MikeLigalig.com

If Superglue is so good why doesn't it stick to the inside of the tube?

If quitters never win, and winners never quit, who came up with, "Quit while you're ahead"?

If it's zero degrees outside today and it's supposed to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold is it going to be?

If a tree falls in the forest without anyone there, does it still make a sound? Do the other trees make fun of it?

How come you pay an extra 25 cents to get something put on your hamburger but they don't take off the price if you get something taken off?

Isn't it interesting how the word "politics" is made up of the words "poli" meaning "many" in Latin, and "tics" as in "bloodsucking creatures"?

SInce the underlying message of most spiritual traditions is virtually identical, and calls for us to love and accept one another, why do you suppose so much violence and bloodshed seem to arise?

If we believed that life wanted more than anything else to simply serve our hearts' dersires , asking on a daily basis - how do you want to be loved today - how would you reply?

Why do people more commonly skip breakfast than any other meal, considering that this is the time when the stomach is emptiest?

If those English scientists create a black hole next month which begins eatting the earth from the inside out, where would you like to be when our world implodes? Who would you like to be with?

Thinking about colors of the rainbow, what color are you? Your friends? Your enemies?

If you could breathe water like sea mammals and still breathe air, where would you choose to live your life, on land or in the sea?

Do you beleive you can be with someone, say nothing and walk away feeling like you have had the best conversation in your life?

Why is your definition of true happiness different from anyone else's definition of true happiness?

Now the truth is out.

By Bohol Sunday Post

At least seven municipalities have been issued the “authority to close” (ATC) their open dumpsites pursuant to Republic Act 9003 , also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The ecological solid waste management regional office through regional coordinator Amancio S. Dongcoy issued the ATCs to the towns of Loon, Calape, Tubigon, Danao , Bilar, Cortes and Jagna, all in Bohol. It was not immediately known if Calape and Loon town have complied with the requirement since they were issued an ATC on December 28, 2008 while the town of Tubigon on December 14, 2009. The towns of Danao was issued the closure authority on Feb. 12, 2010; Bilar, May 12, 2010; Cortes, August 25, 2010 and Jagna, January 25, 2011.

The directive also mandated to enforce the ATCs to other municipalities in other provinces in the region. They are Lapulapu City, Balamban, Badian, San Francisco, Sogod, Daanbantayan, Mandaue and Naga City, all in Cebu; and Sta. Catalina, Bayawan City , Sibulan, Valencia and Dumaguete City , all in Negros Oriental ; and Maria, Siquijor. The said law provides that “o pen dump sites shall not be allowed as final disposal sites.” Existing ones must be closed based upon the plan. “As an alternative, sanitary landfill sites shall be developed and operated as a final disposal site for solid and, eventually, residual wastes of a municipality or city or a cluster of municipality and/or cities.

Sanitary landfills shall be designed and operated in accordance with the guidelines set under Secs. 40 and 41 of this Act,” the law says. Under the said law, open dump sites in the localities are prohibited to operate and the practice of disposal of solid wastes in these areas is also banned. The open-pit type of wastes disposal sites should be converted into controlled dump area in accordance with the guidelines set under section 41 of the law. But no “controlled dump sites” shall exist forever or be allowed after five years following the effectivity of the law. LGUs should have secure first an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) based on Presidential Decree 1586 when they planned to set up a new solid waste management facility.

By Sunday Post

A poll protest that hounded Dauis Mayor Jaime Jimenez since winning the mayoralty last May was thrown out by the First Division of the Commission on Elections for lack of merit. In a resolution promulgated Friday, the Comelec First Division presided over by Commissioner Rene Sarmiento affirmed the dismissal of a lower court ruling issued on June 24 with the subsequent appeal resolved and denied for lack of merit by the poll body. The petition was filed by Jimenez' closest mayoralty rival Victorio Migriño who in his election protest cited, among others: rampant violations of election laws, rules and regulations perpetrated by protestee and his cohorts during the May 10, 2010 in the Municipality of Dauis.

Migriño protested and questioned the results of the elections in the clustered precincts that functioned in the following barangays of Dauis: Poblacion, Mayacabac, Mariveles, Totolan, Bingag, Songculan and San Isidro. When the petition was filed before the Regional Trial Court Branch 48 under Presiding Judge Pablo Magdoza, the court denied the same for the reason that the cash deposit was beyond the prescribed time limit provided by the Rules of Court. The Official Receipt issued by the Clerk of Court, RTC, Multiple Salas would show that the cash deposit was made in June 7, 2010 or 17 days after the filing of the protest on May 21, 2010 and six days after the protestant received a copy of the order of the Court dismissing the instant case on June 1, 2010. Another ground for the summary dismissal of the instant election protest under Sec. 12, Rule 2 of A.M. No. 10-4-1SC but not included in the order of dismissal dated May 31,2010 for being unnecessary, is the fact that the petition is sufficient in form and substance as required under Section 10.

APPEAL

On appeal made by the protestant as a result of the RTC ruling, the Comelec First Division also cited the basis of the petition's dismissal the failure of the complainant to pay the corresponding cash deposit on time and insufficiency in form and substance as provided by the Rules. In the instant appeal, however, the protestant-appellant only chose to tackle the issue on cash deposit and kept mum on the issue on insufficiency of form and substance. On cash deposit, the Court ruled that in a protest case where cash deposit is required the deposit is not paid within five days from the filing of the protest, was a ground for dismissal. In dismissing the appeal on questions of insufficiency of form and substance, the Comelec thus ruled: While it is a settled rule that laws governing election protest must be interpreted to the end that the popular will expressed in the election of public officers will not be defeated by purely technical objections, the rule likewise stands, that the prescription that the petition must be sufficient in form and substance means that the petition must be more than merely rhetorical. If the allegations contained therein are unsupported by even the faintest whisper of authority in fact and in the law, then there is no other recourse than to dismiss the petition, otherwise, the assumption of an elected public official may, and will, always be held up by petition of this sort by the losing candidate.

By Sunday Post

A company owned by business tycoon Manny Pangilinan is showing keen interest to become a water provider of the province's water requirements. Exploratory talks are on the works involving the giant water firm and other water supply investors to clinch the most advantageous water deal the province can avail of, according to Gov. Edgar Chatto. Speaking during the radio simulcast “Kita, ug ang Gobernador”, Chatto revealed that the first round of talks however did not include yet the local government units that may be affected by the developments. He said the giant water concessionaire whose track record includes water and wastewater services provision for most parts of western Metro Manila has shown interest in investing in Bohol. Maynilad Water Services, Inc. has stared some exploratory talks with local officials, Chatto said.

The Maynilad Water team led by Chief Executive Officer Ricky Vargas, Senior Vice President (SVP) for Commercial and Business Patrick Gregorio, SVP for Water Supply, Mario Villasan, SVP for waste Management Julius Igesia and SVP for Marketing Services Patricia Hizon met with the governor at the People's Mansion Thursday evening, he said. At the meeting, the plan to put up investments in water supply especially in developing Loboc and Abatan rivers as possible sources of potable water also facilitated a lively exchange of ideas, according to the governor. The meeting which was accordingly attended by Vice Governor Concepcion Lim and Representative Erico Aumentado has Maynilad discussing about the proposal and on the viability as well as the possible impacts to the water quality the company would be getting. Chatto, who has stressed that water supply provision for highly urbanized areas as well as Panglao has become a top priority to sustain the momentum of are development in southwestern Bohol.

He also impressed that there is an apparent need for Bohol to get reliable, good-quality and affordable potable water supply. The governor also admitted that apart form Maynilad, there have been others who presented proposals to do similar water supply investments. But these will undergo the same process of evaluation, the governor who helped lay the stronger foundation for development in Tagbilaran and Panglao assured. In his experience of making the revamp in the water utilities in Tagbilaran, Chatto has pointed out the need to fastrack decision making on water supply investments because this is a dire need in highly urbanized areas and Panglao. He however assured, “in future development planning for Bohol, the processes especially in investments proposals would always be transparent.”

PROFILE: MAYNILAD WATER

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is the water and wastewater services provider for the 17 cities and municipalities that comprise the West Zone of the greater Metro Manila area. In 1997, the company was granted a 25-year exclusive concession by the Philippine Government, through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), to operate, maintain and invest in the water and sewerage system in Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, Parañaque, Valenzuela, parts of Quezon City, a part of Makati, Cavite City, and the municipalities of Rosario, Imus, Noveleta, Bacoor, and Kawit in Cavite. Maynilad went through a change of ownership on January 24, 2007, with the consortium of DMCI Holdings, Inc. (DMCI) and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) winning 84% of the water company's shares in a public bidding. MPCI is the company identified with Pangilinan.

The corporate history of Maynilad began with the successful privatization of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in 1997. Before then, MWSS was the government corporation in charge of providing water supply and sewerage disposal services in the greater Metro Manila area. In a highly anticipated bidding that drew the attention of the global water community, the partnership of Benpres Holdings Corporation (Benpres) and Ondeo Water Services, Inc. (formerly Suez Lyonnaise de Eaux) was awarded the exclusive right to run the water and wastewater operations in the West Zone of Metro Manila. Towards its 10th year, after a string of financial, legal, and regulatory disputes, Maynilad went through a change of ownership, with the consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) and DMCI Holdings, Inc. (DMCI) acquiring 83.96% of the water company's shares. Lyonnaise Asia Water Limited (LAWL) held a 16% share.

The MPIC-DMCI consortium took over on January 24, 2007, and immediately worked on the financial and operational rehabilitation of Maynilad. In August of the same year, the consortium signed a prepayment and settlement agreement with Maynilad's creditors and MWSS. By January 2008, the new owners of Maynilad had already paid off the company's outstanding debts, which had then reached $240 million. An aggressive catch-up plan was also implemented to increase company revenue, improve water service operations, and drastically cut commercial losses. To herald the sweeping transformation that was about to take place, Maynilad launched its new company logo in November 2008. The new logo reflected the new direction and renewed mission of the company's management team. Positive change has finally come to Maynilad. And soon, the results will be felt in all of West Zone.

Do you know of any negative effects of vaccination? Any type of vaccination

By Sunday Post Newspaper

Thirty five years ago today, the Englewood Hospital in Bool district, this city, has gone a long way in terms of health care and wellness services. Built in 1976, the foreign-sounding medical facility indeed got its name from a hospital in Chicago where Dr. Lucy Yap-Evangelista, used to work as a medical practitioner. Dr. Evangelista is one of the owners of the Bohol-based hospital. Not only that. When she opened her own clinic in the Illinois capital, you guessed it right: she did name her own medical clinic as Englewood Clinic. Shuttling to and from Chicago, Dr. Lucy is back to grace the blessing and inauguration of the newly-renovated hospital in tandem with younger sister, also a physician, Dr. Disi Yap-Alba. The inaugural affair was held yesterday. Renovated to the tune of more than 30 million, the spanking Englewood medical center ushered a new era in medical care as it took a new dimension in terms of services and state-of-the art equipment.

In an interview with Dr. Yap-Alba, she said competition with other hospitals was out of the question. She said the renovation effort was part of a commitment for a better health environment giving at the same time the best working condition for its staff. The issue of competition cropped up in the wake of an existing reality in this city where hospitals are sprouting left and right. Just a while back, two modern hospitals rose up in this city to compete in an increasing clientele for healthcare and wellness services, a new buzzword in the industry where big players are cashing in on a business where money is not an option. The two new hospitalsâ€"Medical Mission Hospital and Holy Name University Hospital, have imposing buildings added to the city's skyline. An expansion building of the Tagbilaran Community Hospital, all of four floors located just across the old one along M. Paras St., is another testament that the business of treating people is getting brisker every passing day. The expansion building is yet to be inaugurated.

NOT BUSINESS

But for the management of Englewood Hospital, it's not business as usual that motivated its owners to renovate the old building. According to Dr. Yap-Alba, the primary consideration to renovate Englewood was the passion to serve and profit-making was only secondary. At a cost of more than P30 million, the total facelift resulted in the new hospital having six private rooms, four suites, one super suite, four semi-private rooms, six wards with one of them having eight isolation beds. An expanded emergency room was also added to the existing hospital amenities. Before its renovation, the hospital used to have 75 beds but with the construction of suites, it was trimmed down to 65 beds. Still categorized as sec00ondary, the newly-refurbished Englewood is applying for a tertiary classification although its present capability is already on the tertiary level.

DREAM COME TRUE

The plan to build a hospital was a dream come true of the late Yap patriarch Simplicio, Sr. During his lifetime, the irrepressible Yap pioneered the founding of St. James College, the precursor of the famous maritime school, PMI Colleges. It was during his lifetime that he dreamt of building a school and hospital and true to expectations he did it make with flying colors. A certified mechanic, the late Simplicio Yap Sr. also founded the automotive school Bohol Technical Institute which to this day still churning out graduates in auto mechanics, electricians, welders and other allied skills. The hospital dream started in Duero where the patriarch' wife hailed. Married to a Duero lass, Dionisia Luzon, Simplicio became the first mayor of Duero. The Duero hospital which until now is still operational is named Capt. Ruperto Luzon, brother of Dr. Alba's mother and the first Filipino test pilot.

BLESSING

With the blessing of the newly-refurbished medical institution yesterday, Englewood Hospital is now ready to accept clients. Making up the guest list in the blessing rites were German philanthropist Hans Schoof who cut the ceremonial ribbon and assisted by Mrs. Aimee Relampagos, wife of Cong. Rene Relampagos and Mrs. Pureza Veloso-Chatto, wife of Gov. Edgar Chatto. The governor and the first district congressman were also on hand to grace the blessing ceremonies.

An ordinance prohibiting the manufacture, sale and possession of marble guns or “Alco Gun” was introduced before the Dumaguete City council to address its proliferation in different barangays of the city.

Authored by Councilor Nilo Sayson, the proposed ordinance stemmed from reports of village chiefs that these improvised guns are used by teenagers in hunting birds and against individuals who are at odds with each other.

Sayson said crude and toy-like as it may seem to appear, these marble guns are lethal and capable of inflicting serious bodily harm to both humans and animals.

He said humans are prone to fits of aggression or impulsive behavior such that the marble gun may be used as an implement in “the commission of random acts of senseless violence.”

Under the proposed anti-marble gun ordinance of Dumaguete, any person engaged in its manufacture shall be punished by a fine of P5,000 or an imprisonment of not less than one year, or both at the discretion of the appropriate court. = PNA

A fresh group of peacekeepers from Malaysia quietly arrived here Monday to take over from their colleagues whose tour of duty as ceasefire observers in the government-Moro rebel peace negotiations ended last month.

The new Malaysian peace observers is headed by Major General Dato Mahdi Bin Yusof.

He will assume as new chief of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team.

The IMT has been observing the implementation of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front ceasefire agreement.

Aside from Malaysia police and soldiers that make thee bulk of peace observers, IMT is also composed of representatives from Libya, Brunei and non-uniformed representatives from Japan, Norway and European Union.

Yusof replaced Major Gen. Datuk Baharom Bin Hamzah, whose stint as chief of IMT ended on February 28.

The GPH and MILF peace panels bilaterally give the mandate of the IMT. - PNA

Guilty or not? 

PDI Entertainment

LIVID with jealousy, TV Host took an unplanned trip. She wasn’t supposed to travel with Handsome Husband, but she heard that Flirty Socialite had infiltrated the VIP entourage.

TH suspected that FS had been eyeing HH for a while. Territorial as she is, both at work and at play, TH dropped everything and tailed HH throughout the junket. Alas, she couldn’t stay too long away from Manila. She left HH unchaperoned … with FS who, she is sure, is a predator.

Takes one to know one.

By Armin Adina
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Are there many more Venus Rajs out there? Organizers of the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant believe so.

If in recent years only 24 candidates were selected by pageant organizers, 40 candidates were presented on Tuesday to members of the media at Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, cochair of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), said the organizers increased the number of participants this year “to give a chance to more deserving applicants.”

Binibining Pilipinas selects the country’s representatives to the Miss Universe and Miss International pageants.

The winners will be proclaimed on April 10 at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Gines Enriquez, spokesperson of BPCI’s parent company Araneta Group, said: “There was an influx of beautiful applicants this year, perhaps because of Venus’ exceptional performance in the Miss Universe contest.” - PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday thanked Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for the assistance rendered to the Philippine government particularly “in terms of settling the Mindanao problem.

“We have reiterated our continuing thanks for their continued assistance there as well as their support for various fora,” the Chief Executive said during his opening statement following the signing of the three Memoranda of Understanding on Basic Education, Sports, and Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes and Capacity Building.

Joint Declaration Concerning Maritime Boundary Delimitation was also signed at the Istana Merdeka (Indonesian Presidential Palace) here.

The President also expressed hope that the limitations that “we both face as a country (where) significant portion of the citizens (have been) working away from the motherland -- will hopefully redound to an improvement of our ability to protect the interest of our migrant workers and enable the respective governments to fulfill its mandate of protecting our citizens.

He likewise expressed elation over the signing of the three MOUs saying the “people to people exchange that I agreed with His Excellency (President Yudhoyono) is very essential if we really are to have that better future between us.” - PNA

Let's hope wala nay "pabaon" ani na pud.

Millions of Filipinos rallied behind their mother. There was even a police officer who burned in public the flag of Singapore in protest of Contemplacion's execution. I think that police officer lost his job. Contemplacion had no idea his sons and husband are assholes. Drug pushing is tantamount to killing others

By Maricar Sinco
Inquirer Southern Luzon

The three children of executed domestic worker Flor Contemplacion were sentenced to life imprisonment and meted a fine of P500,000 each for selling illegal drugs.

In a phone interview on Tuesday evening, Judge Agripino Morga of the regional trial court (RTC) Branch 32 in San Pablo City, Laguna, confirmed the conviction of brothers Sandrex, in his mid-30s; and Joel and Jun-jun, both in their late 20s, in a 14-page decision promulgated on March 1.

The court also ordered their transfer from the city jail to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
The brothers were arrested in a shabu buy-bust operation conducted by the local city police and anti-drug agents in Barangay (village) Sta. Isabel in San Pablo on October 20, 2005.

Since their arrest, the defendants failed to submit any counter-affidavit.

Flor Contemplacion, who caused a diplomatic irritant between the Philippines and Singapore, was executed by hanging in Singapore in 1995, after she was convicted of killing a fellow Filipina domestic helper, Delia Maga, and Maga’s four-year-old Singaporean ward.

Contemplacion’s husband, Efren, and his live-in partner Violeta, meanwhile, remain in jail, also in San Pablo, after they were arrested for drug pushing in 2008.

The commercialization of cocoa and coffee which had initially been liberalized in Cote d'Ivoire, will henceforth be "exclusively" carried out by the state.

This decision was announced on Monday through a presidential order given by the country's incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo.

"The purchase of coffee and cocoa from producers will from now on be exclusively carried out by the state on the entire national territory at a price determined by the government in the beginning of each buying period," this was indicated in an order read on national television, RTI.

Cocoa, which Cote d'Ivoire is the first producer in the world, and coffee are the main sources of revenue for the country.

The statement further stated that exportation of coffee and cocoa will be done by the state or people who have been given an exportation licence by the government.

It will be recalled that by end of January, Gbagbo's rival Alassane Ouattara who is recognized by the international community as the legitimate president-elect, suspended exports of cocoa and coffee in order to starve Gabgbo of cash to run his government.

Unsa na kaha ug niabot pa sa alas nuybe? Basin ang tomoy na ang gitigbas. Basin myembro sa Gabriela ning asawaha?

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday expressed his full trust and confidence on new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Oban, saying he expects him to continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor, Gen. Ricardo David.

Speaking at the command turnover at Camp Aguinaldo, the President said Oban successfully fought insurgency in Pampanga when he was air force commander.

“He helped solve the problems there. Because of his achievements, his reforms while being the deputy chief of staff, I hope that he will continue the policies in the military as well as the programs left by General David. That is the reason why I chose him as the new chief of staff,” the President said.

The President thanked David for helping him spearhead reforms in the government, noting that his first instruction was to bring back dignity to the armed services.

“My first assignment was to bring back the trust of the people to the armed forces just like what happened after EDSA. Now after 10 years, after a corrupt government, help me bring back the dignity to the armed forces, and an AFP that also takes care of the people,” he said. = PNA

By Gloria Jane Baylon

MANILA, March 7 (PNA) -- Philippine government officials will seek out every Filipino still inside teetering Libya as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday declared that government’s repatriation program this week focuses on “mop-up operations” and raised its alert level on the Libyan situation to “practically Level 4.”

In a joint briefing with three other government agencies involved in the repatriation program out of the north African country, DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis said that in the past two weeks, some 12,000 of the estimated 26,000 Filipinos in Libya have exited, though just over 4,000 have actually arrived in the Philippines.

Those remaining in Libya include doctors, nurses and other medical professionals governed by the Hippocratic oath with contracts that do not allow them leaves in time of crisis such as what’s now gripping Libya. said Seguis.

Seguis believes the rest are those who are unable to reach exit points or are unwilling to leave their jobs for fear they might lose end-of-service benefits by absconding.

Of the qualified returnees, 2,523 have been given cash grants of P10,000 each, or more than P25 million, according to Carmelita Dimzon, administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday said he may raise the issue of a joint oil exploration in the South China sea with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when he visits Indonesia this week.

“I will be exploring the possibility,” the President said when asked by reporters about his view on a common ASEAN stand on exploration in the South China sea.

“Look at Reed Bank, the discovery there was sometime in the mid-‘70s. Within 2011, nobody is utilizing it. And it can be utilized now,” he said. “But again we are not able to exploit it because of the disputes. Maybe a joint exploration could be good and in the end we can resolve it.”

But the Chief Executive clarified that it was just an idea, adding he hasn’t even talked about it with other members of his government. At the same time, he noted that the concept is how to accelerate the pace where every claimant country could benefit from the resources in the area.

Asked about the possibility of sending Henry Bensurto, the secretary general of the Commission on Maritime and Oceanic Affairs Secretariat, to China to fix a recent misunderstanding over an alleged Chinese incursion in the Reed Bank basin, the President said he couldn’t give much detail. - PNA

The Philippines may consider forging an “emergency oil-sharing agreement” with Japan or the United States to avert a looming oil crisis due to the continuing tensions in the Middle East.

Interviewed by reporters after the Change-of-Command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday, President Benigno S. Aquino III said the government would consider the proposal despite an assurance by the Department of Energy that there is enough supply of oil.

“We will consider that, but at the present time, the DOE and Trade secretaries told me that we have gotten guarantees from certain oil producing countries. In fact, there is a non-traditional supplier. And they are saying, ‘so long as you are ready to pay the price, we are ready to supply you,’” the President said.

He said the government is working on the 60-day stockpile to ensure a steady supply of oil in the country.

“The DOE, together with the oil industry, and all the stakeholders are trying to come up with a guarantee that we will not have an interruption, even beyond the 60 days,” he said.

Given the volatility of the major oil producing countries, the government has to consider reconciling having enough oil and having too much of it at a high price, the President said

“Because the high price will have to be paid for by the consumers at some point in time,” he added. = PNA

Facebook is no longer a social network. They stopped being one long before the movie. Facebook is really a huge broadcast platform. Everything that happens between its walls is one degree away from being public, one massive auditorium filled with everyone you’ve ever met, most of whom you haven’t seen or spoken to in years.

continue reading at: http://stevecheney.posterous.com/how-facebook-is-killing-your-authenticity

“The best way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once.” - E. Joseph Cossman

“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age.” - Robert Frost

Mura man ni ug tubol ang porma. Naa kay ganahan mokaon ani?

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo Monday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Western Visayas Regional Police Office to arrest a former village captain of a Negros Occidental town for running amuck, killing four barangay officials and wounding three others during a meeting in the barangay hall.

Robredo ordered Negros Occidental police director Sr. Supt. Allan Guisihan to mobilize his field units to collar former barangay captain Noel Ayalin who barged into the barangay council meeting and shot all the barangay officials of Kapitan Ramon in Silay City over the weekend.

“The DILG highly condemns the brutal killing of the Kapitan Ramon barangay officials and will ensure that the lone suspect will be put behind bars,” he said.

“The police should immediately apprehend Ayalin and file appropriate criminal charges against him,” added Robredo.

Reports showed that Ayalin went amuck after the barangay asked him to return the government vehicle previously assigned to him.

The barangay council also reportedly asked him to liquidate around P1.2-million in barangay funds.

Robredo also directed the police to ensure the protection of the families of the victims and employ the necessary measures to prevent retaliatory attacks that may result to further violence.

Among those killed were 16-year old Sangguniang Kabataan chair Imee Occeña, and barangay councilors Luzviminda Cotamen, Freddie Juño and Pedrito Orocio. Wounded were barangay capt. Ramon Celebre and councilors Salvacion Corugda and Lenny Leorca. (PNA)

kasuway ko sa Universal Studio sa Singapore. Tagam. Di na ko moutro. Gipaningot ko ug bugnaw pagkahuman adtong ilang Egyptian Mummy Roller Coaster, or Mummy Ride.

By Bayani San Diego Jr., Mar S. Arguelles
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippinesâ€"Actor Paquito Diaz, famous for his villain roles opposite the late Action King Fernando Poe Jr., passed away on Thursday night in his home in Daraga, Albay.

He was 79.

His widow, Josefa “Nena” Gutierrez Diaz, said he died two days after his discharge from the Estevez Memorial Hospital hospital in Legazpi City, where he had been confined since February 3 for pneumonia and shortness of breath.

“We’re going to miss him, said Nena, who said Diaz, contrary to his bad guy image in the movies, was a good husband and provider, and was generous to his friends.

"He was a good father to all of us,” son Joko Diaz, who is also an actor, told the INQUIRER. “He taught me to put family first and to make sure everyone [in the family] is happy.”

Joko said his father’s remains will be transferred from the the Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Memorial Chapel in Legazpi City to the Manila Memorial Park chapel in Parañaque for a three-day wake.

Buotan iroa kay nakahuwat. Wala gidagan ang bbq bisag init.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Friday the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) had remitted a total of P100 million to the Bureau of Treasury under its six-month-old leadership.

Citing a report by PCGG Chairman Andres Bautista to President Benigno S. Aquino III, Ochoa said the amount turned over to the National Treasury was for the account of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which funding, under the law, is sourced from cash and proceeds from recovered ill-gotten wealth amassed by the Marcoses and their cronies.

The Executive Secretary noted that the PCGG’s remittance came from the various accounts of the commission that were no longer subject of any pending litigation.

“The Commission is now led by a new batch of brilliant lawyers who comprise a young, dynamic and courageous team. Taking cue from this positive development, we are confident that our pursuit of plundered wealth, stashed away everywhere and anywhere in this country and the entire world, can be recovered and be returned to the collective purse of our country,” Ochoa said.

According to Bautista, the money was remitted to the Bureau of Treasury on February 28, in time for the commission’s 25th anniversary celebration, and came from certain escrowed deposit accounts, “which upon our review are not subject of any pending cases and as such may now be rightfully remitted to the National Treasury.”  - pna

By Gloria Jane Baylon

President Benigno S. Aquino III undertakes another round of state visits to Southeast Asian neighbors when he travels to Indonesia and Singapore from March 7 to 11, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The visits are in the tradition of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) wherein a new Head of State pays courtesy visits to fellow ASEAN member-countries.

Last year, the President visited Thailand and Vietnam.

In Indonesia on March 7 to 9, President Aquino will meet with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to discuss bilateral issues covering fisheries cooperation, and maritime boundary delimitation.

Aquino will also witness the signing of agreements on basic education, sports cooperation, and on cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crimes and capacity building, DFA said.

On March 9 to 11, in Singapore, Aquino will meet Singaporean President SR Nathan, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

They will discuss the Philippine government's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan and other matters of bilateral and ASEAN concerns. - pna

A morbid possibility of the future.

Quote from: hubag bohol on March 04, 2011, 05:13:09 PM
Wa na ni, medyo kargado na...

Mura na ug nakainom ug duga sa lagnob.

Here’s how The Domino Project describes Seth Godin’s latest work:

“We send our kids to school and obsess about their test scores, their behavior and their ability to fit in. We post a help wanted ad and look for experience, famous colleges and a history of avoiding failure. We invest in companies based on how they did last quarter, not on what they’re going to do tomorrow. So why are we surprised when it all falls apart? Our economy is not static, but we act as if it is. Your position in the world is defined by what you instigate, how you provoke, and what you learn from the events you cause. In a world filled with change, that’s what matters â€" your ability to create and learn from change.

By Gloria Jane Baylon

MANILA, March 3 (PNA) â€" Eleven persons, all believed to be Filipinos who were buried alive in the aftermath of last week’s powerful earthquake in New Zealand, are presumed dead by authorities, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario told the press on Thursday.

Del Rosario said the grim news was relayed to him by phone during a conversation with New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully on Wednesday afternoon. McCully had called to extend his government's condolences to the families of the Filipino victims.

The Filipinos, mostly students brushing up on their English in preparation for work in New Zealand’s health service sector, were at their language school in the CTV Building in Christchurch when the 6.3 temblor shook New Zealand’s second biggest city to its foundation.

Filipinos and other Asian students at the school were among the largest group of foreign casualties of the quake. Authorities now estímate the total number of dead at 220, with no less than 100 from the Philippines, Japan, China and Indonesia.

Still missing since last week's quake were Jesse Lloyd Redoble, John Christopher Chua, Ezra Mae Medalle, Emmabel Anova, Jewel Francisco, Ivy Jane Cabunillas, Mary Louise Anne Amantillo, Valquin Bensurto, Rhea Mae Sumalpong, Erica Nora and Lalaine Agatep.

“He was extending his sympathy for the loss of the eleven Filipinos who have perished in that earthquake and I think they stopped the search and they’re going into another mode now,” Del Rosario told reporters.

A nice motorcycle panahon sa kalag-kalag. Daghan maka-appreciate sa motif.

By Ven Arigo
Bohol Chronicle

He slept on a desk outside a closed restaurant, on a stool in a 24-hour bread store, his back against the corner wall or face down and flat on the snack counter or table, or on a bench beside a seated tired balot vendor at Plaza Rizal - and then woke up in each following early morning for school.

All these he used to do, and had more often done since class opening last year, without supper and breakfast.

His demeaning homelessness, chilly nights and knifing hunger in Tagbilaran City where he studies seem pre-destined to shatter the dream of Virgilio Linaza Bucia to get a college degree and, hopefully, rise from rooted poverty.

His only benefit today from being a child of poor parents in upland barangay Sto. Rosario in Antequera is his being accepted as a striver and working first year student of the University of Bohol because of it.

But the student is far too motivated, even as aggressive as a fool.

Bucia is taking up aircraft maintenance, a choice of course that could suggest the poor young man's faithful aspiration for a "takeoff' from poverty ground that has ever since held his family in economic indignity.

He is the second in a brood of nine. His father, Rogelio, a high school undergraduate and a former barangay tanod, has since been jobless while his mother, Anaclita, of only elementary education, presently works as a housemaid in the city.
         
Bucia can possibly avail of assistance through the Educational Subsidy Program of the administration of Gov. Edgar Chatto, himself a champion of education for the poor, who is bent on implementing it this year.

In a chance exclusive interview, Bucia confided that he managed to finish his elementary studies in their place despite their hand-to-mouth existence, subsisting on bananas, paw, which is a root crop, and little rice, if any.

He had stopped schooling after his sixth elementary year.

At age nine and despite his lean physical build, he already learned to climb coconut trees, assisting his father hired and paid to harvest matured nuts. The eldest child of the family is a girl. He is the second child and eldest son.

Bucia so valued education that he decided to enroll in first year at the Cogon Night High School in the city while working at daytime as a maintenance boy of a spa clinic at a monthly wage of P1,500.

To his misfortune, his employer closed business, forcing the boy to quit schooling again without finishing his freshman year in high school.

Bucia went home and assisted his family in whatever lowly yet decent means of earning, including making bamboo furniture out of raw skills honed by necessity.

Having a little saving from sold bamboo chairs, tables or cabinets, which would usually took time in the absence of purchase order, or no capital at all to buy new materials was alone disheartening.

Hope could spring eternal for Bucia so that in 2008 he took and passed the test for Alternative Learning System (ALS) for Accreditation and Equivalency, entitling him to an automatic full completion of high school education.

In other words, he could already eligibly enroll in college. Only his elder sister has so far actually graduated from high school. He is the "second" in their family.

But still because of utter financial handicap, Bucia stayed home and had to lead his younger brothers and sisters in helping their parents meet their daily survival needs.

STEEL RESOLVE

After all the years he failed to spend in school since graduating from elementary and quitting from high school, Bucia, this time already 25, resolved unto himself to enter college at UB as a striver last year.

Safekeeping his few personal belongings inside his striver's locker at the school, Bucia would roam around rather purposefully in the city after classes and school chores.

He could not rent a bedspace, much less a room, so he had to spend some evening time in a yet open restaurant, a store, bakery or at Plaza Rizal until his tired body - and empty belly - would force him to rest.

The student would thus sleep, even in sitting, wherever his bare feet led him to in the dying night.

Already married, his elder sister and her husband rent a small room in the city but which can no longer accommodate additional occupant because of their two children, plus Bucia's younger sister who tends to the kids at daytime while studying at the Cogon Night High School.

His elder sister happens to be presently working in Kuwait as a domestic helper, but Bucia understands that she already has her own family - and obligations to her husband and children not just for now but long, long years yet to come.

Besides, she will not keep renting a little space for her family if she has enough earning now, according to her brother. The fact that she also supports their younger sister is enough for Bucia to be grateful and happy for them.

There were countless times when Bucia only had to eat a small amount of bread before his roofless sleep, without even a thin blanket to cover his body from biting colds and insects.

How he had secured himself from blood-hardening and flesh-trembling colds during the recent weeks of phenomenal rainfalls is another tale of the poor, pathetic student's endurance - an "immunity" by poverty - not to mention the danger posed by gangsters, drug addicts and other social misfits as well as lawless elements.

Bucia would just bring with him his bag containing his class things so that he could readily study whenever he would be and readily get to his class in the morning, at many times without supper and breakfast.

In rare instances, which could happen even only once a week, he would secretly take his bath inside the school when he had still time.

When the last precious cent of his few pesos had been spent, the student would get home in Antequera, earning hard money from bamboo crafts not just to help support his family but for his school needs, too.

He has also younger siblings in elementary grades now.

GOD IS KIND

For the determined poor student and model son, God was so kind to him that He used no less than one of his teachers, whom he identified as Michael Van Reyes, His instrument to reward his suffering.

The triumph of human spirit told in the daily - and nightly - hardships of his student had come to be known to his mentor who, in turn, recounted it to a friend named Vincent Rey Rasonabe, a former aeronautics student, and his wife Nancy.

Just early last week, Reyes personally brought along with him Bucia to the house of Rasonabe near the Montessori School along Butalid Street, this city, where the student is now temporarily staying with his friend couple and their two children.

Meanwhile, about a month ago, a young man asked the parents of Rasonabe, Jun and Sally, in Aliguay, Maribojoc if they could allow him to cut and use their bamboo trees for furniture livelihood.

Overwhelmed by mercy on the needy, the couple, who has another son (elder brother of Vincent) who is an SVD priest named Fr. Roberto "Mario/Obet" Rasonabe, granted the young man's want without any money in return.

The young man turned out to be a brother of the student now fostered in the city by the son of the Rasonabe couple in Maribojoc.

They all came to know this twist of event only when Bucia was brought by the son Rasonabe to Maribojoc on the occasion of his father's birthday last February 21, exactly during which the celebrant's missionary priest son surprisingly arrived from Papua New Guinea.

Bucia really needs help - far more than this story can all suggest - to finish his college study and someday offer his parents and younger sisters and brothers "even a little comfort in life."

He yielded to this exclusive interview on a wish that his fellow poor Boholano students may be inspired by his suffering and hard work, and that those who come from families that can more than afford may not end up as frustrations to their parents. (Ven rebo Arigo)

By Bohol Chronicle

Opponents of the proposed offshore reclamation in Panglao Bay are now demanding provincial lawmakers to nullify the joint venture agreement forged by the previous administration with private investor Oasis Leisure Islands Development Incorporated (Olidi).

Casting doubts over the terms and provisions of the Joint Venture Development Agreement (JVDA), oppositors say the provincial government should immediately act to cancel the deal or "fall prey to a daylight swindle".

Lawyer Raul Barbarona pointed out that the JVDA is blatantly irregular with ambiguous and unclear terms that until now, reclamation proponents and Capitol officials have not presented for public scrutiny.

"Why would the provincial government agree to be a partner with a private group on such an ill-conceived plan?" Barbarona demanded.

Barbarona, the executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (Elac), indicates that the contract should have not been entered into by the provincial government in the first place considering they have "no basis of forming a partnership with the investor on a venture that is still dependent on results of environmental studies".

He explained that Olidi should have first conducted the environmental studies and secured the necessary clearances before entering into a joint venture with the provincial government.

Instead, Barbarona further clarified, the previous administration prematurely partnered with Olidi, in effect, lending the private group a "legal personality" which also "guaranteed the investor that it was bearing the interest of the provincial government in dealing with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) for the approval of its application to build man-made islands in Panglao Bay.
         

"The previous administration was hoodwinked by the lure of millions of pesos as its commission if the reclamation pushes through even with the raging environmental and social issues at the time the terms of the JVDA was being deliberated upon by the legal team of then Governor now 2nd Distritct Rep. Erico Aumentado and likewise at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan," Barbarona stressed.

Based on the JVDA, the provincial government is guaranteed P1-million for every hectare of land reclaimed by Olidi in Panglao Bay. Olidi initially estimated to reclaim some 400 to 600 hectares divided into five islets of prime real estate without any outlays from provincial funds.

However, Barbarona explained, the commission that is being offered by Olidi actually represents the provincial government's share in the joint venture and the payment of which by the investor would be a complete "buy-out or outright purchase" of the province's stake in the reclamation.

Barbarona said this scheme entirely transfers ownership of the man-made islets to Olidi and its developer-partners without even giving due consideration if the P1-million per hectare of reclaimed land is a fairly calculated share of the province when the private investors are expected to profit billions of pesos from proceeds of selling the real estate project.

Besides, under our laws, selling of reclaimed lands will require congressional approval as no private entity is also allowed to reclaim except in joint venture with the government. Consequently, selling the provincial government's entire stake to the private developer (Olidi and its investors) would have legal implications.

He added that the provincial government should have studied well the transaction before signing the joint venture agreement.

"They have everything figured out backwards. How could they establish the joint venture when their agreement itself has provision that that project will not push through if results of the environmental assessment would show Panglao Bay is not suitable for reclamation?" Barbarona questioned.

MORE OPPOSITION

Last week, three issues were also raised by David Bailley, president of Panglao Association of Nature Advocates (Pana), citing the legality of the JVDA, the financial capacity of Olidi and environmental impact.

Interviewed over "Inyong Alagad" of Station dyRD, Bailley cited data provided by scientists who surveyed the marine ecology status of Panglao Bay last January 27 which pointed out the disturbance that will be caused by building artificial islands in Panglao Bay to the tidal course not only in Panglao Bay but the entire ebb and flow from Surigao to the Sulu Sea.

The migration paths of whales and dolphins will likewise be affected, according to the scientists, as the tidal flow is related to the "breeding and feeding" patterns of marine life.

According to the scientists, the Panglao Bay area, although shallow, is where marine life thrives as it is an ideal nursery for all sorts of fish.

Bailley also told Olidi officials to seek approval from barangay authorities that will be affected by the planned reclamation instead of sidestepping them and getting the approval of higher government offices.

He insisted that Olidi should respect the resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan of Panglao expressing their opposition to the project while stating his doubts over the financial capacity of Olidi to complete the multi-billion project.

Meanwhile, Angeles Valdez, chairman of Nagdupa (Nagkahiusang Doljoanon sa Panglao), said the whole Panglao Island could turn into a major environmental disaster if the government approves the huge reclamation, saying the destruction of marine environment and biodiversity is inevitable.

"Our opposition to reclamation is the legitimate stand of Panglao fisherfolks, whose rights to our natural resources and livelihood should primarily be protected," said Valdez whose organization have expanded to barangays Poblacion and Danao in Panglao with hundreds of fiherfolk members.

According to Valdez, officials and the proponents should draw lessons from the privatization and reclamation in other provinces and even in cities.

Valdez added they had to organize their fellow fisher folk to protect their interests as marginal fishermen in the municipality against the interest of business groups who want to reclaim their fishing grounds.

The local fishers' opposition is echoed by the fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) saying in a press statement that profits should not take precedence over the livelihood of small fishers.

"These man-made islands will be put up where we catch fishes. Kung maitayo na ang mga 'yan, lalo kami papalaot, lalo naming ilalagay sa panganib ang mga buhay namin," Pamalakaya chair Fernando Hicap said.

Hicap said the government will be engaging in "all-out destruction" of Panglao's geography if it pushes through with the creation of the artificial islands.

"The construction will stir up so much silt that coral reefs and other creatures will be asphyxiated or chased away. Eventually, fishes will die or find new habitats," he explained.

Amidst the confusion raised by proponents and oppositors of the multi-billion reclamation in the area of Doljo facing the Mindanao Sea, an Arabian peninsula hotel chain is quietly buying a huge beachfront property the other side of Panglao's tip facing Tagbilaran Bay, to give rise to a four-star resort in the island. Part of a huge block of landholding owned by Cattleya Corp., the site of the new resort is adjacent to the property bought by the group of Johnny Chang of Bellevue Resorts fame. Bellevue Resort will have its soft opening in June this year.

The new Panglao investor was represented by King Abdullah Buhindi of Dubai's Towers Rotana Hotel who visited the island last week to find out for himself the 14-hectare future site of the resort. As a new player in Panglao's investment portfolio, the Dubai-based resort will join the like's of big ticket investors that now include Henry Chuesuey who bought recently the high-end Alona Palm Resort boutique resort now a property belonging to the Boracay Regency. The Rotana Hotel in Bohol will become part of a 10-hotel chain based in Dubai alone and the entire Middle East that includes Rotana resorts presence in Lebanon, Abu Dhabi, Syria, Kuwait, Egypt, Sudan & Saudi Arabia. In the drawing board are future developments in Amman, Bahrain, Beirut, Bagdad, Doha, to name a few.

During the king's visit in Panglao, Mayor Benedicto Alcala hosted a meeting with the foreigners right in the future site of the resort at Doljo Point. He was joined by Gov. Edgar Chatto, Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio and Engr. Manuel Mendoza of Monorealty Corp., the company that bought the resort area. The Rotana Hotel Group is a competitive, innovative and fast emerging as one of the leading hotel management companies within the Middle East and North Africa. It's portfolio consists of 39 hotels, suites and resorts currently in operation and many more projects in pipeline, double the size of existing portfolio by the end of 2012 in strategic locations across the Middle East and North Africa.

In Dubai, the Rotana Group of Hotels are the
Towers Rotana Hotel Dubai , Villa Rotana Suites Dubai , Rimal Rotana Suites Hotel Dubai , Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Dubai , Al Murooj Rotana Hotel and Suites Dubai , Bur Juman Rotana Suites Dubai , Rihab Rotana Hotel Dubai , Amwaj Rotana Resort Dubai, Media Rotana Hotel Dubai , Jumeira Rotana Hotel Dubai .

Rotana is pushing ahead with its expansion plans in 2011, buoyed by improving conditions in the hospitality industry in the Middle East and Africa region. Revealed for the first was the total size of investment managed by Rotana to open in 2011, reaching a staggering number of over 800 million dollars. Rotana announced that it will open six new hotels in the UAE in 2011, bringing its total to 33 in the emirates, the largest by any single hotel brand, local or foreign. Rotana is also scheduled to open one new hotel in Qatar as part of an aggressive, yet tactical expansion strategy in the region that will see the hotel group managing a massive 12,515 rooms across its portfolio of hotels in the region by the end of 2011. “The last few months have seen the hospitality industry in the Middle East and Africa registering positive growth. We see that momentum being sustained as general business conditions improve across the board,” said Selim El Zyr, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rotana.

Latest figures from STR Global show that occupancy in the Middle East and Africa region was 69.8 percent in November 2010, an increase of 2.4 percent as compared to the previous year with Abu Dhabi experiencing the largest occupancy increase, rising 33.6 percent to 76 percent. Rotana recorded an average occupancy rate of 74 percent in 2010, a result obtained by its heavy investments on marketing initiatives last year and by pursuing new feeder markets in Eastern Europe, South America, and the Far East, such as China, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Rotana expects its average occupancy rate to increase by nine percent in 2011. “All our properties across all destinations performed well, with some meeting their targets and others surpassing theirs. However, Lebanon was the best performing country considering the tourism boom that the country has experienced, due to its current stability and commitment to renovation and progression,” continued El Zyr.

As a leader in the region's hospitality industry, El Zyr underscores Rotana's commitment to creating opportunities that will support its long-term growth. “We are constantly developing new ways to keep in step with changing travel trends and guest preferences, and one of the key areas for growth that we are currently addressing is the mid-tier market, for which we developed the Centro Hotels by Rotana brand.” Rotana's strategic aim is to have a property located in every key city of the Middle East and Africa. “Location is our main focus when it comes to deciding on managing a property. We see a lot of potential in Iraq, where the infrastructure build up is seeing a surge in the influx of international firms taking advantage of the construction boom. Lebanon is also in our radar, because of a booming tourism sector spawned be reforms. Plus, Qatar's triumphant World Cup 2022 bid offers plenty of opportunities that we are keen on taking advantage of,” El Zyr said. The proudly home-grown hospitality brand will require 3,500 new employees to support its growth targets, a welcome development for an industry hit by substantial lay-offs as a result of the global downturn. Among other exciting developments the hotel will introduce in 2011 include a mobile booking platform as well as other mobile applications; as well as the adoption of “green standards” and energy management technologies across all new properties. Further information on any Rotana property, its brands or reservations can be obtained by visiting rotana.com or by contacting one of its regional sales offices.

Rotana Hotel Management Corporation Ltd ( Arabic : ?) is a hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa region. It has a portfolio of 70 properties and operates four sub brands which include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana and Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana. Its headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates . History Rotana Hotel Management Corporation [rotana.com] was founded in 1992 and is operating across the Middle East and North Africa. The company was founded by partners Nasser Al Nowais and Selim El Zyr, who were both already well established within the Middle East hospitality industry, with Nasser Al Nowais having previously been instrumental in the formation of the Abu Dhabi National Hotel Company. With its head office located in Abu Dhabi , the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Rotana employs over 10,000 people across its geographically dispersed locations. Today, Rotana has over 70 properties across 26 cities in the MENA Region. Rotana's strategic aim is to have a property located in every key city in the Middle-East and North Africa. Rotana has sales offices in the UAE, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Germany.

Several properties within the group have received awards and accolades in the past few years reflecting the company's policy of maintaining international standards combined with traditional Arabic culture and hospitality. Accolades include the Sheikh Khalifa Award for Excellence awarded to the Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award presented to Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai. More significantly, the World Travel Market Global Award was conferred on Rotana, for ‘Best Operations in the Middle East' and for ‘Major Contribution to Tourism in the Region', by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, at an international ceremony held in London and in addition, ‘The Best Hotel Chain in the Middle East' was awarded by the readers of the leading Al Iktissad Wal Aamal magazine.

Rotana has packed a number of awards during the What's On, DEPA, MENA, Business Traveller ME and Selling Long Haul awards. Furthermore, the company has announced yet another significant milestone in its' history by winning the Middle East's Leading Hotel Brand at the 14th, 15th and 16th Annual World Travel Awards.

1993 Rotana comes to fruition With the opening of the first hotel, Beach Rotana in Abu Dhabi.
1995 Forces joined Three years after the idea of Rotana was first discussed, two key people join Rotana bringing factors critical to the future success the company. Nael Hashweh joins Rotana whilst Imad W. Elias joins.

1997 A leading hotel in Dubai Four years after the opening of the first hotel in Abu Dhabi, Al Bustan Rotana opened its doors in Dubai.

2000 Beyond the borders of the United Arab Emirates By 2000, Rotana was in a position of strength. The group had opened properties in Egypt and Lebanon and had a total of 13 operating properties. With the aim to open a Rotana property in each major city in the Middle East, the management team focused on extending Rotana's footprint in the region. 2002 Flying high on success Rotana is awarded ‘WTM Global Award' for ‘Best Operation in the Middle East and Contribution to Tourism in the Region' and the Superbrand award for ‘Excellence in Branding'. 2005 Rotana gains momentum With over 20 properties in operation, Rotana opens its first property in Syria, Queen Center Rotana Suites and continues to receive awards, such as the ‘Best Hotel Brand Award', for being the highest rated hotel brand within the GCC. Rotana launches its new budget hotel concept, Centro, and announces Rotana Rewards Exclusive Programme. 2006 Partnering for growth The management team sells 40% of the company through a Private Placement Transaction led by SHUAA Capital, fueling investment for the group's aggressive expansion plans on the horizon.

JAGNA, Bohol â€" The Land Administration & Management Project 2 (LAMP2) has formally signified their intention of entrusting to the municipality the pending projects as far as the titling of lots are concerned as their tenure in the town is ending. During the Municipal Development Council meeting on February 3 attended by the punong barangays, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, department heads, LAMP 2 presented their accomplishments per barangay.

An accounting of the lots was shown including the titled as well as the pending. LAMP 2 has turned over to the Municipal Assessor's Office all the pending applications with reasons of lack of documents to support the application and some disputed lots. The LAMP 2 personnel in attendance were Alfredo Elmer Doblas, Engr. Eleonor Samson, Ms. Marifil Torero, Rudy Vestal and Rany Ybanez.

By Bohol Sunday Post

The word is out that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office will implement without fear or favor a “toothless” provincial ordinance banning the caging of tarsiers outside its natural habitat. Raising the alarm bell regarding the proliferation of tarsiers for public viewing while in captivity outside its natural habitat, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. urged Gov. Edgar Chatto to do something given the rampant exploitation of the smallest primate for commercial purposes. A provincial ordinance authored by then board member Alfonso Damalerio II now provincial administrator prohibited the possession, display for viewing for commercial purposes or business use, or any other purpose not included in the ordinance pushed by the tarsier foundation.

Apparently falling on deaf ears, the ordinance was more honored in the breach rather than in the compliance as tarsier operators are violating the law with impunity. Thinking that the ordinance lacked the teeth to be enforced without fear or favor, its glaring violation in wild abandon is more evident in Loboc where operators have a field day displaying caged tarsiers for public viewingâ€"and for a fee. The ordinance provides that tarsiers are only allowed to propagate in its wildlife sanctuary in Canapnapan, Corella town to preserve the little creature from unregulated exploitation. In a meeting held Monday at the People's Manson, the foundation through its president Rev. Fr. Florante Camacho egged Chatto to implement the ordinance in an apparent bid to save the tarsier from extinction if the current practice will go on unabated.

Among the prominent members of the foundation are Camacho as president, lawyer Anos Fonacier, Richard Uy of First Consolidated Bank and Marlito Uy of Alturas Group. As a meeting aftermath, the governor instructed the ordinance author (Damalerio) to proceed to Cebu to hand carry a letter addressed to Director Maximo Dichoso of DENR. The instruction was for Damalerio to get a received copy of the ordinance to ensure compliance of the dormant law. The Post obtained a copy of the received copy from DENR Cebu. With the impending enforcement of the tarsier ordinance, it was presumed that henceforth the public display of tarsier outside its natural habitat is considered beyond the commerce of man. The foundation was alarmed about reports that the profligate issuance of tarsier permits by the DENR was in consideration of a “tidy sum of money”. The going rate was reportedly P20,000 for every permit issued for the tarsier display outside its designated home in Corella.

By Bohol Sunday Post

Trying to push the limits of his political will to put order in the streets of Panglao, Mayor Benedicto Alcala is making an unthinkable decision which local chief executives quiver in fear for any possible political fallout. But not Alcala who prides to idolize the example of Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn in dealing with the intricacies of good governance. In his own tough way, Mayor Alcala made the unthinkable hereabouts by requiring all drivers of all kinds of vehicles, whether public or private, to undergo a seminar on the basic traffic rules and regulations.

The Alcala idea is designed to put order and discipline among drivers in using the streets of Panglao. The first order of business for drivers to ply the Panglao streets is that at least there vehicles should be equipped with all the safety gadgetsâ€"lighting systems, registration papers, drivers license, etc., as a way of inculcating the drivers the basic courtesy of complying traffic rules and regulations. For drivers to avoid hassles because mobile checkpoints will be mounted in strategic places, certificates of attendance will be issued to those who comply the seminar requirements.

The most importance impact of this requirement is that the municipality will have a database of vehicles going to and from the municipality. Mayor Alcala said in case an emergency do take place involving vehicles using the Panglao route, it will be easy for authorities to trace up the vehicle involved in say a traffic accident. In accordance with an existing ordinance, penalties will be meted out to those who are found to be violating traffic rules.

The drivers' seminar is clustered in three batches.

To be held at the Panglao Cultural Center, the following schedule is in order: On March 4, drivers from Lourdes, Tangnan, Bilisan, Pooc, and Doljo; March 5, Poblacion, Danao, Tawala, Bolod and Libaong; and drivers from outside Panglao, they can choose from any of the schedule above. The seminar starts at 1:00 in the afternoon in the dates mentioned earlier.

By Bohol Sunday Post

A spirited bid by lawyer Salvador Diputado to make history by claiming the presidency of the Integrated Bar of the Phils., Bohol chapter for the second time around was shot down by a newcomer in lawyer Cristifil Baluma., Diputado who is the dean of the College of Law of the BIT International was no match to the Baluma juggernaut who polled a lopsided votes of 111. A son of Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Teofilo Baluma of Branch I, the young lawyer frustrated Diputado's ambition to clinch another term as president. The BIT dean became IBP president in 2007-2008.

A graduate of the Holy Name University College of Law, the young Baluma towed his own ticket to victory who are mostly HNU graduates. Other officers elected in an election held yesterday at the Bohol Tropics Resort Club were: lawyers Dodelon Sabelon, vice president; Licelle Zamora, secretary; Cirilo Viodor, treasurer; Gervacio Lopena, auditor; Maila L. Maisog, PRO. The board of directors are lawyers Isabelo D. Digaum, Teodoro Lagang, Menelo Thadeus Bernido, Conrado Supremo and Maria Evaneliza Cloma-Lucero. The 2011 IBP Bohol Chapter election was attended by lawyer Roland Inting, president of the IBP Eastern Visayas chapter.

Most of the elected officials from the province did not attend the affair except Board Member Abelleon Damalerio. The election was attended by RTC President Judge Suceso Arcamo of Branch 47 and Executive Judge Fernando Fuentes III. The new set of officers were proclaimed immediately after the canvas by lawyer Romulo Puagang, chairman of the board of canvassers. Outgoing IBP president Mitchel John Boiser thanked all members for participating the elections. - sunday post

By Bohol Sunday Post

Amidst the peace and quite in the pier area, there seemed to be a brewing tug-of-war prevailing nowadays involving vendors on one hand and authorities of the Philippine Ports Authority on the other. The PPA exercising jurisdiction over the contested area, in so many communications in the past, urged members of the Tagbilaran Port Stall Vendors' Association, Inc. to move from its present location citing existing deplorable state and dilapidated condition of the stalls occupied by the association members. Not only is the prevailing condition caught the attention of the PPA, but also that of local and foreign tourists visiting the province, this according to Port Manager Manuel Boholano. A portion of the pier area was leased to at least 21 vendors plying all sorts of wares to both arriving and departing passengers but their presence according to the PPA posed health and fire hazards in the place. According to Boholano, there were initial talks made to facilitate the correction of the infractions but so far non of these talks have materialized. The PPA said the terms and conditions being set were not met by the organization and or concerned institutions.

As this developed, the PPA set the deadline for vendors to vacate the area not later than March 31, 2010. A relocation site was readied by the PPA just within the vicinity of the pier area. But the vendors association is not about” to throw in the towel” given the PPA protestation. The vendors argued that before any relocation is to be effected, they are raising the following concerns to be addressed:

•  Regarding compliance of the Permit to Operate (PTO), they want to be clarified as to which comes first. They want to know the proper procedure because on Jan. 5, 2011, it was agreed that before the PTO is issued the vendors have to secure first a mayor's permit.

•  About the mayor's permit, city hall refuses to issue a mayor's permit not unless the vendors will present a lease contract from the PPA.

•  Submission f Barangay Clearance. In a meeting on February 8, 2010, it was agreed that in the absence of a lessor's contract, a barangay clearance will suffice to legitimize their operations.

•  On the March 31, 2010 deadline, the vendors wants to be clarified what the PPA meant that the area should be cleared of vendors. The affected parties said they want to be were clarified that if they fail to secure the PTO, will it mean that they will be ejected of their present location.

Is the 43-year-old female teacher married, single, or separated? That will be known in the coming days.

By Ric V. Obedencio
Sunday Post

THE local government units are responsible and accountable in the regulation and control of meat and meat products within their area of responsibility, but right now, no single abattoir in these areas and other cold storage facilities are being accredited in accordance with the standards set by the licensing agency. This is the important meat provided under section 3 of the Administrative Order No. 22, series of 2010, “Rules and Regulations in the Handling of Frozen and Chilled Meat and Meat Products in the Meat Markets,” issued on November 23, 2010 by Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala. The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) reminded the LGUs concerned of this mandate apparently to safeguard the health of their respective meat-eating populace from being duped in consuming “hot meat.”

“Hot meat,” according to the AO, refers to meat and meat products, which “was slaughtered, prepared, processed, handled, packed, stored in an unregistered/unaccredited meat establishment.” Alcala said that the issuance of the AO was prompted on the heels of reported “hot meat” and imported frozen meat by-products proliferating in the local markets “to ensure its quality and safety.” “Frozen meat and meat products, whether local or imported, when exposed to ambient temperature, results to thawing with escape of natural meat juices. This valuable constituent, in whole or in part, when omitted or abstracted affects the quality of meat and meat products, thus, it needs to be maintained throughout the cold chain until it reaches the consumer,” the AO said, while “thawing” is the process of defrosting of a frozen product either through exposure to higher temperature or by means of technology.

Recently, the province was “alarmed” over the reported imported meat and its by-products that, not only affect the health of the populace, but also threatens the meat industry here. This prompted the OPV and the NMIS to be always vigilant with the assistance of national line agencies like the Phlippine Ports Authority, said Dr. Bing Lapez, provincial veterinarian. The department directive also provides for appropriate packaging in handling meat and its by-products by an NMIS-accredited establishment  and “under temperature controlled environment to 10 degrees Centgrade.” It added that the retail packages “shall be stored in refrigerated facilities and transported in vehicles that are able to maintain temperature not higher than 4 degrees C.” OPV pushes for the establishment of a “clearing house” or a unit of the NMIS, Lapez said since no NMIS personnel who are based here. She said that she amenable it based in her office at Capitol annex, Dao in this city.

Meanwhile, the province produced 255,181 heads of hogs raised from backyard and 34,243 from commercial or a total of 289,424 during the first quarter of 2010, according to hog inventory. The hog-raising data for the rest of the year (2010) were not available except those of 2009, however. The province was beneficiary in 2010 of 493 heads of swine and 1,851,280 kilos of processed meat being shipped-in through the port of Tagbilaran; 96 heads through Jagna port; 264 heads and 1,092,036 kilos processed meat through Tubigon port; 72 heads through Ubay port; and 43,705 klos of processed meat via the city airport. (RVO)

By Bohol Sunday Post

Quarry operators and contractors will now be required to repair the barangay roads which they use as access roads to and from their quarry or project sites before they can renew their permits. This resulted after the successive consultations Governor Edgar Chatto had with the barangay captains of the province, who compose the 1,109-strong Liga ng mga Barangay, in line with the series of two-day district-wide strategic planning seminars the Liga held. Also at the consultations were Vice Governor Concepcion Lim, Liga ng mga Barangay provincial head and Board Member Crispina Vergara, the respective board members of each district, and the office and department heads of the provincial government.

During the lengthy open forum which followed the presentation of provincial government programs at each consultation, the barangay captains invariably voiced out the difficulties they face in doing road repair work of barangay roads damaged by the frequent passage of the heavy equipment used by quarry operators and contractors, especially during rainy seasons. In the first and second districts, the proposal to make the barangay road repair a requirement for renewal of permits was met with resounding applause by the barangay captains and with approval from the governor. A similar concern was raised by the barangay captains with the Provincial Engineer's Office, particularly the repair of barangay roads damaged by the passage of the PEO's own heavy equipment while conducting the repair of provincial roads.

Provincial Engineer Rosalinda Yu said they will duly respond to such requests since the office is also accountable for such work. Gov. Chatto added that the barangay captains may also request to use the heavy equipment of the Provincial Motorpool, headed by Engr. Abraham Clarin, for projects in their jurisdiction on Saturdays and Sundays, subject to the availability and nearness of the equipment, among other conditions. In related news, Provincial Treasurer Eustaquio Socorin also detailed to the barangay captains that the 40 % of remittances from quarrying operations, which the barangay having jurisdiction is entitled to, per provisions in the Local Government Code, can now be better enforced and paid to the concerned barangay.

Where the reported net share from collections of the provincial government for one year may have been almost P300,000 in 2009, collections starting in 2010, for just a three-month period, reportedly reached almost P1 million. Socorin said that this was made possible by the more effective policing system of quarrying operations in the province by the task force of the Bohol Environment Management Office and better coordination with barangay authorities, which has also resulted in better collections of the PTO since the improved environmental enforcement.

By Bohol Sunday Post

A prominent city businesswoman was sued by a rival- neighbor for a string of estafa cases. The two neighbors are in the business of selling hardware, construction supplies, paint mixing, among others. Except for the paint mixing product line, both stores are in the same line of business. As neighbors, their hardware stores are located across each other along busy CPG Avenue, this city. Sonia Lim, one of the owners of E. Butalid Store was sued for a string of estafa cases by no less than her neighbor Corazon Lim-Omandam. of Occidental Enterprises fame. Having the same family names, the neighbors must be cousins. As a consequence, Lim found herself in the defensive when the Office of the City Prosecutor finds probable cause for violations of the Bouncing Checks Law.

According to sources close to the hardware store on the dock for estafa, the establishment must have fallen to bad times resulting in the owner becoming a victim of bouncing checks due to insufficient fund back up. E. Butalid Store used to be the favorite outlet of choice among mayors when it comes to cash advances during official trips to Manila. There were even reports that even casino money the store owner was more than willing to accommodate. Known for his long pockets then, one of the owners, Pedoy Lim, was one guy who cannot afford not to frustrate the representations of mayors and other public officials who are in need of cash. Provided, however, that the town executives have a credible explanation as to why they were in need of cash. Relying on the mayors word of honor, the collateral came in the form of municipal budgets already up for release.

In fact, the same reports said that many mayors who were no longer in the mayoralty saddle have pending cash advances that settling the same is no longer an option since they have been out of office after suffering defeat in the last polls. Behind the string of probable violations of Batas Pambansa Bilang 22, it was learned that the lady Lim may also face two more counts of complex crime of estafa through falsification of commercial documents. In her complaint affidavit, Omandam, through counsel lawyer Lord Marapao IV, alleged that Lim issued to her six Queen Bank Tagbilaran checks that the latter paid for construction materials she bought at Occidental Enterprises on different occasions. Upon due date, Omandam said that when the two checks Lim issued were presented for payment with the bank, it was dishonored.

The bank found out that the signature on the Lim issued checks were not on file with the bank. The bank also found out that the checks Lim used were on account of his brother, Timoteo Butalid. As to the four more checks issued by Lim, when these were presented for payments on their due dates, the bank had it dishonored as the account has been closed. Omandam, according to the prosecutors, alleged that Lim repeatedly assured her that the checks would be good. She also said, had she known that Lim was acting on false pretense, she could have stopped the release of the materials. After repeated attempts to demand payments from Lim failed, Omandam decided to file the case. At the prosecution stage, Lim, in her counter affidavit denied the charges claiming that the checks were postdated as security to her store's pre-existing obligation for orders and deliveries made prior to the dates when the checks were actually handed to Omandam.

On the two checks which she issued and were not on her account, Lim said it was pure inadvertence, mistake and simple negligence or oversight. The checks were in the account of Lim's brother and that the checks were not issued to deceive Omandam, Lim argued. After evaluating the evidences presented in court, deputy City Prosecutor Romeo Chatto resolved that the checks were indeed issued to pay for certain preexisting obligations in an Omnibus Resolution dated February 10, 2011. Prosecutor Chatto, citing Supreme Court decisions, said that checks that were issued for security have no legal legs to stand in. He said that “Batas Pambansa 22 does not make any distinction as to whether the bad check is issued in payment of an obligation or to guarantee an obligation,” Arguing further that the drawer of the check has knowledge of the insufficiency of funds and still the checks were issued, the deputy prosecutor added that “the gravamen of the offense is the issuance of the bad check, not the non-payment of the obligation, Chatto said citing Lozano vs Hon Martinez. (146 SCRA 325)

On the respondent's issuance of two checks not under her account, the prosecutor also finds her liable for two counts of complex estafa through falsification of commercial documents. Chatto noted that the two elements of complex estafa: deceit and damage to another are present. Respondent, with the intent to defraud the complainant ordered certain construction supplies on the pretense that she has sufficient funds to pay the value by issuing on two different occasions two checks under the account of another person and later on refused payment, thus the pretense was actually false, is liable of estafa, he stated in the three-page resolution. There is also falsification considering that in affixing her signatures on the two checks which are not under her account, respondent made it appear that a person has participated in the act of issuing the checks when such a person did not, in fact, do so. Upon Lim's claims that it was inadvertence and simple negligence or oversight claiming that it was done in good faith when she issued the checks to be drawn on an account belonging to her brother, the court also find it legally unavailing.

By Nancy C. Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Philippines is now one of the seven countries in the world with steadily increasing cases of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and most of the new cases are males who got the virus through sex with other males.

HIV is the virus that causes the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a disease in which the body’s immune systems are attacked, weakened and undermined. This condition eventually leads to death.

Dr. Enrique Tayag, director of the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (DoH), made the disclosure during the presentation of the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) 2011 State of the World's Children report at the Sulu Hotel in Quezon City, on Wednesday.

Other countries named to have steadily increasing HIV cases were Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Tayag said during the forum that the predominant mode of sexual transmission has changed since 2007 from heterosexual sex to sex between men.

By VGO, Edcom

“Our History is Our Strength” (Atong Kasaysayan, Atong Kalig-on) is this year’s theme for the upcoming women’s month celebration.

In a meeting held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall Tuesday, called by Vice Gov. Concepcion O. Lim in her capacity as GAD Focal Person of the Province of Bohol, different women’s groups agreed to make a “big bang” of events that will highlight the women’s role in nation building.

Each municipality will be submitting their plan of activities covering the whole month celebration. The activities will showcase the various products made or processed by recognized women’s group.

Vice Gov. Lim asked for cooperation for the success of the celebrations. She also required a listing of women-led enterprises existing in every municipality that will guide in the assessment of the capacity and identify the needs of each LGU so that the provincial government could integrate programs and projects fitting for each municipality.

Suggested home-based enterprises for women include stuff-toy making, food and products processing, handicrafts, weaving and even recycling of paper, cloth plastics and empty bottles.

For a merrier celebration, a Women’s Month Jingle Making Contest is made open to all LGUs. The jingle must deal on the theme “History is Our Strength” and must not be more than five minutes.

By Rey Anthony Chiu

BOHOL JOB seekers and those from nearby provinces may now try their luck as Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) coordinates special recruitment activities for workers willing to try their luck abroad.

Needed by various agencies in their weeklong recruitment activities from February 18 to 25 at the BEPO Office of the Capitol are factory workers, domestic helpers, medical staff, nurses, skilled workers all for Taiwan, Hongkong, United States of America, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Dubai of the United Arab Emirates.

BEPO has been institutionalized to assist Boholanos seeking work opportunities abroad by coursing these facilitation through the correct government channels thereby cutting on red tape and streamlining the process to make the paper trail as transparent, BEPO sources briefly describe their tasks.

To fully extend their mandates, BEPO also facilitated job fairs and one-stop shop services by allied government services to make sure workers can get their important documents on the same place at the fair venue.

For February 18, Grand Placement Agency seeks applicants for factory workers for Taiwan, BEPO through Romulo Tagaan said in a communication.

On the 22nd and 23rd of the same month, R.V. Tria International Recruitment Agency would be screening for domestic helpers to Hongkong.

By the 23rd, another agency: Greenfields International Manpower Inc. seeks workers as medical staff for hospitals in the US, domestic helpers, nurses and skilled workers for United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On February 25, IUPP Inc would be screening for various jobs for United Arab Emirates, especially for assignment in Dubai.

Bohol, a largely skilled work exporting province has earned a spot in the country’s finances with the once biggest foreign currency remittance from overseas workers posted at the local Philippine National Bank, said sources from the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Now into brisk tourism industry activities, still many Boholanos are seeking work abroad knowing that any savings they can scrape goes on to tourism related investments. (racPIABohol)

By Rey Anthony Chiu, PIA

THANKFUL of the huge bulk of positive information from communities about criminals roaming the province, Bohol police chief PSSupt. Constantino Barot indulges people to be more patient as the police would surely act on them.

We are assuring the people that we are not sleeping on the information they provided, said Camp Dagohoy-based superintendent Barot, who hinted that the latest scores the law enforcement agents are getting came from community sources.

The past few weeks saw police officers conducting lightning raids resulting in almost daily turn-over of suspects, most of the engaged in alarming criminal activities.

Over and above these raids, police intensified its Police Integrated Patrol System which puts up mini-lockdowns all over Bohol roads at different times of day netting countess illegal vehicles and motorcycles, erring drivers and criminal personalities resulting in decrease of crime volumes.

At our weekly monitoring since the PIPS started, we have noted a huge decrease in criminalities, PSupt. Arcadio Jamora averred at the recent Kapihan sa PIA aired over DyTR.

Another officer, PSInsp. Ramoncillo Sawan said that the focus areas for monitoring of street crimes, crimes perpetrated by motorcycle riding criminals and fire-arms control show a down trend.

Over this, PSSupt. Barot urged the people to understand that it is their intention to hassle citizens but to assure their safety and allow an environment of peace and development here.

At checkpoints, our men manning their posts know what to do and in fact they have a hold of intelligence data which helps them keep watch for criminal elements roaming Bohol streets, Barot added.

These checkpoints intelligence data based and are sustained by the massive information shared by intelligence assets in the barangays.

Faced with a dire need for more police presence, Bohol has pushed for the Barangay Peace-keeping Action Teams (BPAT) which the cops established as force multipliers and has fed the enforcers’ massive intelligence data base.

These intelligence reports are being analyzed and these have sustained our operations, many of which proved positive, Barot admitted.

For criminals who simply evade the checkpoints, authorities have asked people to report them.

We can not be in all places at all times, and here we would like to ask people to keep the information coming, Barot said. (racPIABohol)

press release - JSB

The coconut industry is to acquire one sturdy step farther to development.

This after Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd District, Bohol) filed House Bill 4132, seeking to establish the Central Visayas Coconut Seed Production Center in Ubay town.

In his explanatory note, Aumentado said Bohol is an agriculturally productive province strategically located in the heart of Central Visayas. It is known for its scenic beauty and tourist destinations. It produces rice and some corn, but because of its rolling terrain, a greater part of its land area is devoted mostly to coconuts.

Dubbed as the “tree of life” because of the numerous products and by-products that can be derived from its fruit, water, shell, husks, leaves, flowers, the trunk itself and other parts, the solon said there is a need to improve the industry in order to enhance people’s the living conditions.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=201289496553845#
Will Women Rule the World in 2020?

Para ni sa mga hubog mopauli nga di na katuod ug asa ang CR.

By Bohol Standard

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has frozen its action in aid-of-legislation, whether favorable or not, to the complainant-group called the Boholano Against Corruption, Oppression and Social Harassment (BACOSH) about the latter’s complaint filed with the Ombudsman Visayas against regional director Engr. Modesto Membreve of the National Irrigation Administration on graft and corruption and nepotism charges.

In its report, board member Engr. Gerardo Garcia, chairman of the SP Committee on Public Accountability, rendered the report during the regular session last Friday regarding the said recommendation to defer action on said complaint.

“The Body (the Committee) agreed to defer action of the said matter inasmuch as the said case has already been filed in the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas,” said Garcia in his committee report signed by Committee vice-chairman and senior board member Atty. Dionisio D. Balite and member Atty. Abeleon Damalerio.

The said committee report as adopted by the SP did not say when it is going to act on BACOSH complaint. But it vowed to be always on guard as “watchdog to any complaints, grievances and concerns involving any office, employees and public personalities in the province of Bohol,” said the provincial lawmaker from President Carlos P. Garcia town.

The SP adopted and approved the said committee recommendation without much ado during the session.

The Committee on public Accountability was created by virtue of an approved Provincial Ordinance to consider complaints against non-elective officials and employees in government service. SP’s Committee on Good Government, on the othr hand, provides under the Local Government Code entertains only sworn complaints lodged against elective local officials.

By Rey Anthony Chiu

The voice in the 7:00 morning news in Bohol and the charisma of the person inspired members of the Association of United Development Information Officers (AUDIO) who want to make broadcasting as another channel for disseminating government developmental information.

Broadcast icon Fred Araneta of DyRD-Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation, a broadcaster since his early teens, who has been bringing the voice of Bohol’s events and government development initiatives was the guest speaker at the broadcasting training for AUDIO members February 10 at the Jjs Seafood Restaurant.

Araneta told government information officers that broadcasting carries a greater responsibility of not just to inform and disseminate information but shape values and opinions as well.

He said, information officer broadcasters should be at a higher bar over ordinary announcers in as much as information officers not just broadcast but commit to effect reforms in the society, especially in uplifting the quality of life for the benefit of the people.

“We are also rendering public service, if by broadcasting, you help identify people’s problems and let them find the solutions to it,” he said.

Starting at 16 years old, Araneta has been with station DyRD since then and has earned an identity synonymous to the integrity of the revered media institution.

Asked about tips on broadcasting, Araneta could only but reiterate “knowing about what you are about to say” as en esteemed commandment for broadcasters. One must know the subject matter with accuracy, he added.

He also said, as development communicators, government broadcasters must learn to evaluate mass media as a two way tool to get messages across audiences.

Broadcasting is the latest in the series of trainings for government information officers now led by Capitol Media Affairs chief Augustus “Totsie” Escobia. Past trainings include Newswriting, Text News writing, Photojournalism for information officers and communication planners in the municipalities. (racpiaBohol)

He was never acknowledged as coming from Bohol but from General Santos City. During his last fight, the announcer mentioned he comes from GenSan.

Donaire has not also admitted he comes from Bohol.

press release from EDCOM

Gov. Edgar Chatto discussed all the concerns crucial to the realization of the gigantic air terminal infrastructure project on Panglao island during the meeting of the New Bohol Airport Task Force headed by former Tagbilaran City Mayor Jose Torralba on Wednesday.

This occurred after the directive from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to the governor to proceed with the acquisition of the remaining lots needed for the project in prime tourism Panglao.

Chatto said the DOTC go-signal clearly indicates the seriousness of the Aquino administration in materializing the billions-worth airport long grounded on the drawing board.

To recall, Chatto met with DOTC Sec. Jose “Ping” de Jesus and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Usec. Mario Relampagos last August to discuss the possibility of pushing through with the project for fear of congestion that is now happening at the existing Tagbilaran City Airport, especially its pre-departure and parking areas, and the shortness of its runway that greatly affect airport operation and the efficiency of its facility.

Chatto deemed it necessary to convene the task force for the final review and perusal of records of the New Bohol Airport, and to make sure that all necessary documents, expenditures, engineering interventions and other several factors be considered and put into proper perspective before their final presentation to the DOTC.

This is also to avoid misrepresentations and misinterpretations which could affect the project construction, and to make sure that the remaining P25M for the lot acquisition is already the “final and actual” amount which he would submit to the DOTC for final review.

This would then be the basis of the department to allocate more or not.

Provincial Executive Assistant for Internal Affairs Gabino Redulla presented to the task force the necessary figures as provided to him by all departments tasked to assist in the project.

Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II gave clear-cut parameters for project- involved sectors to follow and do smoothly and efficiently according to their assigned tasks.

He said the office vacated by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company along Marapao St. would serve as the new office of the task force, which convenes twice a month.

Chatto said the transactions completed in the past year related to the project will be properly scrutinized---and paid, if necessary, provided that all the necessary requirements have been complied with---and that the lots needed for the project which are available through barter or expropriation be duly discussed and inventoried.

The governor said that the project will be re-packaged to appropriately give way to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modality, which arrangement could be signed within this month carried out this year, specifically from June to December, depending on the scheme developed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which will enter into an agreement with the Philippine government.

Chatto pointed out that as a result of the PPP, the airport terminal and facilities will be for private sector participation while the runways and navigational routes taken care of by the government.

It was learned that 225 lots have already been acquired for the project. There are still 61 lots or equivalent to 24.5 hectares for acquisition while 95 lot owners have expressed desire to go for the barter.

Torralba, on the other hand, said that the reason why the documents submitted earlier to Manila were not acted upon was the impending change in leadership after the May 2010 elections.

In The task force meeting, Engr. Irwyn Lumuthang was named the head of the technical team, which assists in facilitate the fasttracking of the project.

It was further agreed that the New Bohol Airport Task Force will continue with the land acquisition, appraisal and inventory, submit priorities and segregate lots as to their current status.

Chatto emphasized that his administration with Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, and with the invaluable support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, is now “tying loose ends.”

“We should do our share in cleanest way we can and be sure that we are standing on solid ground,” he said, straight and firm. (jlv/EDCom)

press release

Farmers-irrigators slammed the unfounded opposition of some non-government organizations on the proposed upgrading of the Malinao Dam, in Pilar town.

The Malinao Dam Federation of Irrigators Association, Inc., had passed Resolution No. 1, Series of 2010 manifesting their apprehension of any negative impact of the actions of an NGO representative, opposing the dam upgrading.

The resolution also earnestly requested His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for the earliest implementation of the Malinao Dam Upgrading Project for the Bohol Integrated Irrigation System (BIIS).

A reported “walkout” by representatives of NGOs during the second stakeholders meeting held Dec. 8, 2010 in Pilar town.

A certain Ms. Ira Pamat of the Women Development Center, made an objection as to the correction made by the NIA Secretariat of an alleged insertion in the MOU, the upgrading of Malinao Dam as solution of the water shortage problem in the BIIS service area.

by Fred Amora

On Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, captains of the 346 barangays of the second district will gather in a “first-ever” in the country assembly for the formulation of master development plans that start down-below, in the grassroots level.

Second district Congressman Erico B. Aumentado said he is pushing for a master planning not only for identification of specific needs but also for the assessment and feasibility studies of projects that may qualify for funding support, like foreign aids that are available and just waiting to be tapped.

Aumentado particularly mentioned about a funding window from the Danish government that focuses on rural water needs, improved water system and services.

The gathering will be held at the Kiddies’ Farm, Calanggaman, Ubay and will be spearheaded by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA-7), in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Office of Provincial Director Rustica Mascarinas, LGUs with their respective mayors and local government operation officers.

To be strongly recommended in the master planning is the tested “counter-parting scheme” that spurs development in the rural areas even with limited resources. Such projects can include small irrigation facilities, water system, agricultural programs and infrastructure.

The Capayas Dam in Ubay, Bohol is now home to 20,000 tilapia fingerlings.

This was in line with the instruction of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala who visited the province last January 25, 2011, to seed the major dams in the province with tilapia fingerlings.

The seeding was made at the Capayas Dam last Feb 11, Friday spearheaded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 through the Bohol Fishery Office under Crescencio Pahamutang in coordination with the office of Regional Irrigation Manager Modesto Membreve.

Also attending the activity were local government officials of Ubay led by Mayor Eutiquio Bernales, farmer-irrigators beneficiaries and officials both from BFAR-7 and NIA-7.

“This tilapia seeding can compliment with the present thrust of the Agriculture Office under Sec. Alcala for sustainable Food Security Program,” NIA-7 director Membreve said.

Two other dams in the province will be seeded; Malinao dam in Pilar with 30,000 fingerlings and Bayongan dam in San Miguel with50,000 fingerlings. Such activities are closely coordinated with the NIA-7 Office and with the LGUs where the specific dams are located. - the bohol standard

they are best friends forever.

daghan sa mga pinay nga pag-makita sa profile photo nga puti ang ni-friend request, maglumpayat sa kalipay. but the truth is niger diay from nigeria ang behind sa facebook account.

The Beauty of Sleeping Beauty

Leksyon na ni sa mga habal-habal driver nga kung way pasahero magpunay ra ug tapok-tapok kay magsugal. Diri duol sa akong gipuy-an, ang mga motorized traysikad driver magbraha daplin sa kalsada. Anha gyud sa semento ihapnig ang braha.

Posible nga emotional turmoil caused by love's bitterness ang hinungdan nga naputong ang biktima. Basin para niya, kadtong maong babaye mao na ang sinugdanan ug kataposan sa kalibotan.

kung tinuod man nga naghingos ug rugby ning tawhana, ang sakit ani sakit sa utok. maayo unta ug dili tinuod.

Kasagaran sa mga lolo, ang straight kana ra mang agi sa ilang ihi. Kuyawa ani nga lolo kay naa pa sijay kakugi. Ang uban gani bisag kwarenta pa, nag-viagra na. Pero si lolo, nuybenta anyos na, pero kursonada pa.

Kung tinuod nga 90 anyos ni nga lolo, murag lisod ma-priso ni pero mahimo nga landmark case ni. What if magsige nalang pud ug panglugos ni nga lolo kay di na man bitaw ma-priso ang 90 anyos?

Nabali na gyud ang panahon karon. Sauna ang katabang maoy kulatahon sa amo. Karon, ang amo maoy bun-ogon sa katabang.

By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Be wary of foreigners suddenly “liking” you on Facebook or other social networking sites, an official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) advised netizens.

PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon said many drug mules or persons used to transport drugs through international borders were befriended and recruited online.

“Some of the mules or couriers we interviewed said they were befriended through the Internet by foreigners. Such cases are increasing,” he said in a forum in Quezon City.

Comparing the cases with those of Filipinos being personally approached by recruiters, the PDEA official said incidents of online “recruitment” of drug mules were now on the rise.

Many Filipino drug mules have been arrested and convicted abroad for illegal drug trafficking. In China, some are facing the death penalty.

“A big percentage” of those arrested, Carreon said, were recruited through online networking sites like Facebook.

“We do not mean to discriminate, but be wary of foreigners ‘liking’ you on Facebook,” he said. - PDI

How true. Wife knows everything, indeed.

maayo unta ug serena ang gibanlas kay tapokan. ukoy man, walay na-curious.

ang karaan bun-on ra pud sa sunoy.

Health starts in the home, and with the Bohol provincial government it starts in the Provincial Capitol.

As an off-shoot of the provincial government’s Health and Wellness Program, wellness tests will be conducted for all officials and employees of the provincial government beginning tomorrow, on Governor Edgar Chatto’s birthday, until Friday and from February 28 until March 5.

In line with the Chatto-Lim Administration’s strategies embodied in the acronym LIFE HELPS and also a main thrust of the Civil Service Commission, health and wellness in government is seen to ensure that all provincial government officials and employees are in good health and can effectively and dutifully render public service.

The wellness tests will be administered by the Bohol Medical Care Institute (BMCI) and are coordinated by the province’s Human Resource Management and Development Office.

HRMDO head Josefina Relampagos reported that the tests comprise of the following examinations: urinalysis; CBC; total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol; triglycerides; BUN and BUA; creatinine; SGPT and SGOT; FBS; chest X-ray; and ECG.

For most of the examinations, blood and urine samples will be required. Further, those who will avail of the tests are advised to undergo from ten to twelve hours of fasting, including liquids, prior to the examination.

On an appointment basis, said officials and employees may also choose one of the four dental services available: oral examination, tooth extraction, cleaning, or paste.

The chest X-ray, ECG, and dental services will be administered at the BMCI facility, along J.A. Clarin in Dao District, but not later than March 12.

From Monday to Wednesday, the tests will be conducted at the Old Provincial Capitol Building’s second floor lobby, adjacent to the HRMDO office and, on all other dates, at the BMCI. - Edcom

follow-up email:

dear tubagbohol: thank you for your concern. mr saturnino padungao was able to connect with his family in antequera through a brgy captain who happend to be the kumpare of his older brother. we were able to find a contact number of the municipality of antequera in their website, called them up and and a staff gave us the cell num of that brgy captain.. and that's it.. again thank you..   

By Jhunnex Napallacan
Inquirer Visayas

CEBU CITY, Philippinesâ€"A 34-year-old American national was arrested Sunday morning after he was caught videotaping topless women, including three minors, in a “catfight” show in a village in the municipality of Daanbantayan.

Daanbantayan police investigator PO2 Alfredo Mandal identified late Monday afternoon as Joseph Christian Bogo, who temporarily resides in Barangay ) Bungtod, Bogo City, where his fiancee lives.

According to Mandal, Malbago Barangay Captain Virgilio Misa with two members of the Barangay Intelligence Network caught Bogo while he was videotaping the “catfight show” involving seven topless women, aged 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 23 in a tent in an open field in Malbago.

Mandal said Misa turned over Bogo with his video camera containing footage of women whose private parts were covered with stockings.

Mandal said the 23-year-old woman admitted that she was paid P2,000 to perform the catfight show. The 14-year-old admitted too that she was promised a similar amount but had yet to receive it.

Mandal said Bogo would be charged with violation of Republic Act (RA) 9208 or Anti-trafficking Act and RA 7610 or Anti-child abuse law. The American national is detained at the Daanbantayan police station.

murag kompleto sa kahimanan ni nga mechanic.

Interesting movie to watch (related to the post above): "The Men Who Stare At Goats"

nabulgar na hinuon.

I don't think this kind of restaurant will attract Filipino diners if it is put up here in the Philippines. Daghang mga Pinoy hadlokan kaayo bisag molabay ra ug punerarya.

Seems to be a very rich guy.

Mao ba ning promising young poet sa Cebu nga nag-suicide?

By Yahoo News

An Ohio man has used a TV commercial to make a pitch for marriage, delivering an on-air proposal to his girlfriend.

David Jones told Dee Horton to watch a midday newscast on Cleveland's WJW-TV because he said he was going to appear in an ad playing a superhero.

Horton and co-workers tuned in Thursday at a hair salon in suburban Medina (meh-DY'-nuh) but saw Jones in a message asking, "How about you and I show the world what true love is all about?" He pulled out a ring and proposed.

The TV stations had cameras in the salon as Jones popped out in person. The couple embraced as his bride-to-be said yes.

Jones works in video production and says he wanted to propose in a way they'd never forget.

By PDI

Federal authorities are hunting a Filipina scammer who is believed to be the mastermind of one of the biggest health care rackets in California.

Susan Bendigo-Lim, 41, originally from Davao City is believed by US authorities to have fled to the Philippines to evade liability for the $17-million Medi-Cal fraud.

A mother of two teens, Bendigo-Lim stands accused of five felony counts in the US District Court, Central District of California for health care fraud and for aiding, abetting and causing the commission of such fraud.

According to investigators, the scam started in 2003 and continued until 2007 to become the largest Medi-Cal fraud case in California history.

Court documents showed the scheme, allegedly hatched by registered nurses Bendigo-Lim and Priscilla Villabroza, involved the hiring of unlicensed workers to perform services to disabled Medi-Cal patients.

Authorities said they then billed Medi-Cal as if skilled, licensed nurses had done the work through Santa Fe Springs, California-based company, Medcare Plus Home Health Providers, and its sister companies, Excel Plus and Unicare.

According to the US Attorney’s Office, these unlicensed nurses visited patients at home and at school and provided nursing services.

Authorities said that all sorts of improprieties happened at Medcare, Excel Plus and Unicare ranging from falsifying documents to impersonating a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

Court documents showed that Bendigo coached some of the unlicensed workers to lie about their licensing, identity, and qualifications by representing themselves as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).

On July 9, 2009, federal and state authorities arrested 20 of the 42 defendants named in the indictment. Most of the people arrested either had little or no nursing training.

Sa pikas dalunggan, nagbitay ang yawe.