Vol. 20, No. 51 - December 21 - 27, 2015 by Pahayagang BALIKAS

December 21 - 27, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 51 | Php 12.00/copy balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373

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FRUIT OF UNITY. These corals

were once destroyed by unscrupolous divers, developers, and other malefactors, but were restored by the unified effort of volunteers, the local government, and non-government organizations.|JESSIE DELOS REYES

Veterans opens new Talisay branch

Iligal na armas at bala, nakumpiska sa bahay ni mayor

PHOTO shows (L-R) PVB Chairman Bobby de Ocampo, Batangas Provincial Treasurer Fortunata Lat, Talisay Municipal Treasurer Susanah Llanes and PVB President Nonilo Cruz during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dec. 2. [Full story on BUSINESS, page 6.]

When two become one... from classmates to sweethearts... to the altar

>>>NEWS....sundan sa P/3 ...................................................................................

>>>LIFETIMES..... turn to P/7

BB. LUNSOD NG BATANGAS 2016 Semi Finalists: Anna Mae Recopuerto, Rachel Cueto, Darling Pearl Holgado, Chamian Lyn Melo, Ivy Kate Luna, Metalica Mira Espeleta, Michelle Anne Mendoza, Gel Rabida, Yvonne Juzette Bay, Niña Rouselle Andal, Jainil Corpus, Pauline Mae Cantos, Renz Allen Kim Babao, Patricia Irish De Castro, Mary Grace Longos, Krystal-Lyn Lumanglas, Anna Mae Broncano, Moira Marella Alim, Jessel Joy Tan, Arleen Gutierrez, Alec Nicole Suarez, Shania Clair Valdriz, Michelle Ann Malapitan, Evangelee Diane De Castro, Johanna Abigail Orlanes, Ross Violyn Royeras|

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

OPINION

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DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2015

Iligal na armas at bala, nakumpiska sa bahay ni mayor LIST of CANDIDATES for 2016 ELECTIONS Municipality of SAN LUIS For MAYOR: 01 MENDOZA, RODOLFO C. 02 OCAMPO, SAMUEL NOEL B.

NPC LP

For VICE-MAYOR: 01 CAYETANO, JOSEPH ROY 02 HUERTO, LORETO D. 03 MEDINA, DANILO D.

IND NPC LP

For SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 01 ANOYO, JAIME D. 02 BADILLO, AMIEL M. 03 BONSOL, ADELIO D. 04 CINCO, ELEAZAR H. 05 CORNEJO, MICHAEL B. 06 DE CASTRO, JR. CONRADO D. 07 DE CLARO, MALUNIE G. 08 DE GRACIA, MA-AN M. 09 DE VILLA, ROLAN C. 10 DINGLASAN, LIMNEO P. 11 GUBI, VIRGILIO M. 12 HUERTO, LUISITO P. 13 ILAGAN, LILIAN S. 14 LASALA, SIXTO C. 15 MAGSOMBOL, MARINELA A. 16 MANGUBAT, NESTOR O. 17 MARASIGAN, ODILON GAUDENCIO 18 MOREDO, PATROCINIO B. 19 PAGKALIWAGAN, EDGARDO Y. 20 PATOLOT, REYNATO H. 21 PEREZ, NOEL M.

“WORLD War 10....” Ito ang paglalarawan ni Ginang Janet Ilagan matapos na salakayin ng mga tauhan ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) ang kanilang tahanan dala ang 3 tangke at isang batalyon ng PNP SAF at CIDG sa JMI Compound Brgy. Santol, Mataas na Kahoy Batangas. Gamit ang tangkeng pandigma ng PNP SAF, binangga ng mga ito ang gate upang makapasok sa compound ni Mataas na Kahoy Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan upang ihain sa kanya ang Search Warrant ukol sa umano’y paglabag sa R.A. 10591 o Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulations Act. Ang kaukulang Search Warrant ay ipinalabas umno ni Judge Agripino Morga ng San Pablo Regional Trial

Court. Nag-iingat umano ang alkalde ng mga di lisensyadong mga baril at bala sa loob ng kanyang compound. Nang makapasok, kaagad na pinadapa ang lahat ng mga tao sa loob. Ayon kay Edgar Ilagan, kapatid ni Mayor Ilagan, harassment umano ang ginawa sa kanila. “Di namin akalain na bakit ganun... harassment ang ginawa sa amin. Lahat kami pinadapa, tutok ng baril”, pahayag ni Ilagan. Hinalughog ng mga operatiba ang lugar at nakuha mula dito ang isang A.K. 47, mga magazine at bala, kalibre 38 baril at mga bala at magazine ng armalite. Ayon naman sa asawa ng alkalde, “fabricated case” lamang umano ang ikinakaso sa kanyang asawa sa kabila ng pagtulong lamang sa kapwa na

kanyang ginagawa. “Fabricated case... dahil yan naman po ay di totoo.....”, saad ng maybahay ng alkalde. Bahagya pang nagkaroon ng tensyon sa loob ng compound makaraang magkordon ang ilang mga tao kasama si Gng. Ilagan upang hindi makalabas ang tangke ng PNP SAF upang magsibing background sa kanilang interview. Sumigaw pa ang isang suporter ng alkalde na sa Mindanao umano sila magtungo at doon ipakita ang kanilang tapang. Wala sa kanilang tahanan sa JMI Compound si Mayor Ilagan at ayon sa kanyang asawa ay Sabado pa ito umalis. Samantala’y inaresto naman ang caretaker na si Danilo Gonzales na uamno’y siyang nag-iingat ng mga kwestyonableng armas.| EDGAR RODELAS

IND LP LP LP IND NPC LP NPC IND IND IND LP NPC LP NPC LP LP NPC NPC NPC NPC

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Municipality of SAN PASCUAL For MAYOR: 01 CONTI, ROSARIO ANNA VICTORIA 02 FIDER, DAVIS GREGORY K.

LP NPC

For VICE-MAYOR: 01 CONTI, CLARO A. 02 DIMATATAC, NORMAN A. 03 DIMAYUGA, ANTONIO A.

IND LP NPC

For SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 01 AGUILA, RONMEL G. 02 AVE, JAMAICA JANE C. 03 BACONG, RANDY M. 04 BRUCAL, ISAGANI L. 05 CABAGYO, DANILO A. 06 CARAAN, MAURICIO JR. A. 07 CHAVEZ, JUANITO G. 08 COLLANTES, KARLO JIM M. 09 FALTADO, DIONISIO C. 10 FERNANDEZ, RAMEL V. 11 GARCIA, FERRER JUCYLITA 12 LUALHATI, EMMANUEL JR. P. 13 MAGNAYE, CIPRIANO R. 14 MAGSAYSAY, HENRY P. 15 MANALO, LANIFEL C. 16 MARQUEZ, REYSHANE JOY B. 17 MAUHAY, ANTONIO B. 18 PANOPIO, DENNIS P. 19 RECIPEDA, LUCIA P. 20 TAMAYO, ROLANDO T.

NPC IND LP LP NPC LP NPC LP IND IND LP NPC NPC IND NPC NPC LP NPC LP LP

............................................................ Political Party / Affiliation KBL - Kilusan sa Bagong Lipunan LP - Liberal Party NP - Nacionalista Party NPC - Nationalist people’s Coalition NUP - National Union Party PDP-Laban - Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban PMB - Partido ng Masang Batangueño UNA - United Nationalist Alliance IND. - Independent Compiled by BALIKAS Reportorial Team

NO! NOT IN MINDANAO! Makikita ang tangke de gera na umarangkada sa tahanan ni Mayor Jay M. Ilagan sa JMI Compound sa bayan ng Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas; ganun din ang itsura ng loob ng bahay matapos halughugin ng mga operatiba ng CIDG at PNP-SAF.| EDGAR RODELAS

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Success Story: Coral reef preservation in Calatagan IN an effort to regain the old glory of Calatagan Peninsula with its pristine waters and very rich coral reefs, the local government of Calatagan in partnership with several cause-oriented groups in the private sector are doing well with the preservation of the reefs. A professional diver and conservationist, Jessie F. Delos Reyes, said the effort is not only gearing towards enticing more divers and tourists to visit Calatagan but to keep the ecosystem back to its normal cycle. In the past, the Warns-Madrigal group spearheaded the building of concrete blocks and placed them underneath the Calatagan municipal waters. To date, the blocks are now fully

covered by corals and fishes of different species as well as other sea life benefitted in the efforts. In 2009, Dr. John M. Lacson, a marine biologist photographic compendium of the fish species reside within the Calatagan Artificial Reef. Now, Cala-

tagan is looking for a volunteer biologist to do the continuation of the profiling of the fish species in the area. If you are interested, please pm me for more details and when we start. Don’t worry, i will help you on this, my problem is i’m not biologist but i love to do the project. “As in the past, we are very optimistic that we can fully recover from coral bleaching and other threats of destruction of our reefs. With the help of our private partners, we were able to have our reefs be a home again to hundreds of fish species,” Calatagan Mayor Sophia Grandeza Palacios told Pahayagang Balikas.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

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26 ladies vie for the title Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas 2016 A TOTAL of 26 candidates will vie for the title Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas 2016, an annual beauty contest that highlights the City Fiesta celebration on January 16. The semi-finalists will have their first public appearance on their motorcade along the city’s major roads on December 28 starting at 9:00 in the morning, to be followed by a press conference at the Batangas City Convention Center at 10:00. This beauty quest is the longest running contest of its kind in the wholeprovince of Batangas started by Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha in January 1989 to promote the beauty of the Batanguena and the values that she personifies.

It has produced beauty queens who have been crowned in different, bigger pageants like Bb. Alma Theresa Bantug, Philippines’ Top Supermodel; Bb. Marie Ann Umali, Bb. Pilipinas World 2009; Bb. Disayrey Sayat, Mutya ng Lalawigan ng Batangas 2009; Bb. Dana Denise Sabillo, Mutya ng Batangas 2014 and recently, Bb. Siselle Fajardo, Mutya ng Batangas 2015. Pageant judges are top designers like Renee Salud, beauty queens, models and movie and television personalities. People look forward to guest performers who are the most sought after actors and singers in Philippines movies and television. A phenomenal love team that is the current hit in the entertainment scene

will be the biggest guest performers in this pageant that will have its Coronation Night on January 15. Semi Finalists: Anna Mae Recopuerto, Rachel Cueto, Darling Pearl Holgado, Chamian Lyn Melo, Ivy Kate Luna, Metalica Mira Espeleta, Michelle Anne Mendoza, Gel Rabida, Yvonne Juzette Bay, Niña Rouselle Andal, Jainil Corpus, Pauline Mae Cantos, Renz Allen Kim Babao, Patricia Irish De Castro, Mary Grace Longos, Krystal-Lyn Lumanglas, Anna Mae Broncano, Moira Marella Alim, Jessel Joy Tan, Arleen Gutierrez, Alec Nicole Suarez, Shania Clair Valdriz, Michelle Ann Malapitan, Evangelee Diane De Castro, Johanna Abigail Orlanes, Ross Violyn Royeras.| ANGELA J. BANUELOS

DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2015

NEWS

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DOLE Job Search Kiosk sa Tanauan city hall, pinasinayaan

PINASINAYAAN kamakailan ni Tanauan City mayor Antonio C. Halili ang isang DOLE Job Search Kiosk sa lunsod na ito na inaasahang makapagbigay ng malaking tulong sa mga Tanaueñong naghahanap ng trabaho. Kasama sa larawan (mula sa kaliwa) sina ABC President Polmark Fajardo, DOLE Provincial Director Predelma Tan, Vice Mayor Atty. Jhoanna Corona, Coun. Gileen Canobas-Manaig, Coun. Ben Corona, Coun. Peming Magpantay at Coun. Sammy Platon.| JUN MOJARES

LUNSOD NG TANAUAN, Batangas – Malaking tulong sa mga mamamayang Tanaueño na na naghahanap ng trabaho ang pinasinayaang “DOLE Job Search Kiosk” o DOLE-JSK sa lunsod na ito kamakailan. Sa ilalim ng programa ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na naglalayong makapagbigay ng malawakang impormasyon hinggil sa mga bakanteng posisyon o trabaho sa iba’t ibang mga kumpanya sa loob man o labas ng bansa, isa ang Lunsod ng Tanauan sa mga local government units (LGU) na nabiyayaan ng nasabing “stand-alone” labor market information system o LMIS na matatagpuan sa loob ng gusali ng city hall at maaaring magamit ng sino man. Kabilang sa mga nilalaman ng nasabing “employment portal” ang mga mahahalagang impormasyon at anunsiyo mula sa iba’t ibang

ahensya ng pamahalaan na may kinalaman sa mga teknikal pagsasanay at trabaho gaya ng Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC). Ang nasabing programa ay pinagtibay ng isang Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) na nilagdaan sa pagitan nina Mayor Antonio C. Halili para sa Pamahalaang Lunsod ng Tanauan at DOLE Region IV-A Director Zenaida A. Angara-Campita. Magsisilbing isang virtual job fair ang hatid ng DOLE-JSK sa lunsod na nasa ilalim ng pamamahala ng Tanauan City Public Employment Service Office (PESO).| MARIA TERESA S. BUÑO

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Higher member availments boost SSS benefit releases for maternity, sickness THE Social Security System (SSS) released a total of P3.88 billion and P1.65 billion for maternity and sickness claims, respectively, for the first nine months of 2015, with corresponding double-digit growths of 21 percent and 18 percent in benefit payments due to the increase in number of availing members. SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration Agnes E. San Jose said the state-run agency granted maternity benefits for 191,064 members within January to September this year, higher by 19 percent from 160,287 members for the same nine-month period last year. “A total of 285,705 members also received SSS payments for sickness claims, up by 10 percent from 260,230 availments last year. Of these, 19,633 members were entitled to additional sickness benefits under the EC (Employees’

Compensation) program since their illnesses were work-related,” she said. The SSS maternity benefit is a cash allowance of up to P32,000 covering 60 days for normal deliveries and up to P41,600 covering 78 days for Caesarian deliveries. Members can apply for maternity benefits for their first four pregnancies, including miscarriages. SSS sickness benefits are available under the Social Security (SS) Program, which is the regular program offered by SSS, and the Employees’ Compensation Program, which provides additional benefits if the illness is caused by the member’s employment. Members must have missed at least four work days due to an illness and employees must have used up all their sick leave credits in a given year to qualify for sickness benefits.

The maximum amount of sickness benefits, which cover 240 days, is P115,200 and P48,000 under the SS and EC, respectively. “Members must also have least three posted SSS contributions within the 12-month period prior to the semester of pregnancy or illness to be eligible for sickness and maternity benefits. We urge members to maintain an active SSS membership so that they qualify for benefits when the need arises,” San Jose said. As provided by the Social Security Law, employers are required to pay in advance their workers’ sickness and maternity benefits, and then apply for the corresponding reimbursement from the SSS. The SSS would release the benefit reimbursement directly to the bank account designated by the employer. Members whose employers

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5 men arrested via PNP’s One-Time Big Time; weapon, drugs and parapernalia, seized FIVE men, all residents of Sitio Ibaba Barangay Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas were arresyed by the joint elements of the Batangas Police Provincial Office composed of Lian MPS, PIB, PPSC, SWAT (Tanauan, Batangas, Lipa CPS), HPG Batangas, PIDMB, PCRB headed by PSSUPT Arcadio L. Ronquillo, Jr., BFP, Local/Barangay Officials, MHO and force multipliers (TMO, PARAC, Volunteer Fire Brigade and Knights of Columbus) in a One Time Big Time Oplan simultaneous search and seizure operation in the houses of the suspects at the said place, December 17. Arrested were identified as Danilo Ramos y Decilos @ Tisoy, 45, married, boatman; Rodolfo Cupino y Conocido @ Dagul, Member of Salvador-Mendoza Drug Group, 42, single, a tourist guide; Florante De Guia y Rubia @ Ante, 46, married; Ely Boy Caguimbal y Cornejo, 34, single, boatman; and Jerson Bien y Magyaya, 26, single, wake boarding trainor at Lago De Oro Resort. At about 6:00 AM of December 17, 2015, said law enforcers conducted One Time Big Time Oplan

by virtue of Search Warrants issued and signed by Hon. Judge Mercedes Dagdag-Lindog of RTC Branch 14, Nasugbu, Batangas dated December 11, 2015. Confiscated pieces of evidence from the suspects include: from Danilo Ramos with SW-2015-023 for Viol of RA 9165, one (1) heatsealed transparent plastic sachet containing 6 grams of white crystalline substance of suspected shabu and one disposable ligther. The implementation of the orderly search was witnessed and accompanied by Brgy. Chairman Teodoro Palahang, Brgy. Councelor Ropberto Javier and Normelita Decilos of Brgy. Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas, representative from media, Mr Lito Rendora and DOJ representative Benilda Diaz. From Rodolfo Cupino y Conocido with SW-2015-024 for Viol of RA 9165, seized from the subject premises were a purse containing one (1) heat sealed trasparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, an improvised needle prick, an aluminum foil tooter, a glass tooter, a pair of scissors, an aluminum foil with suspected “shabu” residue, a

disposable ligther, and an open transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu; From Florante De Guia y Rubia with SW-2015-025 for Viol of RA 9165, confiscated were three (3) heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing 6.9 grams of white crystalline substance of suspected shabu, improvised tooter and white disposable ligther; Ely Boy Caguimbal y Cornejo was arrested for Illegal Possession of Deadly Weapon (BP 6) by the designated Checkpoint Team; while Jerson Bien y Magyaya was arrested by virtue of Order of Arrest with CC Nr. 57042 for driving against the flow of traffic which was detected through Online Warrant Verification done by e-WarrantPIDMB during the OTBT Operation. The confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the batangas Provincial Clime Laboratory Office (BPCLO) for proper examinantion while the suspects are now detained as the corresponding cases were being prepared for filing in court.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

refuse to advance the payment for their SSS sickness and maternity benefits may go to the nearest SSS branch and file a complaint. Complainants need to submit proof of employment, such as their company IDs, and the SSS sickness notification duly received by their employer. Upon receiving the complaint, the SSS would first investigate, and if warranted, would then compel the employer to comply with the

advancement of sickness and maternity benefit. If the employer still refuses to pay the employee, the institution would then refer the complaint to SSS lawyers for proper action. Those who violate the provisions of the Social Security Law may be sentenced to a jail term of six years and one day up to twelve years, and pay fines ranging from P5,000 to P20,000, depending on the discretion of the court.

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6th 3-storey 12-classroom building inaugurated ANOTHER 3-storey, 12 classroom school building was inaugurated on December 17, at the Batangas City East Elementary School. The building which was funded by the city government’s Special Education Fund (SEF) was the sixth public school building constructed and inaugurated this year. The said buiding will be used temporarily by the Department of Education (DepEd), Batangas City as their offices, wherein the 3rd floor is the confrence room. Assistant City Schools Superintendent Rina Silva and Beverly Dimacuha led the ribbon cutting ceremony.

On behalf of the City School Superintendent Dr. Donato Bueno and the whole Batangas City DepEd, Silva extended their great appreciation to Dimacuha’s administration for giving top priority to education. “Wala na po kaming pagsidlan ng kagalakan at wala na rin po masabi, kundi salamat po,” Silva said. She also assured the city government that they will take care of the building. In preparation for the K-12 Program to be implemented next year, the SEF also funded the construction of five 3-storey buildings in barangay national high schools.| ANGELA J. BANUELOS

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Tugboat at barge, inilubog ni Nona sa Batangas CALATAGAN, Batangas — MATAPOS hampasin ng naglalakihang alon, isang tugboat kasama ang hila-hilang barge nito ang lumubog sa karagatang sakop ng bayang ito noong makahatinggabi ng Miyerkules. Sa ulat ng Calatagan Municipal Police Office kay PSSupt. Arcadio Ronquilio, Officer-in-Charge ng Batangas Provincial Police Office (BPPO), naglalayag umano sa bahagi ng Pagapas Bay, Brgy. Balitoc sa bayang ito nang paghahampasin ng naglalakihang alon dala ng bagyong Nona ang mga nasabing sasakyang pandagat. Ayon pa sa ulat, sinamahan ni Punumbarangay Efren Diño ng Brgy. Balitoc, Calatagan ang mga

tripulante ng M/T Birhen sa Simala and Siment 9 na nakilalang sina Henry Ednan y Bolinio, Roseller Rosales y Lipanto at Silvestre Jimenez Jr y Tamola na maidulog sa pulisya ang insidente. Hindi pa mabatid kung bakit pinayagan ng mga otoridad na makabiyahe ang naturang mga sasakyang pandagat na pag-aari ng Siment Transport Company gayong nakataas pa ang signal ng bagyo sa Batangas at Mindoro ng gabing iyon. Pinaniniwalaang may iba pang biktima sa naturang trahedya na patuloy namang sinisiyasay ng Philippine Coast Guard at MDRRMC Calatagan.| RENCI REI F. MENDOZA

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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OPINION

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DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2015

OPINION

“And he saw that it was good…!”

BEFORE the Paris Conference on Climate Change, the CBCP issued a statement, echoing Pope Francis’ impassioned appeal for all sons and daughters of the Church to unite in common cause in support of the healing of our grievously wounded planet. The conference has just been concluded. We are happy that our country was competently represented not only by men and women in government but also by zealous and well-informed academics and representatives of cause-oriented groups. It is our understanding that at the CBCP that the Philippine delegation was called upon the lead the discussions of States rendered vulnerable by climate change. As always in the past, we, your bishops, address ourselves to the moral dimensions of the matter on hand. After each day of creation, God saw his handiwork to be good. But we have defaced our world. The fact that the Pope Francis, on several occasions in the past, but most significantly recently through Laudato Si, an encyclical of enormous import and significance, has weighed in heavily in favor of decisive action on the environment including climate change makes the position of the so-called “deniers” a highly questionable, if not irresponsible and ethically unacceptable position, particularly if their denial of the significance of the threat of climate change is politically or ideologically motivated, rather than the result of heeding the virtually undeniable data on hand! Second, it has become clear that care for the environment and resolute measures towards healing our planet are not only worthwhile engagements, if we care to, but are in fact moral imperatives, demands made both on individuals as well as on communities and nations. Any act that results in the further depredation of the precarious balance of eco-system, or that leaves a threatening carbon footprint, or that results in the diminution of biodiversity is not only deplorable. It is morally objectionable and constitutes an offense against social justice. Third, the Paris Conference highlighted the tension between the legitimate demands of developing countries (and underdeveloped ones) and the requirements that the Paris Conference has endeavored to exact from all state-parties in respect to such matters as a cap on increases in global temperature in the coming years and decades. For one thing, poor and struggling economies apparently pin their hopes of amelioration in the continued use of fossil fuel and other non-renewable sources of energy, finding alternatives way beyond their reach. But if we take the decisive steps to keep us from falling off the precipice only when all countries shall have reached an acceptable state of development, the opportunity to make a difference shall then have passed. In fact, many have expressed the view that we have already forfeited our chance at reversing the march to cataclysm. This only underscores the need for that kind of global and regional solidarity that will not leave poor and underdeveloped economies to their own resources, while prosperous nations wallow in luxury, enjoying the benefits of prosperity. While there is good reason to maintain that the welfare of prosperous states demands that they heed the needs of underdeveloped and developing states, it is more in keeping with the Christian message of mercy that it is an obligation of our common humanity that the prosperity of all be reckoned by the prosperity of the least in the world! One more point needs to be stressed: the right to a healthful ecology – including the right to be protected against the adverse effects of global warning – is a human right and must both be advocated and defended with the determination by which we stand by other human rights. The fact cannot be overstressed: It is often the case that the poor pay the price of the prosperity of the rich! The Church in the Philippines will do its share. We call on our Basic Ecclesial Communities to make local threats to the eco-system and contributory causative factors to global warming and climate change a matter of community discernment, and the action in response to these threats, a matter of community resolve. The church will also oppose the opening of new coal-fired power plants and advocates the denial of government permits and licenses to coal mines. We urge scientists and technologists in our colleges, universities and schools – and we direct those in Catholic institutions – to make the increased use of alternative energy sources a priority of research and development. We call on our parishes, through our bishops and priests, to desist from

>>>STATEMENT.... turn to P/6

A bilingual weekly newspaper of general circulation published by the PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS, INC., a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Certificate No. CS201401804. Member:

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Powerful State, limited government THE idea behind a constitutional government is that no matter how powerful the State, there are limits on what it can do. The State is the most powerful entity in the society. It has the monopoly force to enforce obedience within its territory. Its will is considered the public will. Its access to resources is more than what any other entity can enjoy. In the hands of determined leaders, the State is capable of restructuring the economic, social, and political orders towards a defined end. History has taught societies important lessons about the attributes and functioning of the State. One of these lessons is that the government that governs the State cannot be permitted to exercise unrestrained power. Power should be restrained so that its abuse may be avoided. Naked power should be clothed with institutional limitations so that its wielders may be prevented from using it for private ends to the detriment of the public good. Systems of checks and balances must be provided in the Charter to ensure that political leaders will steer clear within their mandates far from the tentacles of greed for power. None of the elected leaders in the Philippines are able to use the power to govern to the fullest without deviating from the constitutional limitations to the exercise of political power. The past and present regimes are either too weak or too reckless to use government power in promoting the public welfare. Most of these regimes have been accused of doing less to resolve the grave problems confronting the people. On one hand, a regime was recorded in history books to have abused so much of the privileges and authority that comes with the mandate to govern to the detriment of the people, especially the poor and its critics. These misuses of political power harmed the common good and worsen many social and political ills. Given the misuses of power by past and present ruling administrations, should we fear the rise of a powerful State? Imagine the State in the hands of weak, reckless,

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and responsible political regimes. In reality, the fate of the State depends mostly in the kind of government that administers its economic, social and political affairs. People end up suffering more under a weak leadership. A weak regime will waste all the energy and resources of the State in the pursuit of short term goals. It cannot conjure long standing goals because it is incapable of understanding and managing the basic elements of good governance. In the end a weak government will cause the downfall of the State because it will not be able to preserve the institutions and elements that made up the State. On the other hand, a reckless regime will be as bad as weak ones. Its propensity to make bad decisions will likely lead to the exhaustion of the public. It will place the fate of the people in precarious situations. A reckless regime will be one of hit and miss. While its pragmatism may likely result to good ends for the people and the State, in the long run its mistakes will outweigh whatever good decisions it made, especially that accountability cannot be expected from such a regime. With a responsible regime, a weak State has all the chances to become strong. A strong State in the hands of a responsible regime is capable of correcting economic, social, and political anomalies. Responsible leaderships will bring about the favorable conditions conducive to the carrying out of the purpose of the State of promoting the common good. Responsible regimes do not take for granted the constitutional limitations on the use of political power. They are characterized by creative but judicious use of power to preserve the social and political values that keep society intact while promoting progress and liberty. A powerful State is necessary for the transformation of the society. Such a powerful State is desirable and possible only if the regime entrusted to manage the public affairs is competent and responsible. As such, the primary criteria that people should use in the choice of their leaders should be both competence and responsibility.|

Joenald Medina Rayos Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Nicetas E. Escalona Lifestyle Editor

Jerick M. Dorado Copy Editor

Atty. Roberto Iñigo Sanchez Legal Consultant

Melinda R. Landicho Sarah Joy Hernandez News Reporters Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jesus Dureza Atty. Jose Sison | Atty. Ramel C. Muria Benjie Oliveros Columnists Kier Labrador | Webmaster

Janlei Benedict G. Rayos | Cartoonist Jack L. Aquino | Jessie delos Reyes Rinci Rei F. Mendoza 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.|

CBCP online

[The following si the full text of the A Statement of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) at the Conclusion of the Paris Conference on Climate Change.]

DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2015

OPINION

balikasonline@yahoo.com

Of presidents past, and wannabes of 2016 The Family and the Eucharist in the Jubilee Year of Mercy

THE not so funny anymore, exasperating slapstick being imposed on the public by presidential wannabes Mar Roxas and Rodrigo Duterte is a testament to how elections in this country have sunk to such depths. And if surveys are to be believed, the two are among the top four candidates, with the other two consisting of one who is widely believed to be corrupt and a political neophyte frontrunner who is battling disqualification issues being thrown at her by her rivals. Let us ignore for a while the increasingly irritating antics of Roxas and Duterte and take a look at what the two represent. Roxas is being presented as an Aquino administration part 3. Its bad enough that Mar’s Mr. Palengke did not click with voters and, aside from that, Roxas could not boast of any accomplishment or bright idea to solve the Filipino people’s problems. He is additionally being weighed down by the selfcenteredness of an Aquino sibling (not Kris this time). President Noynoy Aquino has been declaring that he wants the 2016 presidential election to be a referendum on his administration. What is the Aquino administration’s legacy? In an interview with Philippine Star reporter Aurea Callca, President Aquino mentioned people’s empowerment and media as two of his administration’s legacies. This is surprising as the last time people power was demonstrated was against his administration and its version of the pork barrel fund the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). President Aquino is claiming that the Filipino people have always backed his administration and its decisions. But how could this be possible when the Aquino administration has been rejecting proposed legislation and policies that would have benefited majority of the people such as

removing the VAT on oil products, increasing the mandated minimum wage, lowering income tax rates of the majority, and as of this writing, increasing the pension of retirees? How could a free press be the administration’s legacy when 26 more journalists were killed under its watch and justice has remained elusive to the victims even of past administrations? The Aquino administration could not even mete justice on the Ampatuan clan for orchestrating the Maguindanao massacre. Good governance? How could the Aquino administration claim that its anti-corruption drive is successful when the officials that it was able to prosecute all came from the opposition? Not only did it refuse to investigate its own officials and allies who have been linked to corruption cases, the administration even coddled them. The administration promised that there would be another batch of government officials to be prosecuted for their involvement in skimming government funds through the previous administration’s version of the pork barrel the Priority Development Assistance Fund. This batch would supposedly include Aquino’s allies, but nothing came out of it. The worsening impunity in human rights violations is also a testament to the failure of the Aquino administration in providing good governance. It was a failed, bloody “Daang Matuwid.” So what are the Aquino administration’s legacies? 1. The bungling of the Luneta hostage crisis 2. The Mamasapano fiasco that claimed the lives of 44 SAF men and 23 Moro fighters and several civilians 3. The DAP 4. The LRT/MRT train mishaps, deterioration, overcrowding and fare increase

Benjie Oliveros

>>>PERSPECTIVE.... turn to P/7 ........................................................................................................................................................

Ok lang yan!  FR. CARMELO O. DIOLA, SSL Spaces of Hope THE moment was totally unexpected. From a human standpoint, one can come up with an explanation. My take is this. A group of construction workers come upon a pile of papers inadvertently left behind by the previous occupants of an office being demolished to make room for a much bigger building. The pile contains two prayer cards for a departed woman. One shows the picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the other of Jesus Christ. The workers decide to construct a makeshift altar using the two prayer cards that have been nailed to a piece of plywood. In between the two cards, one of the workers, using a paintbrush, writes the words: “Kahit anong mangyari, laging iisipin, Ok lang ‘yan. (Whatever happens, just remember, everything will be fine).” With the completion of the new building, the makeshift altar fall into disuse. It is left on the floor of one of the office spaces of the new building as the workers demobilize. One day, a group of people were being given a brief tour of the building. They chance upon the makeshift altar. These turn of events are unremarkable in themselves except that the prayer cards were for my mother, Elena, who died on Oct. 21, 2012 and that I was with the group who chanced upon the makeshift altar inside a room in the Pavilion of the 51st International Eucharistic Congess. The painted message spoke millions to me, like a refrain from a psalm of lamentation. Somehow, in the mysterious workings of the communion of saints, my mother managed to see through my many concerns to put in an assuring word. It worked. My brother Raddy believes this is not the first time our mother’s nurturing presence made itself felt this year. Last August, as he was preparing to pay for a trip to Gudalupe, Mexico, with Carole, his wife, he had received his share of the payment for an estate our mother held in common with her siblings. The roundtrip plane fare of the couple amounted to Php 112,00.00 while Radddy received a check for Php 112,200.00. This was the plane fare with something extra for taxi! Coincidence or a fruit of intercessory prayers from on high? ******* The turnover ceremony of the 51st IEC Pavilion last Nov. 21, 2015 was fruit of intercessory prayers. This was emphasized by Archbishop Jose S. Palma, president of the 51st IEC as he noted, amidst strong emotions, that this was not “about business but an act of faith.” He was echoing the sentiments earlier voiced by the

owners of Duros Construction, Fe and Lito Barino, who undertook the construction of the Php 500 million project relying only on a usufruct agreement with the local church of Cebu. Several individuals shed tears of joy during the turnover ceremony as they recalled the seemingly bleak beginnings of the project when cash flow was very limited and encouraging words from some individuals and quarters were hard to come by. Now the edifice was standing right before their eyes with about 7,000 chairs of bright blue, red, and yellow colors. Nothing is impossible with God. Soon the pavilion was put to good use. A day later, the Feast of Christ the King was celebrated inside the pavilion with about 5,000 people in attendance. This was a dress rehearsal for the IEC and a way to test the systems in place. Last Nov. 26 and 27, the clergy of Cebu did a fundraiser for the coming congress with a concert dubbed “400 Priests in Concert”. Monsignor Rudy Villanueva, nationally-recognized Church musician and – this is a little-known fact – a classmate of Barry Manilow, led the effort. The songs were arranged as a decade of the rosary: an Our Father, followed by ten Hail Marys, and ending with a Glory Be. Rehearsing 400 priests is not easy. Fr. Benny Tao, who assisted Monsignor Rudy, patiently conducted the rehearsals. With help from the Mandaue Children’s Choir, the mixed choir from the Cathedral and the Sto. Niño Basilica, and the college and theology seminarians, the priests managed to sound good. We also felt more united with our local ordinary smiling from ear to ear. ******* I had a chance to talk over the phone with Heidi Mendoza before she left for New York City to assume her role as undersecretary for the United Nations Internal Oversight office, the international body’s equivalent of our Commission on Audit. This is a nonrenewable five year contract. “The real antidote for corruption is faith”, she told me as she recounted her stint as a COA commissioner. It had not been an easy ride for her. Her return to COA was not expected. It was her role as expert witness to the Gen. Garcia corruption case that brought her into national limelight and a return to public service. As commissioner, she had organized a daily rosary and Mass in her office. It would be interesting what surprises the Lord has in store for her spiritual nourishment in the Big Apple. Meanwhile, we pray for her. Heidi, “Okay lang ‘yan.”

THE year 2021 is a year of thanksgiving for the 500th Anniversary on March 16, 2021 of the arrival of Christianity in the country. We remember the first Mass celebrated in Limasawa Island on that Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521. That was the day of baptism of Rajah Humabon, given the Christian name Carlos, and his wife Hara Amihan, baptized Juana. The image of Sto. Nino de Cebu, the oldest religious icon, was the gift of Ferdinand Magellan to the first Filipino Catholics. The 9-year journey for the New Evangelization offers a different theme for each year. The first 3 years’ themes are: Integral Faith Formation, Year of the Laity, Year of the Poor and this year is the Eucharist and the Family which coincides with the Holy Year of Mercy. *** Pope Francis proclaimed the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy on Dec. 08, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. He opened the Holy Door which will become “a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instils hope.” Pope Francis opened the Holy Door on the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. The Holy Door of the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, will be opened on the Third Sunday of Advent. Thereafter, the Holy Doors of the other Papal Basilicas will be opened. The Holy Father will also announce that in every cathedral, a Door of Mercy will be opened for the duration of the Holy Year. “In the Diocese of Kalookan, aside from San Roque Cathedral, which will have the Rites of Blessing and Dedication of the Cathedral on December 12, its Apostolic Administrator Most Rev. Francisco De Leon, will declare two churches in each of the 5 Vicariates in the Diocese as the Jubilee Church, to give all parishioners the opportunity to have immediate access to the Jubilee Churches they will visit.” The faithful who visit the Holy Door of a Church is given a Plenary Indulgence, a “remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints”. Gaining of indulgences, whether plenary or partial, requires prescribed conditions and the performance of certain prescribed works. The faithful should be in the state of grace. Indulgence can be gained only once a day. It is appropriate, but not necessary, that Confession, Holy Communion, and praying for the Pope’s intentions take place on the same day that the indulgenced work is performed, to be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act. Indulgences can always be applied either to oneself or to the souls of the deceased, but cannot be applied to other persons living on earth. *** During the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis reflected on the relationship between the Church and the family, with a view to the common good of society. “When families journey along the way of the Lord, they offer a fundamental witness to God’s love, and they deserve the full commitment and support of the Church. In the family we learn the bonds which unite us, of fidelity, sincerity, trust, cooperation and respect, even when difficulties abound. Indeed it is in family life that the most vulnerable of society are cared for”. *** The Papal Family of the Diocese of Kalookan held its Advent Recollection with Most Rev. Francisco De Leon as the Recollection Master. Adventus is coming, the coming of Christ in three ways: He arrived when He was born in Bethlehem; He came in mystery (in the Sacrament, in Word, the King); He will come in glory at the end of the world. How do we wait for the coming of Christ? Our First Model is John the Baptist who espoused repentance and avoidance of sins, and the proclamation of the coming of the kingdom of God. Our Second Model is Mary: it is difficult to accept God’s will but she accepted it with its consequences. She asked how she could conceive when she did not know any man. In her time, a woman who was not married and got pregnant was stoned to death. Everything that Mary did not understand, she kept in her heart. In the Year of Mercy, Bishop Francis enjoined the Papal Awardees to be merciful as the Father is merciful. Do corporal works of mercy—feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. Also do spiritual works of mercy—counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish the sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses, bear wrongs patiently, pray for the living and the dead. Forgiveness and Reconciliation—to forgive sin is to erase irrevocably what happened in the past; it is like punishing the victim the second time. Victims demand repentance. God is the forgiver of sins; when we forgive, we accept God’s love. It is an act of freedom, that no one is bound to the power of the past. If one is able to forgive, the victim becomes the survivor. To forget painful memories, you belittle the event or belittle the victim. Urging the victim to forget is to victimize him again. In forgiveness, we do not forget but we remember it in a different way in such a way that anger and resentment is no longer present. It becomes constructive. To erase part of our memory is to erase part of identity. We forget that we are not bound by the sad emotions in the past. Why did the Risen Christ show Himself to the apostles with wounds? His sufferings are still part of His life but His wounds became a source of healing to doubting Thomas. We remember the hurts and the wounds caused upon us has become a source of healing for others. Ask God to heal your memory so that memory will not bring bitterness and resentment.|

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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OPINION

balikasonline@yahoo.com

DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2015

BUSINESS

Veterans Bank opens new Talisay Branch, the third in Batangas province MEDIUM-sized commercial bank Philippine Veterans Bank continues to expand its presence in the province of Batangas with the opening of its newest branch in the Municipality of Talisay, in Batangas province. Believing in the economic potential of town situated along Taal Lake and populated by a burgeoning local business community, the bank established its third Batangas branch in the municipality in line with its thrust to boost countryside development and help reach the unbanked Filipinos. As the first commercial bank in Talisay, PVB sees a great opportunity to generate substantial business in the town especially with the support of the municipal government. The branch, sporting PVB’s new

design and look, can be found at the commercial building operated Club Balai Isabel, strategically located along the municipal highway. Since its opening last month, PVB – Talisay Branch has gradually attracted new clientele with its service offerings and its onsite ATM is a convenience not only to the townsfolk of Talisay but also to guests of neighboring Club Balai Isabel Resort and to travelers plying through the town on the way to the cities of Tagaytay in Cavite or Tanauan in Batangas. The branch was officially inaugurated last December 2 with no less than PVB Chairman and CEO, former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo leading the PVB delegation from the Makati Head Office. The Chairman, who

also delivered a special message during the event, was joined by PVB President and COO Nonilo Cruz, Branch Banking Head FVP Evener Monzones, South Luzon Area Head AVP Geraldine Romano, and PVB Veterans Affairs Head Atty. Federico Manalo. Among the special guests invited by PVB-Talisay Branch Manager Ariel Balboa for the inauguration were Mrs. Elsa Natanauan and Municipal Administrator Jose Balason representing Mayor Gerry Natanauan, Provincial Treasurer Fortunata Lat, and Municipal Treasurer Susanah Llanes along with councilors and department heads of the municipal government. Private clients also were in attendance including Mr. Nelson Terrible, owner of the Club Balai Isabel Resort.|

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Burger King at SM City Batangas THE original HOME OF THE WHOPPER is back in Batangas as Burger King recently opened its new store

at SM City Batangas. Founded in 1954, Burger King is the second largest fast food burger chain in the

world.As the only flamegrilled burger in the market, the Whopper is always extra juicy and ensures that it locks

NEWLY opened Burger King in Batangas located at the ground floor of SM City Batangas.

in the flavor to create the best burger experience. Aside from the classic Whopper, BK has also brought its famous fourCheese Whopper to the Philippines. A favorite of cheese lovers, the four-Cheese Whopperwhich is overflowing with four kinds of cheeses – is the only burger that lets you experience what a cheeseburger should taste like. All Burger King burgers are made of 100% pure beef patties using the highest quality procedures and standards executed globally. The long wait is over for the burger lovers in Batangas, savor that burger goodness at its finest. Come and visit Burger King located at the ground floor of SM City Batangas.|

JUDICIAL NOTICES REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH VII HALL OF JUSTICE PALLOCAN WEST, BATANGAS CITY IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN LIVE BIRTH OF FRANCISCO B. BAUTISTA, SUCH THAT HER GENDER AND NAME BE CHANGED FROM MALE TO FEMALE AND FRANCISCO TO FRANCISCA, RESPECTIVELY, FRANCISCA B. BAUTISTA, Petitioner. - versus -

SP. PROC. NO. 15-10015

NORA S. VILLANUEVA, IN HER CAPACITY AS THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF MABINI, BATANGAS, AND CIVIL, REGISTRAR GENERAL, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, QUEZON CITY, Respondents. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER A verified petition was filed with this Court by Francisca B. Bautista, of legal age, married, Filipino and resident of Brgy. Malimatoc II, Mabini, Batangas, through counsel Atty. Elmar Panopio, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Mabini, Batangas and the Philippine Statistics Authority to correct the entry in the Certificate of Live Birth of Francisca B. Bautista to reflect her true and correct gender and first name from Male to Female and Francisco to Francisca, respectively.

Other reliefs just and equitable are likewise prayed for. The court hereby sets the same for hearing on January 22, 2016 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at the Session hall of this Court, RTC- Branch VII, Pallocan West, Batangas City. Let a copy of this Order be published before the hearing once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Batangas, including the Cities of Lipa and Batangas. Likewise, the Acting Branch Sheriff is directed to post a copy of this Order in the Bulletin Boards of this Court and at the Municipal Hall of Mabini, Batangas, at least one (1) week before the date of hearing. All interested persons in this petition may appear at the aforesaid place, time and date of hearing and show cause, if any, why this petition should not be granted. Let copies of this order and petition together with its annexes be furnished the Local Civil Registrar of Mabini, Batangas City; the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Provincial Prosecutor of Batangas and the Hon. Solicitor General, for their comment and/or opposition thereto. SO ORDERED. Batangas City, Philippines, November 16, 2015.

<<<STATEMENT..... from P/4

“And he saw that it was good…!” those practices that aggravate an already-precarious situa-tion, such as the wasteful maintenance of so many, unnecessary vehicles, the irresponsible use of electric power, the wastage of water, even otherwise laudable livelihood efforts that nevertheless pose a threat to the environment, such as the wasteful and destructive use of forest products. We urge government and scientists to keep us in the CBCP constantly informed so that together we may find ways of doing what we can to transform the lofty aspira-tions of the Paris Conference into norms of everyday living for each Filipino. From the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, December 17, 2015 +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan President, CBCP

ERRATUM NOTICE is hereby given that the SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE under EJF CASE NO. 2015-281 filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (Pag-ibig Fund) against SPS. HENRY MANGUBAT & MA. ELENA MANGUBAT was inadvertently published on Aug. 3, 10 & 17, 2015, said notice should have been read as follows: REPUBLIC OFTHE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 87 ROSARIO, BATANGAS OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE EJF CASE NO. 2015-281 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 14th Flr. JELP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTER, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City against SPS. HENRY MANGUBAT & MA. ELENA MANGUBAT, Mortgagor/s with residence and postal address at Brgy. Namunga, Rosario, Batangas to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of APRIL 30, 2015 amounts to SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTYONE THOUSAND FORTY NINE PESOS & 90/100 (Php 731,049.90) including/ excluding interest and other charges agreed thereon and other expenses in connection with this sale, secured by the mortgagee, the undersigned Deputy Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 85, Lipa City, will sell at public on SEPTEMBER 4, 2015, at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Rosario, Batangas, to the highest bidder for CASH ad in Philippine Currency, the described real property/ies and its improvements thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 77397 “A parcel of Land (Lot 6, Blk. 12 of the subd. plan (LRC) Psd-68011, being a portion of Lot 2, Psu-72880 (LRC) Rec. No. 40088), together with all buildings and future improvements thereon, situated in Namunga, Rosario, Batangas. Bounded on the N., points 3 to 4 by Lot 7; Blk. 12; on the E., points 4 to 1 by Road Lot 14; on the S., points 1 to 2 by Lot 5, Blk 12, all of the subd. plan; on the NW., points 2 to 3 by Namunga River. Beginning x x x x containing an area of TWO HUNDRED SIXTY SIX (266) SQUARE METERS.” 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 September 11, 2015 without further notice. “All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and place.” Rosario, Batangas, July 30, 2015.

(Sgd.) AIDA C. SANTOS Presiding Judge Copy furnished: - Petitioner - Local Civil Registrar of Mabini, Batangas - Provincial Prosecutor of Batangas - Acting Sheriff of this Court - Atty. Elmar Panopio - Hon. Solicitor General - Philippine Statistics Authority Pahayagang Balikas December 7, 14 & 21, 2015

(Sgd.) ROMEO U. MACARAIG Sheriff IV Published at: Pahayagang BALIKAS Edited at: Batangas City Posted at: Municipal Hall Bldg. of Rosario; Brgy. Hall of Namunga; Public Market of Rosario Date of Sale: September 4, 2015 Copy furnished: Parties concerned. WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this notice on or before the date of sale. UNDER PENALTY OF LAW Pahayagang BALIKAS | December 21, 2015

DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2015

LIFETIMES balikasonline@yahoo.com

When two become one.... from classmates to sweethearts... to the altar

T almost came as a surprise to their friends and reunion, but then again, they left the country to pursue their acquaintances. And it’s not a myth, but for real… respective jobs. Cupid used the social media and the advanced

In June 1994, Jimuel Medina Rayos and Realyn E. Bagro first met as Grade I students at San Agustin Silangan Elementary School in Isla Verde, but they got their elementary diploma from different schools. They became classmates again at San Agustin National High School where they got their High school Diploma together. During college years, both of them went to the University of Batangas but not within the same college. After college, Jimuel worked in Dubai, UAE while Realyn found her in London, U.K. But Cupid has his way of bringing the two souls together. They met once again during a class

Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - May matatanggap na mahalagang balita sa pamamagitan ng sulat o tawag na maaaring makapagpabago sa takbo ng gawain. Lucky ka sa 11, 13, 21, 32 at orange. Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Iwasan ang mga kaibigan na nagsisimula sa D, M at N ang pangalan dahil magbibigay ito ng hinanakit. Lucky numbers at color ay 15, 19, 28, 42 at mint green. Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Ang suliranin ay magiging dahilan sa pagiging emosyonal. Sa matutuklasan na lihim na tagahanga, ang lahat ng suliranin ay parang bulang mawawala. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 12, 31, 40 at aqua blue. Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Kilos hangga’t maaga subalit kailangan ang lubos na pag-iingat sapagkat kung may mangyayaring hindi maganda, malamang magdulot ng sama ng kalooban. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 31, 32, 41 at carnation pink. Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Huwag magalinlangan at iwasan ang labis na pagseselos sa minamahal. Malamang hahantong sa matinding tampuhan dahil sa selos. Lucky sa 5, 13, 22, 40 at silver. Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Makakatanggap ng mahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa mga binabalak na siyang magiging malaking tulong sa hanap-buhay. Lucky numbers at color ay 4, 23, 34, 36 at old rose. Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Kaligayahan ang maglingkod sa kapwa, na siyang maghahari sa sarili. Aanihin ang matamis na bunga ng pagtitiis at paghihirap. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 12, 27, 38 at green. Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Ipagpaliban ang binabalak na pagbabago o pag-aayos ng bahay o opisina. Huwag magmadali sa pinapangarap at tiyak darating sa tamang panahon. Lucky numbers at color ay 9, 11, 23, 35 at silver gray. Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Kung may dinaramdam makakabuting magpatingin o kumunsulta sa doktor. Lucky numbers at color ay 11, 22, 31, 42 at avocado green. Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Panahon na para sa pagpaplano ng kinabukasan o pamilya. Maging positibo sa pananaw tungkol sa kapakanan ng pamilya at sarili. Lucky numbers at color ay 7, 28, 37, 42 at yellow. Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) – Mag-ingat sa ginagawa para matiyak na malayo sa sakuna. Isang kaibigan ang nangangailangan ng pansin o tulong ang malamang na darating. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 18, 28, 38 at lavender. Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Masayang pangyayari ang malamang darating. Ang mga kasamahan at kasambahay ay handang makiisa sa gustong gawin. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 5, 21, 39 at red ruby.

technology in keeping them together and discover the love that develops within. With the blessings of their mothers Siomanda Medina vda. de Rayos and Milagros vda. de Bagro, Jimuel will tie the knot with his childhood classmate Realyn, come December 27! Yes, Virginia! Save the date. Their beloved fathers, +Rafael P. Rayos and +Isidoro Bagro will be ably represented by his uncle Miguel P. Rayos and her brother Eugene E. Bagro, respectively. The celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony will be held at the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in San Isidro, Batangas City at 11:00 oclock in the morning while the banquet will follow in the couple’s residence at Rosemar Village, Libjo, Batangas City. To start a new life together, the couple selected a set of God parents to witness and guide them, to wit: Mr. Dionisio Pentinio & Ms. Cristina Rodriguez-Rayos Engr. Ruel Landicho & Mrs. Melinda R. Landicho Hon. Agapito Wilmer Gualberto & Mrs. Janeth Gualberto Mr. Arlan Gagan & Mrs. Joy Gagan Mr. Carling Melchor & Mrs. Mely Melchor Mr. Pablo Vergara & Mrs. Jocelyn Vergara Mr. Ricardo del Valle & Mrs. Ningning del Valle Mr. Romulo Mercado & Mrs. Rachel Mercado Mr. Rosalito Delen & Mrs. Lolita Delen Ms. Rosabella Leonor

Their path will be lighted by Mr. Dandy Bagro II and Ms. Davannique Bagro; while Mr. Jonas Pentinio and Ms. Aliyah Yzabelle Bagro will cover their union with a veil; and Mr. Kenneth Jeious Cueto and Ms. Lourdelyn Rayos will tie it with a cord. Janlei Benedict G. Rayos will carry their symbol of love, while John Sedrick Siopon will carry the symbols of their economic living. For the couple’s source of wisdom, Nhike Cyril Bagro will carry the Bible; and their path will be showered with flowers by Samantha Nicole Llagas, Phoebe Joy Vergara & Chelsey Mae Gagan.|

At the celebration of their wedding vows, Mr. Joewey Rayos – Best Man and Ms. Jenelyn Bagro - Maid of Honor will stand to witness them with Mr. Marc Francis Mercado – Groom’s Man and Ms. Ayezah Ylaine Bagro – Bride’s Maid assisting them.

............................................................................................................................................................... <<<PERSPECTIVE.. from P/5

Of presidents past, and wannabes of 2016 8. Tightening of the stranglehold of political dynasties both new and old 9. Worsening impunity in human rights violations 10. Killing and forcibly evacuating the Lumad and attacking their schools

5. The unresolved worsening traffic 6. Making the whole country a US base under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement 7. Dubious automated elections under Smartmatic

PA L A IS IPA N 1

20 20

33 36

25 28

32 35

37 39

PAHALANG 1 Brand ng sapatos 6 Palos 10 Dama 11 Iwaglit 12 Riles 13 Beso 14 Linggit 15 Bitak 16 Apelyidong Tsino 17 Bagsik 19 Buhat 20 Pagamutan 23 Ahensya ng tren 25 Dambana 26 Reserba 27 Sawata 28 Magulang ng magulang 29 Karne 30 Hablot 31 Iwas 32 Halamang medisinal

40 42

PABABA 2 Kapatid ni Ding 3 Ipukol 4 kantidad 5 Pagkampi 6 Ilagan 7 gaspang 8 Taba ng hipon 9 Tunog ng makinilya 11 Iboto 12 Ben or Erwin 15 Almasen 17 Kung nasaan ang Orani 18 Laman 19 Igtad 21 Bagaso 22 Gamit panulat 23 Pasag 24 Nahabag 26 Paraan ng pagluluto 27 Ms. Sotto 28 David ng PBA

11. Unresolved crimes The ineptitude, elite bias, and callous attitude of the Aquino administration have made the Filipino majority cynical of the government once more. Thus, it is not surprising that former Davao mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who projects an image of a tough, g et ti ng - thing s- do ne , defender of the oppressed, enforcer, appeals to a significant segment of the voting population. Duterte even packages himself as an anathema to the elite. But what is unsettling with Duterte is not so much his penchant for cursing, but his similarity to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who he professes a friendship to. The late Marcos Sr. was wont to project himself as a tough war ‘hero’, a brilliant lawyer who defended himself in court, and an enemy of oligarchs. When he declared martial rule, he promised to restore discipline, law and order. He executed a suspected drug lord Lim Seng by firing squad, which was televised nationwide. But his campaign for law and order was easily transformed into a means of suppressing dissent, which resulted in thousands of victims of human rights violations. Marcos expropriated the properties and wealth of “oligarchs,” only to keep it for himself, his friends and allies. He propagated a vision for a “New Society”, which was supposedly based on his Filipino ideology, only to push the country deeper into debt, crisis, and backwardness. Duterte’s closeness to the late dictator and the Marcos

family was recently manifested in his declaration that the he would allow the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. This shows how Duterte regards the thousands of victims of Martial Law. It is also not surprising though since Duterte is wont to flaunt the extrajudicial killings he has ordered. The problem with his propensity to kill criminals is that one could no longer ascertain if those killed were really guilty and whether their crime was commensurate to the taking away of their lives. There also appears to be some truth to the criticism of Roxas that those being killed by Duterte and his death squad are mostly small-time thieves and drug pushers, and not the heads of the big-time syndicates. Furthermore, what would prevent him, in the future, from training his guns on all those who would oppose his rule? Having Duterte elected as president is much like playing with fire: you don’t know when you would get burned. As for the other top contenders to the presidency, would we rather have another corrupt president much like Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who was linked and implicated in so many corruption scandals? Or a political neophyte much like the late Cory Aquino who was swayed from center to right and whose administration was rocked by in-fighting from her own Cabinet because she lacked a clear and consistent program of government? History does repeat itself, first as tragedy then as farce. (http://bulatlat.com)

Dec. 14 - 20, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 50 balikasonline@yahoo.com

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