Vol. 20, No. 35 | August 31 - Sept. 6, 2015

Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 35 | Php 12.00/copy  balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373

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“Batangas City provides Dive Tourism in Batangas, us with an open business environment”->>>BUSINESS....P/6 Shell >>>F.E.S.T....P/8

Quo vadis?

Important issues confronting the 2016 Presidential Election? >>>OPINION....P/4

BASAHIN ANG BUONG ISTORYA SA

BALIKABAYAN BOX. Iniisa-isang alsiin sa pagkakaimpake ng magkakapatid na ito ang laman ng balikbayan box na padala ng kanilang ama mula sa ibang bansa.|

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P28.7-m deposito, naipit sa nagsarang bangko LIAN, Batangas – “Mukhang mas mabuti pa sanang itinago na lang namin sa bahay ang aming konting pera kaysa nagtiwala sa ganyang klase ng bangko. Kung kalian kailangang-kailangan ay saka naman hindi mapakinabangan.” Ito ang maluha-luhang pahayag ni Mang Erning, isang magsasakang depositor ng Farmer’s Rural bank, Inc. sa bayang ito.

Nagulat na lamang si Mang Erning noong Lunes ng tanghali nang magtungo siya sa naturang bangko para magwithdraw ng pang-tuition ng kaniyang anak, sapagkat sarado na ang naturang bangko.

Sa bisa ng MB Resolution No. 1266.B, ipinag-utos ng Monetary Board (MB) ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas noong Biyernes, Agosto 14, ang paglalagay sa Farmers’ Rural Bank,

Inc. sa ilalim ng receivership ng Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) bunga ng pagiging bankrupt nito. Pirmado ni Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenila ng BSP-Supervision and Examination Sector ang naturang Circular na nagbabawal na sa naturang bangko na magnegosyo sa bansa at ipinaguutos na lahat ng mga ari-arian nito at mga transaksyon ay ilipat o isailalim sa receivership ng PDIC ayon sa itinatadhana ng Section 30 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7553 (The New Central Bank Act).

Ang Farmers’ Rural Bank ay matatagpuan sa Rizal St., Lian, Batangas. Ito ay single-unit rural bank lamang o walang anumang sangay. Batay sa Bank Information Sheet na isinumite sa PDIC noong December 31, 2014, ang naturang

>>>PAG-IIMPOK... sundan sa P/2

DAMBUHALANG BANTA.

Ang maitim na usok na ibinubuga ng JG Summit Naphtha Cracker Plant ay isang malaking banta sa kalusugan ng mga residente at sa kapaligiran.| BALIKAS PHOTO

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS. Iniulat ni Mayor

Meynard Sabili sa publiko ang katatayuan ng lunsod (State of the City) sa isang espesyal na programa sa Lipa City Cultural Center noong Lunes. Ibinida ng alkalde ang matagumpay na pagpapatupad ng kaniyang mga programa sa edukasyon, kalusugan, imprastraktura at iba pa. Inilatag din niya ang mga mahahalagang proyekto na isusunod niyang ipatupad sa Lunsod ng Lipa gaya ng pagtatayo ng bagong city hall, pagppatuloy ng Lipa Sports Academy, dagdag pang Visit us at: Laiya Ibabaw, San Juan, Batangas scholarship at marami pang iba.| or call +632-8196050 to make a reservation.

JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS/ DHALENZ R. LANDICHO

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2015

2

NEWS

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Gov Vi, nakibahagi sa mawalakang paghahanda sa ‘The Big One’ BAGAMAN at hindi kabilang ang lalawigan ng Batangas sa mga lugar na maaaring tamaan ng tinaguriang The Big One o ang paggalaw ng West Valley Fault na posibleng maging sanhi ng 7.2 na lindol ay nakiisa pa rin ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Batangas sa pamumuno ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto sa isang capitol-wide earthquake drill.

Sabay-sabay na tumunog ang mga sirena sa buong Kapitolyo na naging hudyat ng pagsasanay para sa posibleng maranasang lindol. Ang nasabing drill ay ipinatupad sa lahat ng tanggapan ng pamahalaan, mga establisyimento, mapa-pampubliko at pribado sa loob ng Capitol Compound.

Ang mga partner agencies, gaya ng Philippine Red Cross-Batangas Chapter,

Batangas Police Provincial Office, Bureau of Fire Protection at Department of Public Works and Highways ay nakiisa din sa drill at tumulong para lalong maipakita ang magiging sitwasyon sakaling magkaroon ng lindol at iba pang sakunang dulot nito.

Buong pwersa din ang Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, sa pangunguna nina G. Pedrito Martin Dijan Jr. at G. Lito Castro, kasama ang kanilang mga itinalagang medical team, safety officers at responders mula sa iba’t ibang tanggapan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.

Ipinakita ng bawat isa ang kanilang maaaring magiging agarang aksyon sa oras ng di inaasahang malakas na lindol sa Kapitolyo.

Nagkaroon ng evacuation, search and rescue operations, first aid treatment, fire suppression technique, head count at retrieval operations para ipakita sa mga empleyado at partner agencies ang mismong magaganap sa oras ng sakuna.

Sa pagtatapos ng ginawang earthquake drill, pinasalamatan ni Governor Vi ang PDRRMC, medical team, safety officers, responders at partner agencies na puspusan ang naging paghahanda para sa ginawang pagsasanay at ipinakita ang mga moderno at mabilis na pamamaraan sa pagsagip sa mga maaaring masaktan at masawi sa pagdating ng di inaasahang “The Big One” sa lalawigan.| KRISTINA MARIE JOY ANDAL

Inter-Island News Mataas na insidente ng VAWC, tinututukan ng DSWD sa OccMin SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro – Magsasagawa ng pagaaral ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Mimaropa hinggil sa mga kaso ng Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) sa bayan ng San Jose.

Ayon kay Psyche May Asencio, Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person ng DSWD MIMAROPA, naisagawa ng kanilang tanggapan ang Gender and Development Focus Group Discusion (GAD-FGD) kahapon. Dito ay pinulong ang mga stakeholders, partners, at program implementers upang malaman ang mga kadahilanan ng mga paglabag sa karapatan ng mga kababaihan at mga bata lalo na ang mga benipisyaryo ng programa ng Pantawid Pamilaya.

Base sa datos mula sa tanggapan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) ng bayan ng San Jose, umabot na sa 80 kaso ng VAWC ang naitala sa loob ng isang taon. “Sa 72 munisipyo sa Mimaropa ay nagunguna ang San Jose sa VAWC” ayon pa kay Asencio. Ipinaliwanag din ng DSWD na posibleng maraming kaso ng mga kahalintulad na paglabag ang nagaganap sa iba pang bayan ng rehiyon subalit hindi ito naii- report ng tama. “Ang importante ay mabigyan ng aksyon ito (VAWC) at makapag-come up ng comprehensive gender action plan” dagdag pa ni Asencio.

Ang Comprehensive Gender Action Plan ay maglalaman ng mga tamang aksyon patungkol sa mga ‘gender issues’.| .......................................................................................................

Criminology licensure exam, isasagawa sa Palawan Drill with Gov. Vi. Naging isa ang lalayunin ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan at national agencies na mapaghandaan ang pagtama ng malakas na lindol sa lalawigan. Mismong si Governor Vilma Santos Recto ay nakibahagi sa pagsasanay kasama ang mga empleyado at bisita sa buong Kapitolyo na tumungo sa mga designated evacuation areas. Kabilang sa mga tumulong sa pagsagip sa mga maaaring masaktan at masawi ay ang Philippine Red Cross-Batangas Chapter, Batangas Police Provincial Office, Bureau of Fire Protection at Department of Public Works and Highways. Naging abala din sa paghahanda sa drill ang Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office kasama ang kanilang mga itinalagang medical team, safety officers at responders mula sa iba’t ibang tanggapan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.|

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<<<PAG-IIMPOK... mula sa P/1

P28.7-m deposito, naipit sa nagsarang bangko bangko ay pag-aari nina Bettina T. Limjoco (31.21%), Teresa T. Limjoco (23.82%), Alexander L. Limjoco (14.08%), Juan Miguel T. Limjoco (9.41%), Rene T. Limjoco (9.41%) at Annadette L. Blanch (2.25%). Hanggang sa magsara ang bangko, nanatiling Presidente at Chairman of the Board nito si Bettina T. Limjoco.

Batay sa website ng Federation of Batangas Rural bankers (FBRB), ang Farmers’ Rural Bank ay itinatag noong Abril 26, 1953 at si Benjamin L. Limjoco ang kauna-unahang president nito.

Batay sa nakuhang rekord ng PDIC, hanggang sa noong Hunyo 30, 2015, ang Farmers’ Rural Bank ay may

Traffic re-routing. Ipatutupad simula ngayong Lunes, Agosto 31, ang rerouting sa bahaging ito ng Brgy. Balagtas upang bigyang daan ang isinasagawang reconstruction n g Balagtas- Banaba Road. Mapapansing magiging one-way para sa mga light vehicles ang bahagi ng Tramo Road palabas sa Diversion Road.|

kabuuang 1,689 accounts at may kabuuang depositing aabot sa P28.7 milyon. Nasa 974% nito o kabuuang P27.9 milyon ang nakaseguro sa PDIC. Sa ilalim ng umiiral na batas, lahat ng valid deposits ay may segurong aabot sa P500,000.00.

Kaugnay nito, sinabi ng PDIC na kaagad ding makukuha ng mga depositor na may lagak na P100,000.00 pababa ang kanilang mga deposito na hindi na nangangailangan na mag-file ng deposit insurance claims maliban na lamang kung may pagkakautang ang depositor o kaya naman ay gumanap bilang co-maker sa ibang pagkakautang. Kinakailangan lamang na may

maayos na pahatirang sulat (updated mailing address) ang mga depositor sapagkat ang kanilang pera ay ipapadala sa pamamagitan ng Postal Money Order sa loob ng suunod na isang buwan mula sa pagsasara ng bangko.

Samantala, para naman sa mga may lagak na hihigit pa sa P100,000.00, kailangang mag-file na sila ng deposit insurance claims sa PDIC simula ngayong unang lingo ng Setyembre.

Itinatadhana ng batas na kailangang mai-file ang deposit insurance claims sa loob ng dalawang (2) taon makalipas magsara ang isang partikular na bangko.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

PUERTO PRINCESA City — Kasabay ng pagsasagawa ng Criminology Licensure Examination sa buong bansa ay magiging testing center na rin nito ang Palawan.

Sa Nobyembre ang kauna-unahang Criminology Licensure Examination na gaganapin sa lalawigan, ito ang inihayag ni Orphy Ordinario, hepe ng Programang Pang-Edukasyon para sa mga kabataang Palaweno (PPP) ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.

Ayon kay Ordinario, dahil sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamunuan ng Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ay naaprubahan ang kahilingan ng mga estudyanteng nagtapos ng kursong Criminology na dito na ganapin sa lalawigan ang pagsusumite ng application forms at mismong ang eksaminasyon.

Dagdag pa ni Ordinario, malaki ang matitipid ng mga kukuha ng eksaminasyon na ito kung dito sa lalawigan isasagawa sapagkat ang karaniwang gastos sa pagkuha ng naturang pagsusulit ay umaa-bot sa humigi’t-kumulang P30,000.00. Dahil ani Ordinario, ang pagsusulit na ito ay isinasagawa lamang sa Kamaynilaan Ilo-ilo at Cebu.

Kaugnay nito ay darating sa lalawigan ang mga kinatawan ng PRC sa Setyembre 13-16, 2015, upang tumanggap ng mga aplikasyon sa nasabing pagsusulit na gaganapin sa Telesforo Paredes Pavilion ng Gusaling Kapitolyo.| .......................................................................................................

LTO-Pinamalayan, naghatid ng mobile services sa Romblon CONCEPCION, Romblon — Nagpapasalamat ang lokal na pamahalaan ng bayan ng Concepcion (Sibale), Romblon sa Land Transportation Office (LTO) -Pinamalayan Extension Office dahil sa paghatid ng serbisyo nito sa naturang island town kamakailan.

Ang mga tauhan ng LTO-Pinamalayan sa pangunguna nina G. Joseph Abes at Bb. Genevieve Pascual ay dalawang araw na nagproseso ng mga driver’s license, student driver’s permit at nagbahagi sa mga residente dito ng tamang kaalaman tungkol sa Traffic Rules and Regulations.

Naging makatotohanan ang aktibidad na bunsod ng ipinasang panukala ni Kagawad Reinhart Famarin na humihiling sa Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Mimaropa na magsagawa ng driver’s lcensing at information campaign sa nasabing bayan.

Layunin nito na magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga residente sa tamang pagsunod sa batas trapiko, ganon din ang pagkakaroon ng pagkakataon sa ibang residente na nagmamaneho ng motorsiklo na makapag-apply na ng student license. Ang 2-araw na aktibidad ay idinaos sa ikatatlong palapag ng Concepcion Municipal Hall mula umaga hanggang sa pagsara ng opisina sa hapon.

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2015

3

NEWS

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Medical-Dental Mission ng Lions Club, may tree planting pa!

DAAN–DAANG pasyente ang nakina-bang sa katatapos na Medical-Dental Mission ng Batangas Lions Club, Inc. nitong nakalipas na Linggo, Agosto 23, sa Barangay Haligue Kanluran, Lunsod Batangas.

Maagang-maaga pa ay nagsigayak na at nagtipun-tipon sa ang mga kasapi ng BLC kasama ang mga boluntaryong doktor at support staff na nakiisa sa naturang proyekto.

Ang naturang aktibidad ay pinamunuan nina PP Lion Dr.

Rogelio Marcial at Lion Dr. Fernando Berberabe bilang Chairman at Co-Chairman.

May kabuuang 195 pasyente ang nakinabang sa serbisyong medikal samantalang 60 pasyente naman ang nakinabang sa serbisyong dental.

May 36 na kasapi naman ng BLC ang aktibong nakiisa, kasama ang may 64 na guests-volunteers mula sa mga Lions Clubs ng Tanauan City, Batangas Crown, Lipa Malarayat at Rosario Batangas.

Nakiisa rin dito ang Red Cross -

Batangas Chapter, at CDRRMC Batangas City.

Pangunahing katuwang BLC sa proyekto ang Batangas Medical Society sa pamumuno ng pangulo nito na si Dr. Bienvenido Mandigma, Batangas Medical Center (BatMC), at Philippine Dental Association - Batangas Chapter sa pangunguna ni Dr. Josephine Arago.

May kabuuang 22 medical doctors at dentista ang nagbigay ng libreng serbisyo sa mga pasyente.

Samantala, kaalinsabay ng

pagbibigay ng serbisyong dental at medical ay nakipagpanayam rin ang mga Lions sa mga kabataan ng Brgy. Haligue Kanluran sa programang Engaging the Youth in Personal Hygiene Development, isang programang isinusulong ni Lion Past Region Chair Manny Rosales bilang District Alert Chairman, sa pakikipagtulungan sa Philippine Red Cross-Batangas Chapter at BCDRRMC. “Hindi po dito natatapos ang mga serbisyong pangkumunidad ng ating Batangas Lions Club,

manapa’y may marami pang programa at serbisyong pangkomunidad ang pagsusumikapan pa naming maihatid para sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga lubhang nangangailangan, katuwang ang iba pang grupo at samahan dito sa atying lunsod” pahayag ni Lion President Alex Yap. Bukod sa serbisyong medikal at dental, isinabay na rin ng grupo ang isang tree planting activity sa naturang barangay.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

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‘Law creating sole districts of Batangas City and Lipa City signed by PNoy’ - Abu

Community Service. Iba’t ibang tagpo sa matagumpay na Medical-Dental Mission ng Batangas Lions Club sa Barangay Haligue Kanluran, Agosto 23.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BATANGAS City -- Congressman Ranie Abu announced last Monday, August 24, that RA 10673 Creating Batangas City as the 5th Congressional District of the Province of Batangas which he authored as finally approved and signed into law by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III last Sudnay.

He said that Batangas City deserves to be a lone district because of its continous development and progress. In this connection, he thanked Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha and former Vilma Abaya-Dimacuha for allowing him to use one of the offices in the Batangas City Sports Coliseum to be his office and the other government facilities as venues of his program and projects.

He also extended his appreciation to the department heads, all barangay chairmen, city employees and the people of Batangas City as a whole for their support and help. He assured them of his continous cooperation and support in any way that he could be of help.

As the law provides, Abu will remain as the congressman for the Lone District of Batangas City until the new representative is elected come 2016 synchronized elections.

Meanwhile, the same law also creates the City of Lipa as a separate district from the Fourth District of Batangas to be constitute the Sixth District of Batangas. Like Abu, Congressman Mark Llandro Mendoza will remain as representative of the Lone District of Lipa until the new congressman is elected next year.|

“PERA o KAHON”

NAGMISTULANG pagsali sa dating sikat na palaro sa telebisyon na “Pera o Kahon” ang pakikipagsapalaran ng mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) sa pagpapadala nila sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ng mga balikbayan box.

“Wala nang suotan sa gobyernong ito eh, bakit hindi ang mga smuggler at iba pang sindikato ang kanilang tutukan, pati ga naman yung konting inipon namin ay siya pa nilang pag-iinitan at pakikialaman?”

Iyan ang hinaing ni Merla, 45, isang Batangueñang OFW mula sa bansang Italy.

“Hindi porke’t kami ay kahit papaano’y kumikita ay pati yung munting pribilehiyo namin na maging duty-free ang pagpapadala ng mga balikbayan box ay bubuwisan pa at paghihinalaan pang may lamang mga kontrabando,” dagdag pa ni Merla.

Aniya pa, nagsimula siyang mamasukan bilang kasambahay sa Barcelona, Espanya may 10 taon na ang nakakaraan. Noong 2011, nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataong makapunta ng Italya at doon na mamasukan bilang ksamabahay.

“Nagtitiis kami na malayo sa aming pamilya; at marami pang pagkakataon na hindi naming nakikitang lumalaki ang aming mga anak para lamang makapaghanap-buhay dahil walang sapat na trabaho ditto sa atin. Hindi naman isang bilihan lamang ang laman ng balikbayan box, kundi paunti-unti naming iniipon at saka ipinadadala sa mga pamilya naming dahil napakahirap din ang kumita ng pera sa ibang bansa,” salaysay pa ni Merla.

Nagsimulang maghigpit umano ang Bureau of Customs nitong buwan ng Agosto ay ipinatupad ang random inspection ng mga balikbayan box matapos umanong madiskubre na may ilang OFWs ang may maling

deklarasyon sa kanilang bagahe. Dahil dito, ipinatupad ang random na pagsisiyasat sa mga balikbayan boxes.

“Iyan marahil ang sakit ng ilan sa ating mga kababayan. May karapatan nga sila na hindi na ibuwis ang mga balikbayan box, bngunit may mga mapagsamantala rin kaya naman pati iyong iba ay nadadamay,” opinyon ng isang dating OFW at ngayon ay chief engineer sa isang malaking metal fabricator dito sa bansa.

Aniya, siguro mas mabuting palakasin na lamang ng BoC ang kanilang kapasidad na mainspectio ang mga bagahe gamit ang mga x-ray machines sa halip na buksan pa ang mga ito.

Sinasabing ang mga OFWs na nagpapadala ng mga balikbayan box ang mga makabagong bayani ng bansa sapagkat ang mga remittances ng mga ito ay isang malaking ambag para sa ekonomiya ng bansa. Sa lalawigan ng Batangas, ang nangunguna ang ang bayan ng Mabini bilang may pinakamalaking konsentrasyon ng OFWs. Sinabi naman ni Senador Bongbong Marcos na “walang hiya” ang BoC. “Tanong ko nga sa BoC: Wala ba kayong hiya? Para sa bawat OFW, ang isang balikbayan box ay katumbas ng kanilang love letter sa kaniyang asawa at sa buong pamilya niya,” pahayag pa ng senador.

“Every item inside that box was bought with a specific person and purpose in mind, bought for with the hard-earned money of our modern-day heroes. So if a single item there gets lost, can you imagine how that feels to an OFW who invested so much emotion and money just to get those goods home?”

Sinabihan pa ni Marcos si Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina na tigilan ang pambu-bully sa mga OFW at sa halip ay

unahin ang malalaking smuggler sa buong bansa.

“Ayusin muna nila ang bakuran nila dahil mas nakakapinsala ang korapsyon sa loob ng BOC kesa sa mga balikbayan boxes na pinapadala ng mga lehitimong OFWs,” pagtatapos pa ni Sen. Marcos.

Samantala, nakatakdang maghain si Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph G. Recto ng isang panukalang batas na tatawaging Balikbayan Box Law – na magtataas ng tax-exempt value ng mga laman ng balikbayan box hanggang $2,000 mula sa kasalukuyang $500.

Aniya, kailangang baguhin na ang BOC Memorandum Order No. 7990 sapagkat mahigit ng 25 taon ito at kailangan nang iupdate.

Sinabi pa ni Recto na isa pang “gray area of legislation” ay ang kawalan ng parusang kriminal o administratibo sa mga courier service provider na nagbuburiki at nagiging

dahilan ng aberya sa pagdeliber ng mga bagahe.

“Kung palpak ang courier service, ano ang penalty? Blacklisting lang ba?” tanong ni Recto.

“Hindi naman umaabot ng $1,000 ang nilalagay sa box ng mga OFW natin, kasi mga sabon lang ‘yan at ibang mga anik-anik.

Kaya kung tataasan natin ang limit, wala nang motive na halughugin ‘yan,” he said.

Iginiit pa ng mambabatas na halos walang saysay ang halaga ng mga ipinadadalang balikabayan boxes ng mga OFW kumpara sa P2.28 trilyong remittances ng mga ito noong nakalipas na taon.

“Ibalato na natin sa mga OFWs ang balikbayan boxes kasi ang pagpapadala n’yan sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ay isang paraan para mabawasan nila ng konti ang kanilang kalungkutan,” dagdag pa ng senador.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

4

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Email your comments/reactions to: balikasonline@yahoo.com AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2015

OPINION

IT’S nice to know that many dioceses in the country are adopting the socalled Standard Living Allowance (SLA) plan for their priests and, of course, their bishops. It’s an effort to take care of the basic needs and sustenance of the clergy whatever their pastoral assignments and personal conditions may be. We indeed have to take care of them who are selfless in bringing Christ to the faithful.

The appropriate structures and systems of the plan are being put up.

Some period of experimentation is now underway. The learning process has started with obvious cases of some kinks and snags being ironed out.

All these are good. But let’s remember that the structures and systems, no matter how effective and efficient they are in theory, would come to nothing if they are not animated by the proper spirit of poverty that we, clerics, are supposed to live. As St. Paul puts it: “The written code kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

(2 Cor 3,6) We should then understand that this whole business of establishing the SLA is not just about money and sustenance and of how Church finances can be allocated with greater equity. It is, first and last, a matter of reinforcing the priestly spirit of poverty that is very crucial in the priest’s identity, dignity and ministry.

We have to understand that without this proper priestly spirit of poverty, the priesthood is compromised or at least distorted, no matter how showy a priest struts his stuff. He will end up simply being a performer, a user, a bureaucrat, instead of the sacramental representation of Christ as head of the Church, a dispenser of the divine mysteries In the Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests, issued in 1994, some description of this priestly spirit of poverty is made (n. 67). Priestly poverty is pictured as an image of the poverty of Christ that has a salvific scope. It is the way to make one totally available to the things of God, of Christ, and the needs of the people.

“A priest could hardly be a true servant and minister of his brothers if he were excessively worried with his comfort and well-being,” it says. With respect to the created and earthly goods, the priest can use them but “with a sense of responsibility, moderation, upright intention and detachment, precisely because he has his treasure in heaven and knows that all should be used for building the Kingdom of God.” The directory encourages the priest to lead “a simple life and avoid anything which could have an air of vanity, voluntarily embracing poverty to follow Christ more closely. In all aspects (living quarters, means of transportation, vacations, etc.), the priest must eliminate any kind of affectation and luxury.”

It’s sad to note that many people have been turned off by the way some priests comport themselves in public. Rightly or wrongly, they have claimed that some priests have luxury cars, ostentatious manners and are always thinking of money to the extent that people brand them as “mukhang pera,” converting their priesthood into some kind of business.

This does not mean that priests should look and smell like beggars. Far from it. They, in fact, should be elegant, decently attired and easily distinguishable as priests who can readily be approached by anyone. As much as possible, they should not be mistaken as ‘habal-habal’ or jeepney drivers or some misplaced celebrities, etc. I suppose it would be good if regular lifestyle checks can be made by the proper church authority so that the appropriate suggestions, corrections, solutions, and remedies can be made promptly, avoiding scandals that can really be harmful to the life of the Church, not to mention the priests concerned themselves.

What can be helpful is when priests themselves have regular spiritual directions to which they should have recourse with all freedom. We should not forget that the greater the responsibility one has, the greater also is his need for guidance and discipline. The moment this principle is forgotten or taken for granted, the incidence of all kinds of anomalies would just be a matter of time. The directory also says that a priest should be a friend of those most in need, reserving “his most refined pastoral charity for these, with a preferential option for all poverty, old and new, tragically present in our world, always remembering that the first misery from which man must be liberated is that of sin, the root of all evil.”

All of these indications about priestly spirit of poverty have to be lived with naturalness and discretion, knowing how to pass unnoticed, without ever screaming to the world, “I am poor.”|

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Priestly spirit of poverty

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What are the six important issues confronting the 2016 Presidential Election?

CANDIDATES for the 2016 Presidential election are expected to deal with the most important issues confronting us today. Six of these most important issues that they will be facing are listed below in alphabetical order.

Climate change. This is one of the recurring election issues confronting the Philippines since the late 90’s. Candidates for national positions seldom pay serious attention to this. As in the past, candidates for the presidency will likely offer only general answers to questions related to climate change. Anyway, the major political parties have not drafted specific policies and programs to address this concern.

Economy. Candidates will either pay tribute to or debunk the so-called economic gains of the present administration. Poverty and unemployment statistics will serve as incontrovertible tool against any claim of economic recovery by the Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer. Amendment of the economic provisions of the Constitution to give way to alien ownership and to attract foreign investors will not be much of an issue considering that it seems that all presidential aspirants favour the policy shift.

Foreign relations. This is a very emotional issue but not necessarily on top of the agenda of most of the candidates. Most likely, all candidates will favour the present tract of the government in reclaiming the Scarborough Shaol from China.

Graft and corruption. Of course, all eyes will be set on Vice President Jejomar Binay when the issue hit the campaign. All other candidates will find a common cause to pin down Binay on this issue. However, the

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discussion will likely be far from becoming one-sided.

Assertions regarding Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), PDAF, and irregularities attributed to Aquino allies will be in mainstream also to the prejudice of the adminis-

tration bet, Mar Roxas.

Health care, education and social services.

This seems to be VP Binay’s strongest point and Roxas’ weakest link. It is expected that Binay will drum on this to make it on top of the political debates. Other candidates will join him on the issue but they are not expected to offer different other strategies to address these social policy issues.

Insurgency, peace process, and criminality.

Presidential candidates usually gloss questions related to insurgency. However, considering the controversial Mamasapano incident, insurgency will be one of the contested issue in the coming presidential election. The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be asked and discussed with only the administration candidate favouring the same. Unfortunately, the discussion on insurgency will end with the MILF and Abu Sayaff.

Most of the candidates will likely avoid issues concerning the CPP-NDF-NPA because of the influence of its most vocal followers in the mainstream media. Candidates will surely ventilate the present state of the law and order in our country during the campaign. The failure of the DILG to curb the rising incidents of violent crimes, including drug trafficking, kidnapping, robbery and murder will be one of the issues which will be mounted on LP standard bearer, Mar Roxas.|

Joenald Medina Rayos

Nicetas E. Escalona

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Lifestyle Editor

Jerick M. Dorado Copy Editor Melinda R. Landicho |Minerva Padua Sarah Joy Hernandez News Reporters Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jesus Dureza Atty. Jose Sison | Atty. Ramel C. Muria Benjie Oliveros Columnists Janlei Benedict G. Rayos | Cartoonist

Atty. Roberto Iñigo Sanchez Legal Consultant Jack L. Aquino | Jessie delos Reyes Jerome Jay C. Sapinoso Contributors Ronalina B. Lontoc Special Project Editor

Benjie De Castro Circulation In-Charge

Ang pangalang “BALIKAS” ay hango sa mga salitang ‘balik’ at ‘kalikasan’. Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2015

5

OPINION balikasonline@yahoo.com

Care for our Mother Earth Democracy in the 21st century THE phone calls of citizens are recorded and turned over to intelligence agencies.

Emails and Internet searches are likewise monitored. If one makes the mistake of mentioning Allah or Islam in his or her email, the said email is flagged and the sender and receiver of the message immediately targeted for surveillance.

Citizens could be approached and interrogated anytime, anywhere, even in the privacy of one’s home, without need for a warrant. Worse, one could disappear without a trace while traveling and taken to an undisclosed place. Interrogation is accompanied by torture euphemistically called “enhanced interrogation techniques.” Detention is indefinite and the detainee is deprived of his or her rights under the Miranda doctrine; there is no need for charges in court to justify the indefinite detention of a person.

Suspects, whether citizens or not, anywhere in the world, could be hit by a missile, making his or her family, friends, colleagues, even neighbors, collateral damage.

A citizen, especially if one is colored, could be shot dead for bringing along a toy gun or toy samurai. The killing could be faster if the accosted person tries to assert his or her right and refuses to get out of his or her vehicle or go with the police. Having Arabic roots or being African American makes one a suspect immediately.

Bank accounts and personal properties could be



seized anytime. Heck, even a policeman on patrol could seize a person’s money, if the latter makes the mistake of carrying a substantial amount of cash to purchase something such as a car or equipment. One could even be forced out of one’s house on the basis of a mere claim by police officers that the house is suspected of being used for illegal activities. They call it civil forfeiture.

There are investigations of abuse by intelligence or police officers but usually, nothing comes out of it.

Impunity prevails.

Is the country being described one of those being demonized as “totalitarian states” and violators of human rights such as North Korea, Cuba, or Venezuela?

Perhaps it is a description of Nazi Germany during World War II, except that there was no Internet yet then?

No, it is paradoxically the land of the brave and the free. It is the self-proclaimed global police, the epitome and defender of democracy. These draconian measures are being justified as necessary for the defense of the American way of life. Democracy is being defended through the curtailment and suppression of the rights of peoples. Democracy is being defended through trampling upon the sovereignty of other countries.

At the end of the day, one could ask: what are we defending again?|

ATTY. AURORA A. SANTIAGO Duc in altum

POPE Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si is about the care for our common home. He likened the Mother Earth to a sister who “sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.” He stated that our sister “now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.”

Some forms of pollution are part of people’s daily experience. Exposure to pollutants produces health hazards, especially for the poor, and causes premature deaths. The earth, our home, is beginning to look like a pile of filth. Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political, and on the distribution of goods.

Pope Francis asked how do we respond as human persons, and as sons and daughters of God? If we are to blame to a large extent for ruining that delicate balance of our ecology, then how do we make up for it? Pope Francis’ appeal is “to protect our common home (which) includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change.”

However, the Pope’s appeal will remain fruitless and just a small voice in the wilderness if we would not do our role as children of God. How do we care for our Mother Earth? We must start doing our share from our respective home, from our family, from our community. We do not need sophisticated technology and knowledge to do so. As a matter of fact, we learn all of these in elementary schools.

We must start having clean air. Do not burn garbage, especially plastic and rubber; better bury your garbage under the ground. Put candy wrappers in your bag and throw them in your garbage can when you reach home. Maintain your vehicles to avoid emission of carbon monoxide which easily pollutes the air. Save water: The earth does not have continuous supply of water. Even rivers dry up. Use a glass when brushing your teeth.

When washing clothes, turn off the faucet when the basin is already full of ........................................................................................................................................................ water. When taking a bath, turn off the shower while shampooing and washing your body with soap.  Last June, Pope Francis addressed the delegates from the International Our late Pope John Paul II said the limits of God’s Catholic Conference of Girl Guiding on the 50th anniversary of its founding  WILFREDO SAMSON, SJ forgiveness is mercy. to reflect the theme “Living as a guide for the joy of the Gospel.” The Holy Pitik-Bulag Forgiveness then is not only for the benefit of people Father commented on the girl scout leaders’ crucial role in educating THE challenge to forgive others will always be part of who offended us. When someone forgives, he becomes women for their vocation and responsibilities in a world of ideologies that our struggle. And God knows that we are doing our best the first beneficiary of his forgiveness. For we release work against God and treat women as inferior. He said, “It is therefore to follow this difficult commandment. Thus, when Peter and free ourselves from the bondage of anger, hatred necessary to educate girls not only to the beauty and grandeur of their said to Jesus, “Do we need to forgive them seven times?” and resentment, that may lead us to vengeance and vocation as women, in a fair and differentiated relationship between man It was already very generous of Peter to say that, for spiral of violence. and woman, but also to take on important responsibilities in the Church “seven” signifies “always.” (Matthew 18:21-22). But his When we forgive someone, it does not necessarily and in society.” generosity was not enough. And so Jesus revised it and mean the hurt and pain will immediately disappear. It  said, “No, it must not be seven times, but seventy times will be there for a while, especially if the wound is deep.

Almost three months had passed since the tragic May 13 fire at the seven.” Which equally means … FOREVER. When God challenges us to forgive others, it simply means footwear factory in Valenzuela City that killed 72 people that ‘roused the The limits of our forgiveness then is not just ALWAYS, cleansing our hearts from anger and vengeance. It nation to the reality of modern-day slavery’. ” but it must be FOREVER. There is FOREVER when one simply means praying for person’s conversion. Not to Re-elected CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas said the knows how to love, and forgiving someone forever is the curse him to death and pray that bad luck will come to Valenzuela tragedy has indicated that there are many more sites of sign of love. him. God simply wants us to pray for those who persecute exploitation where Filipinos “are worked to death” under the “most appalling Someone may say, “But to err is human, and to us. And in doing so, we free ourselves from anger and circumstances”. It is the duty and function of the Department of Labor forgive is divine. We are just human beings and not resentment that consume us. And then allow time to and Employment to monitor and implement labor standards in the working divine.” God understands our feelings and sentiments heal our pains. Slowly, don’t rush. But don’t be too slow places where our labor force spend more than 8 hours of their everyday when someone hurts us, and keeps on doing so. But also. Respect your process. That’s the problem with pain, lives; foremost in their function is to ensure the safety of the employed. It Jesus wanted us to push ourselves towards our heavenly is therefore incumbent upon the local government units, especially the it must be respected also. potential of becoming LIKE HIM – capable of loving and Pray, pray. and pray. There is great wonder in prayer. Bureau of Fire, to be on the watch regarding the strict implementation of forgiving unconditionally and forever.

That’s the only antidote and medicine to hurts and pains. the Building Code and Fire Code. All buildings, schools and work places Someone may say, “How can I forgive him if he It can melt our anger and desire for vengeance. It can must be safe and secured. continues hurting me everyday? I will forgive him if he  purify our hearts, as we touch base with the truth that stops hurting me.” God may smile at us and may say, The Concert “Dakila ka San Roque” held at the Skydome, SM City we are also hurting God everyday, and yet God forgives “Shall I not forgive you too? Shall I ask you to stop sinning, us too – unconditionally and without any reservation.| North EDSA, Quezon City was a huge success. The concert aimed to raise then I will forgive you?” ........................................................................................................................................................ funds for the renovation of the San Roque Cathedral’s Altar on the occasion of its 200th Anniversary as a parish. In behalf of the Diocese’s officials and laity, we thank the sponsors of the concert, the clergy, choirs, celebrities who performed at the concert; those who sold and bought concert tickets, TERESA R. TUNAY, OCDS behind the towering Rizal monument. It mars the those who helped in the success of the concert. Many thanks to Most Rev.  ...And That’s The Truth landscape, so they screamed, it disrespects a beloved Francisco de Leon, D.D., Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese and hero. From that sentiment arose so many comments, Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo, for his full support; also to Fr. Romy Tuazon, What is the measure of one’s patriotism? Why revere a and blaming fingers began to wag against the the main organizer and performer of the concert. May our Lord Almighty national hero? Why do we erect monuments to heroes? condominium developer, DMCI, until the name “Torre bless us for contributing our time, talent, and treasures for the success of The issue currently raging—on the condominium de Manila” emerged as the villain in what is turning out the concert.  building nearing completion behind the Rizal monument to be the city’s “zarzuela” of the decade.

Happy Feast of San Roque, patron saint of the Diocese of Kalookan.

The fight should not be between DMCI and the at the Luneta—should lead us to question the way things are in our country. The age-old system that has kept us NCCA, NHC, or whatever government agency on culture Bishop Francisco de Leon was the Mass celebrant at 6 a.m. while Most Rev. shackled to undesirable conditions in our midst, for one, is involved; the kinks in this situation have to be primarily Ramon Arguelles, D.D., Archbishop of Lipa, was the main celebrant at 6 and for another, the way we regard what truly matters ironed out by these abovementioned agencies and the p.m. together with the Kalookan Clergy as concelebrants. The lay faithful for us. Judging from the reactions of many vocal citizens city of Manila (which approved the DMCI construction). who heard Mass at the Cathedral during its 200th anniversary (from heard or read in mainstream and social media, the Torre But emotions run high, especially on primetime TV April 8, 2015 to April 8, 2016) will earn plenary indulgences according to de Manila issue is fast becoming a Torre de Babel reality. where among others a former beauty titlist and a multi- the Pope Francis’ Decree dated March 06, 2015 under the usual required awarded radio commentator were already condemning conditions (Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion and Prayer That is, IMHO—in my humble opinion.

Arguments have been aired over it, allegations of poor DMCI even before it can air its side. The protesters’ for the intentions of the Holy Father).  corruption thrown here and there, but what is the main argument is based on a physical aspect, the Congratulations to the Archdiocese of Manila on its 420th anniversary contentious issue really trying to tell us, ordinary people building’s being an “eyesore” and therefore an affront who claim to revere Dr. Jose Rizal as a national hero? It to Jose Rizal. For me that is a non-issue; it’s just a of its elevation as an Archdiocese. Congratulations also to its new Rector all started when some people objected to the building’s question of perspective. I was surprised to discover one Rev. Fr. Reginald Malicdem. The Holy Mass was held at the Manila Cathedral being a “photo bomber”, sticking out like a sore thumb >>>OPINION....turn to P/7 last Aug, 14 at 6 p.m.  We greet Most Rev. Deogracias Iñiguez, Jr.,D.D., Bishop Emeritus, Intelligent discussions and exchange of views on issues are encouraged among our readMsgr. Alex V. Amandy, Vicar General and Fr. Salvador Curuchet, IVE of ers. Anyone can send comments or feedback about the news, features or stories pubthe Diocese of Kalookan on their Sacerdotal Anniversary. lished in our pages. However, the editorial board reserves the right to edit comments for  clarity and brevity.

Benjie Oliveros

Forgiveness: Not Just Always…But Forever

Torre de Babel

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Advertise with us. Email us at: balikasonline@yahoo.com AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2015

“Batangas City provides us with an open business environment” - Shell IN a story published in Manila-based broadsheets, particularly in The Philip-pine Star, that goes viral about two weeks ago, Batangas City government was put in a bad light as the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Coporation on the issue of taxation.

In the said case, the Highest Tribunal ruled that the power to tax the produc-

tion of petroleum products belongs to the National Government and not to the local government as provided for in the Local Government Code. The ruling provides that business taxes on the manufacture and distribution of its petroleum products based on the Local Government Code belongs to the national government.

With that ruling, the

Fueling the Country. The facilities of the Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation at Barangays Ambulong and Tabangao Aplaya in Batangas City.|

AUCTION REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF BATANGAS CITY SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE EJF NO. 15-1549 Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as ameded by Act 4118 filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (Pag-Ibig Fund), mortgagee, with postal address at Petron MegaPlaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, was assigned in favor of HDMF (Pag-Ibig Fund) with business office at High Rise Business Center, National Highway, Brgy.

Halang, Calamba City, Laguna, against LILIAN C. MARALIT married to HIPOLITO C. MARALIT as borrower/mortgagor with residence and postal address at Blk. 03 Lot 06 Carmel Ville Subd., Brgy. Alangilan, Batangas City to satisfy the amount of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE PESOS AND 20/100 (Php 1,553,589.20) inclusive of interest and penalty charges as of May 8, 2015, attorney’s fees equivalent to ten (10%) percent of the total indebtedness plus the expenses of foreclosure plus the fees in connection with this sale also secured by the said mortgage/s, the undersigned Sheriff announces that on October 6, 2015 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter in the CITY HALL, BATANGAS CITY, she will sell at public auction for cash in Philippine Currency to the highest bidder, the property/ies described in teh said mortgage together with all improvements thereon to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 052-2010000879 “A parcel of Land (Lot 6, Blk. 3 of the subd plan Psd-04-032767, being a portion of Lot 5678D-1, Psd-04-023814, LRC Rec. No. ____), situated in the Barrio of Alangilan, Batangas City. Bounded on the NE., along line 1-2 by Lot 5; on the SE., along line 2-3 by Lot 8, both of Blk. 3; on the SW., along line 3-4 by Road Lot 4; on the NW., along line 4-5 by Lot 4; and on the NE., along line 5-1 by Lot 3, both of Blk. 3, all of the subdivision plan.

Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S. 87 deg. 33’E., 160.94 m. from BBM No. 27, Cad264-D, Batangas Cadastre. thence S. 80 deg. 35’E., 7.12 m. to point 2; thence S. 9 deg. 48’W., 12.00 m. to point 3 thence N. 80 deg. 35’W., 10.00 m. to point 4; thence N. 9 deg. 50’E., 12.00 m. to point 5; thence S. 80 deg. 35’E., 2.88 m. to the point of beginning containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS. All points referred to are iindicated on the plan and are marked on the ground by P.S. cyl. conc. mons.

15x60 cm.; bearings true; date of original survey, may 1930-July 1936 and that of the subdivision survey, Oct. 10-14, 1988 and was approved on Nov. 23, 1988.”

Copies of this Notice of Sale shall be posted at three (3) most conspicuous public places at Batangas City (CITY HALL, POST OFFICE, PUBLIC MARKET), at BARANGAY HALL of Barrio Alangilan, Batangas City) where the property is located, and at the Bulletin Board of Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Pallocan West, Batangas City.

Prospective buyers and bidders are hereb enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein above described and the encumberances thereon, if any there be.

In the event that the Auction Sale should not take place on said date, it shall be held on October 14, 2015 without further notice.

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and place.”

Batangas City, August 12, 2015.

(Sgd.) MINERVA C. CANIEDO Sheriff IV Published at: Pahayagang BALIKAS Edited at: Batangas City Posted at: Batangas City Copy furnished: Parties concerned.

Pahayagang BALIKAS | Aug. 3, 10 & 17, 2015

Court mandated that the city government of Batangas should refund the Pilipinas Shell with the excess taxes t has collected for the previous years.

Parties critical of the city government heavily criticized the LGU concerned and opined that the city government will have no way produce the money for refund but to collect higher taxes from the constituents just to cover the supposed refund to Shell.

In his letter to The Star, PSPC’s Vice President for External Relations Ramon D. del Rosario sought to clarify some of

the inaccuracies stated in the article “Taxing Times in Batangas City” in Money-Go-Round column by Vic S. Agustin which was published in the Aug. 10 issue of the said paper.

“PSPC would like to advise that even before the promulgation of the SC decision in July the Batangas City government already refunded in 2009 the overpayment of P3.9 million for the mayor’s permit which is in excess of the mayor’s permit fee of P4.3 million (not P775 million as stated by Mr. Agustin) that PSPC paid in 2003, effectively

complying with the SC order “to refund the amount of P3,870,860.00” the letter reads.

“Since 2009, the Batangas City government has reduced the charges for the mayor’s permit and applied the overpayment as tax credit. This indicates that despite the pending resolution of tax concerns at the proper venues, PSPC was able to continue operating its facilities in an open business environment provided by the Batangas City government,” Del Rosario pointed out.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

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Cayetano to BOC: Go after smugglers and leave OFWs alone SENATE Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said the Bureau of Custom’s (BoC) earlier decision to implement stricter measures on migrant workers’ packages was unwarranted, knowing it continues to turn a blind eye to big-time smugglers who continue to evade Customs rules and regulations.

“Our government lost more than 200 billion pesos due to smuggling in 2013,” the senator stated.

“If BoC is serious in its campaign to stop smuggling,

it should have considered requiring pre-shipment inspections of balikbayan packages instead of conducting random opening of balikbayan boxes,” he added.

Cayetano proposed that this can be done by accredited cargo surveyors and is a better alternative because it will not only prevent smuggling and theft but will also help minimize corruption in the bureaucracy and speed up port processing.

“A senate hearing in May this year established that pre-

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 87 ROSARIO, BATANGAS

shipment inspections can be required, but it is Customs that doesn’t want it and would rather open balikbayan boxes. That I don’t understand,” he raised.

Cayetano further clarified that Customs officials can still open balikbayan boxes, but only if their X-ray machines and K-9 examination reveal something suspicious inside the packages.

“Hindi naman natin sinasabi na kapag balikbayan box, bawal mong buksan. Ang sinasabi natin, huwag kang

magbukas nang hindi mo nakikita sa X-ray na may kataka-taka na nandoon,” he noted.

Cayetano challenged Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina to run after the ‘big fish’ instead of imposing additional burden on Overseas Filipino Workers with their random inspections.

The senator said, at the same time, that the decision of President Aquino to stop BoC in its plan to open balikbayan boxes is timely and prudent.| BALIKAS NEWS

MARINA MONTALBO AND ALL PERSONS W HO HAVE INTEREST AND WOULD BE AFFECTED, Respondent. x——————————————————————————x

RE: PETITION FOR (1) CORRECTION OF ERRONEOUS ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF PEDRO YABYABIN MONTALBO W ITH REG ISTRY NO. 63 W ITH REGARDS TO (A) DATE OF BIRTH FROM “JANUARY 30, 1960” TO “MAY 3, 1958” AND (B) TYPE OF BIRTH FROM “TWIN” TO “SINGLE” AND (2) CORRECTION OF ERRONEOUS ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF RESTITUTO YABYABIN MONALBO WITH REGISTRY NO. 64 WITH REGARDS TO HIS TYPE OF BIRTH FROM “TWIN” TO “SINGLE” PEDRO YABYABIN MONTALBO, Petitioner, - versus - SPEC. PROC. CASE NO. 2015-299 THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF IBAAN, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (FORMERLY NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE), FELICISIMA MONTALBO AGUILERA, RESTITUTO YABYABIN MONTALBO,

ORDER A verified petition has been filed by the petitioner through counsel praying the Court that after due notice, publication and hearing, an Order be issued ordering the Civil Registrar of Ibaan, Batangas to cancel (1) Correct the Record of Birth of the petitioner with regards to the date of his birth from “January 30, 1960” to “May 3, 1958”, and as to his type of birth from “TWIN” to “SINGLE”, (2) Correct the Record of Birth of Restituto Yabyabin Montalbo as to his type of birth from “TWIN” to “SINGLE”, after payment of the fees prescribed by law.

NOW THEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that this case be set for hearing on October 12, 2015 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning before the session hall of this Court, on which date, time and place, all interested persons may appear and show cause why the petition should not be Granted.

Let copy of this Order be published at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Batangas, prior to the scheduled date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

Likewise, let copy of the petition and this Order be furnished of Office of the Solicitor General, The Local Civil Registrar of Rosario and Ibaan, Batangas and the National Statistics Office for their Comment/Opposition thereto.

SOORDERED Rosario, Batangas, July 20, 2015 (Sgd.) DORCAS P. FERRIOLS-PEREZ Assisting Judge Pahayagang BALIKAS | Aug. 31, Sept. 7 & 15, 2015

AUG. 31 - SEPT. 6, 2015

7

LIFETIMES balikasonline@yahoo.com

Brilliante Ma. Mendoza Film Festival (BMFF) 2015 brings Taklub DIRECTOR Brilliante Ma. Mendoza receives his portrait as a token of gratitude of SM City Batangas for the pride that the internationally-acclaimed director has brought and keeps on bringing by holding a series of Film Festivals that has helped shaped the youth as educated and reformed citizens with the quality films being shown.

Direk Brilliante has been showing his films via a festival at SM City Batangas and SM City Lipa since 2012 with his films Captive, Kinatay, and Thy Womb, among others.

Mendoza is a living national treasure of Philippine independent cinema. He is one of the most prominent and important Filipino filmmakers today. He is also the first Filipino to compete and won in three (3) major international film

festivals, showing authentic Filipino stories to the world.

His film Captive, competed in coveted Berlin International Film Festival in 2012, while Tirador (Slingshot) won the Caligari Film Award in 2007 of the same festival.

Thy Womb, on the other hand, won the La Navicella Cinema Award in the equally prestigious Venice Film Festival in 2012, while Lola was nominated for the best film screened in competition for the same festival in 2009, also as the “Golden Lion”.

But his most notable achievement is when he won the elusive Best Director in the well-renowned Cannes Film Festival for the film Kinatay in 2009. The year before, his film Serbis (Service) was nominated for the acclaimed “Palm

Token of Gratitude. Director Brilliante Ma. Mendoza receives his portrait as a token of gratitude of SM City Batangas for the pride that he keeps on bringing to Batangas. With him in the photo are (L-R) LEIPO chief Eric Sanohan, SM VP for Marketing Communication Mellie Dizon, City Cultural Affiars Committee vice chairman Eduardo Borbon, a representative of the V ice Mayor, and SM City Batangas asst. Mall Manager Mina Buenaflor.| DHALENZ R. LANDICHO

d’Or Award” or the “Golden Palm”, the most prestigious award given to the best film of the same festival.

This year, he is bringing the film Taklub starring Nora Aunor, Julio Diaz, Lou Veloso and Aaron Rivera. Taklub centers on the survivors oin the aftermath of the Super Typhoon Hyan that devastated the central part of the Philippines, especially Tacloban, Leyte and how they picked up their lives a year after the typhoon. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and it won the “Cannes Ecumenical Jury Prize 2015.”

Recently, the French government decorated Brilante Ma. Mendoza with the Chevalier dans l’Orde des Arts et Lettres or Knight of the order of Arts and Letters. No Filipino director has been accorded the singular distinc-tion of being ranked with the likes of reknowned filmmakers, Bernardo Bertolucci and Dario Argento.|

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<<<OPINION... from P/5

Torre de Babel - 1 day, driving along Roxas Blvd., that the building is so far away and behind the monument that if you focus on the monument you won’t even notice the Torre is there.

Creative photographers can even hide it altogether; if you want it out of your picture, just change your vantage point.

But some influential persons want blood. They want the construction stopped, or

chopped to the level of the treetops if not tabula raza. All this sentimentality masquerading as patriotism could make us miss the forest for the trees.

In fact, their arguments make me wonder if they are truly honoring a hero or just worshipping his monument.

For me, Rizal is so great that building even twenty condominiums behind his monument would not make

him less of a Filipino to emulate. There are so many other “eyesores” I am sure Jose Rizal would want us to open our eyes to: the “street dwellers” around us; the scavengers who eat fast food chain leftovers; the street children sniffing rugby off plastic bags; the homeless living under the bridges; the squatters (“urban settlers” to the politically correct); putting up their shacks on islands, parks, sidewalks or seawalls— the favorite subject of moviemakers aiming for

awards at international film festivals.

Emotions should be tempered with reason and objective investigation. I am sure that Rizal would consider it vanity for his fans be so anxious about the aesthetics of his monument instead of working towards the ideals that he died for; sheer mediocrity to be to be ranting and raving over the Facebookworthiness of our pictures instead of giving of ourselves in love for our fellow-Filipinos.

(To be continued)

11 Sulatan ng guro 12 Laguna: ikli 13 Pagtapon ng alak dahil tumaob ang baso 14 Organizational Behavior 15 Tinirintas: Ingles 16 Mukha ng pera 17 Simbolo 20 Namayapang Rico 22 Alpabetiko 24 Patungkol sa kulay 26 Siwang 28 Pinuno ng monasteryo 30 Kantang patula 31 Alaska: daglat 33 Pangkat etniko ng mga Manobo sa South Cotabato 35 Boss 36 Lunsod sa Isabela 37 Ingos 38 Tagos 39 Urirat

PABABA 1 Komunidad sa bundok 2 Lipat-petsa 3 Pagbubunganga: Ingles 4 Albania: daglat 5 Utang 6 Malakas na pagsasalita 7 Uri ng punong kahoy 8 Ibon sa Brazil 9 Salungat ng piki 11 Panuntunan 13 Lusob 15 Men in black 18 Sagisag 19 Pagtaga ng malayo 21 Libre 23 Tumalbog: Ingles 25 Busy 27 Pag-alis ng damo 29 Kaaway ng pusa 32 Kalis 34 Ikli ng Daddy 35 Yaman 37 Iceland: daglat

PA L A IS IPA N 1

2

3

4

5

10

8

9

13

14

15 17

21

28

7

11

12

24

6

16

18

19

22

20 23

25

26 29

33

27 30

31

34

35

36 38 PAHALANG 1 Init na singaw

37 39 5 Marka 10 Bulol

32

Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Malilito ka sa mga alok. Lalong mabuti kung makapagisa muna upang makapag-isip ng magandang ideya o tamang paraan. Kumunsulta sa akalang higit na nakakaalam sa problema. Malaking pagkakataon para makahanap ng paraan para madagdagan ang kita. Lucky numbers at color ay 13, 15, 26, 37 at green.

Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Iiral ang pagkatamad, pagkamasungit, mainitin ang ulo at madaling magalit. Ito ang dapat paglabanan dahil kung hindi mapapasubo sa hindi magandang situwasyon. Labis na kaligayahan ang madarama kung matatapos ang gawain. Hindi sagot ang maglasing o magmukmok sa suliranin. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 25, 39, 41 at blue.

Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Tukso na kusang lalapit ay dapat iwasan dahil sisirain ang pamilya o ang kasalukuyang relasyon. Huwag magpadala sa matamis na salita dahil mabigat ang timbang ng pagkakamali. Mag-ingat sa manloloko at mandarambong. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 4, 31, 40 at yellow.

Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Upang hindi magkabuhol-buhol, ayusin ang mga schedules at repasuhin dahil may makakalimutan ka ngayon. Huwag mangako dahil hindi matutupad. Iwasan ang makipag-schedule dahil may hadlang at hindi makakarating. Lucky numbers at color ay 15, 16, 29, 33 at brown.

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Sa impluwensiya ng panahon, walang magiging suliranin ngayon. Magiging masaya ang pakikihalubilo sa kasamahan, kaibigan at kamag-anak. Huwag pagkaitan ng tulong ang taong lalapit kung kaya rin lamang.

Gawin ang nararapat. Lucky numbers at color ay 12, 17, 23, 41 at maroon.

Aquarius (Ene. 20-Peb. 18) - May pabuya sa kabutihang nagawa. Kung may tensiyon sa tahanan o trabaho, huwag magkumento para hindi magatungan at lalong sisiklab. Huhupa ang tensiyon paglipas ng ilang oras. Lucky numbers at color ay 10, 23, 24, 38 at avocado green.

Pisces (Peb. 19-Mar. 20) - Huwag magtiwala sa kutob dahil mahina at mababa ang ESP. Kung ano ang iniisip, iwasan gawin dahil walang mapapala.

Kung papatulan ang mang-aasar, tiyak may hindi inaasahang mang­yayari. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 7, 37, 42 at red.

Aries (Mar. 21-Abril 19) - Magtiwala sa nararamdaman dahil malakas ang ESP. Kung ano ang iniisip, kilos at gawin dahil may mapapala. Kung ano ang kutob hindi magkakamali. Huwag patulan ang mangaasar. Lucky numbers at color ay 15, 21, 35, 39 at aquamarine.

Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Lakasan ang loob sa mangyayari. Makakaranas ng pangyayari na hindi makakalimutan. Kung naging magulo ang buhay sa nakalipas, ngayon babalik sa normal. Makakaranas ng ginhawa sa pinansiyal. Lucky numbers at color ay 18, 23, 28, 39 at gray.

Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Huwag magsisi kung may nagawang mali, ipalagay na isang aral na hindi na muling mauulit. Ipanatag ang isip sa problema dahil darating nang kusa ang solusyon sa tamang oras o panahon. Iwasan ang maging emosyonal. Lucky numbers at color ay 2, 9, 34, 42 at yellow.

Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Magugulat ka sa makikita dahil hindi mo sukat akalain, isang dating insidente o magkahalintulad ang mauulit nang hindi sinasadya. W alang katiyakan ang takbo ng panahon kaya ang pag-iingat ay dapat gawin. Maging alerto. Huwag magpabaya.

Lucky numbers at color ay 16, 18, 29, 34 at red.

Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Unahin ang sariling kapakanan bago ang iba. Walang maibibigay na tulong sa iba kung sarili ay kapos. Kung may alinlangan, huwag ituloy dahil tiyak na walang magandang kahihinatnan. Gawin ang plano at tiyak may magandang patutunguhan. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 23, 36, 38 at red.|

8

Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 35 balikasonline@yahoo.com |  0912.902.7373

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>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS | EVENTS | SHOWBIZ & SPORTS | TRAVEL, TOURISM & TRENDS<<

THE rich underwater creatures at the Verde Island Passage.|

FIRST PART OF A SERIES

DiveTourism in Batangas, Quo vadis?

divers go underwater for recreation, some “MOST don’t care about the environment.” Thus, Patricia Anne C. Reyes, a licensed diver quipped in a chat with Luzon-based journalists during the 3-day seminar workshop on fisheries reporting at Anilao, Mabini, Batangas late August.

Reyes said, “recreation for most divers means looking for fish, coral reefs, and every creature under the sea. Thus, the threat for overfishing is also a concern to the divers here.”

But for Manong Leonardo, enjoying recreation and caring for the environment can co-exist. Leonardo Valenton, Jr. 46, is a fisherman by day and an eco-warrior by night trying to raise a family of six with a P150 a day share in a boat owners fishing boat in Tingloy, Batangas he shares with other fishermen in his town.

His family have been fisherfolks of Tingloy Island for generation, his father’s arm was severed years ago due to the pervading practice of dynamite fishing in the 70’s and 80’s along Balayan Bay that has resulted in the destruction of coral reefs.

“Putol ang kamay ng tatay ko ng nasabugan ng dinamita,” Manong Leonardo recalled a time.

Then was the time when dynamite fishing has been the norm or practice by fishermen along Balayan Bay. Bantay-Dagat Tingloy town in the island of Maricaban is 30-45 minutes by pump boat or motorized bancas from Mabini. Its people depend mainly on the sea for survival just like every other coastal villages in the country. To augment their livelihood most residents serve as Bantay-Dagat Brigade (BDB) formed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) guarding the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Tingloy within Balayan Bay. Mang Leonardo is no ordinary fisherfolk; he is also a Bantay-Dagat volunteer. With him is Aling Princess Aldovino, 58, one of the women in Tingloy who serves as a patroller of the sea.

“Hindi po hadlang ang aking

edad at maging ang aking pagkababae para hindi ko magampanan ang aking tungkulin as bantay-dagat volunteer [My age and even my femininity don’t became a hindrance for me not to perform my duties well],” Aldovino said. She is an officer of Samahang Tumutulong sa Kaunlaran ng Sto. Tomas (STKST), a people’s organization responsible for the success of maintaining the Batalang Bato Marine Protected Area in barangay Sto. Tomas in Tingloy Island.

The Batalang Bato MPA is just in front of Aldovin’s residence. “It’s not hard for me to monitor the activities in the area and I can easily go there when necessary,” she said.

Aldovino said that with the patrol boat provided by BFAR, she can apprehend who ever enters and violates the no-fishing, no diving policy in their MPA. Batalang Bato, however, is the only MPA declared as no fishing, no diving zone within the Verde Island Passage Corridor.

“Overdiving?”

Even the Bantay Dagat volunteers believe that if there is a case of over fishing, there are also cases of over diving. This is another reason why the STKST has to implement a no fishing, no diving policy within the Batalang Bato MPA. An average of 30-60 divers visit

Tingloy every day which sums up to 300-600 every month. This simply means that a big number of numbers are “disturbing” the fishes and other marine organisms in their day-today lie underneath the sea. The seagrasses, the corals and all that could be found down-under the sea are being disturbed by the divers. A situation that must be addressed, advocates said.

Anilao on the other hand is popular with budget divers and snorkelers. There are several diving centers here where trips can be arranged to diving spots in Balayan Bay near Cape Bagalangit and near Sombrero and Maricaban Islands.

Snorkeling is available off Maricaban’s Cemetery Beach, Red Palm Beach, and around Sepok Point.

Although the beach at Anilao is not recommended for swimming, thatched bamboo rafts can be rented with tables and benches around, as well as motorized bancas that ferry divers to the dive sites.

Safeguarding the ocean According to Acacia Resort and Dive Center Manager Pat Cuenca Reyes, Anilao alone hosts 54 resorts offering scuba diving and an average of 30-50 divers weekly availed of their services. “This means that thousands of divers are visiting our corals in a given month and it means

PEOPLE POWER. Being a woman is not a hind-rance for Princess

Aldovino (left) to become an active Bantay-Dagat Brigade volunteer.| a lot of disturbance to the normal life of our underwater creatures,” Reyes said. “And there are cases of irresponsible diving, especially among foreign divers who are taking corals or vandalizing underneath,” she added. While the dive guides don’t have police power to apprehend or punish erring divers, Reyes said that they are reporting such instances to the license issuing agency like PADI so that a sanction will be meted out by the offending diver.

Jessie Fronda delos Reyes, a professional diver for 12 years, keeps his love for the ocean through marine ecosystem researching.

Fronda said, there are divers, who,

ADVOCATE DIVER. Jessie F.

Protecting our seas.

The concentration of marine protected areas (MPAs) in Verde Island Passage (VIP) as presented by Conservation International-Philippines, Country Director Enrique Nuñez, Jr.|

Delos Reyes is an advocate diver from Calatagan town along Balayan Bay in Batangas. He was once with Conserve and Pro-tect Oceans, Inc. and WarnsMadrigal Foundation.|

more than enjoying underwater recreation are helping in the restoration of the coral reefs.

Delos Reyes said that the sad truth however is, some parts of Batangas like Calatagan and Lobo are not for massive diving because local guides or divers lack the necessary equipment, which in effect makes diving tourism in such localities a bit lousy.

Recreation for them means looking for fish, coral reefs, and every creature under the sea. Thus, the threat for overfishing is also a concern to the divers here.

This is the reason why the Madrigal-Warns Foundation spearheaded the coral rehabilitation efforts along Balayan Bay. Modified concrete structures in form of rocks are being arranged at the seabed as artificial reefs. Years after, such structures form part of the rehabilitated coral reefs where fishes now thrive and sea grasses started to grow.

“The divers should also have a heart for the ecosystem, or else, we will have no more fish to eat, and for the divers to see in the future” Reyes pointed out.

But advocates are also looking forward to our counterparts in the government sector to put an effort to keep our seas and underwater creatures last for a long time. People are asking where did the millions of pesos collected from diving passes go.

Collective efforts only can make our marine ecosystem lasts not only during our lifetime but most especially for the next generations to enjoy in the future.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS with LAARNI S. ILAGAN, CHERRY JOY GARMA and JESSA MARDY POLONIO