VOL. 10, NO. 39
APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2013
CATBALOGAN CITY
8 PAGES
THIS Cave, the Langun-Gobingob Caves located in Barangay Panayuran, some 7 kilometers from the Calbiga town proper was classified into Class II level by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 8. Another cave, the Sohoton Caves, was also marked Level 2. These two caves, was considered the most visited “show caves “ among other natural wonders in Eastern Visayas. Being in the Class II level, the DENR has full jurisdiction on said caves, unless otherwise it will enthrust its management to the Local Government Units of Calbiga and Basey. (Ricky Bautista)
Samar Weekly
Chronicling Events in Samar Island Since 2002
EXPRESS The Exponent of Samar’s Progress
DENR places 2 Samar caves under its jurisdiction By RICKY J. BAUTISTA, SWE News & Features
CATBALOGAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas classified two famous caves in Samar province in a bid to give stronger teeth to laws protecting the pristine caves having potentials of continuously bringing tourists to the region.
See DENR page 7...
Shooting of mayoral bet, son in Northern Samar probed CATARMAN, Northern Samar -- The shooting incident in Victoria town of Northern Samar is suspected to be an election-related incident (ERI), and is still undergoing investigation and determination by the committee formed by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8), according to media relations officer Inspctor Romuel Nacar. The incident that happened Thursday evening in Brgy. Zone 1, Poblacion in Victoria town, involved incumbent mayor Jose Ardales and his son Jorge who suffered gunshot wounds after they were shot by suspects identified by a witness as Precillano Allganza and Albert Kennedy. In a narration by witness Albino Montopar, security aide of Ardales to members of the PNP, he said that prior to the incident they “heard a burst of gunfire inside the compound of another mayoralty bet Guillermo Jumamil followed by another volume of gunfire in their barangay hall about 100 meters away from the crime scene.” They were shocked when the “gunfire was already striking the
See SHOOTING page 7...
2 supporters of congress bets killed in vehicular accident CATBALOGAN CITY -- Two supporters of Samar 2nd District United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) congressional candidate died in an unfortunate accident early Monday morning after attending a political sortie in this city Sunday night. Police reports said the vehicle hired by the supporters of Reynato “Boy” Latorre reportedly fell off the rough and unfinished roads along Barangay Canligues, Paranas town on their way to Barangay Calapi, San Jose de Buan town, after attending the “miting de avance” in Catbalogan City. Aside from the two victims, whose names were not immediately known, several others were seriously injured and were taken to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City for treatment. Saddened by the incident, UNA candidate Latorre took the
See SUPPORTERS page 6...
Army troops monitor NPA movements in Samar
CATBALOGAN CITY -- The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) is now closely monitoring the movements of the local insurgents in Samar particularly its extortion activities against candidates seeking posts for the May 13 polls. “The focus of our troops is to be vigilant in monitoring the movements and extortion activities of these rebels,” said Capt. Amado Gutierrez, spokesman of the 8th ID based here. Every day, the 8ID received reports from the local assets and community folks that members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have been roaming around asking money in the form of permit to campaign or permit to win fees to the local candidates. “We first validate these reports and immediately send troops to the area,” Gutierrez added. Last Thursday, at least two local insurgents apparently conducting extortion activities were killed during the 15-minute encounter with the government security forces in Barangay Albalate, this city. The other three companions of the rebels fled the scene. Recovered from the two unidentified dead rebels were two assault rifles and explosives, the army said. Earlier, the military in the region claimed that the NPA is soliciting permit to campaign and permit to win fees from candidates, ranging from P50,000 to P5 million, depending on the position being sought by a candidate. Documents recovered by the military revealed that the NPA was tasked by the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Eastern Visayas to implement the collection of the “permit to win” and “permit to campaign” fees to local candidates. Fr. Santiago Salas, NDF in Eastern Visayas spokesman, however, denied the claim. (Ricky Bautista)
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Opposition bets ‘no show’ at candidates’ forum in Samar By RICKY J. BAUTISTA, SWE News & Features
CATBALOGAN CITY -- Political candidates from the opposition in Samar province were no-show in a candidates’ forum organized by the Social Action Center (SAC) of the Diocese of Calbayog and some media organizations, Saturday. The forum slated at the St. Mary’s College here was supposed to be for candidates seeking top posts in the province. Instead, only the Liberal Party (LP) led by gubernatorial aspirant Aika Uy-Delgado, vice-gubernatorial candidate Atty. Wilfredo Estorninos and congressional candidate for the second district Atty. Eunice Babalcon were present. “We take this (forum) seriously because for us this is a great opportunity to present our master plan of governance for the province of Samar,” Uy-Delgado said. Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) candidates including incumbent 2nd district representative Mila Tan, her daughter and son respectively governor Sharee Ann Tan (NPC) and vice Governor James Tan of Nationalista Party (NP) -- all seeking for a reelection, did not show up. Other invited guests who failed to come for unknown reasons were gubernatorial aspirant Tony San Buenabuentura of Kilusang Bagong Makabayan (KBP) and congressional bet Reynato Latoree of Nationalist United Alliance (NUP). “This cannot be called a forum if there’s only one party here. I am disappointed, this could be the best time for them (to present themselves in public)… but they missed,” Fr. Cesar Aculan of SAC, Diocese of Calbayog said after announcing the cancellation of the event. The lead organizer said the forum was an opportunity for candidates to present their platforms of government on good governance, peace and order, environment or any issues affecting the province. It was also aimed to inform voters whom to vote based on their platforms, said the priest. While saying that he was saddened by the development, Father Aculan thanked and expressed sorry for all that have exerted efforts to come in the forum. Amid the cancellation, LP candidates still took the opportunity to share their platforms - thoroughly searched basic needs of the province, all incorporated in a grand master plan of governance- in a separate venue amid the presence of media representatives. The LP key programs presented to public included health and humanitarian concerns, education, environment, ecotourism, energy and communication, empowerment and good governance, livelihood, land and housing, agriculture and fishery, peace and order, population and development and “shared governance program.” (Ricky Bautista)
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Samar Weekly Express
THE REGION
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APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2013
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162 HOTS, 444 near-hired in DOLE 8 Labor Day job fair TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Eastern Visayas reported of 162 hired-on-thespot (HOTS) while 444 were considered as near-hired during the Labor Day job fair held at the Tacloban City Convention Center here. The number of HOTS surpassed the 15 percent target set by the central office taking into account the number of registered applicants recorded at 996. Of the 162 HOTS, 144 were hired for local employment and the rest are overseas. Meanwhile, DOLE 8 under regional director Exequiel R. Sarcauga, expects the HOTS to increase with the possible employment coming from the 444 near-hired applicants in the next 30 days. Near-hired applicants refer to those who have been considered by employers but are yet to submit additional requirements or submit themselves for another interview. The one-day job fair on Wednesday made available 1, 500 job orders for overseas employment and 1,147 local jobs. (PNA)
147 cops, 228 Army personnel avail of local absentee voting in EV TACLOBAN CIT Y -Roughly 41 percent of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and around 70 percent of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) in Eastern Visayas have availed of the local absentee voting (LAV), reports said. Of the 355 approved applications from the Police Regional Office-8 (PRO8) only 147 have cast their votes,
according to media relations officer, Inspt. Romuel Nacar. Nonetheless, he said that PRO8 under the leadership of C/Supt. Elmer R. Soria assured people of Eastern Visayas the “maximum service on Election Day as some of their personnel need not to compromise their democratic right in order to perform their crucial role of ensuring the electorate in the midterm polls.”
The casting of votes held at the Matapat Hall last April 29-30 was availed mostly by personnel assigned at the Regional Public Safety Battalion 8 (RPSB 8) with 116 and stations in Leyte province with 12 voters. PRO8 headquarters and Eastern Samar have eight voters each and one voter each from cities of Tacloban, Ormoc and Catbalogan.
‘Kris Aquino’ endorses LP bets in Tacloban City
TACLOBAN CIT Y -Presidential sister and multimedia personality Kris Aquino visited Tacloban City today to endorse two Liberal Party senatorial candidates Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Grace Poe and city mayoralty bet Florencio “Bem” Noel who is in his last term as party-list representative of An Waray Party-list and his slate. In a brief interview with the presidential sister, she revealed that she will not endorse all members of the Liberal Party, but when asked if whom she refused to name them. “I was asked by my sister for the sake of our brother to keep quiet about my decision, and as a respect to him, I will not tell you who aside these two gets my support,” said Aquino. “As much as they respect that we are living in a democratic country and I can choose if who I shall vote for they asked me not to broadcast it to people,” she added. Tacloban was her last stop after attending Liberal party sortie in Davao and Cebu before going back to Manila to attend her showbiz commitment. On Sunday, Aquino said that she’s with Congressman Edgardo Angara senatorial campaign then by Wednesday, she’ll help her cousin Bam Aquino campaign in Iloilo and Bicol region. Explaining her decision to support Poe and Escudero, Aquino said that it was Poe’s campaign advocacy to implement free lunch for school age children as it will ensure higher survival rate of school age children attending classes. While for Escudero, Kris said that he was one of the loyal friends of her brother since they were still member of the House of Representatives. On rumors of her joining politics in 2016 election, Aquino said that it is not an easy task to enter political arena which is why she needs to study and learn more on how to handle public service.
City coop office releases P2-M help to coops
Kris Aquino
“We still have three more years before my brother ends his term and I said to myself that whenever I enter politics I need to be ready because i need to protect our name,” said Aquino. “I don’t want to live in the shadow of my parents and my brother,” she added. However, the presidential sister denied rumors that it will be a national position which she aims if ever she finally decided to run for public office as she would want to follow the footstep of her father who started in local government units first before joining national political arena. (PNA)
The training for work scholars posed for posterity with mentors from the Technical TACLOBAN CITY --The Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) during one its event. City Cooperatives Development
TESDA allocates P19.4-M training for work scholarship program in E. Visayas TACLOBAN CITY -- The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) in Eastern Visayas has allotted a total of P19.4 million for the implementation of its training for work scholarship program, according to its regional director Cleta M. Omega. Already, Omega said some P3.951 million has been provided with vouchers for trainings in Eastern and Northern Samar as well as at the regional training center based in this city. According to data provided by the scholarship focal person Elizabeth C. Canales, 115 slots have been approved for their provincial training center (PRC) in Catarman, Northern Samar amounting to P897,000. These include 65 slots for regular skills training with fund allocation of P447,500 and 50 slots for trainers methodology course worth P450,000. The regional training center (RTC) in Tacloban City, meanwhile, has an approved P1.896 million voucher for 251 slots -- 151 skills program and 100 trainers’ methodology would mean more employ- said. course. ment opportunities and eco“(And) once this superEastern Samar has 79 slots nomic growth in this city – the mall starts to operate, some with P407,500 funds. Skills primary gateway to Eastern 2,000 jobless people could training include automotive, Visayas. land jobs, not to mention the welding, electrical installation In fact, the Robinson’s domino effects it will bring to and maintenance. Place located in Marasbaras the city such as in the transport On the other hand, district will also put up a one- sector, more income and taxes P750,000 was also approved hectare bus terminal out of its in favor of the city govern- for TESDA’s English Language plan to acquire a three-hectare ment,” the mayor said. Proficiency Program that will lot, the city chief executive The mayor attributed all benefit 500 recipients; 400 from said. these developments to the Northern Samar and 100 at the The Robinsons Land good peace and order situ- RTC. Corp. (RLC), which operates ation, good governance and In addition to the regular the Robinson’s shopping malls, transparency under his admin- skills program, a P13 million has also acquired another istration. Prior to its conver- allocation was also set aside for 24,352 square meter lot at the sion into a highly urbanized the Private Education Student Tacloban New Bus Terminal city in 1998, as shepherded Financial Assistance (PESFA) for its second shopping mall by mayor Romualdez into a program for those who are in the city. competitive city in the coun- interested to pursue technical“This will gain tremen- try today, Tacloban was an vocational courses in private dous benefits to the city in independent component city. schools. terms of income,” Romualdez (Ricky Bautista)
Mayor Alfred vows more employment opportunities for Taclobanons TACLOBAN CIT Y -Mayor Alfred Romualdez on Friday vowed to generate more employment opportunities for the residents as he announced the continues influx of big business players in this highlyurbanized city. Romualdez emphasized that due to the rapid growth of the city in terms of development and business, more employment will be available soon at the Kanhuraw Business Center, City Public Employment and Service Office and the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). He said that leading companies in the country showed interest in putting up their branches in the city which
Policemen who are eligible absentee voters that failed to vote during the two-day period can still vote in the May 13 elections, he added. On the other hand, Capt. Amado Gutierrez, officer-incharge of the public affairs office of the 8ID, said that as of Thursday morning’s report 228 of the 330 approved applications from 10 of the 19 units of the division were able to cast their votes. Those who did not avail were either hospitalized or were part of the combat operations. Gutierrez also clarified that 1,106 personnel of the 8ID have applied for the LAV but only 877 were approved instead of the earlier report that 608 of the 876 applicants were permitted to vote. Those whose applications were denied are not registered voters, Gutierrez said. Meanwhile, the remaining nine units have until Friday to submit their ballots to the division. (PNA)
and Livelihood Assistance Office (CCDLAO) here has already released some P2.12 million worth of Coop Fund loans to 11 city cooperatives as additional business capital officials said. City mayor Alfred S. Romualdez said that CCDLAO also released F4M fund loans to 222 individuals under his administration. The CCDLAO was created based on City ordinance 99-08, to provide technical and funding assistance to city cooperatives and individuals. Around P3, 095,000 F4 FUND loans were released to qualified residents in 56 clusters by the coop office. The F4 Fund is a no collateral loan of P5,000 to P30,000 available to microentrepreneurs. The coop office likewise provides technical assistance to city cooperatives as it complies with requirements set by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and conducts marketing and livelihood trainings and forums to cooperatives and walk-in clients. Last year, the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) recognized the CCDLAO by naming it as 2012 Regional Outstanding LGU and City Coop Office and the CDA GAWAD PARANGAL Most Outstanding LGU/ Cooperative Development Office in Region 8. (PNA)
Samar Weekly Express APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2013
SAMAR POLITICS: Contender challenges incumbent Samar guv to debate CATBALOGAN CITY -- Samar province Liberal Party gubernatorial candidate Rosa Jessica “Aika” Uy-Delgado challenged incumbent Gov. Sharee Ann Tan to a debate to enlighten Samareños on their respective positions and platforms of governments. “It is high time we change the manner of elections and politics here in Samar. The people has the right to know what we could offer them, what programs we have set for them to make their lives better than what it is now,” Uy-Delgado said in an interview. Uy-Delgado, together with other Liberal Party bets were recently formally endorsed by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III during the latter’s visit in Calbayog City and the LP senatorial slate campaign for the Samar leg. Uy-Delgado also said this would be a “welcome change” for the people of Samar to see candidates battle it out in the debate field and laying down their respective plans instead of mudslinging that has become a trademark in local politics. It was learned that local candidates in Samar are being invited to a debate to be staged by the Church, the media and other non-government organizations. On allegations of rivals going to spend at least P5,000 to buy votes, Uy-Delgado said that she would not resort to votes buying to win but rather would campaign for change of attitude among the voters and the people, taking into consideration that Samar has the potential to become a developed province. Uy-Delgado is the eldest daughter of the late Calbayog City Mayor Reynaldo Uy, who was killed two years ago by unidentified gunmen in Hinabangan town. The killing was linked to Uy’s political rivals.
E. Visayas holds simultaneous testing, sealing of PCOS
NEWS
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TACLOBAN CITY -- Polling centers in Eastern Visayas on Monday held a simultaneous final testing and sealing (FTS) of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that will be used in the counting of votes for the May 13 polls. Lawyer Veronico Petalcorin, acting regional director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in this region, said that by 9:00 a.m. around 90 percent of PCOS machines have been delivered to various voting centers. He said that around noon, all PCOS will most probably be entrusted to their Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) already. The FTS is an instrument to determine whether or not the machine works. There will be a mock election where at least 10 ballots bearing fake names will be fed into the PCOS machines. “If there is a problem then the election will recommend for the replacement of the machine and if there is none we have to rearrange the situation,” he said. By re-arranging he meant that machines coming from far-flung areas will be transferred to the Poblacion. Those with few registered voters can just borrow the PCOS machine of other centers. He assured that voting will continue regardless if the PCOS machine is damaged or there is none at all. “The only thing is that we have to borrow the PCOS of other barangay. The PCOS is generic, the SIM card is specific,” he explained. The only downside then is that voters could not fully appreciate the automated election because they could not directly feed their ballots to the machine. Instead, after the voting, the BEI will put their documents in the ballot box and wait for available PCOS. The BEI will already be the one to feed the official ballots to the machine. Meantime, once the testing is completed and no problems were encountered then the PCOS will be sealed and will be opened only on the day of the elections. Eastern Visayas has 2,756, 250 registered voters with 5, 135 clustered precincts and 3, 773 voting centers. (PNA)
Army ready to thwart any plan of NPA to disrupt May 13 polls C AT B A L O G A N CITY -- Troops of the Eight Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) are prepared to thwart any attempts of the New People’s Army (NPA) to disrupt the conduct of elections in Eastern Visayas on May 13. “They might resort to it but we are prepared to any of their plans,” ac-
cording to Capt. Amado Gutierrez, officer-incharge of 8th ID public affairs office. Currently, he said, their troops are conducting “selected combat operations in secluded areas to check out information on NPA personalities collecting permit to campaign and permit to win” demands. This aside from
Comelec declares 8 towns in N. Samar ‘hot’ TACLOBAN CITY -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has classified eight municipalities in Northern Samar as “areas of immediate concern” in the run-up to the May 13 midterm elections. Laywer Veronico G. Petalcorin, officer-in-charge of Comelec in Eastern Visayas said the towns declared as areas of immediate concern are Victoria, Lavezares, Lope de Vega, San Isidro, Pambujan, Gamay, Lapinig and Capul. “The police and the military will closely monitor these areas to ensure that the elections there will be peaceful and orderly,” Petalcorin said. Petalcorin added the intense political rivalry, presence of unidentified armed men and goons maintained by political candidates, presence and the capability of the New People’s Army (NPA) to disrupt the voting were the factors taken into consideration in classifying the areas as election areas of immediate concern. Intense political rivalries and presence of private armed men were present in Victoria, Lapinig, Gamay and Capul towns, while presence of NPA were reported in Pambujan, Lope de Vega, San Isidro and Lavezares towns. “With just seven days left before the elections, Comelec will regularly update the list of so-called ‘hotspots’,” Petalcorin said. (PNA)
their working in tandem with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the conduct of checkpoint operations, he added. Two or three days before the election day, he said they will be shifting from “combat posture to election security posture depending on the appreciation of the commanders of brigades and
battalions.” “Troops will be deployed along vicinity of polling precinct but this will be in line with Comelec (Commission on Elections) policies like staying away from precincts at a certain distance,” he said. Atty. Veronico Petalcorin, acting regional director of Comelec 8, said that the delineation
of function has already been done between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections. The AFP, he said, will be deployed in insurgency areas, mostly in Samar area. (PNA)
COMELEC 8 is 98% ready for May 13 polls TACLOBAN CITY -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas is now 98 percent ready for the midterm elections on May 13. Atty. Veronico Petalcorin, acting regional director of the Comelec here, said that they could not say they are 100 percent prepared because of some glitches that are “manageable and can be corrected in due time.” “That 98 percent is enough to say that this election will be successful,” he said. Last week the poll body has completed the refresher training for Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) that will facilitate the conduct of the elections. A simultaneous testing and sealing of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines was conducted Monday regionwide. Meanwhile, Petalcorin expressed optimism that about 80 to 85 percent of the region’s 2,576,250 registered voters will cast their votes come May 13. During the 2010 synchronized national and local elections, the turnout in the region was also at 80 percent. At the national level only around 76 percent cast their votes, he said.
DSWD purges list of CCT beneficiaries
CATBALOGAN CITY – The Dept. of Social Welfare and Development in Eastern Visayas has stricken out 4,477 names from its list of beneficiaries of conditional cash transfer following its eligibility check routine. Marichu E. Bustillos, regional coordinator of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, said their grievance team has been doing validation of beneficiaries with the help of their municipal links. She explained that 1,913 were delisted as a result of the routine check; 128 were delisted due to inclusive error; seven for fraud; 59 have waived; 197 for duplication; 1,217 have no children with ages 0-14 and 956 transferred to non-4Ps areas. Most of those delisted have members of their families working as police officers, teachers or are overseas Filipino workers. Meanwhile, the DSWD is encouraging people to report any beneficiary who they believe is not deserving of the program. Currently, the program covers 255,079 households in Eastern Visayas. (PNA)
TESDA scholar/trainee shows how to fix a broken machine.
Industrial peace reigns in E. Visayas for the past 9 years TACLOBAN CITY -- The National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has been successful in promoting industrial peace in Eastern Visayas for the past nine-years.
NCMB regional conciliator-mediator Tomas Biboso said that while they received notices of strike there was no actual strike that took place in the region. He disclosed that last year there were around four notices of strikes while another two were
filed at the NCMB this year. These did not go into full-blown strikes. He explained that they were very strong in the promotion of labormanagement cooperation (LMC) and in grievance handling which is integrated into the collective
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OPINION Samar Weekly Express
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APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2013
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EDITORIAL Vote- buying, the final showdown Deciding who we want to lead our country’s Senate, House of Representatives and our localities is the best blessing of our democracy. We enjoy the free exercise of our sacred right to vote for those who deserve the trust and confidence of our people to run the affairs of government. The choice must be based on ideal parameters that would produce officials who possess the qualification, capability, integrity to perform the functions of the office being aspired for. There too is a need to examine the platform or advocacy that a particular candidate is pushing for that would be a good yardstick of what one will do once elected. But all these are mere ideals of bygone days when elections were truly clean and honest in all aspects, including the voter’s respect to his dignity and honor as a sovereign and rationale being. It is indeed unfortunate that elections are nothing more than commercial transactions with the sacred vote as commodity of the deal. Candidates no longer worry formulating a program of government for voters no longer care asking for the best platform anyway. Even meetings held by candidates during the campaign do not anymore attract the curiosity and interest of the voters. People would attend to listen only if they are given the best consideration for their presence. We can only find a few who voluntarily go to meetings as a manifestation of responsibility. Most do not anymore care to listen and just decide on choices without knowing well the personalities and issues. Calls to regain our moral bearings had repeatedly been issued by concerned civic, religious and cause oriented groups. Such appeal to resort to conscience and fight every temptation and influence of money, guns and power ought to be heeded by all and sundry. The call is very timely as people appear to have lost its moorings on morality and the independent and free exercise of his sovereign will. We really need to reexamine ourselves and try answering basic questions regarding our moral values that ought to guide us in the exercise of our sacred right to vote. Unfortunately, we have seen in the recent past how money plays a crucial role in winning elections. Voters had been used to receiving tokens, pennies and small bills from candidates who want their names written in the official ballot. These candidates pretend to be generous givers to the least of their brethren. They try to downplay vote buying as mere acts of kindness and sharing their riches to their constituents who are expectantly waiting for the election money. Those who have the riches have the decided advantage to win over the poor and unknown candidates. But upsets are always possible if voters will only decide to defeat the evil influence of money by voting wisely no matter the bribe.
Hints and Traces By Fr. Roy Cimagala Fidelity in an age of promiscuity THE title may refer more immediately to married couples who are committed to their spouses for a lifetime of love. But it can actually be applied to all of us also, single or married, young or old, healthy or not, etc. That’s because in the end we all have to be faithful to something or someone who, if I have to say things bluntly, is none other than God, our Creator and Father. Some people may choose to be faithful only to their own selves, but that’s another story that we can take up some other time. We cannot help but live some degree of fidelity because by nature we are a relational being. We are always connected to someone and there is always some kind of hierarchy in this network of relations in which we live. And one task we have to do is to find the place that properly belongs to us. This is the context of fidelity. We need to be more aware of our duty to be faithful, especially in our present times when forms of promiscuity are increasing and often in a most subtle way. We need to know what is involved in this duty to be faithful. We also need to know how to distinguish promiscuity from the legitimate attitude that respects and even fosters tolerance of an increasingly diversified world, or more, even taking advantage of such diversity. We are in tricky times. And so we have to be discerning as we pursue the real and ultimate goals of our life, and everything in it. Here lies the seed of the secret of fidelity. It’s never a passive, laid-back virtue. Rather, it is active and dynamic. We can only be faithful if we work for it consciously, keeping the right priorities that should be set out by the objective laws that govern us as persons, members of the community in all aspects—social, economic, political, cultural, etc.—and ultimately as children of God. Our main problem is that we often take this duty to know who we really are and the laws that properly govern us for granted. We often allow ourselves to be led mainly by the unreliable swings of our emotions and passions, the social and ideological trends, and the changing economic and political weathers, etc. These are never absolute guides. At best, they give some light
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Samar Weekly Express APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2013
Test for 2013 candidates: ‘Godliness’
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Jesus called them together and said, `You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant’…” (Matthew 20:24-26, the Holy Bible). -oooREMINDER: TEST FOR 2013 CANDIDATES-GODLINESS: Let me reprint this column: “President Aquino is right--voters in the May 2013 elections should not elect “pretenders” to public office since only those who will and can really serve should be voted upon. But then, with due respect, he is totally wrong to assume that only those who wear yellow shirts have the capacity to serve well. “There are many who don the yellow color but are really undeserving of any elective position, even the lowest ones, and there are those who wear other colors but who are really able and capable. What the President should be pounding upon for our people to vote for in May, if he wants his `right path’ campaign to really succeed, are candidates who have the fear and love of God in their hearts, and who are true believers well-versed and obedient to the Word of God, the Bible. “Undeniably, this country and this nation have already been subjected to all kinds of leaders since time immemorial. It is now time to push for men and women who will lead our people first and foremost to become true listeners and sincere followers of God, a people who will once and for all base their thoughts, words and actions on what God says according to the Bible, and who will act, speak and think in recognition of God’s primacy in our lives, and in loving embrace of the welfare of others.
HINTS from page 5 ... and impulse, and they can condition and exert some influence on the different aspects of our life, but they are in need to be rooted on an absolute, permanent ground—the terra firma who is God. Fidelity requires of us nothing less than the genuine impulse of love, the love that ultimately comes from God, the author, pattern and end of love. It requires an intimate relation with God. When a couple’s love refuses to conform itself to this love, and prefers to linger on the bodily aspects of love, or some other considerations only, fidelity may survive more of an accident than by intention. Same with those engaged in other fields of human endeavors—business, politics, academics, culture, philosophy, theology, etc. If their main inspiration is not God, but something or someone else, they will go wayward sooner or later. This love of God is something we can always have, if we are open to it in the first place, and then work hard to keep it. There will be difficulties, of course, but none that could not be overcome if we just keep our faith and love for God. This love of God is expressed first when springing from our faith in God we obey his commandments, even if such commandments may give us temporary difficulties. It is developed by having recourse to God in the sacraments themselves and in abiding prayer. This matter about prayer should be understood well, because many misconceptions distort its real character. Prayer is simply keeping our mind and heart in God’s presence, allowing them to act and interact with God according the circumstances of the moment. This is how we can keep ourselves vitally strong and dynamic, giving us a good vision of things and the capacity to discern what God really wants of us, especially when we are faced with many so-called legitimate but competing choices, tempting us to be promiscuous. This is how can be truly faithful, enjoying a sense of meaning and direction in our life, a sense of confidence and security amid the many vagaries of life. We need to cultivate and spread this lifestyle and culture.
Views on News
By Ricky J. Bautista trexpelunker@yahoo.com
(This column will resume next issue. Ed.)
OPINION
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-oooVOTE FOR 2013 CANDIDATES WHO FEAR AND LOVE GOD: Then, and only then, will this country and its people be able to claim its rightful destiny as a nation blessed, led, guided, and protected by God. Consequently, the question that President Aquino and all of us should try to answer is: who are the candidates in the 2013 elections who have the fear and love of God in their hearts? The Bible gives clear indications as to who they are. In Exodus 18:13-21, Moses was given by his father-in-law, Jethro, the guidelines for selecting officials who will rule over others. Jethro said: “… Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. “Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens…” -oooCANDIDATES WHO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD: In Genesis 41:15-40, one of the sons of Jacob or Israel, Joseph, was brought to the Pharaoh of Egypt to explain the king’s two dreams--first about the seven cows and second about the seven heads of grain. On meeting the king, Joseph immediately clarified that the power to explain the dreams belonged only to God, and explained what the dreams meant---seven years of golden harvest to be followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph then explained that what was needed to be done to save Egypt and the surrounding countries from deadly hunger was the installation of a discerning and wise man as a leader of that country. The Pharaoh then asked: “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom the Spirit of God dwells?” Seeing that Joseph was guided by God, the Pharaoh installed him as Egypt’s second ruler, next only to him, the king. Finally, in Mark 10:43-44, Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, defined what a godly official should consist of. He said: “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all…” Our question now is: are there candidates in the May 2013 elections who possess these qualities and therefore deserve to be elected? -oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauricio
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If NDF is only sincere in its warning... By CHITO DELA TORRE, QN Samar Post The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas issued last April 7, 2013 a written warning against “vote-buying and election violence” inside what it calls as “revolutionary jurisdiction”. The warning is addressed to all political candidates. The NDF, however, did not mention names of specific towns, barrios, sitios, cities or provinces in the Samar-Leyte-Biliran area. That leaves all, including the military and police intelligence officers, either totally unaware that there really exist territories where members of the NDF and the New People’s Army are in total CONTROL and in ACTUAL GOVERNANCE – which is the relatively deepest meaning of the term “revolutionary jurisdiction” – or, cowardly scared and terrified to tell the truth about such existence, or otherwise, they themselves are also ACTIVE MEMBERS, or OPERATIVES, or SUPPORTERS of the NDF and NPA. If the 8th Infantry Division and PNP regional chieftains cannot pinpoint these areas that are within the rebels’ “revolutionary jurisdiction”, then the logical conclusion that intelligent Waray denizens are compelled to make and hold on to would be that they are ineffective, incompetent, and unreliable. If the reverse is true, then the conclusion would be that this “revolutionary jurisdiction” thing is only a figment of imagination. QN is inclined to believe on the veracity of the NDF’s claim of such a controlled territory (which is another deep meaning of “revolutionary jurisdiction”). That, even if the Waray region has yet to hear of an actual apprehension made by the NDF or NPA of an election candidate who has gone against the NDF warning. But intelligent Waray denizens have already seen, and continue to see, vote-buyers everywhere, and peso bills (P20 or 2 pieces of P20 for a sanggunian candidate, P50 to P100 for vice-mayor, 3 pieces of P100 or P500 for mayor, and higher still for higher elective posts) with attached paper cut-outs containing the number
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DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in the opinion and commentary sections do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Samar Weekly Express. The SWE does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication, however, reserves the right to edit contributions for clarity, as it sees fit. --- Ed.
INDUSTRIAL from page 3 ... bargaining agreement (CBA). This involved processes where most would result to parties settling amicably. If not it will be submitted to voluntary arbitration, he said. The conduct of strikes involves two issues which are the unfair labor practice (ULP) and CBA deadlock, he explained. He added that if there are issues other than the two then they can avail of the preventive mediation for those that are unionized or organized if not they may opt to avail of the Singe Entry Approach (SeNA) for individual workers. The NCMB caters to organized establishments or those with labor unions or affiliated with federation of labor unions. Currently there are 38 organized establishments in the region. (PNA) and name of a vote-buying candidate being given inside homes. That said, the NDF may wish to clarify itself where its claimed jurisdiction lies. At the outset, the warning has been a boost to the campaign of especially the poor candidates (whose only real intention is to serve the public and not to make money while holding an elective position). But QN has been informed that while there was no act of vote-buying in some barrios which previous military reports confirmed to be either “influenced” or “infested” by the NPA, some who identified themselves as belonging to the NPA made these demand and claim: don’t proceed with your campaign unless you pay first the permit to campaign, and pay higher to win as the NPA will do it for you. So, NO VOTE-BUYING but only PERMIT TO CAMPAIGN, and PAY TO WIN, are these the rules? If so, there is no sense in the warning. That is extortion under the legal criminal law. At least three names of candidates for sangguniang bayan had been named as already through delivering their payments. A candidate for congressman had also been named, except that the extortion agent said that that candidate will surely win because the NPA is backing him up as he is one of their recognized leaders (well, actually, QN had been shown a video wherein this particular candidate was one long evening talking to rebels in a plenum a few years ago). If such extortion acts are prohibited by the NDF and the NPA itself, then these twin rebel groups should prove to the people about their good intentions for clean, honest and fair elections by forthwith punishing those violating such intentions. It is not clean, honest and fair where the NPA stops candidates from campaigning or distributing or displaying posters and the like, where the NPA demands and accepts PTC or PTW cash, where the NPA campaigns for certain personalities, where the NPA scares campaigners (candidates and their staff or companions) – by the way, scaring is terrorizing! – and where the NPA assures the victory of their choice candidates. All these acts are evil and not makatawo. They destroy democracy itself. They kill freedom. Come on. But the NDF’s warning does make sense. ‘“The election candidates must comply with the guidelines of the people’s democratic government, especially the prohibition of vote-buying and coercion,” said Fr. Santiago Salas, NDF-EV spokesperson. ‘“While the reactionary ruling system pretends to undergo
See QN SAMAR page 6...
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SUPPORTERS from page 1... responsibility by taking charge of the hospitalization of the injured passengers and the burial of the two other casualties. He, however, explained that the vehicle used by the supporters was not the original transport that supposedly will bring his supporters back to their place. “The vehicle that we originally hired was delayed, but other supporters including the two fatalities were excited to go home and hired another vehicle that in turn met an accident,” Latorre said. (PNA)
QN SAMAR from page 5...
clean and honest elections, the reality is that traditional politics have always meant the use of money and armed minions to buy and coerce votes. Thus, the revolutionary movement asserts to the traditional politicians that such condescencion towards the people will not be tolerated.” ‘The NDF-EV spokesperson noted that previous studies have shown the reactionary elections as elitist and rotten to the core.’
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CATBALOGAN --The Philippine National Police is monitoring the potential presence of armed groups in Northern Samar province which could be used in the upcoming elections. Police S/Supt. Isaias Tonog, Northern Samar police provincial director said they have monitored the arrival of 10 unidentified persons in one of the villages of Laoang town. “They reportedly came from Agusan del Norte province and we are strictly monitoring their movements. I also directed the Intelligence Team to validate reports of presence of some armed men in various parts of the province,” Tonog said. “What we are doing now is to prevent the possibility that they might be used for the elections in Laoang, one of the vote-rich areas in the province,” Tonog added. About 224 policemen have been deployed to different parts of Northern Samar to provide security before, during and after the May 13 elections. “We have downloaded policemen that will serve as reaction team members in two congressional districts of the province. At least 12 policemen will be assigned for every municipality,” Tonog said. “We have clustered the police reaction team in the two districts. We also rented motorized boats that will be used to respond police calls in island villages and towns particularly Biri, San Vicente, San Antonio and Capul,” Tonog added. Northern Samar is composed of 24 municipalities with more than 321,000 registered voters. (PNA)
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Samar Weekly Express APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2013
CHED to decide on tuition fee hike applications of schools in Eastern Visayas TACLOBAN CITY -- Private colleges in Eastern Visayas were given until May 15 by the Commission on Higher Education regional office to submit documents that would allow them to increase tuition fees collected from students this school year 2013-2014. CHED Eastern Visayas regional director Libertad Garcia said some schools lack documents and the agency would reject the request if they fail to meet the requirements. “There were 12 requests but these are not final. We are still studying them. Some documents were lacking so we returned it to the schools for them to accomplish before May 15,” Garcia said. There are about 95 private colleges and universities in Eastern Visayas. One of CHED’s requirements is for schools to consult students and other concerned groups about the planned tuition hikes. “If they cannot comply, then we will have to disapprove the request,” Garcia said. Garcia added that if granted, 70 percent of the incremental proceeds from the school fee increase should go to upgrading teachers and school personnel’s benefits, salaries and allowance. The rest would go to improvements in school facilities and equipment. Garcia meanwhile said CHED is set to come out with stricter guidelines in granting petitions for increase in tuition and other school fees. “We will be having a multi-sectoral meeting to discuss and develop a reasonable formula for tuition increase,” Garcia said. Garcia added that CHED will release by end of May the list of schools whose petitions for tuition hike and other fees were granted. (PNA)
Escudero, Poe greeted by 26, 000 crowd in Tacloban
TACLOBAN CITY – With popular TV host Kris Aquino joining them, reelectionist Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and Grace Poe-Llamanzares wrapped up their two-day campaign sorties in four major cities in a festive atmosphere. In front of an estimated 26,000 crowd inside the sprawling Tacloban sports complex, the two senatorial candidates took the opportunity to ask to vote not only for them but for the local bets led by mayoralty candidate Florencio ‘Bem’ Noel who organized the grand rally late Friday afternoon. ”It’s an honor to stand before (you) this afternoon. We came here not only to campaign for ourselves but to particularly express and show support to my friend, your candidate for mayor Bem Noel,” Escudero said to the delight of the big crowd. Escudero also appealed for support for the whole Team PNoy especially for Kris Aquino’s cousin Bam Aquino. He stressed that the administration candidates are needed as partners of President Benigno Aquino III to sustain the ‘Tuwid na Daan’ (straight path) policy of the government. ”President Aquino needs the help of everybody to continue the platforms of government he has been fighting for straight path, no wang-wang (sirens) and you are my boss,” Escudero said. ”We pray that we will be able to serve you as your representatives, your voice in the Senate. I hope you won’t forget us (in May 13 elections,” he added. Poe, daughter of the late popular action movie actor Fernando Poe Jr., promised to continue the propoor advocacies of his father who died six months later after losing in the presidential race in 2004. ”Now that we have opportunity to continue my father’s advocacies to help the poor under the growing economy of President Aquino’s straight path policy; I’m offering myself to continue the dreams of my father, FPJ,” Poe told the cheering crowd. Poe said she wanted to push for free meals for school children in all public schools and stable water irrigation supply in all agricultural lands. As expected, Kris Aquino drew the loudest applause as she endorsed Escudero and Poe as well as her cousin Bam Aquino. ”Don’t forget our candidates of PNoy, all of them here on stage including the Team PNoy in the senate. But of course, don’t forget my most loved No. 28, Grace Poe and ‘love, love of Heart (Evangelista), No. 13, Chiz Escudero and of course my cousin No. 3 Bam Aquino,” she appealed to the crowd.
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DENR from page 1...
The 12 interconnecting caves, called LangunGobingob Cave located in the town of Calbiga and the widely known Sohoton Cave in Basey have been classified by the DENR as Class II caves. The Langun-Gobingob Cave, dubbed as the country’s biggest and largest cave system-measuring to around 2,968 hectares, had been regularly attracting foreign and local cavers. The Sohoton Cave, on the other hand, is the only premier “show cave” in the region that hauls young and old tourists every year. It is located inside the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park (SNBN) protected area. The two caves are both inside the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) being protected by the DENR. DENR regional executive director Manolito Ragub said the classification was in line with the agency’s bid to protect, conserve and manage the resources within and outside the caves pursuant to Republic Act No. 9072 otherwise known as the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act. For this the two caves shall be under the administrative jurisdiction of the DENR in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT), National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), National Historical Institute (NHI), the local government units of Calbiga and Basey, stakeholders from the academe, Non-Government Organizations, and other government agencies. However, the DENR may opt to delegate the management of the caves to the LGUs, or other interested parties consistent with the Public Private Partnership
policy of the Aquino Administration,” Ragub said. Ragub defined Class II caves as caves that have hazardous conditions, contain sensitive geological, archaeological, cultural, historical and biological values or high quality eco-systems. “Such caves are open to experienced spelunkers or caving enthusiasts in guided visits, although some portions may be closed seasonally or permanently for conservation purposes,” Ragub said. As this developed, it was learned that pursuant to RA 9072, a management plan is being prepared for each cave to consider all ecotourism, scientific, educational and economic activities, as well as monitoring and reclassification in the areas. (Ricky Bautista)
SHOOTING from page 1... residence of mayor Ardales,” he added. The two victims went outside of their house to investigate but while they were crossing the pathway along San Joaquin street the suspects shot the elder Ardales on his neck and the younger one in his abdomen Another witness, Jonel Derotas said that in the morning of the same day, he saw Kennedy who was armed with armalite firing his rifle towards the air and challenging the brave ones to come out. He then went inside the compound of candidate Jumamil. Meanwhile, the local police recovered from the scene of the crime 21 pieces of fired cartridge cases of caliber 5.56 and one piece of unfired cartridge of cal 5.56; fired cartridge case of cal. 30 (carbine); fired cartridge case of cal.45; fired bullet of cal. 45; unfired cartridge of cal 45; deformed lead core and deformed metal jacket. Jumamil, upon request from local authorities, also voluntarily presented the suspects who were identified by the witnesses. They were already subjected to paraffin test. Likewise the local police also worked on the filing of proper charges against them. The two victims were immediately brought to the hospital. The incumbent mayor is now in a stable condition while his son is under observation. The Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) has reported an “intense political rivalry between the opposing candidates caused by the preventive suspension of Ardales by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan” in 2012 due to an administrative case. Pending the result of the investigation, Nacar noted that the region still has no recorded case of election-related violent incident. (PNA)