SWE February 12 - 18, 2013

Samar Weekly

EXPRESS Chronicling Events in Samar Island Since 2002

The Exponent of Samar’s Progress

VOL. 10, NO. 28

FEBRUARY 12 - 18, 2013

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Militiaman killed, 3 hurt in N. Samar NPA attack

A MILITIAMAN was killed and three others, including a civilian, were hurt when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels opened fire against the troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion in Northern Samar last Tuesday.

Captain Gene Orense, spokesman of the 8th Infantry Division, said members of the soldiers were holding a dialogue with residents of Barangay Guindaulan, Rosario town when an undetermined number of alleged rebels attacked the soldiers.

The NPA attack resulted to the wounding of one local resident, two soldiers and instant death of an unidentified militiaman.

20IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Noel Vestuir condemned the incident saying that the rebels continuously committed human rights violations by attacking civilians.

“The NPA insurgents once again violated Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by not sparing civilians from their attack against the government troops,” he said. (Ricky Bautista)

Pag-IBIG calls employers, members to register online RENOVATED AIRPORT IN CALBAYOG. Samar First District Congressman Mel Senen S. Sarmiento personally welcomed the arrival of Lt. General William K. Hotchkiss (Ret.), Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAPP) who aboard via aircraft during the inauguration of the modernized Calvayog City Airport, Friday. (Photo by Calbayog Tourism Office)

IN preparation of its full automation this year, the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) reminded its members and their employers not registered yet online to do so to fully implement the system.

Pag-IBIG-8 marketing division Chief Leo Larraga said the program will run once the nationwide online registration will be completed by the employers and members.

“The ultimate objective of this full automation is for the members to view records online,” he said.

Larraga observed that many private and public agencies/offices as well as individuals in Eastern Visayas responded to their call although there are 4% hadn’t

BIR collects P612-M in Samar

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA SWE News and Features

See Pag-IBIG page 2...

NEARLY completing the P598 million goals, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the province of Samar exceeded its target when it recorded a total of P612 million tax collection with over 2.44% or P14.586 million against the target.

For the year 2013, the local bureau aims to collect P777.472 million with P179 growth over 2012 target, says Revenue District

See BIR page 2...

WORLD LONGEST KISS:

Couple ‘lips-to-lips’ for 2 1/2 days, won prize CAN anyone beat these couple?

A determined couple in Thailand amazed the world after they kissed each other straight for nearly three days, or two and half days to be exact, on Valentine’s Day, the

See COUPLE page 2...

UNA IN CEBU. United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) leading senatorial candidate San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada gave Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma a souvenir campaign t-shirt during his recent courtesy call to The Most Reverend at the Archbishop’s Palace in Cebu City.

Much of the Development of Samar is found in leaders & people who care.

Samar Weekly Express

THE REGION

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FEBRUARY 12 - 18, 2013

Website: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress

REGIONAL LOCAL LEGISLATIVE AWARDS

Best Sanggunians in EV honored THE best performing municipal and city legislative bodies in the region were given recognition yesterday during the regional congress of the Philippine Councilors’ League.(PCL).

The Regional Local Legislative Award is a joint effort of the PCL and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Six nominees vied for the regional award for the 4th to 6th class municipality wherein the island town of Limasawa, Southern Leyte was given the award.

Babatngon, Leyte; Balangiga, Eastern Samar; Cabucgayan, Biliran; Motiong, Samar; and San Isidro, Northern Samar were the other

contenders.

In the 1st to 3rd class municipality, it was Catarman, provincial capital of Northern Samar, that was declared as the regional winner.

In the component city category, the city legislative of Calbayog City was the regional awardee, while in the highly urbanized city and component city category it was the Sangunian Panglungsod of Ormoc that was cited as regional awardee.

Plaques were given to all regional awardees while regional champions received an additional P10, 000 cash from the PCL. The nominees were evaluated based on five criteria: effectiveness of the legislative

agenda (35 pts.); effectiveness of the legislative tracking system (10 pts.); availability of legislative documents (10 pts.); efficiency of performance of the Sanggunian (35 pts.); and quality of office set-up and staff complement (10 pts.)

In 2006, the then-Search for Most Outstanding Sanggunian Bayan (MOSB) was adopted as a national competition called the Local Legislative Awards, Myles Colasito, DILG regional information officer, said.

It was temporarily suspended for one year at the national level but has since been implemented continuously since 2008. The national LLA is now conferred every term of office of local officials.

PCL-EV president Palo municipal councilor Wilson Uy, in his speech, said that the next LLA awarding, they are hoping that more municipal and city legislatives will participate in said competition.

He also thanked those who had helped in the realization of the awarding especially those who had helped in the evaluation of nominees like the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Environment and Natural Resources and the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which send representatives to the regional evaluation to validate the provincial nominees. (Roel Amazona)

BIR from page 1 ...

Officer Rolando Espina of Samar BIR. “This is a big challenge for all of us, not only for BIR but for the government. (And) we appeal for the community’s support in the tax collection efforts,” Espina said adding that the highest percentage or 64 % of tax payment is coming from the government sector and only 34% from the private sector.

Espina encouraged the national government agencies, LGUs, private corporations and private individuals for paying the right taxes at the right time. BIR said it will continue to conduct massive tax info campaigns, oplan kandado and other enforcement activity this year.

Over P10-B collected in Makati Meanwhile, the BIR announced that the bureau’s 2013 tax campaign officially kicked off.

In Metropolitan cities, Makati City Regional Director Nestor Valeroso said that his region posted the “first-ever” double-digit collection surplus of P10.86 billion in the history of the said office. In 2011, its recorded collection surplus was P3.45 billion.

Commissioner of Internal Revenue Kim S. Jacinto-Henares, during a kick-off ceremony held at the Ayala Hall of the Makati Sports Club, congratulated all the top performing regions including Samar and Makati for its 2012 collection performance.

The BIR chief emphasized that people have to understand that the task of the BIR is to implement the Tax Code. She said that in so doing, it is mandated to collect taxes to support the nation and it shall do so by collecting every centavo needed to build the country and support the delivery of public goods and services.

She also advised taxpayers to pay their taxes to the government, not to other people. She stressed the need for taxpayers and practitioners to police their ranks while expecting the same from within the ranks of the BIR. And finally, she implored everyone to pay their taxes correctly to ensure surplus tax collection that will benefit future generations to come.

Pag-IBIG from page 1 ...

Eastern Visayas Regional Child Labor Committee members convened at the Department of Labor and Employment Training Center, Tacloban City for updates on child labor related matters. The group held a 2-day strategic planning workshop for the elimination of child labor on February 14. (Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8)

Luxury hotel to rise in Palompon, says Tourism chief

DRIVEN by increasing number of tourists to Kalanggaman Island, a local investor will initially invest P50 million in building a luxury hotel in Palompon, Leyte, the first of its kind in the town.

Warblitz Martinez, president of the Palompon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that their family will initially invest P50 million in building a five star hotel this year, soon after securing a go signal from the local government unit.

“Foreign tourists have been demanding for an accommodation in the mainland of Palompon. Right now, they have to travel to Tacloban City or Ormoc City for an overnight stay. This will spur economic activities in the mainland,” Martinez said.

The 100-room hotel will rise within a 22-hectare seaside MA Sports Park property in Barangay Mazawalo in Palompon.

The family of Martinez operates a catering service, a restobar and an aquamarine production business in Palompon.

“There’s a big potential for hotel business in Palompon. A lot of foreign tourists have been coming to Kalanggaman Island. In 2012 alone, the local government has earned P80 million from registration and entrance fees,” she claimed.

Kalanggaman Island, a one hour boat ride from the mainland, is a postcard-perfect virgin island endowed with powder white sand and crystal clear waters. It has a long sandbar that is stretching on both sides of the island.

BoomBoom Enterprises

Brgy. Bacubac, Basey, Samar DEALER: Gravel and Sand, Hollowblocks and other construction materials Contact: 09071079333 “We can beat and match the price in town” Last year, the destination was toured by 1,239 foreigners and 10,751 domestic visitors, according to the Department of Tourism.

Hotels in the famous Malapascua Island in Cebu province also offer tour packages to Kalanggaman, just two hours boat ride from there.

The town of Palompon is about 3 hours by bus from Tacloban City, and about 2 hours from Ormoc City.

Delia Corsiga, chief of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional investment promotion division, said that the new investment is a result of their series of meeting with the local business sector employing value chain approach.

“We have been working closely with the private sector on how to upgrade the tourism development areas. The local chamber expressed their high interest to understand better what the tourism opportunities in the area are,” Corsiga explained.

With the presence of an accommodation facility, tourists will stay longer in the area, thus opening better market opportunities for local food processors and makers of souvenir items.

See LUXURY page 3...

yet complied since they started their campaign in 2011.

Larraga explained that registration online takes only 10 to 20 minutes by logging on to www.pagibigfund.gov.ph. In the absence of Internet connection at home, the PAG-IBIG advised everyone to visit Internet shops or the nearest PAG-IBIG office so they will be assisted.

A member has to register as “New” since this is their first time to register online even though they were already issued a Pagibig Membership ID before, he said.

Asked if a member can edit the data in the system, Larraga said that for now, the editing facility in the program is not yet available, however, he emphasized that every registrant should not commit error in three things – name, birthday and place of birth.

After a successful registration, he said, a tracking number will be given but this is only a temporary number and after the matching process has been verified, a permanent Pag-IBIG Membership ID No. (PMID) will be generated by the system.

Once given a PMID Number, the member may now go to Pag-IBIG office and request for a new transaction card.

Pag-IBIG no longer require submission of printout of the Member Data Form (MDF) to their office, however, a copy of the Employer Data Form is required for submission as evidence that the office has already registered.

Pag-IBIG is the premiere and globally-competitive provident financial institution in the country that endeavors to uplift the quality of life of members through savings. (Neil D. Lopido)

Pag-IBIG from page 1 ...

Agency France Press reported.

The couple sets a new record for the world’s longest smooch at the Guinness World Record. They passed the challenged of the organizers to kissed non-stop, without food, sleep, rest and were only allowed to take the bathroom, if they will not detach their lips.

Other participants from Bangkok Thailand also joined the event but collapsed and failed to level the energy and determination of the winning couple.

Ekkachai Tiranarat, 44, and his 33-year-old wife Laksana locked their lips for exactly 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds, smashing last year’s Guinness World Record by more than eight hours.

Organizers of said the couple was very weak after setting new record as they remain on their feet for 2 ½ days, slurp food and liquids through a straw and even go to the toilet while continuing to press their lips together. “They were very exhausted because they did not sleep for two-and-a-half days, they had to stand all the time so they were very weak,” said Sompron Naksuetrong, vice president of event organizer Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The organizers said winners in the last year’s “kissathon” contest unable to maintain their smooch, collapsing just two minutes before Ekkachai and Laksana. The couple won 100,000 baht ($3,300) cash and two diamond rings. (Ricky Bautista)

Samar Weekly Express

FEBRUARY 12 - 18, 2013

LOCAL BUSINESS

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LUXURY from page 2 ...

Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said they are eyeing the process of making products as a potential tourism asset.

“Fish deboning is a unique activity and foreign visitors will find it interesting to engage on it,” Tiopes added.

The town has been shipping boneless danggit to Cebu-based malls. It is a popular by-product of Siganidae or the rabbit fishes which 20 species are reported to be indigenous in the Palompon waters particularly in the intertidal and sub-tidal zones. Rural workers in the town also make baskets, shell crafts, and mats.

(Sarwell Q. Meniano)

PhilHealth hopes more enrollment from poor sector this year NEW AIRPORT IN CALBAYOG. Samar First District Congressman Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Lt. General William K. Hotchkiss (Ret.), Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAPP), and other city officials performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the newly-opened Calbayog City Airport. (Photo by Calbayog Tourism Office)

Police probes affiliation of arrested armed men in Eastern Samar THE region’s top police official had directed the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO) to conduct a thorough investigation and verification on possible affiliation with the communist-terrorists or criminal gangs of the two men they have arrested to include a massive manhunt operation against another person who shoot it out with authorities in Oras town on Wednesday afternoon.

Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, regional director of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) disclosed that he ordered a thorough probe on the probable involvement of the arrested suspects in criminal incidents in said province to include their possible connections to the local communist movement.

“The fact that they figured in a gunfight with our men is a clear indication that they are not only dangerous but could also be involved in something illegal,” Soria said.

The regional director identified the suspects as Alfredo Nofiel,55, and Noel Norombaba, 58, while another suspect Erni Norombaba is still the subject of manhunt operation.

Soria informed that at around 12:45 Wednesday afternoon, joint elements of Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office, Oras Municipal Police Station and 14th Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army led by Police Senior Inspector Elmerson Badilla responded to a call for police assistance from a certain Edgar Montallana of Brgy. Paypayon, Oras, Eastern Samar, alleging that he was threatened by the suspects.

When the team arrived in the area and while moving towards the house of Norombaba, the suspect fired a .38 caliber revolver to the approaching law enforcers prompting them to returned fire. The troops maneuvered towards the house but Norombaba jumped through the window to elude arrest but his gun accidentally fall to the ground.

The team was able to arrest the elder Norombaba and Nofiel and confiscated a .38 caliber “paltik” revolver loaded with 5 ammunition and one spent shell, two homemade handguns and 7 ammunitions of caliber 5.56 mm.

Arrested persons were brought to Oras Municipal Police Station for proper disposition as appropriate criminal charges are now being prepared for filing in court against them while the police have launched manhunt operations against Morombaba.

Soria further informed that the arrest of the suspects brought to 33 the number of persons nabbed by PRO8 for gun ban violation since the start of the election period last January 13, to include confiscation of 21 firearms of different calibers.

(PInsp. Romuel A. Nacar)

ENROLLMENT of the poor to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in Eastern Visayas has been steady for the past five years, according to an official of the state health insurer.

Walter Bacareza, PhilHealth-8 regional vice president ,said from 154,275 in 2007 enrolment of poor people in the region , it has now reached to 814,715 in 2012.

“We are projecting of about 1,125,514 members coming from the poor sector this year,” Bacareza said.

Bacareza added that in 2012, Eastern Visayas beat 16 other regions in the country in terms of local government units’ commitments to sponsor poor families’ health insurance.

“We beat Region X in terms of commitments under the sponsored program. And for that, we thank our sponsors such as members of the House of Representatives, provincial governments, cities and municipalities and private sponsors,” Bacareza added.

See PhilHealth page 7...

DTI reports ‘stable’ price

R.R.V. HARDWARE Brgy. 3, Poblacion, Calbiga, Samar

DEALER: Gravel and Sand, Hollowblocks and other construction materials Contact: HENRY BORDO Mobile: 09165998846/09295137472

AMAZING WATERFALLS IN PARANAS. Joy Salazar of Paranas LGU reported a new discovered Waterfalls and a show caves in the locality that somehow boosts the town tourism industry. Like the ‘Torpedo Boat Rides” in Barangay Tenani, the LGU wants to develop the sites in Barangay Cansandig to attract more tourists and investors. The DENR and the DOT also hinted to support the town endeavor. (Photo by Joy Salazar, MTO-Paranas)

THE prices of basic commodities stayed generally stable and within the suggested retail price (SRP), an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Leyte said.

At the same time, the DTI assured the public that there was an adequate supply of goods in all areas of the province.

Morris Gicain, monitoring and enforcement office of DTI-Leyte, said that during a price monitoring visit at various markets and large department stores in the city, the prices of basic commodities remained stable.

“Owners of supermarkets, wet markets and major manufacturers assured us that there is enough supply of basic goods,” Gicain said.

“We are working with local government units in monitoring the prices of goods to ensure that retailers do not violate price controls,” Gicain added.

Gicain said consumers should also be vigilant of the prices of basic commodities and other products they are buying.

“The consumers can help us in monitoring if they see an excessive increase in the products they are buying. DTI is conducting weekly monitoring on the prices of basic commodities and other products to see if there is an excessive increase or if there is a reason for an increase,” Gicain added.

He also warned retailers against excessive pricing as the prices of their products must be within the SRPs that are being published and monitored by the DTI. (Reyan L. Arinto)

OPINION Samar Weekly Express

DALMACIO C. GRAFIL Publisher

FEBRUARY 12 - 18, 2013 For alerts and feedback, e-mail at mysolotrek@gmail.com

RICKY J. BAUTISTA Editor-in-Chief ALMA GRAFIL Bus. Manager CATHERINE GERADILA Office-in-Charge

Columnists, Writers and Account Executives: Rommel L. Rutor Chito Dela Torre Atty. Batas Maricio Fr. Roy Cimagala Ismael Amigo Juan Mercado Roger Soria Myra Tambor Jenna Tizon Igdalino Gina Dean Ragudo Lilith Sabuco - Teña Malou Bermejo.

OFFICE: The Samar Weekly Express is published weekly in multi-lingual format with editorial and business office located at Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan, Samar (Infront of Fire Department near City Hall) CONTACT: Telephone (055) 251-2341 Fax: (053) 321-5591 Main Office: (053) 321-4833 Mobile: 09207675444

EDITORIAL

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The resignation of the Pope

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The brave act has stunned the world. It was unexpected, unprecedented in many years. The resignation of the reigning pope is considered an ultimate sacrifice but to the faithful around the world, it is a demonstration of extreme humility. It is not easy to abdicate a throne, the source of power that makes men feel invincible. It is never easy to accept one’s vulnerability, or physical and mental weakness and the “incapacity to adequately fulfill the job.”

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Samar Weekly Express is a member of the

The act gets complicated and hard not only because of the cessation of perks and clout but the concern over pride or Amor propio. When a person get used to the titles attached to his name and the corresponding power that goes with it, it is difficult to withdraw. How many leaders all over the world hang on to power even if they can no longer perform as they should?

Many ordinary leaders would kill and maim just to stay in power. They employ deceit and all forms of exploitation to be able to hold on. Many friendships, alliances and partnerships have crumbled down because people in power no longer want to step down and be replaced. They want to stay on until the end, not willing to give chance to others. Dictators are born this way.

The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI is therefore one for the books.

Though hard to accept, it is a source of reflection for humanity. The lessons we get from the sacrifice, inspires. It is a lesson to be learned, something that we all have to reflect on. The pope’s acceptance that he can no longer dispense the ministry given to him is seldom seen among people.

SAMAR ISLAND PRESS CLUB, Inc.

Whatever other reasons he had for the resignation, and in whatever circumstance it was given, he must be admired if not for the humility, at least for the supreme sacrifice. Many are sad at the turn of events but people can hardly blame the Pontiff who was hesitant to be one, in the first place. He is a conservative theologian, a scholar, an intellectual in the Church that has been established by the Apostle Peter.

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

The only SEC registered media organization operating in the three provinces of Samar A sister publication of the Leyte - Samar Daily Express (Tacloban City) and Eastern Samar Bulletin (Borongan City)

Too bad that Pope Benedict has to relinquish his obligations at a crucial time but that is one of the greatest justice his pontificate could offer to the Church that needs younger leaders to face the end times challenges.

His announcement that he will devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer must be the choice that everyone especially the leaders have to do to perpetuate peace and order in the world today.

Views on News

By Ricky J. Bautista trexpelunker@yahoo.com

Pope’s reason to resign, still a msytery The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI as head of the Roman Catholic Church was nuclear bomb explosion epic proportions worldwide. Loyal Catholics and even non-believers of the secular religion were dumbfounded by the Pope’s shocking statement, one that surely is already imprinted in world history.

On February 11, Pope Benedict XVI in Latin announced to Vatican cardinals that he would resign February 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years.

The 85-year-old successor of Saint Peter the Apostle said he is stepping down because of his age and declining strength.

Benedict called his choice “a decision of great importance for the life of the church.”

“After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths due to an advanced age are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry,” he told the cardinals.

“I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only by words and deeds but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary — strengths which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately the ministry entrusted to me.”

But many observers believe there is more than compelling reason on why Pope Benedict XVI wanted to step down. But whatever it is, it all will remain a mystery as the person himself.

Unanswered questions still remains, how will this resignation affect that of the tenures of the next generation leaders of the Catholic Church? More so since many regard that the Papacy is a lifetime position? Sort of till death do us part kind of thing.

Observers opined that if Pope Resignation were only frequent, the world would not be in such a state of surprise. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 in a deal to end the Vatican leadership crisis

Samar Weekly Express

FEBRUARY 12 - 18, 2013

OPINION

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Hints and Traces

By Fr. Roy Cimagala How to fall in love

FALLING in love is certainly not only a pastime, nor a sideline, nor a fling. It’s the main thing, the main course in life.

It’s our lifeblood.

All of us need to fall in love, because without love, life would have no meaning, no purpose, no lasting and eternal effect.

Without love, life would fail to fulfill the deepest yearning of our heart. Without love everything falls flat.

Though in practice we always love one way or another— even if our loving is defective—we have to realize also that we need to fall in love properly, understanding such love as going beyond the dynamics of the emotions and passions that at best are just transitory.

For sure, love should not just be an outlet of some hormonal surges that can get stirred by what we see, smell, touch, taste or like. Neither should it be just a function of some psychological and temperamental conditionings and other socio-cultural factors.

How then should we fall in love properly? By understanding love, first of all, as a gift from God that we need to receive and correspond. Love comes from God. It can only be lived and developed in him, and never outside of him.

Let’s stop deluding ourselves by thinking that we can generate love by ourselves. We can only love when we receive first the gift of love from others.

These others can be, from a chronological point of view, first, our parents, then our siblings, relatives and friends, etc.

Only then can we learn how to love others. But viewed from a bigger perspective of love in its ultimate dimensions, we actually receive love first, in the absolute sense, from God. It is God who loves us first. That’s why in his first letter, St. John said: “In this is charity—not as though we had loved

In Depth

By Juan L. Mercado juanlmercado@gmail.com

The queue for halos Until Friday, we saw this Cebu “templete” only on TV and newspaper photos. Creaking joints, grey hair and bifocals didn’t permit the wife and me to join over a million people who gathered there in thanksgiving for canonization of 17-year-old Pedro Calungsod.

Martyred in Guam April 1672, he joins San Lorenzo Ruiz of Binondo. Calungsod was a joven bisayo, say 17th-century documents. A plam is the motif of a modern church, with soaring spire, that honors this Visayan teen-aged catechist… A palm “is the Christian iconographic representation of martyrdom,” explains Fr. Brian . Brigoli.

The Catholic Bishops Conference head, this February, requested retired Cardinal Ricardo Vidal: Please oversee the beatification process of Cebuano Bishop Teofilo Camomot and Bishop Alfredo Obviar of Lucena.

The Vatican gave, in March 2001, the green light to begin the beatification studies for Obviar He handled ordinary duties, specially catechizing of children, with exemplary fidelity.

He died in 1978, at the age of 89.

A commission, led by retired Bishop Antonio Rañola, beefed up membership to submit, end of 2013, it’s probe into Camomot’s life to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican .

Camomot’s life of prayer and service for indigents, as priest and later auxiliary bishop of Jaro ( 1955) Cagayan de Oro (1958). drew many. Did he sometimes bilocate as did Capuchin monk Padre Pio of Pietrelcina?

At a Sept 27, 1985 meeting in Cebu City, “Camomot was on my left, and Archbishop Salvador my right, Cardinal Vidal recalls. “Monsignor, you have to vote,” I told him .” Yet, on his return to Carcar 40 kilometers away Camomot and secretary found a woman waiting. “After your visit earlier today ( to administer anointing of the sick), Tatay was able to get up.” How is that possible?, hjs secretary asked. The bishop laughed: “Keep that to yourself.”

Camomot would hock his bishop’s ring or cross to help the hard up. “Msgr. Lolong’s ring is here again, pawnshops would call,” recalls a friend. Held up on a Bukidnon road, disgusted

God, but because he has first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.” (4,10) We have to understand that we need to tackle love first of all in its theological sense before it is considered from other valid but incomplete and imperfect viewpoints. That would be putting love in its proper framework and context.

That’s usually our problem. Many of us are still allergic to seeing things in life in a theological way, allowing faith to shed light on what our senses can discern and on what our intelligence can understand.

To fall in love properly therefore entails going to God first.

That is why we need to learn to pray, to enter into a very personal and intimate relationship with him, and this usually takes place first of all in our mind and heart, in our thoughts and desires.

We need to see to it that these basic human operations are anchored on God and are inspired by his love for us, that is, his care for us, the truth that he teaches us, his way of doing things that gives us an idea of how our virtues ought to be developed.

Definitely, we need to do some disciplining and controlling of our thoughts, imagination, feelings, etc. We just should not allow them to go on their own without the guidance of faith and the drive of charity that comes from God. Indeed, a lot of training is needed here, if not, continuing struggle and combat, since we cannot deny the fact that we are beset with weakness and a certain attraction to evil, if not outright malice.

Besides, temptations are all around us. Loving therefore involves suffering, a certain measure of pain, anguish, tension. These should not dampen our spirits. We should rather consider them as elements that add fun and excitement and suspense in our life.

The liturgical season of Lent is a good occasion to go deeper in the skills of spiritual combat and what is known as ascetical struggle, aside from the fact that it is meant mainly to arouse in us the spirit of penance.

This spirit of penance is also as aspect of true love. Where there is love, the desire to make up for our past mistakes, falls, offenses, etc., also would come naturally to us. And yet this desire for penance is done in joy and peace, knowing that it is precisely out of love that we do it.

Proper loving, while it is also abiding, is never showy. Neither does it engender in us the mentality or feelings of a victim. Loving is the assertion of freedom. We do things because we want to. gunmen turned away since all Camomot had was P20. He had given his money to poor priests.

The bishop called back the frustrated gunmen and gave them his ring. A Cagayan de Oro pawnshop returned it.

Camomot died in a 1988 car accident. When his body was exhumed in 2009, it was intact. Nuns jettisoned the prepared urn and hurriedly procured a new coffin.. “Cardinal Vidal identified the remains,” Cebu Sun Star Sun reported. “The vestments were changed. Vidal certified every piece And the grave was then resealed.

Some mornings, the secretary recalls he’d be asked by Camomot to include a name in the Mass memorial for the dead of that day. Usually, it would be a priest, from Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo or Bukidnon (dioceses Camomot previously served).

Late afternoons, their office would receive a telegram informing them of the priest’s death. Asked how he learned, Camomot would say: “The priest came to me to confess.”

How long does the process from inquiry to canonization take?

For St Lorenzo Ruiz, it took all of 350 years and for San Pedro Calungsod 342 years. Two Filipino women, meanwhile, wait in the canonization pipeline.

One is Isabel Larrañaga Ramirez who founded the Sisters of Charity of the Sacred Heart in early 17th century. John Paul II named her “venerable” in 1999. The other is a “Chinay”: Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, who set up the Religious of Virgin Mary congregation in 1684. Benedict XVI named her “venerable” in 2007.

Add to that Spanish Augustinian nun Mo. Consuelo Barcelo, who formed an indigenous Filipino congregation, writes Jeremiah Opiniano of The Filipino Connection December 20, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints recognized the heroic virtues of Barcelo” who co-founded the pontifical Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (OSALC) Prefect Angelo Cardinal Amato declared that “this Servant of God is now “Venerable”.

Barcelo helped set Filipino Augustinian congregation. Over the last 130 years, members served in La Consolacion schools, and clinics, socio-pastoral ministries in rural areas, foreign missions for overseas Filipinos in some eight countries, Opiniano adds Cynical power, in this country, is reflected in Imelda Marcos’ 1,060 pairs of shoes. She wails about getting back “my Roumeliotes gems” confiscated by government. A 37 carat diamond, crafted by Bulgari, .is centerpiece. “(She) asked a local court to stop government from selling the ‘Roumeliotes Collection’, The jewelry was taken out of Malacañang presidential palace without knowledge, much less the consent, of the petitioner, he court plea reads. “They are mine”, she insists.

Ruiz, Calungsod, Mother Ignacia, Ramirez, Obviar, Barcelo had nothing of that sort. All Camomot had in his room, on his death, was an old razor plus half a tube of toothpaste. He had given away his other pair of shoes.

See IN-DEPTH page 7...

Mary, queen of the heavens and earth LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… For this reason, the Lord Himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call him Emmanuel…” (Isaiah 7:14, the Holy Bible).

-oooASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: The fourth “Glorious Mystery” in the Holy Rosary of the Roman Catholic Christians is the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which deals with the taking up into heaven of Mary, body and soul.

Even among Christians though, this is a controversial issue, with many of the so-called believers outside of the Catholic faith insisting that the assumption of Mary into heaven did not happen.

But the teachings of Roman Catholic Christians point to the occurrence of the event, and Catholic popes and leaders from the third century on actually cite many portions of the Bible to justify this belief.

In Wikipedia, an item on the assumption of Mary contains this explanation: “All these passages – John 14:3, Isaiah 60:13, Luke 1:28, Song of Songs 8:5, 1st Corinthians 15:21-26, Psalms 132:8, Psalms 45:9-17, Song of Songs 3:6, 4:8, 6:9, Genesis 3:15, and Revelation 12:1-2 – are drawn upon as Scriptural support of the Assumption both in that original document, and today

by Catholic apologists.”

The prevailing thought is that these Biblical references show that Jesus would not have allowed His own mother to have died and her flesh to have degenerated to dust, and that considering Mary’s role in giving birth to the “seed” (Jesus) that will crush Satan, it is believed that the fate of Jesus in ascending to heaven body and soul is the same fate that happened to Mary.

-oooCORONATION OF MARY: The “Coronation of the Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth” is the fifth “Glorious Mystery” in the Holy Rosary of Roman Catholic Christians, and, despite attempts by non-believers to discredit this aspect of Mary’s life, Catholics continue to hold on to it as part of their Christian faith.

Catholic leaders justify their belief about the coronation of Mary as the “Queen of Heaven and Earth” in the following manner: “(Mary) is the Mother of the Son of God, who is the messianic King. Mary is the Mother of Christ, the Word incarnate...Elizabeth greeted the Blessed Virgin, pregnant with Jesus, as `the Mother of my Lord.’ [Luke 1:41-43] “She is the perfect follower of Christ. The maid of Nazareth consented to God’s plan; she journeyed on the pilgrimage of faith; she listened to God’s word and kept it in her heart; she remained steadfastly in close union with her Son, all the way to the foot of the cross; she persevered in prayer with the Church.

“Thus in an eminent way she won the `crown of righteousness,’ [See 2 Timothy 4:8] the `crown of life,’ [See James 1:12; Revelation 2:10] the `crown of glory’ [See 1 Peter 5:4] that is promised to those who follow Christ….”

-oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@gmail. com.

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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 28 Catbalogan, Samar IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE LIVE BIRTH CERTIFICATE OF CHRISTIAN MABINI GABEJAN WITH REGISTRY NO. 2002-502 AS APPEARING IN THE RECORDS OF BIRTHS OF THE LOCAL REGISTRY OF MOTIONG, SAMAR AND THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA ROSITA T. MABINI and ROWENA MABINI GABEJAN HUBER Petitioner, -versusTHE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR, MOTIONG SAMAR, THE NATIONAL STATISTICS, QUEZON CITY, and JOEY SALOME. Respondents, SPEC. PROC. NO. 8089 x-------------x SECOND AMENDED ORDER

An amended verified petition was filed by ROSITA T. MABINI GABEJAN and ROWENA MABINI GABEJAN HUBER, through counsel Atty.

Medino L. Acuba, seeking the correction of the erreous entries in the birth certificate of child

Christian Mabini Gabejan.

Petitioners alleged that they are both of legal age, married, Filipinos and with residence at Brgy. Banago, Motiong, Samar. Petitioner Rowena Mabini Gabejan is the daughter of spouses Amado Gabejan and Rosita Mabini, as evidenced by photocopies of the certificate of livebirth of the former and certificate of marriage of the latter. Sometime in June 1996, petitioner Rowena, then twenty one years old, and Joey Salome, who presented himself to be from Tarlac Province, met in the City of Manila, and eventually had a common-law relationship with each other for a year.

Being seven month-pregnant, she and Joey returned to Brgy.

Banago, motiong, Samar.

However, amonth later, said common-law husband left for Manila supposedly to resume his employment thereat and raise money for Rowena’s impending child’s birth. On August 1998, Rowena gave birth outside of wedlock to a baby boy at home in Brgy.

Banago, Motiong, Samar, thru a traditional midwife, to the joy of the family. Such fact was understandably remained secret by co-petitioner Rosita and husband Amado L. Gabejan because of the condition of their daughter Rowena who tried to hide her pregnancy for being an unwed mother.

Unfortunately, Joey Salome never communicated with nor had provided support to Rowena and their love child, thereby abandoning the mother

Samar Weekly

EXPRESS

LEGAL NOTICES and son under the care and support of Rosita and her husband who were continously in quandary on whether or not the marriage between Rowena and Joey Salome will ensue as a matter of course, until the child, christened Christian M. Gabejan, was baptized at the Immaculate Conception Parish, Motiong, Samar, on 08 December 1998. As her marital relationship with Joey Salome was alreadyremote and distant, with marriage unrealized after a long wait, and with her child fast growing, Rowena went to respondent office of the Local Civiltrar, Motiong, Samar, sometime in the first week of October 2012, and tried to effect the delayed registration of birth of her child that proved futile as she failed to comply with the presentment of her marriage certificate, suppo sedly a requisite thereto, as she has none. Consequently, to address her daughter Rowena’s predicament and believing that it may promote the interest and welfare of her grandson, co-petitioner Rosita went to the office of the Local Civil Registrar, Motiong, Samar, on 22 October 2002 to work for the delayed birth registration of her grandson and outmost good faith claimed him to be her own son, thusly, the desired birth registration was accompanied as evidences by a photocopy of the Certificate of live Birth with Registry No. 2002-508.

Lately petitioners secured an authenticated copy of the child’s certificate of live birth with public respondent National Statistics Office in Catbalogan City and a perusal thereof indeed reveals certain entries, thus:

LEGAL NOTICES

ENTRY No. 5c BIRTH ORDER NINE 6. MOTHER ROSITA T. MABINI 9a. TOTAL NO. OF CHILDREN BORN ALIVE 9 9b. TOTAL NO. OF CHILDREN LIVING INCLUDING THIS BIRTH 9 11. AGE 48 13. FATHER AMADO L. GABEJAN 17. AGE 43 18.

23 JULY 1972 MOTIONG

SAMAR Since the foregoing entries are not truly reflective of the child’s personal circumstances, to rectify therefore the entries in the subject birth certificate, supra and after consultation with a lawyer, petitioners deemed it apt to seasonably effetct legal curative relief with the Court. To avoid confusion and to put in order the birth records, especially the parentage, as well as the other personal representations of said Christian Mabini Gabejan, for his best interest and to enhance his dignity, it is imperative that the necessary corrections on the entries in his birth certificate as stated in the immediately preceding paragraph be had as follows: ENTRY NO. FROM TO 5c. BIRTH NINE FIRST ORDER 6. MOTHER ROSITA T. MABINI ROWENA

GABEJAN 9a. TOTAL NO. 09 01 OF CHILDREN BORN ALIVE 9b. TOTAL NO. 09 01 OF CHILDREN LIVING INCLUDING THIS BIRTH 11. AGE 48 23 13. FATHER AMADO L. JOEY SALOME

GABEJAN 17. AGE 43 25 18. DATE AND 23 JULY 1972 N/A PLACE OF MOTIONG, SAMAR MARRIAGE WHEREFORE, finding the having or claiming any interest petition to be sufficient in under the entry whose correcform and in substance, the tion is sought may, within a same is set for hearing on 25 period of thirty (3) days from September 2013 at 1:30 in the notice, file their opposition afternoon, at the Session Hall thereto. of this Court, Bulwagan Ng Let copy of this Order be pubKatarungan. The Local Civil lished once a week for three Registrar of Motiong, Samar, (3) consecutive weeks in any the National Statistics Office, newspaper of general circulaJoey Salome, and any person tion in the Philippines or in

THE EXPONENT OF SAMAR PROGRESS

Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City, Samar

the Province of Samar duly accredited by this Court.

Likewise, let copies of this Order be furnished the petitioner and counsel, Joey Salome, the Local Civil Registrar of Motiong, Samar, the National Statistics Office, the Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Samar.

SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBER, Catbalogan, Samar, February 12, 2013.

(Sgd.) ESTEBAN V. DELA PENA Judge Designate

SWE Feb. 12 - 18; 19 - 25 & 26 - March 4, 2013 issues

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FEBRUARY 12 - 18, 2013 LEGAL NOTICES Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 41 Gandara, Samar AIMEE F. CAPELEAN, Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MATUGUINAO, SAMAR, Respondent, SPL. PROC. NO. 10-49 FOR: CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY (Under Rule 108 of the Rules of Court) x----------x ORDER

A verified Petition has been filed by the Petitioner through counsel, on February 13, 2013, praying that after due hearing, an order be issued by the Honorable Court directing the Local Civil Registry Office of Matuguinao, Samar to make the necessary correction in the Certificate of Live Birth of the petitioner, particularly in the Entries Nos. 1, 3, and 6 thereof, as follows: In Entry No. 1: To write AIMEE, as the first name to correct the erroneous AIMIE,

In Entry No. 3: To place 18 April 1984, as the correct date of birth instead of the wrong date of 16th April 1984.

In the Entry No. 6: To write ALICIA as the correct first name, Instead of ALECIA. Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and in substance, notice is hereby given that this case be set for hearing on April 4, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon before this Court at which date, time and place, all persons who have an objection thereto may file any position and show cause why the same should not be granted.

Let copies of this Order be published at the expense of the Petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior the above-setting in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Samar and in Calbayog City.

Let copies of this Order be furnished the local civil Registration of National Census and Statistics Office, Quezon City, the Solicitor General, Makati City, the Provincial Prosecutor, the petitioner and his counsel.

SO ORDERED GIVEN this 14th day of February, 2013, Calbayog City for Gandara, Samar, philippines.

(Sgd.) Feliciano P. Aguilar Presiding/Executive Judge

SWE Feb. 12 - 18; 19 - 25 & 26 - March 4, 2013 issues

IN-DEPTH from page 5 ...

The contrast reminds us of what Thomas More said to his student Richard who swapped perjured testimony to secure execution of his teacher, for appointment as Attorney General for Wales : “Why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world. But for Wales? (Email: juan_mercado77@yahoo.com)

NEWS

Parents advised to monitor kids while using Internet The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) strongly encouraged parents to monitor their children’s activity on the internet and cell phones as these could lead to sexual abuse and exploitation.

“With access to technological advances becoming easier, the threat to children of abuse and exploitation through the internet also increases. The danger includes abuses mostly linked to child pornography,” said Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, the top police official in the region.

Soria added that child sexual abuse and exploitation are social realities and constitute two of the most severe violations against the rights of children, and parents should educate their children on how they can best protect themselves from abuse with the advent of technology wherein danger is lurking even through the internet.

“Parents must learn to recognize their roles in protecting and promoting the welfare of their children since they are the foremost line of defense,” the police regional director added.

Soria informed that PRO8 fully supports the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (NAWPCSAE) pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 731 issued February 5, 1996 declaring the second week of February every year as Child Abuse Awareness Week.

This year’s observance from February 9-17 with the theme “Child Pornography Wakasan! Sa Tamang Paggamit ng Internet, Bata ay Gabayan” underscores a more conscientious use of the internet especially among children.

Along with this, the Regional Director directed all police stations to conduct activities that would provide awareness to the parents, children, communities and society and seeks to help make communities safe haven for children. These includes hanging of streamers, announcement of the observance during Flag Raising Ceremonies, school lecture series and community dialogues relative to protection of children against sexual abuse and exploitation; lay forum, media blitz and other child-related activities.

“As more people gain knowledge, deeper understanding, and a broader perspective of the phenomenon of child sexual abuse and exploitation, there will be a more coordinated efforts and action for the protection of this vulnerable segment of our population,” Soria added.

In 2009, Congress has enacted Republic Act 9775 or the “Anti-Child Pornography Act” which aims to protect the Filipino child from all forms of exploitation and abuse including but not limited to the use of a child in pornographic performances and materials and the inducement or coercion of a child to engage or be involved in pornography through whatever means.

(PInsp. Romuel Nacar)

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Police said parents must learn to recognize their roles in protecting and promoting the welfare of their children since they are the foremost line of defense.

National bookstore pulls out China-made globes MANILA, Philippines – To show patriotic sympathy to the Philippine’s stand to defend its own territory, the National Bookstore whose branches located all over the country, has withdrawn all Chinese-made globes showing “misinformation” from its shelves, a government spokesman said yesterday.

Raul Hernandez, spokesman of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said they have noticed the spread of the Chinesemade globes containing the China’s nine-dash line encompassing the South China Sea. “The educational books were sold to Filipinos until last Wednesday. It has taken a patriotic position to proactively support the Philippine government in advancing Philippine foreign policy objectives,” Hernandez told local reporters.

Hernandez said the Bookstore management was late to realize they were selling the globes containing “misinformation” maps.

“They were unaware until a dialogue between the management and the government took place,” he said.

Last month, the Philippines took China to an arbitration panel under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea – a 1982 treaty signed by both countries – to demand that it declare China’s claims invalid.

China’s territorial claims overlap those of the Philippines as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The DFA has “started meeting manufacturers and retailers of educational maps and globes that reflect China’s 9-dash line claim over the South China Sea, now called the West Philippine Sea, to correct the erroneous illustrations that are detrimental to the Philippines’ claim over islands and seas in the borders it shares with China and other neighbors.”

PhilHealth from page 3 ...

The sponsored program is open to qualified indigents belonging to the lowest 25% of the Philippine population.

Also qualified under this program are families who are listed in the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The sponsored program is being made possible through the partnership of PhilHealth and sponsors such as local governments (LGUs), private individuals and corporations and members of Congress, among others.

The national government (through PhilHealth) and the abovementioned sponsors jointly pay the annual premium for each enrolled family.

According to Bacareza,PhilHealth provides subsidy for room and board, drugs and medicines, laboratories, operating room and professional fees for confinements of not less than 24 hours.

Day surgeries, dialysis and cancer treatment procedures such as chemotheraphy and radiotheraphy in accredited hospitals and free-standing clinics are also covered by the health insurance.

Special benefit packages are also available to sponsored members, he said. (RLA)

Donaire to get Elorde belt NONITO Donaire, the busiest and winningest among Filipino boxers in 2012, will be honored with the Elorde Memorial Award, the highest recognition in professional boxing, in ceremonies to be held March 25 at the ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza and is sponsored by COBRA Energy Drink, PCSO and PAGCOR. Donaire, 30, will receive the award, to be conferred for the first time in the annual Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions, for his achievement in 2012 – a stunning four straight wins that ranked him fifth in Ring Magazine’s 2012 roster of pound-forpound fighters of the world.

For the first time, Donaire was ahead of former pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao (No. 7) and was behind Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward, Juan Manuel Marquez and Sergio Martinez.

Laura Elorde, wife of one of the country’s three boxing legends – which include Pacquiao and 1923 world champion Pancho Villa – said Donaire will be the first honoree to receive the Gabriel

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“Flash” Elorde Memorial Belt.

He outpointed Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. for the vacant WBO super bantamweight crown in February last year.

He retained the WBO title and claimed the IBF crown via a decision over Jeffrey Methebula in California in July.

He halted former WBC champion Toshiaki Nishioka to keep his WBO title in California in October and retained

his WBO crown with a third round conquest of Jorge Arce in Houston in December.

Others who will be honored as boxers of the year for winning world crowns in 2012 are WBO/WBA flyweight king Brian Viloria, WBO light flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes, IBF light flyweight ruler Johnriel Casimero and WBC Flyweight champ Sonny Boy Jaro.

“Despite the loss of Manny Pacquiao, the greatest boxer of this generation, in December, the year had its big boxing hero in Donaire who gave us something to cheer about as the year was about to end,” said Laura Elorde. “His four straight wins during the yearly truly make him a deserving recipient of boxing’s highest award, which is we are honored to present,” she added. (From the wires)

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One million awaits Olympian arrested ‘Best’ Sanggunians THE best performing municipal and city Sanggunians in the Philippines stand to receive P1 Million pesos in projects each during the national Local Legislative Awards (LLA) ceremonies on March 7, 2013.

This was revealed Atty. Alan Zulueta, national chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) during the Eastern Visayas regional LLA rites last February 13, 2013 held at the People’s Center and Library in Tacloban City.

Atty. Zulueta said that the LLA recognizes the exemplary performance of sanggunian’s particularly of cities and municipalities for legislating measures that help build the foundation of meaningful local administration and development.

The primary objective of the Award is to accord official recognition to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the Sangguniang Bayan that excel in legislative laws that ultimately contribute to the attainment of desirable socio-economic and environmental management outcomes.

The Local Legislative Award 2012 covers the period from July 2010 to June 30, 2012 and it is for the Sanggunians which excel in legislative laws based on the following criteria, namely, Effectiveness of the Legislative Agenda; Effectiveness of the Legislative Tracking System; Availability of Legislative Documents; Efficiency of Performance of the Sanggunian; and Quality of Office Set-Up and Staff Complement.

On the first criterion, the Legislative Agenda is effective if it complements the Executive Agenda, if prior consultation with stakeholders was conducted in the development of the Legislative Agenda, if it provides legislative action on the Comprehensive Development Plan and it promotes provincial, regional and national priority development thrusts.

On the other hand, there is effective legislative tracking system if all ordinances and resolutions since the enactment of the Local Government Code are on file; if ordinances and resolutions are indexed by subject, by sponsor and by date of approval.

Hard copies of ordinances and resolutions can be retrieved on inquiry within a reasonable period of time; ordinances and resolutions can be searched and copied or printed by staff; and there are mechanisms for communication and monitoring the impacts of local legislation.

The availability of Legislative documents are indicated in the Journal of Sanggunian proceedings from July 2010 to June 30, 2012; in the minutes of sessions duly signed by all members present or certified by the Sanggunian Secretary; committee reports signed by all members; and notices of special sessions.

Meanwhile, the efficiency of performance of the Sangguniang Bayan members are indicated by the number of ordinances enacted with impact on local communities with the priority ordinances being the Appropriation Ordinance; Zoning Ordinance; Local Tax Code or Revenue Code; Disaster Management Code; Annual Investment Plan; Comprehensive Land Use Plan; Solid Waste Management Plan; Environment Code; Gender and Development Plan; Sanitation Code; Tourism Code; Child and

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - South Africa’s Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was arrested Thursday for allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend after mistaking her for an intruder at his upscale home, media reports said.

The double amputee nicknamed the “Blade Runner,” one of the world’s best known and inspirational athletes, was arrested following the shooting at his house in an exclusive area near the South African capital.

Police spokesman Katlego Mogale said a “26-year-old man had been taken into custody for shooting a 30-year-old woman”.

Mogale could not confirm if the suspect was Pistorius, saying his identity would be revealed only once he appears in court later on Thursday, Valentine’s Day.

Youth Welfare Code; and Ordinance of Poverty Diagnosis.

The efficiency of the Sanggunian members is also determined by the number of resolutions approved with impact on local communities and localization of national legislations; and in the internal rules of procedure which contain the minimum requirements as in the organization of the Sanggunian and election of officers, as well as creation of standing and special committees, order and calendar of business for each session, legislative process, parliamentary procedure, and discipline of members.

Finally, on the last criterion, there is quality of office set-up and staff complement if there is a session hall with appropriate fixtures and equipment; legislative offices for individual members with appropriate fixtures and equipment; staff complement of at least one for each member; and presence of an office for the Sanggunian Secretary.

There will be national winners in the Outstanding Sanggunian in Highly Urbanized Cities and Independent Component Cities category; Outstanding Sanggunian in Component Cities category; Outstanding Sanggunian in the 1st to 3rd Class Municipalities category; and Outstanding Sanggunian in 4th to 6th Class category. (PIA 8)

Writers and Fotogs Wanted!

If you a photo enthusiasts, a blogger and has passion in writing and willing to be trained in various fields of journalism, you might just be the person we’re looking for and this might be your opportunity to become a promising journalist.

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It’s Joke Time!

Pedro at Juan

Pedro: pre kelan birthday mo ??

Juan:augost 30 pre !!

Pedro : anong taon ??

Juan: syempre taon taon alangan namang sometimes di ba ?? Wag kang tanga !!

Juan At StarBacks Juan: “isang kape nga.” waiter: sir, decaf po ba?

Juan: “tanga ka ba o sadyang bobo lang?! syempre de cup! bakit may kape na bang naka-pinggan?!”

Nakadungaw sa bintana..

Boy: miss, talon ka na jan.

Girl: bakit naman?

Boy: para mahulog ka sa akin.

Girl: ah? ganun? alam mo para kang manhole Boy: wow! gumaganti ah., bakit naman?

Girl: tanga lang ang mahuhulog sayo!! Hehehe Source: Tumawa.com

Sangguniang Bayan of Catbalogan City in session