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- Use a sunshade to keep your car cool and avoid the use of the air conditioner.
- Park in the shade when it's warm.
- Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.
- Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your car engine.
- Do not ride the brake. Drive with a smooth, constant speed.
- Keep the transmission fluid in your car at the proper level.
- If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.
- Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your car is working properly.
- Avoid air conditioning leaks by constant checkups with your mechanic. Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling.
- Immediately fix a slipping transmission.
- When you rev up your vehicle's engine it wastes gas. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off.
- If you can't find a place to buy low priced gas on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of gas is constantly changing.
- Buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don't like the wholesale clubs get a gas credit card. You will get a 1 to 5 percent discount when you buy that brand of gas.

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Try to buy your gas from a gas station that is consistently busy and therefore has its underground tanks filled on a regular basis. Gas stations that are slow will have gas that has been sitting in underground tanks for longer periods of time, leading to gas contamination.

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The Chevrolet Camaro was a compact car introduced in North America by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors at the start of the 1967 model year as competition for the Ford Mustang.

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First off, when you buy a new car you are the only owner of the car. This means you know where the car has been and you know it is in tip top condition. You also get a warranty on the car. But when you buy a used car, you have no idea where the car has been or what on earth has happened to it. The car could've been in a terrible accident for all you know. Also, when you buy a used car, you probably won't get a warranty... unless if you buy a used car at a reputable dealership.

A car accessory is sometimes a necessary thing. An example of this kind of a car accessory is floor mats. Floor mats can either be plain colored or have a catchy design. Another often needed car accessory is air fresheners. As you know, cars can get smelly. Many people find this car accessory to be a blessing.
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The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has lifted the shellfish ban in Bataan imposed last November 5 on the gathering, selling, transporting and eating of shellfish.

Provincial Agriculturist Imelda Inieto made the announcement at the Samal Municipal Hall here after receiving the fax message from BFAR, a few minutes before 12:00 noon Wednesday.

"There is no more red tide toxin. That’s why it is now safe for human consumption the shellfish like tahong and talaba in the whole Bataan,” Inieto said.

With the lifting of the ban, the agriculturist said she was hopeful the affected fishermen and those in the business of shellfish will be happy after their livelihood was greatly affected for a month and two days.

The BFAR Shellfish Advisory dated December 8, 2010 stated that the Bataan coastal waters in the towns of Limay, Pilar, Orion, Mariveles, Orani, Abucay and Samal and the City of Balanga are already negative for red tide toxin after three consecutive weeks of sampling in the area.

The last samples of water and shellfish meat were taken Tuesday and sent to BFAR office in Quezon City.

“Shellfish harvested in the Bataan coastal waters are now safe for human consumption and likewise the gathering, harvesting and marketing of shellfishes in the area are now permitted,” the BFAR advisory said. - pna

One person was hurt after armed security guards stormed the headquarters of the IT provider of the Land Transportation Office in Quezon City Thursday morning.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose "Ping" de Jesus said in a radio interview that at least four shots were fired from the scene as the group also barricaded the Stradcom office.

Colonel Rolando Hidalgo, president of security office of Stradcom, was wounded after a group of men forcibly took over the said office.

The group was led by Aderito Yujuico and Bonifacio Sumbillo who have questioned the leadership of Cesara Quiambao as president of Stradcom.

"Our main concern now is to protect the database," De Jesus said over radio station dzBB.

Stradcom is an LTO contractor which provides database and other IT services to the LTO up to 2013.

Stradcom, in a statement, said that “Stradcom would like to inform the public that some persons, namely Messrs. Yujuico, Sumbillo, Rodolfo A. Millare, Ronnie M. Bilang, Enrico M. Bilang, Egy G. Geron, and Jer B. Samson have been circulating falsified documents saying they are now stockholders, board of directors, and officers of the company. These people are not connected with the company in any manner or form.- PNA

The Australian federal government on Friday announced 78.7 million U.S. dollars of support measures to help Pacific nations threatened by climate change.

"Australia is fulfilling our commitment made at climate change talks last year to ensure adaptation funding is prioritized to the most vulnerable developing countries," Climate Change Minister Greg Combet told a United Nations climate change conference in Cancun of Mexico, quoted by Australia Associated Press.

According to Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, the funding made a significant contribution to responding to the needs of small island developing states, and Australia will continue to work closely with partner governments, regional organizations and other donors, to ensure the funding is directed to the most urgent needs.

Combet also announced that Australia would contribute 9.8 million U.S. dollars to a partnership fund, which aims to provide help to mobilize private investment to tackle climate change.

"Carbon markets are crucial for leveraging private sector finance and achieving the scale of funding required to reduce global emissions," he said.

Combet also reaffirmed Australia's commitment to a binding international agreement, saying that a single treaty for all parties would be the simplest and most transparent option. (PNA/Xinhua)

US troops in Afghanistan are testing a high-tech "smart" rifle that uses computer-chip-embedded rounds that can detonate behind walls, LiveScience.com reported Wednesday.

Using sensors, lasers and optics, the XM25 rifle guides 25mm rounds -- each embedded with a microchip -- to hit a target up to about 2,300 feet (700 meters) away, the report said.

Once reaching the target hidden behind walls, rocks or trenches, the bullets, which act like grenades, can be detonated, according to the report.

The report explains the way how the rifle works -- a laser is built into the targeting scope that sits on top of the weapon. It measures the distance to a target -- for instance, the wall that conceals a combatant. The soldier then can modify the distance to allow the bullet to detonate past the wall.

When the soldier pulls the trigger, this information is wirelessly relayed to the computer chip in the shell.

A magnet inside the bullet generates alternating current as it spins through the air, and conveys information to the microchip to let the bullet know how far it's traveled.

Once the computerized bullet reaches its programmed distance, it will explode, spreading shrapnel evenly in all directions, the report said.

The XM25 rifle is being developed by firearms producer Heckler & Koch, and costs $ 25,000 to $ 35,000 apiece, according to the report.

Troops operating in various outposts with high levels of enemy activity began carrying the semi-automatic XM25 rifles in November, the report said.

Depending on the feedback from the soldiers, the Army will decide whether to issue 12,500 smart rifles to troops in Afghanistan, starting in 2014, said the report. (PNA/Xinhua)
vcs/utb

Total sales of the auto industry from January to November 2010 registered an overall growth of 28.9 percent thus far to 153,163 units compared with 118,848 units for the same period of last year.

“We continue to be confident that this year 2010 will finally exceed the highest sales ever attained by the industry in 1996 of over 162,000 units,“ said Elizabeth Lee, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI).

”This year is an interesting year for auto players given the successful and relatively peaceful elections which contributed a relatively high volume in the first half of the year, high consumer and business confidence, aggressive financing packages, making it easy for consumers to purchase their vehicles, and continued strong remittances that fuels consumption,” she added.

Sales of passenger cars increased by 28 percent year to date with 53,407 units thus far, against 41,737 units in 2009. Likewise, commercial vehicles increased by 29.4 percent with 99,756 units compared with 77,111 units sold in 2009.

Total industry sales for the singular month of November, however, declined by 16.6 percent or 11,945 units vs October sales of 14,317. Passenger cars for the month of November also dropped by 22.8 percent to 3,922 units from 5,081 units in October.

An infant missing after the December 2004 South Asian Tsunami tragedy has now been traced, officials said Thursday.

Anoma Dissanayake, the chairman of National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) said the child now six years old was found in a house at Wellampitiya, a north Colombo suburb.

The NCPA said the child had been sold for 2,500 rupees (US$ 22) to the present guardians of the child by a member of hospital staff at the southern town of Galle which received most of the devastation from the tsunami.

The department would now ask the real parents to have DNA tests to prove the ownership of the child, Dissanayake said.

Around 30,000 people were killed by the 2004 tsunami which devastated two thirds of Sri Lanka's coastal line. Nearly 100,000 homes were also destroyed. (PNA/Xinhua)

WikiLeaks supporters have launched cyber attacks against organizations they view as the controversial whistleblower website's enemies, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The hackers forced the organizations' websites to grind to a halt in what they called "Operation Payback." The online activists targeted companies including MasterCard and Visa.

"The group, known as Anonymous and thought to be 1,500 to 2,000-strong, flooded the websites of the credit card companies, and that of the Swedish prosecution authority, with millions of bogus visits," the British newspaper wrote late on Wednesday.

The cyber attacks came after the firms, along with online payment company PayPal, announced they will no longer process donations to WikiLeaks.

The whistleblowing site has recently published part of over 250,000 secret US embassy cables.

WikiLeaks came under increasing international pressure after the publication, but world leaders have tried to downplay the adverse impact of the leak.

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin who recently wondered why WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was not pursued like al-Qaeda, said her website had also been attacked by the Anonymous group.

"This is what happens when you exercise the First Amendment and speak against his sick, un-American espionage efforts," she told ABC News. (PNA/RIA Novosti)

The Philippine National Karatedo Association, Inc. (PNKAI) will stage the “Pahalipay sa Pasko ni Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio” on December 12,(Sunday) from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the NCCC Mall, this city.

PNKAI President Ricardo M. Tacay said the event billed as the “2010 Mindanao Inter-school Karatedo Open Championship”, is in coordination with the City Government of Davao and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Tacay said this prestigious combat sport event, which will be participated by school children and adults (male and female) from various places in the country, aims at boosting the Davao City Christmas celebration, promote peace and tourism industry through sports and to develop discipline, fitness and character among school students, to keep them away from drugs and juvenile delinquency.

Tacay said invited to vie for honors in the men’s seniors open are the Philippine Air Force Karatedo Team of Villamor Air Base, Pasay City; Philippine Army’s 4th Infanry Division (ID); Philippine Karatedo Federation (PKF-X), Cagayan de Oro City; Philippine Karatedo League (Shito-ryu), Sta. Rosa City; Misamis Oriental Karatedo Association (MOKA); Philippine Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karatedo Association. (PSKA), Tagum City; Agusan del Sur Provincial Karatedo Team; Region 12 Karatedo Federation; and host Philippine Shotokan Karatedo Association International, Davao City.

Meanwhile, Tacay requested academes to compete in the inter-school category, like University of Mindanao (UM), Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC), Ateneo de Davao University ADDU), University of the Immaculate Concepcion (UIC), Assumption College of Davao (ACD), Good Soil Academy, Values School, Indonesian School of Davao City, St. Xavier University, Southern Philippines College, Corpus Christi School and Cagayan de Oro University, Misamis Oriental Institute of Science & Technology, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, Notre Dame of Tacurong and Cotabato Foundation Colleges of Science & Technology.

Tacay said the World Karate Federation (WKF) rules will be implemented to insure safety and protection of the contestants. It will be officiated by ex-national PKF champions and now veteran referees Shihan Bern Rexander Tacay of PSKAI Davao City; Shihan Dennis Aquino of Philippine Karatedo League (PKL) (Shito-ryu), Sta. Rosa City; and Shihan Dino Asinero of Modern Martial Arts Association, Misamis Oriental.

The judges are Senseis Cesar Racoma and Gerson Labininay of Cagayan de Oro City, Wilfredo Martinez of General Santos City, Rene Rosales and Reynold Alejo of North Cotabato, Anecito Dumat Sr. of Tagum City , Ben Genon of Agusan del Sur and Renshi Mila Romaquin of Davao City, he said.

On the other hand, Tacay urged karatedo athletes from various schools and clubs to participate in this government-sanctioned sport event.

“This is where athletes are more protected and the sport of karatedo is properly regulated,” he said.

Registration, weigh-in and checking of school credential and birth certificates of athletes as required will be conducted at the PNKAI/PSKAI headquarters on December 11, Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It will be followed by orientation of WKF tourney rules.

Tacay said side from 18 custom-made trophies and cash awards for 25 individual champions and honorarium for game officials donated by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

There will be 72 pieces gold, silver and bronze medals to be awarded to the winners by Chairman Ricardo “Ritchie” Garcia of PSC, he added. (PNA)

A joint Cebu City Hall and police intelligence team seized at least P3 million worth of pyrotechnics from the stalls of three distributors inside a mall in Cebu City Tuesday night.

The stalls were raided by officials from the City Treasurer’s Office, assisted by the operatives of the City Intelligence Branch (CIB) of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), for violating City Council Resolution 1394, which prohibits the sale, distribution and testing of firecrackers and pyrotechnics outside the designated firecracker zones at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Cebu City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva warned vendors against selling firecrackers in malls, markets and other public places, and asked them to display their goods only in the designated firecracker zone at the SRP.

”Don’t violate the law because we will surely impose penalties on those who do not comply,” Oliva said.

She said that under City Council Resolution 08-1394, firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices sold outside the designated area will be confiscated and destroyed as mandated under City Ordinance 82 and 1962.

The same resolution states that the display, sale and testing of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices shall be done only at the SRP between December and January.

Those who violate the ordinance will pay a fine of P5,000 and a permit fee of more than P2,000.

For many years, the dead and the living competed for “living space” in the old and crowded Lorega-San Miguel Cemetery in Cebu City.

In the end, the living won and the dead have to be relocated.

On Friday, Cebu City Hall personnel started digging the graves at the Lorega-San Miguel Cemetery to pave the way for the Gawad Kalinga Village, a socialized housing project that will benefit the informal settlers in the area.

Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon said the City Council committee on housing has obtained permits from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Health (DOH) and the City Health Department (CHD) to exhume the graves.

The contents of about 3,000 graves will either be placed in a bone chamber or buried in another cemetery.

Those who want to transfer the bodies of their loved ones can do so as long as they secure the necessary permits, Dizon said.

Many urban poor families have long called the Lorega-San Miguel Cemetery their home.

Cebu City officials have been discussing the closure of the cemetery long before the housing project was proposed because it violated certain provisions of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines.

The law states that cemeteries have to be 25 meters away from settlements and 50 meters from water sources.

Dizon said the construction of a low-rise residential building will start after the completion of the dig.

The Gawad Kalinga Village, a project approved by the 12th Sangunniang Panglungsod, will have eight buildings that will each accommodate 60 families. Around 300 households will benefit from the project.

Dizon said the city government has yet to finalize the monthly rent of the units. He assured the rent would be made affordable to beneficiaries.

The units will be constructed by Gawad Kalinga and JJ&J Construction, with each building to cost P15 million. Construction will take five to six months.

For now, only one building will be constructed and will be funded by the Priority Development Assistance Fund of former Congressman Raul del Mar (Cebu City, North District), and several nongovernment organizations.

Gawad Kalinga’s Tanny Go said they hope more will invest to build the other buildings. (PNA)

Mandaue City’s budget for 2010 will hit P1.19 billion if the proposed second supplemental budget is approved without cuts.

The second supplemental budget, amounting to P40.95 million, was referred to different committees for review.

It is needed “to meet the necessary expenditures of the city.”

From an original amount of P894.5 million, the city’s budget was augmented with a supplemental measure for P264.93 million, approved last July 28.

Councilor Beethoven Andaya sponsored the proposed second supplemental budget, on which the committee on laws is expected to report in the next session. Andaya heads the committee on appropriations, budget and finance.

The proposed supplemental budget will be sourced form tax revenues, including business taxes, Internal Revenue Allotment, operating or service income and the 20 percent development fund.

Among the expenses covered by the first supplemental budget for 2010 were senior citizens’ benefits, road maintenance and the purchase of garbage trucks and other vehicles.

It also included a tax mapping system and automation, for better revenue collections. (PNA)

An executive of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) has been appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III as the new director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB ) 7.

MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete, who announced Public Affairs Manager Ahmed Cuizon’s appointment as the new LTFRB 7 director, said it is “a big loss for MCIAA, but a huge gain for the LTFRB and for the country.”

”We at MCIAA extend our warmest congratulations to Cuizon and wish him all the luck in his new endeavors and responsibilities,” Villarete said.

Cuizon said he has yet to receive official documents to confirm his appointment.

“I am humbled by the kind words of someone as respected as Villarete. But I do not want to be too presumptive because I have yet to receive official documents to confirm it,” Cuizon said.

Cuizon said he is duty-bound to follow the decision of the President, since MCIAA and LTFRB are both attached agencies of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Earlier, LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said Malacañang is processing Cuizon’s appointment so he can replace Benjamin Go who will be assigned in Cotabato.

As early as 2008, then Cebu City mayor now Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district) endorsed Cuizon to the position of LTFRB 7 director after the position, which was occupied by Rogelio “Jingjing” Osmeña, was declared vacant by the Civil Service Commission. (PNA)

Bantay Dagat (Baywatch), this city’s marine environment watchdog, is lobbying for an increase in penalty against fishermen who will be using banned compressors in their fishing activities.

Councilor Luis Marcaida III, chairman of the Committee on Ordinances and Legal Matters in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, said Bantay Dagat Component Manager Ian Marcelo requested for them to amend the section of the ordinance that penalizes violators.

Marcaida said this can only be done if public consultation is done prior to the amendment.

This week, his committee conducted a public hearing on the matter in coastal villages in Puerto Princesa to inform fishermen that they are inclined to amend the penalty.

Marcaida explained that the reason for the proposed increase in penalty, which amount is yet to be determined, is the fact that the number of fishermen using the banned compressor has increased this year.

Another hearing is set to be conducted next week by the committee in a different coastal barangay in Puerto Princesa, he furthered, to fully resolve the proposed amendment.

The Bantay Dagat’s main function is “the protection and conservation of the city’s marine ecology by waging an all-out drive against illegal fishing and related activities in its four strategic bays, namely: Puerto Princesa Bay, Honda Bay, Turtle Bay and Ulugan Bay.” (PNA)
LAP/CARF/mec

A Japanese firm has started with three city employees in the operations of modern composting machines which will deal with efficiently managing the city's 166 tons of solid wastes generated here daily.

City Mayor Mauricio Domogan said that the city expects not to be "spending millions of pesos just bring our garbage to an engineered sanitary landfill in Capas, Tarlac."

"We are spending at least P2,000 to effectively dispose one ton of our garbage. A few days ago, we already received a demand for P6 million as tipping fee for the garbage disposal. The tipping fee does not still include the expenses for the hauling and other related expenses. Once we can operate these composting machines, we can generate income from the organic fertilizer produced and minimal non-biodegradable materials will be taken cared of by the company selling us the machines," he said.

Domogan expects that the start of operations of the composting machines will be February next year and "after May 31, 2011, we will no longer be hauling our garbage to Tarlac."

He said that efficient solid waste disposal here is important for the city's title as cleanest and greenest city in the country. (PNA)

Several lawmakers and city dads in Western Visayas are eyeing a P27-billion bridge project connecting the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that there will be two major bridges that will link the three islands in Western Visayas.

The first bridge, which will cost around P9 billion, will be 3.9 kilometers long and will connect the municipality of Leganes in Iloilo to the island province of Guimaras.

The second bridge, which is around P18 billion, will be spanning 9.5 kilometers. It will connect Guimaras to the municipality of Pulupandan in Negros Occidental.

Mabilog said it is part of the 10-year development plan for the region, from 2010 to 2020. It will be submitted to the RDC for screening and eventual submission to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

NEDA is expected to seek sources of funds for the bridge projects.

The mayor also said that Senators Miguel Zubiri, Ferdinand Marcos and Peter Cayetano have approved the project in principle. He also said that Sen. Franklin Drilon has promised to help the bridge project. - PNA

By Jelly F. Musico
Philippine News Agency

Constitutional law expert Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago said Friday that the Philippines will become a “failed state,” if administration representatives succeed in filing an impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona.

At an impromptu press conference, Santiago discussed the Supreme Court's recent decision declaring as unconstitutional the Truth Commission which was created under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Executive Order No. 1.

”The rumor that certain members of the House of Representatives are passing around an impeachment complaint for signature makes people jumpy. If the agitators succeed, the Philippines will definitely become a failed state according to standards set by the international legal community,” she said.

Santiago said that impeaching a chief justice by imputing “political motives” behind a decision clipping the President’s powers would be fatal to the tripartite system of government.

“The executive and legislative branches are political in nature. But the judicial branch is nonpolitical. If the chief justice is removed for political reasons, then that would be a signal that even the judicial branch has also become political. That would be the end of our democracy as we know it today,” she said.

Santiago said there was no need for panic among President Aquino’s supporters, because EO No. 1 and its declared unconstitutionality “is merely part of the learning curve process.”

Santiago said that President Aquino should not be derided over his judicial defeat, because he is learning on the job and he is handicapped by the lack of a legal adviser with expertise in constitutional law.

“Most Supreme Court decisions turn on a constitutional issue, and logic dictates that President Aquino should have a topnotch constitutionalist in his staff. Of his present lawyers, I would merely say that their doctrinal foundations are horribly inadequate,” she said.

Santiago also warned the public, saying that since the case remains pending, there should be no discussion on the merits, but only on the factual circumstances of the case.

“The Supreme Court has the power to cite for contempt any person spouting his own peculiar judicial philosophy while the case is pending. We are all bound by the presumption of regularity. We have to presume that official duty has been regularly performed,” she said.

Santiago disagreed with commentators who said that the case was decided on equal protection grounds.

“This is not a case of whether equal protection has been denied to ex-President Arroyo. This is a case of whether President Aquino has the power to create an agency without a prior law by Congress authorizing him to do so. This is a case questioning whether the President has legislative power independently of Congress,” she said.

Santiago said that President Aquino has no legislative power of his own but, under the Administrative Code, he merely has so-called ordinance power, or the power to issue rules and regulations pursuant to a law passed by Congress.

As a constitutional law expert, Santiago lamented the use by the Supreme Court justices of what she called “old equal protection analysis.”

“The old equal protection consisted of only one standard â€"- the rational relationship between the classification made by the law, and the national policy that the law seeks to serve. It is disappointing that the justices continued to use the rational relationship test, which is very lenient,” she said.

Santiago said that the new equal protection now uses three standards -â€" rational relationship, intermediate standard, and strict scrutiny.

“Since the Truth Commission involves a fundamental interest of the state, the majority should have applied the standard of strict scrutiny, which usually results in striking down the classification. That would have been more consistent,” she said.

How much is Samsung Galaxy Tab?

teki-teki for baby.

hubag bohol, show up!

I hate dugo-dugo. This food is prohibited by the Bible, Old and New Testament.

Monitoring on the updates about Wikileaks founder.

I hope this activity is pursued in the coming years.

Yes, Philippines is now a puppy of China. America should do something about it.

PDI: Human rights activists and lawmakers were shocked and disappointed at the Philippine government’s decision to align with China in boycotting the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony honoring imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo.

“The Philippines prides itself on its democratic values, which is why it is shocking to see this government turning its back on Liu Xiaobo’s nonviolent struggle for free expression in China,” Elaine Pearson, deputy director for Asia of The Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

Pearson noted that President Benigno Aquino III’s mother, the late democracy icon Corazon Aquino, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986, the same year she led the peaceful People Power Revolution that ousted Marcos.

The Philippines declined the invitation to attend Friday’s ceremony in Oslo, Norway.

Pearson said skipping the ceremony along with 17 other countries, including China’s allies such as Venezuela and Cuba, regional neighbors including Vietnam and Kazakhstan, and business partners such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, meant that the Philippines “is failing to live up to its promise to promote human rights in Asia.”

Calling the Department of Foreign Affairs’ decision disappointing, Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello said he would write letters of protest to both the DFA and the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

“We protest if the US tries to pressure us. I think we should equally protest when the Chinese do so. We should not let this superpower slap us around,” Bello said.

He noted that human rights had been central in the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship and for democracy. “This has been institutionalized,” he said

By Danny Kemp
Agence France-Presse

Hackers stepped up their cyber war in support of WikiLeaks on Thursday as the embattled whistleblowers released memos showing that the United States views China as a "pernicious" competitor in Africa.

The Swedish government's website was forced offline after a group calling itself "Anonymous" vowed to intensify its "war of data" against Mastercard, Visa and other groups which have blocked funding to WikiLeaks.

Organiszers of the group said thousands of volunteers had joined the defense of WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange, who is in jail in London on an extradition request from Sweden over sex crimes allegations.

"This is a war of data, we are trying to keep the Internet open and free for everyone, just the way the Internet has been and always was," said a spokesman for Anonymous, a man with a British accent calling himself "Coldblood".

"Some of the main targets involve Amazon, Mastercard, Visa and PayPal," he told BBC radio.

In an online chat with AFP, organizers said they had started with only around 50 users taking part in the distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks that bombard websites to take them offline, but now had around 4,000.

"We recruit through the Internet, that means, everywhere: imageboards, forums, Facebook, Twitter... you name it, we're using it," they said.

Twitter and Facebook later removed accounts for the Anonymous group's "Operation Payback" campaign on the grounds that it was targeting individuals.

As well as Mastercard, Visa and PayPal, hackers have also shut the website of the Swiss Post Office bank for severing ties to WikiLeaks and the website of the Swedish prosecutor's office for pursuing Assange.

The latest apparent victim was the Swedish government, according to a report in the country's top-selling daily newspaper.

Aftonbladet said the official government website, http://www.regeringen.se/, was offline for a few hours overnight to Thursday, publishing a screen shot which showed the server could not be reached.

The paper also reported that WikiLeaks supporters had created a website bearing Swedish Justice Minister Beatrice Ask's name which then redirected users to WikiLeaks own site.

Members of Anonymous also took aim on Wednesday at the websites of US conservative standard bearer Sarah Palin and US Senator Joe Lieberman, who called for US companies to withdraw technical support for WikiLeaks.

Palin has described Assange as "an anti-American operative with blood on his hands" and called for him to be hunted down like Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

Assange is currently in a south London prison. He handed himself into police on Tuesday after Sweden issued a European arrest warrant and he was then refused bail.

His lawyers, who plan to visit him later Thursday, said Assange remains in "very good spirits". They said they will discuss a possible bid to win his release on bail ahead of a December 14 hearing on extradition to Sweden.

"My colleague Mark Stephens spoke to him yesterday and he was in very good spirits. He (Assange) was confident that we will be able to clear his name and that we will be able to beat this," lawyer Jennifer Robinson told AFP.

His supporters have vowed the arrest will not halt the flow of secrets, with the latest revelations causing more embarrassment for Washington.

The most explosive came in an assessment by Johnnie Carson, the US assistant secretary of state for African affairs, who illustrated the tensions caused by China's increasing involvement in resource-rich Africa.

"China is a very aggressive and pernicious economic competitor with no morals. China is not in Africa for altruistic reasons," Carson said in a February meeting with oil executives in Nigeria.

"China is in Africa for China primarily," he said, according to a confidential cable written by the US consul-general in Lagos.

Carson said another reason was to "secure votes in the United Nations from African countries" to forward China's own aims, and also to limit diplomatic support for its rival Taiwan.

Other cables showed Washington put intense pressure on Berlin to not enforce arrest warrants against CIA agents involved in the 2003 abduction of a German citizen mistakenly believed to be a terrorist.

And senior Australian politicians insisted Sports Minister Mark Abib was not a "spy" for Washington after WikiLeaks cables reportedly revealed he was a "protected" source for the US.

Do You Support or Condemn Wikileaks Website?

Bug in Google Chrome Browser

If you have a Wordpress blog and you post a new blogpost by copying a text from a word document, the article that you copied from the word doc is being duplicated in your Wordpress blog, meaning two identical articles are being copied instead of one.

Have you experienced this problem?

Where to stay in Talibon Bohol?

Have you stayed in Cagayan Park View Hotel?

Letsplaychess.com presents D.Byrne vs Fischer
Fisher played black, Byrne white. He was 13 years old then.

By Lilybeth G. Ison

The committee on ways and means of the House of Representatives approved on Wednesday a proposed measure seeking to impose a value simplified tax (VAST) in place of the value added tax (VAT).

House committee chair and Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, author of House Bill No. 1970, said the approval of the measure will accelerate the legislative process on the bill.

"We are now ready for a full debate on the measure as we will hear the views of our other colleagues in the plenary," he said.

Mandanas said his authorship of the bill had been motivated by the need to increase tax collections, improve the people's perception regarding tax impositions by the government, provide a system that eliminates the scheme predisposed to leakages and loopholes, avoid occasion of corruption, and put in place a more efficient means to maximize the revenue take of the government.

"I've expected differences of opinion on the bill. But let me stress the bill is a response to our promise of change to the people. We've also promised to reduce corruption," he said.

"This bill will also reduce our budget deficit. The VAT is a good law itself, but the problems lies on its actual implementation. Even in the development of our country, it doesn't work," he added.

Mandanas said HB 1970 seeks to amend the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, to institute the VAST that will effectively replace the highly unpopular VAT.

"Without Congress being perceived to be attempting to hike taxes imposed on the consumers or ultimate users of goods and services, HB 1970 aims to increase the collection of taxes under the NIRC of 1997, as amended by simplifying the taxation system, and reducing the discretion or interpretations of tax applicability that increase temptation for corruption and reduce the tax collection efficiency of the government," he said.

HB 1970 provides for a reduction of the tax rate by 50 percent, or from the current 12 percent to six percent. It shall also allow all the exemptions under the VAT system to continue under the VAST.

Section 1 of the bill which seeks the amendment of Section 105 of the NIRC, defines VAST as an indirect tax and the amount of which may be shifted or passed on to the buyer, transferee or lessee of the goods, properties or services.

This rule shall also apply to existing contracts of sale or lease of goods, properties or services at the time of the effectivity of Republic Act No. 7716, or the restructured VAT law.

The bill also provides for a repeal of the input tax and claims of presumptive VAT provisions which were found to be occasions of corruption and causes of material reduction in the expected tax collections of the government.

It also provides for establishment of a framework to facilitate further reduction in the VAST rate through simplifications of the system and reduction of complicated and discretionary tax provisions.

The proposed law would also increase further the exemptions under the VAST system by including all the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Coast Guards and Customs Police, and also retired public school teachers who served over a period of not less than 30 years, or even earlier, if retirement is due to injuries or sickness suffered while in the line of duty.

The threshold of the exempted maximum sale subject to VAST shall also be increased for small vendors and sales/lease of real estates. The provisions applying for three percent tax on sales amounting to P2.5 million and below shall also continue based on the bill.

Cavite Rep. Crispin Remulla, who moved for the approval of HB 1970, expressed hope for cooperation from the Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and National Tax Research Center (NTRC) in supporting the proposal.

"We need to shape up the system. Hence, we are calling for the cooperation of Department of Finance, Bureau of Internal Revenue and National Tax Research Center in this endeavor," said Remulla.

Who is the greatest Bol-anon Chess Player?

Is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Untouchable?

By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.

MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) - Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila De Lima voiced out on Wednesday what some sectors said in the past that former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo "packed the Supreme Court (SC) with her appointees who will help get her off the hook" for alleged graft and corruption during her nine-year administration.

In a press statement, De Lima could not hide her disappointment over the decision of the High Court nullifying the Truth Commission.

President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 1 creating the Truth Commission on July 30.

To be headed by former SC Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., it was tasked to investigate reports of alleged anomalies during the Arroyo administration such as the botched US$ 329-million NBN-ZTE deal and the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, among others.

By a vote of 10-5 on Tuesday, the SC declared EO 1 as "unconstitutional."

The DOJ chief said it "shows characteristics of a political decision."

De Lima said there is basis for the speculations "that the investment of the past administration in the Office of the Ombudsman and the High Court is now paying off, as present executive actions to correct injustices and abuses of the past regime and to punish the perpetrators are frustrated at every turn."

She called it a "wise institutional investment of the past regime."

De Lima specifically noted Arroyo's appointment of Chief Justice Renato Corona "despite the ban on appointments."

The SC had already decided on this matter, saying in March this year that appointments to the Court are not included in the so-called "midnight appointment ban" during an election year.

This decision allowed then President Arroyo to appoint then Associate Justice Renato Corona as the 23rd Chief Justice of the highest court of the land.

De Lima said that the SC voting had become predictable.

She noted that it is the Constitution itself that provides to prevent a single president from packing the SC with only his or her appointees.

Of the 15 SC justices, only Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was appointed by President Aquino.

Sereno is one of the five justices who dissented in the decision.

However, De Lima admitted that "unfortunately, the loophole in the Constitution prevailed when former President Arroyo appointed the majority of the present Court."

On the SC's argument that the Truth Commission violated equal protection rights, De Lima said: "Equal protection applies within a class, not between a few who stole and abused, and the many from whom they stole and whom they abused."

She noted that the violation in this clause of the Constitution is, in fact, when "the privileged few are effectively exempted from investigation, prosecution and punishment, while the great majority of the people continue to wallow in the murk of their crimes."

Despite her criticisms, De Lima stressed "we still fervently hope…that this was not the primary consideration in this decision of the Court, and that the considerations were always legal and constitutional, as they should be."

In a text message, SC Spokesman and Court Administrator Atty. Jose Midas Marquez said: "The public must understand that in holding EO 1 as unconstitutional, the Court is not ruling in favor of or against any party, but is merely applying the provisions and principles of the Constitution, which is in accordance with the Court's mandate and responsibility and the rule of law." - pna

Who Is Your Secret Admirer?

Nila Monnahlie G. Olandria ug Kristel Cordero, SWU (Banat)

CEBU, Philippines - Gumikan kay nakatulog, nagtibi ang usa ka security guard nga misumbong sa kapolisan kay gipupho sa wala hiilhing k******n ang mga butang nga iyang gibantayan   didto sa sitio Buena Hills, barangay Guadalupe, ning dakbayan sa Sugbo kagahapon sa kaadlawon.

Si Charlito Rica, 22, ulitawo nga taga B. Aranas Extension, ning dakbayan sa Sugbo misumbong sa kapolisan nga pagmata pa niya kagahapon sayo sa buntag, sinaw na ang nagkalainlaing mga butang nga iyang gibantayan.

Kini naglakip sa 40 metros nga duplex wire, 3 ka kahon nga electrical wire, welding clamp, mga senina, sapatos ug cell phone nga gipanag-iya   sa usa ka trabahante nga si Rommel Elladora.

Si Rica nga ubos sa JKits Security Agency miangkon sa kapolisan nga puwerting hinanoka niya sa pagkatulog dihang gihilom og signit sa wala hiilhing k******n ang nahisgutang mga butang.

Ni Rey Pasaporte (Banat)

Padayong gi-obserbahan sa mga doktor sa Cebu City Medical Center ang usa ka piniriso sa detention cell sa Carbon Police Station nga giingong misuway sa paghikog pinaagi sa pagparok sa iyang ulo sa semento sa miaging gabii ug nadiskubrehan usab nga adunay dagom nga gilubong sa bukton niini.

Tulo ka jailers nag-atubang na karun og imbestigasyon samtang laing upat usab ka polis ang gipatubag sa City Intelligence Branch (CIB) ug Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) sa Cebu City Police Office subay sa kamanduan ni Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe.

Si Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, hepe sa CIB nga nahinabi sa mga tigbalita miila sa misuway og hikog nga si Paulio Luardo Dibdib walay klarong address ug nag-atubang og kasong pagpanglugos.

Matud ni Santander nga base sa pangangkon sa mga polis giparok ni Dibdib ang ulo ngadto sa semento sulod sa detention cell ug uwahi nang namatikdan sa usa sa mga jailers nga daghan nang nagbanaw nga dugo gikan sa ulo niini hinungdan nga gidali nila og dala sa CCMC.

Usa ka 27-anyos nga dalaga ang nabiktima sa pagpanglugos sa wala mailhing lalaki dihang paingon nang mopauli gikan nag-jogging niadtong Martes sa alas 5:30 sa buntag sa barangay Canhabagat, lungsod sa Medellin.

Base sa imbestigasyon sa kapolisan nga ang biktima giingong gitiunan og kutsilyo sa wala mailhing lalaki kinsa nagsul-ob og maskara unya gidala ngadto sa tunga-tunga sa katubhan sa nahisgutang barangay ug gilugos.

Human niini gikuha sa lalaki ang cellphone sa biktima.Ang biktima igo nalang misumbong sa kapolisan ug miingon nga adunay patik nga ‘dragon’ sa duha ka bukton ang rapist.

Si SPO2 Jose Valles sa Medellin Police Station nagkanayon nga posibleng ang maong hitabo giplano na sa maong lalaki tungod kay ang biktima halos matag adlaw kining mag-jogging. (BANAT)

Ni Brenda Batuto (Banat) 

CEBU, Philippines - Usa ka menor de edad nga Australian ang mireklamong giunay og lugos sa iyang amigo niadtong Martes sa kaadlawon diha sa barangay Patupat, lungsod sa Barili.

Ang suspetsado kinsa nagtingkagol karon sa Barili Police Station detention cell ang 18-anyos nga residente sa nahisgutang barangay ug mag-atubang og kasong pagpanglugos may kalambigitan sa kalapasan sa Akta Republika 7610 kon “Violation Against Women and Children Act”.

Ni Darrel A. Carumba (Banat)

Gibanabanang mikabat sa P90 mil ang kantidad sa salapi nga nasakiyo sa duha ka wala hiilhing k******n kinsa milungkab sa municipal treasurer’s office ug kumbento sa lungsod sa Poro isla sa Camotes, sa miaging kaadlawon.

Apan ang nahitabo sa buhatan sa tresurera sa munisipyo sa maong lungsod kagahapon na sa alas 7:00 sa buntag hisayri dihang nangabot na ang mga kawani sa maong buhatan.

Subay sa spot report gikan sa Poro Police Station nga nadawat sa Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) nasayran nga ang duha ka k******n pulos mga menor de edad kinsa didto moagi sa luyong bahin sa munisipyo pinaagi sa pagguba sa jalousy sa bintana sa opisina sa DSWD dayon didto kini moagi paingon ngadto sa buhatan sa municipal treasurer.

Didto sa buhatan sa treasurer’s office giligwatan ang kaha de yero hinungdan nga na-abli ug nakuha gyud ang gibana banang P90 mil nga kwarta sa maong buhatan.

Ni Romeo T. Limpangog (Banat)

Usa ka bayong â€"bayong gipasakaan og kaso human kini masakping nanghinol sa lawas sa usa ka dalagitang anak og boksidor samtang natulog sa ilang balay sa sitio Capusoan sa barangay Cambaro, dakbayan sa Mandaue sa miaging gabii.

Si Inspector Ramil Morpos, hepe sa Investigation Detection and Management Bureau (IDMB) sa Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) mibutyag sa Banat News nga mitahang malinawon sa ilang buhatan ang bayong-bayong kansang ngalan gipugngan.

Matud pa ni Morpos nga human hisakpi sa akto ang suspetsado, dali kaayo kining nakaikid sa bintana ug milayat kini, dayon mikaratil og dagan pahilayo sa maong lugar sa kabalaka nga panitan siya sa mga tagtungod sa iyang gihinol nga dalagita.

Hinuon tungod malagmit sa kabalaka sa mahitabo niya, mitunga kini ngadto sa buhatan sa kapolisan nga kuyog sa inahan aron sa pagtahan sa iyang kaugalingon.

Dihang giimbestigar, giangkon sa bayongbayong nga hubog siya niadtong higayona hinungdan nga nakasulod siya sa lawak sa dalagita apan wala niya kini panamastamasi.

Ni Brenda Batuto (Banat) 

Nalandig sa tambalanan ang usa ka 19-anyos nga babaye nga mabdos og unom ka buwan human kini gikulata sa iyang 17-anyos nga manghud nga lalake kagahapon sa udto diha sa barangay Lawaan III, dakbayan sa Talisay.

Ang biktima kinsa nagreklamo nga gisakitan sa tiyan daling gidala nila ni PO3 Ferdinand Pablo ngadto sa Talisay City District Hospital ug gibalhin sa Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Si PO3 Edwin Alvarado, duty desk officer sa Talisay City Police Station nga nahinabi sa Banat News kagahapon mibutyag nga ala 1:45 sa hapon kagahapon ang biktima uban sa iyang inahan nga mianha sa police station ug nagpa-blotter.

Matud ni Alvarado nga sa wala pa mahitabo ang pagpangulata gibadlong sa biktima ang iyang manghud nga dili magsige og paandar sa ilang electric fan. Apan gikatahong nasuko kini ug misangpot sa panaglalis sa duha. Ang biktima mipasangil nga gihapak siya og bato sa suspek diha sa iyang baba hinungdan nga nagisi kini. Apan imbes nga maluoy wala kini matagbaw ug gipatidpatiran ug gisukmag niini ang iyang tiyan.

Ang paryente sa suspetsado ug biktima mao nay mitawag ngadto sa mga polis aron mangayo og panabang.

Ni Monnahlie Olandria ug Ma. Gladys Alterado SWU (Banat)

Samdan ang usa ka asawa human kini aksidenteng natigbasan og sanggot sa iyang bana didto sa ilang balay sa barangay San Antonio, lungsod sa Bogo sa miaging gabii.

Ang biktima giila nga si Maria Andrino, 46, nga nagpuyo sa maong barangay tipon sa suspetsado nga si Jimmy Andrino, hingkod, nga iya ra usab nga bana.

Sigun sa kapolisan , sa wala pa mahitabo ang pagpanigbas , ang suspetsado hubog nga miabot sa ilang balay ug nagkalalis ang magtiyaon tungod sa problema bahin sa panginabuhi.

Ang bana nga init nang daan og ulo gumikan sa gilala niining ilimnong makahubog, giingong mikuha og sanggot.

Ang tuyo unta mao lang ang paghadlok sa iyang asawa, apan giingong aksidenteng na-igo ang siko sa iyang asawa sa nagsinaw-sinaw nga suwab sa hait kaayong sanggot.

Nila Ryss Marie Cabando USJR ug Homer Montesclaros SWU (Banat)

Usa ka puya ang napalgan kagahapon sa sitio Huyong-huyong sa barangay Alaska-Mambaling pasado alas 9:30 sa buntag.

Usa ka Rafaela Larbida, 62, fruit vendor molupyo sa maong lugar ug si Geraldine Randall usa ka nurse sa Health Center sa Mambaling, 43, molupyo sa Poblacion, Sibonga maoy nakakaplag sa maong puya.

Sumala pa nila sa kapulisan nga mogamit unta sila sa pangpublikong kasilyas, mao nalay ilang nakit-an ang usa ka fetus nagbitay nga gisulod og plastik.

Dali silang mitawag sa kapulisan ug sa pagsusi sa mga awtoridad gibana-banang unom ka buwan ang maong puya. Kini ilang gidala sa St. Francis Funeral Home.

Ni Darrel Carumba (Banat)

Nalandig sa tambalanan ang duha ka electrician human nakuryentihan samtang nagtaod og wirings sa usa ka pinuy-anan sa barangay San Miguel lungsod sa Cordova niadtong Biyernes sa alas 10:00 sa buntag.

Ang mga biktima mao sila si Jason Castro, ug Alfredo Margaton, ug mga molupyo sa nahisgutang lugar nakaangkon og 1st ug 2nd degree burns sa ilang lawas.

Ang mga biktima nga pulos nalandig sa Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center dihang nahinabi sa DyDD miingon nga nagtaod sila sa wiring sa usa ka dakung panimalay diha sa maong lugar ug wala sila makabantay nga dunay paksit ang maong wire sa kuryente.

Ni Romeo T. Limpangog (Banat) 

Higpit nga gidid-an ang mga garbage collector sa dakbayan sa Mandaue sa pagpangayo og pinaskohan gikan sa publiko.

Si Engineer Henry Ceniza , ang hepe sa General Services Office (GSO) sa maong dakbayan   atol sa press conference mibutyag nga dili angayang mangayo ang mga basurero og pinaskohan aron dili masaypan nga nangilkil sila sa katawhan.

Matud pa ni Ceniza nga ang mga garbage collector nga masakpan nga mangayo og unsa mang butang gikan sa katawhan ning panahon sa Pasko mapahamtangan og silot nga pagkasuspenso o pagkalagpot sa trabaho.

Gani giawhag ni Ceniza ang katawhan sa pagtaho sa iyang buhatan kutob sa mga basurero nga mangayo og kuwarta o unsa mang matang pinaskohan gikan kanila. Hinuon iyang gitataw nga dili nila did-an ang mga tigkolekta sa basura sa pagdawat og pinaskohan kun boluntaryo kining gihatag kanila ug wala nila pangayoa.

Nila ni Ma. Gladys Alterado, Homer R. Montesclaros ug Monnahlie G.Olandria, SWU (Banat)

Duha ka babaye ang nawad-an og dul-ang P200,000 nga gisakiyo sa mga kiriwan sa managlahing lugar dinhi sa Metro Cebu sa miaging adlaw.

Ang mga biktima mao sila si Sheila Mae Yao, 29, nga taga Deca Homes sa barangay Tungkil, lungsod sa Minglanilla, ug Lady Shen Miñoza , hingkod, minyo nga taga sitio Pulang Bato, barangay Pit-os ning dakbayan sa Sugbo.

Si Yao nawad-an sa iyang P158,000 dihang ang bag nga iyang gisudlan niini gibilin niya sa iyang sakyanan.

Kini samtang nakighusay siya sa drayber sa laing sakyanan nga midumbol sa iyang kotse didto sa atubangan sa Lovely Home Subdivision sa barangay Mohon, dakbayan sa Talisay sa miaging buntag.

Iyang gitug-an ngadto sa kapolisan, nga sa pagbalik pa niya nahanaw na ang iyang bag diha sa lingkoranan sa iyang sakyanan.

Gawas sa kuwarta, didto usab sa maong bag ang iyang ATM card ug uban pang mga papeles.

Samtang si Miñoza   bag-o lang nag-withdraw og P35,000 gikan sa bangko, sa miaging hapon, dihang samtang naglakaw siya sa Urgello Street, barangay Sambag I, ning dakbayan sa Sugbo, kalit lang gihunongan siya sa usa ka yellow nga motorsiklo unya gilabni ang iyang bag nga gisudlan sa kuwarta sa nagsakay nga wala hiilhi sa maong motor, dayong sirit niini pahilayo sa maong lugar. Sa pagkakaron gipangita pa sa kapolisan ang mga k******n.

Ni Ryss Marie Cabando USJ (Banat)   

Nadakpan sa kapulisan ang usa ka gipasanginlang tig-suplay og shabu sa mga drayber sa habal-habal sa barangay Lahug ug Busay atol sa buy bust operation sa mga sakop sa City Intelligence Branch (CIB) sa Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) sa miaging gabii diha sa barangay Busay dakbayan sa Sugbu.

Si Danny Arda, 31, nadakpan diha sa iyang pinuy-anan sa sitio Garaje, Busay ug nakuhaan siyam ka medium ug small packs sa gituohang ang sulod niini shabu.

Si Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, hepe sa CIB nga nahinabi sa mga tigbalita mitug-an usa ka polis ang poseur buyer ug mipalit og usa ka pakete sa shabu nga nagkantidad og P300 hinungdan sa pagdakop kaniya.

Ni Kristel Cordero, SWU (Banat)

CEBU, Philippines - Samdan ang usa ka lalaki human kini dunggaba sa bayaw niyang liso og pangisip didto sa barangay Jugan , lungsod sa Consolacion sa miaging hapon.

Ang biktima giila nga si Jimmy Sansan, hingkod, nga taga Jugan, samtang ang suspetsado mao si Ruben Judaya, 52, kinsa giingong liso og pangisip o wala sa hustong panghunahuna ug silingan ra usab sa biktima.

Nasayran nga ang biktima diha ra sa ilang balay dihang sa walay igong hinungdan kalit lamang kining giduol sa suspetsado samtang nagtalikod ug gihansakan dayon ang buko-buko sa iyang kutsilyo.

Gisundan pa og laing mga dunggab, ug gipanagang kini sa biktima nga maoy hinungdan nga nasamad usab kini sa bukton.

Ni Romeo T. Limpangog (Banat)

Patay ang usa ka langyaw human moambak sa dagat gikan sa giluwanan niining yati sa Vistamar Beach Resort sa barangay Mactan, dakbayan sa Lapulapu sa miaging Domingo sa gabii.

Ang namatay mao ang usa ka Korean national nga si Michael Heong Yu, hingkod, ug temporaryong nagpuyo sa nahisgutang beach resort .

Si PO2 Ron Vincent Gaite nga nadestino isip tourist police sa maong dapit miingon nga nagpatrolya sila sa miaging gabii ug ilang nadawat ang report bahin sa maong hitabo.

Napalgan ang biktima sa mga diver sa kadagatan sa maong dapit ug gidala dayon kini ngadto sa Mactan Doctors Hospital sa barangay Basak sa maong dakbayan diin kini ideklarar nga dead on arrival.

Banat News Freeman

Nabun-og ang usa ka lalaki human kini tabangi og kulata sa mga tawo kinsa nakasakop kaniya nga nanguot sa mga pasahero sa usa ka PUJ didto sa dalan MJ Cuenco Avenue, barangay T. Padilla, ning dakbayan sa Sugbo sa miaging gabii.

Ang suspetsado nailhan nga si Alex Palermo, 42, taga barangay Yati lungsod sa Lilo-an.

Ang iyang mga biktima mao sila si Dinah Pilapil, 32 ug ang ig-agaw niini nga si Godwin Pilapil, 21, pulos taga barangay Tinago ning siyudad.

Ang mga biktima misumbong sa kapolisan, nga samtang nagsakay sila sa maong pasaheroang jeep, hinay-hinay nga gikuot ni Palermo ang bag ni Pilapil nga may sud nga pitaka, ug may cash nga P1,000 , ATM card ug mga mahinungdanong papeles.

Maayo nalang gani kay nabantayan dayon kini sa iyang ig-agaw hinungdan nga misinggit kini ug ang suspetsado dali usab dayong mi-ambak gikan sa jeep.

Unya misuway kini og sakay sa laing PUJ aron pag-eskapo, apan nadakpan siya sa mga molupyo sa maong dapit ug gitabangan siya og kulata.

Dali usab nga miresponde ang mga barangay tanod nga sila si Jerome Lim ug si Manuel Hernani sa barangay Tejero, kinsa maoy mi-turn-over sa suspek ngadto sa kapolisan.

Matud ni SPO3 Rene Cerna sa Waterfront Police Station, nga posibleng naggamit og gidiling druga ang suspetsado tungod kay nasakmitan nila kini og   usa ka marijuana stick.

By Flor Z. Perolina (The Freeman)

A retired Philippine Air Force employee was arrested for bashing his wife and son Monday night in their home in sitio Culo in barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

Rolando Salimbangon Sr, 55, married, was turned over to the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office after his arrest by village watchmen.

His wife Lucia Salimbangon, 55, said she was constantly clobbered every time her husband was drunk, and this time she sought assistance from the tanods when she got the chance.

The Homicide Section said a case of physical injuries will be filed against the man. (FREEMAN)

By Ria Mae Y. Booc/FPL (The Freeman)

A man was stoned to death by his friend Monday dawn for becoming unruly while having a drinking session in Barangay Baliang, Danao City, Cebu

Reneboy Dawe, 39, died because of severe head injury when his friend Richard Capungan pelted him with stones.

Capungan, 34, and the victim were having a drinking session while attending a benefit dance. Dawe reportedly went on berserk, pulling out a 6-inches knife and tried to stab the suspect.

Capungan escaped from the attack and pelted Dawe with a big stone on the head causing the latter to fall. While the victim lays unconscious on the ground, Capungan took another stone and pounded Dawe's head.

SPO4 Jose Salingua Jr. of Danao City Police Station said that the victim was harboring personal grudge against the suspect. It was allegedly triggered because of drunkenness.

"Mao na kung maka-inom maka-estorya na og bati," Salingua said.

Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards, has died after a battle with breast cancer, a family spokesperson has said.

Mrs Edwards' doctors announced on Monday that further treatment would be unproductive and that she might only have months to live.

Mr Edwards and his wife separated in January after revelations he had fathered a child during an affair.

Mr Edwards ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.

Mrs Edwards, 61, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2004. The disease then went into remission until the 2008 presidential campaign.

Mr Edwards declined to withdraw from the race until effectively forced out by Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama months later.

"Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence, but she remains the heart of this family," her family said in a statement.

"We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life. On behalf of Elizabeth, we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family." - BBc

Nakasuway na ba ka ug Chikinini?

I had decided not to use Firefox anymore. It consumed 300 MB of my CPU.

The so-called Panglao folks/fishermen missed the whole point. Panglao sea and all that is therein is owned by the State, the Philippine Government. It is owned by the entire Filipino nation. For them to say that they should decide for themselves is a stupid idea, as stupid as the Panglao Reclamation Idea. You cannot decide for something that you do not own. Panglao people don't own the environment. It belongs to the State, the Philippine Government.

Apparently, there's still money to be made in boxing -- because 'Sugar' Shane Mosley pulled $650,000 per MONTH in 2010 ... this according to legal docs filed in his divorce case.

Mosley was just ordered to pay his soon-to-be ex-wife Jin Mosley a whopping $20,000 per month in support starting this month ... plus he's got to shell out an extra $60,000 for the past three months.

According to the docs, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Jin claims she needs the cash to pay for several monthly expenses like:

-- Clothes ....................................................$5,073
-- Jewelry ................................................... $1,666
-- Cosmetics, beauty ....................................$2,000
-- Massage therapist .....................................$360
-- Personal trainer .........................................$720

The couple was also ordered to sell their Southern California mansion ASAP so they can divvy up the cash from that deal.

Mosley did get one minor victory -- the judge ruled he's allowed to keep his 2006 H3.

The man appreciates a good Hummer. Tmz.com, source

For Period Ending - Dec 5, 2010
(For last Week's Top 10 Click here and Check out the Changes to the list)

POUND-FOR-POUND Top 10
1. MANNY PACQUIAO
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT
2. FLOYD MAYWEATHER
WELTERWEIGHT
3. SERGIO MARTINEZ
MIDDLEWEIGHT
4. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
LIGHTWEIGHT
5. NONITO DONAIRE
JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT
6. PONGSAKLEK WONJONGKAM
FLYWEIGHT
7. FERNANDO MONTIEL
BANTAMWEIGHT
8. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
HEAVYWEIGHT
9. TIMOTHY BRADLEY
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT/WELTERWEIGHT
10. JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ
FEATHERWEIGHT

Press Release

“We are less than a month away towards Human Rights Day, (and) I would like to bring to your attention an example of how a government agency has, for so long, been violating the human rights of our senior citizens, although perhaps unconsciously.”

First district Rep. Rene Relampagos echoed the call at the House of Representatives, choosing the topic on the plight of the elderly, during his first privilege speech delivered in last Monday's session of Congress.

The solon identified the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) as the offending agency and recounted a letter from a constituent where the writer identified herself as a 78-year-old former superintendent of schools.

Quoting extracts of the letter, Relampagos stressed the hardship that GSIS pensioners experience because of changing policies and modes of payment of the monthly pensions of the GSIS and the lack of sympathy for their enfeebled condition.

“The sender of this letter is a former superintendent of schools. Imagine how much more difficult it is for those who retired as ordinary government officials. To whom would they reach out to and how;” he asked his colleagues in Congress Relampagos also cited a letter in the September 4, 2010 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, where a certain Lourdes Morato of Cavite, wrote that it had been two and a half years since she filed a request for re-computation of retirement benefits, updating of her service record, and a refund of excess loan payments with, as yet, no action

has been done on her request.

Now 67 years old, Morato is retired from government service in January 2008.

“This has been a persistent and widespread problem involving thousands of our government retirees from Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. They, who gave the best years of their lives in the service of our people, and who are now in the twilight of their lives, are experiencing tremendous sufferings to obtain financial benefits that they do not only deserve, but which are due them,” Relampagos pleaded

“This is cruel, insensitive, inhuman, unjustified, and inexcusable. The standard reply or excuse of the GSIS is that they are in the process of a systems upgrade and a database overhaul. This has been the excuse for more than a year. This puts to task the management of the GSIS why the systems upgrade and data overhaul has taken so

long at the expense of the elderly retirees, some of whom come from afar and are

even terminally ill,” the First District solon continued Relampagos highlighted that as a signatory to the Madrid International Plan of

Action for Older Persons and the Macau Plan of Action for Older Persons 1998 and Shanghai Implementation Strategy 2002, the Philippines should be at the forefront of protecting the rights of senior citizens.

However, figures from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) state that of the seven million Filipinos who are over 60 years old, three million live in poverty and 900,000 are desperately poor. GSIS pensioners are among them.

He also cited an Inquirer report on how the Philippines is the only country in Asia that has no social pension for poor, older people, those not formally employed when they were younger and thus did not have social security or insurance that they could draw from in their senior years.

He noted that even poorer countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and even India and Vietnam all have a form of social pension for the elderly poor.

Relampagos went on to challenge that if these countries were able to provide for people who had no pension benefits, the Philippines should be able to do more - at the very least -for its GSIS retirees.

By Bohol Standard

Four barangay captains allied with Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim appear to be rearing for a “do-or-die” fight to clinch the seat of the city’s Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) presidency.

The ABC (Liga ng Barangay) elections on Tuesday will pit barangay captains, all allied with the camp of Mayor Lim. The pick will be between re-electionist ABC president and Taloto barangay captain Faro Cabalit, two other possible contenders â€" Poblacion-1 barangay captain Arlene Karaan and Manga barangay captain Leda Saco and a strong “dark horse” bet Mansasa barangay captain Manolo “Taran” Blanco.

The Lim administration captured overwhelming majority during the last barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, as 13 bets for barangay captains won out of the city’s 15 barangays.

Only barangay captains Fredison Ingles (Dampas) and Sergio Bangalao (Cabawan) are not identified with the mayor’s camp.

Cabalit, who is on his second consecutive term as ABC president, is being challenged by the three Lim allies; Karaan, Saco and Blanco.

Reports gathered from city hall sources revealed it is likely that either Karaan will be fielded with the full support of Saco, or the other way around.

Having served as one of the mayor’s closest aides at city hall during the past six years, Karaan purportedly has the secret backing of the mayor and will be fully supported by some reelected barangay captains who disagree with the way Cabalit has led the ABC in the past years.

However, sources clarified that the city mayor will not be taking any risks which the opposition could exploit the developing faction as the elected ABC president also earns a seat at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, as ex-officio member.

Barangay captains belonging to the administration declined to comment about the matter even as Cabalit already expressed that he wishes to hold on to the ABC presidency for the next three years.

But the incumbent ABC president expressed qualms over the possibility that he will be facing a tough opponent in Tuesday’s election.

But Blanco, who have been in talks with fellow barangay leaders had chosen to play his card “closed” while reportedly declaring he has no interest to vie for the seat.

The squabble between Cabalit, Karaan and Saco, if all will bid for the ABC seat, will reportedly force Blanco and could presumably win for him the seat.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2010-129 which was released last week sets the date and guidelines for the holding of ABC elections at the municipal and component city levels on December 7.

Winners of the municipal and city-level elections will then elect the league's president at the provincial or metropolitan level on December 17.

The election for president and other officers of the ABC regional and national chapter will be on January 13 and 14, respectively.

Federated presidents of the ABC and SK will sit as ex-officio members of the legislative bodies of the municipalities, cities and provinces where they are elected.

The Board of Election Supervisors would be composed of the DILG provincial director, or the DILG officer in a city or municipality, as the case may be, and representatives of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and a local people's or non-government organization.

The Board of Election Supervisors is tasked to resolve any controversy that might arise during the elections at their respective levels.

By Bohol Chronicle

The Provincial Government of Bohol sponsored a five-day primer on the implementation of a Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) to National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs).

The basic information dissemination was conducted by the Australian Government Aid Program-sponsored project, Philippines Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF), under the tutelage of Rosalinda Paredes.

The course was aimed at defining GIS and its relationship with modern mapping methods, provide an understanding on the basics of mapping and what map elements represent, introduce concepts of spatial data models and databases and explain the difference between cartography and spatial information systems and the management and value of this information, identify the main sources of spatial information and GIS services available, illustrate the value of GIS through numerous case studies and discuss how these relate to the local environment and potential applications, work through the GIS project management lifecycle and ensure participants have good levels of understanding of the processes involved, and introduce the use of a Free and Openâ€"Source Software for Geography (FOSS-4G) in general, and particularly the FOSS-4G software, QGIS. Participants with high-level computers skills were preferred by the trainors and familiarity with databases was a plus factor.

However, it was made clear that while QGIS can run in windows environment, a linux operating system or distribution can also be used to introduce the use of FOSS-4G tools.

In totality, GIS is a complex discipline. It could not be learned quickly through an easy-to-use software product. It requires knowledge of the disciplines, extensive practical experience and competent computing and programming skills. And, like many scientific disciplines, it also requires continuous learning.

The participants learned that the system is about modeling geographic phenomena in a computer environment so that it can be analyzed and interpreted to support decision-making processes and is a tool which enables organizations to model various scenarios and study these outcomes before costly on-the-ground implementation.

It was also made clear to them that GIS is a tool that can be used for simple spatial data storage and retrieval or to improve operational efficiency through the automation of manual map-making tasks. Many organizations see GIS as an integrating tool and a facility that can integrate a range of corporate datasets and link them based on a common spatial referencing system; meaning, the software potential is there but the organizational arrangements, data and skills are often lacking for immediate implementation. This range of applications at the institution level and the corresponding potential of the technology makes GIS a valuable tool for any organization dealing with land management and urban and regional planning.

But people must also bear in mind that while benefits can be large, the risks and costs can be high if the organization is inadequately prepared for a long-tem management.

Because of this, the Provincial Government of Bohol, with extensive help from the Australian Government, aims to continuously train qualified personnel who could be relied upon to handle such complex data processing and implementation to realize the Chatto-Lim Administration’s dream of providing everything it could possibly afford to do for the people of Bohol.

“It has always been said, ‘Bohol has everything; everything you need is in Bohol.’ But all I can say is ‘I will do everything for Bohol,’” Governor Edgar M. Chatto said with conviction. (jlv.EDCom)

To promote and enhance transparency and accountability in governance, the Chatto-Lim provincial administration has added a new department at the Capitol.

In last Friday’s regular session, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, presided by Vice Gov. Concepcion O. Lim, approved on second and final reading the proposed ordinance No. 28-S. 2010 “Creating the Provincial Internal Audit Office (PIAO)” in accordance with provisions of the National Guidelines on Internal Control System (NGICS) and other pertinent laws.

But before the approval, Vice Gov. Lim banged the gavel for a brief recess, to clarify some queries as to the actual function of the newly created department.

Board member Godofreda Tirol raised the issues on duplication or possible encroachment on functions of other offices considering that the provincial government has already the budget department, auditors and the accounting office.

The ordinance sponsored by first district board member Cesar Tomas “Yul” Lopez and co-sponsored by senior board member Dionisio “Dioning” Balite, as explained, was mainly created for managerial function to achieve desired results through effective stewardship of public resources.

Though the creation of PIAO requires a department head, it was further clarified that the provincial government won’t hire new personnel to fill-up positions as neede in its staffing and organizational structure.

Personnel that will fill-up positions like administrative officers and auditors will be taken from other offices or can be augmented by workers hired through contractual services.

Faced with local budget limitation that must not exceed 45% in appropriation for personnel services, the province actually can no longer afford to add another new department, SP Secretary Bonifacio Quirog said.

However, Bohol Province has entered into a partnership agreement with the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) of the Government of Australia which carries an incentive fund of no less than P40 million every year for five years, aside from the base fund of AU$1 million under the program.

Such creation of an internal audit system is mandatory in the agreement and must be complied not later than March 31, 2011 for Bohol to avail of the PRMF fund, Quirog added.

Governor Edgar M. Chatto requested for the passage of the PIAO ordinance in a letter dated Nov. 10, 2010 sent to Vice Gov. Lim and to all SP members.

The internal audit office, aside from its mandated functions and responsibilities, will also advise the Governor on all matters relating to internal management, operations audit and will perform other related duties as maybe assigned by the Local Chief Executive or as may be required by law. (Reports from EdCom/VGO-SP)

A new pond aeration system was introduced recently by Bluewater Fish Cage Manufacturing at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Research Center in Bentig, Calape.

Magno Managbanag, Jr., fabricator of Whitewater Pond Aeration System and Manager of Bluewater Fish Cage Manufacturing, a new aquaculture business venture based in Metro Manila, conducted a one-hour presentation followed by an open forum prior to the actual demonstration.

The whitewater pond aerator uses the revolutionary Aerotube diffuser manufactured by Tekni-plex of China. The new aerator costs much less than presently-used pond aeration systems and boasts of energy cost savings of up 75%. It produces very fine bubbles that are generated through the countless micropores in the tube. It is acclaimed to be most efficient in transferring oxygen into the water since the diffuser grid is submerged under water. As the fine bubbles slowly rise, it acts as a very effective airlift system as it sucks the water from the bottom of the pond while at the same time transferring oxygen into the water the bubbles are in contact with. As fine bubbles accumulate at the surface, the water is then pushed forward by the back and side walls of the frame causing water to circulate around the fishpond. A 2,500-square meter pond will be fully-aerated in less than an hour using a single diffuser grid driven by a 1/2 horsepower regenerative air blower. The demonstration is a first in Bohol Province since the aerotube is newly-introduced in the country. This diffuser was launched in the US in 2007 and is now manufactured by Tekni-plex of China as the sole factory and distribution center for Southeast Asia. There are only seven facilities producing aerotube in the world; five being in the US, one in Canada and another in China. These facilities use 10,000,000 pounds of shredded rubber tires annually in the process of manufacturing the aerotube.

The advantages of using Whitewater pond aerator are summed up as follows: reduction of energy costs by up to 75%; lack of moving parts hence, very low maintenance alternative; maintains higher dissolved oxygen (DO) levels; allows for higher stocking densities; higher feeding rates; more frequent feedings; faster growth and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR); and, low start up and replacement costs. The bottom line of this new aeration system is that fishpond owners incur lower equipment and energy costs while at the same time, improve their earnings.

Those who would want to know more about the pond aeration system could get in touch with Jun Managbanag at (02) 8875062 or at mobile phone number 0927-2232495. (MMJ/jlv/EDCom)

By Bohol Standard

A Filipino-developed underwater inspection robot (UIR) that could foretell the future state of marine ecology is set for its first field test in the country right somewhere off Panglao island on Tuesday, according to a ranking official of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA).

The machine is remotely operated and capable of transmitting live video footages and recording datas from the seabed which are precious to conservation and sustainable development approaches.

It will be submerged probably off Balicasag island, a part of Panglao acclaimed among the world’s best dive sites, although another area still within Panglao water has also been suggested, OPA’s fisheries head Remy Regache told capitol’s Effective Development Communication (EDCom) Office.

Regache said the final site can be known on Monday in a meeting here with experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).

The reputedly first field trial in the country of the mechanical undersea biodiversity investigator, which is yet even pending Philippine patent, will be done by an expert team from the PCAMRD led by OIC Exec. Dir. Cesario Pagdilao.

The UIR project has been funded by the Philippine government thru the DOST TECHNICOM Program and monitored by the PCAMRD.

Developed by Filipino engineers of the Pobletech, Inc. (PI), the UIR has features and a compact size that rival the competence of larger, bulkier and more expensive remote operated vehicles (ROV) in the world.

The said underwater inspection robot is also called the Roboteknik i100, formerly known as Angel One ROV. The Roboteknik is the research and development arm of the PI.

The PCAMRD formally invited the provincial government thru OIC Provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas for representatives to the undersea piloting of the UIR project.

Regache said she may herself dive and witness the robot in seabed motion.

She revealed that they are three in the OPA who are licensed scuba divers, including Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog herself who is presently designated as head of a sensitive cluster of the administration of Gov. Edgar Chatto.

The UIR’s primary function is to conduct visual inspection of the underwater environment and natural structures, in the process documenting their status while hinting on what could their condition be in the years---or generations---to come.

Equipped with powerful video camera and data recorder, the robot can capture hundreds of hours of video feeds which are recorded and viewed live on its sea surface unit.

Its accurate documentation will aid in computing analyzing the extent of the impact of human invasion to the marine habitat, thereby presenting valuable insights to how protection, preservation or conservation efforts should be sustained.

The robot’s video footages and datas can also rate the effects to the marine environment of climate change, an alarming global concern.

A co-equal of disaster mitigation, environmental risk reduction is one grave issue that cuts across all development concerns, according to Gov. Chatto.

An information to capitol said the Panglao seawater, particularly off Balicasag island or a nearby area, has been preferred for the UIR field test because of the good coral condition there.

The underwater inspection robot can be said to be a machine taxonomist classifying corals and all other marine organisms for relevant biodiversity concerns.

This observation holds water as the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) now sees the need to enhance the ASEAN countries’ taxonomic capacities on corals to address changing climate and human acts exploitative to marine nature.

The capacity to effectively catalogue the resources will lead to easy planning and execution of biodiversity conservation efforts for sustainable development, ACB Exec. Dir. Rodrigo Fuentes said in a report.

Meanwhile, even the elementary education sector in Bohol now ought to stir environmental awareness with the launching of DepEd’s 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools.

Care for nature and wise utilization of resources are a pillar theme of the United Nations’ 10-year program until 2014 for education as a sustainable development tool.

By Bohol Standard

Otto Energy Ltd., an Australian oil exploration firm, is now talking with a prospective partner for the planned oil drilling near the northern shores of Bohol in the first quarter of next year.

In a report, Otto Energy said the drilling at Service Contract 51, located between the islands of Bohol, Cebu and Leyte, will be undertaken by its wholly-owned subsidiary NorAsian Energy Ltd. which owns 80 percent of SC 51.

“Commitment was made to drill the onshore Duhat-1 exploration well on the area. This is a commitment well planned to be drilled to a depth of 1000 metres,” Otto Energy said.

Otto Energy said they are awaiting go signal from the Department of Energy (DOE) to be able to start the drilling process.

The drilling of exploratory well called Duhat-1 is consistent with the company’s service contract timing commitment.

The prospect (SC 51) is estimated to contain potential prospective resource of 93 million barrels of oil. It is also within the Bahay prospect, located along the structural trend, which could be drilled if another prospect near Cabilao Island (Loon, Bohol) and Argao (Cebu) is successful.

“Eleven prospects and leads have been mapped in the southern portion of the block based on 2D and 3D seismic data A potential prospective resource totaling 500 million barrels of oil (best estimate) is presently identified in southern SC51,” Otto Energy said.

The company said the offshore part of the East Visayan Basin is relatively unexplored with only 10 wells drilled in the region.

NorAsian’s partners in the contract area are Trans Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp., Alcorn Gold Resources Corp. and Petro-energy Resources Corp.

By Bohol Chronicle

The hitmaker Nonoy Zuniga who recently returned to showbiz limelight with his noontime TV show will be arriving here to perform during a concert at the Bohol Cultural Center on Dec. 19.          
Zuniga who popularized hitsongs "Never Ever Say Goodbye," "Love without Time" and a dozen more of popular songs will lead the performers during the said concert.

Together with him to entertain the Boholanos are Juan Rodrigo and Marri Nallos.

The concert is also the Life Max national gathering, according to Roland Banquil of Life Max International, Inc.

Tickets will be available starting tomorrow.

Those who will be buying the most expensive ticket at P800 (with free CD of Nonoy Zuniga) will have good chances of winning P50,000, P30,000 and P20,000 during the door prizes raffle.

A Hyundai Accent will also be raffled for buyers of Mila and Romgen.

The Philippine Red Cross, Bohol Chapter Search for Red Cross Queen 2010 has raised P618,165.50.

Some 29 municipalities out of the 47 in the province staked their candidates to the search, sharing their time, talent and treasures in the name of humanity.

Alberta B. Lagumbay, Municipal Social Development Officer of LGU Talibon won as Red Cross Queen 2010.       

First runner up is Jojeline Ruiz Buendia as Queen Humanity of the municipality of Trinidad.           
Other minor award winners were Rose P. Ente as Queen Impartiality of Pilar town; Ruth B. Boybanting as Queen Neutrality of Alicia; Aida R. Dumagan as Queen Independence of Batuan; Corazon, Manigque as Queen Voluntary Service of Carmen; Chita L. Torrejas as Queen Universality of Danao town; and Argie V. Piscos as Queen Unity of Antequera.

Bearing the theme "Bridging Lives", the event's proceeds is intended for the blood processing fees of blood screening to indigent patients who will go to the Red Cross Blood Bank to avail of the life-giving fluid.

The Board of Directors headed by its chairman, Cong. Erico B. Aumentado and the chairman of the search, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto extended their sincerest thanks to the candidates, municipalities, donors, benefactors and to those who in one way or another have given their support for the success of the search.

Other participating municipalities were San Miguel, Sierra Bullones, Balilihan, Tubigon, Mabini, Anda, Valencia, Duero, Buenavista, Sagbayan, Loon, Guindulman, Bien Unido, Ubay, Maribojoc, Cortes, Getafe, Jagna, Carlos P. Garcia, San Isidro and Dauis.

By Bohol Chronicle

Bohol Wisdom School, a landmark of quality education in the province, will celebrate her 80th year of service to the Boholanos.

The BWS Foundation Days 2010 dubbed as "Oak Jubilee" will start on Wednesday with a concelebrated Mass with Rev. Fr. Martin Lupiba, Rev. Fr. Martin Juan Legitimas and Rev. Fr. Crisolito Geangan as the celebrants and with Rev. Fr. Irvin Garsuta and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary Seminarians as the choir.

The ribbon cutting for the memorabilia exhibit, which will display significant BWS memoirs, will follow after the mass with guest of honor Pureza Chatto, first lady of the province and the BOT Acting Chairman Sumplicio Yap, Jr. This is to be followed by the grand opening of the Food Expo and the Booth Fair.

On Thursday, the first ever BWS Got Talent will be held. Other activities on that day are the Preschool "Mini Scouting", unveiling of the BWS Logo and the Alumni Registration. The memorabilia exhibit, food expo and both fair continue.

Sports action will be held on Thursday with BWS Alumni teams in basketball event and parents vs. BWS Administration-Faculty in volleyball.          
Part of the celebration is the get-together and grand dinner of BWS teachers and employees, (past and present), and the Board of Trustees.

One of the main highlights of the celebration which is the Alumni Homecoming and Dinner will be held on Friday 7pm.

Earlier in the day, a parade and field demonstration will be held under the theme "Nostalgia of Yesteryears." BWS students and their families will also have a lunch fellowship. In the afternoon, the grade school and high school departments will perform their different field demonstrations.


The BWS Foundation Days will end on Saturday. Earlier in the day, a medical and dental mission outreach activity will be held. And to culminate the BWS Oak Jubilee is the awaited Evening Show with the title "A Glimpse Behind the Scenes…BWS at 80!".

BWS HISTORY
In the years 1928-1930, a group of Chinese with vision, dynamism, and determination, foremost of whom where Lim Kua, Carlos Yap, Son Leon, Lim Bing and Yu Ping Kon, together with the inspiration and support of the Chinese community in Bohol, organized and erected the Bohol Chinese School along Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Tagbilaran City, offering the basic elementary education, with emphasis on the teaching of Chinese Language Arts. Furthermore, it had also for its mission the establishment of an institution of learning that would bring about psychological and cultural blending among the Chinese and the Filipino communities, fostering goodwill and mutual understanding.

The outbreak of World War II in 1941 temporarily interrupted the operation of the Bohol Chinese School. When liberation came in 1945, the school continued its operation and renewed its commitment to serve the educational needs of the youth. Thereafter, it continued to operate and serve the community until December 15, 1952 when the school became incorporated.

With the advent of Presidential Decree 176 in 1973, which required the Filipinization of all foreign schools, the Bohol Chinese School was consequently changed to Bohol Wisdom School. Along with the transformation, the Department of Education approved the inclusion into the regular curriculum the Chinese Language Arts as an essential component of the total school program.

In June 1975, a big conflagration gutted down the BWS. During these hard times, classes were temporarily held in a rented building along Dagohoy Street, this city. Prompted by social demands of the school, a charitable-spirited group of Chinese volunteered to construct the needed building to house the students. In 1978, a two-storey concrete building was completed and once again, classes resumed at the downtown campus of BWS along C.P.G. Avenue.

The school year 1982-83 was a significant year in the history of BWS. The new administration boldly embarked on an unprecedented undertaking both in the academic and physical aspects of the schools. BWS engaged in remarkable development to attain greater heights in providing relevant quality education to its clientele. A number of academic innovations and educational breakthroughs were vigorously implemented to meet the growing needs of the students and to afford them quality standard education and Christian character formation. That same school year, also saw the formal opening of the Pre-School Course, offering Nursery and Kindergarten curriculum for children ages 4-6 years old. In 1986, the Department of Education granted government recognition of its Pre-School education.

Cognizant of the ever-increasing population of the school, the Board of Trustees soon felt the dire need to transfer BWS to a bigger and more conducive learning environment. In the spirit of charity and altruistic service to humanity, the members of the Board benevolently pooled their resources to be able to acquire a more ideal school site. Thus, on December 8, 1986, a simple ground-breaking ceremony took place and a massive construction of school buildings ensued.

Finally in the school year 1987-88, BWS transferred permanently to its present location, a 1.8 hectare lot along C.P.G. North Avenue, Tagbilaran City.

In response to the persistent request of the parents and students, BWS opened the first year and second year of the high school curriculum in the school year 1987-88. Since then, BWS held its first graduation of the high school department with 19 pioneering graduates. The following year, the new complete secondary department of BWS was granted government recognition by the DepEd.

In June 2004, BWS expanded its services to the community by opening its tertiary level with its flagship course, teacher education program with English, Math and Science as major fields. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted government recognition of its tertiary level on October 16, 2006. The first batch of 12 graduates of the tertiary had its graduation on March 25, 2008.

The Bohol Wisdom School has gone a long way since its inception. Now, BWS stands with pride and dignity as an institution of learning, committed to offer relevant quality education and Christian character formation to the youth of Bohol.

By Bohol Chronicle

The four big stores of Alturas Supermarket, Plaza Marcela, Island City Mall, and Alturas-Talibon will hold a big sale this Yuletide season, with discounts of up to 50% are given away on great selections at the Home & Fashion Department.

The 3-Day Holiday Sale at Alturas Supermarket is on December 13, 14, and 15; while Island City Mall and Alturas-Talibon are on December 17, 18, and 19. Plaza Marcela has a 5-day sale from December 20 to 24, with a sidewalk bargain sale from December 10 to 31.          
Island City Mall is open until 12 midnight on December 18, Saturday, with commercial model and showbiz newest find Sam Pinto of Pinoy Big Brother fame, who will perform and meet her fans at the Activity Center at 7 PM, right after the grand finals of RnB HipHop Dance Showdown at 5 PM.

Other mall events during the 3-Day Holiday Sale at the Island City Mall include a concert with bossa nova artist Raffy Quijano on December 17, Friday, at 5 PM, at the Activity Center; and stand-up comedian/impersonator Ate Glow on December 19, Sunday, 5 PM, at the Activity Center.

Leaders of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Coalition-Bohol came up with addendum to their earlier allegations on funds and staff hiring irregularities against Jane Censoria Cajes, former SK Provincial Federation (SKPF)- Bohol president and Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) ex-officio member.

The complainants representing SK Reform Coalition-Leo Udtohan, Manuel Ferdinand de Erio, Edeliza Macalandag, and Shem Quezon-requested the SP to withhold the exit clearance of Cajes as ex-officio member "until such time that she has been cleared of money and property accountability as public official".

This is stated in their follow-up letter to Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim dated Nov. 26, 2010 and notarized on Dec. 1, 2010.

The letter reached the Office of the Vice Governor in the afternoon of December 2.
In the same letter, the complainants also requested the SP to refer their previous letter dated November 5, 2010 to the Committee on Public Accountability, chaired by SP Member Gerardo Garcia "as originally requested".          

"With due respect to the referral of our letter to the Committee on Good Government, we firmly believe that the issues raised in our letter must and should be handled by the Committee on Public Accountability which was created to cover cases whose complainants and respondents are provincial employees and other sectors," the complainants stated in the follow-up letter.

Also, as supplemental to their previous letter dated November 5, 2010, the complainants cited more irregularities in the issuance of the job order of personnel upon Cajes' request.

Referring to the same copy of job order attached to their previous letter, the complainants' additional qualm is on the hiring of one Ma. Reina Torralba as nurse by the provincial government only to be designated to render services in Leona O. Lim Memorial Hospital which is a private entity in the town of Valencia .

"We believe that this act of hiring a nurse who is paid by people's money to work in a private enterprise or business is immoral and illegal," the complainants pointed out.

The complainants added that her job order was prepared by her older brother-Chris John Rener Torralba, legislative staff assistance III of SK and also acting as Cajes' chief of staff.

"We would like to inquire if this can be considered as a manifestation of a daring self-serving act of Mr. Torralba in preparing the Job Order for his younger sister," the complainants added.

In their earlier letter to the vice governor as presiding officer of the SP, the complainants requested the SP Committee on Public Accountability to investigate and conduct fact-finding efforts on several issues and concerns involving Cajes.

The issues they cited included the financial statement of the SKPF of Bohol during the entire stint of Cajes as SKPF president.

They called on the SP to cause the intervention of the Commission on Audit to check the collections that may include registration fees, donations, annual dues collection and the expenditures of the SKPF for the past three years.

They also called for an investigation on whether the transactions made by SKPF that amount over P50,000 went through the bidding process as provided in Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, and other related laws.

Another issue they raised was on the hiring of a certain Derom Dabalos as nurse assigned to Cong. Natalio P. Castillo Sr. Memorial Hospital in Loon through the same Job Order designating Ma. Reina Torralba as nurse of Leona O. Lim Memorial Hospital .

The core members of SK Reform Coalition questioned why Dabalos, was hired "as Job Order worker" Cajes' office when he was in fact, serving as volunteer nurse at Loon District Hospital .

"While we recognize the prerogative of Board Member Cajes to hire job order workers in her office, we see the hiring of Mr. Dabalos as unfair to the thousands of volunteer nurses who are serving in hospitals without salary or wages. The said hiring may also defy the essence of volunteerism which we believe is the soul of the policy of volunteer nursing in communities and hospitals," according to the complainants.

Cong. Natalio P. Castillo Sr. Memorial Hospital could be the same institution that the complainants referred to as Loon District Hospital .

"The action of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to this letter is crucial, especially for the youth sector who are the constituencies of ex-officio Board Member Cajes. Prompt and speedy action on this matter shall be greatly appreciated, otherwise there would be great disappointment, disservice and waste of votes of the people," the complainants pointed out.

The land of the famous Chocolate Hills would be due for another attraction.

Carmen Mayor Conchita "Che" Toribio told the Chronicle that the town will light up some 9,000 lanterns to be hanged along the road as the town envisions to be known as the "Christmas capital of Bohol".        
          
As of yesterday, there were already 5,000 lanterns coming from the various schools and barangays.

The lighting up project started last week with the installation of lights at the town plaza and across the Catholic Church.

The official launching of "Christmas Capital of Bohol" is all set on Wednesday, 6 p.m. with Gov. Edgar Chatto.

By Bohol Chronicle

A van for hire with nine passengers bound for Talibon from Tagbilaran City was robbed by armed suspects in barangay Cantones, Buenavista town yesterday.

While traveling along national highway, three suspects flagged down the vehicle in front of Clarin Catholic church and boarded. Upon reaching barangay Cantones, the elder suspect declared a holdup.

One of the suspects divested valuable items and cash worth P15,000 from the passengers and P2,800 cash collection from the v-hire conductor.

The third suspect seated at the back as back-up.

The suspects commandeered the v-hire and disembarked at the boundary of Bago, Buenavista and Sto. Niño, Getafe towns and fled on foot toward a grassy area. Police operatives conducted hot pursuit operation for the possible arrest of the hold-uppers.

The van-for-hire driven by Reynaldo Dua, 28, of barangay Causwagan, Catigbian town is owned by Loilito Tandug of Upper Calceta this city. (Ceil Remolador)

By Bohol Chronicle

Seven employees of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) who underwent a gut wrenching experience with a polygraph test conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stood their ground against moves by NIA Region 7 Manager Engr. Modesto G. Membreve and Human Resource Officer Jose Lito Lambohon to further "undermine" their credibility in the eyes of the public.


In a strongly worded statement released to media, the four women and three men, proudly calling themselves "NBI Men and Women", strongly denied the existence of anomalies in the NIA as claimed by Membreve

The "lucky 7" are all employees of the NIA Provincial Office under the direct supervision of Engr. Olimpio J. Gala-gala, Jr., OIC, Provincial Irrigation Officer, Provincial Irrigation Office.
The seven refusing to be cowed, came out in the open to refute point by point the issues raised by Membreve In an article printed last Sunday in the Bohol Chronicle.

On the issue of Membreve conducting an investigation regarding leaked NIA official documents falling into the hands of persons poised on filing charges against him, the aggrieved employees bared that they were unaware of any on-going investigation on the matter.

They only knew that they were already tagged as prime suspects when a certain Arnold Palma of the NBI informed them about the lie detector tests.          
They also dismissed claims by Membreve of breaking "vicious practices at the Provincial Irrigation Office (PIO) of forced accounts by insiders" as implausible given Membreve's self proclaimed reputation as a conscientious and honest government employee. Sure dismissals from the service and charges in courts would have been their fate.

They explained that force account work or project implementation by administration is a normal NIA method to help irrigators associations (IA's) to comply with the equity requirement or counterpart participation equivalent to 30% of a project's direct cost.


Each worker member of an IA will set aside a portion of his daily wage thru payroll deductions as his personal equity contribution together with the value of aggregates and other locally available construction materials gathered for the project use shall form part of the IA's equity.

An IA's pooled resources of more than the required 30% will exempt them from the payment of the annual amortization to the NIA for a period of 50 years or less, depending on the IA's capacity to pay.

Since NIA, a government owned and controlled corporation is mandated by law to recover the construction cost of irrigation projects from its beneficiaries, projects by local contract would greatly hamper the generation of the required 30% equity contribution of IA's since private contractors utilize private workers.

Debunking Membreve's assertion that the government is being cheated by this scheme, the employees pointed out that equity contributed by IA's through wage payroll deductions are deposited in NIA's depository banks while construction materials for the project are duly issued vouchers.

Belying the statement of Membreve that no double checking of construction materials are conducted to ensure quality control, the "lucky 7" informed Membreve that NIA Bohol PIO has hired since 1980 a trained Materials Testing and Quality Control technician to check the quality of construction materials in all NIA irrigation projects.

The employees continued that NIA PIO are not taking any chances to guarantee that irrigation systems under their supervision would last the designed lifespan of fifty years.

Washed river sand presently with a pick-up price of P1,000 to P1,300/cu.m. depending on the source location are only used in all concreting activities. NIA PIO will welcome information of washed sand selling at P300/cu.m. as claimed by Human Resource Officer Jose Lito Lambohon.

The concerned PIO employees denounced Lambohon, an alleged "close friend and personal appointee" of Membreve for issuing "inflammatory and libelous statements" on alleged dummies and cheating in NIA transactions.

Lambohon has been with the NIA for only one and a half years and is not privy to NIA affairs and jurisprudence, according to the NIA employees.

The concerned NIA employees admitted that on the average they have served the NIA for 23 years as casual or project based employees holding key positions in the NIA Regional and Provincial Office since NIA Region 7 filled up only 25 positions out of the 51 positions approved by the DBM.

The NIA concerned employees excoriated Membreve for forcing out field workers using a communal room with a single electric bulb and no functioning comfort room as their sleeping quarters once a week while his family are living in a P3M bungalow house inside the NIA compound constructed with government funds. Water and electricity, furnitures and fixtures, appliances used by Membreve's family are at NIA expense.

The employees dared Membreve to compare his living expenses with the lowly paid field workers whom he blamed for using NIA facilities at government expense.

The strongly worded rebuttal of Membreve's tirade against NIA PIO employees ended with the pledge to pursue their quest for transparency, loyalty and allegiance to the government regardless of whose feet of corrupt officials and misfits are trampled. They stand firm on their records as witnessed by God and COA.

By Sunday Post

Former Alburquerque mayor Jose Ugdoracion, Jr. was cleared recently of perjury raps filed by political rival Mayor Efren Tungol. In a 12-page decision penned by acting Judge Jennifer Chavez Marcos of the Municipal Circuit Court of Loay-Alburquerque-Baclayon, Ugdoracion was found innocent of the charges after the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. According to Judge Marcos, the prosecution failed to establish the fact that the accused made a willful and deliberate assertion of falsehood in the Personal Information he submitted to the Commission on Elections in Alburquerque, Bohol and in his Certificate of Candidacy filed in Tagbilaran City. The criminal complaint for perjury stemmed from Tungol's allegations that his political rival knowingly lied under oath upon a material matter in his Personal Information, which was sworn and subscribed before acting Election Registrar II Thelma Moquila at Alburquerque. He stated in the document that his period of residence in the municipality was 61 years.

The same information indicated that on March 2007, Ugdoracion executed a sworn Certificate of Candidacy before lawyer Thaddeus Jose Acero at Tagbilaran, wherein said sworn statement indicated that the period of residence in the municipality before May 14, 2007 is 41 years. In dismissing the complaint, the court noted that it became inconsequential that accused has inconsistent allegations of his period of residence in his Personal Information and Certificate of Candidacy. The material fact, the court said, was whether he has fulfilled the residency requirement of a local elective official in the Phils., i.e. at least one year residency period as mandated by the Local Government Code and the Omnibus Election Code.

The Association of Tagbilaran Amateur Cyclists (ATAC) and the Bohol Mountain Bikers Association (BOHMB) visited the Municipality of Jagna last November 28, 2010. Jagna was their take-off point in a 10-day ride towards PEACE billed as Bisayang Dako Alang sa Kalinaw (BISDAK) â€" a ride for Peace and Solidarity in Mindanao. The ten day ride is expected to traverse some conflict areas in some Mindanao provinces. This is aimed at “breaking barriers of prejudice and ignorance in order to understand better the plight of the people of Mindanao”. There 100 bikers who joined in the ride to Mindanao, three from Jagna. The Jagna Tourism offered a program in honor of this worthy cause with no less than the local chief executive himself Atty. Fortunato R. Abrenilla giving an inspirational message. Mr. Rey Cimeni, president of the ATAC introduced the ride participants while Mr. Jude Cabusao, president of the BOHMBA gave the rationale and purpose of the event. MS, Elizabeth Balaba, Municipal Toursim officer gave the closing remarks. The bikers were then off to Jagna port to continue in their mission for peace. By Amiela Singco-Balaba

Christmas is finally in the air. Tis' the season to be jolly and be merry. These were two of the adjectives that best described the ambiance Tubigon exuded these past few weeks as people were busy lighting their yards and sprucing up their homes. With this atmosphere, not to be outdone was the Tubigon town plaza that joined in the revelry when it is bathe in own lighting effects. This developed as the e municipality thru its executive offices,namely; Tourism, Treasurers and Engineering once again brought spectacle and enchantment to the town plaza's strollers, sightseers , and even potential tourists passing by Tubigon by giving them some teasers on the display of lights.

The three functional offices thru the able supervision of Mayor William R. Jao mounted a simple yet elegant interplay of lights that make up an ambiance that exudes warmth and excitement. The local government of Tubigon is scheduled to hold its annual switch-on ceremony and formal opening on December 4, 2010, 6:00PM at the Holy Cross Academy Open Stage adjacent to the town plaza where people get to participate in the lighting countdown.

Word has it that the town's holiday preparation caught the ears of media people from ABS-CBN Central Visayas. To that effect, ABS-CBN's correspondent Vera Mae Lasam did a feature for the region's local news program, TV Patrol Central Visayas which airs late afternoon every weekday. Lasam got hold of the Tourism Officer Dennis Balbero and Information Officer Raymond Delgado who explained in detail to the media correspondent the upcoming activities the town has in store for its spectators. This is one of Tubigon's concerted effort to promote Tubigon as Bohol's Christmas capital. - Sunday Post

By Sunday Post

The complainants who sought an investigation against outgoing provincial Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation president Jane Censoria Cajes are losing hope that their complaint will be acted upon by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). Last Nov. 5, Manuel Ferdinand de Erio, Leo Udtohan, Edeliza Macalandag and Shem Quezon wrote Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim to request the SP to conduct an investigation and fact-finding initiatives on Cajes relative to three issues that they raised. De Erio and Udtohan were also the signatories of a complaint filed against Cajes before the Ombudsman regarding alleged unliquidated expenses in her capacity as national SK federation president. This include the request that the SP seek the intervention of the Commission on Audit to conduct an audit on registration fees, donations, annual dues and others as well as the expenditures of the SK provincial federation for the past three years.

Second, the complainants sought an SP investigation into transactions amounting to more than P50,000 made by the SK to determine if they underwent bidding as provided for under Republic Act No. 9148 otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act and other laws.

Third, they brought into the attention of the SP the hiring of a certain Derom Dabalos as job order worker under the office of Cajes although he is allegedly working as a volunteer nurse at the Loon District Hospital.

“While we recognize the prerogative of Board Member Cajes to hire job order workers in her office, we see the hiring of Mr. Dabalos as unfair to the thousands of volunteer nurses who are serving in hospitals without salary or wages,” the complainants alleged in their letter. On Nov. 26, the complainants sent a second letter to Lim to refer their letter to the committee on public accountability “as originally requested”.

In their first letter, they specifically sought the investigation under the said committee chaired by Board Member Gerardo Garcia. “With due respect to the referral to the committee on government, we firmly believe that the issues raised in our letter must and should be handled by the Committee on Public Accountability which was created to cover cases whose complaints and respondents are provincial employees and other sectors,” they said in their second letter. Instead of allowing Garcia's committee to investigate the complaint, the SP referred it to the committee chaired by Board Member Vencenzio Arcamo, a move viewed by observers with suspicion. Garcia is identified with the opposition bloc while Arcamo belongs to the administration which counts Cajes among its members.

The complainants' suspicions heightened with the inaction of the committee and a move by the majority to commend Cajes as she prepares to step down from her controversial term. “It seems they are delaying action on the complaint until the election on Nov. 17 because the investigation will become moot and academic,” one of the complainants noted. Although they are losing hope in the SP, the complainants said they still have other venues for their gripes. As this developed, the complainants said that aside from Dabalos, they also found out that a certain Ma. Reina Torralba who was also hired by Cajes was “designated to render service in Leona O. Lim Hospital in Valencia, Bohol which is a privately owned and operated hospital.” The Leona O. Lim Hospital is owned by the family of the vice-governor.

“We believe that this act of hiring of a nurse who is paid by people's money to work in a private enterprise or business is immoral and illegal,” they added. In their second letter, the complainants requested that the exit clearance of Cajes be withheld until such time that she has been cleared of money and property accountability as a public official. The complainants, who called themselves as the SK Reform Coalition, are widely perceived to be enjoying the support of a party list group identified with Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III. They have indicated their desire to write directly to the President to act on their grievances as a lesson for those who skirt the law that there is a time for reckoning. In the last election, Gov. Edgar Chatto led the Lakas faction that included the vice governor, former Trinidad Mayor Judith Cajes and incumbent Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes, parents of the national SK federation president. This Lakas faction also included Rep. Arthur Yap, who was Agriculture Secretary under ex-Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Rep. Rene Relampagos, who has defected to the Liberal Party after taking over the post vacated by Chatto in the first district.

By Sunday Post

Barangay residents in three Panglao villages asserted their right to decide for themselves and assailed “outsiders” who claim to speak for them on the reclamation project. “We know what is best for us and not people who are only advancing their own interests,” virtually all residents in the three affected barangays declared. Earlier, the villagers, most of whom are small fishermen, expressed outrage over allegations that they changed their positions on the reclamation project “because they were bought”. “We are poor but we also have dignity,” they declared in Cebuano. The allegation of a buy-out was allegedly circulated by certain personalities among the NGO movement, an allegation that infuriated the fishermen.

They said they will no longer welcome NGO workers in their villages now that they have shown contempt for them. “They claim to speak for us but they have not even visited us,” the villagers declared. They turned the tables on the NGO workers, accusing them of using the poverty of villagers as a bait to draw funding which have not really alleviated their conditions. “Have you heard of any fisherman who was able to buy a bicycle because of the NGOs? None! But the NGO (workers) are the ones who have gotten rich!” the villagers said. They lamented that now the NGO workers even have the gall to accuse them of selling out. “We initially opposed the (reclamation) project because we were deceived by resort owners who only want to protect their selfish interest,” they recalled. After holding a series of dialogues with workers of the Oasis Leisure Island Development Inc. (OLIDI) however, the fishermen declared that they were now supporting it. Leaders of the fishing villages said it is clear that opponents of the projects particularly resorts owners as well as the NGOs and politicians have their own selfish agenda because they have not even been briefed on the project.

They pointed out that their decision to oppose the project was firmed up even before they could attend a formal presentation. “We thought they are educated people who decide only after weighing the pros and cons. Now we understand that this is nothing but business,” the fishermen said. The fishermen said they are demanding that the politicians explain to them why their already voted against the project when they have not attended any of its presentations. “We would like the (Panglao Sangguniang Bayan) SB and the (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) SP to explain why they already decided against the project,” they added. The fishermen also considered inviting a lady official at the provincial capitol who is actively working against the reclamation project to demand an explanation from her after she was identified as one of those who circulated text messages accusing them of selling out. They also considered other options including writing to superiors and funding agencies of NGO workers who have likewise insulted them because this is against the spirit of the NGO. “NGOs claim to work for the interest of the people and in consultation with them. What they are doing is openly insulting us without even the courtesy of listening to what we want to say,” the villagers pointed out.

By Sunday Post

THREE members of the highway patrol are in hot water for allegedly seizing or commonly called “holidup” a van-for-hire without court orders.  PInsp Joselito J. Lerion, P02 Philip Roy Peralta and P01 Exequiel M. Suico are facing I. S. Case No. VII-02-INV-10K-01784 for violation of RA 6530 or Anti-Carnapping Law filed last week by Lamberto C. Domasin and Rebecca I. Domasin before the Provincial Prosecution Office of Bohol. “Holidup” is an alleged impounding of suspected carnapped motor vehicles with semblance of perceived extortion, if not “ransom” money most likely demanded by the apprehending officers. Complainants alleged that “at the time the apprehending officers stopped us they had no valid warrant issued by the competent court and at the time when they apprehended us at Libaong, Panglao, Bohol, we were never issued a TOP for our alleged violations.”

The couple, who were heading to the beach, were flagged down by the highway patrol officers along Bolod, Panglao. They said they were made to believe that “holidup” reports “are true” since the apprehending officers (Peralta and Suico in this case) “have no justifiable reason nor probable cause” in impounding their vehicle. The couple represented by Atty. J. Albert Tinampay and Atty. Heidi O. Oracion said that they have valid documents with regard to the van. The van is registered with the LTO with Certificate of Regitsration No. 8009993-5 dated September 16, 2009 and supported by Official Receipt No.714336313, containing van license plate number YBA 348. It is a Nissan 12-seater with motor number TD27-984881 and chassis number TVP4L-EPE24A68898. They said they also have the Deed of Sale of the van exectuted as proof that they owned the van. It was then owned by a certain Shara Mae Pontero, of legal age and a resident of Matina, DAvao city. Peralta and Suico admitted they have impounded the said van as shown in the motor vehicle impounding receipt they issued to the couple. In the said receipt, the owner is printed the name of Pontero with address at Panglao, Bohol and the driver is Lamberto Domasin.

The apprehending officers reportedly believed that the said van is a case of carnapped vehicle. But the Land Transportation Office found no trace of carnapped case in this vehicle, they said.  What they were charged of is the violation of having no seat belt and the unauthorized color of the subject vehicle. When the LTO saw our documents supporting the veracity of the vehicle ownership, “They excluded the violation for having a green plate number,” they added. After they settled their obligation with the LTO they proceeded to the Camp Dagohoy where the vehicle is impounded but they were denied access to it but to no avail, the couple claimed.   The couple asked the court to order Peralta and Suico to pay them P100,000 and another P30,000 representing incidental expenses and exemplary damages, respectively, for their alleged “wanton and deliberately injurious and malicious acts” in connection with seizing their vehicle. (W/ Reports from Sen Guingguing)

By Sunday Post

Fresh from a complete shut out to rule the town's municipal federation president of the Sangguniang Kabattan, the son of Loay Mayor Rosemarie Lim-Imboy and Board Member Brigido “Boy” Imboy loomed in the political horizon as the next SK president in the provincial level. This developed as nobody from among the 23 SK chairs representing as many barangays to run against Jethro Nathaniel Lim-Imboy. The uncontested position was believed to be the SK's way of co-opting with the town mayor who wanted to consolidate her power base from all sectors let alone the youth vote of Loay's changing political landscape. With Lim-Imboy's triumph, talks were ripe that if there's anybody qualified money-for-money, pound-for pound to run against him, it will be the new president Oblacion I, in this city.

A protégé of City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, Mary Liene Karaan may the candidate to beat in a one-on-one showdown with the Loay wonder kid. The young Karaan, however, is yet to formalize her bid apparently waiting for the go-signal of her patron, Mayor Lim. Karaan, eldest child of Poblacion I barangay captain Arlene Karaan, succeeds outgoing city SK chair Rammie Alturas of Barangay Dampas. Aside from Karaan, the other city federation SK officers are Shaira Ayeng of Poblacion II, vice president; Cecille Lorraine Benablo, Bool, secretary; Zeus Zamora, Taloto, treasurer; Clement Paulinel Ingking, Booy, auditor; Jane Paulien Budlong, Dao, PRO; and Jefferson Titus Goloso, Dampas, sergeant-at-arms. The city federation election was held Saturday at Sayas Restaurant. It was facilitated by the election committee chaired by SK chairman Harrison Bustamante of San Isidro and members Fermin Jyn Montes of Cabawan and Khrisanthus Matuod of Manga.

The new officers were immediately proclaimed by the election committee which was witnessed by Tagbilaran local government operations officer Mardonio Roxas. The federation election was also attended by SK chairpersons Joseph Anthony Migriño of Mansasa, Nea Jean Gumba, Ubujan; Florencio Sayson III, Poblacion III, Phil Rodney Magallano, Cogon and Art Chrisjohn Tapa, Tiptip. Interviewed after her election, Karaan said her first priority is to foster closer relationship with her fellow SK presidents. Karaan said that she will also reach out to those who are identified with the opposing political camp. Her mother is a trusted aide of Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim who served as executive assistant until she responded to the clamor to run as Poblacion I barangay chair.

The elder Karaan won, unseating the incumbent who had served as barangay chair for two terms. According to the SK president, she has already started communicating with her peers as a confidence-building measure. Karaan said she will also spearhead the holding of a barangay legislation seminar in order to train barangay SK officers on the intricacies of the legislative process. “Since all of us are first-timers, it is good to start right with the correct foundations,” she added. Karaan, whose father is a policeman, said she will also give priority to anti-drug activities because this is a problem confronting many youths. She vowed to continue the sports development program of her predecessor as a venue to draw young people away from drugs and other anti-social activities.

LADY MAYOR'S SON

With the lady mayor's son rising from her giant shadow, the young Lim-Imboy's victory in Loay will propel him to seek the provincial SK post. As of yesterday, nobody from the ranks of SK federation presidents in the towns has shown interest to contest Imboy's bid. Interviewed yesterday, the doting mother said there's no turning back for his son's candidacy “come hell or high water”. Hell or high water here was taken to mean that for the Loay mayor, his son's foray into SK politics was “non-negotiable”. As if saying she already “cross the Rubicon”, the young Imboy's bid was already a done deal. In fact, this early, many mayors acting as “handlers” of their SK wards have already pledged their support to the Imboy son. In the run-up to the SK provincial polls, the mayors' imprimaturs was crucial so much so that in the “vote-buying” mechanism, the municipal executives were always part of the equation. Lim-Imboys were no stranger to money politics. Now on her second term, the lady Imboy took Loay by storm when she won two successive elections with overwhelming superiority in terms of logistics. What apparently drove SK handlers to gravitate towards the shadow of the young Imboy was the possibility that his parents will take no chances if money indeed changes hands in the coming SK polls if at all someone with a perceived financial wallop materializes out of the blue and make a go for the SK vote.

Since all SK presidential hopefuls were not created equal, the most crucial part of the game was to whom the bell tolls as far as Gov. Edgar Chatto is concerned. Just like any election outside his own position, Gov. Chatto's choice is vital especially the coming one where he is expected to throw his lot to whoever he believes has the competence and integrity to lead the provincial SK. Short of the governor's endorsement will make it harder for any pretender to the SK crown even how moneyed he or her parents are. It was public knowledge that the governor can always muscle his way any mayor who shows recalcitrance in his wishes for a common party candidate. The new Loay SK president succeeded her own sister Rochelle Brigitte Imboy in the best tradition of continuing the succession process of “all in the family. The other SK officials in Loay elected last Dec. 3 were: Ralph Mikko Pamaybay, vice president; Joanna Florbel Banac, secretary; Ma. Jennifer Namoc, treasurer; Lou Marylee Galgo, auditor; Ruth Batulan, Paul Simon Angelo Cantoneros, Alfred Adiong, Josephine Amoy, Jacquiline May Laibante ug Norman Celo Libot, PROs; Glenn Ryan Juson ug Emmanuel Paredes, sgts.-at-arms. (With reports from Sen Guingguing)

By Sen Guingguing

Gone were the days when hospitals conjured images of a medical institution reeking with the smell of antiseptics. Or of hallways filled every square inch with patients seeking hospital care. Not anymore. With the advent of medical tourism and wellness establishments, hospitals become some sort of a hospitality venture with the odor of medicines no longer offending the nostrils of patients and visitors alike. The best description of a hospital these days is that of hospitable place. That precisely was the main motivation, why first of all, lawyer Rene Inting had thought when he founded the Tagbilaran Community Hospital, a tertiary medical facility that had since made waves in the annals of medical care. Ever the disciple of anything associated with the good life, what Inting wanted for a hospital was that it has the amenities of a three-star hotel, at least for local standards,â€"gleaming lobby, clean rest rooms and above all air-conditioned accommodation facilities. Thus, the Tagbilaran Community Hospital was born.

It was therefore to the credit of the Inting patriarch who was one time the branch attorney of the Philippine National Bank before he ventured into the hospital business, to revolutionize hospitalization. With the penchant for comfort and opulence running in his veins, his dream of a topnotch health provider prodded him to expand his craft by building a four-storey expansion building just across the original location along M. Parras St. The hospital brought to the core Inting's flair to deliver its mission of healing by gathering under one roof the finest medical expertise money can buy. He dreamt of one day owning a hospital fully equipped with the most sophisticated medical technology and facilities which are only found in Cebu hospitals. But too bad for this hospital mogul who died even before he would see the light of day of a modern hospital which was due to open early next year. As if he was aware of portents of things to come, Inting made one last look of his dream project three days before he passed away.

Aboard a well chair, the retired lawyer turned “hospitable entrepreneur”, toured all of the buildings four floors apparently to inspect the progress of work as it prepared to open it for public use as scheduled. It was the last time he was seen in the hospital premises alive. Again, it was too bad that he failed to make it for the hospital's blessing and inauguration. Dead of a lingering illness, Inting's hands-on style was exemplified even during the time that he was battling a dreaded disease. On this serious state, he was always seen in the vicinity of his pet project to assure the public he was bound to serve with expert healthcare that in due time the people would be able to experience high quality medical attention. But God must have his own plan for the man who became one of the pioneers of revolutionized health care provider in Bohol. Until his death last week, Inting was best remembered as a former OIC- board member as a result of the EDSA Revolution. Inting, 79, was also known as the son of former city councilor Placida Inting. With his death, he left a wife, Dr. Pura Sarmiento Inting and four children Eric, Jonas, Roy and Iris. The patriarch's father, Bernardino, carved a name of his own, when a street, formerly Mabini, was named in his honor. The hospital owner interment was held yesterday. - Sunday Post

With the impending relief of Police Supt. Julius Ceasar Gornez as city chief of police becoming an explosive issue, City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, to whom the appointing authority emanates, upped the ante yesterday by making the offer as the COP's replacement to Provincial PNP director Constantino Paul Barot, Jr. This surfaced yesterday as the combative city mayor responded to criticisms against outgoing Tagbilaran chief Julius Cesar Gornez. Gornez and Lim came under fire from critics once again last week for the mugging of block timer Richard Bompat and the murder of a high school junior in separate incidents. Stung by the renewed assaults against him by the Bohol Chronicle and Station DyRD, Lim initially challenged the giant media outfit to pick the next city chief of police. When his challenge was met by silence, Lim raised the ante by challenging Barot to serve as city police chief on a concurrent capacity.

“If Chief Gornez was able to serve both as city police chief and deputy in Camp Dagohoy, why can't Supt. Barot do the same?” the mayor asked. Lim said that this would be the best move since Barot is the personal choice of Gov. Edgar Chatto who was “handpicked” to replace Supt. Rodolfo Llorca who was considered “too independent”. The mayor dared Barot to accept the challenge “since he is just acting like a glorified bodyguard of Gov. Chatto”. “Since he has the entire provincial command at his disposal, I dare him to go after all criminal elements and all illegal activities including illegal gambling,” he added. Lim said it is not his style to impose his own people, recalling that when he assumed office in 2004, he only had one councilor on his side.

The mayor also pointed out that he never replaced any department chief “to show you that I am not hiding anything”. Lim said that if his critics think he is the one who is responsible for the spate of violent incidents, “then I dare you to put your choice in place”. Stepping up his attack on his critics, Lim said the “exaggerated” focus on the violence was obviously intended to divert attention away from the controversial entry of jai alai. He narrated several “legitimate” issues which the media should inform the public but these were all “swept under the rug” because they want to protect themselves. The mayor said that since DYRD continues to project itself as the Catholic media, it does not want to come out openly as pro jai alai so it resorts to mind conditioning by turning out reports in favor of the legal numbers game. On the other hand, Lim said the media outfit also wants to shield Chatto from negative feedback since most Boholanos are actually opposed to the entry of jai alai.

“If they want it to operate, they should come out in the open instead of deceiving the people into complacency so it can operate before they know it,” he added. Lim said that if his critics think he has been distracted, “they're wrong”. “Out of respect for the Christmas season, we will not hit hard on jai alai. But you can be sure that we will go all out against it first thing next year,” he warned. The mayor added that if there is a need for him to go to the towns to campaign against it, he will do so. “I challenge all righteous people who are oppose to jai alai to come out into the open and declare their intentions to fight against it,” he added. Lim said that unlike others who “pretend to oppose it but actually are part of the action”, he will do what he can to prevent the entry of jai alai in the province.

BAROT REFUSES TO TAKE CALLS

In a bid to get his reaction to Lim's challenge, Supt. Barot refused to take calls from the Post yesterday. This came about after the provincial director furnished Lim the list of three names for the city mayor to choose from as Gornez' replacement. The list contained the names of Supt. Arcadio Jamora, Jr., now stationed at the PNP regional headquarters after a stint in a UN Peacekeeping Mission; Supt. Antonietto Cuyos, head of the community civil relations at Camp Dagohoy; and Chief Inspector Nicomedes Olaivar, former SWAT commander and now chief of the Camp Dagohoy intelligence branch. Mayor Lim's critics were asking for the city police chief's head after he was known to be media- shy, a trait that media practitioners not comfortable with. When Gornez is finally relieved, he shall have completed a 30-month assignment as city police chief. He was said to be assigned as a member of a UN Peacekeeping Force. It was not known where his assignment will be pending receipt of the relief order. - Sunday Post

The unnumbered Resolution requesting the Boholano solons for amendments on provisions of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Resolution No. 12-02, series of 2004, setting the Distribution Wheeling Rates for Private Distribution Capital Projects for CY 2010 with Franchise Area, appeared to be "out of place" when presented for approval during the session last week of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol.

The said Resolution proposed by SP public utilities committee was not immediately approved since it appeared that it is beyond the power of the three Boholano congressmen considering that ERC is a separate body regulating power sector and distributors.

This prompted senior board member Atty. Dionisio Balite, who presided over the session Wednesday of last week, to call for a recess and suggested to correct the tenor of the proposed Resolution proposed by the said committee.

He said he's in doubt that why request the congressmen to amend the ERC Resolution when the latter should have the right body to do the amendment of its own REsolution.          
The change of the Resolution's gist was accepted by said committee represented by its chairman boar member Dr. Romulo Cepedoza. This modified the same (Resolution) from requesting the three solons to requesting the ERC itself to amend its Resolution No. 12-02, series of 2004, setting the Distribution Wheeling Rates for Private Distribution Capital Projects for CY 2010 with Franchise Area.

The same (SP Resolution) was an offshoot in relation to application of the Bohol Light Company, Inc. "for approval (by ERC) of the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) and Performance Incentive Scheme (PIS)."

Engr. Eulogio Signe, BLCI operations manager, told the committee meeting called by Cepedoza earlier that PIS is designed by ERC when distribution utilities that cannot attain a certain performance level will be slapped with penalties. But when it can perform well "will be given an award."

The PIS, on the other hand, also "mandates that a consumer will be compensated by BLCI or BLCI will pay a certain consumer when a certain performance level or guaranteed services level is not attained."

But the details on the BLCI application for ARR and PIS cannot be discussed without the presence of the ERC but only during the hearing slated last November 23, 2010, Signe said. - Bohol Chronicle

The clergy under the Diocese of Talibon made categorical its stand objecting the entry of the legalized Jai-alai betting stations earlier reported to open in various towns of the province.

During their regular meeting at the Pastoral Center in Talibon last Thursday, the clergy raised their worries on the ill effects this gambling activity will bring to the community, while stating that it is not true that because of this legalized gambling, more jobs will be created out of the revenues that the local government units will receive from the Jai-alai operators.       
NOEL


Bishop Christian Vincent Noel presided the meeting last Thursday evening where the clergy present signed in their position paper their objection on the entry of Jai-alai.

Earlier, Bishop Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran issued a categorical statement that the Church is against, both the legal and illegal gambling operations.

The statement of the Tagbilaran bishop came amid reports that the illegal game of swertres has been highly patronized even before the entry of Jai-ali.          
In their statement (appearing elsewhere in this issue), the Diocese of Talibon priests issued the caution that once this new gambling activity will penetrate the community, it will result to the laziness of the people who will now rely on their luck out of their daily bets.

The priests said that "money spent to bet on gambling could have been used for education, food and medicines." The statement did not take exception to call on the rich people to stop their daily spending in gambling as this is a "gross waste" of money while millions of Filipinos can hardly eat three square meals a day.


The church leaders said that gambling is "fooling people to believe that they will become rich when they will bet everyday."

The priests categorically stated that instead of the poor getting rich, it is only the selfish financiers and some politicians who become rich of this gambling activity.

The clergy urged the local government units not to allow the entry of Jai-alai in their respective towns.

JAI-ALAI ON
There are reports that some ushers of the illegal game of swertres have shifted operation to selling numbers of Jai-alai since it gave them the relief of not being apprehended for peddling a legalized gambling activity, unlike with swertres before.

The first off fronton station in the province opened couple of weeks ago in the town of Alburquerque where Mayor Efren Tungol issued a business permit to legalize its operation.

The ID bearing "marketers" of Jai-alai, all based in Albur are now spreading to other towns as they claim that, legally, they are not barred from selling jai-alai numbers to any town in Bohol, aside from Albur.

In the city, Mayor Dan Lim repeatedly said he will never allow Jai-alai to operate in this capital city.

Prior the intensified drive against swertres launched by PNP Prov'l Director Constantino Barot, Jr., this illegal numbers game was selling like hotcakes in the city with the financiers enjoying brisk gross sales daily.

For his part, Gov. Edgar Chatto maintained his stand against any form of gambling, legal or illegal.

It maybe recalled that the governor, supported by the League of Municipalities (LMP-Bohol) launched a relentless campaign against swertres which was given teeth with the marching orders from PNP Prov'l Director Constantino Barot, Jr. to his station commanders to combat swertres in their respective towns.

The campaign proved effective for a couple of weeks only to find out later that financiers gradually resumed in "guerilla-type" of operations.

When Jai-alai gained entry in the province, the governor issued a statement that he is against all forms of gambling, thus, including Jai-alai. - Bohol Chronicle

'Kidnapping' and 'vote-buying' marred the municipal SK federated elections last Friday.
It is said that these young leaders are tossed to engage in dirty politics that tainted the election of the municipal SK federation officers.

This grim reality reflected in the conduct of the election of the municipal SK federation officers last Friday wherein most of the barangay SK chairmen in different towns were "kidnapped" but no ransom.

Instead they were given vote-money and herded in a resort or hotel so that the opponent has no way to do the same, said a former barangay official.

The same is true with the situation of the municipal federated Liga ng mga Barangay as reported last Friday.          
Like the barangay, those elected presidents in the municipal SK federation entitles them to sit as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan of their respective municipalities.

The next election will be on December 10, 2010 where 47 municipal SK federated presidents plus this city will gather here to elect provincial federation officers to be led by its provincial president.

Whoever will be elected as SK provincial federation will enable him/her to sit as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to succeed Jane Censoria Cajes.


Once an SP member, the SK federated president will have all the privileges and perks, such as office, staff of his/her choice, transportation or representation allowances or brand new service vehicle, accorded to him/her as that of a regular SP member.

List of all the winning municipal SK federated presidents is still unavailable as of press time yesterday afternoon in a check with the provincial Department of Interior and Local Government office.

In the city, Mary Liene Shaene Karaan was elected as SK president. She is the daughter of Punong barangay captain Arlene Karaan, of Poblacion I.

Other municipal SK presidents are Ricardo Briones of Baclayon town; Marvic John Legaspi, Sierra-Bullones; Ma. Carmel F. Ckaros, Tubigon; Nina Fatima Mahusay, Talibon; and Mel Jorence Tanjay, Ubay. - Bohol Chronicle

Doljo fishermen who stand by Oasis Leisure Island Development, Inc. (OLIDI) and their counterparts in barangays Poblacion and Danao in the town of Panglao downplayed Bayan Muna's warning to elevate the reclamation issue at the level of the House of Representatives.

Oasis supporters issued the statement as a reaction to a news item on Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Neri Colmenares' assurance to bring to Congress the sentiments of the members of Nagkahiusang Doljoanon sa Panglao (Nagdupa).

Nagdupa opposes the island construction project proposed by OLIDI, while another group of Doljoanon fishermen have expressed support to the project.           
Colmenares had an interaction with members of Nagdupa on November 28 in barangay Doljo, a day after he graced the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Program of lawyers through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bohol Chapter at Bohol Tropics in Tagbilaran City.

The other group of fishermen in Doljo, who are not members of Nagdupa, said Colmenares needs to know that there are two groups of fishermen in Doljo and that he should also consider their sentiments as part of the fishing sector.


Pedy Guirit, one of the Doljoanon supporters of Oasis, called on the anti-Oasis resort owners in Panglao to set aside pride and competition, and welcome more investors who can also be their partners in progress.

Guirit, who relies on fishing for livelihood, said it is the coastal barangay residents who suffer the consequence of competition and crab mentality among the investors.

He said fishermen like him dream of better occupations for their children, hoping that new investors can provide alternative livelihood for the rest of them who have not been accommodated in the existing business establishments.

It is on this reason that they welcome Oasis as they saw in the project profile presented to them by OLIDI president Norris Oculam that their children who are pursuing business-related and tourism courses can land a job once the island construction project is implemented.

Guirit said they also support the inland marine sanctuary and mangrove forest components of the project which they said can boost the biodiversity of Panglao seawaters.

Even the existing resorts lining the Panglao beach can opt to invest later in the future Oasis islets, as long as they would comply with the international standard sewage disposal system.

Unlike at present that they are tolerated to continue business even in the absence of water treatment facilities before disposing wastewater to the sea.

Guirit's group also called on the government authorities to give the 'go signal' to the environment study and inventory of the biodiversity in the proposed site of the project as benchmark.

They want to know the biodiversity inventory to also compare the date on the possible volume of species that would be introduced in the Oasis islets that would be constructed, considering that the fishermen are proposing to take part in the development of a man-made forest and marine sanctuary, to attract more tourists. - published by the Bohol Chronicle

By Ven Arigo

“A leader who is always hounded by comparing himself to others ends up depressed because there are always times when one sees others performing well than himself.”

Gov. Edgar M. Chatto issued these statements when pressed during his weekly Friday live broadcast of the Kita ug Ang Gobernador to comment on the city mayor’s and his mouthpieces’ relentless attacks against him.

The governor said “governance should separate itself from personal prejudices for by this, a statesman is measured”.

“If you cannot go beyond that, then our people will be the judge,” the highest elective Bohol official said.

As usual, the governor was not surprised, musing that he will instead get shocked if his consistent castigators stop.

“This is part of the territory. We cannot control the minds of other people,” said Chatto,

He refreshed the memory of the media people attending his weekly development report on radio that they have never heard him, even now that he is the governor, castigating a fellow government official.

“Such is not my style, and if ever I could sense inconsistencies of others’ principles or policies, I would find time to call or see and talk to them,” the governor added.

“Just don’t go beyond the boundaries because if you do, there are always laws that govern acts,” Chatto warned.

The governor said it is not his habit comparing himself to others because ending up inferior or lesser can make one “vain and bitter.”

“Truly, there are always better and lesser persons than ourselves,” Chatto said.

He reiterated that frustration can only consume the right senses of one who starves for recognition but fails in great comparison.

The governor said he just works and makes sure that his work does not in any way distract the works of others.

He has since liked works to complement each other because synergy of efforts can accomplish better or more, he said.

Chatto apologized to those who are harsh and rabid to him but left a sting saying: “ saying: “I don’t kick all dogs that bark along my way.”

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