Candidates asked not to pay campaign fees to rebels By RICKY J. BAUTISTA SWE News and Features
CATBALOGAN CITY -- An Army commander in Samar on Tuesday called on politicians who wish to campaign in areas perceived to be New People’s Army territories not to pay “permit to campaign” (PTC) and “permit to win” (PTW) fees as this will only hamper the democracy of the May elections. Lt. Colonel Cerilo Balaoro, Commander of the 87th Infantry Battalion based in San Jose de Buan in Samar appealed to the local bets to hold off or refrain entertaining any offer from the rebels. “The rebels have already started their extortion activities in the form of PTC and PTW asking our local candidates in Samar, and we should condemn this,” Col. Balaoro said on Monday’s
Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting in Paranas town. The Army colonel said he is more concern because Samar is known to be the center of NPAs operations in the collection of “access fees” ranging from P50, 000 to as high as P2 million just to enter their strongholds. In the 2004 elections, a Samar mayor has been abducted by the Maoist rebels because of his refusal to pay the “access fee” demanded to him. A source from the Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City said the 8ID has been receiving intelligence reports that the NPAs roaming around Samar provinces asking for “access fees” looking for a “marginalized” votes.
See CANDIDATES page 3...
Example of NPAs PTC card seized in 2010 elections
Samar Weekly
EXPRESS Chronicling Events in Samar Island Since 2002
‘Lola Fe’ rocks with idol Aegis Anyone does remember with Susan Boyle of Britain’s Got Talent in year 2009? Well, here’s her Pinay counterpart in the Philippines. Meet Fe Garcia of Pasig - currently a board member in her barangay, a housewife, sari-sari store owner and no doubts, a certified videoke queen champion. If Susan Boyle is ‘operatic’ in style, Lola Fe likes rock music. Take note, she is already 52 years old but she ‘birits’ the high notes ‘Halik’ song of the Aegis band. Last night (January 20), she was featured by Jessica Soho’s program ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’ and wins the hearts of Jessica and its audience with her amazing voice. In the program, it was learned that Lola Fe got married when she was only 15 years old. Now, she got 16 children already. Since her childhood days, she is always invited in a singing battle and always won. Her latest glory was when she won first place in the Neo-Intel Sing-To-Win Contest at Megamall in 2011. “These days, I lie-low joining singing battles but still perform by invitation. I really love to sing, and I loved the songs of Aegis band. I idolized them,” says Lola Fe. Just recently, her video in that contest became viral and trending in the Philippines. The netizens uploaded the video in You Tube and respective blog sites and various social networking sites. See LOLA page 3...
Magnitude 5.5 ‘quake shakes E. Samar
VOL. 10, NO. 25
A magnitude-5.5 quake jolted the Eastern Samar area in Eastern Visayas Saturday night, with state seismologists warning of possible aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the quake was recorded at 9:48 p.m. and was tectonic in origin. In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the epicenter was traced to 27 km southeast of Borongan in Eastern Samar. Phivolcs said the quake was felt at: • Intensity V: Borongan, Llorente, Hernani, Balangkayan and Mercedes, Eastern Samar • Intensity IV: Tacloban City; Palo, Leyte; Basey, Samar; Taft, Eastern Samar • Intensity III: Abuyog, Tanauan, Tolosa, Leyte; Catbalogan, Samar; San Policarpo, Eastern Samar • Intensity II: St. Bernard, Southern Leyte; Catarman, Northern Samar • Intensity I: Surigao City; Iloilo City Phivolcs said that while no damage was expected, aftershocks are possible. The United States Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 5.4.
The Exponent of Samar’s Progress
JANUARY 22 - 28, 2013
CATBALOGAN CITY
8 PAGES
Waray folks want violence-free polls By RICKY J. BAUTISTA SWE News and Features
CATBALOGAN CITY – Thousands of community folks from all walks of life actively participated in Sunday’s “Unity Walk and Prayer Rally” calling for a peaceful 2013 elections. The police said more than 3,000 participants that include top government officials and employees, religious leaders, military, students, academe, civic groups, election watchdogs and other election stakeholders, walked from three staging points and converged at Balyuan Amphitheater in Tacloban City for the prayer rally. “Any electoral exercise needs guidance from the Almighty so we could choose the right leaders that would guide us in the next few years. The electorate has a significant role to play in ensuring a peaceful conduct of the polls and the true will of the people must be reflected and not as a result of violence and intimidation,” PCSupt. Elmer Soria, the PNP regional director said in his message. The region’s top cop vowed to continue conducting aggressive police operations in the crackdown of “partisan armed groups” and loose firearms in the region.
See EV page 6...
‘Virus’ outbreak in Villareal confirmed Police Chief Superintendent Elmer R. Soria, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 8 (right, upper photo) with other election stakeholders lighting the unity candle during the Unity Walk and Peace Rally at Balyuan amphitheater last Sunday morning. The participants later signed a pledge of commitmentfor a SAFE 2013. (PNP photo)
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Leyte’s Lingganay made it again in Cebu’s sinulog Fest
CEBU, Philippines – Lingganay Festival of Alang-Alang, Leyte, Champion again in Sinulog 2013. The rustic town of AlangAlang in Leyte province amazingly did it again in last Sunday’s Sinulog Festival 2013, the biggest and well-participated tribe presentation in the Philippines. The Lingganay Festival, the crowd’s favorite and most cheered contingent retained its crown, and emerged as grand champion, for the nth time, in the free interpretation category besting many other equally adorablycolorful contingents from all over the country Lingganay tribe brought home with them the grand prize amounting to P1 million, while Lumad Basakanon of San Nicolas Cebu City landed in 2nd place and earned P500 thousand. Ranked 3rd in the same category is Tribu Himag-uhaw of Masbate and took home the P300 thousand cash prize. The Lingganay (from the Waray dialect which means “bell”) was conceptualized Festival’ Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in Leyte, Sinulog in 1995 based on the legend of the town’s lost golden bell. Festival in Cebu and even in Aliwan Festival in Manila. The legend says that when the Moro pirates surprised the It also bagged several awards in different festival people, they tried to flee away with the bell. competitions both locally and nationally. When they reached the Bakga River, they threw the Meanwhile, this year’s Sinulog Festival in Cebu provgolden bell into the deepest part of the river so that Moro ince was well-attended and generally peaceful said local pirates would not be able to get it. police. Until now, the bell has not been found. Legends say An estimated four (4) million residents and visitors that its sound can be barely heard coming from the botattended this year’s festival in honor of the Santo Niño tom of the river. (Christ Child), the police said. It is celebrated in conjunction with the town’s fiesta Since last week, tourists flocked to Cebu to take part in on the 19th of June. According to oral history, since 1995, the yearly Sinulog. Hotels and inns were fully booked for Lingganay has been joining festival dance competitions the occasion. Local street vendors feel lucky but the streets especially during the Pintados Kasadyaan. were filled with garbage as the festivities ended Sunday Lingganay Festival has etched its mark in the culture night. (Ricky Bautista) and arts of Leyte, as it continuously emerged as ‘Best
NGCP vows stable electricity for May polls CATBALOGAN CITY -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) commits on Friday (January 25) that the country’s power grid will remain reliable and stable during the upcoming May elections. Few days ago, the Department of Energy (DOE) created a Power Task Force intended to secure the country’s power supply for the mid-term elections. Together with other energy agencies, NGCP is also a member of the said task force. Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson said the NGCP also formed a task force that will commence operation as early as February 2013 and will work 24/7 from May 10 to 17, 2013, covering the date of the election which is May 13. Alabanza said part of the NGCP task force’s mandate is to secure the lines and substations from any threats to avoid unplanned outages and to guarantee interrupted power supply. “Of course, NGCP can only guarantee that there will be no transmission related interruptions. Any power interruption caused by other factors, such as generation deficiencies, or those pertaining to distribution utility operations, are beyond our control,” she stressed. As this developed, the NGCP also announced that the expansion projects in Cebu, Ormoc Leyte and Negros Occidental is near to its completion. This installation of new transformers in said areas amounting to Php349.07M started in April 2011 and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2013.
“We will make sure that power delivery is excellent and transmission lines and equipment are at their best to ensure that we have electricity for the voting machines,” Alabanza assured. NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets. (Ricky J. Bautista)
LOLA from page 1 ...
Last January 15, Jessica Soho surprised her and brought her to her idolized band Aegis who at that time performing in San Pablo, Laguna. At the crowds, she shouts and cry loud for the ‘dream came true’ when she already personally saw the whole team of Aegis band. But without her knowing, she came there not just an ordinary fan. To her surprise, she was called in by the Aegis to the show and invited her for a ‘showdown’ at the stage with the country’s one of the most sought all-female band. There, she made an outstanding performance again, this time with Aegis and what do we expect more in the coming days? Well, expect another viral video of ‘Lola Biritera’ to hit the trending sites. For sure, her video and her singing prowess will be a hit again. Next possibility is, Lola Fe might be our next Pinay singing sensation to be invited in the talk shows of Oprah and Elen de Generes being followed in America and the whole world. (rjb)
Canadian man kills 2, self in Cebu City courtroom CEBU CITY — A Canadian national is reported to have killed two people inside the Cebu City Palace of Justice Tuesday morning, January 22. PNP regional director Marcelo Garbo identified the suspect as John H. Pope, a retired journalist who was appearing in the court on charges of eight counts of malicious mischief, grave threats and illegal possession of firearms. At around 8:20 a.m. it is reported that Dr. Rene Rafols and his lawyer, Julian Atias was shot to death using caliber .357 pistol by the suspect who later kill himself too. Another caliber .45 revolver has also recovered inside the bag of the suspect. The security guard insisted they did a thorough search on the suspect but didn’t understand why the suspect was able to get the firearms inside the courtroom. The suspect killed two people and also injured two persons inside the courtroom, said Garbo. It is reported that he also shot Fiscal Teresa Casino in the court’s hall way before he was fatally shot by two responding policemen. The prosecutor, along with the other wounded victim were rushed to the local hospital for medical attention, police said. Rafols was said to be the complainant of the case being heard against Pope who is also facing grave threats from neighbors. Employees of said court, as well as its neighboring offices, were horrified and shocked by the news. Pope allegedly had lived in the Philippines for at least 15 years now. He was blacklisted and was about to be deported, Casimero Madarang III, the regional director of the Bureau of Immigration 7 said. Meanwhile, acting Cebu governor Agnes Magpale immediately ordered the police for the thorough investigation of the case, which happened in a court inside the provincial capitol compound. The police, however, said “it is now a case closed.” Court Administrator Midas Marquez who also rushed to crime scene said he would closely look for an stricter security system in all courts especially those hearing with crime cases. On the other hand, a group of doctors, lawyers and prosecutors strongly condemned the incident.
Calbayog bridge starts rehab, traffic closed CALBAYOG CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First Engineering District advised the public that effective January 15, Rosales Bridge located in the city proper will be closed to traffic due its complete rehabilitation. Prior to the start of the project, traffic rerouting is effected to advice vehicles plying along Calbayog-Allen/Calbayog-Tacloban road sections. Traffic advisory is mapped out to guide motorists through radio broadcast and TV ads. The implementation of the rehabilitation of the bridge, which is considered one of the “most critical” bridges in the city, is amounted to P25.767 million included in the Fiscal Year 2013 DPWH infrastructure program.
The project covers 73.62 linear meters in length under contract with ACME Builders. For the effective implementation of the said rehabilitation, the DPWH conducted a consultative meeting together with other concerned agencies last December 17, 2012 regarding the removal of the commercial property located within the vicinity of Rosales Bridge. The meeting was called to inform the public of the closure of the bridge and for the smooth mobilization of the equipments and other construction materials before the construction activities start. (Leviresa G. Barnizo)
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Samar Weekly Express
JANUARY 22 - 28, 2013
ENVIRONMENT
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CANDIDATES from page 1 ... “If anyone of you received this kind of offer, please inform us or the police or the MPOC and we will take actions on this. Please don’t be afraid,” the army official told his audience mostly government officials. Reports say that in the 2010 elections, at least 80 local and national politicians, including one seeking the presidency, nine gubernatorial candidates, and congressional and mayoralty aspirants have paid millions of pesos to the NPAs to allow them to hold unhampered campaign sorties in insurgency-affected areas. The government such as the AFP, PNP, DILG and the Commission on Elections, campaigning for a “Secured and Fair Elections” (SAFE) earlier denounced this scheme of the 4,000-member NPA guerillas fighting against the government for 44 years.
VIRUS from page 1 ...
aged local government units to conduct ‘search and destroy’ operations against the dread mosquitoes. Twenty-eight (28) cases of fever rashes and joint pains were reported in Brgy. Guintarcan by the Municipal Rural Health Unit of Villareal, Samar. Out of 28 cases, ten (10) or 36% were confirmed to have ‘Chikungunya’ through IgM ELISA testing by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. RITM also investigates the more than 235 cases with the same symptoms reported in Brgy. Banquil, Villareal. Ages of the diagnosed victims range from 2 to 68 years old (Median; 37 years old). These cases have been confirmed by the Samar DOH and the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit 8 in Tacloban City. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease first described during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. It is an alphavirus of the family Togaviridae. The name “chikungunya” is Kimakonde language, which is to become “contorted” and describe the stooped appearance of suffering joint pain. “The joint pain is often very debilitating but usually ends within a few days or weeks, most patients recover fully but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months or even years,” according to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit 8. The DOH said the confirmation of chikungunya cases in the villages of Banquil and Guintarcan, Villareal, Samar indicates the presence of the disease in the region. No death was so far reported. Health authorities are now undertaking measures to stop its spread. In September last year, National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique Tayag reported that ‘Chikungunya’ virus is not as deadly as dengue but should merit the same urgency from doctors and patients. A patient who suffers from symptoms such as fever and rashes should assume that he or she has dengue and should immediately seek medical help, Dr. Tayag said. DOH records revealed there is a confirmed mosquitoborne Chikungunya virus in Samar, Laguna, Pangasinan, Saranggani, parts of Mindanao and in Metro Manila. (Ricky J. Bautista)
70 policemen in E. Visayas gets one step rank higher CATBALOGAN CITY -- In line with the Philippine National Police’s “Second Phase Regular Promotion Program CY 2012,” some seventy (70) policemen from Eastern Visayas were promoted to the next higher rank. In a simple ceremony on Tuesday, 38 policemen from Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office and 32 from Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office were elevated to next rank higher through Special Order (SO) issued by Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, regional police director in Eastern Visayas. The pinning of their new badges was simultaneously held in their respective police provincial offices last January 22, 2013. Their promotion took effect early last month. In Eastern Samar, promoted to the rank of Senior Police Officer 3 (SPO3) were: Noel Gara, Brian Libanan, and Honorato Montero, Zacarias Villota, Norman Beato, Cesar Zander Cebreros, Genebert Delantar, Vincent Evardone, Rey James Mojica, Glorioso Nebril, Andrew Nicart, Richard Sulficio Oraller, Mario Salamida, Leonardo Anire, Anselmo Balotabot, Ruben Pascual Caspe, Glenn Cinco, and Frederico Docena. Promoted to the rank of Senior Police Officer 2 were Jeffrey Tapales, Ericson Balbaboco, Virgilio Ballos, Barrios Llenell, Holden Cabidog, Archie Caidoy, Ariel Caspe, Renato Cervales, Tristan Depalco, Dailen Duran, Marvin Labrague, Roger Norona, Marlon Picardal, and Noel Rayas. Named to the rank of Senior Police Office 1 were: George Catalo, Baltazar Lim, Leo Lusico, and Saturnino Solano, Jr. In Leyte meanwhile, Police Chief Inspector Ronaldo
2 Private Armed Groups in Samar surrender to police CATBALOGAN CITY – Amid series of gun-violence in the country today, members of two (2) biggest private armed groups (PAGs) reportedly being financed by a politician here have surrendered to the police and laid down their high-powered firearms, police officials said. Samar Police Provincial Director Eusebio A. Mejos said the two PAGs operates mostly in the first district of Samar and are being implicated in the series of killings candidates and party leaders in the 2010 elections. The DILG earlier included Samar in the list of 15 “priority areas” because of the presence of the PAGs and the NPAs which believed to be terrorizing candidates and innocents civilians. Supt. Mejos identified the two groups as the Montealto group and the Moloboco group which faces series if charges in local courts. These groups moonlighted as “gunfor-hires” for the wealthy politicians here, the police said. The 14 members of the Montealto group who surrendered to the police were; Jonas Montealto (leader), Noel Montealto, Rey Sevillano, Raul Esquierro, Joe Cui, Arnold Belleza, Michael Ryan Cui, Jolly Policarpio, Riolendo Reyes, Elmer Candido, Amado Laoyon , Genesis Oquendo, Alfredo Villanueva, and Pio Ayong. In the Moloboco group, five (5) surrendered were identified as Juan Abadiano, Rodolfo Abadiano, Constancio Castillo, and Silverio Castillo. Mejos said five members of the Moloboco group surrendered four (4) pistols, the Montealto group surrendered five (5) while seven (7) was seized from other “oplanbakal” operations. These firearms include two (2) caliber 9mm, eleven (7) caliber .45 and three (3) caliber .38 pistol. (Ricky J. Bautista)
A. Plecerda, however, failed to give the names of the promoted cops in Southern Leyte but hinted that those promoted include one (1) police chief inspector, two (2) police inspectors, one (1) senior police officer IV, five (5) senior police officers II, one (1) police officer III, nine (9) police officers II, and thirteen (13) police officers I were promoted to next higher ranks. It was learned that prior to the awarding, a separate awarding of unknown number of police commissioned officers (PCOs) were also held at Camp Kangleon, Police Regional Office 8 in Campetic, Palo, Leyte. “There had been very
Chief PNP director general Alan Purisima (center) inspects the confiscated and recovered firearms. With him are PNP-8 regional director PCSupt Elmer Soria (left) and SSupt Edgar Basbas after the press conference at the Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte held January 19.
Crackdown on Samar PAGs continues - police
CATBALOGAN CITY -- The Chief PNP Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima who visited the region to personally check the operations against loose firearms and at larges gun-for-hire groups ordered the regional police here to continue its crackdown against the remaining private armed groups (PAGs), especially those with existing arrest warrants that are still at large in Eastern Visayas. “We will make sure that these at large armed groups will not be utilized by politicians to advance their political interests,” Police Chief Superintendent Elmer R. Soria, PRO8 regional director said. Director Soria said they are confident they would “cleanse” the province of the remnants of PAGs and
other potential sources of poll violence ahead of Election Day. To date, the police were after the remaining 17 members from the Montealto group and the 12 at large members of Moloboco group. “They are now the subject of the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG-Samar), Soria said. Two months ago, two Montealto and one Moloboco PAG members voluntarily surrendered to RSOTG while PAG leader Julito Aragon y Cachero alias Nonoy, listed as the Number One Most Wanted Person in Samar province and wanted for two counts of murder was killed in a shoot-out with police authorities on December 23, 2012 in the hinterlands of Brgy. Peñaplata, Gandara,
limited slots in the system, but the fact that you were promoted means only one thing - you deserve and qualified. Therefore, you should show to the community that you are worth the promotion,” says Eastern Samar Provincial Director Brigido Unay. “This election period, you must remain neutral because being partisan is not part of the PNP organization,” the PNP official said adding that being promoted means additional tasks and nobody should be sitting on their laurels especially now that the police organization is facing several issues and challenges. (Ricky Bautista)
Samar. “Our main goal in this campaign is to make sure that it is really the sovereign will of the people that are reflected in the election results and not due to fear, violence and intimidation,” Soria said. The police official also presented to the Chief PNP the RSOTG accomplishments in the campaign against loose firearms with 35 assorted long and short arms and 52 improvised PVC cannons locally known as “boga” accounted in various police operations. A total of 101 assorted firearms were also deposited for safekeeping with RSOTG in relation to the “Bilang Boga” campaign of PRO8 in Samar. (Ricky J. Bautista)
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OPINION Samar Weekly Express
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JANUARY 22 - 28, 2013
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EDITORIAL Take a stand, don’t cup out on FOI IT IS the season of elections and all political parties and candidates are wont to spin a slew of promises yet again in their drive for votes. But before they start courting voters yet again, the first order of business is this: Political parties and candidates must deliver on a promise they’ve made in elections past by taking and making known their party and personal stand on the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill. Over the last 15 years, from the 11th to the 15th Congress, the FOI bill has been stuck in the legislative wringer for lack of clarity and coherence in how lawmakers and their political parties stand on the issue. Even as President Aquino himself as a candidate in May 2010 had promised to push the FOI into law, members of his ruling Liberal Party and its allies in the majority coalition of the Nacionalista Party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, and the National Unity Party, have separately come out as either the most ardent champions or the most strident critics of the FOI bill. Between the pros and the cons in the FOI bill equation, that is where these political parties are: fence-sitters with neither leadership nor clarity of purpose with respect to the constitutionally guaranteed state policies of transparency and accountability that the FOI bill upholds. Political will from all the political parties could yet assure the passage of the FOI bill in the remaining nine session days from Jan. 21 to Feb. 8, 2013, or before Congress adjourns for the elections. Calling for a conscience vote on the FOI bill is a clear cop-out by political parties and candidates now aspiring to be elected into office. All voters must carefully scrutinize how these parties and their candidates for the 2013 elections will stand on FOI in their remaining nine session days. The countdown begins today. How they stand on the FOI bill, and if at all they will take a stand on this all-important reform measure, will give us an idea whether or not they deserve our vote in the coming May elections.
Views on News
By Ricky J. Bautista trexpelunker@yahoo.com
‘Chikungunya’ in Villareal
The residents of Villareal and the rest Samar residents are now being warned by the Department of Health to take measures to prevent being victimized by this new discovered virus called “chikungunya.” As of this posting, media reports said some 536 people, young and adults were affected by this Aedes mosquito-driven disease in some 7 Barangays of Villareal town. What is this ‘chikungunya’ virus? It is said that ‘Chikungunya’ was first described during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. It is an alpha virus of the family Togaviridae. The name “chikungunya” derives from the Kimakonde language and means “to become contorted,” describing the stooped appearance of those suffering from joint pain. Though, no death has so far been reported in Samar, our local government units and health authorities are advised to undertake measures to stop its spread. -o0oComelec chairman Sixto Brillantes thinks he is brilliant. In the past days, what he did is to make some “noise” and get public attention and earned “talks” from his countrymen. First, he reviewed all the party lists running for the May 2013 elections, but in the end allows some of them who oppose his new rules. Notably, he sets various guidelines that are obviously unconstitutional. For instance, he says one may be restricted wearing a particular color that symbolizes a “party or candidate’s political motif.” What!? But when asked how they can regulate it, Brillantes himself is confused about it. On January 15, the Commission on Elections issued Resolution No. 9615, which requires its “prior approval” before candidates can be interviewed by broadcasters. This resolution is not only absurd; it is downright unconstitutional since it constitutes prior restraint according to Ms. Rowena Paraan of the National Union of Journalist of the Philippines. It states that “To determine whether the appearance or guesting in a program is bona fide, the broadcast stations or entities must show that: (1) prior approval of the Commission was secured...”
See VIEWS page 5...
Samar Weekly Express
JANUARY 22 - 28, 2013
OPINION
5
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Hints and Traces By Fr. Roy Cimagala Recovering the Sense of Order
THERE used to be great concern for order. Nowadays, such concern is all but lost. Expressions such as “law and order,” “peace and order,” etc., used to proliferate in ages past and commanded due attention and respect. And people in general tried their best to put order into their things and their affairs. But now, all that seems to have disappeared from the horizon of our general consciousness. We need to recover our sense of order. I suspect that the basic cause of this loss of the sense of order is that we have been grounding it wrongly, or at least inadequately. Not only that. Many of us do not know exactly why we have to live order, what its ultimate purpose is. In short, we are not clear about its beginning and end. We get contented with what may be called as middle-term order, a conception of order that is detached from its proper roots and ultimate source and inspiration on the one hand, and its ultimate purpose and goal, on the other. We have been satisfied with some material order only, or a civil social order that is more external than formal, more on appearance than on substance. It’s an order that comes more from an outside pressure rather than from an inner conviction actuated by a spiritual and supernatural principle who is God. It’s an order that is motivated mainly by considerations of convenience and practicality, and nothing much else, and much less by motives of love of God and neighbor. That’s why when these practical considerations are already satisfied, then the reason for living order disappears. It cannot countenance trials, sufferings, etc., as part of its consequences, given our current human condition. Thus, we have a lot of disorder, or an order that can go only so far. It cannot go all the way. It gets disrupted sooner or later. We see this predicament all over. Especially these days, with the coming of the new technolo-
VIEWS from page 4 ... “The attempt by Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes to make the best out of an unsalvageable situation by saying they did not really mean “prior consent” but “prior notice” that a broadcast entity intends to interview a candidate actually makes things WORSE. This practically precludes impromptu interviews, which are invariably better at drawing out as much of the truth from interviewees than staged or pre-arranged interviews, and could also have dire consequences in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, when officials, who may also happen to be candidates, need to get information out as quickly as possible. To be able to comply with this ridiculous edict, broadcast networks and their news staff will need to be ‘fortunetellers’ who should be able to predict where and when a candidate will be at any future moment.” Tama nga naman, Mr. Brillantes Sir! -o0oThe continued squabble of some senators over the P1.6 million maintenance and other operating expenses given by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile to 18 senators (except for his four nemesis and critics at the Senate house, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Alan Cayetano and Senator Antonio Trillanes who was only given P250 thousand) has brought to disrepute. I have never seen anything like that in my entire career life as journalist. The Senate really stinks right now. I hope they can recover soon for how can they investigate other important matters when they themselves have a cloud of doubt hanging over them? Another thing, the admission of the Commission on Audit that they can do nothing to investigate the Senate and the House is really disgusting, if I may opined. -o0oRecruitment. Captain Gene Orense of the 8th Infantry Division asked this paper for the announcement of the Army Officer’s Courses Pre-Entry Examinations in Eastern Visayas Here’s the complete announcement : “The Army Recruitment Office for Visayas based in Camp Lapu-lapu, Cebu City will conduct a series of Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) and other pre-entry examinations for Officer Candidate Course (OCC), Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) and Probationary Training Course (POTC) to all aspiring and interested applicants from Eastern Visayas and Bohol. The examinations will be facilitated by the personnel from the Army Recruitment Office from February 20-26, 2013 on the following dates and venues as indicated: February 20 at
gies, the plunge to disorder is made easier and graver. That’s why we have many cases of people falling into all sorts of manias and obsessions. They fall into certain attachments hardened by the ease with which these attachments can be served because of the new technologies. Disorders arising from these causes can go to both extremes of overzealousness in some areas and apathy in others. These disorders usually spring from self-righteousness, scrupulous and lax consciences, and lead to things like unfair discriminations, a highly selective and biased sense of preferences, etc. We need to cultivate in an abiding way a certain culture of order that is proper to us as persons and children of God. It should be an order that is inspired mainly by love, by charity, which is very much compatible with patience, understanding and compassion, flexibility and not rigidity. This would bring order beyond the criterion of mere practicality and puts it at play in a bigger field, more complete picture and perspective. It should be a sense and a culture of order that is human, not mechanical. It has a feeling heart, not a mindless machine. It discerns nuances in persons, events and situations. It is not a blind application of rules that puts everything in one easy, sweeping generalization. It should be a sense and a culture of order that knows how to distinguish between what is absolute and what is relative, what is of eternal value and what is of temporal worth. It does not absolutize the relative, nor relativize the absolute. Neither does it eternalize the temporal, nor temporalize the eternal. But it knows how to relate these categories according to the mind of God. It should be a sense and a culture of order that has a clear hierarchy of priorities, that knows how to live and defend it in charity, and that knows how to get up and make up once some disturbances throw it into some disorder. In short, it is a sense of order that knows how to recover and renew itself once it is disturbed or lost. To achieve this goal may seem very lofty, if not impossible.. But it is worth the effort. The journey of a thousand steps, as the saying goes, starts with the first step. Let’s be hopeful and optimistic. We can reach that goal if we want it, since the grace of God is never lacking. Obviously, we have to start with what we have here and now, with the small things of our day—organizing our day, our daily tasks, etc. - Hair, nails and spa services - Specialized on UV Gel Polish - Salon and spa equipments and supplies - Also available: SPA consultancy, SPA treatment demonstration and operational guidance. Contact: MILA
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WRITERS WANTED!!! If you are 18 years old and above, with passion on writing, and willing to be trained in various aspects of NEWS REPORTING. You might just be the person we’re looking for to fill-in our continuing expansion. Please submit your RESUME at SWE Editorial Office at Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City or call 251-9342 or 251-2341 for details. Or email your intention to trexpelunker@yahoo.com (Look for Ricky or Cathy) Headquarters 803rd Brigade, Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar; February 21 at Headquarters 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar; February 22 at Leyte Colleges, Tacloban City; February 23 at Headquarters 8th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG), Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM), Camp Downes, Ormoc City; February 24, 2013 at Saint Joseph College, Maasin City and; February 25-26, 2013 at 702nd Community Defense Center, 7RCDG, ARESCOM, Tagbilaran City. “If you are 21-31 years of age, Filipino citizen (natural-born), Single, at least 5 ft. in height (male or female), Baccalaureate degree holder, and will be able to pass the PAATB with a minimum score of 110 points, you can join the POTC and OCC, and if you are a Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the reserve force you can join the OPC and be a proud member of the Philippine Army Officer Corps” Cpt Gene Orense, 8ID Spokesman said. Examinees must bring along the following original documents during the examination: NSO Birth Certificate; Transcript of Record; College Diploma; ballpen and pencil. For further clarifications and inquiries, please feel free to contact TSgt Noel D Cabides at the Office of the Procurement Section, Army Personnel Management Center, PA, through this mobile number 09283795781.
“The Senate stinks”
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials…” (Exodus 18:21, the Holy Bible). -oooGIGI’S APOLOGY NO APOLOGY AT ALL: With due respect, the supposed public apology issued by lawyer Jessica “Gigi” Gonzales Reyes, the embattled chief of staff of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, will not pacify ruffled feelings on the part of the lawmakers who are warring with Enrile on his alleged favoritism in distributing millions of Senate funds either as Christmas gifts or “MOOEs” (or miscellaneous and other operating expenses”. The reason is that the apology was no apology at all. Why? Because it was more of a rebuke against “… malicious insinuations and imputations regarding my personal relationship with the Senate President, just to whet and feed the public’s appetite for gossip, to gain political points, and to inflict more pain as if the pain and ugliness we have all witnessed and suffered were not already enough…” Surely, there is no mistaking the fact that this was directed to no other than Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who actually fueled renewed interest on Reyes’ supposed “personal relationship with the Senate President” when he took time out to answer, in a speech at the Senate, charges raised by the lady chief of staff when she was interviewed on radio last Monday, January 21, 2013, right? -ooo“THE SENATE STINKS”: And, in an effort to show more clearly what Reyes really meant with her “apology”, she added what to me was a coup de grace, the nail in the coffin, as it were, indubitably to highlight her position that her relationship---or the absence of it---with Enrile should not be the issue, but the behavior of elected senators in relation to government money entrusted to them. Gigi said: “I believe what the public really hungers for is the truth about the officials they elected and how their money is spent or wasted. The people now believe that the Senate stinks… It is sad but I so agree. It is time to look for where the stink is actually coming from.” Which is actually correct, if I may so. The fact is that, whether or not there is a romantic dalliance between her and the Senate President, all of us should not lose sight of the fact that the center of the controversy here is the misuse of millions of government money by lawmakers who were sworn in to protect the country and its people at all times. The issue here is the stink in the Senate, not the stink of the personal lives of Gigi or of the Senate President. -oooGOD’S CURSE AMONG OUR SENATORS: Why is this ugly war happening among senators who just a year ago were the toast of the entire republic on account of their almost unanimous decision in the Renato Corona impeachment trial? There are reasons and there are reasons for this, but, this kind of a dissension and confusion is a curse which the Bible says will overtake a people who no longer listen to God and who no longer obey His commands. In Deuteronomy 28:15 and 20, we are told that if we no longer listen to God---which means that, as of today, we no longer read His Word, the Bible---and if we no longer follow Him, He will send confusion, dissension, and rebuke, and failure in everything we do. This Biblical prophesy is frightening because it is saying that all of these curses will not stop until we are all destroyed. Perhaps, as one English novel says, “those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make them mad.” Indeed, whatever is happening now is a result of madness and confusion of mind. Let us pray the lawmakers concerned will find it in their hearts to seek God for guidance, not only for their sake, but for the sake of the country and the people. REACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com. 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.
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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 27 (Family Court) Bulwagan ng Katarungan Catbalogan City, Samar IN RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE CANCELLATION OF THE RECORD OF BIRTH UNDER LOCAL REGISTRY No. 99-992 OF JOSHUA CARCELLAR BORJA DOLORES CARCELLAR BERIOSO Petitioner, -versusTHE REGISTRAR GENERAL NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, MANILA and THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR Respondents, SPC. PROC NO. 820110-15-12 x--------------x ORDER
This is a verified Petition for Cancellation of the record of birth of Joshua Carcellar Borja filed on October 15, 2012 by Petitioner Dolores Carcellar Berioso thru counsel Atty. Edilberto G. Morales, praying among others, that after due notice and hearing. Judgment be rendered ordering the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of the City of Catbalogan, Samar and the Civil Registrar General,
National Statistics Office to cancel the birth record of Guillermo Carcellar Honrado under Civil Registry No. 99992 and that the delayed registration of the fact of birth of Joshua Carcellar Borja made on May 16, 2005 should stand and exists with legal effect. The Petition sets forth the following material allegations. Petitioner is the biological mother of Joshua Carcellar Borja is of legal age, married, Filipino, with legal capacity to sue and be sued and a resident of Brgy. San Roque, Daram, Samar where she may be served with the notices, orders and other processes of the Honorable Court. Joshua Carcellar Berioso was born on May 17, 1999 at Paranas, Samar to Jesus P. Borja and Dolore: Orot Carcellar and was baptized later at the Parochial Church of Paranas, Samar. When she secured a copy of his Certificate of Live Birth at the National Statistics Office, he discovered that his fact of birth was already registered in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Catbalogan, Samar which contained several erroneous entries. This petition is filed in order to cancel the record of birth of Joshua Carcellar Borja to set the records straight and establish accurate data or facts as regards the identity of Joshua Carcellar Borja and to avoid any confusion in his record and not for any illegal purpose.
Samar Weekly
LEGAL NOTICES Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance and in order the same is hereby given due course. WHEREFORE, premises considered, let the Petition be set for initial hearing on March 7, 2013 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning before this Court, at the Hall of Justice, Catbalogan City, Samar, on which date, time, and place, any and all persons opposed thereto may file their opposition citing the ground therefore. The City Civil Registrar of Catbalogan, Samar is hereby given a period of fifteen (15) days from receipt hereof or from the last date of publication of this Order, to file its opposition or comment thereto. Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the Petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Samar to be selected through a raffle conducted prior to the
date of hearing. Furthermore, let copies of this Order together with a copy of the Petition and its annexes, be served to the Office of the Solicitor General at 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City; Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Catbalogan City, Samar, City Civil Registrar, Catbalogan City, Samar and the Civil Registrar General, National Statistics Office, Manila for their information and comment. Finally, let a copy of this Order be furnished to the Petitioner and her counsel at their given addresses. SO ORDERED. Given this 7th day of January 2013 at Catbalogan City, Samar.
(Sgd) MANUEL F. TORREVILLAS, JR. Acting Presiding Judge SWE Jan. 22-28; 29 - Feb. 4 & 5 - 11, 2013 issue
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page 1 ... Leaders of various religious groups led the inter-faith prayer, followed by the lighting of the unity candle, recitation of the Voters’ Pledge, signing of the Pledge of Commitment, and releasing of doves and white balloons to signify the united effort of all the participants towards “Secure and Fair Elections” (SAFE) 2013. Aside from the unity walks and peace rallies in Tacloban City, similar activities were also held in the cities of Catbalogan and Calbayog in Samar, Catarman in Northern Samar, Borongan City in Eastern Samar, Maasin City in Southern Leyte and Naval, Biliran. The series of unity walks and prayer rallies in the region was held following the successful peace covenant signing in Samar last January 13 in Calbayog City presided by no less than the Secretary of the DILG Mar Roxas.
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DPWH move towards eGovernance CALBAYOG CITY -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched and mobilized the Government Manpower Information System (GMIS) web-based application at the DPWH Multi-Purpose Building, Region VIII, Baras, Palo, Leyte. The move was in cognizance to Executive Order No. 55 directing the Integration and Automation of Government Financial Systems and Executive Order No. 31 directing the establishment of a Comprehensive Database on Government Manpower for Budget and Management and for other purposes. The launching was attended by all Human Resource Management Officers of DPWH in Region 8. It was learned that the innovation is in relation to the on-going government reforms on budgeting and in preparation for the full implementation of the National Payroll System, a paradigm shift in processing the existing paper-based procedures whereby updates to existing information can be made quickly and can be accessed outside the office as work can be done through the use of internet. Moreover, as an oversight agency, this will provide DBM valuable information such as the current inventory of warm bodies of the agencies, rate of turn-over, and etc. which are inputs in the formulation of fiscal policies. This is indeed another milestone for DPWH as it is practically moving towards e-Governance. (Levireza G. Barnizo)
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Samar Weekly Express
JANUARY 22 - 28, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
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Obama’s inaugural address: “Expand gay rights” MANILA -- US President Barack Obama centered his inaugural address to around one million crowds gathered at the National Mall on a call to continue his unfinished journey calling for a more inclusive America that rejects partisan rancor and embraces immigration reform, gay rights and the fight against climate change. In his 20-minute speech atop the US Capitol, Obama reassured his crowds, considerably smaller compared to his 1.8 million four years ago, to unite the politically-divided Washington and encourage them to help him take care of unfinished business. “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law–-for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well,” Obama said. Obama mentioned some of his accomplishments during his first-term in office such as a U.S. healthcare overhaul, financial regulatory reforms, end of the war in Iraq and the killing of Osama bin Laden. But according to him his journey is not finished yet, “fights are looming over budgets, gun control and immigration.” Obama vowed to end this problem within his second-term limits. Touching on volatile issues, Obama ticked off a series of liberal policies he plans to push in his second term.
He also promised to reduce the federal deficit without shredding the social safety net and called for a revamping of the tax code and a remaking of government. Obama had a formal swearing-in by Chief Justice John Roberts on Sunday at the White House because of a constitutional requirement that the president take the oath on Jan. 20. However, the main event of his inaugural was done Monday. It was another political milestone for Obama, the Hawaiian-born son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas. Literally on-foot parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, the president and first lady Michelle Obama were thrilled by the cheering onlookers and flashing cameras after getting out from their armored limousine. Secret Service agents kept on close watch. Between his speech, Obama said described Americans “are made for this moment, and (we) must “seize it together.” He said “Preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action.” “We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate… my first term in office was consumed on more economy debates,” which Obama said should be his next priority.
US President Barrack Obama talks on his second inaugral address
JV, the Active “Netizen”
DESPITE his hectic schedule which includes provincial trips and business meetings, San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada says he never fails to check and regularly update his social media accounts through his Blackberry, iPhone, and iPad Mini. Ejercito Estrada is considered as one of the most active netizen-politicans in the Philippines today. He loves to connect with his 18,723 followers on Twitter. He also uses the micro-blogging service to see updates on breaking news, thoughts and opinions of media outfits, political leaders, family, and colleagues. The young law-
maker does the same with his Facebook account, where he posts his daily activities to update 5,159 friends on his personal account, and 61,257 friends on his Fan Page. “It is through social networking sites that I get the pulse of the people on certain issues. Twitter and Facebook are currently the fastest and most convenient ways to get in touch with the youth and Filipinos all in other parts of the world. Best of all, they are free,” he said. Ejercito Estrada admits that he is hooked on social networking sites. “It’s been my habit to check replies and posts as soon as I wake up, during my free time, when I’m traveling, and just before I go to sleep.”
Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada with Vice President Jejomar Binay, other UNA senatorial candidates and employees of Municipal Batangas City during a courtesy call to Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto with Senator Ralph Recto.
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Since most social networking accounts of public figures are manned by their staff, several of his Facebook friends find it hard to believe that he personally manages his own pages. “Many people doubt if I really do the posting on Facebook and Twitter. I do it myself because I like being hands-on. Also, after a day’s hard work, it’s therapeutic to share what you’ve done to the online community,” said Ejercito Estrada. As a youth advocate, he said being an active netizen enables him to be up to date with the latest trends and other developments concerning young people. “Youth development is one of my advocacies as a public servant. So being able to interact with students on a daily basis through Twitter and Facebook allows me to identify their needs and help them,” the solon said. On the role of social media in his campaign for the 2013 elections, Ejercito Estrada said he intends to share his legislative agenda to 30 million active Facebook users and 9.5 million active Twitter users in the Philippines. While some netizens use social networking sites as a venue to rant against politicians, he believes that the government must not be given the power to regulate the online activity of Filipinos. The young lawmaker noted that the Cybercrime Law contains provisions which practically permits the state to suppress freedom of speech and persecute its political foes.
NBI fetches Aman boss in Malaysia MANILA, Philippines – Operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) left for Malaysia Thursday morning to personally escort captured Aman Futures boss nabbed in Kota, Kinabalu recently. Dir. Virgilio Mendez of NBI said his 4-member team will coordinate with Malaysian authorities on the deportation of Aman Futures boss Manuel Amalilio linked to a multibillion peso investment scam in Visayas, Mindanao and parts of Metro Manila. Amalilio had gone to Malaysia in late 2012 after Aman Futures Group Philippines Inc. was accused of luring victims to invest by offering between 20- to 80-percent interests within eight to 20 days. Earlier, Amalilio was nabbed by Malaysian Bureau of Immigration for possession of fraudulent Malaysian passport and ID cards. Reports said angry victims of Aman will personally fly to Malaysia to confront the scam brain head. In the Philippines, Amalilio and nine others were ordered arrested by Presiding Judge Dennis Vicoy of the Pagadian City Regional Trial Court Branch 20 in connection with the alleged scam.
Tubbataha Management serves US Navy notice of violations MANIL A -- The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board on Tuesday said they will served the US government formal notice and listing of violations on the grounding of USS Guardian in Tubbataha Reef in Puerto Pincesa, Palawan. In a statement dated January 22, Ms. Sophia Regina M. Dedace, communications officer of the WWF – Philippines, said it is the mandate of the TPAMB to protect, preserve and promote the resources of the Tubbataha Reef. “This (grounding of the US Warship) is an unfortunate incident (and) no one wanted this to happen, (but) we are (also) duty-bound to enforce the law (RA 10067),” said a TPAMB statement. T h e T PA M B, i n which WWF-Philippines is a member, is the policy-making body for the Tubbataha Reefs. It was created in 1999 and has 20 members from the national and local government, the academe and the private sector, all of which are considered
stakeholders in the future of Tubbataha. “We will serve the US Navy with a formal notice listing violations of the above law in the grounding incident of January 17 involving the USS Guardian. We will ask them to take responsibility, and immediately pay the fines that can be estimated at this time,” said Ms. Dedace. The board finds the USS Guardian violating Section 19 (Unauthorized entry), Section 21 (Non-payment of conservation fee), Section 30 (Obstruction of law enforcement officers), Section 20 (Damages to the reef) and Section 26G (Destroying resources), because according to the initial assessment conducted by the PAMB, “the Park has suffered physical damage, the extent of which cannot be accurately estimated at this time.” The TPAMB said these actions are being done without prejudice to the results of subsequent assessments that have yet to be done to determine
the extent of damage to the Park and its resources as a direct result of the January 17 grounding, as well as incidental damage arising out of the ongoing retrieval operations. Me anw h i l e , e arlier, the USS Guardian grounding in PH coral reefs, which is in a Unesco World Heritage zone where entry is restricted, worries Philippine government. Filipinos especially environmentalists portrays the grounding as an environmental issue, rather than a maritime accident. As of this date, it is estimated that the damage on the grounding of the USS Guardian reached to P12 million, and still increasing each day. Meanwhile, the government eyed three options in removing the US Navy ship out from Tubbataha Reef. To pull, lift or to dismember the ship. Earlier, U.S. Seventh Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Scott Swift regrets any damage the grounding caused in the Philippines reef. “When the Guardian is safely recovered by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. government will continue to work with the Republic of Philippines government to assess the extent of the damage to the reef and the surrounding marine environment caused by the grounding. The Republic of the Philippines government was promptly informed of the incident and is being updated regularly by U.S. officials,” says US Seventh Fleet Commander Swift. (Ricky Bautista)
8 Azkals to make up PH team to SEA Games Eight members of the Philippine Azkals national football team will make up the core of the national under-23 squad which will see action in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar this December. The coaching staff will tap the services of the Angeles brothers, Marvin and Marwin, along with Jeffrey Christiaens, Matthew Uy, Jason de Jong, FilGermans Manny and Mike Ott, and Fil-British goalie Neil Etheridge. The rest of the squad will be selected during a three-day tryout for various national teams, which the Philippine Football Federation will conduct at the end of the month. The national under-23 squad finished last in their bracket in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Laos. But, this time around, team manager Dan Palami said a medal finish and at any position will be their target. “With early preparations, we will have a good chance of making a medal finish,” added Palami. The core of the national SEA Games team is expected to see action in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup group stage this March in Manila. Turkmenistan, which is the runner-up two years ago, will be around. But the presence of Brunei and Cambodia will give the Philippines a chance to have glimpse of the strength and weaknesses of their SEA Games rivals. (From the wires)
IN a recently held orientation session for the nationwide Search for Journalists of the Year (JOY) attended by media practitioners, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the Probe Media Foundation, Inc. (PMFI) announced the extension of the deadline for submission of nominations until February 28, 2013. “The search is a fitting tribute to our Filipino press people on or behind the camera. It is about time that we recognize their vigilance translated into powerful storytelling that contributed to nationbuilding and an informed citizenry,” said MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña. While PMFI founder Cecilia ‘Che Che’ Lazaro expressed that “As journalists, we value our reputation based on what we write and report. More than the fame, what is important to us, as journalists, is that the stories we tell have created positive impact among the people we serve. I am happy that JOY winners have the opportunity to share their expertise through the conduct of the lectures.” Qualified for this search are Filipino media
practitioners currently residing in the Philippines. They must have been working in the media industry for at least ten (10) years covering the period from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2012 and must be practicing any medium (print, radio, television or online) of journalism in the Philippines on a regular basis and as a primary source of income. Nominations are open to everyone of legal age. Self‐nominations are also allowed. Nominees may be endorsed by their current supervisor, superior or editor, provided that the endorser is attached to a bona fide media organization or news agency. The three winners will each receive PhP300,000 and a special trophy. They will also be conferred the Metrobank Foundation Fellow in Journalism where they will have the privilege to share their expertise and experience through the conduct of professorial lectures before an identified audience in select academic venues. The program will highlight the journalists’ contributions to both the industry and to society, and give the public a chance to learn
JANUARY 22 - 28, 2013
Page 8
It’s Joke Time! Central Visayas bets, NCR-West eye finals
Elimination-round topnotchers Central Visayas and National Capital Region-West try to arrange a showdown for the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Tournament-of-Champions crown today (Saturday) as they take on Southern Luzon and Western Visayas, respectively, in the Final Four at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. While NCR-West remains the prohibitive favorite to retain the crown, focus will be on Central Visayas, which emerged the only squad in the 10-team field to sweep all their matches in the single round elims.
Search for Journalists of the Year extended
from these noteworthy individuals. The JOY celebrates and honors distinctive Filipino journalists from print, broadcast and online media for their body of work that has contributed to the development of the nation and inspired other media practitioners. It also encourages responsibility, accountability and excellence in storytelling. It intends to recognize outstanding mature journalist sometime during his or her prime as viewed in the context of the whole landscape of the journalism profession. Journalism would be viewed as a life as well as a primary source of livelihood, not just a craft, vocation or career. For further inquiries, please visit www.mbfoundation.org.ph. or www. probefound.com. or call the Probe Media Foundation Secretariat at telephone number (02) 433-0456 or e-mail: metrobankfoundation.joy@gmail.com.
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. Come and submit yourself to us, bring your credentials at SWE Office located at Rizal Avenue, this city or 251-2341 look for Cathy or email your intention to trexpelunker@yahoo. com. Hurry, this might be your big break in life!
“Yosi”
“Magsaing”
Juan: Nagyo-yosi ka? Pedro: Oo, kay ano? Juan: Nakakapira ka kaha ha usa ka adlaw? Pedro: 3? Juan: Tagpira man an kaha? Pedro: 30 Juan: Maiha ka naba nagyoyosi? Pedro: 20 years Juan: Hmm... So, kun tag 30 an usa ka kahha ngan nakakaubos ka hit 3 usa ka adlaw, eh di may 2700 ka ha usa ka bulan ngan may 32, 850 ka usa ka tuig, tama? Pedro: O0? Juan: Maaram kaba nga kun dire ka nagyoyosi natirok mo unta im kwarta ha bangko ngan makakapalit kana hin sports car? Pedro: Eh ikaw nagyoyosi ka ba? Juan: Deri, kay ano? Pedro: oh Putang *** mo, eh hain man ito nga imo Sports Car?!
TATAY: Juan mag saing ka na sama mo na ung aso at pusa ha.. JUAN: opo itay.. nang maluto na ang kanin at kakain na.. TATAY: anak ng putakte... bakit may pusa ung kanin? JUAN: hindi ko na po naisama ung aso hindi na po kasya sa kaldero.. Ngek! “Exam” Tatay: Juan, ipasa mo ung exam ha!pag di ka pumasa wag mo akong tatawaging tatay. Juan: Opo nman tay! Tatay: Oh? Kamusta exam mo? Juan: Ayos nman TOL... Hehehe!
SALE! SALE! SALE! BEACH LOT FOR SALE! 1.) 2,037 sq. m. 2.) 5, 272 sq. m. P500/sq. m. ONLY! Clean Papers Location: Brgy. Tingib, Basey, Samar Fronting Tacloban City
0920.7675.444
AKSYON NA, AGA NA! Hosted by AKSYON GILBERT ‘Gibo’ ARTECHE 5:30 - 6:30 A.M. - Mon.Fri. Simulcast with MSFM 102.5 khz