The Negros Chronicle November 27, 2011 issue by Gerard Fernandez

VOL. 38

Miss Mae Ann Trinidad Macasaet Miss Dumaguete City 2011

No. 25

Dumaguete City,

Philippines

Sunday,

November 27, 2011

Justice empire Pororoy murder strikes back 04 resolution due 02

P12.00

pecial Drug Courts, despite their creation, can not cope with the increasing demand for justice in this ever-increasing drug using community. Therefore, special drug prosecutors and fiscals are equally needed and justified. The creation of special drug co ur ts, ap parently, ar e no t enough, special drug prosecutors are also needed to ensure a judicious trial that would result in higher conviction rates, too. Regional Trial Court Branch 30 Presiding Judge Cresencio Tan, Jr. admitted that the appointment of prosecutors that will focus on drug cases may improve the conviction rate currently hovering between 40-60 percent in

his sala. He said that the national rate is even much lower at 1015 percent only. Earlier, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency expressed its frustration on the alleged propensity of the drugs court to dismiss cases on mere technicalities. However, Tan disputed this observation asserting that the drug courts here are even liberal To page 19

BY DEMS REY DEMECILLO

ew potential political dynasties are fast emerging even as the old political clans of Negros Oriental continue to hang on to what is left of their second and third generations in the forthcoming 2013 elections. Emerging new political dynasties are mounting their most serious challenge yet to the more established families that have ruled Negros Oriental for the past decades in the upcoming political exercise of 2013, which will determine whether the staying power of the old hands can withstand the all-out offensive of a rejuvenated local opposition.

The Sy-Limkaichongs in the 1st District and the Villanuevas in the 2nd District, all of the Liberal Party,

have been advocating since 2007 to “infuse new and young blood” in the local corridors of power as the wor-

thy alternatives to the ruling families Macias, Arnaiz, Paras To page 19

No political vendetta here BY JUANCHO RODRIGUEZ

“N

ot in 100 years: there is no record of any political vendetta here in Negros Oriental,” despite various feuds among political families, says Pryde Henry Teves, congressman and scion of the Teves political clan.

LAKAS LEADERSHIP (L-R): Meniong Teves; MAYORS Rene Gaudiel; Melo Remollo; Bentham dela Cruz; Butchoy Saycon; Gary Teves; Dandil Abrio; Ex-Gov. Petit Baldado; Ricky Gonzales; Boy Gonzales; Marcela Bartoces; and Silliman Pres. Ben Malayang at the fiesta luncheon at Meniong’s

Dumaguete City 63rd Charter Day Anniversary parade led by Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria (4th place from left) with (L-R) Councilor Manuel Arbon, Congressman George Arnaiz, Former Finance Secretary Gary Teves, Vice-Mayor Alan Gel Cordova and Councilor JV Imbo The grandson of the province’s po litical patr iarch Meniong Teves, 3rd District Rep. Pryde Henry Teves declares no one big has ever been killed due to politics in this province, even in the last 100

years. Henry Teves said, however, some politicians could have been sho t or k illed f or p er so nal grudges, love triangle, land dispute, ideology, or personal debts, To page 2

SC-DBM clash on judges’ pay BY DEMS DEMECILLO

ncrease in the salaries, allowances and deferential of the trial judges as mandated by law, but which allegedly were withheld by the Department of Budget and Management, can be cited as one of the main causes of the animosity between the executive and judicial departments. The dispute surfaced in the heels of the alleged defiance of Department of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima of the Supreme Court’s Temporary Restraining Order on former President Gloria

Macapagal-Arroyo’s bid to travel abroad to seek medical treatment. Claiming that this is not the first time that the executive department refused to heed the rulings of the High Court, Midas

Marquez, the Supreme Court Administrator said that the Memorandum of Agreement between the SC and DBM that mandated the release of funds for the salary adjustments To page 19

“MEEKNESS IS NOT WEAKNESS, RATHER, IT IS THE EXHIBIT OF STRENGTH UNDER CONTROL.”

November 27, 2011

Mr. Pure Energy Inspires Local Musicians

ilipino superstar Gary Valenciano, also known as Mr. Pure Energy, graced the 2nd Elements National Songwriting Camp held at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium last November 10. At the peak of the songwriting camp, Gary V spoke and emphasized the importance of valuing our God-given talents. Being a firm believer himself, Gary V urges aspiring music artists to pursue their primary passion --music.

GARY VALENCIANO

Th e ev en t was attended by young singers and songwriters from all over the country, three of which are from Silliman University. They are Jon Riam Quizo, Anna Katrina Espino and Nabil Randy Padilla. Th e Elemen ts Natio nal Songwriting Camp is the brainchild of 7101 Music Nation. Julio Sy, Jr., current Chief Executive Officer of 7101, said, “Wealth is not

always money but what one is able to do for others.” Af fir min g th e insp iring words of Gary Valenciano, the CEO said that what a musician does best is makin g people sing, dance, laugh and love. Elements is an all-expense paid f iv e- day mentorship program that aims to gather a group of 30 songwriters and 30 singers from the different parts of

TOP OF THE WEEK

the country. The event is jampacked with lectures, workshops, group presentations, breakout sessions and case studies. An estimated number of 20 music gurus will serve as mentors and teachers to the participants. Among them is the great maestro Ryan Cayabyab. Official documentation of the camp is expected to be featured soon via the OPM Internet Radio and other TV stations.

BY DEMS REY DEMECILLO

City Mayor barred Resolution on Larena to seek 4th term? slay out this month

nder normal circumstances, Guihulngan’s Mayor is barred by law to seek a fourth term after his third term expires in 2013, but upon the elevation of Guihulngan as a city, Mayor Ernesto Reyes contends that he is entitled to seek another term. Although not yet final, Reyes is of the opinion that since his election to a third and final term occurred when Guihulngan was still a municipality, ergo, he is allo wed to r un and b e elected as a City Mayor.

Amlan Mayor Bentham dela Cruz, who is also a lawyer, claims that Reyes has a favorable opinion from the Department of Interior and Local Government. If he seeks a fourth term, Turn to page 3

P80K shabu seized from two peddlers s if to prove that it is not branded as a haven for illegal drugs for nothing, authorities seized about 10 grams of shabu with a market value of P80,000.00 from two suspects in a recent buy-bust operation in Barangay 9, Tanjay City. However, the main tar- yield ed aside f ro m th e get of the operation man- shabu, two newly grown aged to slip through the marijuana. dragnet and is still at large. Richard Ortega, Jr., alThe operation, jointly con- legedly a trusted hand of a ducted by the Negros Ori- drug lord in the city and is ental Provincial Police Of- among those in the PNP’s fice and the Philippine Drug order of battle list, managed Enforcement Agency, re- to escape. The two arrested su lted in th e ar rest o f suspects refused to be interAntonie Marie Cuevas and viewed but admitted of beRico Torres Silva, which Turn to page 3

No political vendetta here

rosecutor Maritess Macarubo, who is investigating the brutal slaying of Rotary Club President Demetrio Larena III, vowed to file the case’s information before the end of the month so that trial can commence by December.

Meanw hile, th e CAFGU member, tagged as one of the suspects but who expressed his intention to turn state witness, alleged that contrary to the assertion of Espedita Inocerta that she was not in the crime scene, the woman was in fact used as bait by the suspects who shot Larena at close range. Ramil Dungcoy, whose counsel claim to be the least guilty of the accused, alleged that he was asked to fetch Espedita Inocerta as

part of the elaborate plot to kill Larena. The grandson of the first governor of the province was lured to a rendezvous in Campaclan, Sibulan on October 20, 2011 by the hired guns, who allegedly used Espedita via text as bait. Espedita Inocerta presented herself to Larena upon his arrival but the gunmen appeared from behind the woman and shot the widower repeatedly at close range.

5 new NOPH dialysers offer fresh relief, hope

ive new dialysis machines, most likely, the provincial government’s fitting gift to Oriental Negrenses this Yuletide season, will soon be inaugurated at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital on December 16, 2011.

The impending arrival of the machines was anno un ced by Pro vincial Health Officer I Dr. Felix Sy and is expected to provide further relief and hope to those suffering from various ailments who seek refuge at the government-run hospital servin g the neigh boring provinces. At least 20 patients will be serviced by the machines daily.

The provincial government will co nstruct the room that will host the machines acquired for free from Intermed. But the income will b e divided equally by the provincial government and Intermed pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement to be signed between the provincial government and Intermed.

(From page 1)

but never on politics.

REP. PRYDE TEVES

The third district solon was reacting to banner stories and headlines about the threat on the life of the governor, which plans were perceived to be the work of his kin. He said Negros Oriental has a high influence on perception, like what had happened to a former city mayor in Dumaguete who was perceived to be corrupt because of the “not totally

brand new” thing, and as a result, that mayor lost heavily in the election, even if he was not proven to be such. “And now, maybe they’re trying to put that to us, that we are murderers which we clearly are not, especially so that my uncle, former Finance Sec. Gary Teves, has announced his desire to run for governor in 2013. “It pains me much because the alleged foiled assassination attempt happened

two days before the anniversary of the bombing incident in Congress which I survived. You mean to say, I am celebrating life by looking for death, that’s crazy,” Rep. Teves pointed out. He said that the so-called demolition job by people going around blam ing his brother also pains him. “One thing for sure, we are not traitors, we deal straight and we are not liars,” the third district solon quipped. /jg

critical reporting HOW MEDIA SEES IT, AND NOT OTHERS BY ELY P. DEJARESCO

(email:dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com)

Other past presidents were more compassionate nless a man is a mama’s boy, he is usually tough and decisive and a compassionate gentleman. Our past presidents were tough and decisive and compassionate. That is the measure of a leader. A leader makes a decision and does not depend on his lieutenants. He must think and decide knowing that THE BUCK STOPS WITH HIM, not with his assistants. -o0oPresident Marcos, when he knew that his arch enemy, NINOY Aquino, the father of our president, PNOY, in case you forgot, had a heart disease, he immediately released him from high security prison and let him undergo a heart bypass operation in the United States and treated him as a VIP with respect. Ninoy never came back, instead, mounted more hate campaigns vs. Marcos in the U.S.A.. But Marcos, despite his knowledge of Ninoy’s defection, had the heart to let Ninoy be treated by doctors of his choice and abroad. What about Ninoy’s own son? -o0oWhen ERAP ESTRADA suffered from knee sickness and an eye defect, immediately, despite Erap’s arrest, THEN PRES. GLORIA ARROYO allowed deposed president Estrada to travel to Hong Kong and have his knee operated on by the doctors of his choice. Estrada was man enough to come back and face trial for the greatest plunder. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. BUT...PRES. ARROYO PARDONED HIM in the spirit of being a past president and as a Filipino. The heart of the Filipino is always sympathetic. -o0oBut today, obviously upon clearance of Pres. NOYNOY, he has never objected to Mrs. Arroyo’s being stopped from seeking medical attention abroad; he has not stopped his men from pulling the sick Arroyo out of the hospital and for her to be placed on house arrest, if not hospital arrest, inside a government hospital or a special police detention cell. Where is your heart, Mr. President, —LIKE YOUR PREDECESSORS? Do you have a heart at all for anyone who might be placed in a similar predicament? Has he heard of the Golden Rule at all? Does he read the Bible? Is this his brand of Christianity? Is our leader a Christian by heart? -o0oWe are not defending Arroyo, if she indeed has crimes committed and proven with finality. But the simple glaring disparity of how this man treats a woman under both categories as president is something we cannot simply understand, meaning, comparing him with his [absence of] compassion of his predecessors. -o0oFrom Marcos to Arroyo, the clouds of change are emerging. The present administration is now trying to clean up the mess. Let’s give it to PNOY (even if we don’t hear about him on this); his lieutenants are at least showing signs of seriousness in cleansing this government of corrupt bureaucrats. -o0oWell, it’s just that some times, we see the bad guys at the other camp being prosecuted, yet not one, not one high profile case, from this still corrupt government, is being prosecuted with similar intensity as they are doing to the Arroyo past government...and that is not fair. -o0oLook, not one indictment is heard on the massacre at the Hacienda Luisita, owned by the Cojuangcos and Aquinos. Why? None of the Ampatuans are indicted for murder after two years now. Why? But why after four short hours, Gloria Arroyo was issued an arrest warrant? How come the Supreme Court decided with remarkable speed the case of Hacienda Luisita, with 5000 hectares awarded to 6000 beneficiaries? -o0oWe favor the hopeful issuance of a COLLECTIVE TITLE among CARP farmer beneficiaries because this will prevent beneficiaries from selling, mortgaging, and even leasing, the land given to them, without affecting their co-beneficiaries. Without a collective title of their cluster of lands, crop loans are hardly possible to the ordinary poor farmer, no bank will entertain them mi-

To page 16

November 27, 2011

Welcome-home golf tourney honors Golfer Meniong Teves

lose to a hundred local and regional golfers gather today in a two-day tournament, starting yesterday at the Ang Tay Golf and Country Club in Dumaguete, to honor ace golfer Meniong Teves, who is back at the golf course after a respite due to gallbladder surgery. The tournament is also to honor Meniong’s doctor s from the Holy Child Hospital, like Docto rs Nick Uypitching, Glimar Carriaga, Susan Denura and Julius Ligo.

Spon sors of the tou rn amen t in clud e Wilson Chua, Nilo Tam, Gar y Teves an d th e honoree himself. Winners will be announced next issue.

Tanjay still proving itself as drug haven

Big store beats deadline to pay P50M in taxes By JUANCHO RODRIGUEZ

chain of department stores, and its branches nationwide, was able to beat the BIR-imposed tax deficiency deadline, if not, the BIR said, its chain of stores would have been ordered for closure for various alleged violations of existing regulations of the Internal Revenue Code. Re ve nue District 79 chief Crescencio Agad disclosed that five minutes before 10:00, Monday morning, the deadline given by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, UNITOP Corporation opted to settle its Value Added Tax (VAT) and tax deficiencies by paying P50 million to the government, the payment of which will accrue to the loc al government unit of Valenzuela City in Manila, where the main branch of UNITOP is located. Assistant regional director Atty. Aynie Mandajoyan, was about to implement the closure order issued by BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto Henares this morning on the UNITOP branch in Dumaguete, simultaneous with othe r branches in Negros Island and the whole country for that matter, when

they received a call that subject store had opted to settle their tax deficiencies. Unitop would have been the fourth business establishment in Negros Oriental padlocked by the BIR under Oplan Kandado, one in Bais, anothe r groc ery store in Dumaguete, a chain of hotel and resorts in the province, and UNITOP. Agad e njoins Negros Oriental taxpayers not to wait for the government to enforce provisions of Oplan Kandado to avoid inconvenience and embarrassment especially because, as a last option, all procedural matters have been exhausted before the decision is reached. Meanwhile, business establishments are urged to submit their summary list of sales and purchases before the yea r ends, failure of

which will mean imposition of fines and penalties. ACCREDITATION In line with this, Agad reminded businesses to make sure their bookkeepers and accountants are accredited with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to prevent proliferation of fly-by-night bookkeepers and accountants. Per record of Revenue District 79 in Dumaguete, only 15 accountants a nd bookkeepers have been registered with their office. Under existing revenue regulations, documents prepared by unaccredited bookkeepers and accountants will be slapped with penalties upon the firms. The worse part is that the business establishment concerned will be the ones to be penalized and not the accountant or bookkeeper.//.jg

PDE A Director Rayford Yap (center) investigates A ntho nie Marie Cuevas (left) an d Rico Silva (right).

City Mayor... From page 2 Reyes may face his erstwhile ally, former Congressman Jing Paras, who is reportedly asked to seek the mayorship. Reyes, who is in his 80s, is prepared to slide down as vice-mayor and allow his son Guido, the incumbent vicemayor, to take over should a competent authority rule that he is ineligible to run. As to the possibility of facing Paras, Reyes said that it will be the people of the newborn city, thanks to the efforts of then Congressman Paras, who sponsored the law elevating its status, to judge whether the former solon is worthy of the position.

P80K shabu ... From page 2 ing in pos sess ion of the seized illegal drugs. PDEA Director Rayford Yap revealed that Negros Oriental is the third province with the most number of barangays affected by the illegal drug trade in Central Visayas. Cebu Province is on top with 210 bara ngays; Bohol counts 128 barangays as affected with drugs; while Negros Oriental acknowledge s 99 of the 557 barangays are now affected by the menace.

t would seem that Tanjay City is proving it self to be a drug haven as described by the provincial director of the Philippine National Police. So what is its mayor and city council doing about this new reputation? Tanjay City as the haven of illegal drugs was again proven according to the PNP with the arrest of two more suspected drug peddlers last Saturday afternoon with more than 10 grams of shabu in tw o bu nd les wo rth P80,000 combined market price. P/Sr Su pt Edw ar d Carranza told a Kapihan forum last week, Tanjay City is becoming a transit point and haven of suspected drug pushers and peddlers. This new city is located in the crossroads of interior Negros and the National Highway. Nabbed during a buyb ust op er atio n were Anthonie Marie de Ausen

Cuevas and Rico Torres Silva who were in possession of two big “bulto” of shabu, with a street value of P35,000 to P40,000 each. Also confiscated were two pieces of P500.00 bills as marked money. However, the third suspect, identified as Richard Ortegas, alias “Choy-choy,” believed to be the henchman of a socalled “big fish” in the illegal drug trade, eluded police dragnet and is now at large. Also recovered from the residence of Ortega were two suspected marijuana plants in violation of Section 16 of RA 9165. Philippine Drug Enforce-

To page 19

NORSU garners top slots in 2 boards BY

RACHELLE M. NESSIA

wo graduates of the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) made it to the Top 10 of the criminology and midwifery licensure examinations held October and November this year. The topnotch graduates come from the NORSU Bayawan-Sta. Catalina Campus, said NORSU Information Officer Joy Perez. Ranking seventh placer during the Criminology Lic ensure Examina tion is Bembo Palmero Palma with a rating of 89.20%. First placer for said exam hails from Mountain Province State Polytechnic College. According to the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), only 7,789 out of

17,804 total examinees passed the Criminologist Licensure Exam given October 22 this year. On the other hand, Neriza Suico Patoc ranked fourth placer in the Midwife Board Examination with a rating of 87.20%, while the first placer comes from Iloilo Doctors College. In its website, PRC announced that 1,701 out of 3,756 examinees passed the Midwife Licensu re E xam given this November 2011. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

From page 18

November 27, 2011

Supreme Court en banc For FEEDBACK: elmarjayd@yahoo.com

Can GMA still leave RP?

Editorial

Judicial empire strikes back!

he Supreme Court, voting 14-0, decided to award 5000 hectares of the entire Aquino-Cojuangcoowned Hacienda Luisita to 6000 plus farmer beneficiaries in just one stroke of the pen, and it’s been a long time coming…after years, if not decades, of legal battle and —-even bloody physical battles. Without batting an eyelash, we know that this is the supreme retaliation by the GMA-appointed justices of the Supreme Court against the Aquino administration, who for the past weeks, have not only harassed the former lady president, but embarrassed the Supreme court in many countless ways as if their co-equality does not exist, as if the highest tribunal of the land is subjugated to the executive department. But what is striking is that now we know that SPEEDY JUSTICE AFTER ALL IS POSSIBLE in this country. After years of expensive and bloody litigation, now we know that if there is a political will in the judiciary and prosecution alike and among laywers, litigation can be cut short even to four hours, like the speedy filing and indictment of the Arroyo case before the Pasay Regional Trial Court. Another classic delay coming up, however, is the Ampatuan mass murder case: with still 100 suspects at large and only

60 persons arraigned, legal experts say the Ampatuan case can and will drag on to at least three generations. If a former president can be indicted in four hours of deliberation after the filing of the case, then how much more those sons and daughters of a lesser god, so to speak? The Ampatuans can be convicted in record time IF ONLY the court has the political will and is not afraid of personal threats. There is no more question, justice delayed and denied, is a deliberate act of the officers of the court, and that speedy justice is possible if the officers of the court WILLS it. There is a very bad development, however, in the Hacienda Luisita case: after its owners have been divested of ownership, hey, the farmers’ union is now taking over and will be running the hacienda for an indefinite period before the lands are distributed to 6000 beneficiaries. Who is getting richer this time? And how long will the farmers’ union hold on to power and wealth, which they have long fought for, is the latest 64M-dollar question, which we believe will just be like grabbing the hacienda from one greedy landowner to another, this time, the farmers’ union. Bantayi ninyo!

A turning point and a test T

he international press freedom and media advocacy groups may have designated November 23rd as the International Day to End Impunity. But here in the Philippines, on this date, the second anniversary of the foul deed, now known as the Ampatuan Massacre, the glacial progress of the trial of those accused of planning and carrying it out, has become so much a cause for distress because the possibility that it may drag on for years bodes ill for press freedom, human rights and the quest for justice in Philippine society. A year ago, the pace of the judicial proceedings had already set off alarm bells among journalists’ and media advocacy groups, the kin of those killed, and anyone else who still cared about the future of the free press and democracy in this country. The massacre was after all a brutal attack on the free press as an institution necessary in any country

with any pretense at democracy, and on the people’s right to choose their leaders. By murdering 58 men and women, among whom were the lawyers, relatives and allies of a candidate for provincial governor, and 32 journalists and media workers, the killers set back press freedom and free elections by so many years, and earned for the country the dubious distinction of being the site,

not only of the worst attack on the press in history, but also of a fraudulent democracy. Both political and media killings have a long and brutal history in this country. Politicians, their allies and their campaign workers, are killed so routinely in the Philippines that every election is always declared peaceful, no matter the casualties. On the other

hand, the Massacre was a crime waiting to happen. The p er sisten ce of warlordism, the antipathy of local tyrants towards the press, and the many weaknesses of the justice system made it inevitable. The massacre, however, was also a turning point, and a test of the will and capacity of the Philippine State not only to assure To page 16

ormer President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo can still leave the country legally. It will de pend on the Supreme Court’s decision in Tuesday’s oral arguments. Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, in a speech at the University of Makati, Friday, declared “I dread that day.” God forbid, the Supreme Court may pave the way for Gloria Macagapal Arroyo to leave the country, she said. On Tuesday, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, through her lawyers, will argue for the nullification of the joint ComelecDOJ investigating panel that initiated the probe of the electoral sabotage complaint against the former President. The joint probe eventually led to the issuance of a warrant of arrest issued by the regional trial court against the former president, which now legally prevented her from leaving the country. But wait, De Lima cautioned. The Supreme Court, a higher authority than the RTC, can still nullify the warrant of arrest by declaring the joint Comelec-DOJ investigating panel unconstitutional. Arroyo is arguing that the joint Comelec-DOJ investigating panel is unconstitutional because it undermines the independence of the Comelec. The DOJ is under the executive department, while the Comelec is an independent constitutional body. Arroyo claims this mixture of functions dilutes the independence of different branches or offices of government. It is also pointed out that the head of the DOJ and the head of the Comelec were two former lawyers of the opposition to Arroyo when she was in power. A violation of due process, a question of fairness, is in issue. De Lima is confident this can be disputed convincingly by the government on Tuesday. She argues that the Comelec and the DOJ have what is called “concurrent” jurisdiction. The primary jurisdiction, of course, is the Comelec, this being an electoral sabotage case. But the Comelec can, under the law, deputize the Department of Justice, she argued. Hence, jointly holding that investigation by the head body (Comelec) to a body that can be deputized (DOJ) is not irregular, much less illegal, De Lima argues. Second, De Lima said there is no danger of hurting the independence of the Comelec. “We are not holding elections,” she clarified. This is an investigation of a criminal offense, De Lima pointed out. So there is no issue on cracking the independence of the Comelec. “We will see how the Supreme Court will rule on Tuesday,” De Lima said. If the Supreme Court rules the Comelec-DOJ unconstitutional, it will nullify the warrant of arrest issued by the Pasay RTC, and set Arroyo free. If the warrant of arrest is nullified, the Temporary Restraining Order against the DOJ watchlist order is still in effect. With the DOJ watchlist order under TRO, Arroyo can take the next plane out. In that scenario, ba-bye Gloria.

36 YEARS OF COMMUNITY JOURNALISM

ELY P. DEJARESCO Editor-Publisher ATTY. JAY I. DEJARESCO Associate Editor GEROME JUMALON News Photographer RUBEN G. LABARES Graphics

MARLEN I. DEJARESCO Business Manager DEMS REY T. DEMECILLO REA LYNN D. REAL Senior Reporters JENNY B. DECIAR Legal Publications Officer

Pioneer BI-WEEKLY Newspaper in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental. Address: E.J. Blanco Drive, Piapi, Dumaguete City. News and Advertising: (035) 225-4760 Fax: (035) 225-4760 E-mail: negroschronicle@yahoo.com Entered as Second Class Mail Matter in Dumaguete City on July 1, 1973.

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Member: Philippine Press Institute National Press Club Dumaguete Press Club

November 27, 2011

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV)

hen you pray, what do you pray for? When do you pray? It has been some time now when I have been fervently praying for the Lord to use me in whatever way He deems me worthy for His glory. I know I do not even deserve to ask this of Him because, many times, I have fallen short of His glory in thought, in word and in deed. Yet, as I continue to work out my relationship with Him, I couldn’t help but humbly pray that He would use me to manifest His greatness to others. Little did I know what that prayer really entailed for me!

A little over a month ago, I was diagnosed as having mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a malignant salivary gland tumor. If you would research this on the internet, you would get to read that this kind of cancer is common to children and that its only solution is surgery. This has two types: low-grade and high-grade. But even with surgery, there is still a percentage of it coming back in a few years, especially if there is nerve invasion. Chemotherapy and radiation may be administered, but this type of cancer does not really respond to both. It’s either you have it, or you don’t. What went through my mind when I received this news was really my prayer for God to use me. Was this His answer to my prayer? If this was how God wanted to use me, then I really couldn’t complain. I do not have the prerogative of choosing how God will use me, do I? That was why, despite the tears that flowed, the heavy sighs and the short shouts of exasperation, I was still quite calm about it all. I just knew that this was something I had to go through, and the Lord will go through this with me. My only weapon against this infirmity was prayer, and if ever cancer was my lot in life, I prayed that He will give me the strength to face all I needed to face, to go through this trial and emerge victorious for His name and for His glory. How it will be made manifest, I didn’t know. I knew only to surrender all to Him. This is about Him, all about HIM. And to be used by Him so that His glory may be seen is nothing but honor. I did not want to fail Him. He is my Sovereign Lord and no matter what the results will be, I will continue to praise and worship Him, who will deliver me from all infirmities in His own way at His own perfect time. His ways are not our ways. It will forever elude us, and we will never be able to fathom how mysterious He will work in each of us. After the diagnosis, there was a discussion as to when and where I would have my surgery done: here, Cebu or Manila? As to

when, we wanted to do it in the next three or four days. As to where, well, the Lord impressed upon me that I was to go to St. Luke’s Medical Center, however, this was not the first choice we took. We first worked on going to Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu where we know two doctors who could recommend us to an ENT surgeon; however, they were both out of the country at that time. They recommended a doctor to us though, but somehow, we just could not contact that doctor, and we could no longer contact both of them also . “Manila, go to Manila.” That rang again and again in my heart but I still brushed it aside, until we suddenly received a text message from my mother-inlaw all the way from Agusan del Sur in Mindanao telling us not to go to the very doctor that was recommended to us but instead to go straight to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila. How could she have known? We surely didn’t tell her what we were doing at that very moment and neither did we tell her the name of the doctor we were trying to reach! That text message was all it took. Two days later, I was on a flight bound for Manila with my husband and my father with me and my brother and sister waiting for us in Manila. My mother and my other siblings, together with our loved ones and close friends, were with us, too – well, not physically, but in spirit and in prayer. We went with no plans in mind. We only had the faith that that was where we should go. We went not knowing what we should do when we’d get to St. Luke’s or who our doctor will be. Our only consolation, although not to say the least at all, was that we were going to see Dr. Erlyn Cabanag Demerre – a fellow Dumagueteño, who is a cardiologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center. That was all I knew about her at that time, but later, I found out that as a cardiologist, she would check the heart of many, not so much with her own strength and knowledge, but with the eyes and expertise from the Lord, who is our Greatest Physician.

When I finally met her the next day, she so kindly briefed me on what was to be done. She introduced us to Dr. Benjamin A. Campomanes, who, I learned after my surgery, is no less than the Director of the ENT Department of St. Luke’s Medical Center and is a surgeon who specializes in head and neck sur-

next few days. This didn’t bother me for I knew that the Lord will reveal to him a way for me – and the Lord did! At our humble request, Dr. Campomanes scheduled me to be admitted the very next afternoon when I shall have been cleared by Dr. Demerre to go ahead with my surgery, which he scheduled as early

heart to just be still and know that He is God. Finally, Dr. Demerre arrived and our doctor-patient meeting lasted for about an hour or so. She explained to me the results of my laboratories and that I had mild mitral valve prolapse. For a patient about to go through surgery for cancer, one can only imagine how this kind of news came to me, no matter how “mild” the MVP may be. What other conditions do I have anyway? But Dr. Demerre was very quick to assure me that although this heart condition was really nothing to worry about, it is still something to be considered for the operation. “God

is the cost of the admission. Although this was really the least of our concerns (we will deal with it when the bill arrives), it was still something we needed to address. But even this “least concern” of ours, the Lord answered. I am my husband’s dependent in his company insurance as part of the benefits he receives from his employer. The memorandum of agreement between his employer and the insurance company was signed just over a month before I was confined. I will be able to avail full and complete coverage, including all the doctors’ fees! Inside my hospital

1.With St. Luke’s Medical Center cardiologist Dr. Erlyn Cabanag-Demerre before my operation and after praying for me; 2. Husband Morris and myself one day after the operation; 3. Surgeon’s hand showing size of my tumor; 4. St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City EENT department head Dr. Ben Campomanes (left) after announcing the good news of a benign tumor with my father, Ely Dejaresco (right) gery. Dr. Demerre also introduced me to Dr. Charity Gorrospe who is the Director of the Oncology Department of St. Luke’s. When Dr. Gorrospe and I met, she so calmly explained to me that after the surgery, she will be the one to handle my case. In short, all three doctors were treating me as a cancer patient – I was not there for a second opinion on my earlier diagnosis. I was there for the treatment of a malignant salivary gland tumor. As I recall that moment, I am blessed once again to have had all three doctors see me all in just one noon time. What were the odds of these very busy doctors to be in the same building (the same hallway, in fact because Dr. Campomenes’ clinic is right across Dr. Gorrospe’s) at St. Luke’s Medical Center all at the same time when I was there? Only a mighty and all-knowing God could have orchestrated it! During our meeting with Dr. Campomanes in his clinic, he initially expressed to us that the surgery was the immediate thing to do, but as to when he could perform it, he regretted that he was already booked for surgeries in the

as 6 o’clock in the morning thereafter. It was such an early appointment that the operating room staff at St. Luke’s Medical Center called him up to ask if he could move it to 7 o’clock, but no, Dr. Campomanes squeezed me in to his tight schedule and set it up for 5 o’clock instead. I was watching the Lord at work in everything – in every little detail! Later that day, I went around St. Luke’s Medical Center to complete my laboratories. All were done in one afternoon as well. I was ready for admission by the time I went up in my hotel room that night. All by God’s leading, no doubt about it. The next day, my laboratory tests in hand, we went to see Dr. Demerre for my clearance to go ahead with the surgery. I was scheduled for admission after lunchtime. What really concerned me that day was that, even when I prayed, it was as if the Lord was painfully silent the whole day. I was seeking Him, asking Him to let me hear Him. Although it didn’t seem that He wasn’t there, He was just SILENT. It felt like He was just looking at me, waiting to see what I will do next. In my desperation, all I could say was, “Please talk to me, Lord” and He impressed upon my

made you that way, Len. That is how He created your heart to be. Do not be worried. We are only God’s tools, Len. Tomorrow, when you go through the surgery, please help us pray that the Lord will let us see what He wants us to see, and we will check what He wants us to check, and we will do what He wants us to do for you. He is still our Greatest Physician. He will still be the one who will heal you. It’s up to you to have faith that He will heal you.” For me, it was really God speaking to me through Dr. Demerre – literally speaking to me, just as I prayed He would! Dr. Demerre ended our doctorpatient meeting in a prayer. She, herself, prayed for me, for the doctors and nurses and the health care staff whom the Lord chose to be part of this journey. It was truly very strengthening and reassuring that she, my doctor, prayed for me, her patient. I was sure that everything was right in place, and I was where I was supposed to be. I thought that I could not have been more blessed at that point, but the Lord just continued to make Himself real to us. Upon admission, one of the usual concerns of a patient (and/or the family)

room, I have to say that the health care staff that took care of me were all very warm, respectful, friendly and absolutely accommodating to the last need. Everyone, including janitorial staff, was very kind. They all seemed to say a word of comfort in everything that they did for me as a patient. I understand that it was their job, but even so, I should not go on without saying that they were put there purposely. One of them later told me that the nurses that time were actually from the oncology department temporarily assigned on the floor where I was in as there was a shortage of nurses at that time. This is not a coincidence either. At this point, I honestly was just drained physically, mentally, emotionally. But I was also excited to see what the Lord will do through me and how He was going to manifest His power in me. I was going to be fetched by the operating team in a few hours and I couldn’t sleep at all, but as in all things, the hour of waiting came to an end. They inserted the IV catheter, they made me change into a gown for the OR, they put on a cap on my head, and I was wheeled to To page 16

November 27, 2011

Time of visitation spurned? n his 1967 essay “Tyranny of the Urgent,” Charles Hummel warned: “Our greatest danger is letting urgent things crowd out the important.” It was urgent that I seek deadline. Will this charge derail medical treatment abroad, GMA’s flight plans for Singapore, former President Gloria then meander on to hospitals in Macapagal Arroyo told the Su- other capital, plus a couple of preme Court. There were no international meetings? Urgent pending court charges and she motions, since then, have cashad a right to travel. Eight jus- caded into the court. In October, the joint Detices she had appointed scrambled to issue a Temporary Re- partment of Justice and Commission on Elections panel straining Order (TRO). A hasty TRO could frus- recommended that GMA and trate the Government’s right 35 others be probed, and to prosecute,” cautioned charged if warranted, with Antonio Carpio, the best chief 2007 election fraud. GMA lawjustice Filipinos never had. yers walked out in protest. Others tagged included “This Court must hear first the Government in oral argu- former Comelec chair Benjamin Abalos, Jr. and ex-commissioner ment…” The Commission on Elec- Nicodemo Ferrer, former Justice tions decided by a 5-to-2 vote to Secretary Alberto Agra, file poll sabotage charges supervisor Lintang Bedol, and against GMA at this column’s Turn to page 7

Not too late to rescue a dying coconut industry

(Part II) e know for a fact that the US FDA has already cleared many of coconut-derived products in the health food market in the US which have experienced brisk selling. Not so long ago, the coconut industry investment fund, of which I was an officer, had funded a research project of the Georgetown Medical Center of my alma mater, which established the fact that the Monolaurin content in coconuts has anti-bacterial qualities found effective in the treatment of Tuberculosis, Ulcers, Hepatitis C, and even HIV. Having enumerated the year, leaving us behind our comstrengths of the industry, what petitors like Indonesia, India and are the weaknesses and the the rest. threats? Obviously, the failure to Indeed, the missed opreplant and even fertilize the 3 portunities of the industry are million hectares, thanks to the incalculable. We have no misuse of the Coco Levy Funds, doubt in our mind that this it has seriously jeopardized pro- country could easily be the ductivity inside farm gates to the coco-chemical center of the extent that we only export in our world, as well as the supplier estimate about 60% of the po- of valuable inputs into the tential of the industry, and this cosmetic and pharmaceutical will decline further from year to Turn to page 7

JOHNY M ERCADO

(E-mail: juanlmercado@gmail.com )

A Journey Through Cancer

Hurt

Laughter saves lives

killer cells that destroy tumors and viruses increase. Laughing also boosts the Gammainterferon protein which fights disease, as well as T-cells which is a major part of the immune response, and B-cells, which create disease destroying anti bodies. Studies have shown that the ability to laugh is helpful to those people who are coping with major illnesses. People who have been diagnosed with cancer, like me, are advised to laugh more often as a therapy. When I was on my chemotherapy treatment, Dr. Mira Sinco, our University president, would drop by after my classes and remind me to laugh. And it works! The latest findings Turn to page 9

MUFFET DOLAR VILLEGAS e-mail: blue_bell57@yahoo.com

JAMES “KOJAK” HUGHS U.S. Army, Cpt (ret)

Footsteps and Fingerprints

Call for sobriety and magnanimity

WAS just amused to notice certain differences in the behavior of our leaders and public officials when faced with issues and charges. I remember that, a few and buffeted” them. months ago, some bishops were But when politicians are falsely accused of misusing gov- concerned, the reaction of ernment money to buy Pajeros; everyone, both those involved the bishops immediately came and the public in general, forward to both apologize, which takes a different, very ugly was not necessary, and ex- turn. It would seem that in this plained the matter to the public. field, everyone has the right to They even went to the do anything, including the extent of returning the so- unethical and the immoral, to called Pajeros that turned out save one’s face or to show to be simple vans used for one’s outrage. charity—again, something There’s an open season for that was not necessary. In venting one’s anger, hatred, defact, the embarrassed inves- ceit, revenge, envy, and many tigators asked them to keep other forms of vile, venom and the vehicles, but the bishops malice. Restraint and moderawould not. tion are discarded as passions They were willing to face and emotions are given free rein. the taunters and the senators Gloating over one’s misand earnestly showed the real fortunes, otherwise a taboo score of the issue. The public during normal times, bewere mainly supportive of the comes a standard practice in bishops, though there, of course, were some people who “spat Turn to page 13

y team was in Barbados training the National Defense Force. My counterpart in the Bajan military had just introduced me to his lovely wife. Suddenly, he jumped up and rushed outside the hotel and dove into the pool fully clothed. It seemed a rather buxom blonde tourist had lost the top to her bathing suit. He spent the next few minutes frolicking around the pool with this exhibitionist. I was left sitting somewhat same “joke.” uncomfortably with his equally These things hurt. All uncomfortable wife. She looked women, and particularly at me and said quietly, “He does Filipinas, are very sensitive this sort of thing all the time. I about these slights; these inam used to it.” I could see the sults. They may not say anypain in her eyes. How do you get thing, but it still hurts. used to having your “face I am a man who apprecislapped”? ates the beauty of the female I see this sort of thing all body. Filipinas are some of the the time. I will be sitting with most beautiful women in the a nice couple in some local world. The day I got married, I restaurant and the man will stopped looking. I stopped openly stare at some passing looking not because I did not woman. Then, with a sheepish enjoy looking. I stopped lookgrin, he will say something ing because the “price” was silly like, “My wife lets me look too high. The “price” was but I just can not touch.” I hurting the woman I love. I do wonder how he would feel if not sit and talk to other his wife were to blatantly stare women, no matter how innoat some man’s crotch as he cent. I do not flirt with other walked by and then make the To page 9

E Cummings wrote, “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”

If we can find time to eat, we should find time to laugh. Laughter heals. Today, there are 500 academicians from different disciplines who belong to the International Society for Humor Studies. Doctors are more aware of the benefits of laughter in promoting wellness. Negative emotions which our bodies store everyday, like anger, fear and sadness, are released harmlessly when we laugh. In other countries, they form clubs with the sole purpose of laughing. As adults, we laugh at an average of 17 times a day. Researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is equivalent to 15 minutes on an exercise bike or 10 minutes in a rowing machine. Scientists say that when we laugh, our natural

AMB. JOSE V. ROMERO, JR., PH.D

The values of friendship and family ince I arrived here in upstate New York to spend time with my US family, I have been reflecting on the value of family and friendship. I have also been reading The Prophet authored by the Lebanese philosopher, Kahlil Gibran. Some of his thoughts on friendship have a direct congruence with family relationships. I would like to share his thoughts on friendship with you. “Your friend is your needs caught. “And let your best be for answered. He is your field which you sow with love and reap with your friend. If he must know the thanksgiving… When your friend ebb of your tide, let him know its speaks his mind, you fear not the flood also. For what is your friend “nay” in your own mind, nor do that you should seek him with you withhold the “ay…” For with- hours to kill? Seek him always out words, in friendship, all with hours to live. For it is his to thoughts, all desires, all expec- fill your need, but not your emptations are born and shared, with tiness. And in the sweetness of friendship, let there be laughter joy that is unacclaimed. “And let there be no pur- and sharing of pleasures. For in pose in friendship save the the dew of little things, the heart deepening of the spirit. For finds its morning and is relove that seeks aught but the freshed.” We could easily substidisclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: tute the word “family” for the To page 9 and only the unprofitable is

FR. ROY CIMAGALA

NANCY RUSSELL CATAN

e-mail: nancy.catan@yahoo.com

November 27, 2011

Invitation to Bid The Municipality of Sibulan, through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites prospective bidders to apply for eligibility, and if found illegible, to bid for the lease of the Municipal Traveler’s Inn located at Poblacion, Sibulan, Negros Oriental. Name Traveler’s Inn

Description 175.50 sq.m.

Qty 1

Minimum Bid P26,500.00/month

Ground floor: 2 commercial/office space (18 sq.m. and 36 sq.m., respec tively) with 2 units CR Second Floor: 3 rooms with ceiling fan – 9 sq.m. each 3 rooms with aircon – 8.40 sq.m. each 2 units T & B The schedule of bidding will be on December 19, 2011 at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Municipal Treasurer’s Office. The bidding shall be governed by the terms and conditions stipulated in Res. No. 10-207 Ord. No. 15 as amended by Res. No. 11-207 Ord. No. 02 of the Municipality of Sibulan, to wit: Terms and Conditions: a. The entire Traveler’s Inn Building is subject to bidding b. Bidding is open to all interested parties c. The Office of the Municipal Treasurer shall publish in 3 conspicuous places the invitation to apply for lease of the Municipal Traveler ’s Inn (highest bidder) stating therein the deadline for submission of application and date, time and venue of the opening of bids. The interested bidders shall attach in their application form the statement of financial capacity to operate the business duly notarized by a notary public. d. The applicant sh all be p er so nally of the Mu nicipality o f Bond in favor of the Mupresent on the scheduled Sibulan. nicip al Government o f opening of bids, or if not, i. Th e Co ntract o f Sibulan. Once the contract he/she shall authorize a Lease, to be executed by representative to repre- and between the Municipal- is awarded, the Bidder ’s sent him/her by way of a ity of Sibulan and the LES- Bond shall be returned to special power of attorney. SEE, shall be presented to the participating bidders. The Municipality of e. The Office of the the Honorable Sangguniang Sibulan reserves the right Bayan for its approval, and to accept or reject any or all bids, to annul the bidding process, or declare failure of bidding at any time prior to the awarding of contract without thereby incurring any liability to the affected parties.

he Negros Oriental Association-USA (NOA-USA), a non-profit and charitable organization founded in 1991, recently celebrated its 20 th year of championing the socio-economic interest and welfare of Negrenses, both in the United States and in the Philippines. Around 250 guests from all over North America and Canada gathered at the Double-Tree Resort and Convention Center in Anaheim, California last November 13 for a thanksgiving and to witness the induction of officers for 2011-2013. NOA-USA Pres ident Manny Abellon and Board of Directors Jaime Ponce de Leon also invited former Finance Secretary Gary Teves to grace the occasion as guest speaker. Teves, who was named 2009 Finance Minister of the Year for Asia by The Banker Magazine, discussed recent world economic developments and its implications on the Philipine economy and on Negros Oriental. While economic developments in the US, China, Japan and Euro Zone generally remain unfavourable, Teves shared some suggestions on how to buck the downtre nd. He rec ommended that the national and local governments increase their spending on food and job-creating and productivity-enhancing activities like infrastructure, health, and tourism. He also encouraged government financial institutions to lend more to microand small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help spur the local economy. “The government should have the revenues to support huge spending, and maintain manageable deficit and borrowings,” stressed Teves, who had also served three terms, from 1987 to 1998, as

Time of ... (Mercado)

From page 6

Mu nicipal Tr easu rer shall determine the minimum rental rate per month for the first 2 years and the percentage of increase on the 3rd year onwards to be p r e sen t ed to th e Ho no rable Sangguniang Bayan for approval. f. The bids of the applican ts shall n ot go lower than the prevailing floor rate, otherwise, they will be automatically disqualified. g. The highest bidder in terms of rental rate per month shall be awarded the Contract of Lease and must pay to the Municipal Treasurer’s Office a security deposit equivalent to the rental rate per month and one (1) month advance payment upon the signing of the Contract of Lease. h. The Bid s an d Awards Committee, for the purpose of bidding of the Sibulan Traveler’s Inn, shall be composed of the members of the Bids and Awards Committee

subsequently, grant the Local Chief Executive the authority to enter into the same. j. All interested participants/bidders must put up a Bidder’s Bond in an amount

to be determined by the Bids and Awards Committee, together with its bid. The Bidder’s Bond would serve as safeguard so bidders could not change/alter its bid once opened and for the highest bidder to accept the award and proceed to the signing of the contract. Any violation of the foregoing shall forfeit the Bidder’s

Bidding Requirements: 1. Co mmun ity Tax Certificate (2011) 2. Statement of financial capacity to engage in business (duly notarized by a notary public) 3. Barangay Clearance 4. App lication to Lease th e Mu nicipal

Traveler’s Inn 5. Bid Form The bidder ’s bond shall be 2% of the bid quotation. TRIFON AVE G. COLINA

Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

detained former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr.. Beyond the TRO and charges by GMA camp of “railroading election sabotage charges” fester long-range issues. These are tossed up by the clash between a President who seeks to hold the corrupt accountable and Supreme Court justices who say they seek the same end. Arroyo justices are hobbled by charges of subservience. However, this TRO issue plays out; the issue of GMA’s health will persist. That “crown o’ thorns” that Arroyo wore on her earlier aborted departure flight was not a put on. This “Minerva Brace” should be worn for three months, St. Luke Hospital doctors say. Prognosis by her Filipino physicians state that barring complications, GMA should have fully recovered from spine surgery in six to eight months. Justice Lourdes Serreno notes the metabolic bone disease needs lifetime maintenance treatment. Arroyo’s claims of life-threatening ailments fall short of evidentiary requirements for a TRO. The majority is completely bereft of any explanation for granting a premature TRO in the face of untruthful statements, Justice Serreno adds. Have TRO’s become a buyone-take-one-drill? The completed Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report on dumping overpriced helicopters on the National Police tags Mike Arroyo, among others. Yet, his separate request for a TRO had been stitched into his spouse’s petition. “

Former Finance Minister Gary Teves was the guest of honor of the NOA USA in Anaheim, California, recently, with Jumbo de Leon as president (left). Congressman of the 3rd Dis- market roads to reduce farmers’ transportation costs. trict of Negros Oriental. Guests were touched by a The private sector, in turn, can help by investing in compliment from Teves, who what he called competitive- recognized the role of overness-enhancing projects, like seas Filipinos and balikbayans power, telecommunications in nation-building: “Let us and infrastructure. He en- continue to attain our own couraged NOA-USA mem- modest goals with a lot of zeal, bers—c omposed of engi- dedication and love, which neers, lawyers, medical pro- you have consistently shown fe ss ionals a nd busines s- over the years. Our individual collective contributions men—to invest in sectors that and will make a big difference in generate the most employ- ensuring that our country will me nt—s uc h as Bus ines s attain unprecedented higher Proce ss ing Outs ourc ing and sustained econo mic (BPOs), eco/medical tourism, growth and progress which c onstruction, SMEs and will benefit a larger majority microfina nce—in Negros of our people, including the Oriental. poor. And in the process, sigIn particular, he called nificantly reduce the level of for more support for agricul- poverty in our country.” ture and food in order to Also at the affair were boost the production of sta- Negros Oriental Board Memples such as rice and corn, as ber Atty. Edmund Dy, who well as of vegetables, in the served as the inducting officer, province. Suggested actions and Jack Raymond, chief of included subsidies for hybrid staff of Cong. Pryde Henry seeds, rehabilitation of irriga- Teves of the 3 rd District of tion systems, and the con- Negros Oriental. (More on struction of more farm-to- page 15)

Not too late ... (Romero)

From page 6

requirements of the world.

What are the prescriptions to the problems above? The answer is staring at us in the face – use the Coco Levy Fund to revive and stimulate this sleeping giant of a coconut industry, which is found in almost all the provinces and on which perhaps a third of the population is dependent upon, directly or indirectly. Can you think of a better stimulus package that surely outstrips the Conditional Cash Transfer program and better than the CCT which will not strain the budget given that the funding is already there? Indeed, by a stroke of the Presidential pen, some estimated P150 billion can immediately be released for the industry! The steps are simple: · Sell the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) shares · Sell United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) · Sell the Oil Mills and Coco Chemical Plant · Sell the Insurance Companies · Sell the rest of the assets managed by the UCPB The amounts can then be held in trust for the government by a foundation for the exclusive use of the coconut industry as was the original intention of the coco levy decrees. The trustees can be appointed by the government. They have proven expertise in the areas of coconut, productivity, processing, marketing and finance, which are

sorely needed by the industry. Some may ask for a justification. Simple! The government has no business engaging in business and competing with the private sector. In fact, this will allow the government to “have its cake and eat it too,” as the saying goes, in the sense that it will allow it to rescue a dying industry at no cost! It is that simple. So what are we waiting for? It’s your call P-Noy. The coconut farmers, who are also your bosses, demand this now before it is too late! At the time of writing, the UCPB has a new CEO in the person of Jerome Kilayco, who styles himself as a professional banker. No stranger to the UCPB, he also served as chairman of the bank during the presidency of President Erap. During his watch, the bank’s credit policies were under close scrutiny by the farmer leaders, some of whom served in the board of the bank. There were allegations coming from these farmer representatives of behest loans, mostly favoring industries associated with Danding Cojuangco. That triggered the perception that Mr. Kilayco is beholden to Mr. Cojuangco. Naturally, this has been denied by Mr. Kilayco, who now has the golden opportunity to erase this perception by redirecting the major portion of the bank’s lending to coconut-related projects, particularly those that will yield the greatest productivity incomes and employment to millions of small coconut farmers spread far and wide throughout the length and breadth of the archipelago.

November 27, 2011

Godliness with contentment A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. – PROVERBS 28; 20 f you’re either participating in state-sanctioned gambling or you want to, my question is, why do you want to play it? For instance, do you want to play the lottery because you want to contribute to the educational program of your state? Is your motivation to help put more police on the street, or whatever the lottery people say will happen with the money? Or do you want to play the lotmean is that most people who play the tery because the government has lottery simply grab for the pot of gold come up with a way for you to get because it’s there. God’s leading or His rich quickly? If that is your motivaplan doesn’t enter the picture at that tion, then you have fortified God’s particular moment. biblical means to wealth, because He What’s the problem with that? says that those who participate in getIt means winning the lottery is not rich-quick schemes will not go untied to anything but a thirst for wealth. punished. It is not tied to God’s leading or plan Don’t misunderstand. The probfor you; it’s not even tied to your needs. lem is not being rich. The problem is So what you are doing is asking the greed mentality you used to get God to bless nothingness. You are askthere. Now, let me ask you something ing Him to bless getting money for else. Let’s say you win twenty milmoney’s sake. That’s greed. I don’t lion dollars in the lottery. Do you mean that you shouldn’t want to move think that winning represents God’s forward, but God wants you to be conplan for your life? Can you honestly tent where you are until He decides to say you took that step in obedience give you more. And even when it beto God’s leading? comes obvious that God does not want Well, I suppose it is possible. But if you’ll pardon the pun, I’ll have you to have more, He still wants you to say the odds are against it. What I to be contented.

“T

he Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night, as everyone slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. The farmer’s servants came and told him, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! An enemy has done it!’ the farmer exclaimed. “Shall we pull out the weeds?’ they asked. He replied, ‘No, you’ll hurt the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds and burn them and to put the wheat in the barn.” Matthew 13:24-30 The young weeds and the young blades of wheat look the same and can’t be distinguished until they are grown and ready for harvest. Weeds (unbelievers) and wheat (believers) must live side by side in this world. God allows unbelievers to remain for a while, just as a farmer allows weeds to remain in

Clinton promises global push for abortion rights

his field so the surrounding wheat isn’t uprooted with them. At the harvest, however, the weeds will be uprooted and thrown into the fire. God’s harvest (judgment) of all people is coming. We are to make ourselves ready by making sure that our faith is sincere.

Birth of the Diocese (3)

e continue to yield this space to the Ex-Senator Francisco papal bull of Pope “Kit” Tatad explains this Pius XII in the midvery well: 1950s: usan Yoshihara, Mensam episcopalem, vice-president quae dicitur, efficient tum for research christianorum ultro oblata peof C-FAM, the cunia, tum etiam bonorum Catholic Family pars quae, facta rerum and Human Rights Instidivisione iuxta canonem 1500 tute, shares something Codicis Iuris Canonici, that would strengthen our Ecclesiae Dumaguetensi claim that the RH Bill in- FR. GAMMY TULABING cedent, tum denique Curiae REV. FR. ROMAN C. JCD, VG cludes abortion. fructus. SAGUN, JR. In Washington last be more imFirst, they will yield the week, U.S. secretary of mensa Episcopal which is said to be the grastate Hillary Clinton announced that the United tuitous monetary offerings of Christians, then States would engage in a massive funding push the portion of the properties, which are divided over the next five years to promote “reproductive as stated in canon 1500 of the Code of Canon health care and family planning” as a “basic right” Law, then finally, they will cede more than a slice around the world. Clinton has previously stated of the income for the Curia to the Dumaguete for the record that this includes abortion. The plan Church. includes potentially siphoning off funds currently Novae dioecesis regimen et administration, directed towards fighting HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis, simulque electio Vicarii Capitularis, Sede vacante, and malaria. iura et onera cleri et populi, aliaque huiusmodi, Commemorating the fifteenth anniversary omnino Iure Canonico regantur. of the controversial International Conference The government and the administration of on Population and Development (ICPD) in the new diocese, and at once the election of Cairo, Clinton said there were only five years the Capitular Vicar, while the See is vacant, the left to achieve ICPD’s goal that “all govern- rights and responsibilities of the clergy and the ments will make access to reproductive health people, and other things of this kind, are adcare and family planning services a basic mittedly guided by Canon Law. right.” Quod vero ad clerum attinet, praecipimus ut Last April, in testimony before the U.S. House clerici ei Ecclesiae habeantur ascripti, ubi legitimo Foreign Affairs Committee, when asked whether domicilio commorentur, eo tempore quo hae the United States’ definition of “reproductive Litterae Nostrae ad effectum deducentur. health” includes abortion, Clinton replied that, “We But as far as the clergy is concerned, We happen to think that family planning is an impor- instruct that the clerics may be considered astant part of women’s health and reproductive cribed to that Church, where they may be lehealth includes access to abortion that I believe gitimately taking residence, at the time in which should be safe, legal, and rare.” this Letter of Ours will be brought to execution. In her remarks last week, Clinton specifiUt autem in Dumaguetensi Sede sacrarum cally emphasized the importance of the abor- caerimoniarum splendor augeatur et Episcopo tion component of the Obama foreign policy coetus consiliariorum sit praesto, iubemus ut by saying, “One of President Obama’s first Canonicorum Collegium en eadem Ecclesia actions in office was to overturn the Mexico condatur, iuxta normas per alias sub plumbo City policy, which greatly limited our ability to Apostolicas Litteras edendas; attamen potestatem fund family planning programs.” The 1984 facimus ut donec id fiat, saltem dioecesani Mexico City Policy required all non-govern- Consultores eligantur, consilio, prudentia mental organizations that receive federal fund- Praesulem iuvaturi. ing to refrain from performing or promoting That the splendor of the sacred ceremonies abortion services as a method of family planTo page 18 To page 13

TODAY’S

GOSPEL Mark 13:33-37 33

Jesus said to his disciple: “Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with this his work, and

order the gatekeeper to be on the watch. 35 Watch therefore; you do not know when the Lord is coming, whether in the evening or in the midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. 36 May he not come suddenly and you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch.’”

Sunday Thoughts I BELIEVE IN LIFE EVERLASTING “If in this life only you have hope in Christ, you are of all human beings most miserable.” I Corinthians 15: 19 (Part 3)

One great theologian who, because of his brilliance, we thought, would provide us with specifics when we asked him about heaven, he said quite humbly (and this for DR. PROCESO UDARBE everyone of us to say): My knowledge of that life is small, The eye of my faith is dim, It is enough for me that Christ knows all, And I shall be with Him. Of course, our hope in eternal life begins now—now while we are alive. Did not Jesus say: ”I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shall never die”? One of the greatest saints of the Church, Henry Nouwen, has written (and here he spells out our belief in eternal life according to the New Testament):

“What about life after death? When we live in communion with God, when we belong to God’s own household, there is no longer any “before” or “after.” Death is no longer the dividing line. Death has lost its power over those who belong to God, because God is of the living, not of the dead. Once we have tasted the joy and peace that come from being the God embraced by God, we know that all is well and will be well. “Don’t be afraid,”Jesus says. “I have with me and know that where I am your God is.”

November 27, 2011

OMALAHOKAN

“The Supreme Court”

he Supreme Court is the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution. When it decides an issue, it is not asserting itself as more powerful than the Executive Department, which is headed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines. It is merely performing its duty given by the Constitution. Under the Principle of Separation of Powers, the three departments of the government are the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary. Each one is co-equal, co-important, and co-independent of each other. The Legislative passes the law, the Executive executes the law and the Supreme court interprets the law. The Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo wanted to leave the country but she was prevented because she is in the Watch List issued by the Secretary of Justice because she has a pending case for electoral fraud and other crim es. These cases are still under preliminary investigation and no case had yet been filed. The former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, sensing that once these cases will be filed in Court, will be issued a warrant of arrest and she will be detained because no bail is available. When she attempted to leave the country, she was stopped by the Bureau of Immigration upon orders of the Department of Justice, who is acting as al-

Hurt ... (Kojak)

From page 6

women. I do not give rides or

Laughter ... (Muffet)

NOVEMBER

28 29

* Development Center for Asia Africa Pacific 10:00am-6:00pm Jordan 1 * RN Tutorial 9:00am-5:00pm Joshua 2 ------------------------------------------------------* Development Center for Asia Africa Pacific 8:00am-6:00pm Jordan 1 * RN Tutorial 9:00am-5:00pm Joshua 2 * Kapihan sa PIA 9:00am-11:00am Jordan 2 -------------------------------------------------------* Development Center for Asia Africa Pacific 8:00am-6:00pm Jordan 1 * RN Tutorial 9:00am-5:00pm Joshua 2 * AVON 11:00am-2:00pm Joshua 1

DECEMBER

1 2 3 4

* RN Tutorial 9:00am-5:00pm Joshua 2 -------------------------------------------------------* RN Tutorial 9:00am-5:00pm Joshua 2 * EDC Orientation 9:00am-2:00pm Joshua 1 -------------------------------------------------------* BCBP Sectoral Fellowship 7:00am-9:00am Joshua 1 * Real Estate Sales Training 9:00am-6:00pm Agape * Southern Mondanao Enterprises Christmas Party 5:00pm-9:00pm Jordan 1&2 ------------------------------------------------------* Living Word 3:00pm-5:00pm Jordan 3 * Solidrock Worship Service 5:30pm-7:30pm Jordan 3 * Palawan Pawnshop Christmas Party 6:00pm-12:00mn Joshua1&2 * Happy 80th Birthday Papa/Lolo Batoy 7:00pm-9:00pm Jordan 1

From page 6

showed that laughter can do much more than reducing levels of certain stress. Laughter also provides a safety valve that shuts off stress hormones. Most of us Filipinos have the natural ability to laugh. We easily find the funny side of anything. Do you appreciate people who have a sense of humor? Go with the right people who see life in rose-colored glasses. The precious ones who can see a glass half full, not half empty. Those people who have the gift to see hope in seemingly hopeless situations. Find friends who see problems as opportunities to see God’s mysterious ways to show His power as you throw the ball in his court. Find a seat near those smiling faces who always see the good side of a human being. Work hard to communicate with those who appreciate even the worst of weather conditions. Shield yourself from grumblers, whiners, complainers and slanderers. Pray that when your joy seems to be taken away by gossips, your defenses will stay intact. Thank and praise God in everything. If you believe that you were made by the Most Holy One, who gave up His only Son for your sake, you have the inner strength from the Holy Spirit that you are special in God’s eyes, that no one can label you with anything less than what God intends you to be. Stay away from sin, for the pleasure it gives is fleeting, and the consequences can be lasting. God hates sin, but still loves the sinner. He can’t simply give you up. Even if you hide and run away from God, He pursues you like crazy. A personal relationship with God is a source of pure joy that is not affected by any circumstances. Only pure joy can produce a healing laughter. Stay close to those who do not harbor bitterness for they have the capacity to laugh. Laughter is contagious and promotes well-being.

keep company with other women without my wife or the woman’s husband being there. Before I do anything, I always think, how will this look to others, and if the gossip gets back to my wife, how will she feel? It is not out of “fear” but out of “love.” I have no “girlie” magazines in my house. I have no pornographic CDs. I do not surf internet porn sites. I do nothing that insults or hurts the woman I love. Guys, before you do something, think how you would feel if your wife or girlfriend did it to you. If your girlfriend or wife jumped up and went to frolic in the pool with a man that had a big bulge in his swim trunks, I doubt you would say, “I am used to it.”

The values ... (Catan)

From page 6

word “friend,” thus giving further depth to the meaning of relationships within the family. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if sibling brothers and sisters, parents and children, and family relatives could answer this definition of real friendship if they could experience the wonders of laughing and crying together? If they could be friends as well as caring family members – through thick and thin, through disagreements and accomplishments, through hurts and joys? I especially like Gibran’s phrase, “Seek him always with hours to live, not with hours to kill!” Being together with family and/or friends is in itself a prayer of presence, a way of nourishing caring, loving relationships, a way of strengthening the bonds of friendship and family oneness. We must treasure such times of togetherness and use them for good, for uplifting activities, rather than for drinking bouts, gambling, or other unproductive, time-wasting, healthdamaging, unprofitable pursuits. Family and strong relationships are the anchor of our social system and culture. We need to remember that when we grumble and complain and point a finger at others, our three other fingers are pointing right back at us. It is to the family, it is to us, it is to true friendships within and without our families that we must look if we desire to improve and transform our society.

Just a little bit of advice: Don’t laugh at the expense of others. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Yes. Laughter is a gift from God.

ter ego of the President of the Philippines. The act of the department secretary are considered as acts of the President. Hence, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo filed a case in the Supreme Court to nullify the order of the Secretary of Justice preventing her from leaving the country. The Secretary of Justice prevented her from leaving abroad because of the pendency of cases against her. The Supreme Court is composed of fifteen justices, majority of which are appointees of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In fact, the Chief Justice was the Chief of Staff of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and was appointed by her as the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court issued a TRO or Temporary Restraining Order directing the Secretary of Justice to allow former President G loria Macapagal Arroyo to leave the country. Under our present rules of court, an accused cannot be arrested if he or she is out of the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines. If the accused is out of the country, the Court cannot effect a warrant of arrest and cannot be arraigned because no personal jurisdiction has yet been acquired by the Court. Under our Rules of Court —with a person who has not been arraigned, the trial cannot proceed without the presence of the accused. Ex-parte hearing or

BY: ATTY. FRANCISCO D. YAP

hearing of the criminal case is allowed in the absence of the accused only if he has been arraigned. Hence, the attempted flight of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. But finally, a case is filed for electoral fraud punishable by life imprisonment to death without bail, and so it was served on Gloria Macapagal Arroyo while she is in the hospital. Thus, the issue whether she can leave the country has become moot and academic. The RTC that issued the warrant of arrest now has jurisdiction as to allow or not a hospital arrest or where she will be confined. Knowing that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the majority of the Supreme Court justices are her appointees, the next move will be to question the warrant of arrest and the jurisdiction of the Pasay RTC. Not to be outdone or outmaneuvered, the Department of Justice is now filing more cases against the former President so that she cannot leave the country. Now the “big fish” is caught. We used to see only the small fish are sued. President Noynoy Aquino has delivered on his promise to send to jail the corrupt officials. The Constitution, as a check on the Judiciary, provides that Justices of the Supreme Court may be impeached by the Senate through impeachment proceedings. ABANGAN ANG SUSUNOD NA KABANATA!

Supreme Court of the Philippines Judicial and Bar Council Mani la

ANNOUNCEMENT The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) announces the opening, for application or recommendation, of the position of ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SANDIGANBAYAN (vice Hon. Francisco H. Villaruz, Jr., who was appointed Presiding Justice of the Sandigangbayan on 05 October 2011.) Applications of recommendations must be submitted not later than 2 November 2011 (Wednesday) to the JBC, 2nd Floor, Centennial Bldg., Supreme Court, Padre Faura St., Manila (Tel. No. 552-5912; Fax No. 552-9598; e-mai l address jbc_supremecourt@yahoo. com .ph). Those w ho appli ed before this position was declared open must manifest in writi ng their continuing interest on or before the said deadli ne. In case of recomm endations, the recomm endees must signify their acceptance on or before the deadl ine either in the recommendation i tself or in separate document. New appli cations or recommendees must submit the followi ng documentary requirements on or before 17 November 2011 (Thursday). Six (6) cop ies of Person al Data Sh eet (JBC F orm 1 Do wnlo adable from th e JB C W ebsi te (http:// jbc_su premecou rt. go v.p h) w ith recen t I D p icture (2x2) Transcri pt of Sch ool Records Certificate o f Adm issi on to the Bar (wi th B ar ratin g)

One (1) copy of In come Tax Return for the past two (2) years 2011 clearances from the NBI , o mbu dsm an Pol ice from place o f residence, IBP, office of th e Bar Co nfid ent, an d em ployer Certs o f go od stand ing of l atest offici al recei pt Fro m the IBP Certifi cate of C ompl iance with MC LE (for Pri vate p ractitio ners)

Pro ofs o f age and F ilipi no Citizenship Resul ts o f m edi cal examin ati on and swo rn medical certificate w ith im pressi on on su ch resul ts, b oth cond ucted /issu ed with 2 months prio r to the fil ing of ap pl icati on Statemen ts of Assets, L iab ili ties and Networth for the past two (2) years

Previous applicants must inquire from the Secretariat about their lacking or out of date applications docum ents and m ust submi t them on or before the above-mentioned deadline for subm ission of documentary requirements. Those who fall to comply with the requirements shall not be scheduled for interview nor considered for nomination. Pursuant to Section 1, Rule 7 of the Rules of the Judicial and Bar Counci l (JBC-009), as amended, the JBC will conduct a public interview on 9 November 2011 (Wednesday) at the Division Hearing Room, Supreme Court, of the following candidates for the position of DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN FOR THE MILITARY AND O THER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES: 9:00a.m – 12:00 noon 1. ABALON, Don L. 2. DE JESU, Jose Tereso Jr. U,

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m 3. QUIÑONES-MARCOS, Luz L.

The following are also candidates for the said position but were already interviewed in June 2011. 1. CALONGE, Diosdado V. 2. DATOR, Roque Damian A. 3. FALCIS, Rudlger III G.

4. HIPILTO, Rafael G. 5. MOSQUERA, Gerard A.

The JBC likewise announces that the following are applicants for judgeship positions in the following courts: REGIONAL TRIAL COURT (RTC): REGION II I: MALOLOS CITY, BULACAN (BRS.10 & 81): ABI LA, Benigno C., AGUSTIN, Reu Lawrence D., ALEJANDRO, Joel Amos P., ANTERO, Janice Y., ASUAL, Clyde L., BALGUA, Mariano Jr., B. , BERNABE, Puri ficacion B., CAPULE Christine Marie, ; CATIVO Teresita N,; CLEMENTE, Sita J, CORPUZ, Amelita C,; DABU, Pedro Jr. T.; DANGUILAN, Crisostomo J.; Deluna Ambrosio B.; BE VERA, Andy s.; DELA PEÑA, Gabriel P.; DIMAYACYAC, Demosthenes Delfin C.; DIZON, Rodolfo B.; DOMI NGO RAÑOLA, CORAZON A.; DUMLAO, Herminigi ldo II C.; DY CHINGCO , Mirasol.; ERA, Eda D.; FRANCIS CO, Michael V.; GARCIA, Mari a Susana B.; GARONG, Rixon, M.; GOMO S, Jose Alfonso M., GONZALES, Jacinto C, OFRECIO-GONZALES, Suwerte L., HABAN, Ronald Leo T. HILARIO-LO GRONIO, Gemma Theresa B., LIGAYA, Merinnisa O., LLADOC, Victor P., MAULEN, Ma. Teresa P., MENDOZA, Maria Maruja N., NAGUI, Ma. Belinda M., PADAEN, Lily Ann M., PARAS, Esperanza A., PETILLA, Eligio P., RAFA, Dennis J., RANOLA, Juan Jr. G., REDONA, Pedro M., ROMANO, Ireneo A. ROQUE. Luvina P., SORESCA, Arlyn C., TAGAY-REYES, Maila V., TIENZO, Efren B., VALDEZ, Edwin A., YAP, Jose R., MALOLOS CITY, BULACAN (BR,20):

November 27, 2011

37 38

3837

9, 2007 November 27, 2011 14September

P.E.P. (People, Events, Places)

Developing Capacities of BNS

“B

3rd Flr. Cecilia Bldg., North Road, Capitol Highway, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Tel. No. 422 - 6159

DUMAGUETE BRANCH •

JM Poultry & Livestock Supply Branch 1 Mabini St., and Branch II, Real Street, Dumaguete City Tel. No. 035-421-0378 / 422-8016

• • • • •

Uy Matiao Bldg., Sta. Catalina St., Dumaguete City Tel # (035) 226-3665/09229465659/09359590269 Offers 1.5% interest rate on loan to Private & Government Employees; DepEd teachers & Pensioners (SSS & GSIS) No hidden charges No advance interest Refinance existing loans in other credit institutions We issue debit card for your convenience in getting your monthly salary change Known for its excellent customer services “ Your home for fast, quality and affordable financial services”

eing here with you feels like I am talking to my kumares, to my fellow mothers, to my fellow grassroots workers, to my fellow health advocates and champions; as they say, we share a lot in common, that is why we could have endless conversations,” enthused Representative Jocelyn SyLimkaichong of the First District of Negros Oriental as she keynoted the recent two-day 7th Barangay Nutrition Scholars Regional Congress cohosted by the province and Dumaguete City at the Negros Oriental Convention Center. Herself an advocate of a healthy and nutritious lifestyle for everyone, most especially among women and children, Rep. Limkaichong acknowledges that while the country is one of the poorest in the world, we remain one of the richest – if not the richest – in terms of the spirit of volunteerism. She said that proof of this is the more than 42,000 men and women of service who have been “selflessly dedicating their precious time, energy, knowledge, and expertise for the public good, directly and positively impacting the lives of many of our people, particularly those who have less in life.” Addressing the approximately 800 participants from Central Visayas, she said these barangay workers operate solely on trust of their appointing officers, the barangay captains, often without monetary compensation, or if there is, it is quite low or minimal. Because of the unique setup in the country

BY CECILE M. G ENOVE cmgedcon@yahoo.com

where, ironically, people who have less in life are the ones called upon to bring cheer and help their fellow less fortunate brothers and sisters, Rep. Limkaichong redefined the meaning of BNS to mean Beautiful, Nourishing and Nurturing, and Special and Service-Oriented. She expounded this as she observed that “beautiful people are scarred people.” She confessed that she knows that many among them have less in life and receive small amounts of incentives from their respective local governments, and consequently, struggle for food and other expenses at home on a daily basis. “But, despite these inadequacies in your personal lives, you rose up beyond your own limitations and chose to think of To page 17

DAILY SAILING SCHEDULE ROUTE DEPARTURE TIME DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR *6:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:15 AM 1:30 PM 4:30 PM

Tampi in San Jose & Bato in Cebu

ROUTE

DEPARTURE TIME

SIQUIJOR-DUMAGUETE 5:55 AM 7:00AM 10:15 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM

LARENA-DUMAGUETE Via Siquijor 5:35 AM * every Monday and Saturday

Ticket Sales and Offices DUMAGUETE CITY: Pier 3, Delta Fast Ferries Passenger Terminal Tel. Nos. (035) 400-6043 Cell No. 09214782794 / 09175323588 / 09237380348 Ang Bar ‘Ko Traveler’s Lounge. Flores Ave., Looc, Dumaguete City Tel. No. 422-9432 DIMC Store: Taft St., Dumaguete City Tel. Nos. 422-9157, 225-4616 SIQUIJOR, SIQUIJOR: Port Area, Siquijor, Siquijor LARENA, SIQUIJOR: Port Area, Larena, Siquijor Bringing the islands closer to you. DELTA Marine International Pty. Ltd. PLEASE CHECK-IN (1) ONE HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME. Schedules subject to change without prior notice

3837

November 27, 2011 AFFIDAVIT OF CLAIM WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the only surviving heirs of deceased depositor Epifanio A. Amorganda namely: Elsa A. Matabalan, Edna A. Amorganda, Leah A. Galera, Eduardo A. Amorganda, Ike A. Amorganda, Epifanio A. Amorganda, Jr. have filed and executed an Affidavit of Claim with Waiver of Rights to their Savings Deposits with Philippine Veterans Bank 0047 Dumaguete under SA 346314-100 amounting to 21,733.93 only Per Doc. No. 161, Page No. 33 Book No. 01, Series of 2011 of Notary Public Atty. Odyssa A. Dueñas The Negros Chronicle Nov. 20, 27 & Dec. 4, 2011

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE MANUEL Y. GONZALES Notice is hereby given that the compulsory heirs and/or successors-in-interest of the late Manual Gonzales y Ibarra namely: Luz Eltanal-Gonzales, widow; Aitor E. Gonzales, single; and Jose Ignacio E. Gonzales have filed and executed an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate on their deposit with Philippine National Bank bearing an Account No. 288833400023& 28883340003 with remaining amount in the sum of P220,863.58 & P15057.02 per Doc. No. 108, Page No. 23 Book No. XII, Series of 2011 of Notary Public Atty. Cyrus C. Riconalla The Negros Chronicle Nov. 20, 27 & Dec. 4, 2011

Republic of the Philpines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL 7TH Judicial Region Hall of Justice, Dumaguete City

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF BANK OF THE PHILIPPILES ISLAND Mortgagee, -Versus-

EJFREM NO. 2011-3133 EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE (Under Act 3135, as amended)

SPS. CLEMENTINO F. DALES AND ODETTE B. DALES,, Mortgagors,, x—————————————————————/

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act no. 3135, as amended, filed by BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES ISLANDS (mortgagee), represented by its counsel, Atty. Yolando A. Atienza, against SPOUSES CLEMENTINO F. DALES and ODETTE B. DALES (Mortgagors), residing at Lezana Subdivision, Barangay Bacacay, Dumaguete City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which, as of January 12, 2011, now amounted to FIVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FORTY THREE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT PESOS & 79/100 (PHP 5,543,868.79) including penalties and other charges, the undersigned will sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash and in Philippine Currency on JANUARY 5, 2012 from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon at the Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff, located at the Hall of Justice, E.J. Blanco Drive, Dumaguete City, Philippines, the hereunder described properties of the mortgagors, together with the improvements now existing thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTICATE OF TITLE NO. 24271 A Parcel of land, (Lot 1 – D, of the subdivision plan, Psd- 07- 033101, being a portion of Lot 1, Pcs – 07 – 002108), situated in the Bario of Bagacay, City of Dumaguete, Island of Negros. Bounded on the N., points 2 – 3 by Banica River; - on the E., points 3 – 8 by Lot 2694,Dumaguete Cadastre; on points 89 by Lot 1– E, (Road); and on the W., points 1 – 2 by Lot 1 – C , both of the subdivision plan. Containing an area of THREE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED THIRTY SIX (3,936) SQUARE METERS, more or less, together with all the improvements thereon. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the said date and time. In the event the Public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on January 12, 2012 without further notice. Dated this 11th day of November, 2011 in the City of Dumaguete, Philippines. (Sgd) ATTY. MA. ANTONIA L. BULADO Clerk of Court & Ex- Officio Sheriff By: (Sgd) ULDARICO V. JALANDONI Sheriff IV

Clinton promises ... (Tulabing)

From page 8

ning in other countries. In fact, notwithstanding Clinton’s assertions, the ICPD outcome document likewise rules out abortion as a AFFIDAVIT OF DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE WITH PARTITION AND PETITION FOR ISSUANCE OF SEPARATE TITLES NOTICE is hereby given that Corazon Duhaylungsod Infante, Gamaliel Ronald Infante, Mitche Duhaylungsod Infante, Bernie Mangibin, Steven Mari Mangibin, and Bervic Mangibin have filed and executed a Deed of Absolute Sale of Real Property to Josephine Leong-Merry, a Filipino married to Robert L Merry, on lot No. Lot 1-B PSD -07-060651 Title No. TCT 38354 situated in Barrio of Talay, City of Dumaguete containing an area of 1,199 sq. m. per Doc. No. 328, Page No. 67 Book No. V, Series of 2011 of Notary Public Atty. RILT RENART G. DORADO The Negros Chronicle Nov. 13, 20,27,2011

DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that Dionisia Caro Umbac and Anastacia Caro have executed a Deed of Absolute Sale of Real Property on a parcel of land, Lot 301-C, Psd-07049894, covered by TCT No. T-33796 containing an area of two hundred fifty five (255) square meters more or less in favor of Spouses Nilo Mate and Flora K. Mate per document No.96, Book No. IV, Page no. 20, Series of 2011, notarized by Atty. Obdulio Guy D. Villahermosa. The Negros Chronicle Nov. 13, 20, 27, 2011

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRAIL COURT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL 7th Judicial Region BRANCH 44 Dumaguete City SPEC. PROC. NO. 2011-5012 IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF MIDDLE NAME OF PETITIONER’S MOTHER FROM SILCA TO SILVA AND CORRECTION OF ENTRY AS TO SEX FROM FEMALE TO MALE IN THE RECORDS OF BIRTH OF REMY JAN MACOLBACOL ISUGAN REMY JAN M. ISUGAN, Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF SIATON, NEGROS ORIENTAL, Respondent. X————————————-————/

ORDER In his September 16, 2011 verified Petition, petitioner Remy Jan M. Isugan alleges that he was born a male on 18 January 1993 at Balastro, Casalaan, Siaton, Negros Oriental, to parents Reynaldo Jalloren Isugan and Mercedes Silva Macolbacol, but that in his records of birth on file with the office of respondent Local Civil Registrar of Siaton, Negros Oriental, his sex was erroneously recorded as female and that the middle name of his mother was likewise erroneously entered as Silca. Thus, the present petition. Being sufficient in form and substance, set the hearing of this Petition on January 25, 2012 at 8:30 in the morning, before the sala of this Court, at which time and place, all interested persons may appear and show cause why this Petition should not be granted. Let this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Negros Oriental, duly chosen by raffle, at the expense of the petitioner. Post a copy of this Order at the main entrance of this Court. SO ORDERED. 23 SEPTEMBER 2011. ( Sgd) NECIFORO C. ENOT Judge The Negros Chronicle Nov. 20, 27 & Dec. 4, 2011

Now HIRING Full-time NewsWRITER Apply @ The Negros Chronicle 106 E.J. Blanco Rd., Dumaguete or email: dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com

Call for ... (Cimagala)

From page 6

times of tension and crisis, and this can be done not only by ordinary people, but also by politicians with high and very honorable positions and substantial credentials. This is really a shame on all of us. Are we still human? Are we still Christian? Does a mistake one can commit—no matter how serious and many times still to be investigated—warrant public lynching in the media and elsewhere? Does it authorize us to let go of our rule of law, no matter how imperfect it is? I was reading the opinions of many people in the social networks, and though there were many valid points raised, it could not be denied that there was a prevalence of poor thinking and reasoning,

rash judgments and knee-jerk reactions, poisoned partisan views that have already abandoned objectivity and fairness, pure bashings. We all need to discipline ourselves when we are faced with exciting issues. We have to make sure that we have good control of our agitated feelings and emotions, and not only should we try to think rationally, but also to see to it that our thoughts and feelings are infused with charity. Yes, charity should never be cast aside even as we try to pass through the trickiest stage of exacting justice on some persons. Charity is not an optional item. It is a basic, indispensable requirement in our human and Christian behavior. We cannot say that just because we are dealing with poli-

method of family planning. Despite the economic downturn, Clinton announced that “The U.S. Congress recently appropriated more than $648 million in foreign assistance to family planning and reproductive health programs worldwide...the largest allocation in more than a decade.” The “centerpiece” of the Obama foreign policy, she said, would be the Global Health Initiative. She said the initiative “commits us to spending $63 billion over six years.” This will link the reproductive-rights agenda to highprofile global health concerns. Launched by the World Economic Forum in 2002, the initiative is supposed to focus on HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis, and malaria. The plan to link abortion rights to the Global Health Initiative through the issue of maternal and child health was announced at the 2007 U.N.sponsored “Women Deliver” conference by abortion-rights groups such as International

Planned Parenthood and Center for Reproductive Rights, as well as the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA). At that time, these groups also called for linking abortion rights to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by inserting a target for “universal access to reproductive health” under MDG 5 on maternal health. Critics see this as a stratagem to dip into funds previously directed to fights AIDS and other diseases. Last week, Clinton pledged U.S. commitment to the reproductive-health target, saying, “We have pledged new funding, new programs, and a renewed commitment to achieve Millennium Development Goal Five, namely a [three-fourths] reduction in global maternal mortality, and universal access to reproductive health care.” That target has never been accepted by the General Assembly in open debate, and was soundly rejected the last time it was raised in 2005.

tics, or we are dealing with a crook, etc., that we can be excused from charity, or that we can feel free to tear that person’s name, if not the person himself, to shreds. Sad to say, this seems to be the prevalent mindset of many people. We really need to dismantle this mentality, because it is not human, much less Christian. It makes us insensitive to the real essence of righteousness and plunges us to a blinding self-righteousness. We have to learn to be sober, allowing our thinking to be inspired by true love and compassion even as we also have to uphold justice. We need to broaden our perspectives so we can consider many other factors, taking us away from our biases and prejudices, and giving us a fuller picture of the situation.

We should feel uncomfortable when we find ourselves in some rage, and should do all to get out of that state as soon as we can. Our problem is sometimes we like to prolong that mood for as long as we can. We have to be magnanimous, quick to forgive and to ask for forgiveness, focused more on what is constructive rather than dwelling on the distracting and destructive. We should instead look for ways on how to heal wounds, to bring back those who strayed, to look for the lost, to strengthen the weak, to remedy what is defective in our systems. We have to look forward more than backward, the future more than the past. Sobriety and magnanimity should not just be nice words. They have to be lived.

November 27, 2011

Brand New

For SALE: House & Lot

Semi-furnished

PRIME LOT SALE: El Pueblo Genovevo 475 sq.m., clean title, near the new club house, has a good view of Mt. Talinis Two sides adjacent to good neighbors, two sides free, negotiable

Call: 0918-929-6047 NEW LOTS FOR SALE

* Along the road * Aircon, cable-ready * Fenced with Garage * Hot & Cold shower Price: P5M negotiable Call: 0918-929-6047 COMMERCIAL LOT FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL LOT FOR SALE

Banilad, Dgte. City, 2,772 sq.m., clean title, fronting the highway, wide entrance, suited for apartment, gasoline station and commercial spaces, P2,000 per sq.m. only

Airport Area, 1,744 sq.m., clean title, 20 meters from the highway, suited for apartment and commercial spaces P2,200 per sq.m. only

Call: 0918-929-6047

RESIDENTIAL LOT FOR SALE IMMEDIATELY 700 SQUARE METERS, NEAR THE ROAD, NEAR FATIMA SUBDIVISION REASONABLE PRICE, NEGOTIABLE HEDRIANA ENTRANCE, PIAPI, DUMAGUETE CITY IF INTERESTED, CONTACT ELY DEJARESCO, TEL. NO. 0918-929-6047 OR ROSE BASELERES, TEL. NO. (Globe cp#) 0906-457-4857

 Bayawan City, located in the heart of the city, near City Hall, 349 sqms at 3,500.oo/sqm  Bacong Negros Oriental located at the National highway, wide frontage, 1,308 sqms at 1,500.00/sqm  Meciano Road, Dgte City, interior lot, suited for boarding house and restaurant, 525 sqms at 1,500.00/sqm Call: 0918-929-6047

FOR SALE Residential Lot 2,500 sq.meters at Bong-ao, Valencia, Negros Oriental Price: affordable and negotiable

LOT FOR SALE Motong-4,118 sq.m. @ 1,100/sq.m., clean title, along the brgy. road with 5 0 ful l g rown sweet mangoes, 34m frontage Contact: 0918-929-6047

Call: 0918-929-6047

LOT FOR SALE

2,297 sq.m. @ P1,800/m2 Junob/residential/ 1 block fronting Silliman Heights

Lot adjacent to SUMC P14M, negotiable 859 sq.m. (CHET)

Call: 0918-929-6047

New Stocks

HOUSE AND LOT FOR SALE Pulangtubig, 360 sq.m., 3BR, 2CR, with garage, a nice lawn and a goodlooking fence @ P3.5M Motong, 359 sq.m., 2-storey, 3BR, 2CR, uses hardwood floor, with garage (newly renovated) @ 4M Junob, 300 sq.m., 3BR, 2CR, with garage and a concrete fence @ 2.5M Junob, 450 sq.m.,2BR, 2CR with a big lawn @ 1.7M Bantayan, 300 sq.m., 3BR, 2CR with garage including a car @ 3M Purok Calubihan, 900 sq.m., 2-storey, 6BR, 6CR with 2 garage and a nice lawn @ P9M Cantil-e, 880 sq.m., 4BR, 3CR, with garage and a nice and pleasing lawn facing the East @ 7M

CALL: 0918-929-6047

LOTS FOR SALE Around Negros NEW STOCKS • Mayabon, Zamboanguita, 24 hectares fully planted with gemilina, mahogany, jackfruits and other fruit bearing trees @ P80.00 per sq.m. • Sta. Aguida, Pamplona, 10 hectares @ P30.00 per sq.m. • Bondo, Siaton, 44 hectares @ P4 million • San Jose, 29 hectares with coconut trees and sugarcane plantation @ P50.00 per sq.m. • Bayawan City, 35 hectares along the road near the city @ P350,000.00 per hectare • Sta. Catalina, 4.3 hectares with sugarcane plantation ready for harvest @ P25.00 per sq.m. • Northern Junob, Dgte City, 19,900 sq.m. @ P1,500.00 per sq.m. • Candau-ay, Dgte City, 12,782 sq.m. @ P500.00 per sq.m. • Bagacay, Dgte City, along the road with 65 fruit-bearing coconut trees @ P2,200.00 per sq.m. • Bagacay, Dgte City, along concrete road @ P1,700.00 per sq.m. • Junob, Dgte City, along the road with fruit-bearing coconut trees @ P2,000.00 per sq.m. • Purok Calubihan, 500 sq.m. @P2,600 per sq.m.

RESORT & RESTAURANT Ajong, Sibulan, Dumaguete City Negros Oriental, Philippines Tel. No. 226-6151

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November 27, 2011

A turning ... From page 2

The candidates for Miss Dumaguete: Gesta Riva Gamo (Poblacion 3), Marie Cris Garcia (Brgy. Batinguel), Chloe Marie Harris (Talay), Geraldine Villasam (Buñao), Aletheia Faith Elwood (Daro), April Rose Alquisola (Motong), Sheila May Laspinas (Banilad), and Melba Ann Macasaet (Taclobo)

The candidates for Miss Teen Dumaguete: Ronalyn Ann Rigala (Taclobo High School), Rushel Jean Limbaga (Herminigilda F. Gloria Memorial HS), Julie Canoy (Piapi HS), Cherry Ann Lanciso (Junob National HS), Mary Angelique Banogon (Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial-Dumaguete Science HS), Alaizah Dawn Lasola (Negros Oriental HS), Mary Joy Ceriales (Dumaguete City HS), and Jelly Anne Abiera (Camanjac HS)

God healed ... From page 5 the floor where the operating room was, my father and my husband just behind me. Finally, we reached the point where only the OR nurses and I can go inside, and I just smiled at the two men in my life who represented all the people I love and are praying for me back home. I didn’t say goodbye, but only, “See you later,” for in my heart, I have already claimed healing in Jesus’ mighty name! It was only a matter of time when we shall all be told in human language the power of our awesome God. In my cubicle, where only a curtain separated me from the whole world, I was given another chance to meditate and to give gratitude to the Author and Perfecter of our life for being with me the whole time. Clad in nothing but the hospital gown and cap, I was literally and figuratively stripped naked before God. We really are nothing apart from Him. There really is nothing we can do on our own. Cancer was a giant like Goliath. And me? I am small in comparison like David was to Goliath. But both David and I have a very, very BIG God. David’s battle was fought by God, my battle will be fought by God, too, and just as God delivered David from Goliath, God will deliver me from cancer. I claimed it right there on that hospital bed inside that quiet waiting area. For a very brief moment, I felt a warm sensation at the right side of my neck where my lump was. I thought it was just my hair that made me feel warm, but

when I touched it, all my hair was carefully secured inside the hospital cap. “Lord, that is you touching me right now. I claim it in Jesus’ mighty name! Thank you so much, Lord!” A few minutes later, I was brought to the operating room where I saw Dr. Campomanes once again. He waved at me and said, “Hi Ellen. I’m here now. We will start in a few minutes.” It was exactly 5 o’clock when I looked at the wall clock, and the anesthesiologist came and told me, “Medyo aantukin ka nito, Ellen.” Just a few seconds after that, I passed out and the next thing I knew, I was waking up not to pain but to a terrible nauseating feeling. I was inside the recovery room, and holding my hand there was Dr. Demerre, assisted by a very nice OR nurse, whose name I cannot forget is San. After what seemed like just an hour, I was brought to my room again where I met my family. We spent the next hours mostly waiting for the excision biopsy result. Compared to the results from a fine needle aspiration biopsy, results from an excision biopsy are much more accurate. It was all up to the Lord to show what really was there for us to see. Did doubt ever creep in? No, but fear did. I was not so much scared to have cancer than I was scared at the thought of my kids, if ever I had it, growing up without a mother to take care of them. It was heart-wrenching to think that I might not even get to see my daughter graduate elementary school. But the fear and the tears were lim-

ited to those thoughts only. When I looked at the bigger picture once again, I was comforted in knowing that this will all be for the glory of God. I continued to surrender all to Him and to claim healing in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Two days later, Dr. Campomanes came barging in my room early in the morning with a big smile on his face saying just one word, “BENIGN!” It was only my husband and me in the room when he came but we still felt so festive. PRAISE GOD for answered prayers! Our jubilation extended some more when I went back to see Dr. Campomanes after a week for the removal of my sutures. I could see in his face that my case did not result as he expected. He told me, “Your case is so amazing! Napakaswerte mo!” But you and I know that it was not sheer luck that happened. It was the hand of the Almighty God at work in me, in the doctors and nurses, in everyone. I realized that when we pray for God to use us to be His instruments, we should also pray for spiritual equipping. Yet even if we don’t, like I didn’t in my case, He will still make things work for good. I’ve had the lump on my neck for three years, yet in that span of time, He also barraged me with spiritual challenges and obligations. I asked much of Him when I prayed and He answered me in so many ways, too. To whom much is given, much more really is required. This trial that I went through was something I could not have handled on my own. It was only because by His grace,

the safety of its citizens, but also of its ability to provide them justice. The journalists and media advocacy groups knew a year ago, and know it even more now, that unless the Massacre trial is credibly concluded, with the killers and masterminds convicted and sentenced to the prison terms they so richly deserve, not only will the killing of journalists and those of human rights workers, political activists, environmental advocates, judges, lawyers, students, farmers and workers continue; the killings will even escalate. That distinct possibility makes the Massacre trial so crucial to the life and future of this country. And yet, judging by its laid-back response to, among others, the suggestions for reforms in the rules of court media groups andthe Free Legal Assistance Group of lawyers have proposed, the Philippine government does not seem to be in any hurry to address the urgent concerns—for press freedom, democracy, and the country as a whole—the Massacre has triggered. This simply won’t do. The Aquino government must not only take the steps necessary to speed up this trial; it must also demonstrate, when journalists are killed, that it has put in place the means to punish the killers and masterminds. To do nothing or little can only lead to more deaths, adding to the six already killed in the line of duty since Mr. Benigno Aquino III took office.

God equipped me for it. There really is a season for everything and everyone. The trial may have been a giant, but every step of the way, God held my hand. He fought the fight with me and for me. If there were times when I failed to hear His voice, He literally spoke to me in the human language I could understand. My tears still flow from my eyes in extreme gratitude for the gift of life and the gift of prayer from our Lord who is so good and so merciful. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13-14 NIV) Jesus said it. Jesus promised it, and Jesus does not lie. That is where our confidence comes from. It is in knowing that we have a very awesome and powerful God who is far greater than any infirmity, any evil, any problem. All He really asks of us is to seek Him to love Him because if we love Him, everything else will follow. With each morning sunlight that caresses my face comes God’s reminder that I am still here, cancer-free. I am a living witness to God’s healing touch, and I will tell this to all who is willing to listen. He healed me not only in body, but in spirit, as well. I do not even go down the road of misdiagnosis because I also fervently prayed

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS Office of the District Engineer Negros Oriental 2nd District Engineering Office Dumaguete City Tel. No. (035) 225-2540

INVITATION TO BID The Negros Oriental 2nd District Engineering Office, Dumaguete City, through the GAA FY 2012 Infrastructure Program, intends to apply the sum of Php1,614,060.00 (for project 11HK0029), being the Approved Budget for the Contract to payments under the contract for this project. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Contract ID Contract Name

: 11HK0029 : Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Dumaguete North Road, K0098+851-K0099+0 (realigned to K0086+0-K0086+160) Contract Location : 2nd District, Negros Oriental Brief Description : Asphalt overlay Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php1,614,060.00 Contract Duration : 10 Calendar Days Cost of Bidding Documents: Php5,000.00 The Negros Oriental 2nd District Engineering Office, Dumaguete City, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites contractors to bid for project 11HK0029. Procurement will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in accordance with R.A. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with the DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture with PCAB License applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment for at least 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids. Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to the DPWH-POCW Central Office before the deadline for the receipt of LOI. The DPWH-POCW Central Office will only process contractor’s applications for registration, with complete requirements, and issue the Contractor’s Certificate of Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below: 1. Receipt of LOIs from Prospective Bidders Deadline: December 1, 2011 at 5:00 P.M. 2. Issuance of Bidding Documents : November 24-December 15, 2011 3. Pre-bid Conference : December 2, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. 4. Receipt of Bids Deadline : December 15, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. 5. Opening of Bids : December 15, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents at Negros Oriental 2nd District Engineering Office, Dumaguete City upon payment of a nonrefundable fee. Prospective bidders may also download the BD’s, if available, from the DPWH website. Prospective bidders that will download the BDs from the DPWH website shall pay the said non-refundable fees on or before the submission of their Bid Documents. Bids must be accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Prospective bidders and/or their duly authorized liaison officers/representatives indicated in the DPWH CRC-Contractor Information shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include the eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and the post-qualification. Attendance of the prospective bidders, their project engineers and authorized liaison officers/representatives during the pre-bid conference is compulsory. The Negros Oriental 2nd District Engineering Office, Dumaguete City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding or not to award the contract, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders, if the funds/allotments for said projects have been withheld or reduced through no fault of the procuring entity. For inquiries, please contact: Engr. Monalisa U. Domen Head, BAC Secretariat Tel. No. (035) 225-2540; Fax No. (035) 225-4836 EDNA C. RAVELO Engineer III-Chief, PDS BAC Chairman Approved: RICARDO C. DURAN OIC District Engineer Negros Chronicle November 27, 2011

for the initial biopsy to give favorable results. The Lord simply healed me. That is my testimony. My prayer now is for me to know Him even more each passing day. My journey of faith does not end here. It may just have leveled up, in fact, and I continue to draw strength from God’s Word, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 23-24 NIV) I pray this prayer not only for myself but also for all of you who are reading my testimony. God is waiting for us to call upon Him and to make Him our first priority. In spite of our unfaithfulness to Him, we are His priority and He loves us. Why shouldn’t we love Him back? Seek Him now. Love Him now. He will reveal Himself to you!

November 27, 2011

Developing ...

HEALTH IS WEALTH

(Genove)

Stress kills! “Prayer, faith, and love are the most powerful weapons against stress.” – Dr. Bernie S. Siegel (“The Hurry Disease”) oday, modern man is inevitably beset by both internal and external stresses. His life is full of haste, worry, frustrations, anxiety, fear, tension, pain, and pressure. All these are caused by uncontrollable phase and demands of contemporary times arising from rapid social, technological, and unpredictable environmental changes and crisis situations perceived as threatening, and therefore, causing undue insecurities affected by stress. It is an inescapable reality and phenomena of life. Reports claim that mil- survive its devastating eflions of people from all fects of disease and death. walks of life are suffering What then is stress? from “stress-related disor- Authorities define stress as ders,” such as high blood “a chronically high level of pressure, sudden heart at- mental arousal and bodily tacks, stro ke, b leedin g, tension that exceeds a perstomach ulcers, kidney trou- son’s capacity to cope, rebles, cancer s, f amily sulting in distress, disease discords, suicide, nervous and death.” breakdowns, and a host of Mental hygienists said psychosomatic illnesses, that stress becomes dangerwhich are brought about by ous when it is intense, unvarious stresses of this 21st duly prolon ged, un concentury. Stress is the no. 1 trolled and affects a particuhealth enemy. Hence, it’s lar organ of the body. Dr. very important to know and Hans Selye, a guru on stress, learn how to cope up with strongly suggests that one everyday stress to be able to should strive to reach a state

DR. ANGEL V. SOMERA Fellow, Phil. Psychiatric Association Diplomate, Phil. Board of Psychiatry

of “eustress” or optimum stress lev el w hich is a healthy and agreeable response to stress. There are three major responses or reactions of our body to stress, namely: A. Physical responses. For example: cold sweats, diarrhea, rapid heart-beat, easy fatiguability, shortness of breath, headaches, weakness, dizziness, restlessness, and emotional instability. B. Psychological responses. Example: Poor concentration, difficulty in making decisions, loss of To page 19

From page 12

helping others,” she stressed, adding that it is not only beautiful, but noble and heroic. Specifically, these workers disseminate the health programs of the government to the barangays, contributing to the knowledge base and pool of technical people by informing, educating, and persuading mothers to breastfeed their infants “because it is a cheaper, healthier option than bottlefeeding them.” The role of the BNS in nourishing and nurturing the barangay folk in the country’s fight against malnutrition should also not go unnoticed. According to the National Nutrition Council, the major forms of malnutrition that continue to beset our country include protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, iodine deficiency disorders, and dietrelated degenerative diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, and certain forms of cancer. It is worth noting that in Region VII (Central Visayas), malnutrition rate among pre-school children is highest in Negros Oriental at 11.88 percent, followed by Cebu at 10.51 percent, Bohol at 9.89 percent, and Siquijor at 9.82 percent. On the other hand, among schoolchildren, Cebu leads in malnutrition with 25.19 percent, followed by Bohol at 24.61 percent, Negros Oriental at 23.75 percent, and Siquijor at 18.23 percent. Rep. Limkaichong underscored this when she described that when a malnourished mother gets pregnant, more likely, she will also carry a malnourished baby, that is, if the baby is able to get out into this world. But, the reality of maternal and neo-natal mortality death rates paint a grim scenario. “If a child is sick, he/she will frequently miss his/ her classes, thus, the child will have diff iculty f inding a decent, good-

paying job if he/she misses out on finishing his/her studies because of health problems. Our country will not move f orward if we are full of unemployed citizens. Besides, ‘the continued prevalence of malnutrition in the country is a violation of our basic human right to food and nutrition and the right to achieve to the fullest one’s potentials.’ The BNS are the champions of our health programs and services in the grassroots level,” emphasized Rep. Limkaichong. Because the BNS are supposed to be “special and service-oriented,” she shared that to date, there are seven measures pending before Congress aiming to recognize their role and inspire them to further do their work well. Foremost and the most recent is the Magna Carta of Barangay Nutrition Scholars sponsored by Southern Leyte Lone District Representative Roger Mercado. Under the bill, the BNS will serve for three years after undergoing training. Then, the BNS will be evaluated by a team created for the purpose, after which they will be given a permanent position in the barangay. Another bill provides f or a monthly salary, as well as health and retirement benef its f or these barangay workers introduced by Rep. Carmelo Lazatin of the First District of Pampanga. This is made possible, according to Rep. Limkaichong, in the absence of a plantilla position that the local government units could not create because of limited resources. Moreover, there is also another bill requiring the mandatory coverage of all BNS in the National Health Insurance Program under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation introduced by Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora Apsay. Two Senate Bills are also being discussed, authored by Senators Loren Legarda and Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., making the position of BNS a mandatory position in the barangay, and seeking to provide a monthly allowance of P5,000 for barangay nutrition workers.

HEIDI’S PAWNSHOP “The Pawnshop with a Heart” Along Sta. Rosa St., Dumaguete City Tel. No. 422-7735 & their Newest Branch at Silliman Ave., Dgte. City Tel. #422-9002

While all these bills will still have to go through a long, arduous battle in the committee and plenary levels of both Houses, Rep. Limkaichong assured that she “affirms and re-affirms my strong support to the immediate passage of the harmonized bills” to provide the silent, hardworking nutrition and health workers the best and most realistic financial and non-financial rewards to compensate for their noble work. In the meantime, she exhorted our local government executives to study the possible augmentation of honoraria and benefits to these unsung heroes, if their funds will allow. All these are likewise related to the Millennium Development Goals that have to be achieved by 2015, as well as our own respective development agenda. Also in attendance of the opening ceremony were Gov. Roel Degamo, Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, Dr. Ben Malayang III of Silliman University, officials of the regional National Nutrition Council, and officers of the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars Association of Region VII.

HEALTHCARE COLLEGE OF DUMAGUETE License to Sell No. 21887

Certificate of Registration No. 20853

OFFERS: * Practical Nurse * Nurse Assistant * Applied Science in Nursing For Inquiries Call: 422-6236 Email us at:healthcarecollege@yahoo.com Rm. 210 Portal West Bldg., Silliman Ave., Dgte. City

RACAL VISMIN MOTORSALE CORP. Airport Area, Sibulan, Negros Oriental CP#s 0916-410-5840/0916-691-7342 Opening 15 days Promo Downpayment P3,500.00 Pero balik P500.00 pang gasoline ug pang change oil pa! Sayon ug barato nga installment, maayo ug de-kalidad Basta motorsiklo nga barato, RACAL NA!! Aduna silay branch sa Amlan ug Banilad

MERYL SHOES STORE San Jose St., Dgte. City All kinds of shoes latest in style Tel. No. 422-9571

School & Office Supplies, Photo Copying 304 Perdices St., Dumaguete City Philippines 6200, Tel. No. 225-9625

EL CAMINO BLANCO ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION Come and feel the total relaxation…. Acoustics Jammin’ @ Barefoot Bistro Every Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 9:00 p.m. onwards

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Call us up at (035) 225-9428/ 422-5373

November 27, 2011

Arnaiz backs ...

the CIVIC circle From page 16

BY LELE MARTINEZ (Civic clubs and organizations are welcome to submit their articles and pictures about their services and activities. It is free of charge. Deadline for submission is Wednesday. You may send by email to: dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com – EDITOR)

he Tanjay City government has empowered nursing mothers to advocate for breastfeeding of their young as a natural means of promoting healthy children for every family.

cjomartinez@yahoo.com

Thanksgiving celebrations

Principally authored by Gerard Jude Bumanlag, Ordinance 7 also empowers working mothers to stock and express breast milk for a certain period. It also provides lactation stations in various centers in both public and private establishments in order to promote breastfeeding which is a sure way of raising healthy babies and a healthy population. This ordinance, which is scheduled to be approved by the provincial board, improves A Tanjay nursing mother the second card results of LGUs which is ac- breast feeding her baby. tually extending the promotions of the Ex- (Photo by LEMUEL COLINA REAL) panded Breastfeeding Pro- delivery and protect motions Act of 2009. mothers from close pregBumanlag said that it is nancy intervals. the right of every nursing Bumanlag said that mother to nurture and he intends to promote this breastfeed their young with ordinance in most parts of pure breastmilk as opposed the province that have not to the use of any unnatural heard about this incredsubstitute, such as milk for- ible work of nature. He said that the promula available in the market. vincial board will shortly Breastmilk, when taken review this and regularly, prevents infections then signedordinance by the mayor and allergies, enhances de- for implementation. velopment and intelligence, Bumanlag hopes this and improves vaccine effec- ordinance will be repliKag. Jude Bumanlag tiveness. It can also provide cated by other towns and Ordinance Author natural contraception after cities.

NORSU marks 84th founders day anniv

onday, November 28, marks the first day of the six-day celebra tion of Negros Oriental State University’s 84th Founders Day with the “Mr. & Ms. NORSU 2012 Pageant” as highlight.

Fourteen pairs of candidates compete for the Mr. & Ms. NORSU titles. NORSU President Dr. Henry A. Sojor says the theme for the celebration is “Nurturing Desire for Harmony of Man and Nature,” a carry over of last year’s theme. Early first day activity is the “Diana” or the dawn parade of the NORSU Band along the city streets of Dumaguete. To follow is a Thanksgiv-

ing Service at 8 a.m., then the opening of the intercampus games with a short program, and the start of the inter-campus game competitions. On November 29, the state university holds for the first time a Film Festival exclusively participated in by students of various colleges of the NORSU System in the entire province. Main activity in the evening is a fashion show

DEED OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, ABSOLUTE SALE, CONFIRMATION OF SALE AND SUBDIVISION PLAN, PARTITION AND PETITION. Notice is hereby given that a Deed of Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate, Absolute Sale , Confirmation of Sale and Subdivision Plan, Partition and Petiti on was executed by and among BERNABE T.TAGBAR; NILA TAGBARFONOLLERA; NORMA L. TAGBAR; MARINOR L. TAGBAR; ELEANOR L. TAGBAR; MICHAEL L. TAGBAR, JR.; M ARI SHELLE T. CABUG; ALM A F. TAGBAR; ALWINA F. TAGBAR; JERELL F. TAGBAR; LUCRESIA GRAVADOR; DEMETRIO A. GRAVADOR; ROLANDO A. GRAVADOR; LUCITA A. GRAVADOR; RIC A. GRAVADOR; ALI CE G. SIÑALAN; TERESITA G. RUBLI CA; TEODORO BALDADO, JR.; SPOUSES HERSON BACONG, JR. and JENNIE BALASABASBACONG; FELIPE CAINGLES; and VIRGINIA S. CALIBAT over a parcel of land, Lot 1441 covered by OCT No. 15459 containing an area of Seventeen Thousand and Ninety (17,090) square meters, per Doc. No. 132, Page No. 27, Book No. XL, Series of 2011, Notary Public Atty. ELIZUR V. UMBAC

DEED OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT, PARTITION, CONFORMITY OF SUBDIVISION PLAN, TWO DEEDS OF ABSOLUTE SALE AND DONATION INTER VIVOS Notice is hereby given that heirs of LEOPOLDO DI AM OLA, namely: EULALIA D. TINAMBACAN, Heir Vendor; EUTIQUINA D. GAJUNERA, VICTORIA C. CANALES, Heir Donor; for herself and on behalf of ERLINDA C. CALUNOD; ELISA C. APDUHAN; CLARI TA C. BOOK; ERNESTO D. CASIO; HERM ELITA C. DEGAMO; HERLINE GAYLE O. CASIO; ARTEMITA C. DEGAMO; LOURDES C. TOLEDO; VI CTORI A C. CANALES; WILLI AM D. CASI O; and AI DA D. CAYUDONG, heir, for herself and on behalf of BENEDICTA DIAM OLA, hei r, ADELINA D. AGUILO; DI ONESI A D. RAPON; DEMETRIO DI AMOLA, JR.; JOHNY DIAMOLA have executed a Deed of Extra Judicial Settlement, Partition, Conformity of Subdivision Plan, Two Deeds of Absolute Sale and Donation Inter Vivos on a parcel of land known as Lot No. 7491 Pls-659-D under OCT FV30555 containing an area of FIVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED THIRTY FOUR(5,134) SQUARE METERS per Doc. No.527, Page No. 106, Book No. IX, Series of 2010, as notarized by Atty. KIM P. DIOCOS.

The Negros Chronicle Nov., 27, Dec. 4, &11, 2011

The Negros Chronicle Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & 11, 2011

at the university cultural complex. On November 30, the evening highlights are the dance sport and modern dance competitions. Other activities for the day include inter-campus games, and a parade-andreview in honor of outstanding alumni, retirees, and board topnotchers. Thursday, December 1, marks the University Academic Convocation with Rep. Juan Edgardo “ Sonny” Angara as speaker. He is the Chair of Committee on Higher Education and a member DEED OF HEIRSHIP AND SALE Notice is hereby given that Cristina Sastre Magalso, the sole heir of the late Teresita Inoferio, have filed and executed a Deed of Heirship and Sale on Lot No. 5301 situated in the Municipality of Sibulan (now Dumaguete City) as evidenced by OCT-3503-A, containing an area of 416 square meters in favor of Tesima Jaluag per Doc. No. 124, Page No. 67, Book No. 37, Series of 2011 of Notary Public ATTY. VICENTE T. REAL. The Negros Chronicle Nov., 27, Dec. 4 & 11, 2011

his week sees the celebration of two holidays of two different cultures: the Americans celebrate their biggest holiday, Thanksgiving Day, on November 24 on the last Thursday of November, and for us Dumagueteños, we celebrate our City fiesta, a religious and cultural tradition, continued by many, even in this 21st century. The American thanks- day to the sound of bands and celebrating. We may not giving, which traces its origi- around the city with a very have our Thanksgiving Day, nal observance to the 16th festive spirit. Most kitchens but there is so much to be century, was a mix of Euro- are already busy on fiesta thankful for each year and fipean and native tradition; it morning as food is mostly esta is a good time for famwas a celebration to give home-cooked and have to be ily and friends to be together, thanks for a good harvest and on the table before noon. sharing laughter and stories to rejoice together with the I re me mbered a s a over good food. It is that one community by the original young girl helping out in the time a year when we drop our colonists who first settled in kitchen during the rush hour busy life and sit down with the new world. The first set- one fiesta morning, feeling family and friends to savor tlers brought with them their hurried, I told my mother: what is really important – harvest festival traditions “Ma, why do we have to celfrom Europe, ce lebrating ebrate fiesta? It’s a lot of family, friends and the intantheir safe voyage and good work.” I re membered my gibles, love, peace, commuharvest in their new home. mother’s reply: “Le, fiesta is nity and goodwill. In spirit, Today, it is the best celebrated very special. We must not fiesta is thanksgiving time on holida y in the US whe re complain. It is the time we a larger scale, covering not fa milies gathe r for the thank God for the ma ny only the family, but the comThanksgiving Dinner. blessings we receive for the munity as well. Fiesta is a time of joy, Here in Dumaguete, the year and we share the joy and thankfully, the spirit of city fiesta is a big affair with with friends.” both family celebrations and I have realized that fi- fiesta is well and very much civic and social activities for esta is about thanksgiving alive in our beautiful city ! the local community. Almost every home, no matter how humble, opens its doors to relatives, friends, and even strangers, for a community feast. As this fiesta takes place November 25, the feast A public service of the Sen. Jovito R. Salonga Center for of Sta. Catalina of AlexanLaw and Development dria, many take it as a celebration of blessings for the SILLIMAN UNVERSITY year that is almost over. I have fond memories of fiesta celebrations in our 1. What is search and seizure? home. Like many other famiSearch and seizure is a legal procedure used in many lies here, this celebration is civil law and common law legal systems whereby police or taken very seriously, with caother authorities and their agents, who suspect that a crime tering orders or home cookhas been committed, do a search of a person’s property and ing preparations done weeks confiscate any relevant evidence to the crime. before. Tables, chairs, dishes, 2. What properties may be seized by a search warrant? plates, glasses and utensils A search warrant may be issued for the search and seiare put out days before and zure of personal property: notes for things to do are a) Subject of the offense; ready on fiesta eve. The city b) Stolen or embezzled and other proceeds or fruits of wakes up very early on fiesta the offense; and c) Used or intended to be used as the means of committing an offense. 3. Who can invoke this right? Can aliens also in(Sagun) From page 8 voke such right? pressive in the See of Both Filipinos and aliens residing in the Philippines can invoke the rights provided for under section 2, article Dumaguete and there be at III of the Philippine Constitution. hand an assembly of advisers 4. What are unreasonable searches and seizures? to the Bishop, we order that a Searches and seizures are unreasonable unless auCollege of Canons be formed, thorized by a validly issued search warrant or warrant of based on norms fixed by other arrest. Apostolic Letters under seal; 5. Who may issue a valid search warrant or warbut yet while that is done, we rant of arrest? empower that at least the DiOnly a judge may issue a search warrant or warrant ocesan Consultors be chosen of arrest upon personal determination of probable cause. to assist the Prelate with ad6. How is probable cause determined? vice. Probable cause is determined only upon personal examination of the Judge of the facts and information (affidaof the Negros Oriental vits of complainant or witnesses) filed before him by the fiscal. State University Board 7. When may there be search without warrant? To page 19 Search may be made without warrant under the following cases: EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEa) In times of war within the area of military operation; MENT CONFIRMATION OF SALE AND PARTITION b) As an incident of a lawful arrest, subject of the ff. requisites: Notice is hereby given that the i. The arrest must be lawful; heirs of Andres Gajelloma and their ii. The search and seizure must be contemporane representatives, namel y, LAILA G. OBORDO; EDRIL GUIROY; PROCESA ous with arrest; G. ELLOREN; VENECI O P. iii. The search must be within permissible area of GAJELLOM A; RENERIA G. RAFAL; WEVINA G. GAJELLOMA; RONALD G. search GAJELLOMA; AUREA M. GAJELLOMA, c) When there are prohibited articles open to the eye Vendee, herein represented by Elvira and hand; G. Gajo, have executed an Extra Judicial Settlement Confirmation of Sale d) When there is a consent, subject of the ff. requisites; and Partition on a parcel of land known i. There is a right; as Lot No. 7303, Pls-659-D containing an area of TWENTY TWO THOUSAND ii. There must be knowledge of the existence of such FIVE HUNDRED (22,500) square meters right; per OCT No. FV-34140 per Doc. No. 338, Page No. 68, Book No. XXVII, Series of iii. There must be intention to waive. 2008, notari zed by Atty. Eli zur V. e) When it is incident of the inspection Umbac. (Bryan Magcanta, Contributor)

LAW EACH WEEK Searches and Seizures

Birth of the ...

The Negros Chronicle Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & 11, 2011

November 27, 2011

New 2013 political ...

Drug courts ...

From page 1

in the application of the rules on evidence and proceedings. He cited the “broken chain of custody” as a major reason for the dismissal of some cases when the credibility of the evidences and the witnesses are put in serious question. Poseur-buyers in buy-bust operations are even required to be policemen themselves and not mere informants. But Tan said that his court is even lenient on this requirement. Currently, there are four special drug courts aside from Tan’s, Judges Rosendo Bandal, Mercedita Sarsaba and Noel Catacutan are also handling drug cases, the latter focusing on juveniles ensnared in the illegal drug trade. Tan’s sala handles around 200 drug cases with an average of 10 new cases filed each month; it rises when anti-narcotic agencies need to beat the quota and are about to render their regular reports to higher headquarters. On the other hand, prosecutors are assigned to drug cases on a rotating basis, thus, there is the need to detail permanent fiscals that will handle these special cases along with more training and better equipment for law enforcers so they can build strong and sound cases that can withstand the most rigorous legal scrutiny. (By Dems Demecillo)

and Teves. Ho wever, o bser vers note that they are also cultivating their own mini-dynasties in their own turfs. 1st Dist. Congresswoman Jocelyn “Jo sy” SyLimkaichong, who once serv ed as mayo r of La Libertad, ran and won for the house seat in her first try by successfully capitalizing on the alleged excesses and shortcomings of the vaunted Paras family. Her husband, Lawr en ce “Do do ng” Limkaichong, is keeping the mayorship, while the brother-in-law, Emmanuel Iway, was elected vicemayor of their hometown. Now, reports say that the father of the vice-mayor, Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board Co mmission er Man uel Iway, will be fielded by the incumbent congresswoman to her house seat. This depends if “the surveys confirm that the people of the district want him to replace her” and if Josy decides to run for governor in 2013, which is almost certain given the lady solon’s pronouncements and body language. O n th e other hand , former three-term Bais City Mayo r Hector “Tata” Villanueva is poised to challenge anew the seat of incu mb en t Co ngressman George P. Ar naiz, while making sure that her daughter, the reliable 30-year old an d single Karen Villanueva, firmly keeps the mayorship. Not that political dynasties are a bad thing, time and again, the province’s ruling political families in the past 30 years, most prominently th e Macias, Teves an d Arnaiz clans, have distinguished themselves in their respective mandates as gov-

ernor, vice-governor and congressman, which explains why the majority of the people continue to elect them. The province has been cited repeatedly for its noble programs in boosting food security and improving public school performance through their organic farming advocacy, school yard farming and school feeding programs. Under their turf, Negros Oriental politicians have been k nown to co nduct themselves in a fairly professional and high-level brand of politics, except that mon ey always talks for them during every election. Negros Oriental also produced prolific legislators in the late Sen. Lorenzo Teves, Finan ce minister Gary Teves, Education Sec. Jose Romero, Sr., Jerome Paras, Miguel Ro mero , Margarito “Gary” Teves and foremost kingmaker-legislator , Herminio “Meniong” Teves. Limkaichong and her allies, led by Villanueva in the 2nd District and several mayors in the 3rd District, forecast that the midterm elections is the most opportune time to challenge the dominant political families while their Liberal Party is still in power. This early, the dominant political clans have apparently circled the wagons to maintain the status quo, that is to ensure that another Teves will occupy the governor’s office; keep the third and second district house seats to th e Teves an d Arnaiz clans; ensure that an ally will recapture the first district with Board Member Erwin Michael Macias, who is biding his own time, contented of playing a supporting role. Limkaichong, who is

critical reporting HOW MEDIA SEES IT, AND NOT OTHERS BY ELY P. DEJARESCO

(email:dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com)

Other past presidents ... (From page 2) nus a track record; and that cluster of support from the government as foreign sponsors is still possible under a collective title, but not under individual titles. -o0oSo, they want Chief Justice Renato Corona to inhibit in the Aquino criminal case hearings. Okey. Let them also inhibit DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima because she is also an Aquino appointee, just as Corona is a GMA appointee. If they indicted Arroyo without mercy and crucified her before the bar of public opinon, the Aquino administration also got an equal blow when the entire 5000-hectare Hacienda Luisita owned by the Cojuangcos and Aquinos was all awarded by a speedy Supreme Court to 6000 farmer beneficiaries, and worse, with a 14:0 voting ratio. The tug-ofwar between the palace and the Supreme Court, we believe, will continue through the years. We call it check and balance. -o0oPNOY STILL IN CONTROL? Is President NOY Aquino still in control of things in Malacañang? Well, by person or title, yes, but as one who is in touch with the people, we say that the President is not in control of things. -o0oEven the way PNOY has been reading palace statements, it is very clear from his body language, as viewed from here and abroad, where he went last week, that he does not call the shots in Malacañang, but his advisers, Lacierda, Ochoco and company. He merely reads what they ask him to read. Is PNOY a hostaged puppet or not?

From page 1

turning into a very astute politician like her mentor Meniong Teves, is trying to boost her own credentials by recruiting another Macias, Dr. Mark Macias, to join LP, dangling him a possible nomination as vice-governor, congressman or a seat in the Provincial Board. In this manner, political pundits believe it will neutralize the old Macias influence. If the combined forces of Arnaiz, Macias and Teves prevail in the midterm elections, it merely reinforces the fact that having been elected countless times, the people simply trust them to administer the affairs of the province no matter who sits in Malacañang. Ultimately, if the 2013 elections produce a new governor in Limkaichong, it does not necessarily mean the defeat of the local ruling families and a victory of the reformist’s call for fresh blood but merely the displacing of the old but reliable clique of political elites by th e more aggressive counter-elites, who happened to be backed by the country’s party in power. The bigger challenge then would be for the new dynasties, led this time b y Limkaichong, to match, if not surpass, the successes of those whom they replace, for that they would need all the proficiency, talent, finesse and opportunities they can muster to deliver on their promises and keep their hold to power beyond 2013.

Hon. Roel R. Degamo, Provincial Governor of Negros Oriental, delivers his welcome remarks during the Peace Forum recently held at the Negros Oriental Provincial Convention Center in Dumaguete City.

SC-DBM ... From page 1 and deferential of the magistrates has not been honored by the latter even during the time when Arroyo was in power and Reynato Puno was the Chief Justice. Responding to a query from a trial judge, Marquez, who spoke in behalf of Chief Justice Renato Corona during the 18th Convention of the Philippine Trial J udge s League, Inc. held recently in Dumaguete City, claimed that two status quo ante orders were issued by the Supreme Court on September 2009 and April 2010 orde ring DBM to release the funds but were unheeded. The young administrator alleged that the refusal of the DOJ to comply with the TRO of the Supreme Court, which effectively allows Arroyo to travel abroad for treatment, “was not the first time the executive department defied the SC.” In fact, it would seem that the former is setting a trend of defying the latter, he added. CJ Corona reportedly had to use the court’s own “savings” to pay for the salary increase, allowances and deferential of the judges, which is only good until 2012. If after 2012 the court’s

savings derived from the filing fees would not be enough to finance the judges’ salaries and allowances, yet the DBM would continue to withhold the funds intended for the purpose, Marquez hinted of mass actions by the magistrates, which he would undoubtedly join. He also vowed to amend the requireme nts for trial judges to claim for additional monetary benefits for travelling, hazard pay and judicial incentives for their additional assignments. Judges complained that they found it burdensome to comply with the requirements that include a certification from the Commission on Audit, a court calendar that must show 5 hearings per trip, the minutes or transcript of said hearings, and vouchers resulting in voluminous attachments rea ching Marquez’ desk for approval. However, Regional Trial Court Branch 30 Presiding Judge Crescencio Tan, Jr. said that his fellow judges are not really compelled to produce all the requirements, just two would suffice. Tan, who was the first Regional Court Adminis trator of Ce ntra l Visayas, believes that trial judges in the municipal level are not too inundated with their case loads to find the requirements too burdensome to c omply. (By Dems Demecillo)

Tanjay still ... NORSU marks... From page 3 ment Agency provincial director Rayford Yap said the suspects are under surveillance for the past weeks due to reports of incoming deliveries in ti me for t he city fiesta in Dumaguete this week. Director Yap said the arrest of Silva and Cuevas was an offshoot to the arrest of two suspected drug peddlers at Hotel Camila two weeks ago. The three are faci ng charges for violation of Sec. 5 in relation to Sec. 26 for conspiring to sell shabu with no bailbond required. Tanjay City Vice-Mayor Neil Salma said he is saddened by the reports placing Tanjay City as haven in the illegal drug trade. Salma issued the statement during the vice-mayors league regional meeting held in Dumaguete last week. He called on law enforcement agencies to do thei r best against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the city. Jg

From page 18 of Regents representing the Philippine House of Representatives. Other activities include recognition of retirees, awarding of board topnotchers and awarding of this year’s two outstanding alumni awardees: Col. Jose M. Valencia (EVSAT ’61) in the Field of Military and Community Service; and SPO1 Edilberto B. Euraoba III (CVPC ’87) in the Field of Police and Community Service. In the evening, a choral sing-

Stress kills! From page 17 self-confidence, irritability, worry or anxiety, depression, irrational fear or panic behaviour. C. Be ha vioura l re sponses. Example: Smoking, drinking or taking drugs, increased used of medications, nail-biting and other mannerisms, accident proneness, insomnia, nightmares, loss or increase of appetite, reckless driving, and uncalled-for aggressiveness. Psychiatrists said that unexpres se d emotions , whether positive or negative, frequently cause stress and bec omes c onditioned or fixed. If a stressor persists and no intervention is done, then the “exhaustion stage” occurs, the damage to the organ-system is irreparable, and death results. Stra te gies for Stres s Management: 1. Build up your general health (proper diet, rest, exercise, relaxation techniques and other positive practices). 2. Change the situation (source of stress). 3. Change your attitude (perception on stress). 4. Change your bodily state (learn to substitute relaxation responses for stress responses). Most of all, cultivate authentic Christian qualities – prayerfulness, forgiveness, love, mildness, and patience. Put God first in your life, my friends.

ing competition is the main focus Friday, December 2, has two major activities, inter-campus gam es and “ Lingawlingaw sa NORSU Alumni” at the cultural complex. Saturday, December 3, is the merry making day. It’s Hugyawan time! For this year, it is a display of global street dancing featuring various “carnivals of the world” – participated in by 14 contingents of the NORSU System from Dumaguete City to its satellite campuses in Guihulngan, Mabinay, Pamplona, Bais, Siaton, and Bayawan-Sta. Catalina.

November 27, 2011

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