Syndicate behind P92.5-M shabu haul in Sorsogon: PDEA
Hans Sy of SM Prime honored with 2024 PRA President’s Award on Retail Dev’t Visionary”
40 years in jail, damages for 10 convicted fratmen
THE Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 11 on Tuesday sentenced 10 fraternity members implicated in the 2017 death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III to up to 40 years in prison and ordered them to pay more than PHP600,000 in damages.
Found guilty were Aegis Juris Fraternity members Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Axel Hipe, Oliver
Onofre, Joshua Macabali, Ralph Trangia, John Ramos, Jose Miguel Salamat, Daniel Hans Rodrigo, and Marcelino Bagtang Jr.
“The untimely death of Atio caused pain, agony, anxiety, suffering and mental anguish to his heirs because it deprived them his company, love, support and companionship,” Presiding Judge Shirley Paglilauan said in her ruling.
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Over 200 electronic gadgets recovered as NBI opens vaults sezized from Cebu Pogo hub
LAPU-LAPU City – MORE than 200 cellular phones, chargers, SIM card packaging, keys, and three Indonesian passports were recovered by the members of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI 7) during the opening of three vaults, which
were confiscated by the authorities during a raid of an alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogo) hub inside a hotel in Barangay Agus, LapuLapu City, on August 31, 2024. Armed with a search warrant,
FIRST TO FILE A CERTIFICATE OF CANDIDACY (COC). Batangas’ 3rd termer Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas, was the first to file his COC at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor (OPES) on October 1. Assisted by his wife, lawyer Angelica Chua-Mandanas, the governor will seek a vice-gubernatorial seat under the Partido ng Demokrikong Pilipino (PDP-Laban). He served his first 3-consecutive terms as governor from 1995 to 2004; 3-consecutive terms as Congressman of the 2nd District of Batangas from 2004 to 2013; and his second 3-consecutive terms as governor from 2013 to present.|
DA eyes quick turnaround as palay losses seen to breach annual
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said it is eyeing a “quick turnaround” for palay production recovery as palay losses are seen to breach the annual 500,000 metric tons (MT) to 600,000 MT projection.
This came as Super Typhoon
average
Julian placed 51,863 hectares of planted rice at risk of damage due to possible flooding.
In a phone interview, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa assured interventions to farmers for replanting in case Super Typhoon
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Ilocos Norte declares state of calamity
due to ‘Julian’
LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously approved a measure placing the whole province under a state of calamity due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Julian.
“There is a need to declare a state of calamity for the provincial government to mobilize the use of its 5 percent calamity fund to provide relief to the affected families, as well as to reprogram or realign funds for
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GUILTY The 10 accused members of the Aegis Juris fraternity are escorted by jail guards for the promulgation of their case at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 11 on Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2024). They were sentenced to up to 40 years imprisonment for the death of UST law student Horatio “Atio” Castillo lll.| PNA photo by Ben Pulta
QUICK TURNAROUND Farmers start planting rice seedlings in Calinan, Davao City on Jan. 5, 2024. The Department of Agriculture on Tuesday (Oct. 1) said damaged farms due to the successive weather disturbances may be replanted immediately for a quick turnaround in production recovery.|PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
Photo by Jayson Aguilon
ACROSS THE NATION
Speaker Romualdez files for re-election in Leyte
TACLOBAN CITY – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez filed on Tuesday his certificate of candidacy (COC) with the support of key officials in Leyte province.
Romualdez formalized his reelection bid at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office before noon, witnessed by Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, whose clan had past political rift with the Speaker’s family. He is running under the LakasChristian Muslim Democrats Party for a third and last term.
“I filed as a candidate for congressman in the first district of Leyte. I am grateful for the support of our governor, vice governor, and mayors,” Romualdez told
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reporters in a brief interview.
This is the first time that Petilla and their allies in Leyte accompanied Romualdez in the filing of COC.
Also present were Vice Governor Leonardo Javier and his wife, Leyte 2nd district Rep. Lolita Karen Javier, provincial board members from five legislative districts, and the majority of Leyte mayors led by league president Remedios Petilla of Palo town, the governor’s mother.
“We are supporting each other for the development of Leyte, and the Speaker being from Leyte means we are favored. Why go against it when it is beneficial to the people of Leyte?” Petilla told
Over 200 electronic gadgets recovered as NBI opens vaults seized from Pogo hub
the operatives of the NBI-Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-Cevro) opened the three vaults on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
The operatives used a grinder, hammer, and iron tools to force open the durable safes.
Inside the first vault were eight keys, each marked with numbers on their sides. The second vault contained around 200 cellular phones, mostly iPhones. The third vault held three Indonesian passports and various receipts.
According to NBI-7 Director Atty. Renan Oliva, further investigation will be conducted on the seized items, which could potentially serve as evidence of Pogo-related activities in Lapu-Lapu City.
“All the items recovered inside the vaults can be used in our ongoing case: the qualified human traf-
ficking case against 17 individuals, 13 of whom are Chinese nationals, two Indonesians, one from Myanmar, and one Filipino,” Oliva said on Thursday.
The cellular phones taken from the vault are in addition to the computers seized during the raid at the Lapu-Lapu hotel.
The NBI 7 plans to request a court warrant for the disclosure of the computer data to further examine the evidence.
“We will be applying for a court order for the disclosure of computer data that could be used for additional charges, such as money laundering, scams, love scams, and illegal gambling scams. Anything obtained from these will be used to support the current case pending before Branch 73,” Oliva added.|SunStar Cebu
Belgian investors to help Tawi-Tawi
DAVAO CITY — Investors from Belgium are looking for possibilities to help Tawi-Tawi farmers export their seaweeds, according to the honorary consul of the newly-established Belgian Honorary Consulate for Mindanao.
“The Regional Development Councils of Mindanao five days ago were all there, they conducted their meeting in Tawi-Tawi. Being a seaweed capital, I remember they brought potential investors to process the seaweeds for export,” said Leonilo Claudio, the honorary consul, during the Habi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Malls Wednesday morning.
He said that the interest of Belgium “is to be able to study, how it could be of help” to the province, emphasizing that Tawi-Tawi has been one of the least developed in the areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, being the farthest province in the Philippines.
The consul said that they once went to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi with the Belgian ambassador to the
Philippines, Michel Parys, and they observed that the trip was peaceful.
The province, he said, is promoting its many islands in terms of tourism.
As quoted by Bangsamoro Parliament, the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) stated that BARMM was the country’s primary fishery contributor in the second quarter of 2022, with a total fisheries production of 346.42 metric tons (MT), or 28.6 percent.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Seaweed Industry Roadmap for 2022 to 2026 cited Philippine Rural Development Project’s (PRDP) data, which stated that Tawi-Tawi accounted for 62,911 hectares of seaweed farm production areas. The province also produces 375,617 metric tons of seaweeds as of 2020, contributing almost 26 percent to the country’s harvest of 1.47 million metric tons.
Meanwhile, Claudio said they are currently urging Belgian in-
reporters.
All incumbent mayors in Leyte are allies of Petilla, whose family has been ruling the province since 1992.
Romualdez is the first candidate to file his COC at the Comelec provincial office. Before 11 a.m., he also accompanied his son, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Jr., who filed his COC for Tacloban city councilor.
The Speaker is now serving his second term as representative of Leyte’s first congressional district. The district consists of Tacloban, the regional capital, and the adjacent towns of Alangalang, Babatngon, Palo, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tanauan, and Tolosa.| - Sarwell Me-
seaweed farmers
vestors to look at the Davao Region’s possibility to establish a medical waste processing plant.
He said that Belgian investors must look into the economic zones of Mindanao and assess possibilities of suitable investments, such as Anflo Industrial Estate, which is owned by Damosa Land, located in Panabo City.
Claudio said he “will really have to see to it that the interest of the Philippines, especially Davao Region and Mindanao, will be marketed, will be pushed” to have more export revenue.
Belgium’s Honorary Consulate for Mindanao opened in Davao City on Sept. 19 located on the second floor of the Ecoland Medical Center along Quimpo Boulevard.
This is the 22nd honorary consulate based in Davao City, which also hosts four consulate-generals: China, Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia.
Brussels in Belgium is the headquarters of the European Union.| - Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews
Negros Oriental sees peaceful start of COC filing
DUMAGUETE CITY – The first day of filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 2025 midterm elections in Negros Oriental went smoothly without any major incidents.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Negros Island Regional director Lionel Marco Castillano said the initial turnout was modest.
“We have not received reports of any untoward incidents from the Philippine National Police (PNP) or election officers in the towns and cities,” Castillano said in an interview Tuesday.
By 5 p.m., only six candidates had filed their COCs, according to Comelec-NIR records.
These include two aspirants from Dumaguete City, two at the provincial level, and one each from the towns of Basay and La Libertad.
Among the filers was Lizza Vivar Perdices, representing the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), who is running for city councilor in Dumaguete, while Quirino Ramirez (Independent) filed his COC for the mayoral race in the city.
Two independent candidates, Jimmy Petil Merto and Ryan Bustos Ybañez, filed their canthe 2nd district congressional seat. No further details were provided on the filers from Basay and La Libertad.
Castillano said he expects the pace of filing to pick up
in the coming days, based on trends from previous elections, where candidates often wait until just before the deadline or choose specific dates they consider lucky, such as Oct. 7 and 8.
A total of 277 positions will be contested in Negros Oriental in the 2025 midterm elections, including governor, vice governor, three congressional representatives, 10 provincial board members, 25 mayors, 25 vice mayors, and 212 councilors across the province’s cities and towns.
Castillano encouraged candidates to file their COCs early to allow time to address any potential issues with their paperwork. (PNA)
SEEKING THIRD TERM House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez files on Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2024) his certificate of candidacy at the Leyte provincial elections office in Tacloban City. His re-election bid is supported by key officials in Leyte province.|
PNA photo by Roel Amazona
CONFISCATED More than 200 cellular phones, chargers, SIM card packaging, keys, and three Indonesian passports were recovered by the members of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI 7) during the opening of three vaults, which were confiscated by the authorities during a raid of an alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogo) hub inside a hotel in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City, on August 31, 2024.| Contributed photo
Syndicate behind P92.5-M shabu haul in Sorsogon: PDEA
LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Bicol (PDEA-5) said Monday the suspects arrested in a recent anti-drug operation involving PHP92.5 million worth of shabu are members of a drug syndicate.
On Sept. 28, PDEA, in coordination with the Police Regional Office-5, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Ports Authority, seized 18 kilograms of shabu inside the Matnog Port compound in Sorsogon province.
The two male drug couriers, both from Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao del Sur province, remain in PDEA-5 custody following inquest proceedings.
PDEA-5 Regional Director Edgar Jubay, during a press conference, said they are conducting
1,399
a more in-depth investigation into the syndicate’s operations.
“They were monitored from Zamboanga to Metro Manila. After we apprehended them, other regional offices confirmed their identities. Given the scale of their activities, it’s clear they are part of a syndicate,” Jubay said.
He added that PDEA is coordinating with its Zamboanga office to trace the origin of the seized drugs.
“There is no drug laboratory in Zamboanga, so we suspect the drugs came from nearby countries across Tawi-Tawi,” Jubay said.
Jubay praised the collaboration among law enforcement agencies for the successful operation.| Connie Calipay, pna
Apayao residents get over P7.6M assistance during PBBM’s birthday
LUNA, Apayao— A total of 1,399 yApayaos on Friday province-wide benefited from the government’s various assistance amounting to over PhP7.6 million, simultaneous with Pres. Marcos Jr.’s 67th birthday celebration at the BGVJR Memorial Gymnasium in Poblacion, Luna.
The significant occasion, Araw ng Pangulo, highlighted the distribution of financial aid, livelihood grants, and starter toolkits for resident-beneficiaries, aimed at empowering the lives of said recipients.
Five hundred beneficiaries of the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) received PhP2,500,000 with P5,000 each. 709 TUPAD workers likewise get PhP4,573,050 million with 6,450 each.
Moreover, 125 GIPs received livelihood assistance amounting to PhP484,875 with PhP3,879 each, and 65 TESDA beneficiaries received starter toolkits. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang underscored the programs for the residents, saying it is the President’s initiative that made it possible to get various types of assistance — a demonstration of his sincere commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
“Babaen kadagitoy a programa ti Presidente tayu, adu dagiti maited nga naduma-duma a tulong pinansiyal ken materyales, gapu iti kasta adu pay ti it-ited ti gobyerno haan lang nga aggapo ti Kongreso nu ketdi mangted pay ti opisina ni Gov. Butsy ti nadumaduma nga financial assistance
kadagiti amin nga agkasapulan,” Bulut-Begtang emphasized. She, along with Undersecretary for External, Legal, and Legislative Affairs Atty. Juan Victor Llamas, Board Member Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan, Provincial Administrator Atty. Edmar Pascua, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, and mayors across municipalities led the distribution of the aid to beneficiaries.
The event also witnessed the participation of government agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.| - Joyce Arian, Baguio Herald Express
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DA eyes quick turnaround as palay losses seen to
breach annual average
Julian leaves major damages.
“Ang palaging response natin iyong (Our usual response is the) quick turnaround for areas na pwedeng maka-recover. Kunwari (that can still recover. For example,) for October, four months, they can still harvest by January,” he said.
He said this is possible if damaged areas are immediately replanted after poor weather.
De Mesa said out of the 51,863 hectares, some 44,326 hectares are in the ripening phase while the remaining 17,500 hectares are still in the reproductive phase.
The areas may be equivalent to around 200,000 MT of possible rice production losses, he added.
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“Assuming na lahat ito, medyo malaki iyan na madadagdag doon sa mga previously na mga (Assuming these are all damaged, that’s somehow a large figure to be added on the previous) damage, it can easily breach iyong (the) 600,000 metric tons,” De Mesa said.
The DA has earlier reported 420,000 MT of rice production losses due to the combined effects of the El Niño phenomenon and previous weather disturbances.
“Definitely, hindi naman lahat iyan, at risk lang, depende kung gaano kalaki iyong baha sa areas na dadaanan (all of it will not be damaged, only at risk, and still depends on the areas that will be flooded),” the DA official said.|Stephanie Sevillano
Ilocos Norte declares state of calamity due to ‘Julian’
the repair and rehabilitation of the damaged properties and infrastructure,” Provincial Board member and chairperson of the committee on natural calamities
Franklin Dante Franklin Respicio said during a special session.
For this year, Ilocos Norte’s local disaster risk reduction and management fund amounts to around PHP109.88 million.
Of the total, 70 percent will be used for preparedness, prevention, mitigation, rehabilitation, and recovery, while 30 percent will be used for quick response.
Based on the initial report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), damage to crops amounts to around PHP84.73 million while it is about PHP385,360
for livestock and poultry.
Two persons reportedly drowned in the cities of Batac and Laoag, and one is missing in Paoay town. Hundreds of families from the landslide and floodprone areas of the province were also flooded, and four fires were recorded in the towns of Bacarra, Vintar, and Pagudpud on Monday.
One of the fires was caused by a lighted candle left on top of a dresser made of plastic material while the others were likely caused by an electrical short circuit caused by rainwater leaks, said Maj. Roxanne Parado, Bureau of Fire Protection provincial fire director. Police records show that around 957 families in the province, or 3,289 residents, were affected by the typhoon. (PNA)
ACCOMPLISHMENT. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Bicol (PDEA-5) Regional Director Edgar Jubay (center) and Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon (right) speak at a press conference at the PDEA office in Camp Ola, Legazpi City, on Monday (Sept. 30, 2024). They reported the seizure of 18 kilograms of shabu worth PHP92.5 million at Matnog Port, Sorsogon, on Sept. 28.|Contributed photo by Connie Calipay
OPINION
Bombshell
IT is as if the Filipino people are challenged to absorb one shock after another.
The woman with the interesting, if obscure, back story makes for a good starting point. For months, this town mayor’s Senate appearances were the source of entertainment, almost distracting the public from the gravity of the bigger issue of allowing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators to proliferate in certain locations, along with the related dark activities linked to them.
And then she disappeared, in a way that could only be executed with the facilitation of powerful individuals. Officials who arrested her were charmed; they made small talk with her and took selfies before bringing her back in a private plane. Back in Manila, and finally in jail, the former mayor promises even juicier revelations.
There is the religious leader who claims he is the son of god. Facing a myriad of charges ranging from sexual abuse to trafficking to money laundering, in courts here and in the United States, this so-called holy man enjoys the backing of a powerful family down south. He cowered in his compound for 16 days before he finally saw the light and “surrendered” – overcome with grief, his lawyer said, at the sight of his defenders in a standoff with the police.
In the budget hearings, a key official of this administration has consistently refused to disclose how exactly the people’s money was spent and how it will be spent, and has demanded access to confidential funds. Despite the demands of her job, she found the time to write a children’s book about a friendly owl, which was meant to be distributed to students all over the country all on the taxpayers’ dime. When asked to explain her office’s handling of finances, she styles herself as a victim of political persecution. She even refused to take an oath, splitting hairs between being a “witness” and a “resource person.” This week, this same official was linked to envelopes of cash, sent as gifts to her subordinates with cash in an attempt to make them do her bidding.
When something is out of the ordinary, it causes outrage among the people which translates into political capital for those in a position to address the issue. The natural reaction thus is to talk about them as hot copy for the day.
One bombshell after another, however, desensitizes the people to the excesses that public officials commit in the pursuit of their own interest.
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Fostering growth mindset in the classroom
A SILENT revolution is underway in the busy field of education, where the curriculum always demands, and the clock is continuously running. This change is about something far more fundamental than flashy technology or popular teaching approaches—our attitudes. Psychologist Carol Dweck first proposed the idea that students’ and teachers’ view of their talents greatly affects their learning and growth. It’s a change from thinking about static intelligence to realizing everyone has growth potential. As Dweck noted famously, “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects how you lead your life.”
Let we dissect this: Usually, two types of mindsets—fixed and growth—are present in the classroom. Fixed attitude students feel their skills are set in stone. They might declare things like, “I’m just not good at math,” or “I’ll never be able to write well.” These ideas,
sadly, restrict their possibilities. Conversely, those with a growth mentality see obstacles as teaching moments. They know they can excel in any field with work and endurance. Science supports this; it is not only wishful thinking here. “When students believe their abilities can be developed, they are more motivated and achieve better results,” Psychologist Dr. Kathryn Kroeper notes. There are enormous ramifications for instruction as well. Imagine a classroom in which every student, from anywhere they start, feels competent of development. This is the advantage of the growing attitude. It changes the learning scene from one of passive acceptance to one of active
The Good News
Parable of Talents
“JESUS summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”
Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.”
(Lk9:1-6)
bwa
Christian Mission
FRIENDS, in today’s Gospel, Jesus sends his disciples on mission: He “summoned the Twelve . . . and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” As members of the Mystical Body, we share the mission of evange-
lization.
participation. As teachers, though, how can we help our pupils develop this attitude? It begins with our language to them. We should emphasise work and strategy rather than intelligence or ability. More than “You’re so smart,” “You worked really hard on that problem” motivates tenacity. Advocates of innovation in education, National Innovation Council Executive Member Mon Ibrahim emphasizes the wider influence of this change of perspective and states, “A growth mindset fosters a culture of risk-taking, innovation, and experimentation.” These are the very traits we aim to develop in our pupils in an always-changing environment. Still, it goes beyond what transpires in the classroom. A growth mentality helps students prepare for life outside the school when obstacles are inevitable and grit is essential. Normalizing difficulty is
In accord with the subjectivism of our culture, many Christians think of their spiritual lives in an individualist way, as the cultivation of their personal friendship with God. But this overlooks something that the New Testament authors took for granted—namely, that Christians exist not for themselves but for the world.
Jesus compared his followers to salt, which is designed to preserve and enhance something other than itself, and to light, whose purpose is to be set on a stand in order to illumine what is around it. Pope St. Paul VI articulated the same truth as follows: the Church doesn’t have a mission; the Church is a mission.
We go forth, therefore, with God’s authority and empowered for his work. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, he will ask whether we have taught the world how to praise, how to reverence the truth, how to go out vigorously on campaign to extend the kingdom of God. | - Bishop Robert Barron bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota
OPINION
Fiber optic cables along the railways
WHEN I was in Japan many years ago as a guest of the Japanese government to observe their advanced Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), I learned that over there, all railroad operators including Japan Railways (JR) were required to lay down fiber optic cables along all of their railroads.
players were allowed to install their own fiber optic cables anywhere, anytime.
What that means is that all over Japan, there are always fiber optic networks where there are railroad networks.
When I was in the United States as a Press Attaché in the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC and as a Consular Assistant at the Philippine Consulate General in New York, I also observed that all railroad operators over there were also required to lay down fiber optic cables along all of their railroads.
Aside from that, new telecom
Aside from the fact that there are no right-of-way (ROW) problems if the fiber optic cables are laid down along the railways, it is also cheaper to do that, instead of digging new underground systems where there are no railways.
Because of the cheaper costs, it would be safe to assume that the costs of the internet and mobile services would become cheaper also.
In theory, the internet and mobile signals could also become faster.
At the risk of stating the ob-
vious, ROW issues are really big problems in infrastructure development. Not unless the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be required to submit a list of ROW problems that are affecting road building projects, we will never know the numbers.
If we include the ROW problems of the PPP projects, the list could go longer. In the days when the transportation and the communications functions were still rolled into one in the defunct Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), it would have been easier to coordinate the building of railroads with the laying down of fiber cables. But for now, it is not too late for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to talk to each other.|
Revisiting the Bus Lane
OBLIQUE OBSERVATIONS
By Atty. Gilberto Lauengco, J.D.*
RECENTLY, the issue of ticket scalping in the Philippines resurfaced when tickets to the upcoming concert of the Filipino-American singer Olivia Rodrigo were immediately sold out and then resurfaced online but with much higher price tags.
Recently, a transport advocate urged the government to put a dedicated bus lane on Commonwealth Avenue which is located in Quezon City and also known as one of the country’s busiest roads. Some have even suggested that the bus lane extend from the said avenue to QC Memorial Circle then all the way to Quezon Avenue.
This suggestion has sparked a new round of debate regarding bus lanes in general. Last month, a congressman drew the ire of many netizens when he publicly questioned the practicality of bus lanes. Apparently, the said district representative was stuck in traffic for several hours in EDSA and noticed that there were only a few buses on the bus lane at that moment. He then stated in his now famous post that the bus lane should be opened to private motorists during heavy traffic to ease the traffic. This post resulted in severe backlash against the congressman with many netizens accusing him of being entitled or “privileged”.
With the recent news concerning the bus lane, many have again opened the discussion about the
said bus lanes. Some have taken to question the existence of a dedicated bus lane operating the whole day stating that this is quite unfair for private motorists. Understandably, when one is on a car or a motorcycle during a standstill traffic it is difficult to look at buses whizzing past your vehicles.
Sometimes, the temptation is so great that many motorists break the law and traverse the bus lanes. Even now, we still see several cars and motorcycles going in and out of the bus lanes hoping that they could elude the law enforcers. With the Christmas season fast approaching, the onset of even worse traffic is imminent.
In addition, the scheduled rehabilitation of Guadalupe Bridge in EDSA late next year is sure to add to the woes of motorists in Metro Manila.
Unfortunately for those wishing for a revision of the bus lanes protocol, bus lanes are here to stay. There is absolutely no cogent reason for the government to remove or even lessen the implementation of the said bus lane system. The suggestion of some sectors to manage the bus lane during certain hours similar to the zipper lane concept have met with opposition stating that such tinkering of the bus lane would cause a slowdown of the traffic in the bus lanes.
In fact, transport authorities are suggesting that exemptions to the said rule be even pruned
down to a bare minimum and that more draconian and stringent implementation of the same be imposed. Transport authorities insist that bus lanes serve more people, remove buses from the other lanes, lessen motorists on major thoroughfares through attrition and has the net effect of decongesting traffic.
In the end, the issue of the bus lane is one of equity. People who use cars or even motorcycles have several advantages over the public transport riders. It is but right that the riders be given a faster and more efficient mode of transportation. It is also a matter of getting more people to their destination on time so they can work and sufficiently contribute to economy.
Bus lanes however are just part of the puzzle. New roads, skyways, bridges, other modes of public transport are being built. Even these will not solve the entire problem. Improving cities outside Metro Manila to encourage people to go outside must follow.
Inevitably, while solutions are being done or planned our society and way of working will probably have to adapt. Work from home or alternative modes of working are beginning to take root. People are beginning to work more within their side of the big river that cuts across the city. The so-called “tawid ilog” activities will begin to lessen. Soon, Metro Manila will probably be truly divided between those north and south of the river.
This is my oblique observation..|
2 - 8, 2024
The good ground for God’s word
WHEN Christ explained the parable of the sower and the seed (cfr. Mt 13, 18-23), the obvious conclusion that we can make is that we should be the good ground to receive the seed of God’s word so that that seed can grow well and be fruitful.
For us to be the good ground for God’s word, we should try to do something about those cases mentioned in the parable where the seed just got wasted. The first case was that of the seed sown merely on the path. It meant that the word of God was not understood well due to lack of study.
We obviously are expected to study the word of God well so that we can have some working understanding of it. God’s word obviously contains mysteries and supernatural truths that are beyond our usual human powers to understand. So, in studying God’s word, we should first of all and always be guided by faith more than anything else.
Faith is that act of accepting something as true not so much because we fully understand it as because it is told to us by someone whom we trust and believe to be telling us only the truth. It is with this faith that we can start the progressive process of understanding things that are spiritual and supernatural. Faith actually involves us in something like an adventure of new discoveries.
In the parable’s second case of how we can fail in properly receiving God’s word, we are told about the seed that was sown on rocky ground. Christ explained that this was the case of the word of God that did not take root because it remained only on the surface. Thus, when some tribulations come, that word would easily lose its effect on us.
This second case simply tells us that we should truly internalize God’s word, making it as much as possible as flesh of our flesh, the very soul of our thoughts and desires. That way, whatever happens to us, we would know what to do since God’s word provides us with all the means to tackle whatever situation we may have in life.
In the parable’s third case which was about the seed that fell on thorns, we are warned against being unduly affected by the things of this world, both their charms and the anxieties that they may cause.
It’s important that for God’s word to have a good effect on us, we should practice a certain healthy detachment from the things of this world even as we immerse ourselves in them, given the fact we have been placed in the world to be tested if through these things of the world, we choose to be with God or simply to be on our own.
It’s a very tricky test that we should be prepared to handle properly. To achieve that ideal preparation, we really need to enliven our spiritual life through many practices of piety, a vibrant spirit of sacrifice and detachment, recourse to the sacraments, waging continuing spiritual warfare and development of virtues, availing of a lifelong plan of formation, etc.
Only in this way can we aspire to be the good ground for God’s word to be effective in us, producing a lot of fruits of sanctity and apostolate, and effectively leading us to our ultimate goal of being the true image and likeness of God, sharers of no less than his divine life and nature!.|
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Bombshell
It is safe to say we have not heard the last fantastic tale. There will be more especially given the approach of the election season. What are we going to do about it besides express our shock and exasperation?
As spectators we must demand that such processes are seen through until their rightful end. File cases. Advocate for swift
delivery of justice. Prevent them from winning people’s hearts and minds and votes. Anything less than these, and our outrage becomes a dud. And then politics and governance become a trivial matter, subject to whim and to winds that change with the seasons.| - [Republished from Manila Standard]
For details, drop a message at: www.facebook.com/kabayannews or email us at: kabayannews2022@gmail.com
A6 OPINION
Stella Maris Philippines: Seafarers must safeguard their votes
By Atty. Dennis Gorecho*
A REMINDER from Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo in his homily during the September 22, 2024 mass at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) headquarters in Manila as part of the opening ceremonies of the 29th National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) and the 25th National Maritime Week (NMW).
Bishop Santos is the Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris-Philippines which is the Catholic Church’s missionary work to the peoples of the sea, particularly seafarers, whether they be on merchant, passenger, war or fishing vessels.
“Let us choose those who will truly help us, not those who will just sing or dance for us, or only make us laugh. And not those who will do or say nothing when our God is mocked and our Catholic faith is disrespected,” Santos said.
The bishop also said that voting should not be based on camaraderie, promises, endorsements, or popularity.
Bishop Santos added: “Voting is our right. It is about our future. We must choose correctly, wisely, and worthily. Because if we don’t choose correctly, we will regret it and suffer in the end. But if we vote for those who are honest, true, and genuine, we can expect good and effective leadership.”
“Our seafarers go abroad not to steal, not to deceive, and not to take advantage. They work hard and are not choosy in their jobs. They help those they serve and to improve the future of their loved ones”, Santos added.
The Philippines is considered a major supplier of maritime labor globally. It is estimated that one Filipino seafarer is for every four to five complements on board
a vessel at any time.
According to the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)/International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Seafarer Workforce Report 2021, the top five largest suppliers of officers and ratings are the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Indonesia, China, and India. Together, these countries supplied 44 percent of the global seafarer workforce.
In 2023, Filipino seafarers deployed reached 578,626 with the corresponding dollar remittances amounting to US$6,852,362,000.00
The sea-based sector’s remittances comprised at least 20 percent of the total OFW dollar remittances, which amounted to US$33,490,930,000.00 in 2023.
The Overseas Absentee Voting Act was passed in 2003, allowing Filipinos overseas, including employed seafarers, to vote for who they want to be president, vice-president, senators, and party-list representatives. Due to their absence during the election period, there is a specialized mode of voting by which seafarers , who are registered overseas voters, may cast their ballots 60 days before the day of elections.
“Be honest in words and actions. Do not deceive. Do not cheat. And do not waste what our
loved ones from abroad send us. Do not squander it. They always say, ‘We do not pick money off the ground. Our capital is sweat and blood. The money they send is hard-earned and comes from their sweat.” Santos said.
The Ecumenical memorial rites at sea was also held where prayers were offered and flowers were thrown to the open seas as homage to deceased seafarers. The flowers are the expression of the fragrance and beauty of love given and received. Wreathe thrown into the sea carry to all the deceased seafarers the message of love and gratitude. There is no distance of time or oceans but a mutual waiting for eternal reunion in peace.
A job of a seafarer is not exactly a walk in the park. The job entails laborious manual tasks conducted in a moving ship. He is mentally, physically and emotionally stressed sailing non-stop for weeks or months aside from exposure to fluctuating extreme temperatures as the ships cross ocean boundaries.
In some instances, a seafarer unfortunately dies due to illness or injury. The shipping industry and seafaring profession are likewise not without incident or peril. There are maritime disasters or accidents that result in the loss of life of and injury to Filipino seafarers.
Former president Fidel V. Ramos earlier issued on July 9, 1996 Proclamation No. 828 declaring August 18 as National Seafarers Day wherein the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sector in activities related to the celebration of said event. The purpose of the proclamation is to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country. Later, Proclamation No.1094 was issued in 1997 by President Ramos which moved NSD to every last Sunday of September every year.
The NSD coincides with the NMW celebrated every last week of September spearheaded alternatively by the government agencies Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
Other weeklong NSD/ NMW t From page A4
Fostering growth mindset in the classroom
among the best strategies for fostering a growth attitude. Students must be shown that challenges are inevitable in their education. One could start by adding the word “yet” to a sentence. “You don’t understand this yet,” should be the reply when a student says, “I don’t understand this.” That one phrase makes all the difference. It turns the emphasis from existing incapacity to future possibilities.
Of all, encouraging a development mindset is about altering our thinking rather than only what we say. Teachers also need start thinking this way. We limit our efficacy as teachers if we see our skills as set. Rather, we should set an example by being receptive to fresh approaches, learning from our failures, and always looking for development.
“Teachers with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace professional development opportunities, collaborate with colleagues, and experiment with new instructional methods,” Carol Dweck notes.
Change is difficult, though, and that presents a problem. Some teachers, adhering to their tried-and-true approaches, may object to using growth mindset techniques. This is reasonable; change can be frightening. Still, emphasizing the advantages for the children will help to smooth this change. Our main objective is, after all, student success; hence, a growth mindset is a tested approach to enable that.
Moreover, one should understand that attitudes are neither all or nothing. One student could have a fixed attitude in one topic but a developing mindset in another. This context-dependent character of attitudes implies that we must be alert in promoting development in all spheres of education. For instance, a student who excels in sports but suffers in academics must realize that the same tenacity that results on the field may equally result in success in the classroom.
This growth “way of life” has advantages far beyond improving academic performance. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep going when
activities nationwide led by Stella Maris Philippines include the simultaneous blowing of horns and dressing up of ships, media briefing, conferences, novenas, processions, oratorical/ art/photo contests, karaoke challenge, coastal cleanup, and the Grand Parade participated in by stakeholders.
There are presently 17 Stella Maris centers nationwide: five in Luzon ( Batangas, La Union, Ma-
things get tough is a hallmark of students who think in this way. These skills will serve them well in today’s dynamic world, both in and out of the classroom.
Our job as teachers is to mold brains and form values as much as to teach facts. Encouragement of a growth attitude helps our kids to succeed in any route they choose, not only in the classroom. We enable children to recognize that, with effort and tenacity, their potential is not fixed but rather something they can grow upon. Ibrahim rightly points out, “With a growth mindset, we’re not just teaching subjects; we’re teaching students how to think about their own abilities and their place in the world.”
In essence, encouraging a development mindset in the classroom is an educational concept rather than only a teaching tool. It’s about enabling every student to believe in themselves and so realizing their potential. It’s about embracing the countless opportunities for development and transcending the constraints of fixed intelligence. We should be preparing our children for a world where their attitude and aptitude will determine their level of success. We may encourage our children to embrace change and never stop learning and improving by utilizing the power of “yet.” As Dr. Dweck puts it, “The hallmark of a growth mindset is the passion for stretching yourself and sticking with it, even when things aren’t going well.” As a result, the classroom becomes a place where students may develop their ideas and work together to solve problems, both current and future. Preparing young minds for the ever-changing demands of society, we can improve their academic achievement and holistic development by encouraging a growth “way of life.”| bwa
Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘’student of and for life’’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
nila Palawan, Pangasinan), six in Visayas (Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Leyte) and six in Mindanao (Basilan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos City, Iligan, Zamboanga).
Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.)
REMEMBERING. Prayers for the souls of the seafarers who have lost their lives while aboard different vessels in high seas. | Contribuited photo
TNT decimates NLEX, now a win away from clinching PBA semis berth
MANILA – The TNT Tropang Giga displayed one of their most efficient performances in the postseason after demolishing the NLEX Road Warriors, 109-91, during their PBA Governor’s Cup quarterfinal clash on September 29, 2024, at the Ynares Center.
After two nip-and-tuck battles that were decided by single digits in games 1 & 2, the Tropang Giga this time imposed their will and banked on a consistent defensive display to slow down the Road Warriors.
Unlike the past two games where the Road Warriors managed to inch close in every quarter, the Tropang Giga deployed some minor adjustments in Game 3, particularly in their coverage of Robert Bolick and DeQuan Jones.
NLEX’s super duo dominated the Tropang Giga in Game 2 that steered the Road Warriors
However, in Game 3, TNT gave them both different looks, kicked off by an unusual mixed zone defense that took Jones out of his comfort zone which is in the perimeter.
PH wins mixed doubles gold medal at World Pickleball Championship
LUCENA City pride Bien Zoleta continues to bring honor to the country, this time in pickleball, a sport where players use light paddles and low-bouncing plastic balls on a smaller court.
Zoleta teamed up with Johner Ombrezo to capture the gold medal in the mixed doubles 35+ Open category at the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series in Bali, Indonesia last Sunday.
They beat Thailand’s Piyapon Srirapan and Tarie Caouette, 21-18, in the final.
um,” said Zoleta in an online interview on Monday.
“It felt so good that I achieved my goal to win a medal again in a world-level competition and see our flag on the world stage, especially in pickleball which is still growing in the Philippines,” added Zoleta, a member of the soft tennis national team which competed at the World Soft Tennis Championship in Anseong, South Korea three weeks ago.
The Filipinos know the tough challenge ahead of them in the prestigious WPC Series which has attracted 552 athletes from 28 countries.
With their top assignment already inked with a green check, TNT finished the job with a waxing hot performance in the shooting field in the last two quarters.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson didn’t skip a beat and delivered another stellar performance for TNT with 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, a steal, and a block.
The Tropang Giga then decided to alternate defenders for Bolick as head coach Chot Reyes deployed three bodies that could bang with the star floor general.
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Joining Jefferson in TNT’s masterclass was Calvin Oftana, their main local scorer who contributed 18 markers alongside five boards.
Rey Nambatac, one of the main reasons why TNT was able to establish a 20-point advantage in the first half, ended up with 17 points.
The Tropang Giga will aim to wrap up the series win today, in the last game of the scheduled doubleheader of the PBA Playoffs.| - Leobert Julian A. de la Peña, Daily Guardian
Fiesta Hispano-Filipino: Celebrating Intramuros patron, Spain-PH bond
tilian words, our food is infused with flavors from Spain’s kitchen, and our traditions bear the unmistakable imprint of a shared history,” Frasco said in her speech read by Undersecretary Rica Bueno.
“But among the many legacies left to us, one that shines brightly today is the tradition of festivals and fiestas, a gift of Spanish influence that have become a hallmark of Filipino life,” she added.
The Intramuros Administration and San Agustin Church, the lead organizers of the events, are planning to hold the Fiesta de Intramuros and the related Fiesta Hispano-Filipino annu-
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ally.
Beyond promoting Intramuros as a destination, Fr. Edwin Hari OSA, rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, said the celebrations aim to further enrich the Catholic faithful’s appreciation and devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary.
“Ang kahalagahan ng pag-promote sa devotion to Our Lady of Consolation ay una, maalala ng mga tao na hindi sila nag-iisa sa mga pinagdaraanan nila sa buhay (The importance of promoting the devotion to Our Lady of Consolation is to let the people know that they are not alone in the difficulties that they face in life),”
he said in an interview.
“Ang Our Lady of Consolation is the patroness of the afflicted, comforter of the afflicted. So, ito ay para ma-ipakita at ma-ipadama sa kanila na may kasama sila sa buhay at paghihirap (This is to show that she is there for everyone and that they are not alone in life),” he added.
The first Fiesta de Intramuros served as a prelude to the 25th anniversary of Canonical Coronation of the venerable image of Our Lady of Consolation in September 2025.
The image is currently housed inside the San Agustin Church.| - Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, pna
40 years in jail, damages for 10 convicted fratmen
Atio’s parents thanked the government and private prosecutors, as well Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for the prompt handling of the high-profile case.
The case had been filed for violation of Republic Act (RA) 8049 or the original Anti-Hazing Law of 1995, which was enacted following the hazing death of Ateneo Law School student Lenny VIlla.
The law was subsequently amended after the
incident involving Castillo.
UST Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina, meanwhile, said he continues to extend his heartfelt sympathies and prayers to Castillo’s family.
He, however, said he respectfully disagrees with the statement of Mrs. Carmina Castillo that UST and the Faculty of Civil Law failed in their duty to protect her son.
“The university and the faculty have always implemented and upheld poli-
cies that promote the safety and welfare of all students. Unfortunately, no institution is spared from the actions of individuals who choose to disregard these measures. We remain committed to ensuring a safe environment and continuously improve our efforts to prevent a repetition of such tragedy” Divina said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the Manila RTC’s ruling.
“The road to justice has been long and challenging, especially for Atio’s family who waited seven years for this day to come, but today marks a victory for the rule of law against the evil of hazing,” Gatchalian said in a separate statement.
He recalled that Castillo’s death pushed lawmakers to pass Anti-Hazing Act (RA 11053).
But Gatchalian pointed out that hazing still exists despite the law’s passage.
From 2014 to 2024,
The Filipino pair defeated Australians Ty Yturralde and Sarah Burr, 15-13, in the quarterfinals and conquered Indonesians Novi Emiliabir and Gusti Hariwibawa, 15-2, in the Final Four.
Like Zoleta, the 36-yearold Ombrezo from Tukuran, Zamboanga Del Sur is a seasoned tennis player. He won the singles gold medal at the 2006 Palarong Pambansa in Naga Camarines Sur.
“I’m very happy to have finally made it to the podi-
“We did not expect to win because there are many pro players in our category and we are the first in the Philippine delegation to win the gold,” said Zoleta, whose younger sister Bambi also plays pickleball.
Since the Philippines has no national pickleball team yet, Zoleta’s trip to Bali was made possible with the help of her family and generous supporters.
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BINI takes Blooms to their quest to stardom in ‘Born To Win’ docu on iWantTFC
Girl Group behind the hits “Born to Win,” “Na Na Na,” “Lagi Lagi,” “Pantropiko,” and more.
Before its much-awaited premiere, BINI members Mikha, Colet, Maloi, and Jhoanna surprised BLOOMs during its advance screening last Sep-
the senator said 17 deaths from hazing were reported, the latest of which was Ren Joseph Bayan Bayan, an 18-year-old student in Jaen, Nueva Ecija who died from hazing injuries on
tember 23 (Monday) at Gateway Cineplex—thanking them for their outpouring support not only for their docuseries but also for their unwavering love throughout their journey. Join the Nation’s Girl Group in looking back on their quest to music stardom in “BINI Chapter 1: Born to Win.” In the Philippines, users need to register an account on iWantTFC. com to watch the series. Registration and viewing are free.| PR
TOUGH SHOT. RJH and the Tropang Giga are only a win away from another semis spot.| (PBA)
CHAMPIONS. Filipinos Bien Zoleta (left) and Johner Ombrezo on the podium after winning the gold medal in the mixed doubles 35+ Open category at the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series in Bali, Indonesia last Sunday (September 29, 2024). They beat Thailand’s Piyapon Srirapan and Tarie Caouette, 21-18, in the final..| (Contributed photo)
BULLETIN BOARD
Fiesta Hispano-Filipino: Celebrating Intramuros patron, Spain-PH bond
MANILA – A vibrant show of the enduring Spanish influence on Philippine culture and the Filipinos’ deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary took center stage at the recently held Fiesta Hispano-Filipino in Intramuros.
The event, a culminating part of the month-long Fiesta de Intramuros that honors the walled city’s patroness, Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa, highlighted the intricate and centuries-old bond be-
tween Spain and the Philippines.
Guests were treated to nostalgic performances of Filipino folk songs like “Leron Leron Sinta” and “Kalesa,” celebrating the Philippines’ cultural legacy, as well as renditions of iconic Spanish songs such as “Hasta La Eternidad,” “Eres Tú,” and “Bésame Mucho.”
The cultural night on Friday was graced by Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who was invited to
serve as “hermana mayor” (honorary festival chair) next year.
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco recognized the connections between Spain and the Philippines that can be seen from Filipino traditions, food, down to festivals it holds all year-round.
“For over three centuries, Spain’s influence shaped the very fabric of Filipino life -- our language carries the echoes of Cas-
BINI takes Blooms to their quest to stardom in ‘Born To Win’ docu on iWantTFC
FOLLOW the rise of BINI, from their aspirations in the music scene to becoming the beloved Nation’s Girl Group, in the first chapter of their highly anticipated docuseries entitled “Born to Win,” streaming for free and on-demand on iWantTFC starting September 26 (Thursday).
Co-produced alongside ABSCBN News and premier talent
agency Star Magic, this iWantTFC Original Docuseries is a threepart feature that takes BLOOMs into the group’s journey to stardom while presenting never-before-seen footage during their preparations for their first major concert “BINIverse.”.
Its first chapter, “Born to Win,” serves as an introduction to the BLOOMs’ ‘One True 8’ in
Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena as they take viewers to their humble beginnings as trainees undergoing hardships to becoming the next sought-after girl group. Despite the challenges, the girls exhibited resiliency and camaraderie, eventually finding booming success as today’s Nation’s u Turn to page A7
PATRONESS Rev. Fr. Edwin Hari, OSA, presents an image of Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion y Correa to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during the Fiesta Hispano-Filipino at Casa Blanca, Intramuros, Manila on Friday (Sept. 27, 2024), with Intramuros Administrator chief Joan Padilla (right). The event, a culminating part of the month-long Fiesta de Intramuros that honors the walled city’s patroness, highlighted the centuries-old bond between Spain and the Philippines.|Photo courtesy of Jess Escaros, Jr.
EXEMPLARY. Mr. Hans Sy (holding a plaque at the center) – Chairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings was honored with the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) Outstanding Filipino Retailers President Award for his ‘visionary leadership in
BINI Mikha, Colet, Maloi, and Jhoanna with BLOOMs at the screening of Born to Win docu.||ABS-CBN PR