bohol "when the face of the former President printed on the tarpaulin was inverted". These posters were not allowed to be displayed causing Cajes to purchase another batch of tarpaulins with the corrected layout.

De Erio and Udtohan also bemoaned the alleged "over spending" on the printing of tarpaulins estimated at nearly P1M from 2008 to the present.

According to the complainants, concerned SK members were disturbed by several billboard sized tarpaulins placed in the streets of Olongapo and Subic during the SK National Congress with solo pictures of Jane Cajes together with pictures of performing bands Six Cycle Mind, Imago, CallaLilly among others, prompting comments on the SKP Facebook - "Sana dina maulit yung nasa Subic na parang concert ni Hon. Jane ang congress".

De Erio and Udtohan also denounced Cajes for her failure to present the financial statements on the P10M fund from former president GMA for an environmental project "Sama-sama para sa Kalikasan: Proyekto ng Sangguniang Kabataan".

They said that Cajes could not account for P8M of the P10M since only 20 SK Federated Presidents received P100T each for a total of P2M only.

Also, an additional P10M from GMA for the same project was allegedly received by the Federation thru Cajes for the purchase of seedlings. No trace of the purchase could be found.

Even Cajes personal lifestyle was not spared by the complaint. Quoting the Philippine Transparency Reporting Project - "extravagant lifestyles are one of the most obvious indicators of corruption", De Erio and Udtohan lambasted the lavish display of wealth by the SK National President thru the "deliberate spending of cash for the purchase of high-end SLR cameras, expensive dogs, designer bags, branded clothes, cosmetics, accessories and jewelries".

Even as the complainants admitted that beauty enhancement procedures at the Belo Medical Group such as Nose reshaping, chin and cheek implants and facials were purely personal vanities, they were still considered very expensive.

De Erio and Udtohan questioned the "repeated failure to account and liquidate her expenditures of SK funds for placing her under a cloud of doubt"

CAJES UNFAZED

The SK national president, with grace under fire, respected and welcomed the move of her two former allies as their constitutional right to seek redress for their grievances against her from the courts.

"I will answer all the accusations at the proper legal venue. I hope no personal issues will be discussed. My family and loved ones are all behind me". The SK national president is the daughter of former Rep. Roberto Cajes whose wife run for a congressional seat during the last elections.

Cajes refuted the charges hurled against her by De Erio and Udtohan especially on the non-disclosure of financial statements.

Showing voluminous documents on national top rated "24 Oras" television news, Cajes refuted the allegations of De Erio and Udtohan that no financial statements were prepared and available to SK members.

When interviewed also over dyRD's "Inyong Alagad," Cajes expressed surprise where the P93M figure came from.

"The 2008 and 2009 financial statements has been signed by the treasurer, accountant and myself while the 2010 report are ready to be signed" assured Cajes.

"If they want to see all the documents, "pwede sila mo-adto sa atong office sa Manila ug pwede namo dad-on sa Bohol", she added.

The complaint covered violations of provisions of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and RA 6713 - Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

According to the complainants, the first formal complaint on transparency issues regarding alleged financial irregularities against Ms. Cajes was filed by the Junior Graft Watch Unit of Cebu on April 23, 2010 at the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas, Cebu.

The complaint remains unresolved.

De Erio and Udtohan further assured the public that no politicians are behind their filing of the case against Cajes.

In a press statement sent to the Chronicle late yesterday afternoon, Cajes said: "In the past days, various fabricated, orchestrated and libelous accusations have been hurled against me not only as SK National Federation President but also against my personal private life not necessarily related to my office. Text messages, which threatened my life and that of the immediate members of my family, were likewise received from texters whose cell numbers I have securely saved. In due time, I will unmask the real person who is the financier and behind all these unfounded, directed and malicious accusations, who is deliberately using persons with questionable records.

These accusers with questionable records claim they have filed a letter-complaint against me before the Ombudsman but I have yet to receive an official copy of the alleged complaint. While these accusers, under the law, have the right to file even an unfounded complaint, I have also the same equal right to file the necessary criminal cases against them should their accusations, this early, are already untrue and malicious.

Until then, I hope I will be fairly and objectively judged by the public for as the legal maxim says: "A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty." (CMV)

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday said that the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will push through on Monday, despite the on-going rehabilitation works in areas devastated by super typhoon "Juan".

Comelec regional director Julius Torres said that the suspended elections will only be observed in four towns in Abra, which up to now are isolated due to the enormous landslides which block all their access roads.

Comelec is also considering to suspend the election in one barangay in Tadian, Mountain Province, which is also totally isolated due to so many landslides. That area was hit by typhoon "Pepeng" last year, that caused high number of casualties and loss of properties.

Meanwhile, Torres said that the last day of campaign for the candidates regionwide remain peaceful and orderly as there were yet no reported violence in the localities.

He said that the Comelec and the deputized law enforcers and board of election inspectors are now ready for Monday's balloting. (PNA)

Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) regional director Chief Superintendent Villamor Bumanglag led Saturday the send-off ceremony for 114 highly-trained policemen deployed to augment government forces tasked with maintaining peace and order in Abra province as election day draws near.

Authorities decided on the policemen's deployment as elections for barangay and youth leaders will push through on Oct. 25 in the Cordillera Administrative Region despite devastation this area sustained from super typhoon "Juan."

Bumanglag said members of PROCOR's mobile and special action units comprise the augmentation force.

Abra has been among the country's areas of concern during elections due to rivalry of politicians in the province.

The least number of casualties and election-related violence was on May 11 this year when the military and police saturated all towns with security forces to avert bloodshed due to the polls.

Bumanglag said the augmentation force will stay in the area as long as threats to peace and order exist.

By Bill Ventura

A vehicle was peppered with bullet by several heavily armed men on Friday evening in Barangay Atabiao in Tuao, Cagayan town, Cagayan Province.

Sr. Supt. Mao Aplasca, Cagayan police director, identified the fatality as Sofronio Mamba, car driver. Wounded were: Lenny Fausto, sister-in-law of Cagayan Vice Gov. Leonides Fausto and wife of losing 2010 Tuao mayoral bet Larry Fausto, and aide Michael Pagaduan.

Mamba was taken to a funeral parlor for autopsy while Fausto and Pagaduan were recuperating at the Saint Paul Hospital here in Tuguegarao City.

Police deployed four teams with Army soldiers to secure Tuao town due to the ambush.

Initial reports said Fausto and her companions were on their way home after distributing relief goods in Agunetan, Tuao when the armed men ambushed them.

Police initiated hot pursuit operations until midnight Friday but arrested no one.

Vice Governor Fausto pointed to ex-Rep. Manuel Mamba, his estranged cousin, as behind the ambush but the latter denied the accusation. (PNA)

A suspected drug pusher was killed in broad daylight by unidentified suspects riding in tandem on a motorcycle along the road in Barangay 3, Vigan City last Thursday.

A belated report of Superintendent Elpidio Nartatez, chief of police of Vigan City, identified the victim as Antonio Bilgera, alias "Pukol," 34, of Rizal Street in Barangay 3. Vigan City.

Investigation disclosed that the incident happened at about 11:30 a.m. while the victim and a few of his neighbors were sitting on a bench in front of a sari-sari store.

The motorcycle-riding suspects pulled over and one of them approached Bilgera and shot him several times in different parts of his head and body with the use of Caliber .45 pistol.

The suspects fled immediately towards the south direction, while the victim was rushed to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Responding lawmen recovered five empty shells and three slugs for Caliber .45 pistol from the crime scene.

Nartatez said that a hot pursuit operation was immediately launched against the suspects.

He theorized that the incident may have something to do with illegal drug trade as the victim had previous records relating to drug pushing. (PNA)

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Manny Pacquiao is Singing While Preparing Fight vs Margarito

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HBO 247 Features a Glimpse of Manny Pacquiao's Life

Name the greatest person who influenced you

How do you express your anger to your enemy? To your best friends? To a parent?

What is the funniest story your mother tells about you?

Would you dare to sleep in a haunted house overnight?

When you think of your lonely times, what scares you about the experience?

How did you make money when you were a kid?

What natural talents or abilities would you like to develop?

How do you motivate a person

How do you show your love for your country?

If you were an exporter, what will you sell in China?

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Pacquiao vs Margarito

Have you tried counting the stars?

By Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN

The identity of the bar blast perpetrator has been identified by authorities, according to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima who urged him to come forward and surrender.

"We know who you are and it's just a matter of time before we get you," warned de Lima through a message sent to the media Saturday afternoon.

"I'm now constrained to reiterate the President's call for his and his co-perpetrators' immediate surrender," de Lima said. The September 26 post-bar exams bomb blast along Taft Avenue in Manila left at least 47 people injured.

The Justice Department and its attached agency, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which took the lead in investigating the blast, reiterated that there are enough witnesses who have identified the suspect.

De Lima says the Justice Department and its attached agency, the National Bureau of Investigation, have identified the suspect's home town and dispatched operatives(NBI) there last week, to no avail.

"We don't know yet his exact whereabouts. We know his home province/town. NBI operatives were dispatched there last week. Negative. Allegedly, certain individuals are protecting him."

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
Manila Bulletin

Actor-turned-politician Patrick dela Rosa denied the rape charge filed against him by a 20-year old student.

In a letter sent to Mindoro Oriental governor Alfonso “Boy” Umali (a part of which was shown on a “24 Oras” report on Oct. 19), the provincial board member maintained that the accusation was merely fabricated.

“I deny the accusation hurled against me and I am prepared to present my witnesses and the pieces of evidence,” he stated.

Dela Rosa wrote the governor to formally file a leave of absence while his case is ongoing. He is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail where he was transferred on Tuesday. He was previously held at the Quezon City Police District Station 7 after being arrested on Oct. 8.

On his way to the QC Jail, Dela Rosa was seen covering his cuffed hands with a white towel. He underwent the usual process for detainees---finger scanning, booking photograph (mug shot), and medical examination---before he was taken to what the GMA-7 report described as a crammed cell.

As what he did in previous attempts by the press to get an interview, Dela Rosa declined to speak up on the matter.

Meanwhile, witnesses who were on the side of the supposed victim retracted their previous statements that Dela Rosa performed the alleged heinous act in a room at the Regalla Tower condominium in Cubao, Quezon City on the early morning of Oct. 8.

In Julius Babao’s “TV Patrol” interview aired on Oct. 19, the witnesses revealed that the complainant allegedly told them later that no such rape took place.

However, a text message sent to GMA-7 by Atty. Freddie Villamor, legal counsel of the supposed rape victim, reiterated that the retraction of the witnesses will not affect their case.

“It’s only the victim who knows if she was actually raped or not. And there is really no witness for that except the victim."

He added that he is yet to talk to his client about the witnesses' recent revelations.

By Abs-cbn

TV host-actress Kris Aquino's youngest son, James Yap Jr. snatched the limelight during a press conference on his mother's product endorsement as he loudly said that he does not like actor Dingdong Dantes.

Dantes is the next leading man of Aquino in a movie by GMA Films next year.

Aquino was gladly answering questions from the entertainment media about her personal life and her new projects while carrying Baby James when the latter blurted, "I hate Dingdong." This was after his mother announced that she's excited to work with Dantes.

The President's sister said that after her separation with her husband, star cager James Yap, father of Baby James, her son does not want any man to go near her except for his godfather, King of Talk Boy Abunda.

"Lahat ng lalaking lumapit sa akin sinasabi niya, 'I don't like.' Lahat, he doesn't like. He only likes Ninong Boy," Aquino said.

Michael Jackson and Buzz Lightyear

Below is the conversation of Aquino and Baby James during the press conference held at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel last October 20.

Baby James: Ano ang movie mo, Mama?
Kris: Ang movie ko ngayon 'Dalaw' and then another movie.
Baby James: What's 'Dalaw'?
Kris: What's 'Dalaw'? I'll explain to you 'Dalaw' later. 'Yong with Dingdong I'm looking forward to that.
Baby James: I don't like Dingdong.
Kris: No, you like Dingdong. Why not? Why?
Baby James: I don't like Dingdong.
Kris: Who do you like?
Baby James: Mama.
Kris: You like to act in a movie with Mama? Ikaw na lang kasama ni Mama.
Baby James: No.
Kris: What do you like lang?
Baby James: I don't like Dingdong.

After expressing his dislike of Dantes, Baby James shared his excitement over his mother's upcoming project. Aquino will be back next year as one of the judges for the 2nd season of ABS-CBN's reality talent show "Pilipinas Got Talent".

Baby James said that he likes to perform a Michael Jackson song and the King of Pop's signature move, Moonwalk.

Kris: 'Pilipinas Got Talent' is up next
Baby James: Jovit Baldivino.
Kris: You like 'Got Talent' with Ai?
Baby James: Ako break-dancing. I have two talents. Michael Jackson singing and Moonwalk.
Kris: You like to act pa?
Baby James: No.
Kris: Singing na lang?
Baby James: Singing and dancing.
Kris: You like basketball?
Baby James: I like fighting games.
Kris: Who do you like to be?
Baby James: Buzz Lightyear.

Actor Patrick dela Rosa was arrested early Friday for allegedly raping a 20-year-old student in a condominium unit in Cubao, Quezon City.

Police Officer 1 Maricel Dehada of the Cubao police station's women and children's desk said the alleged rape happened inside Unit 2206 of the Regalia Tower along P. Tuazon Street in Cubao.

Dehada said that according to the complainant, who is a resident of Cainta town in Rizal province, she was having a drinking session with her 2 female and 6 male friends when Dela Rosa and his friend arrived at the condominium unit around 1 a.m.

The complainant claimed that she went to the bedroom ahead of the group after feeling woozy because of the drinks she had already consumed.

Dehada said that according to the complainant, she immediately fell asleep. She woke up between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. and saw the actor raping her.

The complainant claimed that she noticed she was already naked, as was the actor. She said she was rescued by her friends after she cried for help.

Police said that the security guard of the condominium building reported the incident to the police.

They said that they caught up with Dela Rosa when he was on his way to escape on board a Toyota Fortuner with his brother, Atty. Jess Hermogenes dela Rosa.

Police said a complaint of rape has been filed against Dela Rosa before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.

The actor has been detained at the Cubao police station. -- Report from Dennis Datu, radio dzMM

Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary for Regional Affairs Rizalino Rivera on Saturday pledged to work out for the release of financial assistance to the victims of stabbing spree at a school in this southern port city.

Rivera issued the statement when he visited the victims -- two elementary school teachers and four pupils -- at the Zamboanga Brent Hospital (ZBH) here.

Rivera also said they honor the bravery showed by the late Lorna Pulalon, a Grade 2 teacher, who shielded the school pupils from the attacker that caused her death.

Four people were killed while six others were wounded when an ex-convict ran amuck around 1:45 p.m. Friday at the elementary school in Barangay Talisayan, 26 kilometers west of this city.

Aside from Pulalon, also killed were Grade 6 pupil Cess Dorin Orpiano, 12, Ruben Flores, 64, a guardian, and the suspect, Feli Mateo, 51.

The suspect was killed by the villagers living near the school who came to the aid of the helpless school teachers and pupils.

Hospitalized due to stab wounds were Ludivina Balilo and Joni Torres, a Grade 5 and Grade 6 school teachers, respectively; and school pupils Joshua Demco, 11; Maria Lyka Basing, 12; Princess Briones, 12; and Michaela Jacona, 12.

After visiting the victim at ZBH, Rivera went to the elementary school in Barangay Talisayan as well as the slain victims.

Rivera visited and condoled with the families of the slain victims of the tragic incident. (PNA)
RMA/Teofilo P. Garcia/rsm

PNA

The city has been placed on full alert in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Monday, and after a powerful bomb exploded inside a passenger bus in Matalam, North Cotabato Thursday morning.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered law enforcement units in the city to take appropriate actions to prevent a repeat of the incident where 10 people were killed and injured more than 20 other passengers.

The mayor said that "in view of the recent bus bombing in Matalam, we take appropriate measures to safeguard the riding public and other vital installations."

“Do not allow it to happen in Davao City," she said, reiterating her order to the Task Force Davao (TFD), Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Central 911, and Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).

Colonel Rey Guerrero, TFD chief, said on Friday that he ordered a double deployment of his personnel.

"Among our forces, we have doubled deployment and tomorrow, we are expecting augmentation from the 84th and 69th Infantry Battalions from the 10th Infantry Division, which is in preparation for the elections," Guerrero said.

DCPO director Sr. Supt. Rene Aspera said the city was currently under full alert in connection with the bombing.

"We have intensified the conduct of inspection especially cargo trucks entering the city as a measure to prevent spill over. In cooperation with Task Force Davao, we are intensifying monitoring in the rural areas," he said.

Guerrero said the city police had also provided security augmentation at the Davao International Airport since last week.

"We are also conducting rigid search and inspection. We have recently conducted training with our personnel, which is in preparation also for the elections on Monday," he said.

PNA: The city has been placed on full alert in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Monday, and after a powerful bomb exploded inside a passenger bus in Matalam, North Cotabato Thursday morning.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered law enforcement units in the city to take appropriate actions to prevent a repeat of the incident where 10 people were killed and injured more than 20 other passengers.

The mayor said that "in view of the recent bus bombing in Matalam, we take appropriate measures to safeguard the riding public and other vital installations."

“Do not allow it to happen in Davao City," she said, reiterating her order to the Task Force Davao (TFD), Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Central 911, and Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).

Colonel Rey Guerrero, TFD chief, said on Friday that he ordered a double deployment of his personnel.

"Among our forces, we have doubled deployment and tomorrow, we are expecting augmentation from the 84th and 69th Infantry Battalions from the 10th Infantry Division, which is in preparation for the elections," Guerrero said.

DCPO director Sr. Supt. Rene Aspera said the city was currently under full alert in connection with the bombing.

"We have intensified the conduct of inspection especially cargo trucks entering the city as a measure to prevent spill over. In cooperation with Task Force Davao, we are intensifying monitoring in the rural areas," he said.

Guerrero said the city police had also provided security augmentation at the Davao International Airport since last week.

"We are also conducting rigid search and inspection. We have recently conducted training with our personnel, which is in preparation also for the elections on Monday," he said.

By Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer

With identical scores of 99.7 percent, four young Filipino math aces were among 65 students worldwide who topped the 2010 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), a contest carried out via correspondence that drew about 400,000 participants from at least 40 countries when it was held in August.

The good news came from the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT), the University of Canberra-based group, which has been conducting the AMC since 1976.

Prof. Peter Taylor, AMT executive director, awarded the medals to the following top-performing Filipino students during simple rites at the Summit Ridge hotel in Tagaytay City on Friday: Nathaniel Ryan Ang, of Xavier School in San Juan, Metro Manila; and Seanne Daphne Ang, Mikaela Angelina Uy and Carmela Antoinette Lao, all of St. Jude Catholic School in Manila.

The other medalists came from Australia, 23; Singapore, 7; Taiwan, 5; Hong Kong and New Zealand, 4 each; Malaysia, Indonesia, Bulgaria, and South Africa, 3 each; Thailand and India, both with 2; and China and South Korea, 1 each, the organizers said.

Seven other Filipino students won Prize Awards, which are given to contestants within the top 1 percent of the AMC: Adrian Reginald Sy, of St. Jude Catholic School; Lorems Yrol Pedeglorio, of the Butuan City SPED Center; Philip Christian Gelera, of UP Integrated School; Miguel Lorenzo Ildesa, of PAREF-Westbridge School; Farell Eldrian Wu, of MGC New Life Christian Academy; Kaye Janelle Yao, of Grace Christian College; and Samuel Christian Ong, of UNO High School.

Fifty other Filipinos got certificates of high distinction for being within the top 2 percent of the AMC.

They were Andrew Lawrence Sy, Keefe Collin Tan, Janssen Lawrence Chan, Jinger Chong, Matthew Angelo Isidro, Andrea Jaba, Austin Eldrich Chua and Vince Benedict Say, all of St. Jude Catholic School; Jan Joshua Cruz, of Pasig Catholic College; John Thomas Chuatak, Gabriel Pua, Shamina Sharlyne Liao, Hans Markson Tan and Thomas Spencer Balete, all of St. Stephen’s High School; Bonn Leif Amalia and Lord Danly Mafe, both of Colegio San Agustin-Biñan;

Lance Christopher Lelis, of Blessed Lights International Christian Academy; Shaquille Wyan Que, Jeremy Vance Yap and Deany Hendrick Cheng, all of Grace Christian College; Clyde Wesley Ang, of Chiang Kai Shek College; Xavier Jefferson Go, of Zamboanga Chong Hua High School; Christopher Joseph Magno, of Falcon Learning Center; Errol John Suarez, of Bicol University-Integrated Laboratory School; Mark Christopher Uy, Mario Antonio Ongkiko and Ethan Zachary Chua, all of Xavier School;

Jason Joseph Fernandez, Niel Benjamin Kho, Amiel Sy, Dale Wilson Garcia II, Ma. Moper Donaleigh Nuñez and Reina Jiana Reynoso, all of the Philippine Science High School; Frederick Matthew Corpuz, of Colegio San Agustin-Makati; Gabriel Angelo Estampador, of San Beda College-Alabang; Andrew Brandon Ong, Henry Jefferson Morco, Geovin Dexter Uy, all of Chiang Kai Shek College; Edward Joseph Ofilada, of Ateneo de Manila University;

John Angel Aranas, of Makati Science High School; Raymart Caasi, of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila; Kevin Clyde Chu, of Sacred Heart School of Jesuits; Francis Daelo, of Malayan Colleges-Laguna; Kevin Christopher Catbagan and Steven Matthew Cheng, both of UP Diliman; Jasper John Segismundo, of Pasig Catholic College; Patrick Allen Tanada, of Pembo Elementary School; Francis Concepcion, of Philippine Cultural College-Main; and Christopher Rabi, of Cebu Eastern College.

Andrew Byrne, minister and deputy head of mission of the Australian Embassy in Makati City, cited Filipino math students for continuously performing “extremely well” in the AMC.

An Israeli chess grandmaster has broken the world record for simultaneous chess games, taking the title from Iran.

Alik Gershon, 30, took title after a 19-hour marathon match against 523 players whose row of tables snaked across a Tel Aviv square. He won 454, lost 11 and drew 58.
Israeli grandmaster Alik Gershon in Tel Aviv Alik Gershon started on Thursday and finished overnight

His 86% win rate also outstripped the former record holder, grandmaster Morteza Mahjoob of Iran.

Mr Mahjoob last year bested 397 out of 500 chess players in Tehran.

Jack Brockbank, the on-site adjudicator for Guinness World Records, confirmed the new Israeli record and predicted a renewed chess challenge from Iran.

The new record holder acknowledged the strained relations between the two regional powers, but expressed a wish for peace.

"Hopefully all our wars will be on the chess board, or something cultural, and not real wars," Mr Gershon said. - BBC

By Paolo Montecillo, Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The South Luzon Tollways Corp. (SLTC) will implement the increased toll rates at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) by next week or early November following the Supreme Court ruling lifting the restraining order against the toll operator’s proposed new rates.

“If there are no more hindrances, we just need to reprogram our computers… then we can charge the new rates,” said SLTC president Isaac David.

He said being able to increase the toll at SLEx would stanch the company’s financial losses which have reached nearly P1 billion in the past two months.

“We have been delayed with our payments to our creditors,” David said, adding that the company was close to defaulting on its loans.

In a decision released late Thursday, the high court declared as valid and constitutional the supplemental toll operation agreement (STOA) covering the Luzon Tollway Project between the government and SLEx, as well as the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) resolutions allowing the rate increases.

The toll hikes were supposed to have been implemented last June 30, the last day of the previous Arroyo administration.

But the high court issued a restraining order two days before the new toll rates were supposed to be implemented.

By Teofilo P. Garcia

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 22 (PNA)--Four people were killed when an ex-convict ran amuck in a public school west of this city, officials said Friday.

Senior Supt. Edwin de Ocampo, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, said the incident took place around 1:45 p.m. Friday at the elementary school of Barangay Talisayan, 26 kilometers west of this city.

The incident took place at the last day of the classes since the school is set to go on a one-week break starting Monday.

Killed were Cess Dorin Orpiano, 12, a Grade 6 pupil, Lorna Pulalon, a Grade 2 teacher, Ruben Flores, 64, a guardian and the suspect, Feli Mateo, 51.

Wounded were Ludivina Balilo and Joni Torres, a Grade 5 and Grade 6 school teachers, respectively, and Grade 6 school pupils Joshua Demco, 11, Maria Lyka Basing, 12, Princess Briones, 12, and Michaela Jacona, 12.

Chastine Flores, a cousin and classmate of Orpiano, said the suspect, armed with a foot-long knife entered the school campus and went directly to Room number 4 and suddenly stabbed “Ma’am Torres.”

“He was armed with a long knife with a scabbard. It was around one-foot long,” the younger Flores said.

“Nakakatakot siyang tingnan,” she added describing the suspect.

Flores said the Mateo stabbed his grandfather Ruben Flores after the latter tried to stop him from proceeding to another school building where he attacked the rest of the victims.

The suspect was killed by the villagers living near the school who came to the aid of the helpless school teachers and pupils, De Ocampo said.

De Ocampo said that Mateo was jailed in 1981 at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm for the crime of rape and was released last 2008.

He said that Mateo has decided to work as a poultry caretaker of Leonito Navales in Barangay Talisayan after his release from prison instead of going home to his native place in Dumaguete.

Agence France-Presse

Nissan said Friday it had started producing its Leaf electric car in Japan as it prepares to put it on sale at home and in the United States in December.

Nissan, which is part-owned by Renault of France, has billed the Leaf â€" short for Leading Environmentally-friendly Affordable Family car â€" as the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle (EV).

"This is a significant milestone, not only for Nissan and the Renault-Nissan alliance, but also for the entire automotive industry," said Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn at a ceremony in Japan.

"Consumers are clear. They want sustainable and affordable mobility... and the alliance is leading the way with cars that deliver exactly that, with the reliability, excitement and performance that consumers demand."

He pledged the Leaf "will radically transform what consumers expect from automobile manufacturers worldwide."

Nissan has gambled that its EVs will take off globally and overcome consumer concerns such as "range-anxiety," or the fear that their cars will run out of juice between electric charging points.

To promote its EVs and set up charging stations, Nissan says it has signed 80 partnerships worldwide with governments, municipalities and companies.

The five-seater hatchback, with a top speed above 140 kilometres (90 miles) per hour, has a range of 160 kilometres and can be recharged in eight hours, or rapid-charged to 80 percent of capacity in 30 minutes.

Its lithium-ion batteries are manufactured in a joint-venture between Nissan and Japanese electronics giant NEC Corporation.

Having kicked off Leaf production at its plant in Yokosuka southwest of Tokyo, Nissan plans to also start rolling out the EVs from a US plant in Tennessee in late 2012 and a factory in Sunderland, England, from early 2013.

The Leaf is due to go on sale in December in Japan and the United States, and from early 2011 in several European markets.

Agence France-Presse

A Cambodian court has sentenced a former Buddhist monk to 17 years in jail for secretly filming two teenage girls as they bathed naked at a temple, a prosecutor said Friday.

Net Khai, 37, was arrested and stripped of his religious status in June for allegedly taping more than 600 women pouring sacred water over themselves and then sharing the footage via mobile phones.

Since then several women have come forward to press charges, including two who were under the age of 18 at the time of filming.

A Phnom Penh court on Thursday handed the ex-monk the jail term for producing and distributing pornography of two underage girls, prosecutor Plang Sophal told AFP.

The court also ordered Net Khai to pay 50 million riel ($11,800) in compensation to each of the two victims.

"The sentence will serve as a key message to educate both ordinary and religious people in our society to stay away from such activities," the prosecutor said.

By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The driver of the van that hit and ran over 10-year-old Ateneo Grade School student Julian Carlo Miguel “Amiel” Alcantara last year pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, serious physical injuries and damage to property.

Assisted by her lawyer, Ma. Theresa Torres was arraigned before Judge Angelene Mary Quimpo-Sale of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 106.

Torres was driving on the school campus in February last year when she hit Alcantara, a Grade 4 student. The boy was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. His nanny, who had pushed the boy’s older brother and sister out of the van’s path, sustained serious leg injuries.

“She is innocent of the charges because we maintain it was an accident. And we are prepared to prove it was purely an accident,” Torres’ lawyer, Rolando Villones, told reporters.

At yesterday’s hearing which was closed to media, the judge ordered both parties to undergo mediation as mandated by the law covering lesser offenses.

Reckless imprudence resulting in homicide carries a minimum penalty of four to six years’ imprisonment. Circumstances such as the accused’s failure to bring the victim to a hospital can aggravate the prescribed penalty. Villones said the mediation, which the judge set on Nov. 10, would focus only on the civil aspect of the case.

By Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer

“Ang Panday” creator and “massacre films” director Carlo J. Caparas has been slapped with a multimillion-peso tax evasion case stemming from a P1.3-billion contract between the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and his production outfit.

Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Caparas was facing 64 counts of criminal charges for violating the Tax Code when he failed to remit taxes from 2006 to 2009.

Henares said the PCSO had paid Caparas P850.95 million for the production of various programs during the period.

The BIR chief made the announcement at a press conference at the Justice department where the agency filed the case against the controversial film and TV director. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima was present at the media briefing.

From his earnings from the PCSO, Caparas must pay the government P540.21 million inclusive of surcharges and penalties, Henares said.

The total income tax that Caparas has to pay amounts to P344.59 million with value-added tax worth P195.61 million, she said.

Caparas’ wife, Donna Villa, was spared from the suit as she was not named in the contract between the director and the PCSO, Henares said.

She said that national artists were not exempt from paying taxes. “Nobody in the Philippines is exempt completely from taxes,” she stressed.

In July 2009, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named Caparas a National Artist under a new category, visual arts and film.

By Rafael Castillo, MD
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Reviewing articles for the November issue of H&L (Health & Lifestyle) magazine, I came across this short summary of a 2008 Canadian study suggesting that women, who recalled having larger breasts at the age of 20, had higher chances of developing diabetes by the age of 35.

After all the fixation on bra-cup size and insecurity of those with undersized décolletages, being voluptuous with larger breasts may have its downside, I thought as I tried to get more details of the study. This finding may suggest that breast size could be a new marker for women most likely to develop diabetes; hence, screening young women for breast size could help identify those at future risk.

It is fairly well established that men and women with more abdominal or so-called visceral fats, as indicated by a bigger waistline (more than 36 inches for men and more than 33 inches in women) have a higher risk for diabetes. Although breast tissue is also fat tissue, does increase in its volume also predispose a woman to diabetes? This can make a lot of well-endowed women rush to their cosmetic surgeons and request for a breast reduction surgery. But analyzing the data, women with fuller chests need not panic yet. The findings do not seem to be so convincing at this point.

Bongbong Marcos for President in 2016? Possible or not?

Bong Revilla Jr for President in 2016? Possible or not?

Dan Lim vs Rene Relampagos in 2013 for 1st District Congressman?

By Tessa Salazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer

We love our elderly, don’t we? Whenever possible, our society unburdens them of the stresses of daily living, we surround them with friends and family, and we nourish their spirituality.

Good news is, there are at least five more specific, doable steps to make our senior citizens lead fulfilling, healthy lives.

1.) Go toward the light. Seniors need more exposure to sunlight, especially to the early morning rays of the sun. Hence, this should be a daily habit among the elderly.

Dr. Neil Nedley, author of “Proof Positive,” writes: “Vigor declines as years advance, leaving less vitality with which to resist unhealthful influences; hence, the greater necessity for the aged to have plenty of sunlight and fresh, pure air.”

Natural light is also essential for melatonin production. Melatonin, which appears to slow the aging process, is a natural hormone produced in the body and found in certain foods. We can boost our body’s melatonin not through costly supplements but primarily through more exposure to the early sunlight, and less exposure to artificial light.

2.) Be like Cinderella. Hit the sack before midnight. Sleep is worth more for your body if you start it before midnight.

In fact, studies have shown that two hours of sleep before 12 is worth more than four hours of it after 12. But remember, when it comes to sleep, don’t go toward the light. Slumber in complete darkness. Why? Melatonin, again, comes into play. The funny thing about melatonin and your body is that the former is produced most when you get sunlight in the morning and you’re not exposed to any light at all when you’re sleeping.

So, from the standpoint of melatonin production, go to bed early to take advantage of the dark before midnight, then wake up early to take advantage of the morning sun.

3.) The garbage stays out. The need to be mindful of what we eat and drink cannot be overstressed enough. But did you know that there are such things as happy foodsâ€"foods which literally enable us to feel that lightness of being? Foods rich in tryptophan that trigger the pineal gland to secrete the “feel good” chemical serotonin include tofu (747 mg/100 grams); roasted pumpkin seeds (578 mg/100 g); gluten flour (510 mg/100 g); sesame seeds (358 mg/100 g); almonds (322 mg/100 g); black walnuts (290 mg/100 g); and blackeyed cowpeas (267 mg/100 g). In contrast, 100 g of whole milk contains just 46 mg of tryptophan.

And it may come as a surprise, but some active ingredients that have been marketed as “feel good” can actually accelerate the process of aging if taken more than moderately. Caffeine, the active ingredients in soft drinks and coffee, cuts melatonin production in half for six hours, while alcohol and tobacco reduces it by up to 41 percent. Certain drugs and supplements known to reduce melatonin production include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta and calcium channel blockers, antianxiety drugs and sleep aids, and antidepressants.

4.) Fruits and veggies stay in. John Robbins, author of “The Food Revolution” and “Healthy at 100,” shares some dietary tips in order to avoid the risks of getting Alzheimer’s and a host of other diseases:

Go on a plant-based diet with lots of fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, seeds and nuts. This is a diet that provides plenty of antioxidants and fiber and produces clean arteries, enabling a rich blood supply to the brain.

Keep your homocysteine levels low by making sure you consume plenty of Vitamin B12 (spinach, barley, soybean, or B12 fortified cereals), folic acid and vitamin B6 (sweet bell pepper, artichoke hearts, sunflower and sesame seeds, and bananas). Keep your meat intake to a minimum.

Consume plenty of DHA, the long chain omega-3 fatty acid. Plants high in Omega 3 (linolenic acid) are flaxseed/linseed oil, English walnut, canola oil, black walnuts, wheat germ oil and soybean oil. Other good sources of Omega 3 are almonds, California avocado, turnips, safflower oil, sweet potatoes, bananas, cucumber slices with peel, and whole wheat bread.

5.) Don’t just sit and stare. Move it! “Many sedentary middle-aged or elderly people shy away from initiating an exercise program because of fear of experiencing a heart attack. However, if they start slowly and do not exercise to the point of exhaustion, chances are they will not need medical consultation before initiating such a program,” Nedley said.

Those who need to be evaluated before beginning endurance training are those with known cardiovascular disease, men over 40 or women over 50 with multiple CVD risk factors who contemplate a program of vigorous activity.

And remember, it’s never too late to start. Robbins said: “Even if you have eaten poorly and not exercised for most of your life, shifting now in a healthy direction greatly improves your prospects for the remainder of your life.”

Sunday Post: Bien Unido Mayor Niño Rey Boniel last week ordered an immediate investigation into the strafing incident involving his political rival, but could not restrain his cynicism on its authenticity.           

“Immediately after I was informed of the incident, I directed the Bien Unido PNP to undertake a no-nonsense investigation because I want to know the truth and more importantly to prevent a repeat of this incident,” Boniel said in a statement emailed to media outlets.           

Last Feb. 17, Councilor Rogelio Villarias reported that unidentified armed men strafed his residence. No one was reported injured as the bullets struck only the gate.           

Boniel said he found it surprising that even before the police could begin its investigation, Villarias already had a suspect in mind which is the mayor.           

As basis for his allegations, Boniel said Villarias pointed to a case supposed to be filed against him by a political opponent.           

Boniel also noted that the strafing incident already came out in a local paper identified with Villarias’ patron before the start of the investigation.           

The mayor said he did not know that Villarias is “a frustrated script-writer.”           

“The script is interesting but it is stupid. Why will I order the strafing of his residence when I know that I will be the logical suspect? If there is anybody who wants him safe, it is me not only because I want to maintain peace and order in my town but because I want him to be there when the last ballot is counted,” he stressed.           

Boniel said there is no need for me to resort to cheap publicity stunts to advance his candidacy.           

“I welcome the candidacy of Councilor Villarias because it releases me from the guilt feelings of helping him win in the last election. Now that he has shown his true colors, the people of Bien Unido want him out,” the mayor added.           

With Villarias’ candidacy, Boniel said he has given the people the chance to rectify the mistake they did in 2007 by rejecting his candidacy on May 10.           

The mayor also revealed a “positive side” to the issue.           

“Because he surfaced, land owners whom he victimized in Panglao have now come out to denounce him and ready to take legal action to make him account for his criminal acts if he fails to pay what is due them,” he added.           

Boniel said that now that his alleged victims have found Villarias, the mayor said “he will be very busy long after the election is over.”           

The mayor admitted that he is saddened that the town of Bien Unido was put in a bad light.           

“Before this incident, the only controversy involving the town was the actuations of the wife of a gubernatorial candidate in distributing cell phones without the proper courtesy of consulting the barangay captains if it was alright with them and informing the mayor out of respect for the office that he represents,” he said.           

Boniel said he has an “unsolicited advice” to Villarias who wants to become mayor.           

“Please observe the elementary courtesy of allowing our law enforcement agents to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation and refrain from making statements that preempt the results. The only people who do not wait for the official results are those who want to suppress the truth,” he concluded.

Sunday Post: A party-list group has expressed concerned that an activist who was shot last Feb. 22 in Loay town was politically motivated.           

Anakpawis-Bohol manifested its concern in a statement condoling with the family of Albert Comiling who was shot dead Monday in Tangcasan, Loay.           

The statement, signed by Anakpawis Bohol secretary general Jun Estorosas, urged authorities to conduct an impartial investigation to solve Comiling’s killing.           

Estorosas acknowledged that the victim’s family and comrades are looking at more than one angle in the murder.           

At the time of his death, Comiling was facing a case for attempted murder in the shooting of a man over marital complications.           

Anakpawis said Comiling’s family indicated his willingness to surrender after a warrant was issued for his arrest but was in the process of preparing for his bail bond.           

Estorosas said Comiling, a member of the PDP-Laban, was actively involved in various political issues             

The victim was an organizer of a fishermen’s group for an NGO and in fact once handled a radio program for it.           

He was also one of the convenors of the Kahugpungan sa Nagpakabanang Alburanon and Amping Kinaiyahan which opposed the landfill project in neighboring Alburquerque town in alliance with Anakpawis.           

Comiling was also active in the protest movement against the Cha-Cha and the oil exploration off Bohol island.           

Anakpawis-Bohol said it is saddened and concerned with the murder of Comiling over apprehensions that this is a start of another wave of political killings in Bohol .           

The statement noted that Comiling’s death came as the military continues with its campaign to link activists and militants to the underground movement.           

Three days after Comiling’s death, Anakpawis said a council member of Bayan-Bohol received a threat in a text message sent from Comiling’s mobile phone.           

“You will be the next one if you do not reform,” the message in Cebuano said.   

Tourism, coop dev’t high on top of Jala’s agenda

With his campaign sorties enjoying overwhelming reception, Dr. Elpedio Jala, retired division superintendent, appeared more bullish in his legislative agenda to give premium to the development of education, tourism and  cooperatives in the grassroot level.

It was no surprise then that  the approachable candidate for vice governor was buoyant as he went over  the hustings to promote his bid that he was the right man for the position he was seeking for.

To appraise himself of the tourism sector, he is contemplating to sit down with key players  so that he will be guided accordingly in his desire to give impetus to Bohol top economic driver.

It is not lost to Jala’s observation that indeed tourism is the next best thing in Bohol and cashing in its sustainability  is a must for an aspiring public servant like him.

Another Jala pet concern is cooperative development.

He said as a long time participant of cooperative activities (he is a  member of the board of the  Cooperative Rural Bank of Bohol) he knew how the grassroot movement helped in alleviating the lot of  the people in the rural areas.

Education was another concern saying that he was at his element when this kind of aspect was laid on the table for discussion.

As an educator for 44 years that culminated to his assumption as division superintendent, Jala said his dream was to have a college graduate for every Bohol family.

  For a person whose life was devoted mostly to develop the educational system, the dream of having a professional in every  home may not be tall a order.   

By SEN GUINGGUING
Sunday Post       

A candidate for mayor in Carmen town who was disqualified by the Commission on Elections has filed a libel case against five people including this reporter.           

Conchita “Che” Toribio de los Reyes filed the libel case against Arlene Painagan-Palgan, Obet de la Torre, Rosendo Guingguing, Poly Ocsin and Medes Mejos.           

De los Reyes is asking P10-million in damages in the case docketed as I.S. VII-02-INV-JOB-0090 at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.           

“From January 22, 2010 to January 31, 2010, for the entire one-hour program Tin-aw nga Kasayuran, the anchors…were saying only bad things about me. They never said anything positive. It was a complete one-sided, highly partisan, and vicious attack on my personality and reputation,” de los Reyes said in her complaint.           

She added that during the airings of the program, the five took turns reading alleged crimes she committed.           

“While somebody would be reading the alleged crimes, the others would be laughing and making negative comments about me,” the complaint said.           

The complainant said that the same alleged crimes were read “day by day”.           

“All of the respondents would take turns reading the alleged crimes, and the rest would laugh mockingly and make negative comments about me,” de los Reyes added.           

She alleged that the program, sponsored and anchored primarily by Palgan, “is solely for the purpose of destroying my personality and reputation, in order to derail my candidacy for Mayor in Carmen” against incumbent Mayor Manuel Molina.           

The Commission on Election First Division earlier disqualified the complainant for being a fugitive from justice.           

According to the complaint filed by Molina and Julieta Feliza Torralba, she is misleading the people of Carmen by her use of the surname de los Reyes, “the surname of her second or bigamous marriage with a certain Francisco de los Reyes.”           

In seeking for her disqualification, the complainants said it should be stressed that the first and original husband of Conchita “is still alive whose marriage with her has not been declared null and void”.           

The petitioners said that since Conchita is validly married to Zosimo Ordoñez, her marriage to Francisco delos Reyes is “bigamous in nature”.           

They also pointed out that while she insists in using her maiden name Conchita A. Toribio in her signatures for her certificate of candidacy and certificate of nomination and acceptance, she uses the name Conchita T. Delos Reyes on the portion indicating the name of the candidate.           

According to the petitioners, these acts manifest her desire to misrepresent herself as Conchita T. Delos Reyes when she is the same Conchita T. Ordoñez known before as Conchita A. Toribio.           

Molina and said it is his opinion that she is hiding her true identity to avoid criminal liabilities.           

The mayor gathered that she has been facing a number of criminal cases.           

The resolution on SPA case no. 09-179 (DC) was signed by Presiding Commissioner Rene Sarmiento and Commissioners Armando Velasco and Gregorio Larrazabal.           

In granting the petition for disqualification, the resolution took note that section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code provides for the grounds for disqualification of local elective officials which provides among those disqualified are persons who are fugitives from justice.   

      Sunday Post: The Bureau of Immigration, in coordination with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team of Bohol Police Provincial Office and the Dauis Philippine National Police recently arrested and deported a Japanese national at his conjugal residence in Tabalong, Dauis town.

      In an after mission report, it was gathered that the erring foreigner was arrested and subsequently deported for having contracted marriage twice.

      He was married to a compatriot but subsequent investigation showed that he also married a Filipina.

      The SWAT team was headed by PCInsp Nicomedes Olaivar Jr. while the Dauis PNP team was headed by PInsp Albert Timpac.

      The Japanese national identified as Toshiki Sato was arrested after a hearing conducted by the Bureau of Immigration in a deportation case filed against him.  The Immigration Bureau cancelled the Quota Visa of Sato  after he admitted during the hearing that he was penniless even before coming to the Philippines.

      A Quota Immigrant Visa is a permanent resident visa which requires the applicant to provide a US$40,000 investment to ensure that the foreigner seeking to live in the country permanently is not a financial burden to the society.

      Sato likewise admitted during the hearing that the money he used for the processing of his Quota Visa, and the purchase of the house and lot in Dauis came from his Japanese wife, Tomiko Oki.  Sato was also found to have falsified/misrepresented his civil status in his application for quota visa after he stated that he was single, when in fact he was married.

      Sato’s wife, Tomiko Oki, had earlier filed cases against him and one Silvestra Jayectin for concubinage or marriage contracted against provision of law.  In the said cases, Oki accused Sato of marrying his live-in partner, the same Silvestra Jayectin, even if he was still married to his Japenese wife.

      She also filed a case for Performance of Illegal Marriage Ceremony against Msgr. Vicente Matias Nunag III whom she accused to have illegally officiated the wedding.

      Oki likewise filed a case against Sato for Violation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act (for Marital Infidelity and Economic Violence), and against Sato, Jayectin and lawyer Pablito Grecio A. Magdoza, for Falsification of a Public Document, for forging Oki’s signature as petitioner in an alleged Petition for Nullity of Marriage.

      When the arresting team arrived at the vicinity, caretakers Cesario Sumaylo and Benito Jayectin, Silvestra’s brother, refused to open the gates.  The SWAT team was forced to climb over the gates and open them.  Sato was found hiding in one of the rooms in the house.  That same afternoon, Sato was brought to Manila and detained at the Bureau of Immigration Detention Center at Bicutan, Taguig before he was finally deported back to Japan.  Despite the efforts of Sato’s lawyers Mia Manuelita Mascarinas-Green and Dodelon Sabijon, they were not able to prevent the deportation of their client.

      The Bureau of Immigration commended the Bohol police for providing a very efficient back-up support in Sato’s arrest. Lawyer Ramon Calubag, head of the Intelligence Division of the Immigration Regional Office said that he was impressed and never saw such precision and speed in the coordination and execution of an arrest mission.

Three suspected swindlers were collared by local authorities at the public market of this municipality last week.

The three suspects were identified as Jessieca G. Ancheta, 34 years old, married and a resident of Valencia City, Bukidnon; Alma Sentino, 28 years old, married and a resident of Guadalupe, Carmen, Bohol and Salvador Caay, 45 years old, married and with residential address in Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City.

The two female suspects were first complained to the policemen by Mrs. Maria L. Cuñado, 54 years old, married and resident of Boyoan, Candijay, Bohol after she had found out that the P1,000 bill which the two had paid her for grocery items worth P89.00 was fake.

The suspects had been chased by the responding local residents until they were cornered by policemen led by Police Inspector Alfredo Kuhay Jr., Candijay chief of police and his subordinates SPO2 Arnulfo Bernales, PO1 Joy Dawa and PO1 Alexander Arias.

The male suspect later arrived in the police station in response to the call made by the two female cohorts who were seeking his assistance for bail purposes. He was also apprehended for investigation at the same police station after which the local authorities suspected “odd activities” made by the  three individuals.

All suspects were locked up in the local jail during the night time after one Felix Orain of Puntod, Poblacion, Candijay, Bohol had informed the policemen that the male suspect had  left a black bag at his neighbor’s house, an hour after the arrest of his two women companions. The local police team recovered the  traveling bag containing fake bills with the following denominations; 53 pieces one thousand pesos bills, one piece P500.00  bill and two  pieces P100.00 pesos bills, collections of genuine Philippine money, small pack of grocery items, sandals, bracelets, kiddy garments exactly at the cited location.

Other items recovered I the possession of the suspects were cell phones, wallets and other personal belongings including identification cards and copies of the registration documents of the two XRM -125 motorcycles which they were riding while going on with their illegal business.

The motorcycles were registered in the names of Reynaldo C. Bag-ao of Poblacion Norte, Carmen, Bohol and Jaime C. Jumawa of Guadalupe, Carmen, Bohol.

The suspects were formally charged with estafa before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. (Judith S. Villamor, MPIO- Candijay, Bohol)

Sunday Post: City Mayor Dan Neri Lim could not help but poked fun to a letter sent by V-Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso to V-Gov. Julius Ceasar Herrera which in content was replete with a “comedy of errors”.

Although it was no laughing matter because it was supposed to be an official communication, Mayor Lim said if indeed it was, then it was wrong in both form and substance.           

This was the reaction given by the city mayor to a letter sent by the vice mayor  to Vice Gov.  Herrera.           

Veloso’s official communication to Herrera dated Feb. 15 drew brickbats from various sectors so Lim could not resist the temptation to wade in.           

“First, the name of the vice governor was misspelled,” he noted.           

The vice-governor is named after the Roman emperor but Veloso’s letter spelled his second name as “Cessar” which Lim said does not speak well of a person.           

“Anybody who is not particular with the name of a person does not understand the meaning of respect,” Lim noted.           

In the letter, the vice-governor was given the designation of “Chairperson” of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, drawing more ridicule.           

“At least, the designation was gender neutral,” the mayor said in jest while noting that it should have been “Presiding Officer”.           

Lim likewise pointed out that Veloso also used the same title for himself at the end of the letter, “Chairperson” of the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod.           

The mayor also derided the signatures of Councilors Bebiano Inting, Zenaido Rama, Edgar Kapirig and Anne Mariquit Oppus who admitted it was her staff who signed with her instructions.           

“Even elementary pupils know that I is singular,” he noted.           

Lim said it was surprising then that while Veloso wrote “I remain” to conclude his letter, it bore the signatures of four other people.           

Veloso also furnished copies of his letter to the members of the provincial board but name Frances (spelled Francis) Bobbith Cajes and Romulo Cepedoza as federation presidents of the Sangguniang Kabataan and the Association of Barangay Captains respectively.           

The present occupants are Jane Censoria Cajes and Concepcion Lim.           

Lim said the clerical errors and the errors in form notwithstanding, the letter was also wrong as far as substance is concerned.           

“Since when can a Resolution be overturned by a mere letter expressing the contrary opinion of the letter writer?” the mayor asked.           

He said the resolution, which was duly approved in session, cannot be casually reversed on the basis of a contrary opinion “even if the opinion was that of the Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod”.           

Lim lamented that just one term after being adjudged one of the best city councils nationwide, it has deteriorated to a level that is causing embarrassment to the people of Tagbilaran.           

The mayor said that he hopes that the eyes of the people will be opened to the quality of the present city council which inferior even to many municipal councils.           

“I hope that the people of Tagbilaran will learn from their mistake the last time and will choose the right leaders, those who possess the right qualifications and credentials and not one whose only credential is his being an MBA,” he added.           

Asked to elaborate, Lim said he is not referring to Masters in Business Administration.           

“It means May Backer Ako,” the mayor concluded. 

with Loy M. Palapos
“It’s Payback Time”

      Comparatively, Boholanos have more compassion for home than other Filipinos who venture far from their birthplace and reap laurels elsewhere. Homecoming for them is a nagging obsession, especially when they have succeeded and become achievers. For them, “It’s payback time,” the opportunity to share what they have garnered in successful venture.

      Building a house for parents or relatives, buying a car, helping a relative land on a gainful employment, giving money… these are the usual forms of compassion a Boholano does to his family when he makes the proverbial “golden harvest”, which he can only be happy about when shared.

      Dr. Evangeline Bon-Lazaro (EBL), MD, FPOG, was born in Panglao, and breezed through her elementary and secondary studies in the same municipality. She enrolled at Southwestern University for her Pre-Medicine and took the regular course at the Cebu Institute of Medicine. Married to a successful businessman, and with her three children having lives of their own, she is back in Panglao after working in Metro Manila and a few other places.

      When I heard she was home, I tried to drop by her place in Tangnan, and got a big surprise. She has renovated the place where her brother, former Mayor Toribio Bon, (who is now based in USA) used to live. And the changes were awesome. From a once rustic atmosphere, the place now glows and does not fail to amaze any visitor, while maintaining an ambience of tranquility.

      “Are you staying here for good?” I asked her. Her answer was very positive. Her husband Archie has loved the place, and even he has all the intention of spending his golden years in Panglao. To my query as to why she was back, her answer was a pleasant “It’s payback time.”

      This interview took place in her scenic residence in Tangnan, while the setting sun glowed orange and gold, and tame waves kept lapping the cliffs, a perfect setting to listen to a lady who now wants to spend her time serving her townfolks. 

LMP: Are you still a Boholana, despite the outside influences you have imbibed? Why do you say so?

EBL: I am a Boholana and will always remain one. The influences of other regional practices and even foreign customs have never erased the well imbibed culture and values my parents taught me by counsels and by examples. Fear of God, practice of my Catholic faith, Charity to all and equal treatment for all my friends and my neighbors. These basic values I have kept and I practice even today. I’ve done so from the past and that will not change.

LMP: You come from a financially stable family, considering that all of you (6 brothers and sisters) were able to finish college courses in prestigious schools. Would this not have been a reason for you to shun those in the grassroots (as people below your social level)?

EBL: People classified as “grassroots” are really not “grassroots” people. They’re branded as such because of poverty. But we must remember that poverty must never be a measure of man’s classification. I do not classify people into classes A, B, or C. For me, every soul is unique and is God’s image. You see, that is what I have been taught and that has not changed. Ask my neighbors and my house-help and you will know me more, rather than coming from me. I am happy to be measured and classed along with the “grassroots” because I am more at home with them than the “Makati” circle that our social writers refer to as socially high personages.

LMP: What is Panglao to you, after staying in Metro Manila and other big cities for several years?

EBL: Panglao to me is my heaven on earth. I will never exchange Panglao with any other place. Not with any of the places on earth I have gone into in my professional practice. The reason why I practiced medicine in the Capital Cities of Metro Manila is because of the advances and advantages in the sciences of medicine which, we must admit, our province do not have. The financial gain is merely secondary, because you will observe that many Doctors of Medicine in Tagbilaran City are well off also. Now that I am in the twilight of my life and my children are all professionals, I am back home to my beloved Panglao, where I learned my ABCD, where I grew up to be a lady and graduated from high school and where I come home to for several times in a year to savor God’s blessings in our environment and in our nature. I want to serve her even in what small way God wants me to, if only to return the great things Panglao has made of me. There is no place like Panglao and I will defend her whatever it costs.

LMP: Your father and a brother were once Mayors of Panglao. A brother was a Councilor in Davao del Norte. Are these accomplishments worth being proud of as far as your family is concerned?

EBL: My father’s having been a Vice Mayor of Panglao, my brother Toribio’s (“Bo”) having been elected Vice Mayor and then Mayor of Panglao, and my other brother Alex’s having elected Councilor in Davao are trademarks of our up-bringing in the service of our constituencies. Their service to our fellowmen reflects the urge and the virtue of charity well entrenched in us by our parents. Yes. Their services were accomplishments worth emulating and I want to follow them.

LMP: What kind of upbringing did you and your siblings have, especially when still young? What distinct traits/characteristics/outlooks did you get from your father? Your mother? Were these made use of in your personal development? In what ways?

EBL: My brothers and sisters and I were brought up under a “conservative” atmosphere. It meant prayer said together as a family, great love and respect for parents and elders, respect for my older brothers and sisters (I am the youngest), being home before sunset, study hard because my parents instilled in us that there is no substitute to education, diligence and industry and most of all, fear and love of God and to treat everyone as our equal. They also taught us humility and to serve our fellowmen. From my father, I learned how to deal with people from all walks of life and to treat them equally. From my Nanay, I learned to be humble, industrious and forgiving. Both parents though taught me that prayer is asking for God’s mercy and forgiveness and to attribute to Him all the good things in life and to share God’s blessings with our fellowmen. I have developed all these traits and I have taught them and still do impart them and share them with my children. Luckily, my husband had also almost the same if not similar up-bringing, thus, we compliment each other.

LMP: What traits/characteristics/attitudes have you developed for yourself in your desire for fulfillment?

EBL: The basic values of love for fellowmen, and treating everyone equally are foremost in my character. All through these years, I have wanted to perfect them but we all know that is impossible. Still, I am trying to live by those principles and pray that eventually, my actions toward such virtues will speak out more than anybody’s assessment.

LMP: What motivated you to become a Doctor?

EBL: I really wanted to be of help and of service to our brothers and sisters and that moved me to take up medicine. I elected OBGYN because I was influenced by the fact that so many our women do not have the basic support and attendance in their child bearing and giving birth. I have always dreamt of coming home to Panglao and serve our people. And now is the opportune time. Win or lose, I will serve my people as their leader and as a Doctor of Medicine.

LMP: In your medical practice, what gave you utmost fulfillment?

EBL: Fulfillment came in those instances when God used to save what appeared to be a hopeless situation or when I knew that scientifically the patient had no other chance but to die or be a vegetable and by God’s will through my hands the patient survived and became well. Those were instances when I felt so fulfilled. Every operation I did and will do, I always consider God as the ultimate Doctor and I merely am His instrument.

LMP: What can you comment on the fact that millions of Filipinos cannot afford adequate health care?

EBL: For the millions of Filipinos who cannot afford adequate health, that is a sorry state of our nation. There is no excuse for that.

LMP: How should this problem be addressed by local and national governance?

EBL: This situation can be resolved if there were no corruption. It will take decades before we can reverse the situation. I do not want to be a false prophet by giving our citizens false hope that in the near will be like many European states or the U.S. where almost everyone can secure health benefits befitting human beings. Maybe in some 20 to 50 years from now, when there will be more doctors who will choose to stay here than work abroad, and hospitals subsidized by government, and the private sector putting up hospitals more for service than for profit can, I say, “here comes the adequate health care for Filipinos.” For now, we suffice by clinging to individual security for heath benefits and care.

LMP: You could have stayed in Metro Manila and enjoy the modern comforts of life with your entire family, now that you and your husband have had your shares of active working life. Why did you come to Bohol?

EBL: Like I always say, there is no comfort in Manila. There is the great opportunity there to earn, I admit, but that is not the end of it all. I have always dreamt of coming to my home which is Panglao. I have to come home because this is my home â€" Panglao, and I love this place and her people. Is it hard it understand this?

LMP: You have been inspired to run for an elective office. Would this not change your lifestyle?

EBL: Running for public office will definitely change my family and my life style, but not much. I am used to waking up at the “unholy” hours answering the call of patients, which I know a public official must always be ready to do. There will be other needs the people will demand of me, and if it is possible and “doable”, I’ll do it, if not, I have to be frank and be honest and say, it is not possible. I hate hypocrisy and that is not my life style. I am ready.

LMP: Are your husband and children convinced that seeking an elective position is a good move? How did they take the news/issue at first?

EBL: My husband and children immediately understood and approved of my desire to enter public life through local politics. They already had the suspicion even before, when I was so concerned and active in my brother’s campaign in the well-being of Panglao during Mayor Bo’s incumbency. So, they were not that that surprised at all.

LMP: You have a lucrative medical practice and your husband has a prosperous business in Metro Manila. Won’t coming to Bohol mean lesser financial income? How did you resolve the situation?

EBL: We do not need much income. God has provided for us. Income is the least of our worries because we are God fearing and trusting family. We always say: “God will provide!” And true enough, He has never abandoned us. Trust Him and everything will go well. Doubt Him, and you go down the drain. For your information, we have a little clinic in Manila that earns well, and my husband’s business can surely sustain us as well. So, see? We don’t worry.

LMP: Are you prepared to live the chaotic life of a politician to the extent of becoming a public property? How do you adjust to this other kind of reality?

EBL: Being a public property is not new to me. I grew up with my Tatay being a politician. My two brothers were politicians. There is nothing new. A political life is not chaotic. It all depends on how one lives it. Just like basketball, if you play rough, it’s a rough game. If you play cool and according to the rules, everything will be well. That too is true in politics. I am never scared.

LMP: Politics in Panglao these previous years left a lot of things to be desired. There are countless who say that, you being a new breed of responsible public servant, is what the municipality needs. Do you believe that you are equal to the tasks beforehand?

EBL: I agree that politics in Panglao leaves so many things to be desired. I cannot change them over night or even for a decade, but I can start if elected, and let my successors continue. Our people need good and Christian leadership. I have opted to join Mayor Alcala whose leadership had been tested several times and who has been reelected by our people several times also. It means that he has a leadership liked by our people. I will learn from him but I will be “my own man” as the saying goes. I will improve on the good qualities he has. The task of a Vice Mayor is to preside in all the sessions of the Sangguniang Bayan, and I am prepared for that. I have been head of departments of hospitals in Manila. Handling people of different persuasions, and I didn’t blink, and everyone followed me. In short, I bring with me rich experiences. As Vice Mayor, I also have to be vigilant on the programs of the executive because I am a heartbeat away from him and I must always be prepared to take over any executive function. That I am very much ready for.

LMP: What is your platform of governance as a newcomer to the political arena?

EBL: The platform of government is basically the function of the Executive Department, to which I shall belong if the people will elect me, is basically concerned with ordinance enactments and resolutions to be passed. You see, poverty alleviation and tourism are among the few we are hammering on. Our people in Panglao must firstly benefit from our tourism before the outsiders. I shall see to it that ordinances to said effect shall be drafted and passed. On the healthcare side, I will have to convince my Mayor and the Members of the Sanggunian to double our personnel and staff to give due care and health benefits to our people as our budget will allow. I shall see to it that education shall also get a big share in our Municipal budget, because the development of mind and the body must go hand in hand. There are more, but your paper cannot accommodate me, can it?

LMP: Is being a lady a plus or minus factor in the Legislative Body?

EBL: Being a lady is a plus, because I believe that our male legislators still hold a lady in awe, if not with respect. Chivalry is still practice in Panglao and in Bohol, I know. But I hope the men won’t commit the mistake of mistreating me because I too know how to fight back. I am a Bon, remember!

LMP: Is being an accomplished Doctor an advantage in the public service?

EBL: Yes. It is. The Municipality is a replica of the whole human body. Precisely, we call it a “body-politic” because it is composed of the people in whom sovereignty resides, the elected Mayor as the head of the body politic, the legislative branch led by the Vice Mayor as the policy making body, and therefore the heart, and the taxes and license fees as the blood that makes the Municipality live. All of them must work together and in harmony. My being a Doctor is advantageous because I understand these all.

LMP: When you eventually become an elective official, what would be your role in the total development of Panglao?

EBL: Like I said in the early part of this interview, I will be the leader of the legislative department of the Municipality and therefore must lead in the drafting and passage of ordinances and resolutions. The programs on tourism, healthcare, poverty alleviation and education will be in my list of priorities and I shall see to it that proper legislations and their proper execution be done.

LMP: What is your message to the Panglaonons, especially those who believe that you can bring to the municipality the changes they need?

EBL: My request to my fellow citizens of Panglao is to look at my credentials as a professional and how far I have advanced in my field. Compare them with my political adversary. If I have excelled in my profession, it is because I know how to plan, work and lead. I too can do the same for our people and our Municipality. I am ready to apply to our Municipality the management expertise I have undergone, and introduce meaningful and appropriate ordinances on programs I have defined, and on what I have learned abroad and in the entities I have served and headed. The difference is only in the venue, but in principle, leading people is the same. I really doubt, in all humility, if any of my adversaries can even up to the experiences I had which I know am very prepared and ready to give and share with our fellow Panglaoanons. I am very much ready to serve them.

      How does Dr. Evangeline Bon-Lazaro want to serve Panglao? By being here with them and, if I have their trust and confidence, serve in the Sangguniang Bayan, and Vice Mayor of the municipality she loves. Before the interview she was in Doljo, tending and giving care to a sick woman. “Luoy kaayo siya, ug daghan pang mga masakiton dinhi nga wa maatiman kay way ipalit ug tambal,” she said.  Her heart blends for them, that’s why one priority project she will initiate is health care.

      If given the mandate, she has a long way to go to dedicate her life to the poor people of Panglao. She has visited several cities in the world, and realizes that many countries are keen on health care. As a Doctor, she can help. As a Presiding Officer of the Sangguiniang Bayan, she can churn out ordinances that will benefit the people.

      Receptive to her coming back to Panglao to help them, the Panglaoanons are one in their heartfelt welcome to a daughter who can help alleviate their sufferings. In Metro Manila where she practices her medical profession, she had shown her competence, aside from her leadership skill. This is the opportune time for her to share what she knows.

      Do the people know that Dr. Vangie Bon-Lazaro, in her rural military exposure at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, was given the official rank of Captain? This Captain-Doctor is not a lightweight when it comes to public service.

      This forthcoming election is crucial, especially in Panglao, when the Executive-Legislative agenda have never been reined in one direction. Dr. Vangie Bon-Lazaro knows how it is done. Panglao needs her.

Sunday Post: Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim finally confirmed what was suspected all along: he is supporting the candidacy of long-time friend and mentor.           

“I fully support Pres. Erap,” the mayor declared yesterday.           

He came out with his unconditional support for Estrada five days before the former president is scheduled to visit Bohol .           

The provincial chair of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Lim delayed the announcement of his support simply for “dramatic effect.”           

“There was no doubt in my mind whatsoever that I would be backing Pres. Erap,” he stressed.           

Lim said that the only thing that could have made it difficult for him was if the NPC fielded Sen. Francis Escudero.           

“I would be torn between my friend and my party mate,” he noted.           

Still, the mayor acknowledged that it was not easy to arrive at his decision.           

“I campaigned hard for (Sen. Benigno Aquino III) in his senatorial bid in 2007,” he recalled.           

At the same time, Lim said he considers Sen. Manuel Roxas III, Aquino’s running mate, a very close friend.           

The mayor, however, noted that he believes Estrada would make a new president on his second shot at the post.           

“He is now a man on a mission to prove to the masa that he is indeed their champion,” Lim stressed.           

The mayor said that Estrada, the elder statesmen among this year’s batch of presidential candidates, has nothing left to prove except to deliver on his promise to better the lot of the poor.           

Lim, whose humanitarian programs in the city has made him virtually unbeatable in this year’s elections, argued that he is sure that with Erap as president, he will have no reservations about uplifting the lives of the poor in the city.           

“I cannot say the same thing with the other aspirants,” he added.           

The mayor also noted that Erap has no pretensions about grandiose plans and noble ideals because the basic issue is survival.           

“The important thing is to assure people that the government will take care of their basic needs, see their children through college and not worry about peace and order,” Lim added.           

The mayor said the breakdown in the peace and order situation in Mindanao was the result of too much concessions and too little law enforcement.           

“When you are firm about keeping the peace, you deliver the message to trouble-makers that you will not hesitate to go after them,” he added.           

During the Estrada presidency, he went after Muslim extremists in the South which earned the support not only of the Christian community but also peace-loving Muslims.           

Lim said this is the reason why many Christians in Mindanao are unconditionally supporting Erap.           

The mayor says his support stand even Erap may not be figuring well in the surveys at present.           

“It is not about convenience and opportunism. My support for him is not dependent on the surveys,” Lim concluded.

The 2010 JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program has an opening for one Filipino citizen to work as Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, the Japanese embassy here said.

Interested Filipinos with the following requirements may apply: bachelor’s degree, and preferably graduates of Japanese language studies or those with Japanese language learning experience in Japan; with good command of English; and with high proficiency of Japanese language, including translation and interpretation (JLPT Level 2 or above).

Deadline for submission of applications along with necessary documents is on 24 March 2010.

The JET program, which started in 1987, seeks to enhance internationalization in Japan by promoting mutual understanding between Japan and other nations. Under the program, CIR participants engage in assisting the following activities at the contracting organization (Obihiro City in this case):

* projects related to international activities carried out by the contracting organization. Such activities may include: editing, translating, and compiling brochures into a foreign language; assisting in planning, designing, and implementing international exchange programs including economic exchange programs; assisting in hosting official guests from abroad and interpreting at events for overseas visitors or for local foreign community residents.

* language instruction of employees of contracting organizations and local residents;

* planning and participating in activities of local private groups or organizations engaging in international exchange;

* exchange activities related to local residents’ cross-cultural awareness and understanding; and

* other duties as specified by the contracting organization.

The program is conducted by local authorities and other organizations of Japan in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations.

Guidelines and application forms for the 2010 JET program are now available at the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) library. It can also be downloaded at the embassy of Japan website. - PDI

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Energy drink firm Gatorade has ended its sponsorship of Tiger Woods.

Gatorade is the latest major company to cut ties with the sportsman following Woods's admission that he was unfaithful to his wife.

The drinks company, owned by PepsiCo, had already discontinued a Tiger Woods-themed drink, Tiger Focus. It follows AT&T and Accenture in ending deals.

However, Gatorade said it would continue its partnership with the charitable Tiger Woods Foundation.

Therapy

A spokeswoman for Gatorade said: "We no longer see a role for Tiger in our marketing efforts and have ended our relationship... We wish him all the best." - BBC

PDI

East Asia’s economically viable coastal habitats and ecosystems, including those of the Philippines, are under threat from pollution, alien invasive species, and other factors which could impact the region’s poverty levels unless urgent action is taken, the United Nations Environment Program (Unep) said in a new report.

“With nearly three quarters of the region’s population depending directly or indirectly on coastal areas, and with 80 percent of the region’s GDP linked to the coastal natural resources, the time must be right for factoring the marine environment into the center of economic planning,” said Unep executive director Achim Steiner.

The East Asian Seas State of the Marine Environment report said economically important coastal habitats and ecosystems are under pressure as 40 percent of coral reefs and half of all mangroves have already been lost. Coral reefs generate an estimated $112.5 billion and mangroves $5.1 billion annually.

The East Asian Seasâ€"which includes the region between China, the Republic of Korea, and Australiaâ€"have some of the world’s highest concentrations of shipping and fishing vessel activity. They account for 50 percent of global fisheries production and 80 percent of global aquaculture production.

“These ocean ecosystems are a critical lifeline for the region’s economies and people. You can say that the health of these oceans and their ecosystems is very much tied to the economic health of these countries and well-being of their citizens,” said Chou Loke Ming, author of the report produced by Unep’s Coordinating Body of the Seas of East Asia (Cobsea).

Ming noted that the East Asian Seas account for 30 percent of the world’s seas under national jurisdiction and called on the governments in the regionâ€"which also include Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnamâ€"to have a major role in maintaining effective stewardship of the marine environment.

The report recommended a more systematic and integrated approach to managing coastal and oceanic issues, including improved data collection and management, and economic incentives to encourage private sector involvement in environmental protection efforts.

“Such actions can support better decision-making, national assessments of coastal and ocean resources and conditions, [and] enhanced public private partnerships,” the report stated.

Written By Ven Arigo

Chatto’s unbeaten political struggles: A continuing saga of people’s victory

Rep. Edgar Chatto’s political struggles were a continuing saga of triumph of the people who submitted their fate to his competence and commitment.

Acclaimed by the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) as an “icon of young political leaders in the country today,” the last-termer First District congressman and leading gubernatorial contender has never stumbled in his electoral races.

His being nurtured by the pro-people ideals of Balilihan’s enduring political clan is merely a tank in his total war.  He is a formidable figure of his own mold.  His may have enhanced the good legacies of his forebears, but he has his own principles.

Chatto’s father, the late Assemblyman Eladio “Kiking” Chatto, was a long-time mayor while his uncle was a governor, the late Lino Chatto.  His mother is the incumbent mayor.

Chatto had his baptism of fire in politics and public career when he got elected to a Kabataang barangay chairmanship, which led to his KB municipal presidency in his hometown and, ultimately, the provincial federation presidency.

He thus automatically earned a Sangguniang Bayan seat  and, consequently, a slot in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan representing the youth sector.

Chatto began to polish his instinct talent of a leader who could balance his time and priorities.

For his youth leadership performance, Chatto reaped no less than the Parangal sa Pamumuno or Presidential Award for Leadership from Malacanang in 1985.

His potentials were further discovered during a leadership training-convention of KB leaders from across the country at Mt. Makiling in Laguna.

The convention wrapped up with only two KB provincial federation presidents conferred  the honors as “summa cum laude.”  One was the KB-Tarlac head who is now the Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet, Gibo Teodoro.  The only other was Bohol’s Chatto.

Chatto runs for governor also in the administration party.  His most prominent birthday guest and well-wisher today is Teodoro, accompanied by his congresswoman wife, who will personally greet the celebrant at the Chatto residence in Balilihan.

From KB, the young Chatto rose to the mayorship of his town, replacing his father, and commanded Bohol’s mayors’ league.  He became the national secretary-general of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

His accomplished stint as municipal chief executive gave Balilihan national and regional recognitions in the different disciplines of governance.

In 1995, then Gov. Rene Relampagos picked Chatto for his runningmate as vice governor.  The two youthful leaders won in an unprecedented victory that had broken jinx in Bohol politics.

Chatto was later elected the first Boholano national president of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines and national president of NMYL.  Both capacities rewarded him the position as the founding secretary-general of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP).

The ULAP is the mother of all local leagues, including the governors’ league, in the country which name and acronym were reputedly coined by Chatto himself.

Chatto’s vice governorship was equally a shining chapter in his public life, most notably for his being one of the nine awardees of the 2000 National Lingkod Bayan Award for Outstanding Work Performance in Government by the Civil Service Commission.

One of his prizes was the increase of his salary to one rank higher or equivalent to the salary of the provincial governor.  No other Bohol vice governor has ever owned such distinction.

It was during Chatto’s vice governorship, in tandem with Gov. Relampagos, that Bohol province got three Galing Pook Awards---which were just among the many honors---for Cultural Renaissance Program, Bohol Investment Promotion Program and Barangay Livestock Aide (BALA) Program.  Galing Pook is the country’s “Nobel Prize” for local government excellence.

Relampagos is now Chatto’s bet to succeed him in Congress.

The Relampagos-Chatto administration initiated the development of the masterplan for Bohol’s eco-tourism and agro-industry while reviving the arts and culture, which instilled in the Boholanos deep pride and sense of identity.

Essential infrastructures and public works were put in place and perennial problems of basic services addressed, foremostly the alarming water shortage in Tagbilaran City, the province’s capital.

As presiding officer of the provincial board in his capacity as vice governor, Chatto steered the enactments of milestone provincial laws like the Bohol Environment Code, a model first in the country towards sustainable development, Bohol Investment Code and the Provincial Ordinance Establishing the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Scholarship Program, the latter  championing the quality education of the poor.

In 2001, Chatto ran for Congress representing the Firs District and easily won.  He now serves the final five months of his third and last term.

His congressional career has proven that Chatto can excel and effectively serve more regardless of the magnitude of his task and equal to his mandate from the people. (Ven rebo Arigo)   

Will the congressman of the first district of Bohol stop the evil project? Let's hope he would...

By Ven Arigo

At least three attributes were in place for the remarkable impact of Rep. Edgar Chatto on the lives of his fellow Boholanos, especially in the First District where no leader in recent memory may have been so endeared to his constituents.

Citizens across this island-province had a savvy taste of his competence and dedication as their vice governor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan before his congressional stint, which is in its third and last term.

The first attribute involves the solon’s encompassing service mission slogan, LIFE HELPS, which has truly spelled out his priorities that match with the concerns of the people and demands of the time.

Secondly, his life being consecrated to service has guided those who are wanting in life to find more in government.  His life of commitment and dedication has installed governance a heart from which the weak among the helpless could draw strength and hope.     

The third in the equation is Chatto---the man himself.

Chatto’s LIFE HELPS has been intended to upgrade and enhance the quality of life, essential facilities, agriculture, learning to match globalization, health care, ecological integrity, capability-building and people’s empowerment, security and safety, values thru sports, and the potentials of the youth.

LIFE HELPS means Livelihood, Infrastructure, Food, Education, Health, Environment, Leadership Development, Peace and Order, and Sports and Youth Development.

The extent of the congressman’s response to people’s needs reached even the areas outside his district, beyond partisan boundaries.   

This has been evident in the people’s open arms to Chatto in his pre-campaign provincewide sorties for next Bohol governor.

One explanation why the Boholanos across the province, including town and barangay leaders beyond his congressional turf, would seek his support is his chairmanship of the committee of tourism, senior vice chairmanships of the committees on agriculture and vice chairmanship of the committee on education of the House of Representatives.

However, the people themselves would argue that they could feel the presence and warmth of Chatto.  “We could go and talk to him. He would listen. We could touch him.” 

This is apart from Chatto’s known compassion towards the marginalized sectors, particularly the indigent patients and poor students.

The lawmaker’s regular aids and special subsidies to hospitalization, including major heart operations, medical and other health care services have helped already countless Boholanos.

Chatto has supported the studies of already thousands of children of impoverished or low-income families thru his varied modes of scholarship and other educational assistance approaches.

While he generated more jobs thru his law and policies making tourism industry more dynamic, Chatto linked with apt agencies in providing free technical and vocational trainings and livelihood skills education.

Chatto strategized his programs so that tourism and agriculture, for him a backbone industry, should complement each other.

Last Friday, he guested the awarding of model Bahay Kubo FAITH farm winners in Ubay in line with his motivating advocacy of ensuring food self-sufficiency in household level.

He assisted the livelihood of different groups and sectors, including the fisherfolk, farmers, women, transport workers and the disabled.

In the afternoon today, Chatto will grace the 5th anniversary of the Bohol Federation of Disabled Persons, Inc. (BFDPI) therapeutic and massage center, a livelihood project assisted by the solon.  To the disabled, he is their “sublime brother.”

Chatto’s tenderness has likewise touched the lives of the handicapped children, or “special” kids, into whose Provincial Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC-Bohol) the congressman poured fund.   

                                                    LIFE HELPS

How Chatto’s LIFE HELPS, to many his service “anthem,” has mattered to the Boholanos and Bohol’s sustainable development is clearly articulated in the following programs, services and acts:

LIVELIHOODâ€"Construction/improvement of markets, livelihood centers, other economic enterprises; free access to technical/vocational/skills courses and globally-competitive job-ready trainings thru TESDA, other agencies; support to commerce-industry sector; aids to cooperatives, micro entrepreneurs; crafting of policies creating more investments; tourism for more jobs; support to earning crafts of the sectors of women, fishermen, small coconut farmers, transport groups, including habal-habal, disabled persons, etcetera;

INFRASTRUCTUREâ€"Construction/improvement of roads, bridges, seaports, fishports, airports, waterworks systems, multi-purpose buildings; improvement of communication and transportation facilities; electrification, including the dramatic reduction of power rates on the islands;

FOOD---Construction/improvement of irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, grains stock centers; aids thru farm implements, seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, post harvest facilities; support to fishery sector; assistance to animal dispersal program and livestock industry, as well as frontline workers Barangay Livestock Aides (BALA); improvement of technology for more food production; scholarship and other educational assistances to regain interest in agriculture and related courses; intensified advocacy to raise food in household level thru the provincewide search, in coordination with the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC), for model Bahay Kubo FAITH Farm (FAITH means Food Always In The Home); author of bills for the promotion of organic farming, exemption from value-added tax of all agricultural inputs, and strengthening of the national extension system to accelerate agriculture and fisheries development and appropriating funds thereof;

EDUCATION---Construction/improvement of school buildings in all levels, Day Care centers, other facilities; nationalization of high schools; Congressional Barangay Scholarship; separate scholarships, study grants or educational aids thru TESDA and CHED; annual Academic Excellence and Leadership Awards to leading graduates in all levels; author of the Provincial Ordinance Establishing the Pres. CPG Scholarship Program; support to information and communications technology or computer literacy program; retention of 40% from travel tax for Higher Education Fund under CHED; support to the then CVSCAFT and now Bohol island State University (BISU); father of the DepEd-Tagbilaran City Division; construction of the Congressional District Library of Bohol, one of only three in the country;

HEALTH---Construction of the modern building of the Tagbilaran City Maternity and Children’s Hospital; upgrading of government hospital and rural health center facilities, equipment and services; support to acquire ambulances; regular assistance/subsidy/endowment funds for indigent patients; constant tie-up with the PCSO for more health care aids; support to the poor sick needing operation/treatment at the Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney Institute, Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Regional Hospital, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, and even in foreign health institutions;

ENVIRONMENT---Construction/improvement of drainage systems, flood control facilities; support to LGU projects on environmental management, including tree planting/reforestation, waste disposal; support to pro-ecology groups/institutions on sustainable use of natural resources; crafting of laws and policies addressing climate change and enhancing sustainable development, including the Bohol Environment Code which is the first in the country;

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT---Support to capability programs of LGUs, local government leagues, non-government organizations, people’s organizations; assistance to essential lakbay-aral or study tours, benchmarkings, seminar-workshops; annual search for Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year (TOBOY Awards); annual leadership awards to students; support to empowerment initiatives of women, disabled and other sectors;

PEACE AND ORDER---Support to policemen, including SWAT, and other law enforcers or peacekeepers; support to LGUs in acquiring patrol cars, firetrucks; distribution of barangay tanod kits; construction of town cluster Hall of Justice; support to the Legal  Assistance for Effective Law Enforcement Program (LAELEP); legal clinics; publication and distribution of Handbook on Barangay Justice System to all 1,109 barangays in Bohol; support to rebel amnesty initiatives; support to Coastal Law Enforcement Councils, anti-drug bodies, others; and

SPORTS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT---Support to projects/programs of the Sangguniang Kabataan and other youth groups; support to community and school sports events, including the Cong. Edgar M. Chatto Cups in various sports events; construction/improvement of sports facilities like complexes, gymnasiums and covered courts.

Chatto has sustained his special concern programs for the Boholano overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), senior citizens and disabled persons.

Chatto’s full use of his time, talent and energy for the welfare of his fellowmen precisely adheres to one of his selfless core principles in life:  “Leadership is a gift from God for man to develop and share with others.” (Ven rebo Arigo) 

By Marinel Cruz, Christine Avendaño, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Actress and television host Kris Aquino, who has been confined at Makati Medical Center since Friday night for “cerebral and labyrinthine concussion” as a result of a bad fall, could be discharged at noon Monday, a source close to Kris told the Inquirer.

“This is if the test results say she’s OK to leave. Right now, she still feels dizzy. She feels like she’s in a boat sailing over choppy seas,” Kris’ friend said Sunday morning by phone. “Her doctor ordered her to rest in the hospital for a day.”

On Sunday afternoon, Kris agreed to a phone interview aired on her show biz talk show “The Buzz,” which she hosts with Boy Abunda and Ruffa Gutierrez.

In a phone interview, Kris said she would be released from the hospital on Monday after undergoing a final test with her neurologist.

and therefore they cannot decide and think for themselves and act on their own for the interest of the people of Tagbilaran. Why are they so politically deaf, blind, and dumb?

Sun Star Davao: THE City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause to file rape charges against an 84-year-old man in line with the Anti-Rape Law.

The accused, a resident of Bunawan District, Davao City, was said to have sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl (name withheld) repeatedly, in two years.

In an affidavit submitted to the City Prosecutor's Office, the victim said she was first molested when she was only 10 years old and that she held her silence because she was verbally threatened by the accused, who was a trusted "fatherly figure" to her and her family.

She said the latest incident happened early this month, prompting her to tell a relative.

Results from the medico-legal exams revealed that the victim was positive for injury and trauma.

No bail was set by the City Prosecutor's Office.

North Korea has responded angrily to the South's suggestion that it could launch a pre-emptive strike against Pyongyang's nuclear facilities.

South Korea's defence minister had said this could occur if there were indications that the North was preparing a nuclear attack.

The North's official news agency said any attempt to do so would be treated as a declaration of war.

It added that it would be met with swift and decisive military action.

Tensions between the two nations rose after Pyongyang pulled out of six-party talks on its nuclear programme last April following widespread condemnation of a long-range missile launch.

International pressure grew following a nuclear test in May - which drew UN sanctions and further missile tests. - BBC

A tape said to be from Osama Bin Laden says al-Qaeda was responsible for a Christmas plot to blow up a plane.

In the newly released audio tape aired on al-Jazeera, Bin Laden also warns the US there will be more attacks if it continues to support Israel.

"If it was possible to carry our messages to you by words we wouldn't have carried them to you by planes," the tape says.

The authenticity of the tape has not been verified.

It says: "The message sent to you with the attempt by the hero Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is a confirmation of our previous message conveyed by the heroes of September 11."

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab has been charged with attempting to blow up a Delta Airlines plane as it approached Detroit from Amsterdam on Christmas Day. The bomb hidden in his underwear failed to explode.

He said he was trained by al-Qaeda in Yemen. - BBC News

What is the update of the investigation initiated by the IBP-Bohol itself and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan?

Bohol Chronicle: The Panglao Bohol International Airport and the Bohol-Cebu Multi-Access Friendship Bridge have the strong support of administration coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential timber Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr.

Bohol Gov.. Erico Aumentado expressed elation over the prospect of the early completion of the airport and the implementation of the bridge that will link the two provinces to enhance commerce.

Aumentado said his next two mega projects formed part of Teodoro's speech given during the Argao stop of the Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo at the town's Hall of Justice. The governor joined the Suroy on the invitation of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. She had invited the governors and city mayors of Eastern, Central and Western Visayas to strengthen their bond and develop a common stand in issues and matters

concerning the island-provinces. The Suroy is a regular sortie Garcia makes to showcase the "must-sees" of Cebu's countryside.

To note, unlike Luzon and Mindanao where the provinces, except for a few, are located in one big island, the Visayas provinces are distributed one, two or at most, four to an island - a situation that requires frequent sea or air travel that inland settlers of both Luzon and Mindanao may not grasp.

Aumentado said Teodoro told the Suroy participants that travel will be more convenient with the two giant infrastructures in place.   
       
Mactan needs a proximate alternate airport and Bohol needs a bigger airport to accommodate bigger aircraft to serve the increasing passenger and cargo traffic, especially with Aumentado aggressively promoting the province as an eco-cultural, adventure, agricultural and heritage tourism destination.

The governor added that the presidentiable also commented that, just like the islands in Malaysia are, Bohol and Cebu would be ideally connected through a bridge and that Hongkong has those bridges too.

Otherwise. he quoted Teodoro as saying, the islands might be left out in the development of the Asian region.

He also said given the break, Teodoro vowed to push these projects to be among the "cornerstone long-term infrastructure projects" of his administration.

Around 300 persons, majority of whom paid for their trip, participated in the latest Suroy. Some already joined the jump off from the Cebu Capitol while others caught up with the convoy as it negotiated the southern Cebu towns.

MANIFESTO

As eight governors were already present when the caravan reached Argao, they took it as an opportunity to hand Teodoro a manifesto of support for his presidential bid.

Aumentado signed the manifesto and joined his fellow governors in the photo opportunity that followed, dousing lingering doubts still entertained by his detractors and opponents as to his party loyalty.

It said the governors declared and manifest their full trust and confidence in and whole-hearted support for the leadership of Teodoro as President of the republic, and that he best represents the One Visayas ideal of competence in public service, intelligence in the service of the people, governance that is not dictated by politics but politics dictated by good governance, integrity that is beyond question and most importantly, humility that is inspired by the truth that we are all servants of the people.

With Garcia and Aumentado handing to Teodoro the manifesto were Governors Orlando Fua of Siquijor, Isidro Zayco of Negros Occidental, Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, Salvacion Perez of Antique, Felipe Nava of Guimaras and Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte. Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Rodriguez, Lakas-Kampi-CMD president, joined the Visayas governors in giving the manifesto to Teodoro.

To note, Aumentado's party mates in Bohol had engineered a scenario that the governor had committed acts inimical to the party such that Lakas-Kampi-CMD higher ups revoked his certificate of nomination, nominating in his stead Trinidad Mayor Judith Cajes, wife of incumbent but graduating Rep. Roberto Cajes of the 2nd District.

Aumentado sought reconsideration, citing lapses and apparent machination in the Cajes nomination, prompting the party hierarchy to reinstate his nomination and at the same time revoking that of Cajes.

But in their desire to be the party's official candidate for congress, the Cajeses brought their "battle" to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), leading Aumentado to file a petition ad cautelam last December 14 - to declare and recognize the uninterrupted validity of his certificate of nomination and acceptance (Cona) as contained in an affidavit executed by Secretary Prospero Pichay of the President's Office of Political Affairs and chair of the party's arbitration committee.

Pichay followed up his sworn statement with a letter to Comelec Chair Jose Melo and copy furnished all six other commissioners.

In a letter dated January 10 received by the Comelec on January 12, Pichay requested the commission to sustain the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party decision that had reinstated Aumentado on December 4, to retroact its validity and effectivity to the time of its issuance up to the present and at the same time, retroact the revocation of Cajes' Cona to the date it was issued - which was under dubious circumstances.

Pichay pointed out that since Cajes' Cona serial no. 23522 was ahead of Aumentado's 23565, the proper party officials authorized to sign it should have been Secretary Eduardo Ermita as party president and Secretary Gabriel Claudio as party secretary.

In his affidavit, Pichay had averred that the party decision to reinstate Aumentado is to revert to the original decision of fielding him as the only official candidate of the party for the position. He used this among the "cogent and compelling reasons" in requesting that Comelec sustain the party decision.

In another light, Pichay continued, it can also be judiciously assumed that the reinstated of Aumentado's Cona and revocation of Cajes' by Party President Miguel Rene Dominguez and Party Secretary General Francis Xavier Manglapus "be reasonably interpreted liberally as a substitution made by the party by clear and manifest party action since it was made before December 14, the deadline for substitution of candidates."

The party enunciation is consistent with the Supreme Court ruling that "the determination of disputes as to party nominations rests with the party… (Sinaca vs. Mula, 373 Phil 896 (1989), cited in LDP vs. Comelec, G.R. no. 161265, February 24, 2004), Pichay said.

He added that congruently, the High Tribunal had also declared that the electoral process envisions one candidate from a political party for each position, and disunity and discord amongst members of a political party should not be allowed to create a mockery thereof.

The admonition against mocking the electoral process not onlu applies to political parties but with greater force to the Comelec (Recabo Jr., vs. Comelec, G.R. no. 134293, June 21, 1999, 308 SCRA 793, he said.

A national road show event bringing together key players and stakeholders in the tourism industry to discuss best practices and challenges in the field of eco-tourism and eco-productivity and their contribution to the local and national economy was conducted here at the Bohol Pavilion of the renowned Bohol Beach Club specifically yesterday January 23, 2010.

The event, which is the third leg in the series (first one being in Manila last October 8, 2009 and the second just last January 22, 2010) is initiated by the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation or RPDEV in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, the Herma Group and supported by the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources and the Asia Pacific Projects, Incorporated has gathered about 170 participants from different sectors such as the individuals from the government, tourism industry, private sector, academe, media, church, business, media, the youth sectors and NGOs in the province.

Subjects discussed at the conference were the Challenges of Climate Change and Tourism by Mr. Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, CEO/Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the World Wildlife Fund who had presented an alarming scenario if the Province does not assist in mitigating and adapting to the effects of Climate Change. Bohol Provincial Tourism Council chair Atty. Lucas Nunag bared stumbling blocks in the province's tourism industry as he presented the Challenges of Tourism Development in the province. Mr. William Granert, President of the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, Inc. and Mr. Adrian Ross, Chief Technical Officer of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia or PENSEA , each showed benchmarking programs in both mainland and coastal areas of concern respectively.

Keynote speaker of the event was no other than "Ex-President" H.E. Fidel V. Ramos who also chairs RPDEV emphasizing on the sustainability of tourism and the environment going hand in hand.           
This landmark road show project by RPDEV Chairman and "ex-president" Fidel V. Ramos, Eco-Mismo comes in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy, which triggered the most devastating flood in the capital over the past 40 years. According to experts, the Ondoy phenomenon ran in line with an observed abnormal pattern of unusually extreme weather conditions likely to prevail should climate change remain unaddressed.

Other schedules and venues of the conference are; February 19, 2010 in General Santos City, South Cotabato Province; and February 20 at Isla Parilla in Alabel, Sarangani Province.

Eco-Mismo paves the way for a cross-section of industry players and multi-sectoral stakeholders to discuss problems and map out solutions on matters concerning eco-tourism, eco-productivity, and sustainable development.

The conferences will tackle specific areas that will facilitate public and private sector cooperation in streamlining eco-tourism's strategic directions as a key contributor to the local and national economy. It seeks to promote green travel through eco-productivity -- a practical solution that pushes efficient and productive use of resources, environmental protection, and poverty eradication.

Ultimately, Eco-Mismo hopes to provide a blueprint for tourism industry stakeholders in such areas as supply management, water resource management, energy efficiency, clean development mechanism, and solid waste management and community participation in sustainable development practices.

The Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is organizing a series of conferences which will focus on ecotourism and eco-productivity, entitled "ECO MISMO: The Philippine Conference on Ecotourism and Eco-productivity".

The conference aims to raise environmental awareness by gathering key players and stakeholders in the environment and tourism industry. It will also provide a venue for local government officials and private sector representatives to share best practices and discuss possible solutions to challenges, both in policy and development in the fields of ecotourism and eco-productivity. (BEGTZabala-PGMA)

A Boholana maid forced to labor like a beast in Jordan has been rescued by Rep. Edgar Chatto while another migrant worker, this time a Boholano engineer in Saudi Arabia, is haunted by the fear of death.

Ruvelyn Neozenia Fuertes of San Vicente, Dagohoy finally returned home the other Friday after over 10 months of suffering while serving her employer, a married Jordanian woman, and two "extra masters" who were the mother and youngest sister of her employer.

She had ran away from them as early as mid-April last year and had been in the custody of the POLO-OWWA office in Amman, Jordan until Chatto, who learned her fate just lately, moved for her safe return.

Fuertes, 28, married, was supposed to work in a salon but forced to serve as the maid of the three Jordanian women, shifting overloaded duties in three separate residences from early morning to past midnight.

Apart from physical pain, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who is an AB-English undergraduate, could feel her human dignity wounded since even her masters' children would spit onto her face.

In the case of the OFW engineer, the fear of death is haunting him following his promotion which might have caused his fellow migrant workers, many of whom from Nepal, to get overjealous. He has other foreign national co-workers, including Arabs themselves.

The overseas worker, a geodetic engineer also from a Second District locality like the Dagohoy hometown of OFW Fuertes, could no longer sleep and has lost apetite because of mental anguish, emotional anxiety and psychological torture, according to his wife and mother-in-law.          
His loved ones said he has suffered nervous breakdown after hearing talks that some envious co-workers would frame him which could likely endanger his very life. He is the only Filipino in their batch and they are often assigned to the fields.

The OFW sounded to his project superior his fear but he was merely told to stay because a fellow Filipino would be assigned with him but by March or second quarter of this year yet, according to his wife.

His worried wife and mother-in-law sought help from the office of Rep. Edgar Chatto because the OFW decided to better leave Saudi and get back home. The engineer is yet seven months in his foreign job.

The OFW's wife, who is pregnant of their third child, asked to withhold their identities yet, including her husband's.

BAD OMEN ON VERY FIRST DAY

In the case of OFW Fuertes, "bad omen" struck her right during her interview by the Jordanian owner of the recruitment agency on her first day in Jordan. She was shocked when told that what she had submitted was not her own biodata.

Fuertes was then told she would work as a domestic helper or housemaid and not a salon worker for which she applied.

When she insisted that her papers were genuine and asked why she would work in a job which she did not apply for, the male owner of the recruitment agency scolded her while clasping her face.

Fuertes was recruited, by direct hiring, to work in a salon by her husband's female cousin working in Jordan and who happened to be a lover of the agency owner, according to the OFW herself and her husband Rufino in an interview yesterday.

Her cousin personally witnessed when the Jordanian harmed her but she did not defend her.

Fuertes was thus forced to work, in three shifts from early morning to past midnight with late meals, in the houses of her female employer, her mother and sister. Her last two masters never paid her.

The Boholana maid could no longer bear the abuses so that she ran away on April 16, 2009---or in her 10 and a half month of maltreatment and grave work---and sought refuge at POLO-OWWA in Amman, Jordan until Chatto rescued her.

She left her things and belongings in the houses of her three "employers." She still has an unclaimed one-month salary of $200, a low pay to an OFW overworked by three masters.

For Fuertes' safe return, his husband, who is a farmer, just lately sought help from Dagohoy Kag. Yong Mayol who, in turn, asked assistance from Chatto thru Board Member Alfonso Damalerio II.

The OFW and her husband thanked Chatto for her repatriation all the way from Jordan to Bohol without spending a cent. The couple said they would always treasure Chatto's effort and kindness. (Ven rebo Arigo)

The arbitration committee of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD calls on the Commission on Elections to uphold and honor the party's decision to field Governor Erico Aumentado as their official candidate for the congressional position in the second district.

In a letter dated January 10, 2010, Secretary Prospero Pichay of the Office of Political Affairs, chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD Arbitration Committee, appealed to Comelec Chairman Jose Melo for the early resolution of the petition to declare and recognize the uninterrupted validity of Aumentado's certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA), filed on December 14, 2009, before the Comelec. - bohol chronicle

Bohol Chronicle: The passage of a resolution for the release of an additional P50 million loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) was virtually blocked during last Friday's session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso stood firm on demanding the accomplishment report of the first P50 million loan released last year which was intended for road rehabilitation.   
   
VELOSO

The stand of the vice mayor came even as City Kagawad Bebiano Inting raised queries on why the city government has to avail of loans when it has a surplus of P103 million during the past three years.   
       
Because of Veloso's stand block the passage of the resolution, City Kagawad Oscar Glovasa, chairman of the commmittee on appropriations set an urgent meeting tomorrowto discuss the P50 million loan.

Veloso said the people of Tagbilaran should know how every centavo is spent considering that this will be the second time the city will avail of a loan.

The vice mayor said they demanded from the local finance committee composed of the budget officer, planning officer and the city treasurer the accomplishment report stating how the first P50 million released last year was spent under the "road rehabilitation" program.

For his part, City kagawad Djingo Rama likewise asked for the program of work of this additional P50 million sought through the Glovasa committee.

The vice mayor said the present administration has a lot of unresolved funding issues as the Lim leadership remains to hold the release of documents including the more than P100 million supplemental budget released last year.

"This is the first time that the city is faced with a leadership whose moral obligation for transparency is consistently being ignored," the vice mayor said citing that the mayor is confident that he has the majority bloc to support and protect him in any budgetary inquiries.

Bohol Chronicle: Former Gov. Rene Relampagos emerged as the more favored successor of Rep. Edgar Chatto in the first congressional district.

Running under the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD, the former governor topped the survey conducted by the top-rated weekly program "Radyo Merkado" over dyRD yesterday.       
RELAMPAGOS

Relampagos pooled 47% while city kagawad Oscar Glovasa registered 32.4% and City Kagawad Edgar Kapirig with 20.6%
   
Those who favored Relampagos said that his tested performance as a governor of Bohol "very well qualifies him to become a member of the House of Representatives."

There were mixed comments on the issue of the joint venture deal of the light and water services of the province during his incumbency.

Those who voted for Relampagos said both basic services made remarkable improvements soon after the takeover of the Salcon backed Bohol Water Utilies Inc. and the Bohol Light Co., Inc. Respondents who voiced rejection on Relmapagos' bid said the former governor should not be given a mandate as he sold the income generating projects of the provincial governance.

Relampagos in an earlier interview said the present state of the water and light services in the city is a manifestation of a "sound decision" when the provincial government decided to embark on the joint venture agreement with Salcon.

"Water and light services were never the same again," the former governor stressed.

How will you spend your Valentine's Day in 2010?

Mayor Cajes offers quality college education for less than P100 per unit
By Manuel Ferdinand Ramirez de Erio
Sunday Post

“We must make it a general truth that quality education must be accessible by the majority of the people, if not by everyone.” This statement came when Trinidad town mayor Judith “Bb” del Rosario-Cajes introduced Trinidad Municipal College (TMC) as the latest income-generating enterprise of the LGU.
Mayor Cajes who is also the Chairman of the TMC Board of Trustees by virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 2003-001, is inviting high school graduating students to  affordable quality education available at the doorstep of northern Bohol.

Founded in 1985, TMC was the one of earliest community college to offer affordable the course of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.  With the basic thrust of offering affordable quality education, TMC offers college education at a very least cost of only P97.10 per unit.
The school was able to offer BSIT in such an affordable cost because its operation is subsidized by the LGU. “We will maintain the most affordable cost of college education because we aimed to provide education that is accessible by the masses.” Cajes pointed out.

Located at the site accessible by the major highways in Bohol, the provincial circumferential and the interior road

The operation of TMC has generated almost P11.6 million since the seat of mayor Cajes in the TMC board of trustees.  The income generated from 2007 to 2009 has more than doubled the income earned from 2004 to 2006 which is only almost P5.6 million, which equates to an increase of 107.15%.
The increase in income was caused by the growth of influx of students.  From academic years 2004 to 2006 the number of students was only 1,763 but the number of students grew to 2,410 in academic years 2007 to 2009.  An increase of 36.70% was achieved.

This growth in the number of students amidst the growing number of competing colleges, are results of the LGUs upgrading of the facilities, equipments and curriculum.
The school, being the seat of affordable quality college education in the northern part of Bohol that caters to college students from mostly the second district of Bohol, was also supported by second district congressman Roberto “Ondoy” Cajes.

Congressman Cajes built seven new classrooms to accommodate more classes and more students, while the LGU had made a counterpart in the repairs of dilapidated classrooms and the restoration of the administrative building which has been declared a heritage building by the National Historical Institute.
By June this year, TMC will offer Bachelor of Elementary Education.  This new course offering is expected to increase the number of students as TMC administrator Rosalinda Evangelista, Ph.D. has already put in place the necessary faculty for the new course offering.

“We invite the college students and also the parents to visit TMC to actually see for themselves our facilities and the curriculum that we have tediously work to be updated.” Mayor Cajes urged.

“In TMC we do not only offer school, we do not only offer college institution, but more significantly, we offer a community.  We offer a safe community for your children, we offer a community that is conducive to the learning process. Not only our tuition fees are affordable, we also have affordable boarding houses and affordable standard of living for your kids.” Cajes added.
TMC offers courses in Bachelor of Arts major in English and Political Science, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) under the Ladderized Education Program (LEP) of TESDA and the CHED, Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA), Associate in Secretarial Administration (ASOA), and technical courses like automotive servicing, building wiring installation and refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing.

For inquiries, interested parties may contact the Trinidad Municipal College thru the LGU of Trinidad with telephone number (038) 516-1112.  You may also visit the campus at Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol and look for school administrator Rosalinda Evangelista, Ph.D. or school registrar Apolonia Balonga.

The lady Cajes makes Trinidad first class municipality in income
By Manuel Ferdinand Ramirez de Erio
Sunday Post

Leadership with outstanding result! This is the summation of the performance of Trinidad town mayor Judith “Bb” del Rosario-Cajes when she demonstrated that she’s no rooky in fiscal management of the LGU. 

The lady Cajes did more than just magic to uplift the image of the long-sleeping town as Trinidad grew to become among the few towns to have taken a significant leap from a fifth class to a third class municipalityâ€"and now the LGU has registered an income befitting a first class municipality.
“I am happy that Trinidad reached this far. And I acknowledge the cooperation of the LGU employees and heads of offices, and of course the good people of Trinidad,” the lady Cajes expressed her gratitude for the cooperation given to her by the constituency.

For two consecutive years, the town has registered an income of above P50Million which is the minimum income for First Class municipality in the classification of towns based on average annual income.

In 2008 the LGU earned a total income of  nearly P51.5Million and in 2009 the income reached P58.1Million.  Based on the classification of towns by annual income, if Trinidad can sustain its income for another year, the lady Cajes shall become the mayor who transformed a fifth class to a first class municipality in a span of a single term.

The growth and development in the town of Trinidad span from the visible infrastructure projects, to the crafting and implementation of new policies and to the improved delivery of basic social services. 

From a total income of P42,180,119.71 in 2007, Cajes increased the LGU income to P58,132,077.30 in 2009 after two-and-a-half years of her administration.  The increase of 37.82% in a span of 30 months was the first ever highest increase in income of Trinidad since its birth in 1946.

This impressive growth in income is largely attributed to the effective implementation of new policies under the Cajes administration.  The passage and the adoption of the Revenue Code of Trinidad during Cajes administration has also contributed to the increase being registered in the income of the LGU.
The biggest increase in the components comprising the total income of the LGU is income generated from Business Income which marked a steady increase from P2.18 million in 2007, it reached P3.31 million in 2008 or a growth of 51.39%.  By end of 2009, business income registered almost 4.5Million or a growth of 35.74%. On an average, the LGU’s income from business has been growing by 43.57% for the past two years.

Another remarkable increase achieved was the growth in Service Income.  From a low 6.94 growth rate in Service Income in 2007 just when Cajes assumed mayor for her first 6 months in service, it grew to 35.25% by end of 2008.  The growth continued with 26.37% by end of 2009.  At an average, Trinidad was able to increase income from service in an average for 30.81% for the last 30 months. 

“The Local Government Code had provided taxing and revenue-raising powers of LGUs.  What we must do as mayors, is to set a goal together with the key people in our LGU and the town, then share this goal with the people.” Cajes emphasized.

“Let’s remember that at the end of our term, our constituency will have a big say on how well we have performed our duties and responsibilities as government leader,” Cajes added.

This recent development which was achieved under the baton of mayor Cajes with the help of the people of Trinidad, have exhibited that even first-time mayors can achieve wonders thru sincere public service, honest leadership, unified multi-sectoral cooperation and development-oriented leadership.