19T 4Ps clients removed from list

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VOL. IX NO. 17

NOV. 29 - DEC. 5, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY

19T 4Ps clients removed from list DSWD validates list of beneficiaries in Region 8 CATBALOGAN CITY -- To ensure that only qualified beneficiaries would be benefitting from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Eastern Visayas does follow up validation of those listed as beneficiaries.

The validation undertaken by the regional DSWD has resulted to the removal of beneficiaries that are found out to be not economically poor.

Joan Baclay, information officer of the 4Ps program, informed that 19,028 beneficiaries across the region were deleted from the program.

In the validation of their status, said former members were found to be earning decently and were not really poor. Another basis cited was because the former members do not have children whose age range from zero to 14 years old to support.

Originally, the regional office of the DSWD had identified 188,916 4Ps beneficiaries in Eastern Visayas.

DSWD delisted from the program around 8,515 individuals erroneously identified as poor. Rundown of the numbers showed 5,964 from the Samar province; 1,953 from Leyte; 344 from Eastern Samar; 91 from Biliran; 153 from Southern Leyte and 10 from Northern Samar. The numbers were taken when the program was first launched in SEE 4PS P2

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Around 103 families in Catbalogan “in high risk” B� NINFA B. QUERANTE CATBALOGAN CITY -- The city government of Catbalogan, through the city social welfare and development office (CSWDO), is preparing some 103 families that maybe at risk in the landslide area in Barangay Bunuanan, Catbalogan City.

In an interview with Nida Arosa of the CSWDO, she said that Mayor Coefredo Uy has asked them to prepare an inventory of the families ‘at risk’ of being affected by landslide.

Two landslides in the recent past have claimed five lives in the same area.

On October 21, 2011, a mother and her three young children were buried in a landslide. After a month, on November 22, an eight year-old boy named Aldrin Abaincia also suffered the same fate.

Authorities believe that the first incident was

caused by continuous rains and that the second one was triggered by the clearing operations of the first landslide.

According to Arosa, the LGU is still planning the relocation pending upon the recommendation of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB).

However, in a report from a regional paper, it said that of the MGB rapid geohazard assessment results stated that only Samar province has the lowest number of areas prone to landslide with only Basey, Calbayog, Marabut and Talalora, with 15 Barangays are in highly susceptible, 11 are in moderate and 10 are low.

Just the same, LGU Catbalogan maintains that they will wait for recommendation, but as of the present time, both the Samar LGU and Catbalogan LGU have extended emergency assistance to the affected families.

COMELEC: Verification of signatures in Samar extended PARDSS Na�onal Chief Execu�ve Solita Adelante (5th from right) posed with her Chapter Commanders in Eastern Visayas a�er a mee�ng with leadership of the Tacloban City Police Office last week.

PARDSS stands for Peace, Ac�on and Rescue with Dedica�on to Serve tghe Society. (RJB)

Police baffles over series of hold-up incidents in Eastern Visayas B� RICKY J. BAUTISTA

CATBALOGAN CITY – The police in Eastern Visayas are now taking every steps in following the trail of the suspects who robbed numerous properties in various establishments in

the region lately.

PSSupt. Elizar Patano Egloso, Chief Regional Police Community Relations Division, said that with the active involvement of the community, they’re

hoping that the identity of the lawless elements who were responsible to series of hold-up incidents that baffled the police.

Previously, unidentiSEE POLICE P2

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B� GINA DEAN - RAGUDO CALBAYOG CITY -- While Samar is continuously conducting verification of signatures in preparation for a recall election in a petition filed against the present administration, Provincial Election Supervisor Ma. Corazon Montallana admitted that the Commission on Elections has not yet formulated the guidelines for the upcoming polls.

Even the campaign period has to be determined, she added.

SEE COMELEC P2

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Samar Weekly Express

2

REGIONAL NEWS

NOV. 29 - DEC. 5, 2011

Gov’t troops overran NPA camps in N. Samar LOPE DE VEGA, Northern Samar – Two New People’s Army (NPA) camps in Northern Samar were overrun by the government troopers, an army official reported.

Lieutenant Colonel Noel Vestuir, Commanding Officer of 20th infantry battalion (20IB), 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based here, told reporters in an interview at his office here, that the rebel-military encounter yesterday (November 28, 2011) in the tri-boundary of municipalities of Catarman, Bobon and Lope de Vega all of Northern Samar resulted to the discovery of two NPA camps.

Lt Col Vestuir said that the 20IB operating troops under 2Lt. Joter Lobo PA and 2Lt Al Peter Galula PA, after receiving information

from residents about the presence of armed men in between Barangays San Julian and San Pascual of Catarman, Northern Samar, proceeded to the said area and caught the rebels by surprise. Firefight ensued for about an hour that forced the enemy to withdraw towards different directions, he added.

Vestuir disclosed that the troops were able to overrun the enemy encampment which has 20 bunkers that could accommodate more or less 30 communist terrorists. “The troops also recovered 460 rounds of ammunition for M60 machine gun link; one sack of rice; kitchen utensils and cooking paraphernalia; personal belongings and one bag of NPA documents.”

Vestuir also disclosed that at 12:30 yesterday

afternoon, the government while pursuing the fleeing communist terrorists, encountered again a group of around sixty (60) fully armed NPAs about 500 meters from the previous encounter site. “After more than an hour of exchange of fires, the government troops overran and seized the enemy position which is another encampment.

The said camp has 30 bunkers that can accommodate more or less 60 NPAs,” he added “The government troops suffered no casualty on these two encounters while on the enemy side, there are undetermined number of wounded as troops found traces of bloodstains in the enemy camps and withdrawal routes,” Vestuir further disclosed. (RAC)

DOH exhorts public: Stay healthy this Christmas season

TACLOBAN CITY - With the Christmas air now pervading, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued tips in order to stay healthy during the Holiday Season.

The first tip is to plan Christmas activities with the family to prevent tension and stress which can leave one vulnerable to illness and compromise the immune system.

Take care of the family against changes in temperature. Children and adults may become susceptible to cough, colds and fever.

Together with the traditional ham and queso de bola, it is a must to make sure that fruits and vegetables are on the table.

The DOH also reminds the public to be kind to their heart by eating a moderate amount of nutritious foods to sustain the daily activities.

The public is also called upon to drink plenty of liquids. Drinking plenty of water and fruit juices facilitates excretion.

Have enough sleep.

Giving oneself enough sleep is giving the mind and body another time to rest.

People must avoid crowded areas because bacteria that cause diseases multiply and spread easily.

Airy and well-ventilated areas are essential to healthy living.

Use environment-friendly Christmas decors that cost less and are not fire hazards. Save decors for next year and store them in a safe place.

Buy toys with no pointed or sharp edges; nor too small toys that can cause choking.

Finally, the DOH called on the public not to use fireworks and firecrackers during the Holidays. Make some noise even without fireworks and firecrackers, DOH said.

4Ps from p1...

POLICE from page 1...

the region in 2008.

The 4Ps beneficiaries receive as much as P 1,400 a month depending on the number of children with age ranges from zero to 14 years.

It was learned that the 4Ps program is now in all the 6 provinces in the region; in 4 out of 7 cities; and in 2,783 out of the 4,390 or 63.39 percent of the barangays in Eastern Visayas. (Aurora Casimpan)

2011 CHRISTMAS FEST IN CATBALOGAN. As the world commemorates World AIDS Day on the first day of December, the City Government of Catbalogan coincides it with the opening of the 2011 Christmas Fes�val through the Ceremonial Ligh�ng of the City Christmas Tree at the City Plaza.

The unique event dubbed as “The Red Night”, which signifies the strong campaign of the city against HIV-AIDS and to celebrate the most joyous �me of the year, the Christmas Season.

The LGU invites everyone to the event which will officially start at around 6:00 in the evening of December 1 at the city plaza.

In an interview with The SWE, Montallana said that all manifestations filed by the contending parties were immediately resolved making the recall process expeditious.

From 18 towns and 2 cities of Samar Province, there were more than 147 thousand signatures (i.e. for governor and vice governor) to be verified and as of this writing, the COMELEC has achieved 61% representing 45,607 signatures from the 15 municipalities.

Sta. Margarita, Sta. Rita, Villareal, Catbalogan and Calbayog are still undergoing verifications, she said.

The verification process should have been completed within the modified period of 15 days, but since the manner of administering is so tedious, the provincial election supervisor has not

Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldos delivers her keynote speech to the officers and members of the Eastern Visayas Occupa�onal Safety and Health Network during its 2011 Assembly at Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City, November 25. Also in photo are DOLE 8 regional director Forter Puguon and assistant regional director Cyril Ticao. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

POLICE from page 1...

fied suspects robbed the LBC establishment in Catbalogan City and fled taking with them some huge amount of money. The lone personnel was forcibly ordered to give her income that day to three armed who were up to now still at large.

Just recently, on November 23, 2011 at about 2:00PM, a local robbery gang also robbed a container van loaded with gasoline in Brgy. Garawon, Hernani, Eastern Samar.

Police said the van was driven by certain Fernan Sabas, 33 and was accompanied by helpers Arvin Calumpang, 30 and Harold Catubao, 20 years old. The van was owned by Shell Gas Station in Guiuan, E. Samar.

Sketchy report disclosed that while they were traversing along the national highway in Brgy. Garawon, Hernani, Eastern Samar bound for Guiuan, Eastern Samar, they were blocked by three unidentified persons armed with homemade shotguns. The suspects were able to cart away total cash money of P100, 000.

The suspects fled away to unknown direction after the incident. A follow-up investigation and hot pursuit operation is now being conducted by Hernani Municipal Police Station, Eastern Samar Police Provincial office for the possible identification and arrest of said perpetrators.

Meanwhile in Basey, Samar, Police chief Ismael V. Lantajo has already named one of the three suspects who robbed the Basey Gas Station last November 7. The PNP chief identified the suspect as certain “Indo” Centenaje of Brgy. Magallan es who is still on the loose. The suspects carted away some P17, 000, a necklace and cellular phone before fleeing aboard a motorcycle.

With the series of hold-up incidents happening in the region, Egloso reiterated that the police are committed to apply the “full force” of the law against the perpetrators behind this act so that justice will be served.

The public is also assured that the PNP will aggressively pursue its mandate of enforcing the law, preserving peace and order and protecting lives and properties.

“We encourage the public to help (us) by way of giving vital information essential in the solution of crimes,” the PNP official appealed. set any period for its completion.

Montallana clarified that all petitions filed by either of the party should be resolved by the respective election supervisor per area unless they would decide to exhaust all remedies available.

She said that under the ruling, the COMELEC should be able to verify 45% valid signatures from the total number of petitioner’s signatures that reflected in the petitioners’ signatures sheet as a requisite for a recall election.

Within 45 days after the release of the COMELEC’s final resolution and prior to May 12, 2012 or one year ahead of the regular election, recall elections should be conducted, she said.

With respect to the alleged threats experience by EOs in the conduct of verification process, Montallana said that it’s a normal occurrence in every election held but she does not recommend nor approved inhibition as it would serve as a precedent to others who would opt to do the same.

While verifications are conducted in public places, protocols set by EOs should be observed and be respected by the people in order to achieve a peaceful, orderly and successful activity, she concluded.

82 families to receive livelihood grants JIABONG, Samar – In order to prepare them for their eventual graduation from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, 82 beneficiaries at Jiabong, in Samar province, will soon receive capital assistance under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

In coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the DSWD Field Office Eight, represented by Project Evaluation Officers Roland Uy and Benjie Pelen, conducted last week, a Small Business Management Training in the said town.

The undertaking was meant to orient beneficiaries on the program policies, as well as to equip them with the knowledge and skills on how to become a successful entrepreneur.

The Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries selected were those with existing livelihood projects and are interested to go into further businesses, Mr. Pelen said. He added that the projects chosen were more on agricultural production, based on the available local resources.

Meanwhile, Municipal Social Worker Labrague said that the beneficiaries’ ventures are mostly on peanut and abaca production and upland rice farming, and a few on mussel productions.

She explained that though mussel or “tahong” is abundant in the municipality, most of those who are in the trade are not Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries and are residing in the “poblacion.”

The beneficiaries come from the municipality’s 15 barangays, and are beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer scheme of Pantawid Pamilya since 2009, which is to end after five years.

“They cannot go on depending on the cash grants to sustain their children’s health/nutrition and education. They need to be economically active in order to be empowered,” DSWD Field Office Eight Director Leticia Diokno emphasized.

The said 82 families, who were formed into a livelihood association, will receive each a non-collateral and interest-free loan of P10,000.00 before the year ends. The community – based association is a credit conduit which utilizes peer pressure and savings mobilization as important components of the program.

This will hopeful enable the families to have a sustainable livelihood that will tide the family out even after graduation from Pantawid Pamilya.

Samar Weekly Express

3

LOCAL BUSINES

NOV. 29 - DEC. 5, 2011

DA allocates P28-M for E. Visayas livestock sector in 2012 TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Eastern Visayas has allocated some P28 million funding for the livestock sector in 2012.

Dr. Wilson A. Cerbito, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and concurrent Chief of the Regulatory Division, said that this is a 400% increase from a measly P7 million in 2011.

Thus, Director Cerbito committed to set aside a good sum for the implementation of the regulatory functions and the animal welfare program.

Dr. Cerbito made this pronouncement during the recently held Orientation Seminar on Animal Welfare Rules and Regulations cum Annual Meeting of Poultry-Livestock handlers held at the Ritz Tower de Leyte, Tacloban City.

Animal protection during transport was the center of discussion during the said activity which was aimed to improve the overall quality of animal transport and foster better awareness of the needs of animals by the people in-

volved in animal carriage and handling.

In his inspirational message, Dr. Cerbito commended the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for adopting the theme “Animal Welfare through Food Production is the Responsibility of Every Juan.”

The DA-8 official said that through this theme, it is not only the technical aspect or concept of animal welfare that was highlighted but also the importance of human values in the implementation of the program.

According to Dr. Cerbito, due to the stereotyped image of Filipinos as lazy people, economically and even in sports, the Philippines seemed to be lagging behind compared to its Asian neighbors.

Hence, “every Juan should be responsible enough to be an active partner in promoting animal welfare through food production and ensuring sufficient, safe and quality food,” Dir. Cerbito muses.

During the activity, among the issues underscored are at least 5 basic Freedom

PhilHealth to put up P12.8-B subsidy in 2012 THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhiHealth) is putting up P12.8 billion subsidy in 2012, four times higher than this year’s allocation as the agency goes “full speed” towards universal healthcare in the next three years.

Dr. Eduardo Banzon, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer, said in a press briefing yesterday that the budget will be used to enroll some 5.5 million poor families listed in the National Household Targeting System (NHTS).

“We cannot attain the universal healthcare target if we won’t invest. We have made a plan to improve the benefits delivery system every month next year to achieve universal coverage,” Banzon said.

The budget is up than the P3.8 billion allocation for 2011 and P5 billion for 2010 subsidies.

He told reporters that they have to work double time to meet the health related targets set under the Millenium Development Goals with three years left before the 2015 deadline.

“The administration is serous with its goal to provide access to quality healthcare. This is not just giving Philhealth cards but to ensure that quality service is being delivered especially to the poor,” he added.

Walter F. Bacareza, PHilhealth vice president for member management group, said in an interview that the budget for 2012 is way up than the P3.8 billion this year and P5 billion in 2010.

“We would like to achieve the real universal health care coverage to 45% in 2015. The United Nations is looking at the country’s performance by 2015 if we can attain Millennium Development Goals target such reduction of child mortality, improvement of maternal health, and combating diseases,” Bacareza told The SWE. Banzon said that they are full speeding development in their office with its goal to transform the corporation into world class in the next two years.

The new PhilHealth chief claimed that they will prioritize the roll-out of primary care benefits that will entitle members to basic, quality health care services through accredited public and even private health care providers nationwide.

He added that the agency is also working towards expanding the case rate for all diseases and procedures to further empower the members with the knowledge of how much PhilHealth covers for each and every medical condition. The case rate method of paying for benefits is similar to a ‘pakyaw’ system wherein all services are already included in the package. (Sarwell Q. Meniano)

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of Animals as follows: Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; Freedom from physical discomfort and pain; Freedom from injury and disease; Freedom to conform to essential behavioral patterns, and Freedom from fear and distress.

To ensure that said 5 basic freedoms are upheld at all times, a continuous communication and information sharing with all stakeholders is of paramount importance.

As animal welfare advocates they also envisage a series of measures that would improve the enforcement of rules and regulations provided under Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

In an effort to strictly enforce the Animal Welfare Act, the DA also plans to increase the number of inspections in accredited animal farms or stockyards carried out by the Veterinary Quarantine Office in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and other partner agencies.

(PIA 8)

PRE-CHRISTMAS TRADE FAIR AT ROBINSONS PLACE. Robinsons Mall opera�ons manager Sweetheart de Paz (le�) assisted by DTI-Leyte provincial director Desiderio Belas and Marites Viñas of DOLE cut the ribbon during the opening program of the Pre-Christmas Trade Fair 2011 at Robinsons Place, Tacloban City, November 27. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

DA-8 to use P34-M budget for shift to organic farming THE farm department is bracing for the shift from green revolution technologies to organic agriculture with its P34 million budget intended for promotion of natural way of farming in Eastern Visayas from 2011 to 2012.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Antonio Gerundio said that the national government has released about P17 million of the P900 million budget for organic farming promotion nationwide for this year. The official expects to receive the same amount next year for the region.

The official said that they are now on the process of organizing provincial and municipal technical committee on organic agriculture.

“We are looking to see the impact of conversion after six months by changing the mindset of farmers. We will give simplified training to farmers for them to understand organic farming.

We will also teach them on how to make organic fertilizers and biological pesticides using our existing technology,” Gerundio told The Express.

Bulk of DA’s regular funding for different farm commodities will also be set aside to support organic farming initiatives in the region.

The higher budget for organic agriculture seeks to formulate policy on organic agriculture products regulation and registration, accreditation, certification and labelling; research, development and extension of appropriate sustainable environment and gender-friendly organic agriculture.

The farm department will also work on the promotion of the establishment of facilities that produce organic

fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other farm inputs, certification process; and implementation of organic agricultural programs, projects and activities, and provision and delivery of support services to farmers and other stakeholders.

“To achieve this, there’s a need for total conversion in the supply chain. If we will go to organic farming, there’s a need to plant organic seeds, apply organic fertilizer, and control pest using organic pesticides,” Gerundio added.

During the first quarter of 2012, DA will prioritize the livestock, poultry and feed industries. “We will gather them to agree on the supply chain.” Inorganic rice production will be the next priority in 2012.

He pointed out that it won’t be hard to shift to natural approach with the complete system. The campaign will be boosted with the establishment of trading centers for organic products.

Republic Act (RA) 10068, the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 provides for the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the country through a comprehensive program to be executed by a newly created National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB).

The law is a state policy to promote, propagate and further develop the practice of organic farming in the Philippines which is expected to increase farm productivity; reduce environmental degradation and prevent the depletion of natural resources; further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the general public; and helps cut expenses on imported farm inputs. (SQM)

Aquino slams SC before business group

PRESIDENT Aquino on Thursday night expressed concern over the direction taken by the Supreme Court in its rulings, and wondered aloud whether the “current air of judicial uncertainty” created by the seeming lack of objectivity of the High Court would allow him to fulfill his mandate to the people.

Addressing the 30th anniversary of the Makati Business Club, Mr. Aquino cited the cases where the High Court Pres. Aquino flip-flopped on a decision, and the “speedy relief” it provided to the petition for a temporary restraining order made by former President Gloria Arroyo on the watch-list order issued against her by the Department of Justice.

He said that as Chief Executive, his task is to “uphold

and defend the Constitution, implement its laws, do justice to every man and consecrate myself to the service of the people.” The President said that even before he was Chief Executive, he was “puzzled, even alarmed, by the behavior” of the Supreme Court.

“We in the Executive need what every executive needs: clarity in the rules, consistency in its interpretations, and a modicum of respect so that we can implement our plans. Therefore, what confronts me now is a central question: Can the Executive fulfill its mandate given the current air of judicial uncertainty?” he asked.

The President also cited

the court ruling upholding Dinagat as a province, which led to the establishment of a provincial government, but the court later reversed itself and deemed that Dinagat should remain only a constituent part of Surigao del Norte, only to reverse itself again later on.

“Surigao del Norte is unsure if it reassumes budgetary responsibility, or whether the new provincial government has authority, resulting in funds remaining untapped, and doctors left unpaid: a paralysis of basic functions due to blurred accountabilities,” the President said.

He said the system of SEE AQUINO P8

Samar Weekly Express

4

OPINION

NOV. 29 - DEC. 5, 2011

• EDITORIAL • Clean or Stop it!

It’s indeed a good thing the Facebook networking site quickly responded to that foray of pornographic materials into the home pages of Facebook users sometime in the middle of this month. Not only did it respond quickly, it vehemently vowed to probe and run after the hackers who introduced this kind of virus in the form of obscene videos and pictures.

For sure, it’s not enough that Facebook would delete all those lewd images. Of course such a response was quickly necessary, but limiting it to mere deletion of those pictures would simply prompt the hackers to post more. There really is a need to find out who they are and then bring them to the court if need be for prosecution.

This is an irresponsible act on the hackers’ part that deserves penalties. Perhaps they think it’s merely for fun, but there is nothing funny about the materials they post. They are labeled strictly “for adults only,” hence unfit for Facebook site where plenty of children are among the most avid users. And that includes our children whose moral concepts would be impaired by these x-rated materials.

It is our stand that the rise nowadays of rape cases in the country perpetrated even by youngsters are largely caused by the influx of hardcore videos that anyone can browse in the Internet. Now if these materials will make it even to the Facebook social networking site, all the more that these children will have access to online pornography.

If in case the Facebook company will fail to stop further obscene postings in the future, then perhaps it would be good to just close it once and for all so as not to perpetuate the intrusion of pornography into this wholesome networking site. This way, the good intention of Facebook in creating that site would be protected and preserved.

VIEWS ON NEWS

BY RICKY J. BAUTISTA

trexpelunker@yahoo.com

Self-fulfilling prophecy In this week’s issue of Views on News (VON), I am bringing with you en toto our campaign to End Impunity in the country.

This is in response to the call of the Philippine Press Club (PPI) to its members to have an editorial/opinion commemorating the second anniversary of the Ampatuan Massacre wherein 32 journalists and 26 civilians were helplessly murdered on November 23, 2009 in Maguindanao. Here’s the full text.

Referring to the extrajudicial killings that were so much a part of the past Arroyo administration, and the killing of journalists that spiked on November 23, 2009, President Benigno Aquino III declared in his 2010 State of the Nation Address (SONA) that his administration would “hold murderers accountable.”

Despite that pledge, six journalists have been killed since then, or a total of ten since the Ampatuan Massacre of November 23, 2009 which claimed the lives of 58 men and women, of whom 32 were journalists and media workers. Dozens of human rights workers, political activists, labor leaders and others have also been abducted, tortured and killed during the same period.

In addition to the killings that have continued in the Aquino administration, a number of community journalists have also been threatened, sued for libel on the flimsiest grounds, barred from attending interviews and press conferences, and physically assaulted. In a recent incident, unidentified persons also burned a Catholic Church-owned radio station in Occidental Mindoro.

All are indicative of a state of mind among those who want to silence the press that could, in the present circumstances, lead to murder.

And yet, except for increasing the budget of the Witness Protection Program and reforming the National Prosecution Services, the Aquino administration has taken almost none of the steps agreed upon in the August2010 meeting between media advocacy and journalists’ organizations and his communication group and the department of justice as necessary to DALMACIO C. GRAFIL Publisher RICKY J. BAUTISTA Editor

The Samar Weekly Express is published weekly in multilingual format with editorial and business office located at Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan, Samar (Infront of Fire Department near City Hall) with Tel. No. (055) 251-2341, E-mail: trexpelunker@yahoo.com Mobile Nos. 09207675444 Search us at Facebook and ‘like’ us.

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

stop the killings. Among these steps were Malacañang support for changes in the rules of court to speed up the judicial process, and the inclusion of media representatives in the formation of Quick Response Teams to immediately investigate the killing of journalists and assure the preservation of evidence in the crime site.

After his pledge in his 2010 SONA to prosecute murderers, Mr. Aquino has been surprisingly silent when it comes to both extrajudicial killings and the killing of journalists. A statement from him each time anyone, whether activist or journalist, is murdered declaring his displeasure over the failure of the police to prevent it, and ordering immediate police action, could prod the police to greater efficiency and warn the would–be killers that things have changed since the Arroyo regime, and they will now be prosecuted. Mr. Aquino has also yet to dismantle the private armies, despite their role in the November 23 massacre and in a number of other cases of political and journalists’ murders in other parts of the country.

Only by demonstrating that the killers and would-be killers of journalists and political activists, human rights workers, students, judges, lawyers, and others who have been targeted in the Philippines can no longer get away with murder can the killings stop, and begin the process of dismantling the culture of impunity. That only ten cases involving the killing of journalists and almost none in the abduction, torture and murder of political activists have resulted in convictions since 1986 encourages the continuing killing of journalists and others in the Philippines. That much has been known to the national and international human rights, press freedom and media watch groups since 2003, when they found that the media and political killings had become so much a part of the Philippine environment because of the weaknesses of the justice system in the communities.

That awareness did not prevent the international press, free expression and media advocacy groups from being shocked when the Ampatuan Massacre, which included 26 non-journalists, occurred. They have declared November 23, 2009 the International Day to End Impunity not only to emphasize the global significance of what happened to journalists and media workers on that date, but also to call attention to the imperative of stopping political killings as well as the murder of journalists.

Has the Aquino administration surrendered even before the battle has begun? Is it that self-fulfilling prophecy that’s driving the Aquino government’s inability and apparent unwillingness to take the steps necessary to dismantle the culture of impunity so as to stop the killings that since 1986 have made widows, widowers and orphans of hundreds of Filipinos?

Samar Weekly Express is a member of the

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

SAMAR ISLAND PRESS CLUB, Inc. The only SEC registered media organization operating in the three provinces of Samar

Samar Weekly Express

5

OPINION

NOV. 29 - DEC. 5, 2011

KAKAMPI MO ANG BATAS

BY ATTY. MELANIO ‘BATAS’ MAURICIO NOTARY PUBLIC More gov’t agencies disobey SC LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path…” (Psalm 119:105, the Holy Bible).

-o0oGLORIA’S INCONSISTENCIES: Supreme Court Justice Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno raised two more points against the temporary restraining order which eight of her colleagues in the tribunal issued to allow Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and husband Mike to leave for abroad, which points, Sereno said, militate against Arroyo’s travels.

One is that, it was Gloria’s government itself which issued the Department of Justice Circular No. 41, or the very basis now of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima in preventing Arroyo from leaving. Sereno’s question: if Gloria considered that department circular valid during her term, why should it be invalid now that it is being used against her?

The second point of Sereno pertains to the possibility of Arroyo escaping. She asks: “The court cannot evade the question that is uppermost in the minds of many – is this request for a TRO driven by petitioners’ desire to evade the investigatory and judicial process regarding their liability for certain alleged criminal acts?”

COMMENTARY

BY ISMAEL AMIGO

1st-APLUMA

“Samot-saring issue” If Sen. Franklin Drilon’s account on cases handled

by Chief Justice Renato Corona is to be believed, chances are, CGMA’s case on massive electoral fraud will be dismissed.

As everybody knew it, Chief Justice Corona, a crown prince, err, is an appointee of the former president meaning, his unwavering support will not just go down the drain amid the crisis that his benefactor is facing right now.

And this is the reason why Sen. Drilon is campaigning on for the Chief Justice to inhibit himself on CGMA’s case.

According to the lawmaker from Iloilo, all of the previous 19 cases of CGMA handled by the chief justice perfectly went on the favour of CGMA, 19-0.

That’s a strong basis.

“Chief Justice Renato Corona should inhibit himself in any case involving Gloria Arroyo,” Sen. Drilon told the working media as he launched the inhibition campaign.

“The current score is 19-0. Chief Justice Renato Corona consistently voted in favor of former President Gloria Ma-

PNOY NOW THE MONSTER HE WANTS TO FIGHT: Lawyer Dan I. Amosin, a Filipino legal advocate in the USA, sent in this reaction to our columns here on the Arroyo travel snafu: “In our fight for justice, honor and integrity, let us hew to the mandates of the rule of law and not of men. For practical considerations and in the constitutional order of things, it is the Supreme Court which is the final arbiter of all controversies.

Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Immigration are now saying that they will not follow the Supreme Court and instead follow Secretary De Lima. The disintegration of law and order and the desecration of the rule of law in this country is going on at full speed, under a government that has promised a “right path” of governance.

“The alternative… is anarchy, where the stronger prevails over the weaker ones, and where power is exercised arbitrarily, and where disputes are never resolved by any final arbiter. PNOY asserts that he doesn’t want the former first couple (I’m no fan of these alleged racketeers) to leave for abroad, because he wants them to answer for their crimes against the people, and it appears they are planning to abscond.

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.

“The crimes were allegedly committed, inter alia, with the arbitrary use of presidential powers in wanton disregard of the existing Constitution and laws. Like any crusader for justice, PNOY should temper his zeal with the twin requirement of moral ascendancy---in that he should not use the same evil tactics as the target of his `crusade’, GMA. “When PNOY disregarded a Supreme Court ruling, which he is constitutionally mandated to execute as president, he has become very arbitrary in the use of executive power. Sadly, he has become the monster he detests…”

-o0oMORE GOV’T AGENCIES DISOBEY THE SUPREME COURT: Any attempt by the Aquino government to belittle the existence of a Constitutional crisis as a result of its refusal, through Secretary De Lima, to comply with a Supreme Court order will not detract from the fact that more and more government agencies and officers are now encouraged to disobey the tribunal. capagal Arroyo in all 19 cases brought before the Supreme Court. He never voted against her,” Drilon was quoted as saying by national media.

The former president’s petition questioning the legality of her indictment for electoral sabotage at the Pasay City Regional Trial Court was scheduled to be heard at the Supreme Court (SC) as of this writing Tuesday, 29 November.

Oral arguments on the constitutionality of the joint preliminary investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Commission on Elections (Comelec) on poll fraud charges was expected to unfold at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

CGMA’s petition was consolidated with those of former FG Mike Arroyo, and that of former elections chairman Benjamin Abalos.

Morong 43 Like a sledgehammer programmed to inflict a double blackeye, a Quezon City court has also ordered CGMA to answer a P15-million suit filed by the so-called “Morong 43” whom the military allegedly mistaken as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and were summarily detained.

CGMA and some military officials involved in the case have also been summoned to answer the civil complaint filed against them by the health workers who accuse them of wrongful detention.

The health workers claim they were arrested while attending a seminar in a private resort in Morong, Rizal.

The Morong 43 filed the complaint as early as April 2011 before Judge Ma. Luisa Quijano-Padilla of Regional Trial Court Branch 226.

Dilemma for de Lima As if fighting law with law, a private lawyer, whom some quarters suspect to be a lackey of CGMA, has filed a petition asking the Supreme Court (SC) to order disbarment on Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

It stemmed from Sec. de Lima’s reported defiance of the TKO, err, TRO on her travel ban on CGMA.

“One Call can saves Lives” Call the Police: SAMAR POLICE PROVINCIAL OFFICE Tel. No. 055-251-2722 Mobile No. 0908-9603294 NORTHERN SAMAR POLICE OFFICE Mobile No. 0915-3557182

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POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE 8: Mobile No. 0939-3287083

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The said TRO could have served as CGMA’s gateway to nowhereland abroad to allegedly seek medical treatment for a rare degenerative disease in her cervical spine.

But then, the Justice Secretary from Bicol was quick to the draw and lowered the boom on CGMA instead with an arrest warrant courtesy of a Pasay RTC on electoral sabotage charges.

Slow growth Sorry but a recent survey showed our dear Philippines have returned to its familiar place or role as a laggard in Southeast Asia.

Reports have it that the Philippines’ economic growth has screeched to a dismal 3.2 percent in the third quarter that all but enabled us to take our familiar role.

Charged it to worse economic performance in the region in recent months and poor budget management sources say.

Sobrang pagtitipid or underspending on the part of the Aquino Administration and global economic crises has continued to drag PH economic growth in the third quarter, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by only 3.2 percent from the 7.3 percent “honey moon growth” a year ago.

This was culled from the revised 3.1 percent recorded in the second quarter of the year, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported yesterday.

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LEGAL NOTICES

Health Secretary Ona

DOH: HIV cases in PH alarming B� IBARRA MATEO, VERA F���� HEALTH Secretary Enrique T. Ona said Wednesday the increase in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the Philippines is alarming and requires a more focused approach to reverse it.

On the eve of World Aids Day which is observed every Dec. 1, Ona disclosed that for January-September 2011 period , an average of six new HIV infections daily was reported, significantly up compared to one new case every two days a decade ago.

The health chief said the increase in the new HIV infection was largely due to the spread of the virus among males who have unprotected sex with other males and also among injecting drug users who share contaminated needles.

“The HIV situation, while alarming, is concentrated among key populations at higher risk and not the public at large. This provides us with greater opportunity to halt and reverse the trend in the next few years,” Ona said.

However, Ona said halting and reversing the current trend “will require a more focused, multisectoral approach and an efficient implementation of prevention and control programs.”

The DoH secretary called for a more rational resource allocation of money intended to combat HIV/Aids in the country in the face of the cancellation of the Round 11 of The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria funding and investments worldwide.

The September 2011 Philippine Department of Health HIV and AIDS Registry showed that there were 253 new HIV cases for the month of reporting, the highest number of new HIV infections ever reported.

The September 2011 report also showed that of the new 253 HIV cases, the age group 20-29 years old reported the most number of cases, or 57 percent. Ninety-five percent were males belonging to the age group 16-67 years old; 83 percent were males who have sex with other males. Fifttythree percent or 135 cases were from the National Capital Region.

The same report said 226 cases revealed sexual contact as the mode of transmission while 27 cases said they shared needles with injecting drug users.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 33 Calbiga, Samar IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE OF JONAS VILLEZA y SACAGUING, DOMINADOR M. VILLEZA, Petitioner -v.s.THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, MANILA, and THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF PINABACDAO, SAMAR, Respondets CIVIL CASE NO. C2011-1168

For: CORRECTION OF ENTRY OF BIRTH x- - - - - - - - - -x ORDER

This is a verified petition to correct the Certificate of Live Birth of Jonas Sacaguing Villeza praying that his name and gender which appears therein as “Janice” and “Female” respectively, be corrected, so that his true First Name of which is “JONAS” and correct gender which is ”MALE” will appear in said Certificate.

The petition alleges that the petitioner discovered the said errors in his son’s birth certificate when he was enrolled in grade school, and to correct it, they applied for the late registration of birth of Jonas Villeza, however, the Local Civil Registrar of Pinabacdao, Samar, did not forward the same to the Na-

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 30 Basey, Samar IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR FULL CUSTODY OF THE MINOR SHERYL MALUPENG, with prayer for full exercise of parental authority, NORA R. MALUPENG Petitioner, -versusEUGENIO MALUPENG, Respondent.

SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS No. 2011-11-735 x-----------x SUMMONS TO: EUGENIO MALUPENG Poblacion, Talalora, Samar

Greetings: You are hereby required, within fifteen (15) days after service of this Summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiff your Answer to the Petition, copy of which is hereto attached, together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restrain in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for in the complaint.

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 17th day

of October 2011, at Basey, Samar, Philippines.

(Sgd.) ATTY. DHERLEE HERRERA RIVAS Clerk of Court VI Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 30 IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR FULL CUSTODY OF THE MINOR SHERYL MALUPENG, with prayer for Full exercise of parental authority, NORA R. MALUPENG, Petitioner, -versusEUGENIO MALUPENG, Respondent.

SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS No. 2011-10-735 x-------------x ORDER

On file is petitioner’s Motion for Leave to Serve Summon

by Publication through counsel today.

Finding the motion to be tenable, the same is granted.

Wherefore, let the summons together with the copy of the petition be effected upon defendant by publication at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation duly accredited by the court.

SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, this 11th day of November 2011, Basey, Samar, Philippines.

(Sgd.) AGERICO A. AVILA Presiding Judge

Five of the 253 new HIV cases have progressed into AIDS cases, all of them males within the age group of 18-50 years old. Two of the five AIDS cases have died in September, one was aged 40 and the other 49.

Sixteen of the new 253 HIV cases were overseas Filipino workers, 11 males and five females belonging to the age group 24-59 years old. All cases said they acquired HIV through sexual contact, 10 via heterosexual sex, one via homosexual sex, and five via bisexual sex.

(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for “true.”)

tional Statistics Office on the ground that the birth of his son is already recorded in the said Office as Janice Villeza. His son Jonas S. Villeza died on July 23, 2011 while on duty as a soldier, and for the purpose of filing death benefits with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, he sought this petition.

The petitioner furnished copies of his petition to the Office of the Solicitor General, National Statistics Office, Manila, and the Local Civil Registrar of Pinabacdao, Samar, per registry receipts attached to the original copy of the petition.

Finding the instant petition sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course. The petitioner is ordered to publish this Order in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Samar and accredited by this Court, to

be determined by raffle, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the petitioner’s expense.

The initial hearing is scheduled on January 9, 2012 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Furnish copies of this Order to the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Samar Provincial Prosecutor in Catbalogan, City, the Civil Registrar of Pinabacdao, Samar, Atty. Minerva V. Siosana, and the petitioner.

IN CHAMBERS, Regional Trial Court, Branch 33, Calbiga, Samar.

November 8, 2011.

(Sgd.) JANET M. CABALONA Presiding Judge

SWE Issues Nov. 15-21, 22-28 & 29 - Dec. 5, 2011

NOV. 29 - DEC. 5, 2011

Republic of the Philippines 8th Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Branch 30, Basey, Samar IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR FULL CUSTODY OF THE MINOR SHERYL MALUPENG, with prayer for full exercise of parental authority, NORA R. MALUPENG Petitioner, -versusEUGENIO MALUPENG, Respondent.

SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS No. 2011-10-735 x-------------x PETITION

COMES NOW, petitioner by the undersigned counsel, unto this Honorable Court, most respectfully alleges: 1.) That petitioner is of legal age, Filipino, with address at Poblacion II, Sitio Sabang, Talalora, Western Samar, where she can be sent notices and orders of the Honorable Court, while Respondent Eugenio Malupeng’s last known address was Poblacion, Talalora, Samar, and that his present address and whereabouts is unknown; 2.) That petitioner have the legal capacity to sue and be sued; 3.) That petitioner is the legitimate mother of the minor Sheryl Malupeng, who was Born on 25 August 2002, evidenced

by a copy of her Certificate of Birth, copy of which is hereto attached, as Annex “A”.; 4.) That petitioner has been a single parent to the herein minor providing for her needs and support, since her husband, Eugenio Malupeng abandoned them, sometime in June 2005, up to the present; 4.a. That sometime in 2006 petitioner’s husband called her and told her to forget him as he already found someone new, totally abandoning petitioner and their child; he never came back and neither sent financial support; 5.) That petitioner in order to support herself and her daughter was fortunate to find a job in Australia and would want to migrate thereto as she has better opportunity for financial and personal advancement in said place; 6.) That in migrating to Australia petitioner would want her daughter to go with her, as the latter is staying with petitioner’s parents in Talalora Samar, while petitioner is working in Australia; 7.)That although, petitioner have full custody and parental authority of the minor since her husband and minor’s father abandoned them, it is requirement for petitioner’s application for migrating that she present a Court Order from the relevant court giving her custody of the minor and allowing her to determine where the minor should live, hence, this Petition; 8.) That the said minor who is more than 9-years old pre-

fers to live with petitioners evidenced by her Affidavit of Preference, hereto attached as Annex “B”; 9.) That it is to the best interest and well-being of the minor, if the court will grant petitioner full custody of her daughter taking into account the resources, social and moral situation of petitioner; 10.) That petitioner’s sole purpose in including the minor with her application to migrate in Australia is so that they could be together and she could closely supervise her growing up and she be educated thereby ensuring a better future for her.

WHEREFORE, the foregoing considered it is respectfully prayed that the Honorable Court grants this petition, ordering full custody of petitioner of her minor daughter SHERYL MALUPENG, and allowing Petitioner to determine where said minor should live, with prayer for the full exercise of parental authority.

Tacloban City, for Basey, Samar, September 22, 2011.

(Sgd.) SIONNE V. AUJERO-GASPAY Counsel for Petitioners

156 Sto. Nino Street, Tacloban City ROLL No. 31324 IBP No. 843855-01/31/11 PTR No. 6964454-01/05/11 MCLE Compliance No. II0016752 MCLE Compliance No. III0017918 SWE Issues Nov. 15-21, 2228 & 29 - Dec. 5, 2011.

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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 32 Calbayog City IN RE: PETITION FOR DECLARATION OF PRESUMPTIVE DEATH OF LOLITA ALCALA-MACASA BERNABE MACASA Petitioner Special Proceedings No. 304 x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER

A verified petition has been filed by petitioner Bernabe Macasa, thru counsel, praying that after due notice and hearing, judgment be rendered directing that Lolita AlcalaMacasa presumptively dead for purposes of re-marriage and/or for all purposes under the provisions of Family Code and other relevant, laws.

The petition reads: Petitioner is of legal age, Filipino, married, with capacity to sue and be sued, and with post-office address at Brgy.

Aguit-itan, Calbayog City, Samar; that the petitioner and the respondent were mar-

ried on July 21, 1976 by the Honorable Municipal Mayor of Bongabon, Oriental Mindoro; that as a consequence of their married, three (3) children were born, namely: Abbey A. Macasa, Harvey A. Macasa, and Bernadette A. Macasa; that in the year 1997 while petitioner was working overseas in Saudi Arabia, the respondent communicated him from Calbayog City that she will visit her parents in Mindoro, to which petitioner accede in his belief that she will immediately return to Calbayog City, but she did not return anymore leaving their three children in Calbayog City; that when petitioner came back from Saudi Arabia, Petitioner diligent searched for the respondent, especially in her favorite places in Calbayog City and in Mindoro, but all acts in vain; and that respondent left no property, either personal or real, and that during her marriage with the petitioner no property was acquired by them.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that this case is set for initial hearing on December 15, 2011 at 2:00

o’clock in the afternoon before this Court, at which date, time, and place, all persons who have objections thereto may file any opposition and show cause why this petition should not be allowed.

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

Furnish copy of this Order together with the copy of the petition and all its annexes to the Office of the Solicitor Genera (OSG), 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Calbayog, the Office of the Clerk of Court, Calbayog City, the parties and their counsels, for their information and comments.

SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, November 11, 2011, Calbayog City.

(Sgd.) ROMEO A. TAGRA Presiding Judge

SWE Issues Nov. 15-21, 22-28 & 29-Dec. 5, 2011

Samar Weekly Express

NOV. 29 - DEC. 5, 2011 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Catbalogan, Samar Office of the Executive Judge RE: PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF COMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE PROVINCE OF SAMAR AND THE CITY OF CALBAYOG ATTY. MEDINO L. ACUBA Petitioner, x- - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for notarial commission of Atty. MEDINO L. ACUBA shall be held on December 7, 2011 at 11:00 in the morning.

Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto before the date of the summary hearing.

November 22, 2011, Catbalogan, Samar.

(Sgd.) AGERICO A. AVILA Executive Judge

SWE Issues Nov. 22-28, 29 - Dec. 5 & 6-12, 2011.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 41 Gandara, Samar RE: DECLARATION ON PRESUMPTIVE DEATH OF CHONA LAMONTE NUEVA (UNDER ART. 41 OF THE FAMILY CODE) JULAN D. NUEVA, Petitioner SPEC. PROC. CASE NO. 11-47 x-- - - - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER

A verified Petition has been filed by the Petitioner through counsel on October 6, 2011, praying that CHONA LAMONTE NUEVA be declared presumptively dead.

The petition reads: “That he is of legal age, with capacity to sue and be sued, and a resident of Brgy. Rawis, Gandara, Samar, Philippines, where he may be served with the court orders and processes; That he was married to CHONA LAMONTE on October 26, 1998, in Gen. Mac Arthur Eastern Samar by Hon. Luzviminda M. Japzon, Municipal Mayor. Attached herewith as Annex “A” is the Certificate of Marriage of the couple;

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 27 (Family Court) Bulwagan ng Katarungan Catbalogan City, Samar IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF MARIANE THERESA DE PABLO ABARCAR SPOUSES MARIANO CASILIANO CABAGUING AND TERESITA ABARCAR CABAGUING Petitioners SPEC. PROC. NO. 81328-3-11 x- - - - - - - - - - - - - x ORDER

Filed with the Court is a verified petition by Spouses Mariano Casiliano Cabaguing and Teresita Abarcar Cabaguing, both residents of Lot 17, Block 8, V&G Subdivision, Sitio Sto. Niño, Brgy. San Andres, Catbalogan City, Samar, through counsel Atty. Medino L. Acuba, for the adoption of the minor Mariane Theresa De Pablo Abarcar. Said adoptee was born on December 30, 2003 in Catbalogan City, Samar to her biological parents Mamerto O. Abarcar and Fe C. De PabloAbarcar.

The petition being sufficient in form and substance after

substantial compliance of jurisdictional requirements is hereby set for hearing on February 8, 2012 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at the session hall of this Court, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Catbalogan City, Samar.

Petitioners pray that after due notice, publication and hearing, judgment be rendered to the effect that henceforth, the child, Mariane Theresa De Pablo Abarcar, be freed from all legal obligations of obedience and maintenance with support to her natural parents, and be, to all legal intent on purposes, the child of petitioners, and that the middle name and surname of said child be changed from De Pablo Abarcar to Abarcar Cabaguing, the respective middle name and surname of petitioner spouses or Mariane Theresa Abarcar Cabaguing in full name, which is, and is to be known and registered as such in the Civill Registry, Catbalogan City.

The Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Regional Office No. 8, Tacloban City through its Social Welfare Officer, is hereby directed to prepare and submit its child study report on the adoptee as well as his biological parents and Home Study Report on t he prospective adoptive parents and indicate a recommen-

dation one (1) week before the scheduled date of hearing.

The Court Social Worker Officer II, Ms. Annie O. Llauderes is hereby directed to conduct counseling sessions with the biological parents on the matter of the adoption of the adoptee and enjoined to submit her report and recommendation one week before the scheduled date of hearing.

Let this order be published at the expense of the petitioners, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a duly accredited newspaper of general circulation published in the Province of Samar to be selected by raffle under the supervision of the Executive Judge of this Court.

Let a copy of this order and of the petition be furnished to the Solicitor General of the Philippines, The Provincial Prosecutor of Samar, The Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the court SWO II Ms. Annie O. Llauderes, as well as the petitioners and their counsel.

SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, Catbalogan City, Samar, November 11, 2011.

That the couple begot Three (3) children, namely: JULAN SHIRWOD LAMONTE NUEVA, born on May 20, 1999 in Daet, Camarines Norte, FRANCIS LAMONTE NUEVA, born on May 19, 2000 in Tacloban City and PRICESS KYLE, born November 12, 2006 in Daet, Camarines Norte.

That sometime in March, 2007 petitioner’s wife, CHONA LAMONTE NUEVA left their conjugal abode Brgy. Caroyroyan, Pili, Camarines Sur, without a word, and was never heard and seen since then; That petitioner, exerted earnest efforts to locate his wife, he went to her town in birth place, where her relatives are living, but she was not there, and when he asked her relatives, nobody gave an answer. Dismayed by the situation, he made inquiries from relatives and common friends through all means available, but his efforts turned futile, and his wife is nowhere to be found. Now, more than 4 years had past since he last saw his wife, petitioner is still clueless of her whereabouts; That petitioner waited for the longest time, very desperate and hopeful that his wife would suddenly appear in their door, since after she left, CHONA LAMONTE NUEVA

was no longer heard. She did not anymore communicate with the herein petitioner, either directly or through any third party, through any mode of communication, at least to inform the latter of her present whereabouts. Until the present, she did not make any such communication to the herein petitioner and even to her children; That considering this long absence from their conjugal home, and absence of any information on the whereabouts of his wife, the petitioner has been feeling and having an honest and well-found belief that his wife is obviously, now presumptively dead.

That petitioner who is Thirty Seven (37) years only has been longing to raise a normal family of his own, with a mother and father present, to attend to the needs of their children.

And, lately he has fallen in love with a lover who is willing to marry him anytime, and be responsible and caring to his children, after the present petition is favorably granted by the Honorable Court. Consequently, the petitioner has filed the instant petition under the provisions of Article 41 of the Family Code.”

Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and in sub-

stance, notice is hereby given that this case be set for hearing on December 20, 2011 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 opposition 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 Leyte and in Calbayog City.

Let copies of this Order be furnished the Local Civil Registrar of Gen. Mac Arthur, Eastern Samar, National Census and Statistics Office, Quezon City, the Solicitor General, Makati City, the Provincial Prosecutor, the petitioner and his counsel.

SO ORDERED. GIVEN this 8th day of November, 2011, Calbayog City for Gandara, Samar, Philippines.

(Sgd.) MANUEL F. TORREVILLAS, JR. Acting Presiding Judge

SWE Issues Nov. 22-28, 29 - Dec. 5 & 6-12, 2011.

(Sgd.) FELICIANO P. AGUILAR Presiding/Executive Judge

SWE Issues Nov. 15-21, 22-28 & 29 - Dec. 5, 2011

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LEGAL NOTICES

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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 27 (Family Court) Bulwagan ng Katarungan Catbalogan City, Samar RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION CHARLES JOSHUA REBALLOS MACASPAG SPOUSES JAIME P. SINGZON AND DIZA M. SINGZON, Petitioners SPEC. PROC. NO. 814610-6-11 x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - x ORDER

Filed with the Court is a verified petition by Spouses Jaime P. Singzon and Diza M. Singzon, both residents of Brgy.

6, Catbalogan City, Samar, through counsel, Atty. Alexander P. Bolok, for the adoption of the minor Charles Joshua Reballos Macaspag. Said adoptee was born on August 6, 2007 in Catbalogan, Samar to his biological mother Liza R. Macaspag.

The petition being sufficient in form and substance after substantial compliance of the jurisdictional requirements is hereby set for hearing on February 8, 2011 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at the session hall of this Court, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Catbalogan City,

Samar.

Petitioners pray that after due notice, publication and hearing, judgment be rendered to the effect that henceforth; 1) granting the adoption of Charles Joshua Reballos Macaspag in favor of Spouses Jaime P. Singzon and Diza M. Singzon; 2) that the minor child Charles Joshua Reballos Macaspag be freed from all legal obligations of obedience and maintenance with respect to his natural parents; 3) that he be declared to all legal intents and purposes, the child of the herein petitioner; and 4) that his name be changed from Charles Joshua Reballos Macaspag to Charles Joshua M. Singzon, using the family name of the petitioners; 5) enjoining the Local Civil Registrar of Catbalogan City, Samar and the National Statistics Office to cause the registration of the birth of the minor in the adoptive name of Charles Joshua M. Singzon.

The Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Regional Office No. 8, Tacloban City through its Social Welfare Officer, is hereby directed to prepare and submit its child study report on the adoptee as well as his biological parents and Home Study Report on the prospective adoptive parents and indicate a recommendation one (1) week before the scheduled date of hearing.

The Court Social Worker Officer II, Ms. Annie O. Llauderes is hereby directed to conduct counseling sessions with the biological parents on the matter of the adoption of the adoptee and enjoined to submit her report and recommendation one week before the scheduled date of hearing.

Let this order be published at the expense of the petitioners, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a duly accredited newspaper of general circulation published in the Province of Samar to be selected by raffle under the supervision of the Executive Judge of this Court.

Let a copy of this order and of the petition be furnished to the Solicitor General of the Philippines, The Provincial Prosecutor of Samar, The Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the court SWO II Ms. Annie O. Llauderes, as well as the petitioners and their counsel.

SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, Catbalogan City, Samar, November 11, 2011.

(Sgd.) MANUEL F. TORREVILLAS, JR. Acting Presiding Judge SWE Issues Nov. 22-28, 29 - Dec. 5 & 6-12, 2011.

Manny Pacquiao defeats Juan Manuel Marquez November 12, 2011 Shamcey Supsup is Miss Universe 3rd Runner-up October 5, 2011 Lolong, the giant crocodile, is captured September 3, 2011

Charice deletes Facebook account June 7, 2011

Charlie Sheen loses custody of sons March 1, 2011

Mark Zuckerberg is TIME’s Person of the Year December 15, 2010

UP Pep Squad tops UAAP cheerdance competition September 12, 2010

Philippine Fashion Week (Holiday Collection) June 2, 2011 Mariah Carey gives birth to twins April 30, 2010

Apple unveils the iPad January 27, 2010

32 media men and 26 civilians are murdered in broad daylight November 23, 2009

Two years and still no justice.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines nujp.org

LA Galaxy ready to play with PH Azkals THE Major League Soccer champions LA Galaxy hit the Philippines, fresh from a 1-nil win over the Indonesian national team last Wednesday, and are raring to face the Philippine Azkals on Saturday in their friendly at the Rizal Football Stadium.

Galaxy skipper Landon Donovan, who faced the local media along with superstar teammate David Beckham and coach Bruce Arena, said they’ve heard a lot about the country and the Azkals from a Filipina staff member back in Los Angeles.

“We’re very excited to be here,” Donovan said at the event’s press conference in Makati. “A member of our staff back home in LA is from the Philippines, and she had so many wonderful things to say about you guys. So far it’s been fantastic.”

The Galaxy arrived in Manila less than 24 hours after playing a tough match against at the Gelaro Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta, and even though they won, thanks to a goal from Robbie Keane, it wasn’t easy.

“I think yesterday (Wednesday)was a very difficult game,” said football icon Beckham. “We’ve had a lot of travel and our legs haven’t come back yet. We expect the game here to be the same, and we expect a very difficult game. We always try to play diplomatic football, but it doesn’t always happen. We want to win. It’s a friendly match, but we always go into the game wanting to win.”

Arena echoed his star midfielder’s sentiments, adding he will field in his best players against the Azkals to begin the match.

“It will be a difficult match, and we look forward to that. We know our opponents will be good, and we’ll be ready to play. We look forward to the match on Saturday. We haven’t determined it yet, but we will start a strong 11. We will look to make some changes in the second half.”

For their part, Azkals Chieffy Caligdong and Phil Younghus-

band promised not to be awestruck by their celebrity opponents and give it their best shot.

Our team captain will not play, ”Caligdong said in Filipino, referring to Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo who is out of commission with a torn ACL. “If ever I become captain on Saturday, I promise we will rise to the challenge and show our skills.”

Borromeo flew in from the United States yesterday morning, and will soon begin therapy on his injured knee. For the Azkals defender, who lived in California while attending college, being unable to suit up against his boyhood idols and the team he followed during his years in the States is a major letdown.

“It’s very hard for me not to be out on the pitch with the guys on Saturday. These are the guys I looked up to growing up. Playing college ball in the US, I followed the Galaxy a lot.”

Younghusband, meanwhile, said the team needs to focus on their own game and not worry too much about who’s on the opposite side of the pitch.

“I think it will be the same as we usually play,” he said. “No matter who the opposition is, I think it’s important we concentrate on our own game. Of course, the LA Galaxy have players of a high standard, so when you play against strong, attacking players you have to have a defensive mindset. Obviously, we’ll try to play on the counterattack.”

When asked if they felt any pressure, Younghusband said: “No, no. I think it’s an exciting time. I think it’s great for Philippine football. I think we’re more excited than nervous and there’s no pressure. At the end of the day, everyone knows that they’re the favorites to win the game, so there’s no pressure for us. I think it’s important that we just enjoy the game.”

GMA Films, Imus Productions launch “Panday 2”

“I do”, Times Two!” Jolina-Mark wedding special

THE adventures of the legendary blacksmith continue as GMA Films and Imus Productions launch “Panday 2,” the sequel to the top-grosser of the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

After playing an amulet-guided hero in his last blockbuster hit, certified box-office king and MMFF best actor Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. reprises his role as the sword-wielder Flavio/Panday.

In his new adventure, Flavio takes on the greater challenge of protecting the world against evil forces, this time with the help of Arlana, a lady who transforms into the dragon Bagwis, played by Kapuso primetime queen Marian Rivera.

In the past, Bong and Marian starred in separate movies in the MMFF. And now, along with a powerhouse cast of veteran and young talents, the two finally star together in what is touted to be the biggest and mostanticipated movie in the 37th edition of the MMFF. Returning as Panday’s nemesis Lizardo is Philip Salvador, who delivers another convincing portrayal of the evil character. On the other hand, Iza Calzado returns as Flavio’s love interest Maria Makiling.

Playing special roles are Eddie Garcia as Daluyong, the leader of the “human dragons” Ragonas, Lucy Torres as Ina Encantadia, Maria’s mother, and Alice Dixon as Ibira, Arlana’s mother.

Adding star power to the movie are Rhian Ramos as Emelita, a woman who rises from the dead, Alden Richards as Gubli, a man secretly in love with Arlana, Kris Bernal as Alira, Arlana’s sister, and Kapuso Tweens Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Jake Vargas, and Bea Binene.

Completing the cast are Benjie Paras as Alulod, Flavio’s new ally, Joonee Gamboa as Lolo Isko, Flavio’s guardian since childhood, Robert “Buboy” Villar as Bugoy, Flavio’s adopted son, and Yogo Singh and Isabel Frial as Bugoy’s friends.

Panday 2 begins with Flavio (Bong Revilla) and Maria (Iza Calzado) settling in the peaceful and quiet town of Matandang Kahoy . However, life takes a dark turn when Lizardo (Philip Salvador) returns and captures Maria.

While fulfilling his quest of saving his lady love, Flavio crosses paths with Bagwis/Arlana, a Ragona whose father was killed by Lizardo. As Flavio and Arlana join forces, the two grow closer with Arlana eventually falling for Flavio.

However, Lizardo proves to be a stronger and more difficult force to overcome. Things become worse when Arlana also falls prey to Lizardo, leaving Flavio with the task of taking down the villain once and for all.

Will Panday finally destroy Lizardo and restore peace on earth? Will he save both Maria and Arlana?

Who among the two ladies will Flavio end up with?

With visual effects twice as amazing, Panday 2 takes viewers on a magical journey into the world of dragons, fairies, and other mythical and monstrous beings. The story also promises to be more thrilling, fast-paced, and more romantic than before.

Mac Alejandre, who also helmed the first Panday movie, returns as director of this Carlo J. Caparas epic.

The legend continues with “Panday 2,” GMA Films and Imus Productions’ official entry in the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival, coming to theaters nationwide beginning December 25. (PR)

Newlyweds Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta finally divulge exclusive details of their wedding in “I Do”, Times Two! The Jolina Magdangal-Mark Escueta Wedding Special this Sunday on GMA-7’s SNBO. The hour-long special brings to television viewers a unique and inspiring love story between an actress who grew up before the public’s eyes, and a musician whose tracks helped define an entire generation.

The couple will recount the tedious five-month preparation that immediately began after Mark, the original drummer of Rivermaya, proposed to the multitalented actress-singer-host that is Jolina earlier this year.

They will talk about the experiences that led them to the decision of tying the knot, not once but twice, last November 19 and 21. The first being a church wedding witnessed by their family and closest relatives, and the second, a bohemian-inspired garden wedding, this time, with the addition of selected friends in and out of showbiz.

Jolina and Mark, as well as their families, will also share how both weddings came about, and name the people who became instrumental in the fulfillment of this very memorable occasion, trademarked in the couple’s personal style.

The special, of course, will not be complete without showing videos of the two weddings, which will be shown in full for the first time on television. Know too, what’s next for the recently married couple in their newfound life together, and in their respective careers.

Flip through the pages of their love story in “I Do”, Times Two! The Jolina Magdangal-Mark Escueta Wedding Special this Sunday, December 4, right after Protégé on GMA Sunday Night Box Office (SNBO). (PR)

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NOV. 29 - DEC. 5, 2011 PAGE 10 AQUINO from page 3...

checks and balances ensures an interplay among the branches of government and “a built-in safeguard, a designated arbiter, when disagreements or questions arise.”

“This arbiter, as everyone would agree, is supposed to be the Supreme Court. But this is premised on a fundamental assumption: that it will be objective and nonpartisan,” the President said.

He noted that when it took the court just three days to attend to the TRO for Mrs. Arroyo, when it usually takes it 10 days to make such rulings, “who can avoid wondering what she did to merit such speedy relief?”

“When the court itself, in granting exceptionally speedy relief to Mrs. Arroyo, set conditions for her to be able to leave—only to say, afterward, those conditions didn’t have to be met before Mrs. Arroyo left—who can avoid asking why then, did the court impose conditions it had no intention of seeing fulfilled?” he asked.

“In these cases, did the Supreme Court follow its own precedents and rules? Is it then not fair of us to wonder whether objectivity has given way to partisanship? Is it then not fair of us to express concern at the direction the Supreme Court has taken?”

He said the Executive is “not out to dictate upon the court, much less spark a constitutional crisis.”

“We ask these questions, not out of a desire to undermine their positions, not out of disrespect and malice, but to fulfill our mandate and to our bosses, the Filipino people—you included,” Mr. Aquino said.

He said that had the court “taken pains to hear both sides” on the watch-list order case, and “if it deliberated, not with surprising haste, but with thoroughness; and then, having objectively made up its mind, stuck to its interpretations: then we would have what we all desire—stability, predictability, and the authentic rule of law.” He stressed, however, that “despite this air of uncertainty let me be categorical: I intend to do mine.”

Mr. Aquino said he would like to follow the South Korean model where its leaders, such as former Presidents Chun doohwan and Roh tae-woo, were convicted of crimes and the conviction “was not seen as a vendetta, but rather, as what it was: justice.”

Samar Weekly

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