Leyte-Samar
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VOL. XXV NO. 198
SUNDAY OCTOBER 27, 2013
P10.00 IN TACLOBAN
P25-M road projects in Leyte near completion By AHLETTE REYES
TACLOBAN CITY – In keeping with its vision of improving the life of every Filipino through quality infrastructure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through the 2nd Leyte Engineering District is nearly completing P25 million worth of road widening and improvement of the national highways under it. Two of these road improvement and widening projects are found in Dulag and MacArthur
Secretary Proseso Alcala of Department of Agriculture answering questions during a brief media interaction in Hilongos, Leyte. Alcala visited the province to turn-over some farm and fishery machineries to local government units in the fifth district of Leyte. With him were (left)DA Regional Executive Director Antonio Gerundio, Hilongos Mayor Albert Villahermosa and Representative Carlos Cari.(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
With release of PDAF suspended, people turn to PCSO for medical aid By JOEY A. GABIETA
TACLOBAN CITYThe temporary suspension on the release of the pork barrel fund to senators and congressmen has resulted to a “sudden increase” in the number of their clients. Thus said Genciano Creer, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)-Leyte based this city. Creer said that for the past few weeks now, the number of people
seeking medical or hospital assistance to their office had increased. The PCSO official attributed the increase of their clients, who are mostly poor people, with the non-issuance of medical or hospital assistance from the congressmen. The Supreme Court earlier last month suspended the release of the remaining pork barrel of the congressmen and senators due to a petition filed seeking for the stoppage on the release of
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the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), the official name of the pork barrel. Creer said that unlike in the past, their office only cater to about 10 clients seeking for medical or hospitalization assistance. “But for the past few days now, we are catering more than that number… as much as 30 of them. The sudden increase came at a time when our congressmen could no longer provide medical or financial assistance to their constituents,” Creer said. Last year, the PCSOto page 3
WEATHER Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. High 87F (30.6C). Winds W at 5 to 10 mph (8.0 to 16.1 kph). Chance of rain 40%.
towns amounting to P10 million and P15 million respectively. Improvement of the highway in Brgy. San Jose, Dulag, Leyte consist of stone masonry while road shoulders were constructed along the highway in MacArthur town. The national highway traversing through these towns are important links for vehicles plying the routes from Luzon to the Mindanao area. Thus, 2nd LED district engineer Carlos Veto page2
Health summit slated on November
TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte provincial government will spearhead a provincial health summit next month, according to Dr. Antonio Ida, Leyte health team leader of the Department of Health (DOH).
The summit is slated next month. Ida said that accomplishments of the health programs will be presented during the summit. There will also be an awarding of the best to page 3
There is income in grasses. So says Sibol Inc. Rafael Delis,Larry Villacorta, FCI/ PIDFDP project coordinator and interior designer Heidron Molan whose group is to mount an exhibit next month showcasing home decors made of indigenous grasses.
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Leyte Samar Daily Express
NEWS
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Chocolate Hills park opens
BOHOL - A new tourism site is slowly gaining popularity in Bohol. Originally scheduled to open next month, the Camanayon Hill Development Corp., said the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) has become some tourists’ alternate destination for viewing the Chocolate Hills, after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol last week. CHAP is a privateowned tourism site situated in Camanayon, Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol. They softopened last April. “The original plan was to have everything in place before the scheduled grand opening. But things have
changed after the earthquake. We have to open the site as part of the countryside tour,” said Jing Velasco, the managing director, who also owns a travel agency and reportedly pioneered the hop-on-hop-off concept in Manila. CHAP logs an estimate of 80 walk-in guests per day. It anticipates more visitors following the intensive promotions undertaken by the local tourism stakeholders to revive Bohol’s tourism. “We are working double-time so we can accommodate more tourists,” he said. CHAP currently has 18 employees. Velasco said the firm allocated an initial P60 million to develop the four-hectare property. At
COMELEC Barangay Elections 2013 Sept. 28, 2013 - Nov. 12, 2013 Election Period per COMELEC Res. No. 9715
October 11-17, 2013 Filing of COCs, except Oct. 13, 2013 October 18 - 26, 2013 Campaign Period October 28, 2013 Barangay Election Day
present the company has already developed onethird of the site. “We want to position CHAP as an eco-park, a green-friendly tourism site,” he said. He noted that they picked Bohol as an investment site because he believes tourism is the next big thing that could propel development in the country. By November this year, Velasco said, they will be putting in place adrenaline-pumping activities such as a zip line, canopy walk, hiking trail, camp site, and bike rides, among others. Next year, they will begin the construction of function rooms and some 30 to 40 “glamorized bahay-kubo” for guests who want to stay overnight. Velasco said what sets the site apart from the others is that it offers another “refreshing panorama” of the famous Chocolate Hills, with a 248-step viewing deck. The interior design draw inspiration from Velasco’s travels around the world. CHAP also has its own version of Honesty Cafe, a concept he copied from Batanes. “Honesty is one value that is inherent among Boholanos. This is one culture that we want to highlight here so tourists will never have that fear that people will overcharge or shortchange them,” he said. Aside from upgrading Bohol’s tourism experience, Velasco also said they are planning to ab-
sorb the displaced workers of the damaged Chocolate Hills viewing site in Carmen. “Tourism is Bohol’s growth driver. More than anything else, we hope to provide employment for the local community. We will absorb those displaced workers as much as we can,” he said. “In fact the Rondalla is here; what we are trying to get are the masseurs.” CHAP has also dedicated a portion of their site for local souvenir shops. While Bohol’s tourism is on the road to recovery, local tourism stakeholders are encouraging the local travel market to include Bohol in their itineraries this semestral break. David Baillie, president of the Alona Beach Community Association Inc. in a separate interview said, now is the high time to visit Bohol because it’s the lean season and most rooms in Panglao Island are offering 20 percent discounts. According to Baillie, Bohol is still blessed because it has good infrastructure and good road networks that link one town to the other, making the countryside tour up and running. The Department of Tourism, on the other hand, is beefing up measures to revive tourism in the province. DOT Assistant Secretary for Tourism Development Planning Rolando Canizal said a team
P25-M... from page 4
loso called on his engineers to strictly comply with the guidelines on the maintenance of national roads and bridges for the safety and convenience of the general public. He said the intensified implementation of public works and highways projects and improvement of existing national highways strengthens economic activity, moves people and goods faster, cheaper and safer; and facilitates the decongestion of traffic.
from the United States Agency for International Development is in the province to help in the assessment and rehabilitation plan. “Tourism here will soon pick up. We are only getting postponement of visits, not really cancellations,” he said. (SUNNEX)
Efficient maintenance of all national roads and bridges within their jurisdiction is always his top priority, Veloso said. Meanwhile, it was learned that under the 2014 National Expenditure Program, road sections covered by the Leyte Second Engineering District (2nd LED), will get P95.74 million for rehabilitation, P12 million for road slip, P1.5 million for bridge repair, P19.71 million for drainage system, P14.24 million for asphalt overlay, and P28 million for paving of shoulders. Veloso said that with the inclusion of huge budget for 2014 maintenance activities for the road network, more improvements will be done along the highways in Leyte’s second district.
NEWS
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Sec. Alcala turns over farm machinery in Leyte’s fifth district HILONGOS, Leyte – Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala in his visit to this town turned over more than P22 million worth of farm and fishery machineries in the towns and city of fifth district of Leyte. His visit was made possible through the invitation of Leyte fifth district Representative Carlos Cari to make the agriculture chief see the projects that his agency is implementing in their district. Aside from Rep. Cari, present during the turnover were Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Dominic Petilla, Dir. Antonio Gerundio of DA-8 Baybay City Mayor Carmen Cari and municipal mayors of the district of Leyte, members of farmers organizations and other DA officials. Farming and fishery machineries are important as it helps in increasing production that increases income of farmers,Alcala said. Machinery does not compete with farmer but rather it compliments them, he added. Alcala added that farm machinery is important especially during a calamity like
typhoons as they could immediately harvest their crops like palay. Alcala added that mechanization is important to cope up with the positive farm production of our neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea that has better agricultural crops result. Japan has more than seven percent production resulting from the use of farm machinery while South Korea has more than four percent. The Philippines, on the other hand, has only more than one percent, according to Alcala. This why they want to increase the use farm machinery before the end of President Aquino’s term, he said. Alcala turned over a combine harvester and a tractor and other farm and fishery support worth P5.847 million. Aside from Hilongos, the other LGUs in the district that received farm and fishery machineries from DA were Javier, P8.835 million; Baybay, P4.583 million; Matalom, P1.581 million; the towns of Bato, Hindang and Inopacan each received P603, 368.95; and Abuyog received P16,300 worth of farm equipment.
With...
limited resources,” he said. Creer, however, declined to comment further on the “good side” of the controversial pork barrel, said to be a common source of corruption among some of the country’s legislators. The PCSO-Leyte can only release at least P2 million a month with a possible medical or hospitalization assistance of not less than P1,000. Creer said that they could provide medical or hospitalization assistance as much as P100,000 in extreme cases like if the pa-
from page 1 Leyte office, which is based here in the city, helped 1,199 patients seeking medical or hospitalization assistance. The office released a total P13.63 million last year for said assistance. Creer observed that the pork barrel of the congressmen, in a way, is beneficial. “It’s really a big help to our (poor) people seeking help. But we can only do so much due to our
(ROEL AMAZONA AHLETTE C. REYES & LIZBETH ANN ARCELAO)
Leyte Samar Daily Express
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E.Visayas to elect more than 4,000 new barangay officials CP-SS_Oct 27-28 2013 LeyteSamarDaily_18'5x15.indd 1
597 barangays, 60 barangay chairmen and 557 barangay councilors were on their third term, Noval said. He said that for the province of Leyte with 1,541 barangays, there are 245 chairmen and 1,448 councilors who are in their last terms and also barred from running for the same posts. Noval also said that in Northern Samar with 569 barangays, there are 89 chairmen and 479
TACLOBAN CITY The electorate in Eastern Visayas will vote for 4,459 new barangay officials this October 28 elections for the 4,390 villages in the region. Director Pedro Noval, DILG-8 regional director, told reporters in an interview at his office here, that prior to the election, 4,459 barangay officials throughout the region were barred from running for reelection being a third termer in the office they are occu-
pying. Director Noval informed out of these third termer barangay officials, 608 are barangay chairmen while 3,851 are barangay councilors. Noval informed that Biliran with 132 barangays, there are 11 barangay chairmen who are in their third terms that were barred from running for the same position. On the other hand, for Eastern Samar with
tient need a dialysis. Presentacion Turbeles, 60, was one of the patients seeking assistance from the PCSO instead to the congressional office of Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone. Turbeles’ husband, Antonio, needs a dialysis due to his kidney problem. “I need at least P7,000 a week, a huge amount of money which is really beyond our means,” Turbeles, a native of Barangay Malbog, Lawaan town in Eastern Samar, said. She said she heard reports that she could no longer seek assistance from her congressmen reason why she decided to ask help from the PCSO.
Cross in cooperation with the Australian Red from page 1 Cross. The DOH-Leyte is local government units in the implementation continually enhancing of their health programs and upgrading its health that best address the services and health faconcerns of the constit- cilities. It is also targeting to provide health uents. The health summit care coverage to all is a venue to review the Leyteños as mandated health programs of the by President Benigno Leyte province and im- Aquino III for universal prove the strategy of de- health to all Filipinos. livery of its health care services, according to Ida. Ida was the representative of the DOH, during the turn-over of health facilities and health centers/stations in San Isidro, Leyte by the Philippine Red
Health...
10/25/13 3:51 PM
councilors who are in their third terms. On the other hand for Samar province with 951 barangays, there are 124 chairmen and 800 councilors who are in their last terms, he added. Noval said that for Southern Leyte with 500 barangays, there are 79 chairmen and 518 councilors who are in their last terms and also not allowed to run for the same positions. (RESTITUTO A. CAYUBIT)
During the summit, the provincial officials and the health stakeholders will be able to discuss the different health concerns at the same time present for the enhancement of health services for the greater benefits of the Leyteños. (VICKY C. ARNAIZ)
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OPINION
Leyte Samar Daily Express
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Leyte Samar
DAILY EXPRESS POSITIVE * FAIR * FREE
Dalmacio C. Grafil Publisher Ven S. Labro Editor-in-Chief Alma M. Grafil Business Manager The Leyte Samar Daily Express is published daily with editorial and business offices at G/F Knights of Columbus Bldg., 187 P. Zamora St. Tacloban City CONTACT Tel. Nos. 321-4833/ 523-7373 Fax. (053) 321-5591 WEBSITE leytesamardaily.net EMAIL ADDRESS EDITORIAL lsdaily2@yahoo.com ADVERTISING lsdaily_ads@yahoo.com All rights reserved. Except as permitted by law, no part of Leyte Samar Daily Express may be re-produced or distributed in any form or by any means stored in a database or retrieval system without its prior written permission from the publisher. Commentaries from readers whose identities they prefer to remain anonymous can be accommodated as ‘‘blind items’’. It will be our editorial prerogative, however, to verify the veracity of such commentaries before publication. Letters should be as brief as possible, and sent with the writer’s name,signature address and phone numbers (if any) to: ‘‘Letters to the Editor’’, Leyte Samar Daily Express, They may be edited for length and clarity.
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Vote buying – barangay showdown
D
eciding who we want to lead our barangays is the best blessing of our democracy. We enjoy the free exercise of our sacred right to vote for those who deserve the trust and confidence of our people to run the affairs of barangay governments. The choice must be based on ideal parameters that would produce officials who possess the qualification, capability, integrity to perform the functions of the office being aspired for. There too is a need to examine the platform or advocacy that a particular candidate is pushing for that would be a good yardstick of what one will do once elected. But all these are mere ideals of bygone days when elections were truly clean and honest in all aspects, including the voter’s respect to his dignity and honor as a sovereign and rationale being. It is indeed unfortunate that elections are nothing more than commercial transactions
with the sacred vote as commodity of the deal. Candidates no longer worry formulating a program of government for voters no longer care asking for the best platform anyway. Even meetings held by candidates during the campaign do not anymore attract the curiosity and interest of the voters. People would attend to listen only if they are given the best consideration for their presence. We can only find a few who voluntarily go to meetings as a manifestation of responsibility. Most do not anymore care to listen and just decide on choices without knowing well the personalities and issues. Calls to regain our moral bearings had repeatedly been issued by concerned civic, religious and cause oriented groups. Such appeal to resort to conscience and fight every temptation and influence of money, guns and power to page 7
DAR files collection complaints vs questionable NGOs, may also charge members criminally The Department of Agrarian Reform, which has been named in ongoing probes on the controversial priority development assistance fund (PDAF) or possibly other related scams – no thanks to Janet Lim Napoles, has already set its own investigation which involves alleged releases of millions of pesos to certain non-government organizations. Everyone in the DAR most likely believes that this probe is also a chance for their department to weed out the bad and wicked and at the same time cleanse itself. Call it a purge, if you will, if there will be any that would be necessary along the way. Personally, this representation welcomes the investigation very much.
Under the heading “DAR Investigation On Reported Fund Releases To NGOs Ongoing”, the home page of DAR’s website said in part: ‘The Department of Agrarian Reform yesterday said that, following its internal investigation on the matter, it is currently collaborating with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on instituting collection cases against
questionable NGOs in relation to fund releases in late 2010 to 2011. ‘DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anthony Parungao said that they have collated the documents and completed the required staff work needed for the filing of collection complaints against five (5) of these NGOs, and have submitted the papers for the cases against three (3) of the NGOs to the OSG
two (2) weeks ago, for the latter’s evaluation and appropriate action. He said that they will be transmitting the papers against two (2) more NGOs to the OSG today, 25 October 2013, while those for four (4) more will be transmitted next week. ‘He also said that they will be sending more documents in the next two (2) weeks, as they are still doing case build up for the collection complaints on the others. “The filing of these collection cases is in conformity with the recommendation of the COA”, Parungao said. “Right now, not all documents are available, although certified true copies of a majority of the checks
to page 5
OPINION
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Goodwill in the Fourth Estate
True-blooded members of the media can feel the pain of those assassinated by onionskinned people. Former Ormoc media-based Jun Briones rendered his opinion in Remate national daily newspaper regarding the complaint before LTFRB, Quezon City.
In October 24 issue of Remate Jun Briones, formerly with media group in Ormoc City called me that he read my article in this regional daily newspaper. He felt disgusted when he learned my complaint addressed to Atty. Winston Ginez, chairman of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has not acknowledged my letter/complaint. In Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”, Section 5, states: “(a) Act promptly on letters and requests.- All public officials and employees shall within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof, respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communication sent to the public. The reply must contain the action taken on the request.” Indeed, my letter of August 10 to Atty. Ginez is not acted upon, either to inform me whether he threw to the wastebasket or indorsed it to other offices with jurisdiction over the complaint. Nothing heard from Atty. Ginez. I resigned following letters addressed to government offices, because the present crop of officers and employees are no longer as efficient as in the past. When I was working in the government offices, I had to attend immediately to the business of the day. I can still recall a woman whose postal money order could not be cash for lack of identification card. The postal clerk in-charge did not want to take the risk of paying without proper identification. The woman approached me pleading for me to be her witness. I looked on the amount, which was only P20.00, but in the past years, P20.00 is equivalent to P200.00 today. Therefore, after asking few questions I signed the check as witness,
Several days passed by the woman return with a bunch of string beans, she was able to harvest from their garden. Another experience I have was a man in Sta. Mesa, Manila, who solicited a bag of refined sugar weighing two kilos. That was Christmas season. He forced me to receive the sugar, in spite of my rejection. He said: “Other postman delivers my check but wait for a peso tip. But you never did what others have been doing.” It the pleasure to serve other people that probably caused me to reach the age of 77. In this wicked system, it is not always moneygiving happiness. It is the joy of accomplishment. I read the article of Jun
DAR... from page 4 are already in our possession.” ‘Parungao did not preclude the option of filing of criminal cases against members of these NGOs. He added that once all case build ups have been completed, they will also forward the same to the government investigating agencies concerned, for further investigation. ‘He reiterated that DAR will continue the investigation which started some time July last year on the fund releases to other NGOs. ‘He said that last July 2012, Undersecretary Pacturan of the DAR’s Support Services Office began investigating NGOs which were allegedly involved in questionable fund releases. ‘Parungao also recalled that in the initial investigation of the said office, no projects were implemented, which is why letters were sent on July and November last year to these NGOs, reminding them of their obligation to submit reports and make an ac-
Briones having the same style when we were together writing for The Ormoc Observer, now defunct. He has that courageous to go straight to the point. There was a time a former presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court in this city sentenced him to 10 days imprisonment for indirect contempt. He was placed behind bar for 10 minutes because the media group posted bail for his temporary liberty. The case reached the higher court on appeal. That was in the 1990s. Anyway, those years were happy days for the media people in this city. We held forum the way the Express It at the Park in Tacloban City, though a small group compared to the media people of the East Coast of Leyte. I am glad Jun Briones was able reading the article about the abusive conductress that the people in Metro Manila can read how Atty. Ginez sat down on my complaint. (Feedback welcome, g_duna@yahoo. com)
counting of the funds. ‘He said that the Department is committed to get to the bottom of this issue, and that it will not hesitate to take other actions once culpability is clearly established. ‘Parungao clarified that according to prevailing guidelines at that time, undersecretaries may sign contracts and fund releases up to a certain level. ‘Parungao also said that the Department has instituted more stringent measures on fund releases to NGOs and other private entities. These include, among others, having private entities, such as the NGOs, strictly undergo the process of competitive bidding if the entity to be funded will provide goods or services, or through a Needs Assessment and Design Assessment (NADA) procedure if the NGO is the beneficiary of funds or of support services. ‘Parungao also relayed that in December 2011, several NGOs were again endorsed to facilitate PBD programs to the amount of P475M. DAR insisted on the conduct of competi-
Leyte Samar Daily Express
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God writes straight with crooked lines NOW that we are into some disasters and calamities, it’s good to remind ourselves that God writes straight with crooked lines. We need to strengthen our faith, making deliberate acts of faith to avoid letting the pillars of our ultimate beliefs eroded by the many trials and difficulties we are and will be experiencing because of them. God is all good, all wise, all merciful. He does not want to play tricks on us. He is not a hunter who likes to harass us and to strike us in our most vulnerable moments. He is a good father who understands us well, loves us no end, provides us with everything we need, and solves our problems in their final terms. He even assumes the mess that we make due to our sinfulness, and converts them into our way of reconciliation. His will and ways are actually simple and straightforward. What makes them to appear crooked are our own natural limitations, personal weaknesses and our own sinfulness that tend to complicate what is actually simple. The gospel gives us the basis for all these claims and beliefs. We are told to see and assess things more by faith rather than just our common sense and the power of our sciences and natural knowledge. “You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” he said (Lk 12,56), somehow telling us that we should not just look at the externals and appearance of things, but rather into the internal and spiritual aspects, where the interplay of God’s providence and our correspondence takes place. This is the challenge we have to tackle. We need to study the will and ways of God that actually are revealed to us with enough if not abundant clarity in spite of the mysteries that they also contain. Are we doing something about this chaltive bidding in selecting service providers, including NGOs. Subsequently, these funds were withdrawn from the Department. ‘In fact, Parungao said that it is unfortunate that funds were allocated to NGOs that were merely
to page 6
Commentary By Fr. Roy Cimagala
lenge? The faith broadens our mind and leads us to brace ourselves to the full range of reality that we live in, a reality that includes the natural and the supernatural, the material and the spiritual. It’s the faith that sheds the proper and ultimate light to everything in our life, including not only the good things that happen to us, our victories and successes, but also the bad and sad things that spring not so much from our natural limitations as from the infranatural or sub-human frailties that arise from our sinfulness. It’s the faith that gives meaning and salvation to the suffering that we unavoidably will have in this life. In another part of the gospel, for example, we are told that whenever some calamities occur, one thing that we should remember as we go about tackling the consequences of such calamities is that we need to repent. Our life here on earth can be described in many ways, most of them beautiful and of the fell-good type. But one realistic way of describing it is that it is also a life meant to elicit in us sentiments of repentance and conversion. That’s because of our sinfulness. The pertinent gospel passage is the following: “Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled
with the blood of their sacrifices. He said to them in reply, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? “By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” (Lk 13,1-3) May we not get lost in the drama provoked by the calamities and disasters that visit us from time to time, a drama that inevitably sparks off strong natural feelings of fear! We have to see the whole picture painted by our faith. There we can see that God actually is conveying a beautiful message for us, a message we need to know and live. That’s the reason why we have to pray always. Prayer, for us, should not just be an on-and-off affair. It should be like our breathing, our very heartbeat. It’s what connects us vitally with God, and enables us to see things the way God sees them. We ought to remember that we actually cannot live without God. Thinking otherwise would lead us to some fantasy world that for sure cannot cope with all the fullness of the reality of our human life here on earth. With prayer, we somehow can detect that God actually writes straight, but his writing may look crooked because of our limitations and sinfulness.
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NEWS
Leyte Samar Daily Express
Saint Therese Child Development Foundation Inc. Marching Band
Bohol... from page 8
ers in the province. Senior Superintendent Noli Romana, who heads the Cebu City police, believed this year’s election will be more intense due to the rift among politicians supporting the barangay candidates. Though there are no EWAS in Cebu City, he said they will be monitoring
“drug-affected” barangays such as Pasil, Ermita, DuljoFatima and Lorega. They will also watch over mountain barangays Agsungot, Guba, Tudtod and Babag. There are 576,481 registered voters and 70 polling centers in Cebu City. The police officials in Mandaue City and LapuLapu City also said they are prepared with their respective security plans. (SUNNEX)
2013 Regional SCUAA Meet Schedule of Activities October 24, 2013
SCUAA Got Talent LNU HRDC Gym at 7:00 p.m. October 26, 2013 Closing Program/Paalam Night LNU Quadrangle at 6:00 p.m. November 6-13, 2013 SCUAA Photo Exhibit Robinsons Entertainment Area
DAR... from page 5 endorsed to DAR. He stressed that the reforms that they were starting to put in place early on precisely stipulated that all funds released to entities are subject to bidding. ‘He made an assurance that, save those under investigation now, no other fund disbursements were made without having undergone the said instituted process.’ *** Tacloban city media coordinator Gay Gaspay has shared with this column the stand of Senator
Francis “Chiz” Escudero regarding the highly electrifying Napoles’ issue. Says Chiz: “Hindi ako papayag sa panukalang bigyan ng immunity si Napoles. Una, naman ito garantiya na sasabihin nya ang buong katotohanan. Pangalawa, wala din dapat na ibigay nap abort sa kanya ang Senado. Hindi para sa aming ang magbigay ng kahit anumang kapalit a pagsasabi ng katotohanan. Obligasyon nya ‘yon, sa kanyang sarili at higit sa lahat, sa taumbayan.” I agree with you, Chiz, completely. You are very, very correct.
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Sunday, 27 October 2013 Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City
LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2013-0696 Ref. No. VIII-2011-0196 Application for Sale & Transfer of a CPC to operate a FILCAB service with Prayer to Adopt Trade Name.
LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2003-1416 Application for Extension of Validity of a CPC to operate a PUB service with Prayer to Adopt Business/ Trade Name.
ANTHONY NIMER-VENDOR AMIEL P. AMORA-VENDEE Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT REQUEST AUTHORITY FOR THE APPROVAL OF SALE MADE BY ANTHONY NIMER-VENDOR IN FAVOR OF AMIEL P. AMORA-VENDEE OF A CPC FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT ALONG THE LINE: TACLOBAN CITY-CITY HOSPITALMARASBARAS & VICE VERSA WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNIT A FILCAB SERVICE WHICH CERTIFICATE IS STILL VALID AND SUBSISTING WITH PRAYER TO ADOPT TRADE NAME, AMS TRANSPORT SERVICE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON NOVEMBER 7, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 24th day of October 2013.
THELMA T. RAMOS Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT IS A GRANTEE OF A CPC TO OPERATE A PUB SERVICE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT ALONG THE LINE: BORONGAN-ARTECHE AND VICE VERSA ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNIT WHICH CERTIFICATE EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 19, 2013. IN THE PRESENT APPLICATION, APPLICANT REQUEST AUTHORITY TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF A CPC USING THE SAME NO. OF UNIT AND ROUTE, WITH PRAYER TO ADOPT TRADE NAME, EMBIE TRANSPORT SERVICE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON NOVEMBER 7, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 25th day of October 2013.
(Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board
(Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2003-1595 Application for Extension of Validity of a CPC to operate a PUB service with Prayer to Adopt Business/ Trade Name. JOSE SANICO, JR. Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT IS A GRANTEE OF A CPC TO
m&n Catering Services
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OPERATE A PUB SERVICE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT ALONG THE LINE: TACLOBAN CITY-CATBALOGANCALBAYOG AND VICE VERSA ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNIT WHICH CERTIFICATE EXPIRED ON NOVEMBER 13, 2013. IN THE PRESENT APPLICATION, APPLICANT REQUEST AUTHORITY FOR EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE USING THE SAME NO. OF UNIT AND ROUTE, WITH PRAYER TO ADOPT TRADE NAME, JM SANICO LINER. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON NOVEMBER 13, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 25th day of October 2013. (Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board
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Members: DALMACIO C. GRAFIL, Publisher/Owner-LSDE; ALVIN Gz. ARPON, Columnist-LSDE; RINDO LAGONOY, DYDW; RAMON G. CUYCO, LSDE; VEN S. LABRO, Editor -LSDE/PDI; GAY B. GASPAY, PIA; JOEY GABIETA, Staffwriterto the Guest of the EXPRESS IT AT THE PARK at the LSDE/PDI; PACIFICO SILVESTRECE, Sunday Punch; EILEEN NAZARENO-BALLESTEROS, Columnist-LSDE; LUZVIMINNook of Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City every DA SANTIAGO, PIO-Philhealth; GINA GEREZ, PGO; REYAN ARINTO, LSDE; LITO A. BAGUNAS, LSDE; VINO CUAYZON, Saturday 7:30-9:00 AM PIA; WILSON CHAN, LPH; RONALD VIÑAS, DYVL; AHLETTE REYES, LSDE; NILDA GO, KBP; FRED PADERNOS, LSDE; For Special Edition by appointment ATTY. IMELDA NARTEA, Leyte Province; SARWELL MENIANO-Correspondent-LSDE; LEMUEL PAGLIAWAN - LSDE; Tel. No. 321-4833 Telefax 053-321-5591 ROLLIE MONTILLA - Eastern Times; MARK MORALLOS-DYDW; RONALD O. REYES-Columnist-LSDE
WATCH - REACT - LISTEN
REDEMPTORIST CHURCH
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Sunday, 27 October 2013
Leyte Samar Daily Express
Bohol officials told: Hands off CEBU -- Barangay officials in Bohol who are running for office next month can no longer give away relief goods starting today, October 26, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned. The election period in Bohol, where the exercise was postponed to November 25, starts today. “All releases in relation to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the Province of Bohol, normally or usually coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development and any other office/department of the government performing similar functions shall be turned over to, and administered and disbursed by, the Philippine National Red Cross,” the Comelec said in Resolution 9804, which it issued last Thursday. Comelec-Central Visayas Regional Director Temie Lambino reminded candidates for the October 28 election in the rest of the country to refrain from giving any donations, starting today. In Cebu, military and election officials ironed out on Friday their security plans and assured voters they can expect peaceful and credible elections. The Police Regional Office (PRO), Armed Forces of the Philippines and Comelec will be keeping a close eye on 45 barangays in Central Visayas that were classified as election watchlist areas (EWAS). Gov. Hilario Davide III ordered Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Noel Gillamac to make sure that there will be a peaceful barangay election on Monday. In Bohol’s case, Comelec said that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and its local counterparts will be held fully accountable for the distribution of relief goods. “No relief or other goods for distribution shall be released and coursed to any incumbent barangay official who has filed or intends to file his certificate of candidacy or to any incumbent barangay official whose spouse or member of his family within the second civil degree of affinity or consanguinity has filed or intends to file his certificate of candidacy (COC),” Comelec said in its resolution. Based on the resolution, the persons who filed their COCs last October 11 to 17 in Bohol are now consid-
ered candidates. Those who plan to file on October 28 and 29 are also covered by the prohibitions. The barangay election period normally starts 30 days before the day of the election and 15 days after. The prohibitions cover appointments, promotions, creation of new positions or giving salary increases in government agencies; illegal release of prisoners; raising of funds through lotteries and cockfights; carrying of firearms; suspension of any elective officials; and use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates. Lambino explained that the Commission on Audit will also review the Red Cross’ distribution of relief assistance, but that the priority is to make sure relief operations are not hampered by the barangay elections. The campaign period in Bohol will be from November 15 to 23. The last day to file the Statements of Election Contributions and Expenditures will be on December 26. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Central Visayas last October 15 has killed at least 211, with 197 of them from Bohol. It also affected more than 3.1 million persons in the region and displaced 340,457 persons in Bohol. Although Cebu was hit as well, Comelec saw no reason to cancel the barangay elections here. Governor Davide met on Friday with officials of the CPPO, provincial election supervisor and other officials concerned on the preparations for the barangay election and the All Souls and All Saints Days, also next week. “Ang ato lang, ampo lang gyud ta nga wala’y violence mahitabo sa (We’re praying that no violence will happen on the day of the) barangay election,” he said.
The governor will visit the Cebu South Bus Terminal today to check conditions for passengers who will head for their hometowns. Davide is scheduled to leave early on Monday to cast his vote in Barangay Colawin, Argao. Cebu Provincial Treasurer Emmanuel Guial said all the ballots, which were housed in the Capitol’s warehouse, were distributed to the municipal treasurers in the province. The ballots arrived last Monday. Two barangays in Cebu Province were added to the EWAS list after a suspected leader of a private armed group filed a certificate of candidacy. The killing of a village official last week also led to the decision. Superintendent Pablo Labra II, acting chief of PRO’s Intelligence Division, has recommended Barangay Banban in Bogo City for inclusion, after Joel Sumabong officially declared his candidacy for barangay captain. The candidate, Labra said, was caught last November on the strength of an arrest warrant for attempted murder. “We don’t have reports of armed men in the area, but we’re monitoring it,” Labra told reporters. In Barangay Manatad, Sibonga, the police official said they placed the village under the EWAS after the death of Gomersindo Sabanal. Sabanal, a barangay councilor, was only a few days away from filing his certificate of candidacy when he was gunned down outside his house last October 13. In Cebu Province, Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac said they lacked at least 1,000 personnel to watch over the 1,049 polling centers. But they will be augmented by other police units and the military in order to secure the 1,665,017 registered vot-
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Vote... from page 4
ought to be heeded by all and sundry. The call is very timely as people appear to have lost its moorings on morality and the independent and free exercise of his sovereign will. We really need to reexamine ourselves and try answering basic questions regarding our moral values that ought to guide us in the exercise of our sacred right to vote. Unfortunately, we have seen in the recent past how money plays a crucial role in winning elections. Voters had been used to receiving tokens, pennies and small bills from candidates who want their names written in the official ballot. These candi-
dates pretend to be generous givers to the least of their brethren. They try to downplay vote buying as mere acts of kindness and sharing their riches to their constituents who are expectantly waiting for the election money. Those who have the riches have the decided advantage to win over the poor and unknown candidates. But upsets are always possible if voters will only decide to defeat the evil influence of money by voting wisely no matter the bribe. Voters must decide to stop votebuying in this barangay showdown.
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