MikeLigalig.com

By Ceil E. Remolador

MARIBOJOC, Bohol: Teodulo Abecia, 39 married of Lagtangan, this town was collared by Maribojoc PNP led by PSInsp. Homobono Sayon with barangay tanods in a buy-bust at a madjong den at said place around 9:00 in the evening last Monday.

Confiscated were 14 rolls (sticks) of marijuana leaves, eight butts of marijuana sticks placed in matchbox, six pieces 100 peso marked bills marked and cellphone.
Police said the suspect is in jail.

By Ceil E. Remolador

PANGLAO Island, Bohol: Police operatives led by PCInsp. George Caña arrested Jonathan “Junjun” Sumagang, 39, married and a native of barangay Landican, Baclayon town in a buy-bust at barangay Looc, this town last Monday afternoon.

Seized items include one small sachet and one big sachet containing white granules substance believed to be shabu, four pieces 500 peso marked bills, cellular phone and lighter.

Barangy officials of Looc, this town and media representative witnessed the operation.
Sumagang is in police custody.

The results of the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examinations were released Monday with 29,711 passers that would add to the country's crop of Registered Nurses (RN), but many are worried about the availability of job opportunities.

At least 35.35% of the 84,287 nursing graduates who took the December 2010 exams passed, a decrease from the 41.4% from the July 2010 batch. However, this still leaves the country with an oversupply of thousands of qualified professionals.

According to Senator Edgardo J. Angara, perhaps a solution to the unemployment woes of the country's RNs may be found in the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Services (RN HEALS) program from the Department of Labor and Employment. The program designates nurses to the local government units in rural areas.

"The RN HEALS project might just be able to address this issue -- some of the new nurses should be deployed to serve in the Rural Health Units (RHU) throughout the country, which would, perhaps, nudge the numbers in these areas closer to the optimum 1:10 nurse-to-patient ratio," he suggested. - PNA

My Jesus by Todd Agnew (full lyrics)

Which Jesus do you follow?
Which Jesus do you serve?
If Ephesians says to imitate Christ
Then why do you look so much like the world?

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the arrogant
So which one do you want to be?

Blessed are the poor in spirit
Or do we pray to be blessed with the wealth of this land
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness
Or do we ache for another taste of this world of shifting sand

Cause my Jesus bled and died for my sins
He spent His time with thieves and sluts and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the rich
So which one do you want to be?

Who is this that you follow
This picture of the American dream
If Jesus was here would you walk right by on the other side or fall down and worship at His holy feet

Pretty blue eyes and curly brown hair and a clear complexion
Is how you see Him as He dies for Your sins
But the Word says He was battered and scarred
Or did you miss that part
Sometimes I doubt we'd recognize Him

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and the least of these
He loved the poor and accosted the comfortable
So which one do you want to be?

Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet might stain the carpet
But He reaches for the hurting and despises the proud
I think He'd prefer Beale St. to the stained glass crowd
And I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud

I want to be like my Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!

Not a posterchild for American prosperity, but like my Jesus
You see I'm tired of living for success and popularity
I want to be like my Jesus but I'm not sure what that means to be like You Jesus
Cause You said to live like You, love like You but then You died for me
Can I be like You Jesus?
I want to be like you Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!

My Jesus (lyrics) by Todd Agnew

Which Jesus do you follow?
Which Jesus do you serve?
If Ephesians says to imitate Christ
Then why do you look so much like the world?

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the arrogant
So which one do you want to be?

Blessed are the poor in spirit
Or do we pray to be blessed with the wealth of this land
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness
Or do we ache for another taste of this world of shifting sand

Cause my Jesus bled and died for my sins
He spent His time with thieves and sluts and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the rich
So which one do you want to be?

Who is this that you follow
This picture of the American dream
If Jesus was here would you walk right by on the other side or fall down and worship at His holy feet

Pretty blue eyes and curly brown hair and a clear complexion
Is how you see Him as He dies for Your sins
But the Word says He was battered and scarred
Or did you miss that part
Sometimes I doubt we'd recognize Him

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and the least of these
He loved the poor and accosted the comfortable
So which one do you want to be?

Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet might stain the carpet
But He reaches for the hurting and despises the proud
I think He'd prefer Beale St. to the stained glass crowd
And I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud

I want to be like my Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!

Not a posterchild for American prosperity, but like my Jesus
You see I'm tired of living for success and popularity
I want to be like my Jesus but I'm not sure what that means to be like You Jesus
Cause You said to live like You, love like You but then You died for me
Can I be like You Jesus?
I want to be like you Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!

My Jesus by Todd Agnew with lyrics
A Christian Song: Criticism on Today's Modern Churches
title: My Jesus
singer: Todd Agnew

Todd Agnew--"My Jesus"
My Jesus by Todd Agnew

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippine (CBCP) has lauded the efforts of the Philippine government to forge peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People's Army (CPP-NDF-NPA).

In a statement, CBCP president and Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar called on the faithful to support the peace talks and pray for its success “so that peace is finally forged and armed conflicts are finally ended.”

“Together, hence, let us show our earnest desire to achieve peace. Time and again we have shown the world that together as one, Filipinos can do what seemed impossible, for no task is insurmountable to the committed hearts and dedicated hands,” he said.

“Peace has always been the dream and aspiration of peoples. And it is not elusive,” Odchimar added.

The Philippine government and the MILF and the CPP-NDF-NPA, respectively, have agreed to resume the stalled peace talks this month.

“The resumption of the talks, therefore, is a golden opportunity to finally put an end to the conflicts that have ‘held hostage’ the country’s development for so long, and have created so many heartaches, division and misery among our people,” Odchimar said.

source: PNA

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has clarified that Friday, February 25, 2011 is neither a regular nor a special holiday for workplaces nationwide.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz said that based on Proclamation No. 84 dated December 20, 2010, President Benigno S. Aquino III declared February 25, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power Revolution, as a special holiday only for all of the nation’s schools. - pna

The ash explosion of Bulusan Volcano that occurred at 9:12 a.m. Monday as recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's seismic network displaced at least 75 families in 17 villages of Irosin, Sorsogon, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) reported.

The MDRRMC said the displaced families were evacuated at Gallanosa National High School in Barangay San Pedro, Irosin town.

Phivolcs recorded the event as explosion-type earthquake lasting for about 19 minutes and was accompanied by a rumbling sound which was heard up to 10 kilometers away in the town of Juban, Sorsogon.

The explosion, according to Phivolcs, produced a grayish ash column that rose to a height of about three kilometers above the summit before drifting to the southwest.

The local MDRRMC reported heavy ash fall on eight of the affected 17 villages in Irosin, with Barangay Cogon accounting for 68 families or 288 persons displaced.  - PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday congratulated Vice President Jejomar Binay for successfully securing a reprieve for the three Filipinos facing execution in China.

In a meeting in Malacanang, the President personally conveyed his gratitude to Binay for a good job.

Binay, in a press briefing, said that while the reprieve may only be temporary, “let us hope that the Chinese government would eventually grant the appeal that their sentence be commuted to a penalty lesser than death.”

China postponed the execution of three Filipinos found guilty of drug smuggling after Binay met with Chinese leaders in Beijing. Binay traveled to Beijing to make a last-ditch plea for the three Filipinos.

Binay said the Supreme People’s Court postponed the execution “within the scope of Chinese law.” - PNA

By Gloria Jane Baylon

Filipinos are advised to defer non-essential and non-urgent travels to Libya, Bahrain or Yemen until the security situation in those countries have stabilized, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

Anti-government protest actions are taking place in said countries. In particular, reports from Libya said clashes between protesters and security forces snowballed on Sunday in the northeastern area with 173 locals reportedly dead.

The embassy in Tripoli specifically reported that about 1,800 Filipinos working at a construction site in neighboring Benghazi City (Libya’s largest next to Tripoli) are safe within the worksite, which is about 20 kilometers from where the protests are taking place.

Their contractors, the SNC Lavelin, reportedly assured embassy officials that the site has its own security complement and workers have ample accommodations, food and water.

While about 51,000 Filipinos in the three Middle Eastern countries are reportedly safe, the Philippine embassies in Tripoli, Manama and Riyadh (which has consular jurisdiction over Yemen) are on heightened alert, according to the DFA. - pna

Happy Birthday to Lumine. May the Lord bless you all the more. Enjoy your most special day.

Donaire vs Montiel: Fight Result Round 2 Knock-out
By Associated Press

Nonito Donaire won the WBO and WBC bantamweight championships Saturday night, stopping Fernando Montiel in the second round.

Donaire rocked Montiel with a left hook that sent the champion to the canvas.

Montiel surprisingly made it back to his feet only to see referee Russell Mora stop the fight moments later at 2:25 of the round.

Donaire controlled most of the first round, landing a left hook that briefly stunned Montiel and came out swinging in the second round, landing a few combinations before stunning the champion with a solid hook that all but ended the fight.

Montiel’s body slumped to the mat as Donaire raised his hands and jumped in celebration.

Donaire (26-1, 18 knockouts) has won 25 consecutive fights, raising his record to 26-1 with 18 knockouts.

By Matt Richardson at ringside

In the latest chapter of the storied Mexico-Philippines rivalry, former two-division world champion Nonito Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs) scored a spectacular second round knockout to take the WBC/WBO bantamweight titles of reigning champion Fernando Montiel (44-3-2, 34 KOs) on Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. It was a left hook that put Montiel on the deck. Time was 2:25.

Nonito Donaire knocked out Fernando Montiel in Round 2. Montiel could hardly get up after he was hit by a vicious left hook by Donaire. Fight was ended by the referee before the end of Round 2.

Pwede ba nga mo-propose ko nga ato na ni isira (lock) nga thread aron dili na masumpayan ang panaglantugi nga wala lang unyay sangputanan?

Atong hinumduman nga samtang sa atong pagkukabildo, adunay mga bana nga gidunggaban sa asawa kay wa i-date niadtong Valentines Day.

Pareha ra nga hadlok tan-awon.

Quote from: hubag bohol on February 18, 2011, 09:32:04 AM

Bitaw. Kon mangluod si asawa, moingon si bana, "Sigi ka, di jud ka nako ron gamiton..."

Motubag pud ang asawa: "Ah! kung di ko nimo gamiton, magpaunlan ko sa lain!"

Unique Design of a Paper Bag

A most wanted person in Cainta, Rizal, who killed his own relatives on Valentine’s Day, arrived at the Old Manila Domestic Airport (MDA) Wednesday after he was collared by Philippine National Police (PNP) in Boac, Marinduque on Tuesday.

The suspected killer identified as Fortunato Acibar Jr., 24, was escorted by Boac Police chief, senior Supt. Gilmer Manguera and his men on board a Zest Air flight Z2-201 which arrived at 9 a.m. at the MDA.

Manguera said Acibar after killing his relatives flew to Marinduque and hide until one of the relatives identified the suspect.

Manguera also said a tipster, who is a tricycle driver, told the police that he identified the suspect when he saw the picture of him flashed on television and also brought the suspect to an abandoned beach resort owned by a balik-bayan.

The suspect was turned over to Rizal provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Manuel Prieto who waited for the turnover at the MDA.

Last Monday, four persons were found dead inside their house in Cainta. They were identified as Amado Azibar Sr., 45; his wife Elizabeth, 40; and children Pretchie, 10; and Amado Jr., 14.

Police Officer 2 Efren Raminan said that the four victims sustained hackwounds in their bodies and had signs that they were hit on the head with hard objects.

He added that the house appeared to be ransacked.

In his report, Senior Superintendent Emmanuel Bautista, Cainta police chief, said the massacre was discovered Tuesday afternoon by the victims’ neighbors who noticed that Acibar’s motorcycle, parked at the parking area was missing.

When responding policemen arrived, they discovered the bodies of the victims and the house located at West Manggahan Floodway, Alley 88, Lakas Tao street, in Barangay San Andres. - PNA

The Senate committee on constitutional amendments, revision of codes and law kicks off its public hearing on “The Necessity of Charter Change” on Thursday morning at the Session Hall.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said constitutional law experts, including former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, have been invited as lecturers and resource persons in the two-hour hearing from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Aside from Puno, other lecturers include Justice Florentino Feliciano, Justice Vicente Mendoza, Justice Adolfo Azcuna, Dean Merlin Magallona and Dr. Jose Abueva.

”We want to know from the constitutional law experts if there is really a need to change our Constitution,” Santiago, herself a Constitutional law expert, said.

Several senators, including Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, have expressed support to begin debates on the revived move to Charter change from the House of Representatives.

However, the lawmakers remain divided on how to amend or change the Constitution as most senators prefer constituent assembly over the constitutional convention.

By Bohol Chronicle

Anti-narcotics agents and law enforcers here in the province can now apprehend peddlers and users of the substance nalbuphine hydrochloride (or commonly called Nubain) after its reclassification as a prohibited drug by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

Since last year, the DDB has been pressured by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to include the analgesic in the list of illegal substances.

In Bohol, Nubain has become one of three top drugs of choice among drug users as PDEA and police operatives have their hands tied against pushers and users abusing Nubain.

But with the reclassification of the painkiller as a dangerous drug effective January 28, 2011, law enforcers and even prosecutors can now file charges against abusers of the substance in violation of Section 5 or Section 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
         

The reclassification of Nubain has been published in a newspaper of general circulation last January 13 which is a requirement of law before it takes effect.

According to a PDEA officer here, the new DDB regulation is a big leap in their campaign to minimize if not totally eradicate the abuse of Nubain as well as other commonly abused substances such as shabu (metamphetamine hydrochloride) and marijuana which are already banned under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In fact, both the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are now pushing for the enactment of a city and provincial ordinance regulating the sale and distribution of the analgesic.

Nubain is a synthetic opiate developed and approved for use as hydrochloride salt in injectible form of 10 and 20 milligram ampules.

The drug, which is primarily used for the treatment of severe acute pains, has been peddled by local drug pushers who source out their supply from Cebu City.

According to the PDEA agent, who asked not to be named, Nubain has emerged as the third most notoriously abused substance next to shabu and marijuana.

The PDEA, in coordination with police operatives here, have been closely monitoring the sale of Nubain including its entry into the province from Cebu City.

"We have already identified several drug personalities who are either actively peddling or abusing the substance. The long arm of the law will finally catch up on them," warned the anti-narcotics agent.

By Bohol Chronicle

Philippine Gift of Life, the group responsible for the free heart surgeries of hundreds of indigent Boholanos will launch its 12th year anniversary.

Dr. Ramie Cadag, its chairman based in the United States arrived here last Thursday together with Dr. & Mrs. Bong Lerias, Toto Jabonilo, Dr. Alice Francisco and Aris Francisco for today's launching.

The anniversary will be culminated on Sept. 20, 2011.

The group is planning for the next heart operation sometime this year at the Medical Mission Group hospital and health Services (Bohol Cooperative Hospital).

This will be coordinated by the Phil Gift of Life, heart Foundation of the Philippines through Chairman Francisco Dizon, Philippine heart Center through Director Ludgerio Torres, the provincial government through Gov. Edgar Chatto and Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, Home Reach Foundation through Chairman Pepe Recitas and co-chairman Cadag, Department of Health through DOH Sec. Enrique Ona and Asst Sec. Elmer Punzalan, Rep. Rene Relampagos, Rep. Erico Aumentado, Rep. Arthur Yap, AFP Chief Ricardo David, PCSO Chair Margie Juico.
         
The Phil. Gift of Life is composed of Cadag as chairman, Baluyot, president/CEO, Rev. Fr. Victor Bompat, vice president; Peter Dejaresco, secretary; Engr. Albert Uy, treasurer; Judith Ang, auditor.

Directors are Dr. Mary Ann Ruiz, Richard Uy, Benjamin Ong, Dr. Recitas, Dr. Bong Lerias, Joseph Alagon.

Advisers are Gov. Chatto, Rep. Aumentado, Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak. Consultants are Dr. Ludgerio Torres, Dr. Avelino Aventura, Dr. Santos Jose Abad, Dr Florante Lomibao, Dr. Frederic Malubay, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Casas, Dr. Edgardo Ortiz, Dr. Elmer Punzalan, Dr. Kazan Baluyot and Dr. Julia Maape.

Since its inception on Jan. 9, 1999, the Philippine Gift of life has helped hundreds of heart patients who underwent surgeries in USA, Canada, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine General Hospital, Bohol Heart Missions while thousands of patients with other major ailments gain a new lease of life through its humanitarian programs.

Mrs. Baluyot was officially requested, designated and chosen to head the Phil. Gift of Life under the Gift of Life Rotary International District 7250 of New York by then Gift of Life RI District president John Capri and program director Pat Coulaz.

At that time, Baluyot was Red Cross Bohol Chapter Administrator and the first lady elected president of the Rotary Club District 3860 of Tagbilaran.

Gift of Life International was founded by the late chairman emeritus Kurt Weishaupt in 1975.

The Gift of Life supporters and members include Rotarians, Lions, Jaycees, Kiwanis, philanthropists, businessmen, government officials, media and other foundations in many countries.

President Benigno S. Aquino III said Wednesday he leaves it up to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or another official to decide on the transfer of the remains of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos to the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) in Taguig City.

Aquino said this after a command conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City amid fresh calls for the late former dictator to be buried in a heroes' cemetery.

The President indicated he is removing himself from the long divisive issue due to his parent's historic battle with the late strongman.

Former President Marcos was ousted in a 1986 "people power" revolt led by the President Aquino's late mother, pro-democracy icon Corazon Aquino.

Mr. Marcos died three years later in exile in Hawaii and his body was flown back in 1993 to his northern Philippine hometown of Batac, where it has been displayed in a glass coffin and has become a tourist attraction.

The recent burial of former military chief Gen. Angelo Reyes at the heroes' cemetery, which is reserved for soldiers, presidents, statesmen and national artists, revived questions on whether Marcos should be similarly honored.

Asked by reporters if he will allow that, President Aquino said that he did not want to make that decision but would instead delegate it to another official, whom he did not immediately identify.

"Whatever I say will be biased," Aquino said at the press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo. "I will let somebody who has less personal attachment to decide on it," he added. (PNA)

For the third time, the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday reversed its decision in August 2010 declaring 16 Cityhood Laws as "unconstitutional".

Voting 7-6, the SC en banc reinstated its December 2009 decision, declaring as "constitutional" the Cityhood Laws converting 16 municipalities into cities, respectively.

The resolution was penned by Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin.

The SC declared as "constitutional" Republic Act Nos. 9389 (Baybay City in Leyte), 9390 (Bogo City in Cebu), 9391 (Catbalogan City in Samar), 9392 (Tandag City in Surigao del Sur), 9393 (Lamitan City in Basilan), 9394 (Borongan City in Samar), 9398 (Tayabas City in Quezon), 9404 (Tabuk City in Kalinga), 9405 (Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur), 9407 (Batac City in Ilocos Norte), 9408 (Mati City in Davao Oriental), 9409 (Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental), 9434 (Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte), 9435 (El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental), 9436 (Carcar City in Cebu), and 9491 (Naga City in Cebu).

On Nov. 18, 2008, the SC nullified the 16 cityhood laws for being "unconstitutional".

The SC decision in November 2008 became final when it denied the petitions against the assailed decision in May 2009, saying that it would not anymore entertain any pleadings on the case.

Nevertheless, the affected 16 town mayors asked the SC to resolve their second motion for reconsideration which resulted in the reversal of the November 2008 SC decision on Dec. 21, 2009, declaring as "constitutional" the 16 cityhood laws. (PNA)

By Angeline Valencia

Gov. Edgar Chatto's 19-page State-of-the-Province Address underlined the HEAT agenda "representing the areas of Health and Sanitation, Education and Technology, Agriculture and Food Sufficiency, and Tourism and Livelihood".

The SOPA which Chatto delivered on Friday in 45 minutes before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan showcased participatory and shared leadership in his SOPA
entitled "Leading Boholanos Along the Path of Development and Empowering Them as Stakeholders".

Chatto quoted Bill Gates' pronouncement, "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others" to highlight the significance of people empowerment in his brand of contemporary leadership.

"Our leadership provided the impetus and the guidance, through our HEAT Bohol Development Agenda and our LIFE HELPS Initiatives and Strategies. And in the accomplishment of these agenda, our Boholano stakeholders have contributed in their own myriad and significant ways," the governor said.

Chatto also summarized in the SOPA, the accomplishments of the first six months of the new provincial administration which moved along a governance that "hit the ground running from where our predecessors have left".

"We have also encouraged Bohol's development stakeholders to approach sustainable development with an air of open-mindedness and creativity, confident as we are, in every Boholano's ability to conceptualize and put into reality what is best for Bohol," the governor emphasized.

Chatto's consultative approach had proven effective in resolving the high prices of fish in Bohol which initially led to the establishment of a Bagsakan Center for fish coming from various sources in the province, "which acts as a lever on the price of fish in the market by reducing the layers of price mark-up".
         

Chatto also explained that his governance anchors on the theories of great philosophers that proposed that "Hierarchy is good for maintenance, participatory leadership is good for innovation and adapting to change - to evolve, to create synergy and to share experiences. "

As major event, the Governor's Office unifies different sectors to conduct the bi-monthly HEAT Bohol caravan that brings government services closer to the people-with priority attention on those living in depressed areas.

The constant components of HEAT Bohol caravan include medical-dental mission, distribution of foodstuff, livestock and agriculture projects, free basic legal advice.

Accomplishments in the area of health and sanitation included the Health Summit on October 7-8 last year-the first in the province and even in the entire country, the Medicare Para Sa Masa and the universal PhilHealth coverage of over 94,000 qualified beneficiaries through counterparting strategy between the provincial government and the municipal local government units (LGUs).

HEALTH AND SANITATION

Other major activities under health and sanitation included the launching of the provincewide campaign against dengue and other diseases with components on epidemiological surveillance; a series of orientations on food, water and vector-borne diseases; Schistosomiasis Control in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) for drug administration; and advocacy and environmental health information in affected areas; rationalization planning workshop for hospitals and other health facilities.

As major health thrust in 2010, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian championed the Bohol Rabies Prevention and Eradication Program with strong collaboration of the Provincial Health Office and cooperation of municipal and community stakeholders which sustained the zero-incidence status in terms of human and canine rabies in the past two years.

Bohol had also built strong alliances with NGOs like the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (ARC), the World Health Organization and other government institutions; and increased the Task Force from just 124 in 2007 to more than 15,000 in 2010; as the province holds the pride of being the only LGU all over the world that was given the privilege of doing a paper presentation during the Webinar on World Rabies Day, a world-wide seminar on rabies prevention with anchor in New York, United States from the ARC.

The Bohol Program was also presented and highlighted in another seminar in Mexico participated in by different countries which encouraged the worldwide organizers to hold the next world conference dubbed as the Rabies Experts Conference in Bohol in July this year to be sponsored by ARC.

The provincial government continues to encourage municipal and community initiatives against rabies through the Search for the Governor Edgar M. Chatto Best Performing Municipal Rabies Prevention and Eradication Council (MRPEC); and the integration of rabies prevention and eradication into the classroom discussion in related subjects in the school curriculum," he added.

Chatto also took pride on the award-winning Nutrition Program of Bohol being acknowledged by DOH-7 as first in the implementation of its Nutrition Program Initiatives; and on other health priorities such as water bacteriology services to ensure the people's access to safe drinking water; and environmental sanitation programs.

The governor also cited the barangay of Panadtaran, Tubigon, for winning second place in the region in the 2010 National Search for Barangays with Best Sanitation Practices which the provincial government intends to replicate in other barangays throughout the province.

Other activities included the Food Safety Trainings, Water Safety and Quality Surveillance, Outbreak-Containment Activities for Dengue and Diarrheal cases, efforts that kept Bohol free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease and bird flu.

EDUCATION & TECHNO

In the area of Education and Technology, Chatto announced that the Dynamic Learning Program introduced by 2010 Ramon Magsaysay awardees, Drs. Christopher and Ma. Victoria Bernido will soon be replicated in secondary schools throughout the province.

As responsible in the institutionalization of the Carlos P. Garcia Scholarship program during his past stint as vice governor, Chatto also expanded the benefit by launching the Bohol Education Subsidy Program for those who cannot make it to the CPG Scholarship Grant, for which the governor solicits support from members of Congress, business establishments with corporate social responsibility programs, private individuals, and other donor agencies.

The long-term partnership agreement with Armed Forces Of The Philippines (AFP) through the Bayanihan Coordinating Unit had barangay Matin-ao in Carmen town as first beneficiary wherein the engineering brigade of the military constructed a two-classroom school building in just 22 days with an allocation of only P780,000 from the provincial government and support from other partners such as the First Consolidated Bank (PFC) Foundation which provided electric fans, while the ABS-CBN Foundation television monitoring set with CD player and other learning materials, Tapok-Tapok Bol-anon-a group composed of Boholanos in Metro Manila-donated a computer set with printer complete with a kiosk for information communications technology education, Bohol Quality Corp shared school supplies and toys, and a satellite disc will soon be installed by One Barangay, Inc.-a Manila-based foundation.

AGRI & FOOD

In the area of Agriculture and Food Sufficiency, the provincial government Chatto strengthened the Rice-Based Farming System under the umbrella of Sustainable Integrated Agri-business Program (SIAP) of the Provincial Agriculture Office; as Bohol also exceeded the 2010 targets in both Rice Seed Production and Distribution, andinstitutionalized the seed system and utilization among farmers' associations under the Rice Accelerated Program for Institutional Development (Rapid) which also holds true for our Corn-Based Farming System, especially with the implementation of the ABAG-Corn Project launched in San Vicente Norte, Sagbayan.

In relation to this, the provincial government established a learning center, vermin-composting facilities, and a model farm area with a standing crop of corn and vegetables; prioritized the Crops Productivity Enhancement together with the management of provincial-owned farms, seed farms and plant nurseries in an effort to to sustain the Bahay-Kubo Food Always In The Home (faith) program and "continued to tap the Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology (BOATech) Center as the leading organic farming inputs production center in the province" to prepare the farmers for the passing of the Organic Agriculture Code of Bohol.

Chatto also prioritized food product development and seaweeds production of carageenan, farm mechanization with the Municipality of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia as first beneficiary to receive an upland tractor during the first HEAT Bohol Caravan, Market Access Development, Agri-Enterprise Development and Institutional Development,championing the cause of women's economic empowerment through the Great Women Project, Dairy Development Program and Localized Artificial Insemination (AI) Program wherein the monetized value of offspring from our AI Program already exceeded P13 million, the LETS HELP Bohol Program-LIFFE PROJECT that established partnerships with 256 People's Organizations (POs) in 30 municipalities with 11,812 participating families whose cumulative monetary value of offspring passed on to other beneficiaries now stands at P14.760 million, launching of the Awards for the Recognition of Outstanding Farm Producers under the "SUHID Sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon".

TOURISM, LIVELIHOOD

In the area of Tourism and Livelihood, Chatto took pride for Bohol's top slot in the country's eco-cultural tourism that he intends to sustain through development and promotion services such as plotting the Tourism Value Chain in Bohol, improving the quality of Transport Services through Tourist Transport Drivers' Training and the Panglao Seatransport Operators (PASEO) Training on Responsible Tourism Livelihood Practices, institutionalization of the Tourism Data Gathering System in the province with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Chatto also cited the contribution of Culture and the Arts to Tourism especially during the 156th Bohol Day Celebration graced by a UNESCO ASEAN representative and DOT Secretary Alberto Lim which highlighted Bohol as the July 2010 ASEAN Cultural Capital, followed by the "high-profile docking of the Galeon Andalucia, a 17thCentury galleon replica" that brought in 35,000 people flocking to the Loon International Cruise Ship Port for the purpose.

In the area of investment promotion, business capitalization reached more than P691 million in 2010 based on the monthly Business Name registrations of 1,841 entrepreneurs wherein the Bohol Business One-stop Shop had been a major contributor; the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) had also facilitated employment processes for more than 42,000 beneficiaries in collaboration with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), National Statistics Office (NSO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) through mobile services.

The provincial government has also been enhancing its bilateral relations with foreign governments based on a Sisterhood Agreement with the Province of Jiangxi in China and the continued membership of Chocolate Hills in the World Famous Mountains Association for tourism promotion and environmental protection; and institutionalized programs for the deployment and placement of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs); established the OFW Welfare Desk that facilitate assistance to Boholano OFWs in distress and their dependents; facilitated employment of students and the continued implementation of Skills Training for Reliance on Self-Employment (STARS) Program.

Other accomplishments included the publication of the Bohol Arts, Culture And Heritage (Bach) Code in booklet form; Launching Of The Abatan Cultural Collective; launching of the Gov. Edgar M. Chatto Model Employee Award with monthly and annual recipients. (AV)

Unfortunately, wala pay willing karon.

Perfect accessory for embalmers.

Is this a real pizza?

Or attracting anything that has metallic elements.

Ug laing part sa body ang ma-touch, lain pud na nga brand sa sanitizer? 

Basin ituwang sila sa Balyena ug kalit. 

Rak-rak ug way pak-pak. 

By Jeannette Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fall in love, have only one spouseâ€"and be faithful.

That piece of advice didn’t come from a priest or from a love guru but from a renowned cardiologist.

“Those who live longest have only one wife,” former Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said at Kapihan sa Diamond Hotel, a weekly media forum where the topic Mondayâ€"Valentine’s Dayâ€"was the effect of being in love on the human heart.

Cabral advised people to spare their hearts of “negative stress.”

“The negative stress comes about when you are compelled to lie everyday to your partner. That’s very bad for the heart,” she remarked, pointing out that falling in love gives a person “positive stress.”

“When you see the person you love, the reaction of the body is like it is undergoing a kind of positive stress,” Cabral said.

“It means your heartbeat is a little faster, your blood pressure goes up a little bit, your pupils dilate, and you feel flushed. But it gives a feeling of well-being.”

Longer, happier life

Cabral said positive stress was not bad for the heart.

“It is like exercise. The state of being in love is good for you. People who have stable emotional relationships live longer and are happier than those who live alone,” she stressed.

Cabral also said that a person’s reaction to stress was important. “You cannot control the things that are happening to you but you can control how you react to them,” she said.

“A positive outlook that things will be better” would also help, she said.

Too much TV

Cabral said that negative stress was among the factors that led to heart ailments. The other factors included smoking, drinking too much and lack of physical activity.

“For a healthy lifestyle, a person should not be smoking, [should be] moderately drinking, and observing a healthy, well-balanced diet. Physical activity is also necessary,” Cabral emphasized.

She also has an advice for parents.

“Kids are at risk of having heart ailments because of the lack of exercise or physical activity,” she said.

“Children nowadays hardly do anything else but stay indoors to watch TV, play computer games or portable play stations.”

Parents should encourage their kids to play outside and engage in physical activities.

“Our kids could be taught the outdoor games we used to play as kids,” Cabral suggested.

Stressful sex

Asked how a person’s faithfulness was related to longevity, Cabral pointed out that men who were loyal engaged in “less stressful sex with their wives in the house than with their mistress in a motel, where there is the risk of getting caught.”

“Plus there is the guilt or conscience factor,” she added.

According to Cabral, when a spouse is faithful, his or her partner enjoys a good family life.

“They take good care of each other and ensure that they get a healthy, well-balanced meal and make sure that they get medical checkups,” Cabral said.

“It is more of giving a positive influence to the other, which is good for the body and healthy for the heart.”

Lesson: Marry a woman who is not materialistic.

By Bohol Chronicle

The late Mayor Jacinto Rubillar Sr., Maribojoc town mayor from 1960 to 1963, will soon be accorded his place in the town's pantheon of leaders and historical figures, with the passage of a bill filed in Congress by Bohol First District Rep. Rene Lopez Relampagos.

The bill, filed by the Boholano solon last Tuesday, seeks to rename the San Vicente Primary School in Barangay San Vicente of Maribojoc into the Mayor Jacinto Rubillar Sr. Primary School.

"It is a worthy tradition that officials who have distinguished themselves as public servants are remembered, even in the naming of a street or of a building in their honor," the First District congressman declared in an interview Friday.
       
"For some, such gestures may be token, but we should always look with gratitude upon our forebears and follow the examples they set as we vigilantly take up our share of the great task of nation-building," Relampagos added.

Apart from serving his constituents, the late Mayor Rubillar, who hailed from Barangay San Vicente, donated more than one hectare of land for public use. That land is where the San Vicente Primary School is now situated and which is also occupied by the Department of Education building.

Large portions of the donated land have also been developed into a basketball court, stage, school library building, day care center, and the barangay hall of San Vicente.

In a related development, the Rubillar family also plans to build a new school library fully furnished with books and a computer and the concreting of the perimeter walls of the school premises.

Eventually, a new road will be constructed beside the basketball court and the new barangay hall which will also serve as an access road to the school.

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, Gov. Edgar Edgar Chatto and chief executives of other selected provinces will meet in Cebu City on Wednesday and Thursday to address homelessness.

They will strategize the national housing program targeting Bohol as one project site in a two-day critical workshop pinpointing ways to raise production base for housing thru the active involvement of the local government units (LGUs).

This will fulfill the promise of the vice president to the governor during Binay's first official visit to Bohol shortly after assuming the second highest elective post of the land.

Binay has himself been tasked by Pres. Benigno Aquino III to chair the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
         
Chatto will come along with key personnel from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) to the workshop, which not only strengthens the LGUs in housing delivery but local development planning as well.

The vice president will also have the vital attendance of officials from key shelter agencies attached the HUDCC.

Chief executives and planning officials from selected 131 provinces, cities and municipalities have been expected in the workshop that pursues, too, the mandates of the Urban Development and Housing Act.

The vice president is expected to relay to them the gains of his recent trip to the United States where he keynoted the disaster risk reduction and management and urban development sessions of the World Bank Sustainable Development Network (WB-SDN).

The WB assured Binay of support as the vice president guaranteed the global financial institution of the commitment of the Aquino administration to integrated development, including how to address the lack of decent human shelters.

Chatto said the vice president, himself a former local chief executive being a long-time mayor of moneyed Makati City, well understands the limitations of poor and low-income LGUs in the face of the growing constituent demands.

The governor is happy that in his US visit, Binay also discussed with Sec. Shaun Donovan of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHUD).

Binay visited the DHUD public housing sites, where he met with officials of the Habitat for Humanity.

Chatto said the vice president's meeting with the Habitat officials could confidently cause the rise of more affordable yet decent houses in the country, including Bohol where Habitat have already roofed hundreds of lowly families.

The governor supported the Habitat projects here, one of which, the housing site on Banat-i Hill in Bool, Tagbil;aran City, was built with no less than former US Pres. Jimmy Carter andf his wife among the rare volunteer carpenters several years ago.

In addition, Chatto, then vice governor and congressman, helped the Habitat settlers in having power, water, Day Care Center and asphalt main access road, among others.

The governor supported another Habitat housing project, this time in Panglao for the disabled Boholanos who call him their "sublime big brother." (Ven rebo Arigo)

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Feb. 14 (PNA) --The Philippine National Police Regional Office 3 (PNP-PRO3) based here on Monday launched an impact project dubbed as "I-Text Mo, Aksyonan Ko!" PRO 3 Text Volunteer Brigade.

Central Luzon PNP head, Chief Supt. Allan LM Purisima, said that the project is aimed at further gaining the trust and confidence of the community and generate support from the public.

Purisima said that it is also an added avenue for the public to gain access to the PNP.

Present during the launching ceremony held at the Camp Olivas Multi-Purpose Hall was Chief PNP, Police Director General Raul M. Bacalzo, who served as the guest of honor and speaker.

Purisima said the project is a short messaging system wherein volunteers may send through text their complaints, requests for assistance, relay important information and report crime incidents and be assured of action on their report and feedback.

This would be advantageous to the PNP for better law enforcement, the Central Luzon police chief said.

It also aims to raise the level of people's cooperation and reduce the level of fear as they can easily report crime incidents, unnecessary incidents and information through text messaging without the necessity of divulging their identities, Purisima said. - PNA

The 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton town, Negros Oriental, has deployed soldiers to at least three villages in their area of coverage in support of the government’s "Oplan Bayanihan."

Calling themselves peace and development workers, the soldiers were deployed for a week now since February 7 in the villages of Calango and Mayabon in Zamboanguita and in Tayak, Siaton, with the nod of the town mayors and village chiefs.

Oplan Bayanihan, which replaces "Oplan Bantay Laya," is the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) new program that runs from 2011 to 2016 to promote peace and development via a collaboration of stakeholders, said Lt. Col. Pio Diñoso III, 79th IB commander.

The paradigm shift, according to Diñoso, focuses on a new tool to forge closer relationships between the people, local government officials and the national government, stressing that the insurgency problem cannot be addressed solely by engaging the rebels in combat.

The 79th IB’s peace and development workers are in these villages to also protect them from the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP), whose members have been allegedly sighted there, Diñoso said. - pna

An international medical assistance organization has donated hospital equipment and medical supplies to the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC), formerly Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA).

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the equipment unloaded from a 40-foot container van include nine dialysis machines, which are part of the donations from the United States-based World Medical Relief Inc. (WMRI).

The hospital equipment were shipped from Michigan, USA to the Philippines through the help of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (FCCC) based in this city.

A shipping fee of P1.5 million was shouldered by the business group.

“We are glad that finally these donations are already here at RLMMC. We can now start replacing some antiquated equipment of our city hospital,” Pamintuan said.

The mayor said the WMRI has been helping the city since 1991 when it was devastated by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

The Court Martial has granted the Motion for Reconsideration of six of the nine military officers accused of mutiny but whose guilt was not proven beyond reasonable doubt as justified by the lack of evidence.

Cleared of all mutiny charges were Major Jason Aquino, Captains Montano Almodovar, Isagani Criste, Joey Fontiveros, James Sababan, and Dante Langkit, who, in the February 2006 mutiny, withdrew their support from the Arroyo administration.

The six soldiers were said to have participated in the February 26, 2006 standoff at the Marines Headquarters in Taguig City.

On the other hand, the Court Martial, presided by Maj. Gen. Josue Gaverza, denied the Motion for Reconsideration of the three other accused -- Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, and Col. Ariel Querubin -- for lack of merit.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the grant of the Motion for Reconsideration is equivalent to an acquittal. It is also immediately executory.

As included in the said motion, the accused soldiers are entitled to be released from detention/custody unless there are some other legal grounds to detain them. As it is, there is no more case pending against any of them.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines respects the decision made by the Court Martial to clear the six soldiers of all the mutiny charges. Although, we believe that since there are no more pending cases against them, they must be released,” said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. (PNA)

A lady lawmaker from the second district of Tarlac is urging Congress to expedite the passage of the bill imposing stiffer penalties against motorists who are caught using cellular phones while driving.

Rep. Susan Yap, who authored House Bill No. 318, said the proposed law would declare the dangerous habit of using cellular phone while driving a criminal act.

Under the bill, drivers could be pulled over by traffic policemen if caught talking or texting while driving, Yap said.

"While cellular phones have become an integral part of both business and personal lives, the alarming figures on cell phone-related accidents has transformed this technological gadget into a dangerous device," she said.

"The danger is not only to the lives and limbs of the general driving public but also to the innocent pedestrians," she said.

The bill imposes a fine ranging from P3,000 to P10,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.

Yap cited the report of the Philippines Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) showing that cellular phone-related accidents significantly increased from 70 cases in 2008 to 491 in 2009.

"The early passage of the bill can save a lot of lives and properties and everyone shall benefit from the safety of our roads again," Yap said. = PNA

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office 7 in Central Visayas, in collaboration with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), will conduct the Penology Officer Examination on March 20, 2011 in Cebu City.

Incumbent personnel of the BJMP, the Bureau of Corrections and other correctional facilities who have not yet acquired any Second Level Eligibility or career service professional eligibility, Penology Officer eligibility, 2nd Level Police Officer eligibility and other applicable 2nd level eligibilities are invited to take the exams.

This is also open to private individuals with no 2nd level eligibility and who are interested to join the jail and penology service, according to CSC Regional Director Judith Chicano.

The eligibility resulting from the examination is considered appropriate to second level ranks in the jail management and penology, and functionally related services only, except for ranks under the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Application forms maybe secured at the CSC regional office or in field offices all over the region, or may download the same from the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph.

Acceptance of application forms in CSC field offices in the region is on a first-come, first-served basis up to February 28, 2011 only. (PNA)

By C. Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Feb. 14 (PNA) -- The city government of Taguig sponsored on Monday a special wedding ceremony wherein 132 couples romantically tied the knot on Valentine's Day.

The mass wedding ceremony was officiated by Mayor Lani Cayetano at the Taguig City Hall Quadrangle, witnessed by the families, friends and other loved ones of the newly-married couples.

Cayetano said the special wedding was her Valentine’s Day gift to unmarried couples from different barangays in the city.

“This program is a special one. I believe that in order for us to have a better community, we should start first in our family. This is another chance also to make their relationship as husband-and-wife official and legal and for the sake of their children,” Cayetano said.

The city government provided the couples with wedding essentials such as bridal bouquets, wine and wine glass, wedding cakes and wedding photos. All that the lovers brought on their own were their respective wedding rings.

During the event, Mayor Cayetano gave out special awards to the oldest couple, best dressed couple, and earliest couple to arrive at the venue. Each got P2,000 as cash prize. All couples also received 25 kilos of rice each.

Posible gyud nga dili pedo kon dili human organ smuggler kay ngano ila man gipatay nga wala may kalaban-laban nang bata.

Dugokonon ug bujog ing-ani nga eyelash.

Update of the story:

By Edison delos Angeles
Inquirer Visayas

A Filipina and a Norwegian were arrested for the murder of a six-year-old girl whose body was dumped in a cliff in Barili town, southwestern Cebu.

Police said charges would be filed against Karen Castro Esdrelon, 25, a native of Tuburan town, and Swen Erik Berger, 47, from Oslo Norway, after at least two children identified them as the one who picked up Ellah Joy Pique from school in Barangay (village) Calajoan, Minglanilla town, southern Cebu, past 4 p.m. on February 8.

Senior Superintendent Erson Digal, Cebu provincial police director, said they were still in the process of determining the exact cases to be filed against the suspects who were detained at the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO)in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

Esdrelon and her fiancé Berger denied the allegations, saying they were in Cebu City at the time of the girl’s abduction in Minglanilla, about 15 kilometers away.

Lawyer Salvador Solima, the legal counsel of Esdrelon and Berger, said they would file charges against the police if his clients were not released on Monday, adding that the arrest had caused so much embarrassment to the suspects and their families.

Pique, a Grade 1 pupil of the Calajoan Elementary School, was found dead at the foot of a cliff in Barili on February 9, the day after she was kidnapped. Her naked body was wrapped in a bed sheet tied to a rock. A seven-inch wound was found in the head, indicating she was hit with a hard object.

She was last seen with a Filipina who picked her up from school purportedly on the request of the girl’s mother. The two boarded a Mitsubishi Pajero driven by a male Caucasian.

Esdrelon and Berger were supposed to leave for Hong Kong on Saturday night. But they were stopped by the police at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City past 8:30 p.m. after their features matched the artist’s sketches of the Filipina and the foreigner who kidnapped Pique.

The airport police then informed the CPPO officials who then brought a pimp and a 10-year-old friend of Pique to the MCIA in order to identify the suspects.

The pimp confirmed that he had supplied young girls to the Norwegian.

The girl, on the other hand, identified the Filipina and the foreigner as the ones who picked up Pique while they were heading home from school last week.

The police then took the couple to the CPPO headquarters where classmates and friends of Pigue came to identify the two suspects.

The police detained them, pending the filing of the charges.

But Berger and Esdrelon told a news conference that they had nothing to do with the crime.

Esdrelon said Berger arrived in Cebu at 6:40 p.m. on February 7 to meet her and her family. The two met through the Internet dating website DateInAsia.com on Aug. 19, 2010.

It was Berger’s second visit to the Philippines. The first was on Oct. 27, 2010.

They spent the night at Days Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City. The next day, they went to Metro Gaisano on Colon Street to meet Esdrelon’s aunt as well as to buy an engagement ring and a bracelet.

They then proceeded to the Philippine National Bank branch in downtown Cebu City to open a bank account. About 2:30 p.m., they went back to Gaisano Metro to meet Esdrelon’s cousin to get her Professional Regulatory Commission license. Esdrelon is a licensed nurse.

They then went to the Cebu-based Norwegian School, Sigvathsen, because Esdrelon wanted to study the Norwegian language.

At about 4:30 p.m., they had a late lunch at the Family Choice Restaurant on Gorordo Avenue before going to the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino where they checked in about 5 p.m.â€"With a report from Gabriel Bonjoc

By Dennis Fisher
Our Daily Bread

In 1931, the city of Hayward, California, built its first permanent city hall building. Costing $100,000 at the time, the structure with its square Corinthian columns and Roman arch entry was considered a marvel. There was only one problemâ€"it was built on the Hayward Fault and is gradually splitting in two. In 1989, an earthquake forced its closure, and it is now off limits to occupants.

Building on an unstable foundation is not wise. This is also true of our spiritual lives. Jesus taught His disciples this truth with an illustration: “Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall” (Matt. 7:26-27).

The shifting morals of our present world can be confusing. We may be tempted to let culture or the opinions of society be the foundation for the decisions we make. But obeying the unwavering truth of God’s Word brings stability unavailable anywhere else. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (v.24).

By David McCasland
Our Daily Bread

A Washington Post article reported that recent studies into the nature of prejudice found that almost everyone harbors biases, and these attitudes affect even those who actively resist them. A University of Kentucky psychologist says that much of our self-esteem comes from feeling better about ourselves than about others because of the group we belong to. Prejudice is not easy to overcome, even within the family of God.

Paul’s words to the believers at Colosse instruct us today, saying that our speech and behavior toward fellow Christians should reflect our oneness in Christ. “[You] have put on the new man,” Paul said, “where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all” (Col. 3:10-11). Instead of superiority and favoritism, we should demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward each other (v.12). And above all, we are to “put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (v.14).

In the body of Christ, no race, nationality, or class is better than another. Through the cross, Christ has made us one, and we are to treat each other with honesty, dignity, and love.

By David Roper
Our Daily Bread

When our granddaughter Julia was very small, we took her on a driving trip over an Idaho mountain road. Afterward, she and her Nana were having a conversation about the “adventure.” “I don’t worry because I think Papa has a guardian angel,” Nana said. “I think he must have a team of guardian angels!” Julia replied.

The mission of angels is to protect and serve the children of God (Heb. 1:13-14). The psalmist said, “The chariots of God are . . . thousands of thousands; the Lord is among them” (Ps. 68:17). God is the “Lord of hosts,” which means “armies.” The angels are the Lord’s army.

In 2 Kings we read about Elisha and his servant who were surrounded by the Syrian army. Elisha’s servant cried out, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” Elisha replied, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw that “the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around” (6:15-17). The Lord’s army was at hand!

Even though we cannot see them with our natural eyes, we can rest in the confidence that the Lord of Hosts is constantly watching over us and He has an invisible army at His bidding to send where He pleases.

By Dennis Fisher
Our Daily Bread

Many of the first astronauts were once Boy Scouts. The scouts were good at capturing the imagination of young boys and instilling discipline to reach their goalsâ€"even if it meant reaching for the stars.

On July 20, 1969, the Boy Scouts were busy celebrating at a conference. During the gathering, the scouts were delighted to hear from former Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong, who sent them greetings from space. One of their own had grown up to realize a wonderful dream!

In some ways, the Christian home can be like a loving, spiritual scout camp. The Bible encourages parents to provide a positive growth environment for children in the home. Parents are exhorted to “bring [children] up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). “To bring up” refers to nourishing children by providing resources for their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. “Training” includes concern about all aspects of a child’s development. And “admonition” speaks of providing direction by well-chosen words uniquely suited to each child.

Let’s strive to make our home a place where loving discipline enables the children in our charge to reach their potential for God’s glory.

By Bill Crowder
Our Daily Bread

Golda Meir knew both struggle and success during her life. As prime minister of Israel, she experienced many episodes of conflict and loss, as well as the periodic joy of successes and victory in the life of the fledgling State of Israel. She said of joy and sorrow, “Those who don’t know how to weep with their whole heart, don’t know how to laugh either.”

The apostle Paul called us to a life of both weeping and rejoicingâ€"but with a twist. In Romans 12:15, the apostle challenged us to look outside our own experiences to the needs of others. He said, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

If we rejoice only in our own victories, we miss the wonder of celebrating the power of the Lord, who desires to accomplish His purposes in and through others as well. If we mourn only our own losses, we lose the opportunity to “be there” for those who are hurting by showing them compassion.

Life is filled with the extremes of joy and sorrow, victory and defeat. But we have been given the privilege of entering into those moments in people’s lives to see the grace of God at work. Don’t miss it!

by Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Our Daily Bread

Susan Boyle spent most of her adult life living with her cat Pebbles, caring for her aging mother, and singing in church. She certainly didn’t look like a musical superstar. That’s probably why the audience laughed at this unassuming middle-aged woman before she performed in a talent show. Undeterred, Susan faced the unfriendly crowd, sang beautifully, and went on to receive a standing ovation.

Stephen was confronted by a hostile crowd in the days of the early church (Acts 6â€"7). A panel of religious authorities listened to lying witnesses accuse him of blasphemy (Acts 6:13). Stephen responded by speaking the truth of God’s Word, which reinforced his faith in Christ. At the end of his speech, he said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (7:56). Then the crowd stoned him (v.58). Jesus, who was watching from heaven, welcomed Stephen home.

Most Christians aren’t confronted with this much hostility. Yet we all need to “stand fast in the Lord” when the pressure is on (Phil. 4:1). We can’t let others silence our voice for Christ. Speaking up for Jesus does not always win the crowd’s favor here on earth, but it does ensure His approval in heaven, where it matters the most.

By Anne Cetas
Our Daily Bread

Jim was sharing the gospel with Kerri. He told her she was separated from a holy God because of her sin, and that Jesus had died and risen for her salvation. She kept coming up with one reason not to believe: “But if I do receive Him, I won’t have to tell other people about it, will I? I don’t want to do that.” She said that didn’t fit her personality; she didn’t want to have to tell others about Jesus.

Jim explained that promising to witness about Jesus wasn’t a requirement before receiving Him. But he also said that once she came to know the Lord, Kerri would become His ambassador to the world (2 Cor. 5:20).

After talking a little longer, Kerri acknowledged her need for salvation through Christ. She went home excited and at peace. Funny thing happenedâ€"within 24 hours she told three people about what God had done in her life.

Because we have been reconciled to God through Jesus, we now have “the ministry of reconciliation,” according to the apostle Paul (v.18). We are His ambassadors, and therefore we implore people “on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (v.20).

When we’re thankful, we want to share what God has done.

By Cindy Hess Kasper
Our Daily Bread

It erupts. It melts everything in its path. Its blast is as powerful as a nuclear explosion!

Well, maybe notâ€"but a temper can feel as intense as a volcano when it is aimed directly at another person in a family. The moment may be quickly over, but it can leave emotional devastation and bitter feelings behind.

It’s sad that the people we love the most are often the target of our hurtful words. But even when we feel we’ve been provoked, we have a choice. Will we respond in anger or in kindness?

The Bible tells us to rid ourselves of bitterness and anger, and to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32).

If you are struggling with chronic anger that is hurting your relationships, surrender this vulnerable part of your emotions to Christ’s strength (Phil. 4:13). Ask God to forgive you for an uncontrolled temper and to show you how to moderate your emotions and to teach you how to honor others above yourself (Rom. 12:10). Seek out help from others to learn how to deal with your strong emotions in appropriate ways.

As we earnestly seek to love others and to please God, we can win the victory over a volcanic temper.

By Dave Branon
Our Daily Bread

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations” (Ps. 46:10). These words from a song sung long ago at the temple in Jerusalem remind us of one of our main tasksâ€"worshiping our awesome God.

One way to do that is to meditate on His many attributes. Exalt God, for He is faithful, eternal, all-knowing, just, unchangeable, gracious, holy, merciful, longsuffering, impartial, and infinite. Our God is perfect.

Exalt God also by realizing that He is all-powerful, almighty, personal, righteous, unsearchable, wise, triune, accessible, self-existent, glorious, and compassionate.

Another way to worship God is to contemplate His names. Exalt God, for He is Creator. He is Love. He is Redeemer. He is Shepherd. He is Savior, Lord, and Father. He is Judge. He is Comforter. He is Teacher. He is I AM. Our God is the Mighty One.

Dwell on His identity. God is our shield. Our stronghold. Our light. Our strength. Our sustainer. Our rescuer. Our fortress.

Meditate on God’s attributes. Contemplate His names. Dwell on His identity. Adore Him. Respect Him. Honor Him. Love Him. Exalt Him. Use the rest of your life getting ready to worship our awesome God forever.

There are questions that must be answered and there are answers that must be questioned.

Dogs prevail over Wolves. I watched the game but I was not impressed with the performance of the Philippine Team. Anyhow, congratulations to our very own football team.

Cebu to Ozamiz Vice Versa: Cebu Ferries Boat Schedule

Cebu to Ozamiz: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday: 7 p.m.
Ozamiz to Cebu: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: 7 p.m.

Cebu to Ormoc Vice Versa: Cebu Ferries Boat Schedule
Cebu to Ormoc: Tuesday and Thursday (8:30 a.m.) and Friday (12 noon)

Ormoc to Cebu: Tuesday, Thursday (1:30 p.m.) and Friday (12 midnight)

Cebu to Nasipit Vice Versa: Cebu Ferries Boat Schedule
Cebu to Nasipit: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 7:30 p.m.

Nasipit to Cebu: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 6 p.m.

Cebu to Cagayan de Oro Vice Versa: Cebu Ferries Boat
Cebu to Cagayan de Oro: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 p.m.

Cagayan de Oro to Cebu: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: 8 p.m.

Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon pledged to extend financial assistance to the rehabilitation of Iloilo City’s terminal and central public markets.

Mabilog said Drilon wants convenient public markets for the Ilonggos, as he personally saw some of the public markets in this city already dilapidated and overcrowded, during his recent visit here.

The mayor added that the rehabilitation of terminal public market may start by the middle of this year or upon the transfer of the Iloilo City Hall to its new office in Plaza Libertad.

Mabilog said while rehabilitation is ongoing, some vendors may be temporarily housed at the Central market until the repair is finished.

Upon the completion of the terminal public market, the central public market will be the next target for repair.

Mabilog said some ambulant vendors from central market will be relocated to the terminal market until the project is finished.

He added that Drilon ordered his staff Rex Drilon to look for investors to lease some spaces at the public markets for additional income of the city government. (PNA)

The city government will need an additional P250 million more on top of the P368 million bid price of the contractor FF Cruz to complete the new city hall building by June 2011.

This was disclosed by city Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog after requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the additional amount to spend for the changes of design by converting the whole third floor earlier earmarked as parking area as office spaces for the second congressman of the city and other city hall offices.

The additional amount will also cover expenses for new office furniture, additional elevators, partitions, porcelain tiles flooring, solar panels as renewable energy sources and other expenses.

Earlier, the contractor advised the city mayor that the contracted amount is only good for the shell building construction with no additional amount for other expenses.

Mabilog said the new eight-storey city hall will be the most imposing new building in the city to be finished by June and to be inaugurated by August this year.

The building incorporates the design legacy of other heritage buildings here such as the façade of the University of the Philippines Visayas, old Customs House, Masonic Temple and the old city hall. (PNA)

In recognition of its exemplary performance and outstanding achievements last year, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Calabarzon was named as the “Best Regional Criminal Unit” for the year 2010.

The CIDG Calabarzon, which has jurisdiction over investigation and detection operatives in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, was cited for its excellent job, particularly in crime solution efficiency and the dismantling of several criminal groups, including the arrest of most wanted persons in Southern Tagalog.

The award presented at the flag-raising ceremony during the CIDG’s 58th Foundation Anniversary in Camp Crame last Monday, was the third consecutive year that CIDG IV-A earned the rare distinction among the CIDG units in various regions of the country.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and Chief Supt. Leon Nilo de la Cruz, CIDG director, presented a “Plaque of Recognition” to Senior Superintendent Edwin Jose Nemenzo, CIDG 4A director and Superintendent Archie Macala, regional deputy director.

The CIDG 4A was also adjudged as best CIDG unit in 2008 and 2009. (PNA)

The fact-finding group, Task Force Pacific, has recommended the filing of criminal, civil and administrative charges against the owners of the Pacific Fireworks and Pacific Hardware Enterprises' stockyard that went up in smoke following an explosion last January 28 in this city.

The recommendation of the task force, headed by Zamboanga City Fire District director Supt. Jaime Ramirez, is contained in its 16-page investigation report submitted Monday to Mayor Celso Lobregat.

The Task Force Pacific was created through Executive Order No. CL-384-2011 to investigate the cause of the January 28 incident at the compound of the Pacific Hardware Enterprises in Barangay Camino Nuevo this city.

At least 33 persons were injured when an estimated 60,000 pounds of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials went up in smoke following an explosion in the afternoon of January 28.

The incident also razed to the ground 16 houses aside from the destruction in nearby establishments including a hospital.

Lobregat said the task force has established the culpability of the owners for negligence in disregard to the safety of lives and limbs of people working and staying in the stockyard and other properties near the area where the container vans loaded with firecrackers had been stored.

Vistabel, magdepende seguro ang quality sa service branch to branch. I think the Pag-ibig Branch in Tagbilaran is no so accommodating. I went there one time. Wala ko gitagad.

The Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund has announced a new innovation where borrowers of multi purpose loans can access their proceeds in easy and fast way.

Rodrigo Suemith, head of Davao Provident Fund Operations said that they had forged an agreement with the LandBank of the Philippines as the depository bank of the member's loan proceeds.

"The new scheme will have the proceeds of the loans deposited and withdrawn directly from their individual savings account with LBP," he said.

All the member has to do is accomplish a loan application form and indicate his or her savings account number and submit a photocopy of his or her ATM card or passbook.

"Instead of the member coming to the office to claim and en-cash the check, proceeds of the loan will be credited directly to the savings account bearing the member's name and number as specified in the application form," he said.

He said those who have no existing savings account are encouraged to open an account with the LANDBANK nearest to their place of residence or work. - PIA

With the death of former Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Angelo Reyes, his petition filed before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to affirm his being the first nominee of the 1-Utak party-list group may be dismissed.

In a press conference on Tuesday, SC Spokesman and Court Administrator Atty. Jose Midas Marquez clarified that it will depend on the capacity by which Reyes filed his petition before the Court.

Marquez explained that if Reyes filed the petition in his own "personal capacity", the case will be dismissed following his death.

However, Marquez said, if the petition was filed by Reyes in his capacity as a nominee of the 1-Utak party-list group, the case may continue.

Reyes filed the petition before the SC after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruled disqualifying him as a nominee of the 1-Utak party-list group because of his being not a true representative of the transportation sector.

The Comelec ruling made the 3rd nominee of the 1-Utak party-list group, Homer Mercado, to be designated as its party-list representative in the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday condemned the killing of a Filipino seafarer by Somali pirates.

In a statement, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said: “We express outrage over this senseless disregard for human life and we condemn in the strongest possible terms the atrocity of the Somali pirates. We are saddened by this tragic incident and deeply condole with the family and relatives of the deceased Filipino seaman.”

The slain Filipino seaman was identified as Farolito Vallega who was shot last Jan. 26 on board the cargo ship M/V Beluga Nomination.

Baldoz said she has instructed Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Carmelita Dimzon to extend assistance to the victim’s family. She also said the department will implement measures to safeguard Filipino seafarers.

Four other Filipino seamen are reportedly on board the hijacked cargo ship. (PNA)

Angelo Reyes shot
PDI

Controversial former defense secretary Angelo Reyes was shot, a police official said.

But a radio report said he has already expired.

“Nag expire na (He has expired),” according to a doctor of the Quirino Memorial Medical Center interviewed live over the radio.

The doctor who refused to be identified said he had a bullet wound on the chest.

It is not known if the wound was self-inflicted.

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Yawan-on Nga Buhat
sinulat ni Mike Ortega Ligalig

      Nibukal ang akong dugo pagkabasa sa balita sa Philippine Daily Inquirer nga nag-ulohan: Thieves Strike in Bus Tragedy nga napatik niadtong Pebrero 2 karong tuiga. Aron inyong masabtan ang kinatibuk-ang estorya, akong ipatik pag-usab dinhi ang tipik sa balita (gisulat ni Delfin Mallari Jr.):

      LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippinesâ€"Some of the injured passengers of a Manila-bound bus from Bicol that plunged into a ravine in Pagbilao town complained of losing their belongings to thieves.

      Jocelyn de Leon recalled that when she regained composure she saw that a man who rushed to the accident site was opening her bag.

      “I immediately grabbed my bag. We’re all needing help but some of them wanted to steal our belongings,” she said. She suffered a cut in the forehead.

      Nakaseguro ko nga ikaw nga magbasa ani nga balita motaas ang imong blood pressure. Naunsa naman intawon ning ubang mga Pinoy nga mura naman ug mga Barbarian? Mga way atay ug batikon.

      Dili ko kasabot sa kinaiya sa ubang tawo nga bisan diha sa katalagman ug pag-antos sa ubang mga tawo makaako pa sila paghuna-huna ug dautan. Mao bitaw pud nga wa ko kasabot sa anak ni Gloria Arroyo panahon sa kalamidad sa bagyong Ondoy kay samtang nangamatay ang mga tawo sa Manila, ang anak ni Gloria nagsige pud ug shopping ug red wine para sa iyang konsumo panahon sa bagyo ug ulan.

      Kining nahitabo sa Quezon province dili napud kaayo nako ikakurat kay may susamang panghitabo ang nasinati sa igsuon sa akong lola didto sa Agusan del Norte mga baynte ka tuig na ang nakalabay. Ang akong mga paryente sa Butuan City mangomprahay to sila ug bugas. Usa ka adlaw niana, nadisgrasya ang truck nga ilang gisakyan sa bugas ug apil sila tanan kahagbong sa truck ngadto sa usa ka bung-aw daplin sa kalsada.

      Nidugok ang daghang mga tawo.

      Nagtulo ang luha sa akong lola kay samtang sila nagkadugo ug nagping-it sa kasakit ug naningkamot nga makalingkawas ilawom sa nabalintong nga sakyanan, nagkapoliki pud ang mga tawo paghakot sa nagpasad nga mga sako sa bugas nga ilang giangkat ug bag-o lang gipagaling.

      Wala na nila igsapayan nga maalkanse sa negosyo, basta lang nga maluwas sila ug madala gilayon sa hospital. Pero wala gyoy nitabang nila niadtong higayona. Ang mga tawo nanghinan-aw lang samtang nagsangkiig sila ug hakot sa sinako nga mga bugas. (Kaniadto akong lola mobyahe to sila ug pinakamenus dosyentos ka kasako nga ginaling humay).

      Wa kaha butdi ug tiyan tong mga tawhana nga nikaon sa bugas nga kinawat?

      Naa ra ba poy gipatuo ang simbahan nga ang mga pobre kono moadto ug langit. Dili na tinuod! Ang moadto ug lain kadtong mituo ni Jesus Christ isip anak sa Diyos ug misunod ug nagbuhat sa Iyang kabubut-on.

      Sa adlaw sa pagpanudya, daghan unyang mga kabos nga Pinoy nga magtingkagol sa impyerno (kung dili maghinulsol sa buhi pa) kay ilang gidebosyon ang yawan-on nga mga buhat.

Maybe the gym elevator is intended for the disabled only. 

Measures to prevent injuries and illnesses are a must in every workplace especially in high-risk jobs such as those in the construction industry, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reiterated Friday.

Executive Director Dr. Ma. Teresita S. Cocueco of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) said the tragedy in Makati last January 27, 2011 would not have happened if the contractors, workers and company owner/s followed the guidelines governing occupational safety and health (OSH) which are being implemented since 1989, as well as the guidelines governing OSH in the construction industry as provided for under the DOLE Department Order No. 13.

An attached agency of DOLE, the OSHC, is at the forefront in advocating the OSHS and D.O. 13, specifically the provision requiring the presence of safety personnel in charge of implementing an OSHS program in all construction projects.

"Every construction project should have a Construction Safety and Health Program (CSHP) and a safety and health committee approved by the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC)," Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

She added that a DOLE certified safety officer must be in-charge of the implementing the CSHP and orienting the workers on the content of the approved CSHP, as well as on the use of the OSHC-approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which the employer should provide to workers. - PNA

World Bank Loan for Laguna Lake Rehabilitation

The Philippine government will receive $ 10 million in loans within three years from the World Bank and the Royal Netherlands to rehabilitate and dredge the Laguna de Bay.

In a news briefing in Malacañang on Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the board of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chaired by President Benigno C. Aquino III has approved the project and the loans from international funding agencies.

The loan will be used to rehabilitate and dredge the Laguna Lake including lakeshore reclamation, improvement of water quality and management of the lake’s resources such as fishery, water supply and the development of transport systems, ports and marinas.

The project, envisioned under Executive Order 815 of the previous administration, was intended to repair the damage caused by the storm Ondoy on Laguna de Bay when heavy rains caused the bay to grow in size from 80,000 hectares to 115,000 hectares.

The new project to be implemented over the next three years, replaced the controversial P18.7-billion Laguna Lake Dredging Project canceled by President Aquino.

The new Laguna Lake rehabilitation plan seeks to solve flooding in Metro Manila, clean Laguna Lake and create the longest lakeshore park in the world.

The project will also decongest Metro Manila from traffic and squatter problems, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, protect the watershed, stimulate investments and tourism and reclaim lands for business, industrial and residential purposes. (PNA)

Seven persons were injured when the truck they were riding in hit a mountainside before flipping upside down on the road in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet, some 45 kilometers north of Baguio City, at around 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

Police Senior Superintendent Benjamin Losad, provincial director of the Benguet Police Office based here, said initial investigation showed the driver, identified as Melanio Limon, lost control of the vehicle (RJA-107) after it developed faulty brakes.

The victims, who were bound for a public consultation in a mining exploration in that town, were brought to various hospitals in Benguet province. All are now out of danger.

The mishap was the second to happen in the area in a span of three days.

The first involved a passenger jeepney in Sagada, Mountain Province, which overturned after hitting a rock.

In that accident, 17 passengers were injured, but were already discharged from the hospital where they were brought. (PNA)

The Benguet Police Provincial Office (BPPO) Thursday uprooted 3,000 full grown marijuana plants with approximate value of P600,000 in two plantations in Kapangan, Benguet, according to police provincial director Sr. Supt. Benjamin Losad.

This was the latest marijuana plantation raid conducted in the province.

The resurgence of marijuana production in the area surprised many local officials as there was a lull in the illegal trade when Kapangan was only known for the last decade to be outstanding in their production of anthurium and silk.

According to Losad, the police conducted a dialogue with the people in the community after the raid in order that they would help identify the possible cultivators and dissuade them in their illegal work.

He added that the campaign against drug addiction and production of illegal drugs is now one of the priority concerns of their office. (PNA)

sa ato sa Pinas, ang bata maoy sugoon papalit ug Kulafu o kaha Shioktong ug kon dili tuba o lambanog o kaha laksoy.

sunny side-up

3 options

1. Bartolina
2. Inudnod ang nawong sa tai
3. Summary execution 

Impose martial law. Hubs, I think your dog ganahan ug low-carb. 

Boat Trip: Oslob-Cebu to Larena Siquijor
Super Shuttle Ferry
Daily: 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Return: Daily - 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Cebu Phone: 032-232-3150, 345-5581

CA junks petition for Writ of Kalikasan vs. Meralco
By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.

MANILA, Jan. 31 (PNA) - The Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed on Monday the petition filed by the residents of the cities of Makati and Pasay seeking the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan stopping the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) from constructing a power substation and installing sub-transmission lines in their areas because of health and security concerns.

In a 24-page decision penned by Associate Justice Stephen Cruz, the CA's former Seventeenth Division ruled that contrary to the claim of the residents of Barangay 183 of Pasay City and Magallanes Village in Makati City, Meralco's power lines "do not pose a threat, immediate or otherwise" to their health.

Concurring with the decision were Associate Justices Isaias Dicdican and Franchito Diamante.

In their petition, the residents asked the CA to order the respondents to cease and desist from conducting excavation works, installing poles and transmission lines along the entire stretch of 10th, 12th and 27th Streets of Barangay 183 and from energizing and transmitting high voltage electric current through the said power lines.

The 30-foot-high posts will hold the transmission lines which will supply more or less 115 kilovolts of power to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Centennial Terminal 3.

The petitioners claimed that the lines and electric posts are being erected very near their properties, thus, putting their health and security at risk.

They noted that some of these posts, which will carry tremendous amount of electricity, have not been erected properly while others are tilting in an apparently unstable position.

Nonetheless, the CA stressed that the data gathered and presented by the petitioners to support their claim are "purely statistical in nature" and lack scientific evidence or conclusion that the high-tension wires emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) which cause leukemia to children.

It noted that scientists themselves are currently unable to establish the link between leukemia and EMFs.

"As such, no bases may be culled from any of petitioners' evidence to warrant the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan... In the instance before us, the burden of proof lies with petitioners. In failing to prove the causal link between the illnesses feared and the EMF generating from Meralco's power lines, petitioners have, in fact, failed to discharge this evidentiary evidence," the CA ruled.

Likewise, the CA ruled that Meralco complied with all the environmental standards mandated under existing laws, as shown in the clearances issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The power firm, the CA said, has also met the height and distance requirements under the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC).

It noted that the horizontal clearance or the distance of the electric wire from the building followed by Meralco in erecting electric posts is approximately three meters which is far wider than what is required by the law, which is 2.87 meters.

On the other hand, the vertical clearance or the distance of the electric wires from ground is required under the PEC to be 22.6 meters while those of Meralco are between 90 feet and 105 feet.

The CA did not give credence to the allegations of the petitioners that the electric wires are installed too close to their houses while the posts tilted on the direction of their houses.

It explained that during the preliminary conference of the case, the petitioners failed to state with certainty the distance of the electrical wire from the house of one of the petitioners or show the tilting of the posts.

"We emphasize that Meralco's operation is not illegal or unlawful to begin with... More importantly, Meralco's installations was undertaken in compliance firstly to the requisites under various statues, environmental and otherwise," it said.

"Secondly, it (Meralco) obtained the necessary permits to realize its operations under close scrutiny from government agencies concerned. Simply put, none of its operations is violative of any law and, as such, may not be labelled unlawful," it added. (PNA)

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has started working with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to address the carjacking problem in Metro Manila and some other parts of the country.

In a chance interview in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said he already contacted LTO chief Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres to map out measures, both short and long-terms, to address the carjacking issue.

”We have requested their assistance so that we can come up with complete information. She (Torres) said she will conduct her own investigation,” said Robredo, who earlier expressed belief that carjacking syndicates might have their cohorts at the LTO and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

”We want our investigation to be very thorough, this should not be a media game. This is purely investigative work to get to the bottom of this and figure out a way to stop this,” Robredo added.

Last Jan. 12, car trader Emerson Lozano, a son of lawyer Oliver Lozano, along with his driver Ernane Sensil, went missing after meeting a prospective buyer of his Kia Carnival in Quezon City.

Two days later, the burned body of Sensil was discovered in La Paz, Tarlac while Lozano’s charred body was recovered at a portion of the megadike in Porac, Pampanga the following day. Lozano’s van was also recovered burned in Bataan.

On Jan. 14, another car trader, Venson Evangelista, also went missing after allowing a test-drive to a supposed buyer of his Toyota Land Cruiser, also in Quezon City.

Evangelista’s charred body was recovered days later in Cabanatuan City.

The PNP has tagged the notorious Dominguez carjacking group as behind Evangelista’s kidnap-slaying as confessed by two members of the gang -â€" Alfred Mendiola and Ferdinand Parulan, who are both under police custody.

The two suspects named Raymond Dominguez, leader of the carjacking group, as the brains behind the Evangelista killing. Mendiola admitted to be the one who posed as buyer of Evangelista’s high-end vehicle on Jan. 14.  - pna

Inflation in the Philippines, which moderated from 4.4 percent in 2009 to 3.8 percent last year, is seen to improve and moderate some more to only 2.3 percent this year, the New York-based Moody's Investor Service said on Monday.

It anticipates more subdued inflationary pressures this year as it plots a lower path for local output likely averaging only five percent in terms of the gross domestic product (GDP) from forecast growth of only 6.5 percent for 2010.

Actual local output in 2010 averaged higher to 7.3 percent as the economy grew by 7.1 percent in the final quarter.

The credit rating firm's subdued take on Philippine inflation supports the official view that despite significantly large foreign fund inflows and domestic pressures such as wage hikes and food price hikes, inflation expectations remain well anchored.

Its forecast inflation for the year is even lower than the low end of the official inflation target ranging from three percent to five percent.

But while government is aggressively expecting growth to quicken even more down the line, Moody's said local output this year is also likely to moderate to just five percent.

“Asia-Pacific growth will moderate. but continue to lead global growth in the year ahead. Re-balancing through more reliance on domestic private demand will cushion but not completely offset the headwinds from expected sluggishness in global demand.

“We see regional GDP growth, including in Japan, as moderating to 5.2 percent in 2011 but continuing to outpace other regions. This moderation will be most evident in China and the export-oriented industrialized economies such as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore. In contrast, Australia, India and the emerging markets of ASEAN may see little or no deceleration in growth in the year ahead,” Moody's reported.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. brushed aside concerns the rather high GDP outturn in 2010 could add to the array of inflationary pressure points the monetary authorities have to contend with at present.

He said the BSP “already incorporated a higher Q4-2010 growth rate than the official government target in our forecast exercise.”

He gave the assurance to blunt concerns that a fast speeding economy breeds inflation as it moves along.

“For purposes of our forecast, the higher than market expectation GDP growth would not necessarily throw this (forecast inflation) off. Inflation remains manageable. There is sufficient liquidity in the system to fund further growth.

“As long as the unwinding of funds kept with the BSP is orderly and such funds are channeled to productive uses, this should not necessarily be inflationary,” Tetangco said.

This pertains in part to the more or less P 1.23 trillion worth of bank funds kept in the vaults of the central bank as part of its liquidity management program, money that would otherwise be idle in the system creating nothing but inflation headaches for the BSP.

For Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, it only seems fitting that the Philippines should host an international conference where international experts will discuss the intricate relationship between biodiversity and climate change.

After all, the Philippines is one of the most biologically diverse countries that, as an archipelago, is also one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Around 700 environmentalists, researchers, scientists, academicians, policy makers and representatives from various related organizations are expected to gather for the International Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change slated at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Feb. 1-3.

The event, jointly organized by the DENR and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), will also provide a venue for the participants to come up with strategies to conserve biodiversity, especially within the Asia-Pacific region.

“Climate change threatens to displace multitudes of species from their present habitats. Without human intervention, many species will not be able to relocate, much more compete against other species. Biodiversity is facing the specter of mass extinction,” said Paje. He lauded the timeliness and significance of the conference, in light of the “growing awareness that our planet is facing the perils of climate change and a compromised biodiversity.”

The scientific community has long been studying the impacts of climate change such as increased temperature and sea levels, ocean acidification and extreme weather conditions, said to be a result of increased amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, on biodiversity and society alongside global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Paje noted with pride that the Philippines has been active in such efforts.

“Our country has shown initiative in implementing programs that will hopefully arrest â€" or at least minimize - the adverse impacts of climate change that are expected on an archipelagic country like ours. Yet, we cannot deny that these impacts are already being felt by our flora and fauna in the various ecosystems, especially coastal and marine,” he said.

Among those mentioned by the Environment secretary as interventions the country has made to mitigate climate change and help conserve biodiversity are the Clean Air Act of 1999, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the Clean Water Act of 2004, the Biofuels Act of 2006, the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, and the Climate Change Act of 2009. (PNA)

Two giant figures in Philippine sports take their rightful place in the Hall of Fame of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) when it honors the top achievers of 2010 next month.

Billiards icon Efren 'Bata' Reyes and the late former International Chess Federation (FIDE) president Florencio Campomanes are the latest personalities to be elevated in the pantheon of greatness during the PSA-Coca Cola Awards Night set March 5 at the Manila Hotel.

Both Reyes and Campomanes are part of the select list of awardees to be given tribute by the country’s oldest media organization during the glorious event backed by Accel, Harbour Centre and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

On top of the honor roll are 16th Asian Games gold medal winners Biboy Rivera, Dennis Orcollo, and Rey Saludar, along with Reyes’ long-time bosom buddy, Francisco 'Django’ Bustamante, the reigning World 9-Ball champion, all of whom will be the recipient of the coveted Athlete of the Year award.

The world men’s poomsae champion team of Anthony Matias and brothers Brian and Jean-Pierre Sabido, on the other hand, lead the 14 individuals to be handed out with major awards, while the National Sports Association (NSA) of the year will be bestowed to the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP).

Boxing superstar and five-time Athlete of the Year Manny Pacquiao was the last sports figure to be inducted into the PSA Hall of Fame.

And on this special night of March 5, Reyes and Campomanes will finally be in his company.

The first-ever man to reign as double world champion (World 9-Ball and World 8-Ball), Reyes is regarded as one of the all-time greats in the sport of billiards.

Referred to as "The Magician," the 56-year-old cue artist was twice named Athlete of the Year by the PSA in 1999 and 2001 and became the first Asian to be inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame in 2003.

By the end of 2010, the prestigious United States Billiard Media Association named the native of Angeles City Pampanga as Player of the Decade for his amazing stint in the last 10 years, beating out former world champions Johnny Archer of the U.S., Mika Immonen of Finland and Ralf Souquet of Germany for the title.

Reyes won more than 20 major pool titles during the decade, starting with his US$ 30,000 Camel Pro 8-Ball championship win in 2000.

He also took the World 8-Ball title in 2004 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates and scored his biggest wins in the International Pool Tour (ITP), bagging two titles (2005 IPT King of the Hill and 2006 IPT North American Open) and pocketing US$ 765,000.

As brilliant as Reyes was in the pool table, so did Campomanes in the field of chess.

Considered as the man who trail-blazed Philippine chess, `Campo’ was national master and two-time national champion who served as captain of the Philippine team to the 1966 Havana World Chess Championship.

He was also credited for co-founding the Philippine Chess Federation (predecessor of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines) and had a hand in promoting the chess careers of Eugene Torre, Asia’s first-ever Grandmaster, Rogelio Antonio, Bong Villamayor and Mark Paragua, among others.

But the man will be best remembered as the heavy underdog who defied the odds and ascended the FIDE presidency in 1982, a position he held until 1995.

A 2006 Lifetime Achievement awardee by the PSA, Campomanes quietly passed away on May 3, 2010 following a long bout with prostate cancer. He was 83. (PNA)

The Filipino community in Egypt, in coordination with the Philippine embassy in the capital city of Cairo, has fine-tuned its contingencies in case the current situation in the city worsens and forced Filipinos to evacuate, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured on Monday.

For days now, mainly young Egyptians have been holding protest rallies against the current government of President Mubarak, demanding that he resign after about 30 years at the helm.

The DFA headquarters itself mobilized a 24-hour hotline (phone 834-4580) so that anxious relatives could inquire and keep abreast of the latest developments in the Middle East.

Embassy officials were scheduled to meet community leaders on Monday and ensure that they are safe as well as finalize joint contingency plans that include the determination of relocation centers and prepared routes for exit and other logistics, according to DFA officials at a press conference.

Enrico Fos, DFA Special Assistant for migrant workers affairs, left Monday for Egypt to help the embassy with the implementation of contingency measures.

Completing the contingency team are Consul General Ezzedin Tago, who will fly into Cairo from his home base in Riyadh, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu.

The embassy has begun a phone brigade with the community, wherein Filipinos call and check on known compatriots and establish their whereabouts. This would ensure that members are all accounted for.

According to the embassy’s Eduardo Pablo Maglaya, the protests appear not to pose any imminent danger to Filipinos and that there has been no report of any attack of foreigners in general.

Still, the embassy advised Filipinos to stay indoors, steer clear of public places especially sites of mass protests and avoid political actions.

The DFA said it has set aside P25 million of its own emergency funds for the Egypt crisis, adding that the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have also committed their agencies for additional standby funds.

Under the amended Migrant Workers Act, the amount of P100 million in emergency repatriation funds administered by OWWA, can be used for such crisis, DFA Undersecretary Esteban Conejos stated. - source: PNA

Note on Civil Procedure
When Is Reverse Order of Trial Proper?

If the defendant in his/her answer relies upon an affirmative defense, a reverse order of trial is proper.

Pre, you can also add him to your Facebook.
Name niya sa Facebook is Rhandee Garlitos

Nice contrast of black and white image.

Mas maayo unta pud ug nagtapis lang ug tualya gamay ang babaye para naa poy thrilling.

Bran, mura man ug nalibat ang cat.

Thanks for posting, Pre. Garlitos apilyedo, Pre, dili Carlitos.
Pwede pud: Basta Bol-anon Bright 

Seven people died while four others were injured in a road accident on Thursday in Tagum City, Davao del Norte province, a ranking police official said Friday.

Quoting reports reaching the Camp Crame-based National Operations Center (NOC), Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the accident occurred at around 12:30 p.m. along the Davao-Agusan National Highway in Barangay Bincungan, Tagum City.

Cruz said that a passenger multi-cab (LWT-762) driven by Nando Pajanostan was rammed by an Isuzu Forward truck (WTD-102) driven by Albin Galon Pagay.

Eleven passengers of the multi-cab were rushed to a nearby hospital, but seven of them were declared dead on arrival, Cruz said.

”The driver of the Isuzu truck, who was under the influence of liquor, is now in the custody of the Tagum City Police Station,” he added.

Further investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. (PNA)
scs/MM

By Gloria Jane Baylon

MANILA, Jan. 27 (PNA) â€" The Philippines has been the only country in the Asia-Pacific region which the United States has chosen for the Obama administration’s Partners for Growth program, U.S. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.

Campbell said the American decision indicated Washington’s “respect” for the steps undertaken by President Benigno S. Aquino III in ensuring that its socio-economic policies are embarked on properly.

Campbell, who is in Manila for the two-day first-ever Philippines-US Strategic Dialogue, was responding to a reporter’s question on U.S. reactions to the Philippine Partnership Program. He leads the U.S. delegation to the bilateral talks.

The State Department official described the PPP as an undertaking essential for economic coordination. “There is a broad desire to increase or explore bilateral mechanism such as the PPP,” Campbell added.

Thursday’s meeting of senior officials on both sides, representing such eminent government agencies on Foreign Affairs, Defense, Trade and Industry, Justice, and Economic and Trade, focused on the socio-political aspects of Manila-Washington relations.

The meeting discussed “non-traditional threats” to security such as severe weather conditions in the Asia-Pacific, where unusual storm patterns and great-intensity typhoons continue a-brewing, according to Campbell.

The closing sessions on Friday will discuss the security and defense agenda, according to DFA spokesperson Eduardo Malaya. Both Campbell and Malaya confirmed that the controversial Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) was not taken up Thursday.

The State Department official remarked, however, that VFA is still an important component of the bilateral relations.

Campbell said that Friday’s meeting would address Philippine “maritime issues on a multi-setting” and the steps the U.S. is taking to increase the maritime capacity of “these maritime islands,” without linking the problem to counter-terrorism activities in Mindanao’s porous sea coasts and to anti-piracy measures involving Filipino seafarers aboard maritime vessels traversing the sea lanes of the Somali Basin, the Gulf of Aden, the Horn of Africa, Indian Ocean and other pirate-infested waterways..

Campbell’s counterpart in the talks is Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio, who reiterated that the first-day meeting was “fruitful and substantive” covering a “range of topics that impact” on the bilateral relations as well as in regional groupings that include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo and U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. have earlier issued statements that described Manila-Washington bilateral relations as “nurtured by a shared history and adherence to common values, especially a commitment to freedom, democracy, and free enterprise.”

At the press conference, Campbell reiterated this and said “there is so much we (U.S.) can do to expand the enduring relationship” as he also emphasized Washington’s “clear and deep interest in improving our bilateral relations and with Southeast Asia.”

Basilio noted that “looking to the future” of the relations, the Dialogue has formed four Working Groups (WG): rule of law and law enforcement, territorial defense and maritime, economy and trade, and regional and global relations.

“We have a great plan for the future of this country (Philippines),” Basilio said, looking at Campbell for confirmation while expressing gratitude to the U.S. for its “forward-looking” concerns for Manila.

Speaking of Philippine-American relations vis-a-vis China, the latter being perceived as now having a more determined influence on Manila and possibly replacing Washington affection in the hearts of Filipinos, Campbell said: “For Asian nations equal relations with both Washington and Beijing is the best in attaining peace and stability in the region.”

He admitted that US-China relations is “complex, but there is a recognition that a relationship should be reliable, stable and realistic and where peace and stability are essential components.”

With some other ASEAN members, the Philippines, as well as China itself, claim territorial possession in whole or in parts of the South China Sea.

Beijing and the ASEAN have signed a so-called Declaration of Conduct of the Parties to the South China Sea (DoC) in 2002. Beijing has shown preference for a bilateral discussion of the issue rather than on a multilateral level.

But the U.S., describing the South China Sea as a “critical waterway” for international maritime, desires that “the DoC should lead to a formal approach,” stated Campbell.

He noted that this is where the ASEAN has a “central role” to make. Up to July 2012, the Philippines is the Country Coordinator of the ASEAN in talks with Washington.

Anent this, Basilio stated that on the Spratlys issue on the South China Sea, “the working group is there precisely to work out the details and address the DoC framework.”

Initial report: Rey Boom-boom Bautista won his rematch fight against Barrera of Mexico via a 3rd round knock-out. We'll give you more updates.